That’s what the Aboriginal word means that the township and river named Mitta Mitta, in the Victorian high country, derives it’s name from. We weren’t there to check out the reeds, but for a regional church camp. We stayed at the Mitta Mitta Caravan Park, which because of the recent abundance of rain was a bit of a muddy place. Some of the Autumnal trees had not quite realised it was spring, and were bare of leaves, while others were profuse in the celebration of the arrival of Spring even though the weather over the last few days was more like winter. The Snowy Creek was a raging torrent, compared to the very sedate Mitta Mitta River, which merge at the township.
This is the second time we have been to Mitta Mitta, the first time being a passing visit while we were driving and exploring along the Omeo ‘Highway’, and this time we were staying in the town. While almost everyone else at the caravan park was snoring peacefully on Sabbath morning, I was up early and decided to go for an early morning walk around the township. Mitta Mitta township is not very big, but as is often the case the smaller the town the more character there is. Mitta Mitta town is just such a place. As far as amenities go, it is well served – it has a General Store, Hotel, Caravan Park, 2 churches, a Primary School, Ambulance Station and Police Station. It’s population, at time of writing, was a couple hundred humans, some geese, sheep, and probably some wombats and kangaroos representing the native fauna.
Not far away is Dartmouth township and Dam. The Dam can store 3856 giga-litres – rather a lot of water! On Sunday I again got up early, inspite of the raucous partying of a bunch of fishermen next to our van till the wee small hours. I decided that I would do some cycling and bike ride up to Dartmouth, either the township or the dam, depending on how energetic I felt. As it turned out, I didn’t feel that energetic until I had turned around to go back to Mitta Mitta at Dartmouth township and was a bout 1/2 way back! But then the last stretch from Dartmouth township to the Dam would probably have been somewhat tougher than the previous 20km so it was probably a wise thing that I did turn back when I did. Maybe I can attempt getting to the Dam another time.
It was quite foggy most of the ride, but this provided some interesting vistas – mountains poking above cloud, the road seemingly disappearing into the cloud, some farmland seemingly erased by cloud coverage. All very beautiful, and good for the soul. And despite the fog and lack of sunshine, I wasn’t cold, although that was probably the various layers of clothing I had on which kept my body warmth in (sometimes too much) and cool air out. There is nothing quite like being out in the beauty of nature to refresh and restore. And Mitta Mitta and it’s surrounds offer plenty of that! And little bit of quirkiness besides…
And I even saw some reeds.
Jims-Life-Log 