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05/14/2018 12:25PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Just got back from my second solo - only 2 nights. It seemed like a rollercoaster of emotions, mostly "do i stay or do i go". I got to camp and was tired - wasn't hungry - set up / had a small fire / went to bed. Slept 12 hours and thought I should just leave. Wasn't hungry. Decided I needed to eat lunch, had to force down, then took 3 hour nap! The weather was almost perfect. Did go for a paddle and really enjoyed, had nice fire when I got back. then it got cold. I had wool socks to keep my feet warm, but they were freezing. I woke up every hour all night long! I had planned a solo Snowbank through Knife / Kek / Thomas / and back to Snowbank this fall for 10 days. Wondering if I can keep my sanity that long? Any thoughts on the solo group? I am starting to think that I am just not cut out for solo trips.
 
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SevenofNine
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05/14/2018 01:51PM  
Sounds like you had an emotional roller coaster as a lot of people do on their solo trips, including me. If you are really concerned about being alone that long a time then I would build into your trip an early exit route. When you are at the beginning of a solo there tends to be more focus on whether or not you should be out there and so on and so forth. After a few days I get into the groove of the trip and get more comfortable being out there. I start to enjoy the experience of being out on a lake, in the woods or by the lake shore. The same could happen for you or you could just hate being alone for long periods of time.

Some people are not comfortable being alone for long periods of time. Nothing wrong with that. For me I can handle about 5 days and I then I want to see my wife so most of my trips are that length or less.
 
landoftheskytintedwater
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05/14/2018 02:53PM  
I've only done two short solos and have had similar feelings.

I tend to love being out traveling on my own, but when in camp and tend to wish I had someone with me. My first solo was a basecamp trip, so I learned the hard way on that one I didn't like just being in camp (I was also windbound so couldn't fish which made it worse).

On my second trip, I planned to travel each day (only four) but kept the route tame and on smaller water as it was only my second solo. From my notes on that trip, I said I needed to try long travel days on my next solo to kind of force a little bit longer trip but also to see if that's what I'd enjoy most soloing.

Going on a quick solo this summer (new baby, hectic work schedule make a longer one not possible). Trying to do four 12-15 mile travel days, going to plan on fishing while out traveling, so my days are long. Also doing a loop so leaving early won't really be possible without monster days.
 
05/14/2018 06:46PM  
Soloing takes time to figure it out. I distinctly remember saying "I'll never do that again" after my first 4 solos way back in the 80's and 90's. I don't think I ever truly enjoyed a solo until my 5th one in 2011. After several more I now think my perfect trip is solo with dog for 4-5 days then hook up with other solos to finish out a 10 night trip. The best of both worlds.

My advice is keep a journal. Bring a good book or 2. Get into taking pics and or fishing. Maybe bring a dog if you have one. And just relax and enjoy what the weather brings. Be open to exploring or taking a day trip to fish a neighbor lake. I know one thing - the more often you do it the easier it gets.



 
RetiredDave
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05/14/2018 07:23PM  
TomT: "Soloing takes time to figure it out. I distinctly remember saying "I'll never do that again" I know one thing - the more often you do it the easier it gets.

I paraphrased TomT, and I agree, personally. I didn't start soloing until I was in my 60's, and my first was kind of iffy, I didn't know if I wanted to do another one. But I did, and I had some sublime moments. Then another, and it was really wonderful. Each got better since I kind of began trusting the process and I learned what I had to do at each new campsite by myself. I love the feeling of being alone with my campfire after all the chores are done and the place is squared away.

Now my only problem is, how many more years do I have?

Soloing may or may not be for you, but if you even think you might like to try it again, go for it!

Dave
 
05/14/2018 07:24PM  
This thread could not have come at a more perfect time. I have my first solo in about a month. I can't wait to go, but at the same time am worried about a handful of things. Luckily, I am fairly used to my own company, but this will be a different experience. Equal measures of excitement and fear that I will miss something at this point. :)
 
05/14/2018 07:44PM  
Ya like it or don't. Plenty of other combinations also possible. No wrong way to go, just stay honest with yerself. Some cannot paddle solo, some can't camp alone, some take time to get into it, I for myself never looked back. Of course I can strike up a conversation with a tree, or debate a rock about dinner options. One thing is for certain, only you can decide if it's good for you!

