It was supposed to be a 3 day hike across the Hex River Traverse, but after a 1000m ascent to the Thomas Hut in the mountains above Worcester, my blistered foot, the harsh sun, my 17kg backpack and a distinct lack of enthusiasm for another 2 days of hiking to the Pells Hut above Ceres, I bid the rest of the group farewell and stayed behind.

Solitude, at last!

The folded mountains above Worcester Photo: Self

So, what do you get up to when left to your own devices for 2 days, alone in the mountains? First thing to do? Get naked! I stripped off and bathed in the sunshine.

Within 2 hours, I turned bright red and realised my pale skin had had enough of the sun and I should retreat into the hut. There I found and read a small book of short stories from Southern Africa; including stories by Doris Lessing, Alan Paton and Nadine Gordimer. I also found the latest 'Trail' magazine and brushed up my knowledge of trail-running equipment, shoes and nutrition. I played solitaire, but found that decidedly uninteresting.

I heard tiny paws, scurrying around the hut and spotted the mouse that inhabits the Thomas Hut; an interesting creature with amazing agility, managed to climb in a plastic packet hanging from a shelf and out again, up the rough walls of the hut with absolute ease and confidence. An example to anyone with rock-climbing aspirations ... not that I was doing any climbing at all!