Selecting companions is now the most challenging thing about tripping. I am relentlessly selective.
A big trip is 4 people, including me and my brother.
A big trip is 4 people, including me and my brother.
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Solo - fears and boredom
- Thread starter Blukanu
- Start date
I love going solo and to be the only human for miles out there in nature. As long as I can make a good fire at night I couldn't be happier. Without a fire I quickly start to feel a bit bored, lonely and depressed and sounds in the forest start to make themselves known. I think fire is important for us humans to feel safe, probably has something to do with instincts from ancient days.
Many people think it is not camping without having a roaring fire. A small one will do in many cases with smaller effort, or none at all. A fire is an investment in activity time and effort. If you feel you need one, and are in the appropriate location, ok, fine, but it is not always a mandatory event IMO. I like enjoying the night sounds and night sights in the sky and over a lake under the light of the stars without a bright blaze in my eyes.
When I taught a course to young wilderness guide students, I hae a favorite campsite that had a rough path along the lake shore. I would have them walk in total silence, single file for a quarter mile through the grass on the trail. At the end I would ask them each to describe the eperience. Listen to the frogs, the ripples on the lake lapping on the shore, the swhich of feet through the grass, the crickets, the mosquitoess. and the starlight. I would often time it so that a bright Iridiium flare (bright sun reflection from a flat panel satellite) when itwas visible as I magically paointed to the portion of the sky where it was due to appear at the exact appointed time.
Kathleen and I have usually tripped on the tundra, where firewood is scarce and precious. We have a fire to cook our evening meal, if sufficient wood is available. We never have a campfire just to sit around and watch. We don’t miss it. Even in more forested areas and campsites, we don’t have a campfire. We don’t like to use up wood purely for our immediate, personal enjoyment. There has to be a practical purpose. But that’s just us.
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My brother has been involved in a program with Vision Quests. It is an organized adventure for people, to prepare them to go out for 3 days solo with a sleeping bag and a jug of water. Then they come back and have a big celebration in a tipi with a feast. There is a counselor/ guru type person to help them through the process.
For the public and even most outdoor people, this is a big deal. Turning off all the noise, electronics, conversations and listening to their own thoughts is revolutionary for a lot of people. Many can't last more than one night. It is too scary on many levels for them. Some get back in touch with their inner selves and have life changing experiences. For some it is no big deal.
Solo trips are good for people. I used to do a lot of solo backpacking and mule rides. Now I mostly do solo day trips with my dog. Sometimes we walk, sometimes we paddle.
For the public and even most outdoor people, this is a big deal. Turning off all the noise, electronics, conversations and listening to their own thoughts is revolutionary for a lot of people. Many can't last more than one night. It is too scary on many levels for them. Some get back in touch with their inner selves and have life changing experiences. For some it is no big deal.
Solo trips are good for people. I used to do a lot of solo backpacking and mule rides. Now I mostly do solo day trips with my dog. Sometimes we walk, sometimes we paddle.
I never make a fire when I'm alone. There's too much responsibility... I MUST put it out. If I never start it, I don't have that problem. But I sometimes carry one of those little battery tea light candles, and put it in front of me and my Helinox chair facing the water in the evening. I guess I'm easily entertained that way. They make really crummy roasted marshmallows, though.
I carry a nature guide for the region, or the park. That way, if I see an interesting bug or flower or animal, I can identify it, and learn a little about it. I've also usually traded out the guidebook for those foldable birds of ____ or flowers of ____ pamphlets. I don't usually see rare things, so a good set of pictures of common things found in the area is enough for me. I use progressive lenses, and years ago, found that if I sat on the lakeshore (I used to live and hike along Lake Superior) and read, when I looked up, I'd have to squint and strain before actually seeing. I started loading a book on an MP3, and would use one earphone. Then I could still hear the waves or birds or bears, AND have someone tell me a story. That was pretty wonderful. I had to be careful, though. I like mysteries, and sometimes when I'm in the middle of no where, reading about a serial killer, I get scared. Since I moved and do most all of my hiking in Yellowstone, I'm less inclined to listen to a book... there are real bears (I had a black bear in camp last summer) and real elk with pointy antlers and real bison (scariest thing in Yellowstone, except for rental RV's). I want to hear animals, though I'm not sure what I would do if I did have one enter camp in the middle of the night.
I am now very comfortable listening to whatever sounds float in to my campsite. It's pretty neat waking to the sound of a backcountry geyser, or a moose splashing. Except once, it wasn't a moose, it was an armada of little merganzers. The next day it was a moose!
