I am sure this question has been asked before but I ask it again. Why do you solo? Is it the freedom, ease of organizing the trip, can't get a partner, solitude, or is it something that I have not thought of?

the challenge.

All of the above, mostly freedom.

I agree with Kanoes, nice to test your limits. And coming from a job where I talk to idiots for a living, the peacefulness of it is extremely nice. I also dont feel any pressure to "do something" while tripping, sometimes a problem with an antsy tandem partner.

(e) all of the above.

It starts with don't have a partner, can't find someone to go with all the scheduling difficulties. And all I want is one person, not a group. It's definitely a lot easier to organize, there's a lot more freedom, more flexibility, more challenge, less "noise", more solitude, more time to pursue your individual interests.

On the other hand, it's more expensive, more work, more difficult, and there's no to share special moments with.

Going with partners or a group is great in its own way but things are done with the others in mind. Going solo is total independence. It has it's drawbacks eg:loneliness, but I love it for the sense of adventure and seeing what I'm capable of.

yup, what everyone else said.

Its nice being able to plan, pack and go in just a few days.

A few reasons one being I can go at the spur of the moment. My tripping partner(he's retired and I work, go figure) cannot go without a few weeks notice.

I love the freedom and the fact I can go at my own pace. Plus I get to go where I want, do what I want and when I want.

Finally, I have found the solo experience to be the true definition of a wilderness experience.

I went solo because I needed "me" time, and wanted to do it in the BW. I also needed to see where I was physically, and needed the mental recharge. And I enjoyed it, I'm definitely doing it again when I can :)

solitude

I agree with the rest, and I particularly like the physical and mental challenge.

I'm going for the challenge first and foremost, but also for the peace and quiet.

Maybe it's the same as solitude, but how about being a loner? Some people just want to be alone.

It's also a great time to reflect on what's been going on in our lives. Being so busy with work and family, sometimes the years pass us by. It's a great time to think about what our future may hold and develop plans.

quote Bannock: "Maybe it's the same as solitude, but how about being a loner? Some people just want to be alone.
"

+1

No jibber jabber. When I'm with someone, I chat. When alone, I witness. It makes you more alert and more alive and you're insulated from the moment by the familiar.

Here were my thoughts from my first solo: I wrote em down as to the why...

As I prepared to go and plan most people asked my why?
Why are you doing this?
Is this your mid life crisis?
Have you lost your mind?
Are you crazy or what?
What about Bears?
You are stupid, (they say)



Well here is my answer:

NONE of the above is true.

Simply this, the Adventure, the challenge, to be fortunate enough to have the opportunity to paint a memory of a journey in a place so vast, so remote, so beautiful. In a vessel as old as mankind, with a paddle and a pack. To say you did it…. and NO one can take that away from you. None of them can understand it or feel my feelings or emotions of being in those moments as one with nature and God’s infamous amazing place. Water, and rocks, and trees, and creatures and birds, and the Sun, and the stars ever so big….you feel you can just raise your arm and pluck them out of the darkness. To see and breath in the mighty power of nature, Raw Nature.

Burnt into my memories are six days of a journey that few will do and ever experience. I thank the Lord for his protection and his angels watching over me, my every step and placement of the paddle. I am Blessed and fortunate to have an understanding wife and family who love me and allowed me to start with a dream and be fortunate enough to live out this dream.

I am Blessed !

SunCatcher

Suncatcher, that was beautiful.

And I thought I was the only one who thought things like that while driving up, let alone wondering about things while getting ready for my solo.

Wonderful description of what sounds like a great solo!

Suncatcher, that is awesome.

You know, this internet thing really helps people like us who step out of the "normal" box and do something like a solo wilderness canoe trip.

I did two solos in the mid eighties and didn't have the support system of a board like this. I remember getting the usual "you are crazy" comments from friends and family and I did kind of start to wonder if I WAS kind of crazy for wanting to do this.

Now I know I'm not alone and it's pretty darn cool too. Ya gotta love this technology sometimes.

quote PJ: "

quote Bannock: "Maybe it's the same as solitude, but how about being a loner? Some people just want to be alone.
"

+1"

+2

That sums it up pretty well, Suncatcher. I like that. But when people ask me why I'm going alone, I just tell them, "because you won't go with me". :)

SunCatcher -- I got goose bumps just reading your post. Thank you for that feel. It was awesome...

SunCatcher...
I have been contemplating my first solo. You just made up my mind to go for it..
Thanks so much.

Because I'm a real jerk and no one can stand camping with me.
(wink)

Great comments from many. Special kudo to Suncatcher who captures the essence of canoe country as I have felt it.

I’ve soloed on and off for 30 years. I get the same quizzical looks and “Are you nuts?” questions every year. Then I'm asked why I solo.

As I paddle to the solitude in the interior of canoe country, mostly in the Quetico in recent years, things get quieter and calmer and I begin to settle into nature's rhythm. I begin to feel contentment and profound pleasure. Then comes that realization that as humans we are very small and almost inconsequential in the wilderness that surrounds us, to the planet we live on, and the stars and galaxies we see in the night sky. Not that we aren't special in God's eyes, but just that in the physical universe, we aren't much. Sitting quietly and simply observing nature in canoe country brings a real humbling feeling. And I'm truly thankful for that feeling--absolute joy that I have the opportunity to sit on this rock, at this time in my life, and gaze at the water, the trees, the wildlife, the sky and the stars. And when that happens, and it always does eventually, I realize the rat race back home in the "civilized" world is not as important as some would make it seem.

