I got to thinking about this after reading Mort's trip report and being reminded of how he finds picture-taking distracting and no longer carries a camera.

I, on the other hand, love taking pictures and find that it makes me look at things more closely or in a different light.

I like to just sit, soak it in, meditate, observe wildlife, read, write, look at maps, and stargaze. I like to minimize time spent on camp chores - cooking, cleaning, water filtering, firewood gathering/fire building, tarp-rigging - so I have more time for the other things. And I like to have all that stuff done before dark.

I know some people are just the opposite though.

What about you? What's your primary objective?

I can sit and just soak things in for hours. No boredom, no thought (or random stream of consciousness) just pure appreciation of where I am. I can't even describe it really, but have found myself standing up stiff after a couple hours of chilling out on regular occasion...

I actually love the camp setup pieces and it gives me a sense of accomplishment knowing I can just hang out for the rest of the time I am there...

im just kinda *there. cant explain what i experience. sometimes im all over photography, sometimes im not. same goes with writing. every evening is different for me.

I like having the work done right away and then just staring at a fishing pole an enjoy the scenery, wildlife, staring at the fire, the star's, sunrises and sunsets, when I day trip I like to take lots of pictures, being lonely, scared and bored never crosses my mind, can,t wait till I can take some longer solo's.

I paddle more. Way more than with most of the tandem or group trips I do.
I rarely gather firewood any longer on my solo trips. Fires are great for socializing around, so on solos they tend to make me feel more alone. I like the dark. I'd rather look into the abyss of the stars and listen than into the fire.
I have taken to leaving the tarp at home on solos. I have a tarp with my hammock so can just set that in porch mode and be good. I spend very little time in camp anyway.
I do take a camera - but mostly for others. I find taking photos a bit distracting as well and may opt to leave it at home on future solos.
I only write on my solos. I have more time to think and linger on solos.

I do more thinking and listening.

I think each one of you has said something that struck a chord with me and I'm getting closer to understanding why I like solos, but am having trouble putting it into words.

Like bfurlow I can sometimes sit down in the afternoon or morning with a cup of coffee and then suddenly realize it's an hour or two later. I'm going to guess from your last comment that you are a basecamper, bfurlow.

Like kanoes, sometimes I'll be into photography, but other times it might be the writing, or reading, or just sitting doing nothing.

Like housty I like to get the camp set up and chores out of the way. First thing I'll do is check the campsite, the latrine, and the area for trash or bear sign, tent pad, etc. Then I'll start the gravity filter, set up the tent, sleeping pad and bag, tarp if necessary, and kitchen. Then I'll fix a cup of coffee, put on the camp shoes, and sit down and contemplate it all. I'm going to guess he's another basecamper. I can relate to not being lonely, scared, or bored. I did get the heebeejeebies at night the first couple of solo backpacking trips I did though.

Now I'm like IBFLY - I like the dark. I rarely have a fire, rarely even use my headlamp. I'll bet I haven't used a whole set of batteries in my headlamp in years. I like to keep my night vision as much as possible and look at the heavens. I sit and think. And look and listen.

Listening is a very good point that OBX2Kayak brought up. It's often very still and quiet there, and without the constant cacophony of civilization there's less to hear, but more to listen to.

A lot of the things that we do out there are essentially solo activities - reading, writing, photography, looking, listening, sitting doing nothing (meditating). Some could be done solo or not, like fishing, but when we do them solo, they're on our terms.

I think a solo boils down to living my life in its uninterrupted "flow", pure and simple. That just never happens for more than a few minutes in my real life. And there's a real freedom and joy in that change of pace for a while.

quote boonie: Listening is a very good point that OBX2Kayak brought up. It's often very still and quiet there, and without the constant cacophony of civilization there's less to hear, but more to listen to.

Yeah, when it gets real quiet in the evening I love to just sit, watch, and listen. Fish will break the surface, a loon will call or a beaver will swim by. It's an amazing time.

