Choosing a camp site.

When choosing a campsite most hikers look for:

• A flat, grassy area with
• Running water nearby
• Sheltered from the weather
• A supply of firewood and maybe even
• A good view

While I look for these qualities in a campsite, the chance of getting a good photograph in the morning is often the main criteria for selecting a site and on this count I have occasionally questioned my own judgement.

There are two ways of getting that spectacular sunrise shot in a rugged location; camping on the spot or getting up early in the morning and climbing up in the dark. From the previous pages you'll already be aware that I'm not really a morning person despite my love of a good sunrise. Needless to say I usually prefer the former approach to photographing a sunrise and can boast such luxurious campsites as under a rock on Mt Abrupt, the steep peak of Mt Frederick and the narrow shoulder of Ben Lomond (pictured in different conditions).

There are also those occasions where you've hiked into uncharted territories and there is no such thing as a campsite. You end up making the best of any level space you can find like a sand bank on the Upper Yarra River (pictured). In such circumstances any space capable of stretching most of your tent out will do but such cramped situations are often the most memorable. The more adverse the conditions the simpler life becomes and the more you appreciate the little things.

Camping in unusual places requires good equipment to maintain comfort and safety but the rewards are worth it. A tent capable of withstanding strong winds and a very warm sleeping bag are indispensable and make the difference between plain survival and enjoyment of the experience. Unzipping the fly of the tent to a magnificent sunrise on top of a mountain is an incredible feeling made all the more satisfying for having coped with the conditions.