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SourisMan
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02/16/2014 02:55PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I've done a number of solos and plan to do more. I'm in my early 60's though so I know that, at some point, I won't be able to handle some of the solo trips I've already taken (example - Angleworm entry). I'm just curious, are there any other "oldsters" following this group? How are you holding on up your trips?

For any of you, how long do you hope to continue with solo tripping?
 
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02/16/2014 03:10PM  

I'll be 58 years young in July of 2014 and I'm still doing trips as well, if not better, than I did 35+ years ago.

My love of wilderness and canoe-tripping has been my motivation for being a pescatarian (i.e., I eat fish and other seafood, but I abstain from beef, pork, poultry, venison, etc.), eating healthy, (which includes eating organic whenever possible), and exercising regularly.

Additionally, I also paddle one of my solo canoes two to three per week when the water is open. A visit to my Chiropractor monthly for routine adjustments also helps keep my back and body properly aligned.

My body has held up quite well, but I do notice I need a bit more recovery time after a strenuous solo canoe trip.

As the years go by, I my need to upgrade my "Expedition" grade Kevlar constructed canoes for the Ultra-light Kevlar constructions. The amount of portages and daily mileage may decrease somewhat in time also, but for the most part, I plan to keep trucking best I can. :-)

As far as how long will I continue solo tripping? I will be solo tripping as long as the good Lord allows me to physically do so, which I hope is until I'm dead and buried.

Hans Solo
 
02/16/2014 03:41PM  
I'll be 63 in a week and a half. I have some back issues, shoulder and knee issues, etc. I still get around OK - I don't travel as long or as hard as I used to, but I don't avoid long or hard portages. They are harder though, mostly just from not being in as good shape as I was when I was younger. I plan to keep on going as long as I can.

Oddly enough, I think most of the trippers that frequent this forum are older.
 
02/16/2014 04:31PM  
I'm 65 and like others, I'm feeling the miles. But I'm fortunate, as I've gotten older I have been able to afford better and lighter equipment. Plus, I have learned how to slow down. My trips are no longer "missions", they are journey's.
 
02/16/2014 04:40PM  
I'm 60 and solo. I just don't solo like I did 10 years ago. Just adjust to a level that makes the trip enjoyable. There's no right way to solo.
 
02/16/2014 04:42PM  
I just turned 54. Lucky for me I have an active job and I think that's a big key as we age - stay active year round. Work out 4-5 days a week and go on hikes or paddles. It doesn't take long to get "out" of shape that's for sure and it's real tough to get back to where you were. So, the moral is to never let yourself go. Always be active.

I don't have the stamina of my 20's or 30's but i trip a lot smarter these days. So far I'm good with minor hip and back pain for the first couple days of a trip. I'll do it till I can't do it anymore.

 
02/16/2014 04:48PM  
67 and in better condition than a few years ago. Regular workouts, visits to chiropractor and massage therapist and limiting the bad stuff. I have given up eliminating it. Life is really getting good and I look forward to more of it and taking care of the equipment is an obvious.
I am grateful for the ultralight equipment and the ability to afford it that has come with getting older. Stamina is not what it was when younger but I am realizing being in a hurry I missed some really cool things.
Do I sound like an echo?
 
02/16/2014 05:15PM  
65 and still plan on going solo. Unless I can talk my wife or kids to go along. Have been on 11 trips with 7 being solo. I was fortunate enough to have a job that required me to stay in good physical condition. Been retired for 13 years and have tried to maintain a good work out program. I live on a ranch so the work sure helps staying in shape. As far as future plans, I'll keep going as long as I can.
 
yellowcanoe
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02/16/2014 06:18PM  
Fine.. though I am getting to like lots of portages less and favor Florida in winter.

Just paddled for 17 days there. I am 68.

Going back in a month for another two weeks. First portage trip will probably be in La Verendrye in Quebec in June.

There will be a couple of days of multiple short portages and at least one in mud..I'm liking big lakes more and more.

Might do Lac Manicougan this summer. Its a loop with no portages. The lake is donut shaped and some 100 miles around.
 
02/16/2014 06:33PM  
62, freshly retired, looking to do as much as I can. I have the time, equipment, and attitude. May be slow, but when I'm alone, time and distance no longer seem to matter.
The best is yet to happen!

butthead
 
PineKnot
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02/16/2014 06:59PM  
Define "oldster". I will turn 54 in about a week. I usually complete 1 or 2 solos each summer and plan to fully "retire" in 2-3 years when I can devote some new time to soloing in the shoulder seasons. For now, I paddle summer solos in the Quetico ranging from 10 to 17 days. Hope to continue that for many years to come.
 