I've never considered solo tripping to be anything special.

butthead
 
05/14/2018 07:57PM  
Your emotions and feelings are not unusual in my experience. It's not unusual to be a little anxious about any new experience, nor to be a little tired and consequently not as hungry. I was overly ambitious in planning my first trips and it took me a while to learn what I didn't know and make the necessary changes so that I wasn't over extended.

Although I didn't say I'd never do another one, I did say I was going to do some things differently. I learned to cut back on food and gear, simplify chores, and plan less ambitious travel mileage in order not to be overwhelmed.

After a few solo trips, I was far enough out the learning curve to be a lot more comfortable. Even at that and after quite a few, it usually takes me a couple of days to decompress, unwind, and get into the routine. I don't fish any more, so I prefer to travel most days, but some prefer base camping.

I usually only travel about 5 hours a day (+/- 1), sometimes less. That way I have plenty of time to explore, find a site, finish camp chores and still have some time to just relax. I also plan an extra day every few days for weather and/or rest and day trips.


It's hard to give much more specific advice on such an individual endeavor. It's something most people have to work out for themselves over a few trips. And some do decide it's not something they like.
 
bwcasolo
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05/15/2018 05:30AM  
i have been comfortable doing things alone since i was a kid. fish pole in hand, cut off shorts and tennis shoes, wading the cedar river below the damn in waverly iowa.
after a number of years with groups, solo travel was it.
i read, fish a little, just get in the groove.
it's your trip, you do what you want, when you want to.
i like the freedom of that. no rush, no hurry.
this week i will visit most entry points west and east of ely for all day, day trips, sleeping in my outback.
i may set up my tent, i may not. this is my week.
i may stay on triangle lake, i may not.
i am not tied down to one entry point, or a route i have to follow.
i am really looking forward to it.

 
05/15/2018 06:22AM  
bwcasolo: "
it's your trip, you do what you want, when you want to.
i like the freedom of that. no rush, no hurry.
i am not tied down to one entry point, or a route i have to follow.
i am really looking forward to it.
"


Yes! The freedom is what it's all about. You can absolutely do anything whenever wherever. I've been married for 29 years and as we know it's all a compromise. Group trips are a compromise. Going solo is exhilarating freedom of choice.

Another benefit is you don't make much noise and consequently will see more wildlife. I remember sitting in my chair one evening reading and suddenly 2 squirrels started chasing each other through and around my site seemingly oblivious to me sitting there. That kind of thing doesn't happen with a noisy group. I like to get up at dawn put the coffee on and just observe. Maybe walk the trails around camp or the shoreline. Lots of cool stuff to see and hear. Ya gotta get your zen on.





 
05/15/2018 06:36AM  
I don't spend a whole lot of time in camp. Traveling or exploring occupies most of my time. Reading on rainy days. June is my month to solo with the long days and short nights. I don't even have a campfire very often. I don't fish, so traveling is my desire. If you are on the move you meet people more often on portages. I find I am much more sociable with strangers on a solo than when I traveling in a group. As this forum demonstrates, there are a diversity of interesting folks out there.
 
05/15/2018 07:08AM  
Additional validation of the feeling just "off", not tired nor hungry and feeling the urge to do something but not wanting to do anything... Shifts in what our body experiences can trigger this feeling common even in group trips. After a couple days it seems to go away and the body adjusts to being out there, in most cases. Fatigue from over extending and other things can make it worse. Planning something to do like reading or exploring the area, fishing or photography, and other activity helps. Knowing it will happen and pass helps.
I have cut short trips due to this effect and then kicked myself for doing so. It seems a no win unless you plan for such things. And, yes, take a warm set of backups as it can get really chilly even during the warm season. Plan Ahe
a
d
And the group solo tripping is another option I have enjoyed a couple times and hope to do again.
 
