The Practice Run

We spent two nights in Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park as a practice run. Never heard of it? Well that's not surprising as it is pretty much the middle of nowhere. It's between Eldorado and Beechworth. Camping is allowed but there aren't really any facilities - so this was a real bush experience (complete with weird sounding wild animals in the night). Having said that, it's not one I hope we will repeat because the temperature dropped down to MINUS 3 DEGREES. Even for a Canadian that's a bloody cold temperature to be camping in. Dennis had arrived believing himself to be a big, bronzed Anzac without need of long underwear or a beanie. He suffered through the first night (admitted I had been right) and we took a trip to Beechworth to buy a beanie and a couple of hot water bottles.



As far as the equipment goes everything held up and we managed to get the Kamper opened and closed OK - although not without plenty for outbursts of infuriation (at least on my part). I am horrified to discover that I am neither strong enough, nor tall enough to do many of the jobs. For an independant chick this is very confronting!

Key learnings for me: (1) I need to bring more hand, face and lip cream or will end up looking 100 years old! (2) Need to pretend that Dennis is the boss, will avoid much argument but still leave me feeling superior. (3) Need to be willing to ask for help when I'm not strong enough (at least until I get stronger).