Each trip is different. Sometime I base camp, sometimes I just need to move. I basically follow my mood out there whenever possible. Only rarely has is steered me wrong. Either way, I like the satisfaction of having camp set up. It's at that point that I truly start to relax....

quote boonie:
Listening is a very good point that OBX2Kayak brought up. It's often very still and quiet there, and without the constant cacophony of civilization there's less to hear, but more to listen to.

I think a solo boils down to living my life in its uninterrupted "flow", pure and simple. That just never happens for more than a few minutes in my real life. And there's a real freedom and joy in that change of pace for a while."

I very much agree with you boonie! The wisdom of the quote: "In wildness is the salvation of the world" takes on greater depth and clarity, the older I get and the more solo tripping I do.

Above all, I listen to it all more than anything else. Not that I can't hear when in a group, but groups are just plain....noisy.

less fishing and more photography.

Two nights is the most that I will spend in one spot on a solo trip. I put miles behind me, but do lots of looking along the way. My camera is handy to snap a nice shot, but I will seldom paddle into a bay for the sake of a photo or exploration. If I see something on a portage that deserves a photo, I'm not going to put my gear down. I'll just snap a quick shot and continue on. At night, if the bugs allow, I will just sit and absorb it all.
When tandem, I just basically go with the flow, though I like having a plan of what the day is going to entail. If the plan is to take more photo's and do more exploring, then I'm fine with taking the time to go off and do that. Most always a fire on a tandem trip, but seldom on a solo.
Regardless of anything else, spending more than two nights in one spot seems like a wasted trip.

i find that having a camera along on solo trips makes me more aware of everything surrounding me. after taking thousands of photos of lakes,rocks and pine trees it becomes time to find something different. i took this photo lying on my stomach in a bwca bog.


on solo trips out west where real monsters lurk in the woods i sing or talk to myself, loudly.

I fish less on solos

I find it hard to fish with no one to fish with. Seems like it is not enjoyable without someone to share it with.

quote bumabu: "I find it hard to fish with no one to fish with. Seems like it is not enjoyable without someone to share it with."

I,m the exact opposite I enjoy it more because the wife won't touch the fish or bait so it's hard when your in a canoe.

I have fished so little on my last couple of solos when my brother wasn't with me (and with so little success) that I'm considering just skipping it this year. It will subtract several pounds out of my pack ;) and leave some money for something else.

no structure, that's for home life, organization-yes.

When solo I:
Am less likely to build a fire

Spend no time trying to convince others to slow down and smell the wild roses

Fish exactly the amount I want which is usually less than when I am with others

Pack less because when I am with others I tend to include items that may be of use to them but which I can get along without

quote jwartman59: "i find that having a camera along on solo trips makes me more aware of everything surrounding me. after taking thousands of photos of lakes,rocks and pine trees it becomes time to find something different. i took this photo lying on my stomach in a bwca bog.
"

nice photo, and i agree. i look down a lot more on solos.

quote boonie: "I have fished so little on my last couple of solos when my brother wasn't with me (and with so little success) that I'm considering just skipping it this year. It will subtract several pounds out of my pack ;) and leave some money for something else."

I do like fishing and base camping, but I get out and explore where I'm at, its fun to explore creeks, cliffs and hidden stuff you don't see paddling buy, to me it not all about the paddling It's about enjoying what your doing, this is why I'm trying to explore new area's I haven't been to yet, getting out of my comfort zone more.
Plus it's fun chatting with all of you. This pic was off the Kish river in the spring.

I find that when I'm out there alone, its easy to set up camp and button down things if the weather looks threatening. Once that is done, I read and write in my journal, and will go out fishing if the moood strikes me. Though I usually do my solo fishing as I travel. I find it really relaxing, and also gather some wood, though I may not have a fire. Many times I'll crawl into the sleeping bag as the sun goes down. Read, and then sleep.

