A couple weeks ago I completed my first solo because I can no longer find anyone to go with me. A week alone was awesome and I might have to plan something a little longer next time. I have new respect for paddling in the wind solo because I had a 10-20 mph wind in my face the whole week as the wind just wouldn't stop blowing at EP 37. Solo trips are a great sense of accomplishment. Thanks to everyone in the solo thread for all the info.

You certainly picked a beautiful entry point to solo. Glad you had a good time. Where did you go to?

I'm glad you enjoyed your first solo and hope you will do a complete trip report. I did my first solo for the same reason and also found it very enjoyable. I have done quite a few since then and several through EP #37.

First solo, way to go! Yup go for longer next time........a few other tid bits........

Be ambitious, if your on the go all the time you don't have time to get lonely. Plus you sleep like a rock. A writing tablet becomes a great friend. I like journaling my trips for future reference. Its like, "oh yea, I remember that"!

Wind? What wind? One thing I like is how a solo bobs like a cork and with the lower sides they usually catch very little wind compared to tandems. Of course when you start shipping water over the sides its time to come in.

And lastly, I much prefer following the shoreline or at most "point to point" when traveling. At first this was due to safety precautions. If you dump you are not so far from safety as no one is coming to help. But then I began to enjoy looking into the woods more and into the water as well. Plus there are more obstructions to contend with in the form of underwater rocks etc. I find it a far more engaging style of paddling than plowing down the middle of lakes. Does it take longer? Heres a secret, I'm not in a rush (at least not usually ;-).

I went clear up to Malberg and then circled around the kawishiwi River and back through Malberg before heading back. Already have my trip report complete just need to proof read.

I went clear up to Malberg and then circled around the kawishiwi River and back through Malberg before heading back. Already have my trip report complete just need to proof read.

Congrats on the first trip. There's definitely something different/special about a "big" solo, especially the first!

Congratulations on the first solo.

nice job, it doe's get in your blood. make good decisions, that's what i have read from another soloist.
many more to come, i love alone time!

Glad to hear it was a successful trip!

Glad to hear you had a good first solo and want more. I have four solo under my belt now, they get better every time.