A permit for me to do my first solo in August.

Wow. I never would have thought, even two years ago, that I would do this. Or even could do it.

AWESOME!

Almost anybody CAN do it, most won't.

make sure your family knows you will come back a change person!!
you will have a wonderful time.

DO IT!!!! You will love it, a whole nother side to canoe tripping.

Nola
Congratulations,
Wow you will not forget much about your experience, from the planning to the heading out, to the setting up each camp, to the way home.
It will be an awesome adventure.
SunCatcher

Cool! I love my solos - will be doing a long one this fall.

What's the plan - where, how long? Time to join the solo tripping forum, if you haven't already.

Welcome (almost) to the best club in the world (except maybe the Magic Snob Club). I hope you enjoy it as well as I have.

Don't give in to the fears that will creep in to your head even on the drive up (if they haven't started already.) At the put-in your heart will be racing faster than the first trip you took in to the great wilderness.

When you load your canoe you may be asking yourself "what in the world am doing?" The answer: embarking on a journey that happens more in your mind than on the waters. You will experience the wilderness in a whole new, wonderful way.

As you take the first few strokes of the paddle one word will cross your lips: "wow". (And don't be afraid to talk out loud even though there's no one there to hear you).

As the first hours of the trip pass by your confidence in your skills will grow. You'll navigate that first lake or river all by yourself. Hopefully you'll find the first portage or two or three without any problems. Doing the first portage will seem odd. You have to do it all. If there are others around they will look at you with awe. "Is she traveling all by herself?" In your mind you'll say "damn right!"

Take your time. Travel smart. Don't take risks. But don't turn back.

Your first solo campsite will be in your memory forever, pick a good one. Try to get as a secluded from others as possible.

Some people recommend "staying busy" and "keeping up a routine" in order to keep the willies at bay. I say nuts to that. Do what you want...who cares. You're alone. This is your trip. I recommend doing a lot of nothing except letting yourself experience the wilderness' sounds, sights, and smells in a way you cannot when others are around. You will probably see and hear things you've never heard before.

Really looking forward to hearing how your plans and packing are going and a great trip report when you return.


I haven't taken a solo trip in a long time. I think I need to.

quote boonie: "Cool! I love my solos - will be doing a long one this fall.


What's the plan - where, how long? Time to join the solo tripping forum, if you haven't already."

I thought this was the solo tripping forum?

I'm not giving out my plan. For a woman to post her exact plans on a public messageboard (it's easy to joing this "private" solo forum) probably isn't a good idea. Sadly.

Other than that, for my first solo, the plan is easy, probably only 2 nights.

Actually I probably will say when I'm going, eventually, but not the entry point. Also, I will have bear spray and I will know how to use it! ;-)

quote wetcanoedog: "make sure your family knows you will come back a change person!!
you will have a wonderful time."

I hope it's a change for the better. ;-)

quote nojobro: "

quote boonie: "Cool! I love my solos - will be doing a long one this fall.



What's the plan - where, how long? Time to join the solo tripping forum, if you haven't already."

I thought this was the solo tripping forum?


I'm not giving out my plan. For a woman to post her exact plans on a public messageboard (it's easy to joing this "private" solo forum) probably isn't a good idea. Sadly.


Other than that, for my first solo, the plan is easy, probably only 2 nights.


Actually I probably will say when I'm going, eventually, but not the entry point. Also, I will have bear spray and I will know how to use it! ;-)"

Wise attitude! "Need to know." only!

butthead

Congrats, Nola!! Go for it with gusto!!

I think the refernece was to www.solotripping.com - another board which I also like.

quote nojobro: "

quote boonie: "Cool! I love my solos - will be doing a long one this fall.



What's the plan - where, how long? Time to join the solo tripping forum, if you haven't already."

I thought this was the solo tripping forum?


I'm not giving out my plan. For a woman to post her exact plans on a public messageboard (it's easy to joing this "private" solo forum) probably isn't a good idea. Sadly.


Other than that, for my first solo, the plan is easy, probably only 2 nights.


