Solitude isn't for everyone

[Johnny 5]

Do you prefer tripping solo or with others?

Solo trips provide a sense of freedom and inspire confidence but I prefer to share the experience with others.

John

 

[Odyssey]

"Solitude isn't the absence of others, rather the presence of oneness."
It is "defined" as "being alone", but I'd argue it's a state of mind "without distractions".
But yes, tripping partners can be distracting. All the more reason to build in "alone time" on tandem trips. I often find mine sitting no more than a dozen feet away from my tandem paddling partner, each in our own thoughts in the same canoe. We drift in and out of our own and each other's solitary places. A Zen thing.
Being solitary is no guarantee you'll find solitude. Not with an uneasy and troubled mind.

 

[daydreamer]

Yes, people can be distractions but distractions can be positive sometimes.

 

[coldfeet]

I went solo on a 4-5 day trip in the BWCA a few years ago because I had the chance but no friends were free to go. I was bored and couldn’t share my excitement seeing the waterfalls and the paintings on the rock wall. Plus eagles and deer walking across the stream in front of me.

I like tripping with friends and listening to their stories and sharing natures fun. Guess it’s my city life always being around people.

I also like going backpacking with others and not solo.

But I think at times some of my tripping partners wish they were solo because I talk to much.

 

[coldfeet]

Haha, I wrote the eagles were walking. Oops.
That was probably after drinking some moonshine I bought on that trip.

 

[Alan Gage]

I really have a hard time just relaxing and being myself when I'm with other people. I'm wondering if they're happy? If we're doing what they want to do? Is this the route they want to take? Do they really want to keep paddling or or they just saying that because they know it's what I want? Did they take what I just said as a joke or were they offended? I didn't mean it to be mean, I was just joking. But now that I think about it it was kind of an ahole thing to say. Should I apologize? But maybe they did take it as a joke, then it might be kind of awkward to bring it up and apologize. Oh geez, was what they just said passive aggressive retaliation or were they just joking around like I was. I sure would like to go off on a walk by myself for a while. I wonder if they'd think that was weird or that I was trying to avoid them. I really think this is a stupid place to camp but they seem dead set on it. Do I voice my concerns or just go with the flow? I mean, it probably won't storm...but if it does. Why are they talking so much? Do they think I'm talking too little?

I think I'll stick with solo.

Alan

 

[Johnny 5]

I went solo on a 4-5 day trip in the BWCA a few years ago because I had the chance but no friends were free to go. I was bored and couldn’t share my excitement seeing the waterfalls and the paintings on the rock wall. Plus eagles and deer walking across the stream in front of me.

I like tripping with friends and listening to their stories and sharing natures fun. Guess it’s my city life always being around people.

I also like going backpacking with others and not solo.

But I think at times some of my tripping partners wish they were solo because I talk to much.

coldfeet, I spent 5 days and 4 nights on a solo trip because my tripping partners bailed on me at the last minute. I found that I enjoyed myself while I was traveling or occupied with camp chores but when I was not busy I was missing company.

I spend a lot of time doing activities by myself but never realized that I am seldom really alone. I am not necessarily with other people but I am around or in contact with others. Being on a solo remote trip without seeing anyone or communicating with anyone made me realize how little time I truly spend alone.

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

Do you prefer tripping solo or with others?

"Prefer"?

That simply isn't a verb that has applied to most of the flat water paddling in my life.

I've mostly tripped solo, day or overnight, for the simple reason that there rarely is anyone available to go paddling to the places, at the times, and for the length of times that I want to go. If I had waited for someone else to be available, I probably wouldn't have done 90% of the canoeing I've done in my lifetime all over North America.

In my prime whitewater years in the 80's and 90's, yes, I almost always paddled with groups, often as the trip leader. As a sea kayaker, too, I was usually with groups.

However, as a flat water paddler, although I have belonged to and paddled with various groups around the country, all I mostly would ever have done by sticking with them is the same old, same old paddling venues, usually not far from home. My wife was never into canoeing, my kids slightly were when young but not when grown and now gone, friends move away and eventually die after a certain age, leaving one generally alone for an increasing number of life activities.

So, I always just went wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted—often on long road trips all over North America, sleeping in my van, seeking new day and overnight paddling places on the fly, all by myself.

Traveling and paddling alone hence became a "necessary" lifestyle, with "preference" having nothing to do with it.

So, yes, I generally enjoy the solitude of paddling alone because it's so normal.

That doesn't mean, however, that I don't enjoy a group trip if (rarely) available, or meeting other paddlers along the way, or joining groups I might come across, or arranging a trip on the internet. However, when other paddlers become involved in a trip, there is always the possibility of various incompatibilities, which are usually manageable.

