Buragwonduc

Population: 0, same as its neighbours. Open high plains, gentle rolling hills and fresh alpine air. Days without seeing another person, and more wildlife around than people.

From Sargood, a couple of creek crossings stood between us and camp, including one where the flood had washed away anything resembling an easy line.

We used every bit of recovery gear we had: front winch, rear winch, Maxtrax, chainsaw, you name it, we tried it, and sacrificed a few things in the process. At one point, leaving the vehicle behind was starting to look like a genuine option. In the end, it was the axe that got us through.

Once we made camp, we headed out on foot across the high plains, making it back to the penthouse by dark just as the weather started to roll in.

The weather changes quickly up here, which is half the charm. By morning, camp was under a fresh blanket of snow. Out here there's really no reason to be in a hurry.