Actually I probably will say when I'm going, eventually, but not the entry point. Also, I will have bear spray and I will know how to use it! ;-)"

Good idea, Nola. I wouldn't give it out to anyone else either if I were you :)

PJ, I didn't see your post earlier for some reason. It's a great one, thanks.

Glad you enjoyed it. Have a great time.

Nola..try and find a place where no one has been before.that is easier than it sounds.what i like about canoeing is there is no "path".following the shore line you may find yourself in a tiny inlet maybe no larger than a living room.a couple boulders or a grove of trees to get out next to and tie off.then a minute walk back into the woods..you can go a long way in a minute..and you more than likely be someplace where no person has ever been.no rangers,timber cruisers,fire fighters,bird watchers,hunters..stay a bit and take it in.

Going on a canoe trip by yourself? That's kinda weird. Are you that much of a loner? Are you blowing off your family to be selfish? Wow, that's really bizarre... Why would you ever want to do that? You're going to be hurt and will die a lonely death.

Just some thoughts I get from family members and friends when I tell them I'm going on a solo. :) Yes, the suburbs can be a very strange and boring place to live. Tell us all about it when you get back!

quote TomT: "Going on a canoe trip by yourself? That's kinda weird. Are you that much of a loner? Are you blowing off your family to be selfish? Wow, that's really bizarre... Why would you ever want to do that? You're going to be hurt and will die a lonely death.


Just some thoughts I get from family members and friends when I tell them I'm going on a solo. :) Yes, the suburbs can be a very strange and boring place to live. Tell us all about it when you get back!



"

LOL! And add in the common thought regarding women..."are you even strong enough to do that?"

I wonder if my boss will post a job opening when I go on my trip, just in case I don't come back....he thinks the fact that I even camp is quaint.

Nola, the comments above are right on. I just got back from my first solo and it is amazing. Never paddled my Magic loaded before and the difference is unreal, much more stable. You'll love the soltude and the pride in doing it yourself. I did come out a day early only because of the weather report and a work responsibility. I also almost talked myself out of it right up to getting on the water. Have a great trip.

quote wetcanoedog: "make sure your family knows you will come back a change person!!
you will have a wonderful time."

I second what the wetcanoedog says. PJ should write an article on solo, what wonderful thoughts he gave you. I agree with the "staying busy part", like PJ says, do what you want. I wish you the very best Nola. :+]

Also, congrats go out to "rookie in 03" on the completion of his first solo!

quote nojobro: "

quote boonie: "Cool! I love my solos - will be doing a long one this fall.



What's the plan - where, how long? Time to join the solo tripping forum, if you haven't already."

I thought this was the solo tripping forum?


I'm not giving out my plan. For a woman to post her exact plans on a public messageboard (it's easy to joing this "private" solo forum) probably isn't a good idea. Sadly.


Other than that, for my first solo, the plan is easy, probably only 2 nights.


Actually I probably will say when I'm going, eventually, but not the entry point. Also, I will have bear spray and I will know how to use it! ;-)"

nojobro,
Where did you buy your bear spray? I saw a type of bear repelant that sprays a solid stream out to 20 feet and I would like to find that type to buy a couple of canisters for my upcoming solo in two weeks.
Dick

That's great Nola! Solo's are a whole new level... I really enjoy mine. Good call making your first trip a shorter one. Get your feet wet and let your family/friends get used to the idea without you being gone too long.

No one can say for certain that they will love soloing until they've done it. However, in this endeavor, I think that just wanting to try it is a good indicator.
I have met lots of people who have never been alone in the woods for any reason. They are always in a group and they are the ones who are likely to think you are crazy. These people would not even consider a solo into the wilderness.
You may end up wanting to do a solo trip every year or you may look on it as a milestone that you reached, such as young Native Americans who had to live alone in the wilderness for a month in order to be considered men. In any case, you will be glad that it is something you have done.

Sounds like a great time. PJ has great insight. I did not keep traveling due to recovering from bone spur surgery a few months before. However, I did bring a couple of books that I finished. Worked well since it rained a lot. Lots of time for reflection.

Also, TomT is right on. I got this from my mom (of course) and she used the old twist that my wife was concerned. My wife really was not and pushed me to go; she knew I needed the break. My first call on way out was to my mom to tell her I was on the most dangerous part of my trip - I-35.
Also, a by-the-book Boy Scout Leader colleague of mine told me no one should travel in the wilderness alone. Pretty much a tisk-tisk you should know better.
Enjoy!