I remember the first few times I camped alone. I was pretty sure that Bigfoot lived nearby, that rattlesnakes and copperheads were sprinkled around camp like the arms on a pinball machine, that the men at the next backcountry campsite were the killer-perverts of the Internet (mind you, they asked me if I'd like some of the filtered water they had, in case I didn't have a filter), and that a hungry bear was headed my way. Now, I rarely camp with others, and don't really like it much. I have to try to be nice, and patient, and give a little. Mostly, I couldn't care less. I don't remember the name of the poem, but it ends with "if I go to the woods with you, I must love you very much," or something similar. That poem speaks to me. I go to the woods to for so many things, and having more people usually takes away one or more of those things. There are few people I'm willing to surrender that serenity for. There are lots of times that I feel like a wimp because I don't go miles and miles into the back of beyond campsites. But I guess I don't go to be nowhere. Sometimes two miles, or less, meets my needs. Friends who don't backpack look at me kind of funny when I tell them that I only went in 2 miles. People who do outdoor adventures will hear that, and quietly nod. That's one thing that I like about this group, people converse about how they meet their own needs, whether paddling or cooking or sitting around a fire or setting up a tarp or whatever. Nobody says, "You're doing it wrong," but they do say, "I do this, and it prevents ___ or allows me to ____."
If you want to solo, you'll grow into it.
I carry a nature guide for the region, or the park. That way, if I see an interesting bug or flower or animal, I can identify it, and learn a little about it. I've also usually traded out the guidebook for those foldable birds of ____ or flowers of ____ pamphlets. I don't usually see rare things, so a good set of pictures of common things found in the area is enough for me. I use progressive lenses, and years ago, found that if I sat on the lakeshore (I used to live and hike along Lake Superior) and read, when I looked up, I'd have to squint and strain before actually seeing. I started loading a book on an MP3, and would use one earphone. Then I could still hear the waves or birds or bears, AND have someone tell me a story. That was pretty wonderful. I had to be careful, though. I like mysteries, and sometimes when I'm in the middle of no where, reading about a serial killer, I get scared. Since I moved and do most all of my hiking in Yellowstone, I'm less inclined to listen to a book... there are real bears (I had a black bear in camp last summer) and real elk with pointy antlers and real bison (scariest thing in Yellowstone, except for rental RV's). I want to hear animals, though I'm not sure what I would do if I did have one enter camp in the middle of the night.
I am now very comfortable listening to whatever sounds float in to my campsite. It's pretty neat waking to the sound of a backcountry geyser, or a moose splashing. Except once, it wasn't a moose, it was an armada of little merganzers. The next day it was a moose!
I remember the first few times I camped alone. I was pretty sure that Bigfoot lived nearby, that rattlesnakes and copperheads were sprinkled around camp like the arms on a pinball machine, that the men at the next backcountry campsite were the killer-perverts of the Internet (mind you, they asked me if I'd like some of the filtered water they had, in case I didn't have a filter), and that a hungry bear was headed my way. Now, I rarely camp with others, and don't really like it much. I have to try to be nice, and patient, and give a little. Mostly, I couldn't care less. I don't remember the name of the poem, but it ends with "if I go to the woods with you, I must love you very much," or something similar. That poem speaks to me. I go to the woods to for so many things, and having more people usually takes away one or more of those things. There are few people I'm willing to surrender that serenity for. There are lots of times that I feel like a wimp because I don't go miles and miles into the back of beyond campsites. But I guess I don't go to be nowhere. Sometimes two miles, or less, meets my needs. Friends who don't backpack look at me kind of funny when I tell them that I only went in 2 miles. People who do outdoor adventures will hear that, and quietly nod. That's one thing that I like about this group, people converse about how they meet their own needs, whether paddling or cooking or sitting around a fire or setting up a tarp or whatever. Nobody says, "You're doing it wrong," but they do say, "I do this, and it prevents ___ or allows me to ____."
If you want to solo, you'll grow into it.
I would never wear ear phones on a solo trip for even 5 minutes. Situational awareness is very important.
I like having a fire except in warm weather.
My Border Collie Ruby Begonia is great company.
Now I do solo trips in the off season, sometimes with a trailer. I have been in campgrounds with just my dog and two owls for company. No people around.
I like having a fire except in warm weather.
My Border Collie Ruby Begonia is great company.
Now I do solo trips in the off season, sometimes with a trailer. I have been in campgrounds with just my dog and two owls for company. No people around.
I don’t consider it solo camping if you bring a dog. That’s definitely a companion and helps watch your back as well. I wonder if YouTubers really feel like they are solo when talking to their camera. Bet it feels like there’s 1000’s of people watching you at that moment…even if you are alone.
