A post in the thread in listening point about the percentage of solo trippers got me wondering, are most solo trippers introverts, or at least mildly extroverts? It may be too personal to ask, so I won’t, but I know that sometimes at night it is very eerie that nobody is around to share in the splendor, to be amazed by the tranquility, but then again if someone was around, especially an extreme extrovert, they’d be jabbering away about something and spoiling the moment.
So I guess it is a Catch 22, it would be great if someone else was around, but glad there is nobody to ruin it. Some things just have to be experienced alone I guess. Is a soloist by nature an introvert? Or is paddling to remote places on the globe just something that few people enjoy, therefore even the extroverts have to go alone and somehow deal with it.

I am an extrovert, which is probably the hardest part of solo tripping. But I think it is good for an extrovert to spend some time alone, just like it is good for the introverts to go to a party or two once in awhile.

Definite introvert here. Going days without speaking to anyone feels pretty normal for me.

I thought about this same question. Definitely an introvert. INTP to be exact if you are familiar with the Meyers Briggs terminology . My guess is that there are several extrovert personality styles that go solo. Those personality types that need to be in control. Maybe that is where the group solo guys fall. :-) My guess that you will not find many "extroverted feelers" on long solo trips.

I'm an extrovert but, yeah, total control is one of the reasons I like to solo.

I'm an extrovert. I did a solo because it was on my bucket list and I needed to get away from work and recharge the batteries(I'm an ICU RN)
Now that it is off my list, I'm going to do it again.

quote hobbydog: "I thought about this same question. Definitely an introvert. INTP to be exact if you are familiar with the Meyers Briggs terminology . My guess is that there are several extrovert personality styles that go solo. Those personality types that need to be in control. Maybe that is where the group solo guys fall. :-) My guess that you will not find many "extroverted feelers" on long solo trips. "

INTP here ... max'ed the "I" scale (but didn't use the instrument on the link).

BTW, the 4 sub-scales are:
Introvert (I) - Extrovert (E)
Sensing (S) - Intuition (N)
Thinking (T) - Feeling (F)
Judging (J) - Perceiving (P)

dd

I am an intro/extrovert who really values his privacy.
I enjoy being with and meeting other people but just as, or more happy on my own.
I go solo because I need the balance. It's also nice to miss someone once in awhile.

In another way extroverts visit the chat room and post a lot while introverts are lurking.
I would think I am an extrovert in my regular life and go on solos to feed the introvert part. Testing on the MB and related formats tends to show me pretty balanced. My elementary and high school teachers pushed thinking both sides of an issue and I think it sunk in.

i started going solo because i was from NY and did not know anyone!
then after awhile i ran into people at work who wanted to try a canoe trip but were only good for a trip or two.work was people and stress at the Vets Hospital so getting away by myself really was one on those things that refreshed me,not having people in my face all day, and gave me something to look forward too over the winter.as far as what sort of person i think "normal",not a glad handier or a hide out type.
one thing i'll tell you being older and retired i fell into the "old guy who yaks with anyone" person. a young guy at my service station asked how my car ran for the drive up north now that he worked on it and i treated him to 5+ minutes rap on the wonders of the BW---

introvert

Introvert here. Though there are times when I'd like someone else around to 'share the moment with', I do my best thinking alone, with no one else there jabbering in my ear. I do not 'recharge' near as well on a group trip as I do on a solo trip.
I do believe though, that there are many more extroverts that would solo, and don't for other reasons... fears about the bumps in the night or about surviving on their abilities etc. Those that do, likely just talk to themselves a lot, and have their next move reasoned out because of it.

quote bumabu: "I am an extrovert, which is probably the hardest part of solo tripping. But I think it is good for an extrovert to spend some time alone, just like it is good for the introverts to go to a party or two once in awhile."

excellent point

hobbydog & dentondoc: also an INTP, the rarest of MB types, but it looks like we are the majority here, but then again, IMO, if everyone were tested the I's would be in the majority of soloists

but let's keep in mind you are not either or, in fact some argue they are different dimensions of personality rather than opposites of a continuum, probably an INTP who would argue that point :)