Going alone can be hard work, and sometimes I push too hard. I'm trying to cure myself of that, but wonder if I'll be successful ever? One thing about being out there alone, there is no one to make you do something you don't want to.

Greg

quote gnegard: "One thing about being out there alone, there is no one to make you do something you don't want to.


Greg"

Hell, there's not even anyone out there that can make me do what I say I want to do - not even me, myself, and I. I just cannot get up early, pack up camp, and be on the water really early... but I want to. Really, I do.

quote housty9: "

I do like fishing and base camping, but I get out and explore where I'm at, its fun to explore creeks, cliffs and hidden stuff you don't see paddling buy, to me it not all about the paddling It's about enjoying what your doing, this is why I'm trying to explore new area's I haven't been to yet, getting out of my comfort zone more."

I didn't plan to paddle a lot of distance (trip route plan) last fall on my solo, but I tried to take a little more time for paddling around lakes - like circumnavigating Omega Lake. I should have spent another day there and more time on Horseshoe. I seem to be moving away from my old see as much country as possible to seeing more of the country I'm in - sort of like egknuti's new trip report.

One thing I do less of is worrying about who's going to bail out on me before we go. :)

I do more of enjoying my mornings. I find the need to be more organized to get a good push after enjoying those mornings.

Solo's are so much simpler. From planning to cleaning up afterwards. Other than my very first trip where all I provided was basic personal gear and Hall did all the planning, I have been the one to put trips together for family/friends. Perhaps if I could get someone else to take that responsibility?
I am definitely getting into the see more of where I am than see how much of the territory I can see. On my Teton solo I found myself pulling into sheltered areas and just soaking it all up. Plan on lots more of that sort of thing.

quote kanoes: "im just kinda *there. cant explain what i experience. sometimes im all over photography, sometimes im not. same goes with writing. every evening is different for me."

I agree with kanoes. Each night is somewhat different, depending on when I make camp, miles traveled that day, weather conditions, or my mood.

I know I paddle and portage more when I'm solo versus a group outing. I also tend to "notice" the wilderness more when solo. I just returned from a trip to Quetico with my wife and son. It was a great time with lots of fantastic memories.

That said, conversations and daily interactions with members of a group trip distracts from fully appreciating the solitude a wilderness trip provides. Nevertheless, I enjoy both, but there are different subtleties to each.

Hans Solo

quote nctry: I do more of enjoying my mornings. I find the need to be more organized to get a good push after enjoying those mornings."

Morning Is my favorite part of my solos, getting up when the sun is not quite up yet, the most peaceful part of the day, I love when people sleep in.

+1, ..what housty9 said!

My primary objective is finding solitude, new areas, and fishing. Over the years on solo trips I do more paddling and portaging, fishing, firemaking, sitting/relaxing/reflecting and less eating, drinking, reading and stargazing.

I wrote on my first solo and read, Not anymore, I find it distracting and I have ADD, so can't focus on that. I am always busy, gathering wood, cooking, taking pictures or just soaking in the bliss of being in the Forest.

I do less sleep

I do more photography especially sunrise and sunset's

SunCatcher

quote SunCatcher: "I wrote on my first solo and read, Not anymore, I find it distracting and I have ADD, so can't focus on that. I am always busy, gathering wood, cooking, taking pictures or just soaking in the bliss of being in the Forest.


I do less sleep


I do more photography especially sunrise and sunset's


SunCatcher"

I am right with you on the reading. I can do that anywhere. One thing I should do less of is that sometimes when I am photographing, especially when it is something spectacular I often get so caught up in the picture taking part that I don't stop to just take in the moment.

I fish less. What I like doing is sitting om shore and just close my eyes and listen to all the wonderful sounds of nature.

I fish more. I love to fish and whereas all my tripping partners fish, none like to fish as much as I do.

quote SunCatcher: "I wrote on my first solo and read, Not anymore, I find it distracting and I have ADD, so can't focus on that. I am always busy, gathering wood, cooking, taking pictures or just soaking in the bliss of being in the Forest.

