I peered through the trees, gravel and dry twigs crunching beneath my boots. The sun was low now, twinkling between the skinny eucalyptus trunks, and my feet were tired after a full day on the tracks.
“What do you think,” I said, “Does this look like a good spot?”
“Hmm, it's okay,” he replied, “but that water looks a bit murky.”
“Well it's the only water around here,” I reasoned, exasperation creeping into my voice, “and it's getting dark. Do you have a better idea?”
“Alright, alright,” he protested, “keep your hair on!”
“Thank you,” I said. “You set up the bivvy while I fire up the stove.” This was about where my mind reconverged, having parted ways for another little tête-à-tête. Solo hiking will do that to me –…