I am very much looking forward to teaching my only grandchild how to paddle and trip, but 1,300 miles of distance, aging vehicles, aging bodies and Covid have seriously interfered with that remaining preference.

 

[Black_Fly]

I don’t know anyone physically capable or who has the time/interest to go tripping. I decided a long time ago to go it alone because it’s less trouble and I enjoy the places more than when I’m caring for others.

 

[Waterdog]

I enjoy solo and with others but I don’t know people who can (or are willing) to take enough time to go on a week+ trip. So I almost exclusively head out with my dog. But even on 10 day trips without the dog, I’m content.

Cheers,
Barry

 

[Grandpa Paddler]

I prefer paddling solo but thoroughly enjoy having someone , depending on who, to talk to in camp.
When my wife was still able to participate, tandem was great and I really didn't want anyone else in camp.

 

[memaquay]

I really enjoy going solo, but my wife doesn't want it to happen anymore. I'm fairly convinced she thinks I will die on a solo trip. For now, my buddy and I go on trips, both in solos, so we can call the wife of the one who dies with the happy news. I'm working on her, I hope to get out on a solo trip this summer.

 

[Cheeseandbeans]

I enjoy tripping with a couple friends I have known a long time, but our schedules rarely align. I don’t mind going with new folks, but dislike playing guide. I typically go solo 3/4ths the time. Most times being alone is exactly what I need and occasionally I miss the fireside conversation and cribbage game.
My wife came along a few times before kids and the youngest will go on his first trip this summer. I am looking forward to going as a family, but will probably need a solo trip the day we get back!

Bob

 

[Erica]

I much prefer solo. I am not bothered by silence, my own thoughts, not seeing others for weeks on end. That is the point of going solo. At least for me. To have respite from talking and interactions.

Like Alan, I worry too much about what others want, or the care they need. I don’t want to argue about whether a rapids is safe to paddle or not. Or whether that bear is friendly and should we take pictures, or bang the pots like heck now. Etc.

 

[Tryin']

I enjoy both. The best for me is going with one or more people who are entirely self sufficient. No shared gear, not their first time out, just together for company.

 

[Bob B.]

Interesting post. Basically for me … what Alan said. I have been solo for so long, I become a little uncomfortable in a group and find myself Hanging around the edge, not really mingling amongst everyone. However, I have found enjoyable tripping with in a small group of people I know well … but still find myself hanging on the edge.

Solo is my preferred tripping style … with my dog Jake of course.

 

[ErktheRed]

I prefer solo, or with my wife. Groups bother me, everyone has the “better” way of doing something at the same time and that tends to get under my skin. Some of my not as “outdoorsy” friends don’t know proper care or handling of items, and we’re dang near 40. So, I’ll stick to solo or with my +1

I think alone time is healthy, it helps me find that peace and solitude. I’ll usually have an abundance of effortless thoughts then transition to silence and absorbing what’s around me. I do a lot of things alone on purpose for my own healing. But, I do love a good conversation with good friends or a stranger.

 

[Gamma1214]

Whether backpacking or a canoe trip, I've almost always been solo and I don't think I'd have it any other way.

While I can see the value of having the right person (or, perhaps, a pet) along, I find that I relax most completely when I have no responsibilities to anyone or anything until such time that I must return to the "real" world.

For me, it's not enough that companions don't detract from the experience... they'd have to somehow enhance it (which is unlikely as I love the solitude).

 

[coldfeet]

Great honest remarks from everyone.
I recall on my solo trip bringing a radio and just listening to a Twins baseball game. When I saw another paddler finally after 3 days I was so excited to say hello and talk and explain both my excitement for the area and being bored . He proceeded to let me know that he enjoys going solo for the solitude. I got the message and wished him well and paddled away. He said it politely and I didn’t take offense. I guess it’s a personality thing. I’m sure I’ll go solo again like many said because I can’t wait for others and I enjoy the beauty of the water and surroundings.
I do wish for a dog as a companion but I can’t just get one for paddling. Hmmmm, imagine being able to rent a nice paddling dog for a trip?
Meanwhile I just scheduled a short New Jersey Mullica group trip in a few weeks. Somehow my excitement for paddling became contagious with close friends. We all seem to just work together.
Must be our group cookout and my Wife’s Matza Ball soup this time of year. Plus we check out new gear each one of us brings along. My new reflector oven and Dutch oven and twig stove and …. Sorry, for rambling.

 

[coldfeet]

But, I did learn very quickly after missing the plank while portaging and falling that I need to concentrate all the time when solo and be careful. On the water, trail and campsite. It did enhance skills that I learned and forced myself to be self sufficient.
I have enjoyed reading all those trip reports over the years solo and group trips. Keep them coming.