Speaking of Alone - the reality survival show. Maybe talking to a camera isn’t a substitute. Interesting to see seasoned bushcrafters, who seem to have the skills to go all the way, tap out due to loneliness and homesickness.
Speaking of Alone - the reality survival show. Maybe talking to a camera isn’t a substitute. Interesting to see seasoned bushcrafters, who seem to have the skills to go all the way, tap out due to loneliness and homesickness.
Managed to just do another solo trip. This was my first and only trip of the year due to a shoulder injury and surgery. Not with the canoe unfortunately,. I bushwacked backpacked with a hammock in a State Forest.
This time around I enjoyed the night. Didn’t sleep much because I didn’t want to miss anything. Dead calm nights, Owls hooting, coyotes howling, brilliant stars, smell of the leaves and temps around freezing. It was perfect. Knowing whats making the sounds really helps ease anxiety. Did hear an animal I couldn’t identify but it didn’t sound threatening. Later researched it and I’m pretty sure it was a porcupine warning call. He probably didn’t like me hanging my hammock near his tree.
Used a stick stove for cooking and for the ambiance. Works well for a solo campfire. Just sit by it in the evening and feed it sticks. Enjoy the crackle, light, warmth and smell.
Found talking to myself comforting… think it feels like you’re not quite alone…like talking to Wilson in the movie Castaway. Or maybe it feels like you’re making your presence known so some critter doesn’t inadvertently walk up on you and startle you.
The evening time is still the most difficult as far as loneliness and anxiety. Think tending a campfire while playing a harmonica Is my winning ticket.
This time around I enjoyed the night. Didn’t sleep much because I didn’t want to miss anything. Dead calm nights, Owls hooting, coyotes howling, brilliant stars, smell of the leaves and temps around freezing. It was perfect. Knowing whats making the sounds really helps ease anxiety. Did hear an animal I couldn’t identify but it didn’t sound threatening. Later researched it and I’m pretty sure it was a porcupine warning call. He probably didn’t like me hanging my hammock near his tree.
Used a stick stove for cooking and for the ambiance. Works well for a solo campfire. Just sit by it in the evening and feed it sticks. Enjoy the crackle, light, warmth and smell.
Found talking to myself comforting… think it feels like you’re not quite alone…like talking to Wilson in the movie Castaway. Or maybe it feels like you’re making your presence known so some critter doesn’t inadvertently walk up on you and startle you.
The evening time is still the most difficult as far as loneliness and anxiety. Think tending a campfire while playing a harmonica Is my winning ticket.
Blukanu - glad you're finding what works well for you!
I'm curious what resources folks use for mammal sounds. There's lots out there for birds; coyotes and wolves are easy enough. But lots of well known mammals make a lot of lesser known sounds. I know foxes, squirrels, deer and others have a wide diversity of noises. Anyone find good resources for studying up on these?
I'm curious what resources folks use for mammal sounds. There's lots out there for birds; coyotes and wolves are easy enough. But lots of well known mammals make a lot of lesser known sounds. I know foxes, squirrels, deer and others have a wide diversity of noises. Anyone find good resources for studying up on these?
We have had porcupines living under our sheds somewhat near the house, and cruising through our property for several years. I nave heard them making noise only once. It was at night, and horrendous. Didn’t know what it was. Got my headlamp and walked toward the ongoing commotion. ‘Twas two porcupines - not fighting, but making love! ”Hey, you two. Keep it down!”
Glad to hear you’ve improved your solo comfort, especially at night. I’m convinced of the inverse proportion of night sounds…where a mouse creates the loudest noise and an 800 black bear strolls by silently!
So what about the shoulder? I recently had a bionic shoulder installed, a week in and it’s already better than the last few years.
So what about the shoulder? I recently had a bionic shoulder installed, a week in and it’s already better than the last few years.
Returned from a solo camping trip yesterday. It is below freezing at night so I bring a trailer this time of year. I like a fire at night. Having some lights on makes it safer. I camp with my Border Collie who is in charge of camp security. I bring a pistol for peace of mind, but never use it. I was in a campground this week but was the only person there. Just me, the dog and the owls. The trailer provides a great measure of security during the long, dark nights this time of year.
My latest way to take care of boredom is crossword puzzles. They require concentration and are mentally stimulating. I like to sit in a chair in the fall sunshine and do them. The rest of the time I get out and walk and look at forests. I take some naps. At night reading is really important. Bring things you are really interested in.
