So by first "real" solo I mean that this was by far the longest I've done. I've done a couple very short 2 nighters before, but those were easy.

I just got back from a 9 day solo last week. Honestly, going into it, I was worried about how I'd do solo. The first day was misting all day and a long day and mentally very challenging. I was even more worried about how I'd do for the next week and if I would have to try to bail out early.

Well on day 2, I was fishing on a small lake and got invited to join a group of 2 for dinner (Lake Trout) and accepted. I spent a while talking and visiting them, then got on my way.

Over the next 4 days, I saw zero people. No canoes, no tents, no voices, nothing. I actually was aware of the hours I was alone, and it was 93 hours.

I'm happy to say that those 4 days really were awesome. I never got lonely, I never got bored, I wasn't scared, I was just content. The weather was actually pretty awful over that time, but it didn't matter. I truly enjoyed that time alone.

I think after this trip, it's safe to say I see more and longer solos in my future!

Glad you had a awesome trip, hope to see a few pictures.

I'm glad you had an awesome solo trip ;). After I did my first longer one and knew I could, I really started liking the longer ones. After the first couple of days, I get into the flow and it's really nice to be out there for another week plus. I'll bet you decompressed and got really relaxed :).

Glad you enjoyed it! I am looking forward to a two week solo in a couple weeks. Great way to wind down after a year of teaching.

Awesome!!!!

Good job Bryce,
Much of that route reminds me of canoeing in our Wilderness System here in AK, like the paddle I just got done with.
Lots of smaller Lakes with a bunch of portaging.

Just imagine what it is like when you get perfect weather for the whole trip.

I'm glad to hear it went so well. How was the trout? I love that you didn't see anyone for 93 hours, you must have been off the beaten path, eh? I'm hoping to catch a few lake trout on my first solo in July on the LIS north loop. A little nervous too, but your report has me feeling a lot better. Thanks for sharing and paddle on!

quote anthonyp007: "I'm glad to hear it went so well. How was the trout? I love that you didn't see anyone for 93 hours, you must have been off the beaten path, eh? I'm hoping to catch a few lake trout on my first solo in July on the LIS north loop. A little nervous too, but your report has me feeling a lot better. Thanks for sharing and paddle on! "

What lake are you trying to catch them on? I might be able to give a tip or two.

Well done, BlueSkies, well done! Glad it all went very well for you. Beware it can be very addicting.

Welcome to the club

Good for you.......

What's nice about being comfortable soloing is you are no longer subject to the whims or time constraints of others. I like going with a group but if that falls through I am perfectly content alone. And yup it's certainly not the least bit unusual to fall in with some other folks during a solo trip.......actually for me, being an extrovert, it is more the norm than not.

Excellent! Sounds like a terrific time, won't be your last will it?!

Bob.

I just did my first solo as well. Was 10 days and never had a doubt in my mind until the boat driver dropping me off said "see you in ten days. Stay warm!" Then it sunk in that I was really doing it with no turning back. That few seconds was the only anxiety I had the whole trip! Honestly don't think Ive ever slept so contently than during those nights there. Truly blissfull!

My first solo is coming up in September... Going to do 11 days in Quetico on a dead end, right after an 8 day with my son. Planning on base camping for 8 days and taking a couple to get out. Hoping for the solitude I normally have in this location. I'm excited, and am sure I will be more so as it gets closer. Almost 3 weeks in the Q will be wonderful after several 8/9 day trips.

I hope my solo part is as awesome as yours!