Lonewolf, your name got me thinking about one of my favorite songs. It's also appropriate for the Solo section.

Eels - Lone Wolf

quote buffalodick: "

quote nojobro: "

quote boonie: "Cool! I love my solos - will be doing a long one this fall.



What's the plan - where, how long? Time to join the solo tripping forum, if you haven't already."

I thought this was the solo tripping forum?



I'm not giving out my plan. For a woman to post her exact plans on a public messageboard (it's easy to joing this "private" solo forum) probably isn't a good idea. Sadly.



Other than that, for my first solo, the plan is easy, probably only 2 nights.



Actually I probably will say when I'm going, eventually, but not the entry point. Also, I will have bear spray and I will know how to use it! ;-)"

nojobro,
Where did you buy your bear spray? I saw a type of bear repelant that sprays a solid stream out to 20 feet and I would like to find that type to buy a couple of canisters for my upcoming solo in two weeks.
Dick"

haven't bought it yet. I was planning to go to the North American Bear Center in Ely to get it before my trip.

quote TomT: "Lonewolf, your name got me thinking about one of my favorite songs. It's also appropriate for the Solo section.


Eels - Lone Wolf


"

TomT, I love Eels. I don't have that album, though...must get it!

I have to go on this trip or else....a couple other women have told me I have insipred them.

;-)

No one has told me not to do it...yet. Several people did not really believe me that I was going to do it, though.

quote nojobro: "I have to go on this trip or else"

I think you are saying that half-joking (I hope.) Do it for you and no one else. Don't add that pressure on to yourself. Let them inspire themselves.

quote PJ: "

quote nojobro: "I have to go on this trip or else"

I think you are saying that half-joking (I hope.) Do it for you and no one else. Don't add that pressure on to yourself. Let them inspire themselves."

Ditto. Solos are all about you.

PJ and boonie, yes, please see the little winky face in my post under that statement. Like this: ;-)

But actually it steels the resolve...it's about me, of course, but it's also about advancing the entire womankind. (OK, not really, LOL...but the more of us who do it, the more who will consider it...I'm hardly the first one, but definitely the first one in my immediate circle.)

Nola, what are you paddling? what entry?

quote TomT: "Lonewolf, your name got me thinking about one of my favorite songs. It's also appropriate for the Solo section.

Eels - Lone Wolf "

That is a good song and as you said solo appropriate.

Mooseplums, paddling an advantage.

I'll tell you the entry in chat sometime.

Now my mom has broken her leg. She was going to watch my kiddos while I'm paddling. I guess I will see how she's doing as the summer goes on, but if she's having any trouble at all, watching my little one could be very difficult and I don't want to do that to her.

She fell off one measly step and is having surgery on it this morning. :( She just turned 70 over the weekend.

Sorry to hear about your mom's leg. You'll know more after the surgeon talks to her after surgery, but they usually get them in up, moving, and into PT quickly. I severely sprained an ankle a few years ago and they told me it would take 8 weeks to recover, but only 6 if I'd broken it!

quote boonie: "Sorry to hear about your mom's leg. You'll know more after the surgeon talks to her after surgery, but they usually get them in up, moving, and into PT quickly. I severely sprained an ankle a few years ago and they told me it would take 8 weeks to recover, but only 6 if I'd broken it!"

LOL, that's just not right!

Not that breaking a leg is a death sentence, but somehow this is my first experience with her mortality, in a way. I have a new respect for people who have had to deal with aging parents...seems I'm facing that path now, too. Tough because I live over four hours away.

I'll be praying for her to have a quick recovery :) PRAYER WORKS!!!

quote Amok: "I'll be praying for her to have a quick recovery :) PRAYER WORKS!!!"

Amen Amok...

I too have my aging father (now 81) to think about. He'll be "watching" my 23 yr old daughter. ;) I worry a little for him as he trys to do to much sometimes and gets into situations that he'd need help. I'll have to get Sadie to keep an eye on him!