It's been a while since I did the Meyers Briggs, but I believe I was INTJ, also a very rare type at I believe less than 1%...? I don't think I was extremely introvert, just that side of the middle. Maybe it's as much a matter of just being interested in different things than other people and being interested in the thing or activity for itself rather than a social opportunity. Ever since I was young, I've just gone ahead and done things even if my friends weren't interested. Conversely, I often declined invitations if I wasn't really interested in the activity and didn't just go to be part of the group, although I have of course done so sometimes ;).

I think you're right about the Catch 22 aspect of it. Ever since I read "Into The Wild", I've been haunted by the quote from McCandless's journal: "Happiness only real when shared". But you can't have the solo experience if there's some one else there. I guess that's why we have a "solo forum" :).

I'm not really an extrovert, but if you catch me after I come out from an 8-day solo I might talk your ear off about it. If you're just faking a polite interest...well, you might be in for a long, boring evening ;). My wife no longer pretends to be interested :).

I do like the total control aspect of it, though, even if others think it's just selfish. I do need that "change of pace" to recharge.

I don't think many people, other than solo trippers, are interested in hearing/reading about solo trips. Maybe it's just too singular an experience to convey well to the general audience.

ISTJ here. It does seem more natural for an introvert to be interested in soloing. I am still waiting for my first opportunity...

I'm basically an introvert but tend to become more talkative than normal when I encounter others while tripping alone.
Wetcanoedog is right about old people (that includes me) becoming more talkative. I think it is part because we have so much life experience and an inexhaustible number of stories to tell.

quote OBX2Kayak: "I'm an extrovert but, yeah, total control is one of the reasons I like to solo."

like boonie, I bet you are a TJ
nothin' wrong with that

I do enjoy the fact that I can change my plan at any point, note I didn't call it an itiniary, because it isn't

the only certainty is change
I bet that was said by an INTP, or at least somebody had an INTP in mind when they said it

I often sing or talk as I'm paddling
usually after a lengthy time alone

quote Bdubguy: "ISTJ here. It does seem more natural for an introvert to be interested in soloing. I am still waiting for my first opportunity..."

ISTJ here too. Here's a line from the description: "They prefer to work alone, but work well in teams when the situation demands it."
I think I took the test nearly twenty years ago but I still have the Post-it note with the letters (which describe me) written on it.

Definitely an extrovert. My first solo trip was eye-opening to me as I found myself wishing someone else was along so i could share what I was seeing/feeling. I know the chipmunks and squirrels were glad I left so they could get some sleep.

quote ZaraSp00k: "

quote OBX2Kayak: "I'm an extrovert but, yeah, total control is one of the reasons I like to solo."

like boonie, I bet you are a TJ
nothin' wrong with that"

Funny that you brought that up just now as I was wondering if soloing might have more to do with the TJ/TP aspect than with introvert/extrovert. I was wondering if the extroverts who soloed were ENTJ/ENTP's, which are also relatively rare types...?

Type distribution

quote Jeriatric: "I'm basically an introvert but tend to become more talkative than normal when I encounter others while tripping alone.
Wetcanoedog is right about old people (that includes me) becoming more talkative. I think it is part because we have so much life experience and an inexhaustible number of stories to tell."

I've become more talkative in my old age. Apparently when I can't recall any of my inexhaustible supply of tales, I just make something up. At least according to my wife: "You never said that". "He never did that". She's becoming very forgetful.

quote Jeriatric: "I think I took the test nearly twenty years ago but I still have the Post-it note with the letters (which describe me) written on it. "

Wow! I didn't know Post-Its were that old - I must be older than I thought.

extrovert here. ENFG according to the test, what ever that means. i think it was g, maybe j.

quote boonie: "

quote Jeriatric: "I think I took the test nearly twenty years ago but I still have the Post-it note with the letters (which describe me) written on it. "

Wow! I didn't know Post-Its were that old - I must be older than I thought. "

They debuted in April, 1980....33 years ago. You are MUCH older than you thought.

quote kanoes: "extrovert here. ENFG according to the test, what ever that means. i think it was g, maybe j."