SunCatcher"

Wow, and here I thought it was just me!

I've tried to write and keep a journal, but after about the third day, I just put it aside and live in the moments. I think it's because by day #3, I'm in the rhythm of the trip and spending time writing about it is a distraction.

Likewise with reading. I always pack along a book by Sig Olson. It's generally one of his books of essays like; "The Singing Wilderness" or "Reflections from the North Country". I'll read excerpts from the book, but I just don't devote a lot of time to reading, even on a lay-over day. As others have said, I can do that anytime.

Besides, as all of us solo-trippers know, there are so many other things to do that occupy the time. I'd rather soak up the environment than have my nose stuck in a book or in a journal for any length of time.

Hans Solo

quote HansSolo: "

quote SunCatcher: "I wrote on my first solo and read, Not anymore, I find it distracting and I have ADD, so can't focus on that. I am always busy, gathering wood, cooking, taking pictures or just soaking in the bliss of being in the Forest.

SunCatcher"

Wow, and here I thought it was just me!

I've tried to write and keep a journal, but after about the third day, I just put it aside and live in the moments. I think it's because by day #3, I'm in the rhythm of the trip and spending time writing about it is a distraction.

Likewise with reading. I always pack along a book by Sig Olson. It's generally one of his books of essays like; "The Singing Wilderness" or "Reflections from the North Country". I'll read excerpts from the book, but I just don't devote a lot of time to reading, even on a lay-over day. As others have said, I can do that anytime.

Besides, as all of us solo-trippers know, there are so many other things to do that occupy the time. I'd rather soak up the environment than have my nose stuck in a book or in a journal for any length of time.

Hans Solo"

I also don't write. I like to watch.

I'm reviving an oldy but a goody! Now that I've done my first 2 solos I can post something in this thread.

Solo I do a lot less fishing. Actually, close to none which I find weird since that used to be my favorite thing to do up there.

Solo I don't basecamp which is what I do on my tandem trips. I hope to do a longer solo than my usual 4day/3nights so I can cover some ground but yet have a couple layover days so I can explore nooks and crannies of a couple lakes vs just passing through and do a little more fishing. I've had 1 layover day during my 2 solos and that was when I did most of my fishing.

Solo after I get camp set up I can sit and just stare at the lake for hours and not be bored. I just sit and let my brain go empty and enjoy what I see and hear.

quote ducks: "Solo after I get camp set up I can sit and just stare at the lake for hours and not be bored. I just sit and let my brain go empty and enjoy what I see and hear. "

Quiet watching and contemplation has become one of the things I like best about soloing. It's not being inactive, as I feel more alert and aware of my surroundings than at any other time. I now look forward to it.

quote ducks: "Solo after I get camp set up I can sit and just stare at the lake for hours and not be bored. I just sit and let my brain go empty and enjoy what I see and hear. "

That sounds pretty familiar for me too. Don't get to do that very often with not a worry in the world anywhere else.

Thanks for reviving this old thread, ducks. It's interesting to see what one was thinking and saying 2 years ago. Sad to say, but I don't remember anything from some of the contributors to this thread for quite a while now - Mort, IBFLY, Jeriatric . . .?

I like to travel as much as I can. I like the physical challenge. A canoe is slow enough even when moving faster than to most to soak it all in. I never fish, but I will take a picture if I see something cool. I do plan on doing a night travel segment my next time out. Most likely super early morning start and paddle into dawn.

Fishing, photography and solitude are my primary objectives.I love cooking at home, but I hate cooking in camp. Even though I want to eat a good meal, I often feel that eating gets in the way.

Think, reflect and read. I do those things way more when I'm by myself in the outdoors.

