ATV Camping Trip Story - First Night Out
Started out just on sunset and traveled about five kilometers to my first camp spot, over rocky terrain
First Night Out
Gentle dawn light plays tricks with size and distance
It was just on sunset when I pulled out of Bosworth homestead. Across the dam wall to the gate. That's where I put the lights on.
By the time five kilometers were covered on this rough and rocky four wheel drive track, it was as dark as it would get all night. Approaching first quarter of the moon, a couple of waterholes glistened in the soft illumination so I made camp on the least stony piece of ground around, within coo-ee of Station Creek.
It wasn't hard to scrounge enough sticks and light a fire, sufficient for a cuppu and some cheer, before bed.
So by the light of the moon, the camp fire and the torch, I kicked away the worst of the stones, just in front of the bike, and laid out a plastic tarp, under the mattress and over, up onto the handlebars. That was my first night's camp. Too beat to put the tent up!
Light from the morning sun catches the bankof Station Creek
The waterholes, in the soft glow of the moon on my arrival and again in the gentle dawn glow, appeared to be half or three quarters of a kilometer or so away in diverging directions, and a good size.
Firing up the bike, I set off, still pretty well in the dark, for the nearest waterhole. I'd struggled with the bike for about 50 meters over the loose rocks and found myself nearly there so put the bike back at the camp spot and walked. The last thing you want in a wilderness image is a red ATV.
The moon does play tricks, uh!