hobbydog
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02/16/2014 07:32PM  
I am 57 and going strong. I didn't really start solo canoeing until about 3 years ago. I have been doing one short spring trip in May and a 7-10 day trip in Sept. Now that I found WCPP there is a lot more of that place I want to see. It is my motivation to keep myself in good shape. I am 40 lbs lighter than I was 4 years ago and don't feel old yet. As long as there are still new places to see and the motivation is there I hope to keep paddling.
 
gnegard
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02/16/2014 11:04PM  
I'm 61 now, and last year thought I would be done. 16 rounds of Chemo over 2 years can take its toll. But a new drug on the market, has stopped the progression at least for awhile, and I'm back working out, lifting weights and running. Feeling fit again. I know I won't be able to go as long each day or hard, but I'm planning a 10 day solo the end of May. Last September I did a 4 day solo, along with a tandem trip in July for 9 days.

A lot of it is attitude, and just going for it. I'll be paddling as long as I can.
 
SourisMan
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02/17/2014 06:43AM  
quote gnegard: "I'm 61 now, and last year thought I would be done. 16 rounds of Chemo over 2 years can take its toll. But a new drug on the market, has stopped the progression at least for awhile, and I'm back working out, lifting weights and running. Feeling fit again. I know I won't be able to go as long each day or hard, but I'm planning a 10 day solo the end of May. Last September I did a 4 day solo, along with a tandem trip in July for 9 days.


A lot of it is attitude, and just going for it. I'll be paddling as long as I can."


My hat's off to you....keep paddling.
 
02/17/2014 10:01AM  

quote SourisMan: "
quote gnegard: "I'm 61 now, and last year thought I would be done. 16 rounds of Chemo over 2 years can take its toll. But a new drug on the market, has stopped the progression at least for awhile, and I'm back working out, lifting weights and running. Feeling fit again. I know I won't be able to go as long each day or hard, but I'm planning a 10 day solo the end of May. Last September I did a 4 day solo, along with a tandem trip in July for 9 days.

A lot of it is attitude, and just going for it. I'll be paddling as long as I can."


My hat's off to you....keep paddling."


I'll second that! Great to hear you've turned things around and I love your attitude. Best of luck and health to you gnegard. That's awesome and your reply is very inspiring.

I also love the attitude of many of the other "oldsters" on this thread as well, especially butthead's comment about the best is yet to come. Right on!

Hans Solo
 
Rambler_Dog
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02/17/2014 10:25AM  
I will be 54. I have not been to bwca for some years now because I couldn't get away from my job. I may get a chance this year and I am questioning my ability now that I am few years older. But I experienced a more difficulty going with group. The planning was very difficult. It was always assumed the portaging the canoe was my job. I remember battling serious exhaustion and dehydration on two mile portage, my partner never offered to help with the canoe (I never asked). On one 7 man trip, I paddled my solo canoe, which is very heavy, slow, river running canoe (madriver freedom). Yet I found out that I was a head of every one else; I noticed every thing was much less work than when I had a partner. That is why I think if I get a chance this year, it will be a solo. The blame is probably mostly on me because I was the common denominator in all the trips, but at the end it seems having partner made things more difficult.
 
02/17/2014 11:50AM  
quote Rambler_Dog: "I will be 54. I have not been to bwca for some years now because I couldn't get away from my job. I may get a chance this year and I am questioning my ability now that I am few years older. But I experienced a more difficulty going with group. The planning was very difficult. It was always assumed the portaging the canoe was my job. I remember battling serious exhaustion and dehydration on two mile portage, my partner never offered to help with the canoe (I never asked). On one 7 man trip, I paddled my solo canoe, which is very heavy, slow, river running canoe (madriver freedom). Yet I found out that I was a head of every one else; I noticed every thing was much less work than when I had a partner. That is why I think if I get a chance this year, it will be a solo. The blame is probably mostly on me because I was the common denominator in all the trips, but at the end it seems having partner made things more difficult."


Welcome to the world of soloing Rambler_Dog. Hey, you gotta dog? You can join my 2015 solo! :)

Only kinda kidding.
 
02/17/2014 12:09PM  
53 i feel like the kid in the group, so far no major problems, hopefully I can go for many more years even if the trips get a little shorter.
 
Mort
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02/17/2014 12:21PM  
67 and, with the exception of recent shoulder surgery to repair 6 different things, - going strong. A bit less energy now, but expect to keep going until further notice. Ha!
 
missmolly
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02/17/2014 06:30PM  
Yes, my gums have receeded a bit, but I gargle and floss and I'm hoping I don't get any longer in the tooth.

Seriously, I'm 57 and portage and paddle less because I want to fish more and I fish western Ontario, which means there are countless amazing lakes where I can park my car beside the lake and have the lake to myself, thus no need to paddle much or portage at all. If I want to see a new lake, I just drive farther.
 