I have not done an official solo, but I can identify with many of the things said in this thread. I am an early riser and the first several hours of the day are some of my favorite. I gladly let my trip partners sleep in while I goof around camp, canoe a bit, fish, etc. First morning in mt favorite is to sit with a cup of coffee early in the a.m. and do whatever I like...

quote gnegard: "I find that when I'm out there alone, its easy to set up camp and button down things if the weather looks threatening. Once that is done, I read and write in my journal, and will go out fishing if the moood strikes me. Though I usually do my solo fishing as I travel. I find it really relaxing, and also gather some wood, though I may not have a fire. Many times I'll crawl into the sleeping bag as the sun goes down. Read, and then sleep.


Going alone can be hard work, and sometimes I push too hard. I'm trying to cure myself of that, but wonder if I'll be successful ever? One thing about being out there alone, there is no one to make you do something you don't want to.


Greg"

Kind of neet to see an old post of Greg's. He's in Colorado now and hopefully got his hospital bed, it wasn't there when he got there. Talked to him last night. He always had good insight. He loved his canoeing. He was doing so well with his battle with cancer. Some good trips were taken. I'd hoped we'd get out that one more time for him, but it wasn't to be. I hope he is resting and has control of pain and such. Always the greatest friend to the end. Love him like a brother.

Read, reflect and enjoy the outdoors more than any other time is what I do more of. I worry less. Eat less. Enjoy more.

It usually takes a day to get out of the rat race mode which means I'm in a hurry and won't sit down until all camp chores are done. After the first night though:

I fish more. I sleep more, which is kind of weird but it's probably due to the increased exertion. I spend much less time cooking and usually don't bother with a fire. I spend more time with a journal and I never, ever, miss a sunset.

JD

I took my first solo canoe trip in September, and I have solo camped in Yellowstone and the Wind River mountains. The major similarities in the solo trips was that I do more contemplation and just taking in the experience. My western trips were base camps and my canoe trip was a moving trip. I did a lot of fishing in the west, a whole lot. I did little fishing in the BW, I think that is due to moving and trying to keep a canoe steady. I found that on my canoe trip my journaling was much deeper than on my other canoe trips. I did not keep a journal (which I had now) before my Hunter's Island trip with my son in 2013, so I can't compare journaling out west to the BW. I suspect it would be very similar.
This has been a very interesting thread. I am struck by the similarity of our experiences.
I am an introvert, a strong one; I wonder if that is a commonality in us?

I didn't start soloing until I was 62 (another thread), though I began canoeing in my teens with the Boy Scouts. I don't have a lot of experience soloing, but I love this thread and I wanted to add to it.

I know we all differ in our likes, dislikes, and preferences. For me, a good cup of coffee in the morning is a delight. I use a little twig burner (Emberlit)and it's kind of like having a campfire in the morning. Cozy.

I like to get to a campsite by 1 or 2, set up, cut wood, and just get it all prepped. Then I love laying in the sun on a warm rock, it feels so good on my arms and shoulders. Maybe I'll doze.

I like to write in my journal, when I reread them in the cold months it brings me back. I also like a good paperback to take to the tent at night before I fall asleep.

Before dinner I like a glass of wine. I sip it slowly and listen to the breeze blowing through the pines, the loons, the water lapping against the rocks.

My solo dinners are lazy and simple.

I love a campfire at night. The peace, the night sounds, and the glowing coals mesmerize me. I like to look up and watch the sky darken and the first stars come out. I find it difficult to leave the campfire until it's barely a glowing ghost of itself.

To not talk for a week is a blessing! My brain empties. We spent millions of years evolving in such surroundings, but we have lost it. I know my body responds to a return to the sudden stillness of nature.

I prefer moving each day, but a layover once in awhile can be a treat.

Thank you all for sharing your solo preferences and joys, I've really loved reading this thread!

