A megalith is a large stone that forms a prehistoric monument: a standing stone or part of a series such as a circle. A dolmen is a megalithic tomb with a large flat stone laid on upright ones, found chiefly in Britain and France. Between 5000 BC and 500 BC, megaliths and dolmens were constructed in Europe. The location of megaliths and dolmens can apply to contemporary bushwalkers.
Megalith sites may be on level ground on a spur, with ridges around the spur. Chinese have Feng Shui to determine optimum siting of buildings. Vastly simplified, Feng Shui would often put a building under the lee of the surrounding hills on slightly elevated ground. Proximity to water is good. Megaliths, dolmens and Feng Shui have similar characteristics.
Megaliths and dolmens are often aligned to astronomical events such as a solstice, an equinox or a sunrise. Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, is one of the best known. One school of thought suggests that ancient man was tuned to earth forces. For example, Christian churches are built on sites of Iron Age hill forts, which were sites of earlier sun god temples. Could there be some connection between the preceding and contemporary bushwalkers? Cautiously, there may be a link.
With limited knowledge of the above, bushwalkers are continuing this tradition. High spots give good views. The lee side of rocks or the hill protects tents from the wind, frost hollows are avoided, and the morning sun can flood the tent with warmth, useful after a cold night. This is not quite the same as a 2000 BC megalith or dolmen, but who carries a 70 tonne rock to sleep under? (Paddy Pallin no longer has the dehydrated version.)
Wherever possible I try to camp high. The views are best, especially sunset, and if I can drag my weary body out, sunrise. Also, it’s invariably downhill from camp. Some of my best campsites more or less meet the megalith, dolmen and Feng Shui specifications. In Victoria, the West Peak of Bogong has a sheltered spot just off the summit. Near Cope Hut is a hollow in a hill under the main ridge line and above the valley floor. In the night it blew, but our tent was sheltered. I stood up, and was buffeted. Moving out and more wind. About 20 minutes later a party member was lifted up! Mt Cope has fairly sheltered summit campsites. Viking summit has sites, with others nearby.
In Kosciuszko National Park, behind Grey Mare Hut on Strumbo has a fair site, sheltered on three sides, nearly level, great views. Just south of the summit of Tate there's a fair to good site, sheltered if the wind does not blow. Mann Bluff has a good site with rocks and terrain on three sides. Gungartan has a lovely summit campsite, if somewhat exposed, sometimes with a water outlook. The east side of DuCane Gap in Tassie has a lovely exposed spot.
“Ley lines are hypothetical alignments of a number of places of geographical interest, such as ancient monuments and megaliths.” It could be said that bushwalks follow ley lines – car parks, summits, ridges, and campsites.
If you look carefully you will find camp sites such as the above. Use them and you will be continuing a tradition that is 7000 years old.
Bushwalk