05/15/2018 08:09AM  
 
05/15/2018 08:10AM  
Just trying to remove the italics.
 
Lailoken
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05/15/2018 06:37PM  
Travel!! My first solo was five days, and it seemed long. I was on low travel area and the portage that I knew was there, was not. A beaver dam had come up since last map update and the portage was 4-5 feet underwater. After walking the portage back and forth many times and "knowing" it had to be there, I plunged in and waded chest deep with canoe behind me with gear. When finally could get in there, and gondola-ed for a while, came out to the Grand Hoover Damn of beaver damn. After that, I never felt like I was where I was, even though had no other option. When I got back from Quetico into BWCA, I'd stop at almost every campsite to see the official forest service grill, as the Q campsites weren't marked. My second trip was twelve nights & thirteen days, and was not long enough. I prefer solo during the day, though miss companionship once find a campsite. It is always a bit lonely and I realized fire is more social than anything else. On the 12 night trip, made a fire first night, once in middle, and last night. BTW, both Solo trips occurred when someone planning on coming backed out. Think for some people and not for others.



 
GraniteCliffs
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05/15/2018 09:07PM  
Lots of folks hate solos and lots of folks love solos. Kind of like who likes chicken, steak or seafood I guess.
My experience, like many, found it took several trips to really begin to enjoy myself even though I had been on well over a hundred group trips. Now that I have been on a dozen solos I have learned to embrace them. Do I miss people?
Absolutely, especially since I tend to be more of an extrovert. But I am able to recognize it for what it is and turn those feelings aside.
I find I need to stay busy so I paddle and portage most of the day. I lily dip along the shore frequently, just staring at the lake bottom or staring at the shore or listening to the sounds as I meander down the lake.
When I hit camp I don't normally bother to make a fire. I eat dehydrated food virtually every night. I bring a book and read for an hour or two every night while I have a couple of drinks and puff on a cigar. Mostly, I just stare at the lake and listen to the sounds. Then off to bed, where I typically fall asleep instantly and feel completely at peace as I do.
 
GraniteCliffs
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05/15/2018 09:19PM  
Lailoken, you must be describing the Trant Lake beaver dam portage--no portage! I remember coming across it after it flooded. I had been there a number of times and was totally perplexed as to where I was. Finally guessed beaver dam and we jumped in the canoes and paddled the portage! It was great since that is or was a long and difficult haul and the dam helped it become a tad easier.
 
Lailoken
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05/16/2018 07:40AM  
GraniteCliffs: "Lailoken, you must be describing the Trant Lake beaver dam portage--no portage! I remember coming across it after it flooded. I had been there a number of times and was totally perplexed as to where I was. Finally guessed beaver dam and we jumped in the canoes and paddled the portage! It was great since that is or was a long and difficult haul and the dam helped it become a tad easier."


I don't think it was that lake, as don't remember name. It is funny, I can remember the routes and campsites from the maps (fisher) but don't often know the names. It was an experience. I'd guess 40 to 45 feet wide and total of 15 feet tall. Those two pictures give the idea.
 
hobbydog
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05/17/2018 04:23PM  
I would say that two days was not long enough to make a good judgement. It takes me 2 to 3 days to just find a rhythm. By day 4 and 5, I have pretty much let go of everything in the real world. Set some goals you want to achieve on the trip and work towards them.
 
05/17/2018 08:17PM  
I'd like to thank everyone for the information. It is good to know that a lot of you have gone through the same swings (ups and downs), and I should try to grasp the positives. Once I felt better and started doing stuff, I was ready to stay, but being so close to the exit and not wanting my feet to be that cold again was the spark for leaving. I will give it another try this year, just not sure if it will be into stuart lake for a few days (easy exit) - or the longer trip through Kekekabic? but I have another trip set with my cousin in June and those are always fun! It will drive me to return. It is so wonderful having a great recreation opportunity within a days drive, because I know many of come a lot further! The silly thing is I am an introvert, and prefer reflection and being alone!
 