Dave

quote crumpman: "I took my first solo canoe trip in September, and I have solo camped in Yellowstone and the Wind River mountains. The major similarities in the solo trips was that I do more contemplation and just taking in the experience. My western trips were base camps and my canoe trip was a moving trip. I did a lot of fishing in the west, a whole lot. I did little fishing in the BW, I think that is due to moving and trying to keep a canoe steady. I found that on my canoe trip my journaling was much deeper than on my other canoe trips. I did not keep a journal (which I had now) before my Hunter's Island trip with my son in 2013, so I can't compare journaling out west to the BW. I suspect it would be very similar.
This has been a very interesting thread. I am struck by the similarity of our experiences.
I am an introvert, a strong one; I wonder if that is a commonality in us?"

Here's a link to an older discussion about soloing, extroverts and introverts that you might enjoy reading.

My journaling (and thinking) is also more extensive and deeper when I solo.

quote RetiredDave: "I didn't start soloing until I was 62 (another thread), though I began canoeing in my teens with the Boy Scouts. I don't have a lot of experience soloing, but I love this thread and I wanted to add to it.


I know we all differ in our likes, dislikes, and preferences. For me, a good cup of coffee in the morning is a delight. I use a little twig burner (Emberlit)and it's kind of like having a campfire in the morning. Cozy.


I like to get to a campsite by 1 or 2, set up, cut wood, and just get it all prepped. Then I love laying in the sun on a warm rock, it feels so good on my arms and shoulders. Maybe I'll doze.


I like to write in my journal, when I reread them in the cold months it brings me back. I also like a good paperback to take to the tent at night before I fall asleep.


Before dinner I like a glass of wine. I sip it slowly and listen to the breeze blowing through the pines, the loons, the water lapping against the rocks.


My solo dinners are lazy and simple.


I love a campfire at night. The peace, the night sounds, and the glowing coals mesmerize me. I like to look up and watch the sky darken and the first stars come out. I find it difficult to leave the campfire until it's barely a glowing ghost of itself.


To not talk for a week is a blessing! My brain empties. We spent millions of years evolving in such surroundings, but we have lost it. I know my body responds to a return to the sudden stillness of nature.


I prefer moving each day, but a layover once in awhile can be a treat.


Thank you all for sharing your solo preferences and joys, I've really loved reading this thread!


Dave"

Thanks for adding your thoughts, Dave.

I can definitely relate to getting camp set up early and just sitting there in the sun.

BUT . . . I can't believe you don't talk for a week! The rocks, the trees, the water - they're all great listeners. And occasionally they speak. It is a blessing though, to not have to engage your brain before opening your mouth :).

Seriously, it is nice to not have to talk - or even think - about the myriad things that normally occupy our minds.

Sometimes I sits & thinks....
Sometimes I just sits....

I have tried talking to some of the more interesting rocks and a few mice, but when I noticed them yawning like my fifth grade students I shut up.

I stopped bringing fishing gear, it became more about paddling and discover/seeing places I have never been before. Along with that, if it requires more than boiling water, it's not on my food list. I also rarely build a campfire, choosing to watch/listen to the sky and the shoreline.
I absolutely never bring a tarp on a solo, no need for one.

I interact more with other paddlers it seems. I met twins87 on a portage... a very busy portage.

quote nctry: "I interact more with other paddlers it seems. I met twins87 on a portage... a very busy portage."

I also met jb and diva in the wild before I ever really met anyone here on the portage to Shell Lake.

On solos I sometimes just very, very slowly paddle along right next to the shore looking at the woods and the bottom of the lake. I listen to the sounds, feel the wind and just drink the solitude in. It is extremely relaxing to me.
Group trips are more of the straight ahead to the next campsite as quickly as we can move.

It seems I do more of "everything" on a solo trip for some reason. I definitely paddle more, read more and fish more. I think it's just because I have more time to do what I want vs trying to make sure everyone else (wife and kids) are happy. I thoroughly enjoy going with my family but there is just something extra special about going solo.

While I really love canoeing and camping with my family and friends I find that I worry less on my solos. I don't need to worry about anyone else's needs or desires and I find that incredibly freeing.