OBX2Kayak
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02/17/2014 07:26PM  
I'll be 65 this summer and intend to keep going as long as I'm able to.
 
wetcanoedog
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02/17/2014 07:44PM  
67,68 come march and the next canoe season.my one and only problem is a knee that needs surgery.i can feel myself slowing down a bit and taking time over the portage.the packs are and have always been heavy on the shoulders but not on the legs if you know what i mean.
i can still control the canoe in the wind and grunt the packs out of the boat and onto the landings.because i have done the camp chores on so many trips since the 80's they are fast and easy,almost automatic in some cases.
when i retired in 06,at 60, i told myself if i could get 5 good years that would be great.5 more would gravy and anything over that pure luck.
i did 7 really good years,two a year,and last year was painful and i decided on knee surgery.
i thought having that done would cut my canoe trips to short easy ones.
when i told my Dr that he said after a few months i would be good as new and get a permit and go this year.so now my mindset is to just carry on as long as i'm able to carry the gear.
 
02/17/2014 07:59PM  
Sorry to hijack this thread, but maybe "long in the toof" may be more accurate.

Back to thread. I had a leg injury last August on the last day of my 59 year old 9-day trip. Could have made it back to my vehicle on my own, but it would have been a struggle. My wife bought a PLB for me for next years' solo. Also just did a living trust so that she can manage my assets for my benefit if I disappeared for a few days on a canoe trip and was missing.

Perhaps they should offer PLB's with pre-programmed messages for 60+ year solo trippers. "Send an undertaker - don't bother with SAR" could be one. "I fell down and can't get up". Just kidding, but just having some fun.

Tomster
 
OldGreyGoose
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02/17/2014 09:47PM  
69 now, will be 70 in May. Going solo in June. Just have more trouble portaging now, due to bad back, than I used to. Also "recovery' after a hard portage or a hard day is slower. Trips have gotten longer to accommodate more recovery. No plans for how long I'll continue -- it will be decided for me, I'm sure. (Then there's always wilderness fly-in fishing camps!) --Goose
 
Basser
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02/17/2014 10:49PM  
I'll be 60 this year. 1st canoe trip to the Q was a solo in 1975. Numerous since but only 2 solo's. Have dreams of many more trips but big back issues and recently shoulder issues. Man, it sucks! I will do a solo this year or next, come hell or high water. May not be an aggressive route but there are many places you can get a portage or two in and have good solitude and good fishing.
It's great to hear here of so many 60+ still going solo.

Basser
 
02/25/2014 07:07PM  
quote OldGreyGoose: "69 now, will be 70 in May. Going solo in June. Just have more trouble portaging now, due to bad back, than I used to. Also "recovery' after a hard portage or a hard day is slower. Trips have gotten longer to accommodate more recovery. No plans for how long I'll continue -- it will be decided for me, I'm sure. (Then there's always wilderness fly-in fishing camps!) --Goose"


Goose, that's awesome !

I'm 53, and to my way of thinking just entering into my prime solo years! I didn't go on my first solo until about 5 years ago and had no idea what I was missing.

I lift weights regularly, play some ice hockey year 'round, cross country ski in the winter and am generally pretty physically active. I plan on solo paddling until I can't hold the paddle and fishing pole anymore, and then I might just go find a big ol' white pine deep in the woods to sit down and rest my back against while I take a final nap. Can't imagine life without that wilderness connection!

 
02/25/2014 07:38PM  
Guess that I'm one of the youngsters here as I turn 50 this year. I plan on doing solos as long as I possible can. I only wish that I would have started sooner.
 
02/25/2014 09:49PM  
It seems strange that there aren't more people in their 20's - 40's on this board who do solos. Maybe they are out there but just don't frequent boards like this.



 
wetcanoedog
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02/25/2014 11:06PM  
tom..i think the younger trippers like to go out with their buddys and really pound around the lakes.
older ones have had the friends not so into it drop out bit by bit until they are out alone and by then are good enough not to see a canoe trip as a big adventure and know how to take it easy.
 
carmike
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02/26/2014 01:09AM  
quote TomT: "It seems strange that there aren't more people in their 20's - 40's on this board who do solos. Maybe they are out there but just don't frequent boards like this.

"


I'm 31 and reading this thread with real interest. My solos have been relatively short trips in the BWCA. I suspect lots of young folks have jobs with limited time off and/or a desire to maximize career options by minimizing extended vacations. Or they have families with little ones that don't allow long jaunts in the woods.

Me, I'm single and poor and happy. I schedule my life so I have lots of time for solos. This year it's a big one for me: Atikokan to Ely. All my other "big" trips have been tandem, but good paddling partners have now contented themselves with children and wives and 401k's and other good reasons. I can't blame them for a second--there are lots of ways to live a good life, and long solo canoe trips aren't for everyone, especially if they require compromising other good things.