The last letter would either be a "J" or a "P" (its the judging/perceiving subscale).

dd

quote dentondoc: "

quote kanoes: "extrovert here. ENFG according to the test, what ever that means. i think it was g, maybe j."

The last letter would either be a "J" or a "P" (its the judging/perceiving subscale).


dd"

j then, i see im fairly rare...fairly.

quote Jeriatric: "

quote boonie: "

quote Jeriatric: "I think I took the test nearly twenty years ago but I still have the Post-it note with the letters (which describe me) written on it. "

Wow! I didn't know Post-Its were that old - I must be older than I thought. "

They debuted in April, 1980....33 years ago. You are MUCH older than you thought."

Dang! No wonder it hurts just to wake up ;).

Extroverted sometimes, depending who I'm with. If I'm alone, don't need to be expressive, but if I am with someone who I can connect with, or who really appreciates the place we are in I can be expressive. I miss certain people when soloing and would go with them if possible, but don't need to be with others to be contented. Maybe I should change my label to "Schizo!"

quote gkimball: "Extroverted sometimes, depending who I'm with. If I'm alone, don't need to be expressive, but if I am with someone who I can connect with, or who really appreciates the place we are in I can be expressive."

this is a solo tripping question, no others involved but yourself.

quote kanoes: "

quote gkimball: "Extroverted sometimes, depending who I'm with. If I'm alone, don't need to be expressive, but if I am with someone who I can connect with, or who really appreciates the place we are in I can be expressive."

this is a solo tripping question, no others involved but yourself."

....and the camp chipmunk.

quote gkimball: "Extroverted sometimes, depending who I'm with. If I'm alone, don't need to be expressive, but if I am with someone who I can connect with, or who really appreciates the place we are in I can be expressive."

True, but sometimes I prefer to be alone. I do a lot of journaling when solo, so maybe my expressiveness takes that form. I do enjoy talking with someone with the "shared obsession of soloing" :).

Yes, by definition when soloing there is no one else physically "there." Since many of the motivations expressed on this forum include some blend of escaping from others and escaping to the BWCA then it helps to know that sharing some parts of your experience can be easier than other parts, for introverts or extroverts alike. I still take trips with others in addition to soloing. Soloing is something I do because I love the BWCA and cannot find the right companions who can go often enough to feed my addiction, not because I crave solitude per se. In fact, being alone seems to mute the happiness and wonder I feel because a big part of it for me is sharing the beauty of the moment with others, and I still need to share it with others in some way when I get home or I feel something is missing. What I bring home in the form of photos, writings, sightings and adventures can be easily shared with others. They have a harder time relating to my inner experience of solitude because its something they can't relate to themselves. Those who have experienced solitude themselves are much more receptive to sharing that part of the experience. If you desire both the BWCA and solitude together, then the former will be easier to share because it is something outside of us that others can grasp and process. If the primary goal is solitude others cannot truly share your experience since they aren't intended to be part of it, whether you are an introvert or extrovert. - "Schizo"

Hum. I’ve done many solo camping and hiking trips but have yet to do a solo canoe trip. According to that website I am an INTJ today. Both times too. I could tell which questions when answered could manipulate the Judging score, but couldn’t change myself to INTP. My name is also Steve. Is this like a horoscope? : ) By the way, I think I’ve become more introverted as I got older. No need to keep shopping around once that clock starts winding down. : )

quote gkimball: "Extroverted sometimes, depending who I'm with. If I'm alone, don't need to be expressive, but if I am with someone who I can connect with, or who really appreciates the place we are in I can be expressive. I miss certain people when soloing and would go with them if possible, but don't need to be with others to be contented. Maybe I should change my label to "Schizo!""

