You made good decision to take the challenge of hiking. I think very often when we want to do something we like to do it with someone and then it depends when those people have time and we do not know how fit they are and in what pace the journey will be. It is not often people decide to do what you did, but I am pretty sure your enjoyed it, you were there with your thoughts, your impression about the place and like may be me when I do something alone I chat to myself in my mind, you might be talking to yourself too. The people who we usually meet in such remote places are all happy that is true, they greet each other and very helpful. I am glad you enjoyed your trip and the photographs are beautiful :)