SevenofNine
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05/18/2018 07:26AM  
If you had trouble keeping your feet cold you should reassess your gear list. Some people bring down slippers very lightweight and easily packed to keep their feet warm. I also think you should consider what you had for cold weather gear i.e. long underwear, what type of coat, hat etc and think about whether what you have is adequate. Plus what did you eat when you got cold if anything? Fuel (food) and insulation our are two main ways to combat the cold excluding a fire.

I wish you the best in your search for having a great trip. The learning experience is fun and interesting as there are so many variables to staying warm and happy.
 
05/18/2018 12:58PM  
I did a lot of "reassessing" as SevenofNine put it - not just of equipment, but everything. For example, I asked myself questions like:

You were tired when you got into camp the first night:

Were you more tired than when you go with your cousin? If so, why?
Did I try to travel too far? Maybe, try traveling less.
Were portage loads a lot heavier than those tandem trips? Some, how can I reduce . . .
Did I get to camp earlier, later, or the same time as usual? I need more time to do all camp chores myself, so need to get there earlier and/or simplify.
Cold feet? Just until you got in the sleeping bag or all night?
Did I stay hydrated and fueled while traveling during the day? Being dehydrated can make you feel tired as well as cold. Do I need more/different clothes? Do I need a warmer bag? Booties? I've found that wearing a beanie/balaclava helps.

It took me several trips of this kind of "analysis" before I found my comfort levels and my trip. Just keep plugging away at fixing the problems and soon you'll find your comfort level and trip.

I do much better now that I stay hydrated and fueled during the day, don't travel quite as long/far, don't try to travel every day, have smaller loads, have a simpler camp routine. I get into camp earlier before I'm too tired and get things done. I have three pair of socks - one for travel, one for camp with camp shoes, one only for sleep.

Like many others I rarely have a fire; if I do it's small and simple.


You should have plenty of time to do your Snowbank loop later without any long days and without traveling every day.


 
05/18/2018 08:12PM  
I have done over 50 solo trips and for the last 17 years at least one trip per year of over three weeks. I think it takes a certain personality to do them, one in which you are comfortable within yourself. You'll either find you enjoy them or you don't. There is nothing right or wrong about different personalities- they just are.

Here are my solo rules:

1/know where everthing is packed,
2/when in doubt-don't,
3/carry a safety method to the outside world,
4/be amused by your mistakes as you'll make some,
5/think before you act,
6/try to remain calm when recovering from disaster,
7/watch the sky,
8/don't overdo it,
9/have a plan but be flexible, and
10/document your trips to stir memories.

What I really love about solo canoeing is the freedom of choice and to know that everything accomplished is because of your efforts.

May your paddle guide you through 2018!
 
mastertangler
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05/19/2018 11:38AM  
For about 6 or 7 years I used to run a trap line and was out every day, all day for the entire fall and most of the winter. It was great and now I don't think twice about being alone for 2 or 3 weeks.

The key is to have a goal. Plan an ambitious route. That keeps you motivated. Get up early, run late. You hit the hay around dark and sleep solid. Rinse and repeat. I like to journal, take pics and read and fish. Plenty to do without needing to make some one else happy.

My first solo trip was the Hunters Island loop. Great trip.
 
macsvens
member (40)member
  
06/30/2018 02:23PM  
Agree. I’m going on a 10 day solo in Sept. and these suggestions are really helpful.
 
06/30/2018 04:37PM  
jdddl8: "
Here are my solo rules:

1/know where everthing is packed,
2/when in doubt-don't,
3/carry a safety method to the outside world,
4/be amused by your mistakes as you'll make some,
5/think before you act,
6/try to remain calm when recovering from disaster,
7/watch the sky,
8/don't overdo it,
9/have a plan but be flexible, and
10/document your trips to stir memories.

"


Very good advice. I'd also add "Watch your step". Even a sprained knee or ankle is bad news when portaging.

 
GraniteCliffs
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06/30/2018 09:06PM  
One other guideline I normally follow is "If there is a portage, take it!"
Especially true on solo trips in the Q.
 
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