I am quite the opposite when it comes to expressiveness. When in the presence of others, I work to contain my emotions.
I remember when I caught my first walleye during a solo trip. My fist pumped skyward and I yelled "YES!!!" into the wilderness. In the presence of others, I would have been happy but I would have made an effort to control my emotions.
In a group, you never know when someone may be thinking (in response your emotional outburst), "What an ass!" I know I often have my own dark thoughts about other people following some outbursts on their part.

Solo, I am free to release my emotions, to be expressive. In a group, I mind my manners.

To sum up my two posts in this thread. While I feel more intensely during solo trips, I am also more free to express those feelings.

Definite extrovert. Love people and love canoeing with family and various friends.
Also like some level of control in some things. OK, a fair amount of control much of the time.
Work with people all day long, lots of stress even though I do not like to admit it.
Took my first solo 40 years ago and my second last year for four days in the BW. It was awesome. Totally bleeping awesome.
Have a week solo in the Q slotted for the very end of August and the start of September. I am very excited about it but a little wary in that the middle of the Q is much different than the BW and a week is a good chunk of time.
I am really looking forward to it.

I'm an extrovert, except when I'm around other people.

quote Beaverjack: "I'm an extrovert, except when I'm around other people."

:)

On the other hand, I'm only an introvert when I'm alone.

Definitely introverted and not always proud of it. Just took the test, ISTP.

I've thought a lot about why I do almost all my activities alone and the current reasoning is that it's because I feel less alone when I'm alone.

Nothing depresses me more than being surrounded by people who are with other people. I can spend 2 weeks traveling in the sticks by myself (or with my dog) and enjoy myself very much. I feel comfortable and enjoy what's going on around me. But if I try to spend a couple days in a city (or my small hometown's yearly celebration next week) I'll feel miserable and lonely by the end of it.

Solo is fun but I wonder if I wouldn't rather have it the other way.

Alan

Three reunions in as many weeks. My introvert side is in bad need of recharging.

I scored INFJ. I'm basically an intuitive introvert. There are times when on a solo that I miss companionship. It hits me in the evening usually. I really like doing what I want, when I want on the trail but around camp I like to be in a group. I think a group solo is in my future.

I'm a fading extrovert. Every year, I like solitude more and more. I was at a party last night and happy to just sit and watch. Sartre wrote, "Hell is other people." I'm not that far into introversion, but I do believe, "Heck is other people."

No real news for me, an introvert, for what it's worth,
Introvert 67%
iNtuitive 50%
Thinking 88%
Judging 89%

INTJ

butthead

quote butthead: "No real news for me, an introvert, for what it's worth,
Introvert 67%
iNtuitive 50%
Thinking 88%
Judging 89%


INTJ


butthead


"

INTJ, too - maybe that's why I always liked your posts ;).

quote TomT: "I scored INFJ. I'm basically an intuitive introvert. There are times when on a solo that I miss companionship. It hits me in the evening usually. I really like doing what I want, when I want on the trail but around camp I like to be in a group. I think a group solo is in my future.


"

I think it could be an interesting thing to try. I usually don't mind the solitude, even in the evening... but I do go to bed early sometimes.

something some of you may find interesting

according to the developers of MBTI, 51% of the people who have taken the test are introverts

but 60-65% of the public is extroverted

I guess that is in keeping with introverts, we look within. IOW, our nature has something to do with why we took the test, to better understand ourselves.

Yeah, I noticed that a majority of people were introverts and thought was odd, since I always believed a large majority of the population were extroverts. I think you're onto something there since it's something that people (mostly) choose to take rather than a representative sampling of the population.

I'm extrovertedly introverted.

I'm an extrovert trying my hardest to be an introvert

quote mooseplums: "I'm an extrovert trying my hardest to be an introvert"

I would never think that an extro would want to become an intro. I always thought growing up that extros thought intros were weird. Being an extro seems to be the accepted norn in our culture. As an intro I always perceived myself as being on the outside looking in.