I agree with Boonie... Your mom might be doing good by then. Don't throw in the towel yet.

I've been planning a good solo for August too. I've had second thoughts, including thoughts of doing it in the B Dub instead of Woodland Caribou. I feel guilty of spending so much on this trip as my June trip got to be quite expensive. I'm slowly talking myself back into it. I have quite a bit of time and rescources tied up in it already. It's hard to let go when you know what's up there.

quote Amok: "I'll be praying for her to have a quick recovery :) PRAYER WORKS!!!"

It worked for recovering a stolen camper. :)

I still don't know about this. My life is quite chaotic right now with it being summer in general and then selling the condo and buying a house and moving in a month. Then my trusted babysitter is in question. My husband works stupid hours or else I would be fine, but he can't be with the kids in the evenings so a full time sitter really is necessary. So it boils down to this: I want to go, but it would be far easier not to.

Hmm....

I know what you are talking about a little too well. I used to get extremely frustrated when life interfered with my plans. But my only choice was to get used to it. I would like to know what are planning to paddle if you end up going?

I'm going to have a talk with my older daughter (age 12) to see if she is willing to be grandma's legs. Grandma will be nearly 2 months after breaking her leg. It's just that the little one (3.5) is very fast and fearless. Also I will check with grandma, of course. I know I won't feel right with anyone else watching them.

I am not sharing my entry point until after my trip. In case of weird, freaky internet lurkers.

I was not asking about your entry point. I know it is different for lady paddler and I think you are smart not to share it on the forum. I was asking about your boat? What do you are planning to rent or own?

Ooh, you're in a tough spot. It's possible you won't be able to enjoy the trip if the situation back home isn't right.

I had a trip lined up with my 16 year old brother in 1992 and our entry into quetico was 6 weeks after our son was born (only child). My wife did not want me to go. She would have to move in with her parents while I was gone. My mother supported the trip.

We did the trip and I still hear about it to this day. Her parents were extremely mad at my mom for supporting me to go. My mom didn't help with the baby while I was gone which made matters worse. That trip wasn't a feel good experience.

Best of luck.

quote Rambler_Dog: "I was not asking about your entry point. I know it is different for lady paddler and I think you are smart not to share it on the forum. I was asking about your boat? What do you are planning to rent or own?"

Oh duh. What not where. I was going to borrow the same kind of boat that butthead has, though the name is escaping me right now.

I'm pretty sure I'm calling this one off now. I realized that my mom won't be able to drive by the time of the trip, so she'd be stuck home with the kids. I think it's like TomT is saying....I would not be able to enjoy myself thinking about the situation at home.

Wow, writing that takes the pressure off. I hadn't realized. It's something I still really want, but I'm not able right now to prepare the way I want to (have not been able to work out lately), would have to mess around with making sure I don't pack away things that i need when we are moving, and then there's wondering about my mom and the kids.

I will still have vacation time that week as my little one will not have day care that week, but I think we will go to our cabin instead. That will be fun, too. Just different.

It will be a long wait until next year, though, that's for sure.

Relief and sadness at the same time. Weird combo!

Sorry Nojobro... But it takes a strong person sometimes to make that decision. I hope you have many more opportunities to plan and do trips both solo and otherwise. I hope your mother is doing better and you have a great time at your cabin. I had to forgo years of tripping when having a business... Mostly because I had kids to support. I don't regret that at all. Now I work on the off season more and am back to doing what I love... My kids are behind me all the way.

Bummer, Nojobro. Sounds like the right decision for you now. I somewhat know how you feel.
A few year's ago I had my first solo planned as well as a trip with my son. Work got in the way of my planned trip with my son so bagged the solo and made it my father/son trip. Well worth it, but couldn't get a solo in until finally last fall (2010).
I've also bailed out on trips over the years for personal or work related reasons. Always hard to do and depressing, however I've also had a few times where out-of-blue the stars align and I've been able to quickly throw together an extra trip. That's how my solo last year and my father/daughter trip this year came about.
Good luck and know you have lot's of years in the future to do a solo in BWCA.

Makes sense to me, though I can understand the disappointment - as well as the relief. You will have other opportunities, and the right one will come along and then you'll have a great trip.