Not much enthusiasm to engage with the hill climb this morning, and some procrastination set in.
Kohutara Bivvy is a lovely little hut, so I thought I would sit and appreciate it in daylight hours, something I hadn’t much experience of.
Eventually, low gear was found, and I plodded my way back up the hill. On occasion, I stopped to contemplate the smashed up surroundings, and was rewarded with the sight of three little black piglets running around on the nearby knoll in the first of the day’s direct sunlight.
Later, a stoat was surprised to notice me, and scurried off elsewhere.
I had the company of a charcoal coloured bird of prey, but was not able to identify it, as they are not seen where I usually venture.
A lovely day, and I took in the view of what I clambered up yesterday.
Really? You went up there?
Okay, it seemed the obvious route. What hadn’t been obvious was the gnarliness of what had been covered by cloud. If I’d had an inkling of that on my way down, I would never have contemplated the direct route to Alfred Hut. The tops all around were well smashed up, and neither climbing or sidling around Point 1371 had particular appeal.
It was the section between Point 1119, and Point 1371 that looked like the tougher stretch, with some steep climbs involved.
Impressive to check out from afar, but while doable no longer my preferred way of spending time. Just the slow movement up a known, but not well groomed trail is sufficient exercise for me these days.
By the time I arrived at the summit of Point 1354, the cloud had rolled in from the southeast and I couldn’t see much below, but the area to the north and west was cloud free. Strange to be in thick cloud as I made my way down the 150 m or so drop to the saddle with directions from my memory banks, but fortunately that was in good working order.
From the saddle, it was a long way downhill, 120 m more vertical descent than my morning’s up hill effort, except on a long, smooth farm road.
Too easy.
I had the hut to myself, and found it was the third time I’d made use of it. Solitude was welcome in these Covid times. Supposedly infections are peaking, but I suspect it will have a long tail.
Yes, few others are in the hills currently, although it is only the start of The Roar.
I was in bed, cosy, by 9 pm after an hour’s darkness, and a meal of my new dehydrated chicken curry, made with chicken mince that provides plenty of flavour, supplemented with a Ziploc bag of rice. More enjoyable than my venison stew from last year that I still have remnants of to finish up.
Sleep came early, unsurprisingly after the last three day’s exercise.
A guide to the night’s accommodation: Warden Hut