So Mooseplums, why on earth would you want to be an introvert? Or are you just kidding?

quote mooseplums: "I'm an extrovert trying my hardest to be an introvert"

you are doing an extraordinarily bad job of trying
:)

quote TomT: "

quote mooseplums: "I'm an extrovert trying my hardest to be an introvert"

I would never think that an extro would want to become an intro. I always thought growing up that extros thought intros were weird. Being an extro seems to be the accepted norn in our culture. As an intro I always perceived myself as being on the outside looking in.


So Mooseplums, why on earth would you want to be an introvert? Or are you just kidding?


"

:D

I am more outgoing when I'm on the computer. In addition, my basic introversion seems to recede a little when I am soloing in a canoe. I tend to speak to everyone I pass which is not the case when I am in a group.
I do think some of us change a little over time. I know some older people that do not reflect the unmistakable introvert/extrovert tendencies of their youth.

Last time I took one of those tests was a while ago but I came back as an extroverted extrovert. It was a different test than Myers Briggs because the input is all external = how your friends and coworkers perceive you.

I teach for a living = I am the guy up front that everyone is staring at and I enjoy doing it.

All that said...just booked my first solo...and I can't wait. I will probably funnel all that natural talkativeness into journaling.

Solos are a good time to write. I tend to write a lot about trip details, but also about other personal stuff too.

I'd suggest taking a whole notebook and a couple of pens. Write trip notes at the front, then just turn it over/around to start writing personal stuff from the back forward. I usually just try to let that stuff flow out without editing - stream of consciousness type thing. Unfortunately, I think a lot faster than I write. One of these days I may try the voice recorder that some use.

Boonie, you might want to try shooting video and narrating.

Yes, I have thought about doing that too, Tom, although it's not exactly the kind of thing I'm thinking about with the voice recorder. It would be more for the thoughts that come to mind sometimes when you're paddling along mid-morning and you can't stop and write it all down and there's just too much. It would have to be one of those voice activated recorders to be useful for what I want. Another thing I need to consider is making some notes about the pictures as I take them - sometimes it is hard to identify them after I get back.

I'm also wondering how much extra battery power I'd need for that...

quote boonie: "Yes, I have thought about doing that too, Tom, although it's not exactly the kind of thing I'm thinking about with the voice recorder. It would be more for the thoughts that come to mind sometimes when you're paddling along mid-morning and you can't stop and write it all down and there's just too much. It would have to be one of those voice activated recorders to be useful for what I want. Another thing I need to consider is making some notes about the pictures as I take them - sometimes it is hard to identify them after I get back.


I'm also wondering how much extra battery power I'd need for that... "

Boonie I bought this voice recorder last year before my solo. I use it at work as well now and I know that I have over 20 hours of recording time with the original batteries.

I see that it says 72 hours of battery life.

I just took the test and had almost exactly the same score as Boonie and Butthead, an INTJ. Then I went to read some more trip reports on my upcoming solo from EP #37 and there is one by Boonie. And he posted it on 11/22 my birthday. This is getting a little weird. But it sure is nice to read and dream about BWCA/Q trips right now here in Minnesota.
Jon

quote Primitiveman: "I just took the test and had almost exactly the same score as Boonie and Butthead, an INTJ. Then I went to read some more trip reports on my upcoming solo from EP #37 and there is one by Boonie. And he posted it on 11/22 my birthday. This is getting a little weird. But it sure is nice to read and dream about BWCA/Q trips right now here in Minnesota.
Jon "

Well, it's a good thing you didn't post this three days from now (my birthday)! That would have been too much of a coincidence, Jon ;).

Oddly enough I'm going in #37 again this fall. What's your plan for your solo there?

