“On a Mish” #63 Isolation (Part Three). Sudden Valley Bivouac. Sudden Valley. Arthurs Pass National Park. 1.8.2013. There are a few shows on TV these days which make a big deal out of being alone in the wild. I like to go out of my way to be by myself in the wilderness, the more isolated the better. So I am very lucky to live in a country where remoteness is just a walk away. One place where finding isolation is easy is Arthurs Pass National Park, and one particular valley in this spectacular national park suddenly springs up out of a narrow gorge…
I wandered in awe for the last section of the track, and then I spotted the tiny Sudden Valley Bivouac. With room for two, the little bivvy is tucked away on the edge of the forest a couple of kilometres from the cliffs of mounts Scott and Wilson. Isolation had been found after only a couple of hours of semi-tough hiking.
I had achieved what I wanted for day one, and now it was time to make myself at home and get a little warmth. I spent the remaining daylight time collecting wood, eating food, and taking in the views. At dusk I was collecting water from the stream when I saw a deer prance across the water before spotting me and scampering away. Due to Aotearoa being a land of birds, seeing anything else is a rare treat. I’m no hunter of animals, but I am a pursuer of picturesque views, and I could say with confidence that I had achieved my goals.
Early-ish the next day I woke to see a message written on the sky, the weather was about to sour. Dark clouds can really add to the isolation when you know you need to cross rivers to escape back to reality. After smashing breakfast and a quick hot cup of ‘go-juice’, I was ready to head home.
The hike out was much easier as most of it is downhill. Near Barrier Falls I bid the Sudden Valley farewell, and then returned to the narrow gorge and the gut. At the top of the gut I dislodged a couple of stones, and seeing the tumbling journey they took to the base made me take extra special care on my descent.
At the entrance of the Sudden Valley, I spotted other humans, and my isolation was over. The heavens began to water the land as I reached the last barrier before hanging up my soggy boots. One more river crossing (Hawdon River) to go and the mish was complete. As I began to trek the torrent somehow the river seemed slightly colder than the day before. My toes were looking forward to my car’s heater!
With wet feet and a satisfied soul I got back to my car, and it was time to relish the feeling of success. I had searched for and found isolation in a place only a couple of hours from the biggest city in the South Island. Aotearoa New Zealand is definitely a place where getting away from the rest of the world and into the outdoors is only a wilderness wander away…
