Uppa wrote:

...the absolute best thing about solo tripping is being on your own schedule. I book routes that I want to do, at the pace I want to do them, and spend my time however I choose. Sometimes that's wandering around with the camera, sometimes it's lying on a rock by the water's edge, thinking and doing absolutely nothing. I get up when I want, eat when I want, move camp when I want...

That about sums it up for me. Having solo backpacked for years I wasn't concerned about the psychological effects of soloing. Talking and dealing with people almost constantly in my working life, I cherish alone time. 

In regards to portaging, I subscribe to kayamedic's school of thought - It's an unwarranted risk. I'd much rather enjoy the walk and the opportunity to stretch the legs. I know Corky the Wonder Dog enjoys the portages. Canoeing to her is something to be endured, not enjoyed, and is preferable only to being left behind. She'd much rather be backpacking.

Having gone solo for the past 10 years, I have no problem with it.....YOU JUST TALK TO YOURSELF! and any other tripppers you meet.  As stated above, you have to be extremely careful in what you do as there possibly could be no one around.  One thing I always worry about is my appendix which I still have.  What do I do if I have an appendix attack????  Good question!!  Taking a survival course like I have a few times will add to your solo experience.  Your first night might be freaky, but after that you really don't care about what goes bump in the night.  If noises in the bush around your tent keep you awake and make you a little skittish, ear plugs is the solution.  Most people don't realize that solo and tripping with others could very well be dangerous to your health if something should happen.  There is a hill from Little Nadine Lake up to Little Osler lake called Heart Attack Hill (totally climbs really uphill all the way and near the top you can see Erables Lake so you are really up high.  Anyways, many years ago (I think around late 70's) a man died on this portage from a heart attack, thus the name is has now.  I have done this portage a few times and it isn't easy to say the least.  But the fishing is good in Little Osler Lake and Osler Lake for speckled trout.  After you have a few solo trips under your belt, tripping with others is basically out the window as going soloing, you can do what you want, when you want, and how you want without agreeing with others.  I also take a little pocket radio with ear plugs that I can listen to at night sometimes if I can get reception.  But a little small radio is helpful for the weather.  If it is going to pour the next day, stay where you are, etc.  If you can get the weather forecast on CBC somewhere in the Park, it is easier for you to decide when to go and when to stay.

CanoeClaire wrote:

I have even followed one tripper (can't remember the link now) who has a stuffed animal that goes along on all his adventures. He entertains himself by taking its picture in strange places. 

Claire - are you talking about Kermit's Wilderness Adventures?

If it is, Phil is a really nice guy - I've tripped with him before - and Kermit was right there with us too!


Edit: Also - to address the question of the thread. Just get out there and do it! If you don't like it, call it a day and head home (or call a friend to come meet you and continue the trip) if you do like it, then have at 'er! Mind over matter. What is mind? Doesnt matter. What is matter? Nevermind. 

Last edited by Peek (4/03/2017 5:15 pm)

What a terrific, informative thread and read...ty

trippythings wrote:

My top 3 favourite things about going solo (in no particular order) would be planning/moving on your own schedule, paddling a solo boat, and the sense of accomplishment.

I'd totally agree with all three reasons except that moving on your own schedule and booking each night in advance do not fit together very well.
 

Just returned from a short trip with my little one.  The noises in the night are definitely the worst.  I tied an old school metal thermos to the food barrel as an extra noise deterrent and while it worked, hearing the handle of the metal thermos clanking while I lay in my tent was probably worse than having my barrel broken into!  Follow that up with a loud splash into the water shortly afterwards and I ended up sleeping with one eye open.

Last edited by papabear (8/07/2020 9:37 am)

My post a couple days ago was so long, I apologize.  I've edited a couple of times to reduce it.

It is remarkable to me how this post continues to live on.  Of course, the topic is renewable, on the mind of many new soloists.  My original post was in January 2016, back when I was “dontgroandaddy”.  I referenced my first solo trip, a hiking trip around 2001.  Boogeyman got me and turned a 4-day trip into a 2-day trip.  What really got me on that trip was the limitations of my vision. Everything outside that field just felt dark. It really played on my mind, ie., the boogeyman. 

In 2016, I did take a solo trip, after receiving kind advice and encouragement from the people who frequent this forum.  A canoe trip this time. That was familiar territory for me. Paddling on open water instead of on foot in the woods, and a boat with a personality sounded like good ways to evade the boogeyman.  It went well.  I chose an area of the park I wanted to explore, a simple down-and-back route over a 3-day trip.  I was a Cubscout master, and took photos and videos to show the boys.  I’ve taken six solos since, and really enjoy it.

For potential soloists, your age, and physical condition will help you stay in your lane.  Plan a trip that considers portage-to-paddle ratio, rivers vs. lakes, well-populated or remote lakes, familiar or new to you areas, and duration. Consider how you might use down time as well.  Sitting around a campsite is fine if you enjoy that, planning a hike, visiting ruins, paddling an interesting lake, etc., can make the difference between a good trip and a great trip.  Take the time to really consider these things in your planning.

Uppa’s page 1 comment described how he didn’t really have boogeyman-type issues, but overnight it can get a little different.  What resonated with me from his comment was this (I cut it down a bit): 

What I found helped with night-time peace of mind was:

a) having a completely clean camp………..you...don't want to wake up in the middle of the night thinking about that snickers bar you left...by the campfire. 

b) Overnight in my tent, everything I could potentially need in a hurry has a specific place. My knife, whistle, bear mace, glasses, headlamp - they're all within reach of my right arm in specific spots. The tent zippers are in the same place too.

But mostly it was just time and experience. 

This is exactly what I do, and time and experience have done the rest. 

I carry a SPOT primarily to give reasonable peace of mind to my wife.  She gets very nervous, but that OK button gives her a little breather from her nerves, and let's the fam know I'm thinking of them, and certainly there’s nothing wrong with that. Plus if you need help.

There were other suggestions that several people shared.  Take a good book, just not one that discusses predacious bears! (I take a pad and pen and write up a trip log).  Lots of people take dogs, I never have.  Some suggested busying yourself with camp chores – I am the all time champ at putzing around camp doing little chores.

Also, I talk.  My water filter and I had a pretty testy conversation recently, for example.  My canoe and I have outstanding conversations throughout the day.  I talk to rocks as well, but those discussions usually involve name calling.  I’ll talk to the birds and little critters and trees as well.  It isn’t non-stop chatter, I definitely enjoy times of complete silence, but it keeps the mind alive.

So, if you haven’t soloed, you know what?  You can do it!!  For sure you can!  There are so many wonderful tips you can find on this site, search througg=h, learn, ask questions.  This community of people are super generous with their time. If its new to you, it is worth asking the question.  I’ve had assistance from so many people on AA I couldn’t count, and from time to time I like to think I’ve offered a little something as well.

Last edited by MooseWhizzer Dave (10/04/2021 7:57 am)

Honestly mostly I’m just so relieved to be away from the craziness in of our society that I don’t freak out. But I also love paddling with others and wish I had more paddling partners 🤷🏻‍♀️

Last edited by ChristineCanoes (11/20/2021 6:11 pm)