Boonie
I am hoping to go where I intended to go last year, up through Malberg, Adams and Boulder, then back through Makwa, Zoe etc. Hope we get a little earlier spring this year. My permit is for May 9.
Jon

I think I remember now that you didn't get very far last year, did you? I hope it works out for you this year. At least you'll probably have better water levels than I did ;). I think you'll like the area, especially once you get to Adams, but it's an interesting paddle up to Polly and Malberg is a cool lake too. Once you go past there though, you can definitely tell that the portages are less used.

quote boonie: "
Oddly enough I'm going in #37 again this fall. "

Quetico.....Quetico........Quetico.........



Just trying to get in your subconscious. :)

You are there, TomT, aka the Quetico Whisperer. I'm thinking maybe next year.

Don't listen to him. Quetico is all fished out, logged over and very expensive. Only wealthy elderly people go there and jam up the portages while they hobble over.
Jon

quote Primitiveman: "Don't listen to him. Quetico is all fished out, logged over and very expensive. Only wealthy elderly people go there and jam up the portages while they hobble over.
Jon"

All I can say to that is "nice try!"

quote ZaraSp00k: "A post in the thread in listening point about the percentage of solo trippers got me wondering, are most solo trippers introverts, or at least mildly extroverts?"

Introvert: INTJ / INTP "Quiet, contained, flexible, and adaptable. Have unusual energy and ability to focus deeply when a problem arises in their area of interest. Skeptical, sometimes critical, always analytical. Independent, have high standards of competence and performance – for themselves and others."

Mostly fits. I've always admired and wished I was more of an extrovert! Enjoy social interaction for sure, but I'm more "energized" when alone or in small groups; reflecting, analyzing, solving problems. Some of the best moments occur when words can't capture the moment and you know with a glance that the person next to you is feeling what you are. In between those moments on a solo, I'm perfectly content and enjoy the freedom to choose my own path!

quote Primitiveman: "Boonie
I am hoping to go where I intended to go last year, up through Malberg, Adams and Boulder, then back through Makwa, Zoe etc. Hope we get a little earlier spring this year. My permit is for May 9.
Jon"

I'm going in on the 11th and plan on base camping on Malberg then day trippin from there. Maybe see ya out there

Let me see....I think I'm an Extrovert????

ESFP

SunCatcher

Suncatcher you are a rare bird. An extrovert who solos. Good on ya.

quote boonie: "

quote Jeriatric: "I'm basically an introvert but tend to become more talkative than normal when I encounter others while tripping alone.
Wetcanoedog is right about old people (that includes me) becoming more talkative. I think it is part because we have so much life experience and an inexhaustible number of stories to tell."

I've become more talkative in my old age. Apparently when I can't recall any of my inexhaustible supply of tales, I just make something up. At least according to my wife: "You never said that". "He never did that". She's becoming very forgetful. "

haha. laughed out loud.

I may be more of an introvert, kind of the strong silent type at heart. But I have learned how to be more extroverted through my work. I work as a bartender and server, so I am constantly around people, interacting with them and putting on a smile. I've come to enjoy it. In high school, I think that much forced interaction with people would have scared me some but not anymore at age 26.

I definitely still need my alone time. I think that's part of the reason I really enjoy my solo adventures. It sure is nice to not have to talk to anyone for a week, and rejuvinate my soul.

quote Jeriatric: "I'm basically an introvert but tend to become more talkative than normal when I encounter others while tripping alone.
Wetcanoedog is right about old people (that includes me) becoming more talkative. I think it is part because we have so much life experience and an inexhaustible number of stories to tell."

I could not agree more! I am a complete extrovert but did spend a week in the Q last fall on my third solo. I am also getting older, 62.
I went four full days without seeing anyone, anywhere. Then I ran into another solo guy my age on a portage heading to Kawnipi. Poor guy, I think I talked his ear off.
I really miss people around me on my trips to share the beauty of the place with. I trip at least 2 other times a year with close friends and family and love those trips. But just made a decision a week ago to solo again the week of Labor Day in the Q. I do find some level of contentment and solitude that I enjoy and is different from the other trips. I will give it a go again this year and then re-evaluate.

I have solo'd and yes have taken Myers Briggs and am an ENTJ.