This is why I love to solo.

All of the above.

wow, I am glad I asked this. I usually come to this board to learn about canoe trips but I learn about few other things as well.

quote Rambler_Dog: "wow, I am glad I asked this. I usually come to this board to learn about canoe trips but I learn about few other things as well."

Usually when people are shocked about someone doing a solo trip it's their way of showing you they are uncomfortable with doing it themselves.

quote SevenofNine: "

quote Rambler_Dog: "wow, I am glad I asked this. I usually come to this board to learn about canoe trips but I learn about few other things as well."

Usually when people are shocked about someone doing a solo trip it's their way of showing you they are uncomfortable with doing it themselves."

Agreed.

quote SevenofNine: "

quote Rambler_Dog: "wow, I am glad I asked this. I usually come to this board to learn about canoe trips but I learn about few other things as well."

Usually when people are shocked about someone doing a solo trip it's their way of showing you they are uncomfortable with doing it themselves."

This is a great answer.

SunCatcher, PineKnot, Bannock, and all who answered in the positive supplied more than I could put in!

butthead

Lots of good responses here.

My own answer is that I had some time I was going to be alone anyway, and I had the opportunity for a canoe trip, so why not put them together. And then I was interested in the challenge too. Mostly the psychological challenge of being alone at night, but also the challenges of being entirely on my own in all aspects of the trip. I also have to admit that I love paddling my Prism.

The comparison of solo versus group trip is a little different for me than for some of you (based on your responses) because I am blessed with having a canoeing partner who is the perfect match for me. When I go on a trip with David, there are none of the negatives of group dynamics that others sometimes describe. We generally like to go at the same pace (which may be slow or may be faster), do the same things, soak up the wild world around us. It already is kind of like going on a solo, but with your best friend along to keep you from getting lonely.

But sometimes being lonely can be a good thing too. I didn't have a lot of opportunity to feel alone and lonely being out just for three nights, but when I did, it was a good opportunity to reflect on my life and its many blessings.

quote Ho Ho: "Lots of good responses here.


My own answer is that I had some time I was going to be alone anyway, and I had the opportunity for a canoe trip, so why not put them together. And then I was interested in the challenge too. Mostly the psychological challenge of being alone at night, but also the challenges of being entirely on my own in all aspects of the trip. I also have to admit that I love paddling my Prism.


The comparison of solo versus group trip is a little different for me than for some of you (based on your responses) because I am blessed with having a canoeing partner who is the perfect match for me. When I go on a trip with David, there are none of the negatives of group dynamics that others sometimes describe. We generally like to go at the same pace (which may be slow or may be faster), do the same things, soak up the wild world around us. It already is kind of like going on a solo, but with your best friend along to keep you from getting lonely.


But sometimes being lonely can be a good thing too. I didn't have a lot of opportunity to feel alone and lonely being out just for three nights, but when I did, it was a good opportunity to reflect on my life and its many blessings.
"

You are very insightful and I agree with your observation about being lonely being a good thing. It definitely brings you closer to the ones you love after you reflect on your life and after counting the blessings you have.

My husband works out of state and has since 2005 and the kids are grown and out. Its much more fun to be alone canoeing than alone doing dishes, mindless cleaning and watching TV.

Tandem trips are few and far between and also to be treasured.

Its gotten so that I am seldom home for long periods unless my husband is home. I am more likely to be solo canoeing than alone at home.

I don't have to take care of anyone.

You rock, yellowcanoe.

I bought a solo canoe at first because my regular canoe partner (my son) married and now has his own family and time is harder to find for him to go. My spouse has never been much for canoeing but never ever told me not to go and enjoy myself. Now I go to be free to spend time on the water as I see fit. To fish, to photograph, and see the scenery. I paddle the BWCA solo with no limits but my own. It can be as challenging as I want to make it. Solo canoeing is good for the soul.

Someone just posted a 23 day Wabakimi solo report. Amazing stats. Can't wait to read report and see photos - he's emailing it. Could help explain some why. I'm still in the mulling over stage following my first solo.

I did my one and only to push myself and see what I could do. Great experience and learned alot about my self both physically and mentally. I would love to do another sometime soon and push myself even further. worst part about it was the evenings spent alone with no-one to talk about the days events and next days adventures.

quote dprochef: "I did my one and only to push myself and see what I could do. Great experience and learned alot about my self both physically and mentally. I would love to do another sometime soon and push myself even further. worst part about it was the evenings spent alone with no-one to talk about the days events and next days adventures.


"

thats where journaling comes in. i love writing in camp.

I would read my book near the lake as the sun set then switch to my camera if the sun was out. The low sun gave some real interesting shots and it also kept me busy as I walked the site.

Ted Lake Sept. 2011

*I just realized that this is supposed to be vertical. I haven't gone through all my pics yet.