My latest way to take care of boredom is crossword puzzles. They require concentration and are mentally stimulating. I like to sit in a chair in the fall sunshine and do them. The rest of the time I get out and walk and look at forests. I take some naps. At night reading is really important. Bring things you are really interested in.
I blew out my right shoulder in May while weight lifting (bench press). Not fun at all, I heard it crunch as it gave out. Had surgery in July. Hit the physical therapy hard and recovered very well. However, that put an end to all my summer plans.
As for identifying animal sounds I just use YouTube. I suspected it was a porcupine immediately and just verified it later.
As for identifying animal sounds I just use YouTube. I suspected it was a porcupine immediately and just verified it later.
I am a solo guy. This is because most of my friends have no interest in multi day trips in the bush … or visiting the bush at all. So, it was tough at first. I think Alan is correct when he writes about a persons make up ie, being comfortable alone or not. I was not comfortable, but over a few trips learned to enjoy solo trips. Now, it is really all I do. However, I have my dog and that changes things a bit.
My fears are bolder gardens breaking a leg/ankle while portaging a load, or cold wet unrelenting rain for days with high wind … had a pretty severe hypothermia situation many years ago …
Also, as I age my wander lust is still strong, but I satisfy that need differently. Now, I travel hard to my basecamp - then really explore the area but camp does not move. I enjoy camp tasks. I Make a travel plan each night … usually sipping a nice rum or whiskey, then the next day my dog and I, paddle, hike, portage somewhere. We may fish and have a shore lunch somewhere, or climb a ridge top for a coffee and quiet view.
About the only thing I really miss is talking over situations with a partner and hearing other ideas about directions/destinations, safety etc. I start to miss my wife around day 10 or so. It does not keep me from putting in more days but I do get a little lonesome for her.
I guess I am seldom really alone because my dog and I are so often together. I live in the woods and we hike daily ( winter and summer ) always alone. I hunt alone, explore the back waters of the Wi. River … just Jake and I.
I am very comfortable alone, especially on a canoe trip … but I did not used to be that way. Good luck with your trips. Have a plan of where you want to go and what you want to accomplish … fishing, pictographs, waterfalls, whatever. I recommend doing a couple 5 day trips first, then as you get more comfortable if you can afford the time, do longer trips. It still takes me about 3 days before I get ”trail broke”. After this, I just seem to sleep better, I notice things more like clouds and wind changes etc, I feel more settled in, more dialed in with my traveling.
I hope this is helpful.
Bob.
My fears are bolder gardens breaking a leg/ankle while portaging a load, or cold wet unrelenting rain for days with high wind … had a pretty severe hypothermia situation many years ago …
Also, as I age my wander lust is still strong, but I satisfy that need differently. Now, I travel hard to my basecamp - then really explore the area but camp does not move. I enjoy camp tasks. I Make a travel plan each night … usually sipping a nice rum or whiskey, then the next day my dog and I, paddle, hike, portage somewhere. We may fish and have a shore lunch somewhere, or climb a ridge top for a coffee and quiet view.
About the only thing I really miss is talking over situations with a partner and hearing other ideas about directions/destinations, safety etc. I start to miss my wife around day 10 or so. It does not keep me from putting in more days but I do get a little lonesome for her.
I guess I am seldom really alone because my dog and I are so often together. I live in the woods and we hike daily ( winter and summer ) always alone. I hunt alone, explore the back waters of the Wi. River … just Jake and I.
I am very comfortable alone, especially on a canoe trip … but I did not used to be that way. Good luck with your trips. Have a plan of where you want to go and what you want to accomplish … fishing, pictographs, waterfalls, whatever. I recommend doing a couple 5 day trips first, then as you get more comfortable if you can afford the time, do longer trips. It still takes me about 3 days before I get ”trail broke”. After this, I just seem to sleep better, I notice things more like clouds and wind changes etc, I feel more settled in, more dialed in with my traveling.
I hope this is helpful.
Bob.
Beautifully said, Bob.
I love the peace and quiet when I go. I don't go to escape the outside world or the responsibility's of married life. I don't even have a stressful job. I do like to have cell coverage, at least enough, to text my wife. I never get bored. I always busy myself with camp chores and fire wood. I even love to hear things at night. I think it's fun to let your imagination get a little wild with what may be out there waiting to disembowel or eat me ha. This part of the country the only thin I fear are 2 legged critters. And snakes, as long as you don't step on one or go poking at them, they'll pretty much leave you alone.
At work I have to use my interpersonal skills every day. Solo trips provide a welcome change.
Because I travel long distances to the locations where my wilderness canoe trips take place, my trips are long. At least four weeks.
Usually after 3-5 days I am fully in solo trip mood and mode. I wish I could be out there alone for months.