This year I base camped on my solos and took more day trips. I love paddling but don't enjoy portaging my gear so this works well for me.

I find that I cook less on my solos and read more. I can stay up late into the night reading if I want without having to worry about interacting with people or waking up early. Something I cannot do at home or on group trips.

quote olderjim: "Sometimes I sits & thinks....
Sometimes I just sits....
"

+1

I'm contemplating my first solo to the bwca this year but I'm a veteran solo camper. When I solo, I actually do most things the same .. except, of course, those that directly involve others. I fish a ton. I stay busy through the day with lots of tasks. I don't drink on solo trips . .so that's one difference.

One other difference is in the evening, right before bed. When I go solo, I always get this feeling like I don't know what to do next . .it doesn't last too long and then I fall asleep.

One other is that I stay "in the zone" more. After the first day, I kind of get into this "solo trip zone" and that's where I stay, usually, for the duration. It's kind of like a mental quietness/increased awareness combined with a lack of anxiety.

Do and not do has been evolving with each trip and as aging has its impact. I did travel more, now less and carry more, now less both as a function of changing my trip style and aging. I still bring from home the need to be busy and am working on finding quiet times and going slower in both areas.
On my last solo I wandered around in the woods enjoying the tiny forest of lichen, moss and fungi. I would find a good vantage point and lay down in its midst and scan the area slowly. What a variety! Slowing down while traveling has also been part of be more aware of what is around me. I am stopping on lakes to just look around, paddling closer to the shore line, pulling into empty camp sites to check them out, exploring more and less in a hurry to get to the next camp site.
I can relax and enjoy lots of things around home, but the environment of the BWCA is unique and I cannot experience that anywhere else. I intend to continue to slow down and experience more.

quote cgchase: "I'm contemplating my first solo to the bwca this year but I'm a veteran solo camper. When I solo, I actually do most things the same .. except, of course, those that directly involve others. I fish a ton. I stay busy through the day with lots of tasks. I don't drink on solo trips . .so that's one difference.


One other difference is in the evening, right before bed. When I go solo, I always get this feeling like I don't know what to do next . .it doesn't last too long and then I fall asleep.

One other is that I stay "in the zone" more. After the first day, I kind of get into this "solo trip zone" and that's where I stay, usually, for the duration. It's kind of like a mental quietness/increased awareness combined with a lack of anxiety. "

I know what you mean on the zone thing. It's just you and your surroundings. You tend to check things out more. Like iowegien Ben I'm slowing down more and taking in more. Kind of like hunting... I still get miles behind me, but I'm getting off the main trail more and not so much to get away from people, but it just seems to make a trip into more of an adventure.

I try hard to slow down and "smell the roses." I keep my expectations of mileage low so I can explore to my hearts content.

I love seeing what's in all the little coves and bays. I poke along next to shore most of the time, camera at the ready.

In the evenings, I rarely, if ever, start a fire. I'm too much of a star gazer. If it's cloudy, rainy or too buggy, I'll hit the sack early and either read or write. Reading has become more important and pleasurable to me since I now carry an "e-reader."

Love the exploring, you just never know what you'll find around the next corner.

quote olderjim: "Sometimes I sits & thinks....
Sometimes I just sits....
"

I noticed somethink different about my "sitting and thinking" on solo BWCA trips. In everyday life, much of my thinking involves language. Words are running through my head almost constantly. On solo trips, I spend surprisingly long periods of time just experiencing, without words. No analysis, no figuring....just experiencing.

quote SourisMan: "

quote olderjim: "Sometimes I sits & thinks....
Sometimes I just sits....
"

I noticed somethink different about my "sitting and thinking" on solo BWCA trips. In everyday life, much of my thinking involves language. Words are running through my head almost constantly. On solo trips, I spend surprisingly long periods of time just experiencing, without words. No analysis, no figuring....just experiencing."

Yes! This is why I like soloing...very hard to be in this state with companions.