I have a permit for next week July 5th and need some help getting motivated. My hope was my buddy would go and we'd have a duel solo. That is not to be since he's a real wimp lately.

Not a big fan of the heat either we've been having. Do others have trouble getting motivated once they have booked their trip? For some reason I always have trouble motivating myself to continue with my plans once I've made them.

Hmm, I have never had that problem when it comes to a canoe trip.

You don't wanna be a wimp like your friend... Do you?

There does that help?

I have had that problem on a couple of occasions. I always think of all the things that need to happen around the house, and stuff like that. But it passes as soon as I hit the road. Wish I had some extra vacation...I'd join you.

quote Merganser: "Hmm, I have never had that problem when it comes to a canoe trip.


You don't wanna be a wimp like your friend... Do you?


There does that help?"

Yes, that does!!!

I seem to get "trip planning burnout" right before I leave. Like right now I have 2 months of waiting and am jacked to go through all my gear this weekend and mark my maps. I'm motivated to ramp up my workouts. But - if I get TOO into it, I know I'll burn out and for my trip I will be emotionally "flat".

Hard to articulate but I'm gonna work on building up to the trip and not constantly think about it till I leave. Hope that makes sense and not just seem like a ramble.

I don't usually have that problem either, but sometimes when things change... Maybe it's related to your buddy dropping out and you being truly solo...?

Lately, I've been having some health problems (back) that are making me worry and reconsider. I'm just not sure what kind of shape it's going to be in.

After a long winter my earlier trips go off much better. I have a solo trip planned for August, and my motivation is slowing a bit. I feel a little guilty of spending most my resources on such a trip with grand babies on the way. I haven't been so far behind in firewood for years. I have the month of July to get it all together. I think I will keep the motivation going and go. Once out there I don't have time to think about much else. There is no room for being distracted with life. Sounds cold maybe, but wilderness travel is serious business in my opinion. When I get home there will be time just before deer season to go out and visit my kids and my new grandsons (I'm told they are both going to be boys). It's to bad they live so far away...

I often have that problem. Especially if I'm going with somebody. I say "How did I get roped into this?" My wife always says "You'll feel better once your on the road."

Maybe it's too much planning. Maybe you're worrried that the trip won't live up to expectations or to the extent of planning.

With group trips, such as the Four Solos, planning is neccessary since multiple people are involved. As you know, we can spend months planning via email.

But with solos trips I spend just a couple days getting ready. Most is food prep, checking the condition of some gear, and packing. I don't get a permit. I take all my maps with me and head up. Enroute I decide Ely, Gunflint, or Sawbill. Then I head to a ranger station or outfitter and pick up whatever permit is available for the next day (usually).

My last solo I decided on Ely because I wanted to eat breakfast at Brittons. :)

quote oldgentleman: "I often have that problem. Especially if I'm going with somebody. I say "How did I get roped into this?" My wife always says "You'll feel better once your on the road.""

funny my wife says the same thing

I have never had this problem!

Although, I am currently planning a trip for Aug/sept 2012 and the group list keeps on getting bigger. As a person who enjoys solos I am starting to worry about that trip!!!

quote oldgentleman: "I often have that problem. Especially if I'm going with somebody. I say "How did I get roped into this?" My wife always says "You'll feel better once your on the road.""

Good problem to have.......

quote oldgentleman: "My wife always says, "You'll feel better once your on the road.""

Funny, my ex-wife used to say that to me all the time...

I have that problem with any kind of trip but particularly if it is a group trip. Trying to accommodate every one expectation and failing miserably at it got me so burned out that I don't think I can do another group trip. I also get that trip planning burned out that Tom referred to it. It is good to hear you guys talk about things I thought were unique to me.

quote OBX2Kayak: "

quote oldgentleman: "My wife always says, "You'll feel better once your on the road.""

Funny, my ex-wife used to say that to me all the time..."

That's FUNNY!

I NEVER have trouble getting motivated to go canoeing.
Why, because it takes my mind to places I don't get to see everyday.
So I actually get a little gitty about it all and have anxiety about getting the heck out of "Dodge".

SunCatcher