Fears: I'm afraid of making bad decisions.
Boredom: I'm never bored.
As others have mentioned camp chores keep me busy.
Since I like to cook over a fire (unless there is a fire ban), collecting and processing firewood is time-consuming. Especially in wet weather.
I like to fish and eat fish. I keep a clean camp to avoid unwanted visitors such as bears.
Writing a diary and trip notes, planning the next days travel, reading books keeps my brain busy.
But I don't have to be busy all the time. Sitting in camp and taking in the surroundings is also a joy.
Over the years I have learned that I am the master of my thoughts.
Sometimes I talk to the canoe or something else around me. As long as it doesn't respond, it's fine with me
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Because I travel long distances to the locations where my wilderness canoe trips take place, my trips are long. At least four weeks.
Usually after 3-5 days I am fully in solo trip mood and mode. I wish I could be out there alone for months.
Fears: I'm afraid of making bad decisions.
Boredom: I'm never bored.
As others have mentioned camp chores keep me busy.
Since I like to cook over a fire (unless there is a fire ban), collecting and processing firewood is time-consuming. Especially in wet weather.
I like to fish and eat fish. I keep a clean camp to avoid unwanted visitors such as bears.
Writing a diary and trip notes, planning the next days travel, reading books keeps my brain busy.
But I don't have to be busy all the time. Sitting in camp and taking in the surroundings is also a joy.
Over the years I have learned that I am the master of my thoughts.
Sometimes I talk to the canoe or something else around me. As long as it doesn't respond, it's fine with me
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Interesting... I often talk to my canoe and my paddle. I silently say "I need you to do this for me". Most often my canoe and paddle team will comply with my request, only rarely sometimes they revolt and tell me what I demand is not possible. Possibly related to what an old paddling instructor friend said to me that you have to "get your head in the water". Not literally of course, but virtually to understand and do what we are likely capable of doing.Sometimes I talk to the canoe or something else around me. As long as it doesn't respond, it's fine with me
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Canoe Speaks
I have always found fire making and its maintenance tedious, overly time consuming and largely unnecessary to enjoy and relax on my overnight trips where I usually solo camp in remote unimproved rough sites of my choosing. Maybe best left as an activity to keep young scouts engaged and active with something they are indoctrinated to think is necessary for them to enjoy.
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It's funny - not sure if I read this or conjured it up in my own mind, but for years I have maintained that everybody loved the idea of going on a canoe trip - right up until it's time to go. Enter solo canoes.
I make lists for everything, and while I don't actually write them down in the woods I still have a firm idea of my plans each day. Always included is exploring/fishing. I couple of times I put myself in a bad position of choosing lakes or campsites where I just got wind bound. Paddling out to the summer deeps to fish can be a little creepy in a solo canoe with the heavy wind, and in the winds seaweed can fill bays and downwind of islands resulting in junk on your lure every cast. You can always find a place to fish, but I have no interest in catching 20" pike.
So these are the times I get bored. Firewood collected, camp set up, Kindle at the ready an now I'm sitting in my chair. I'll wait a day or so for things to calm down, but when they don't, I get bored and will go home. I've tried exploring on shore but after completing the 46 I have no desire to tramp around the woods near camp. Pus, you can cover plenty of ground scrounging firewood.
On the early departure trips I always explore on the drive home. I'll check new put in's for future trips, go find out exactly what Mt Arab is, and just dawdle my way home. You're not lost till your out of gas, so top it off and roll. And I keep a rod handy just to make a couple of casts - they sometimes pay off.
I make lists for everything, and while I don't actually write them down in the woods I still have a firm idea of my plans each day. Always included is exploring/fishing. I couple of times I put myself in a bad position of choosing lakes or campsites where I just got wind bound. Paddling out to the summer deeps to fish can be a little creepy in a solo canoe with the heavy wind, and in the winds seaweed can fill bays and downwind of islands resulting in junk on your lure every cast. You can always find a place to fish, but I have no interest in catching 20" pike.
So these are the times I get bored. Firewood collected, camp set up, Kindle at the ready an now I'm sitting in my chair. I'll wait a day or so for things to calm down, but when they don't, I get bored and will go home. I've tried exploring on shore but after completing the 46 I have no desire to tramp around the woods near camp. Pus, you can cover plenty of ground scrounging firewood.
On the early departure trips I always explore on the drive home. I'll check new put in's for future trips, go find out exactly what Mt Arab is, and just dawdle my way home. You're not lost till your out of gas, so top it off and roll. And I keep a rod handy just to make a couple of casts - they sometimes pay off.
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