Long canoe trips--especially solo ones--come with a cost, especially if you only have two weeks off a year. How to spend those ten days? If you're lucky enough to have a partner who'll bless a week long solo, God bless you. But given the exigencies of life, especially when married with young children, I'm not surprised there aren't more young folks who can find the time to paddle around for days on end.

But that's not me. As I said, I'm happily barely breaking even and single and I'm spending lots and lots of time in the woods. But there's a cost to my decisions--I won't be retiring early (if at all), and I won't have carefree and timeless weeks to paddle solo when I'm an old fart. :)

 
bwcasolo
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02/26/2014 05:26AM  
turning 58 this past december has not slowed me down. with all the additions of light gear to my solo tripping, i continue to choose routes that are challenging and where i have not been.
i am very comfortable in the bwca. i look forward to the day when i retire and solo trips will be more frequent.
it's -11 degrees, i need to get ready for my daily bike commute to work. boy it's been a cold winter. enjoy.
 
02/26/2014 06:41AM  
I too turned 58 in November... I'm slowed down a bit but try to push myself. A couple years ago I paddled with someone who was a few years my senior. He out did me in everything. :) I have some health issues and shouldn't probably be doing this. But I love it too much. I feel to quit is to die!
 
dentondoc
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02/26/2014 09:58PM  
67 here and still managing to get one foot in front of the other. No, I'm not as fast as I used to be nor am I any longer driven by the number of miles covered. I found the wisdom of "stop and smell the roses."

I do admit to being tired the first few days of a trip, but that could be chalked up to a 2-day drive to get to canoe country. While I normally get only one 2-week trip in per season, I've decided to ramp up to two for the next 5 years.

The first trip for me this year will be something different ... I'll actually step foot into a tandem canoe for the first time in over a decade. While I normally travel in the company of at least one other paddler, I much prefer to paddle solo and "do my own thing." I'd likely do the same this year, but the logistics of the trip necessitate the use of a tandem. But the good news in this is that I'm not transporting a canoe, so I'll hop on a plane for at least part of my journey. The the second trip, I'll be back to the more normal mode of travel (for me).

Bottom line ... know your limitations and work within those constraints. Being retired also means you can probably add more days to a trip if need be without working an un-due hardship on those at home. One thing I've discovered in recent years ... I smile more, enjoy more and stress less.

dd
 
gnegard
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02/27/2014 09:11AM  
Well said!

Smelling the roses, seeing the sights, just enjoying the wilderness around you makes it worth it.
 
02/27/2014 10:29AM  
quote dentondoc: "67 here and still managing to get one foot in front of the other. No, I'm not as fast as I used to be nor am I any longer driven by the number of miles covered. I found the wisdom of "stop and smell the roses."


I do admit to being tired the first few days of a trip, but that could be chalked up to a 2-day drive to get to canoe country. While I normally get only one 2-week trip in per season, I've decided to ramp up to two for the next 5 years.


The first trip for me this year will be something different ... I'll actually step foot into a tandem canoe for the first time in over a decade. While I normally travel in the company of at least one other paddler, I much prefer to paddle solo and "do my own thing." I'd likely do the same this year, but the logistics of the trip necessitate the use of a tandem. But the good news in this is that I'm not transporting a canoe, so I'll hop on a plane for at least part of my journey. The the second trip, I'll be back to the more normal mode of travel (for me).


Bottom line ... know your limitations and work within those constraints. Being retired also means you can probably add more days to a trip if need be without working an un-due hardship on those at home. One thing I've discovered in recent years ... I smile more, enjoy more and stress less.


dd"


Could not agree more. I also smile more, enjoy more and stress less. Every day is a good day...Every day is a gift.
 
Primitiveman
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02/27/2014 09:32PM  
This is an interesting thread on many levels. First the average age of most respondents is, I think, higher than the average Q/BWCA tripper. Secondly most indicate they intend to keep going on solo trips until physically unable to do so. Next, none mention a desire to find like minded trip mates to make the physical aspects of tripping less strenuous and finally, only one prime of life respondent. Solo tripping should be from a physical stand point the domain of 20-40 year olds. But that is clearly not the case. I think there are parallels to be drawn with marathoning. Mind over body matters more than actual physical prowess. But there is something really interesting about the fact that so many people would rather trip by themselves when the physical effort will be much greater, than to find some like minded trippers to share the load and chores. I am 53 and did a disappointing solo last year but I am going to attempt to accomplish my goal this year again. I am doing this because I have been exposed to the whole concept of solo tripping here and want to give it a try. Not sold on it yet but trying to keep an open mind.
Jon
 
carmike
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02/27/2014 11:15PM  
I just wonder how appealing solo tripping is to young folks. Keep in mind that the "long in tooth" folks have years of experience, which makes heading out on a long trip much less intimidating. Most people only get, what, one trip a year? At that rate, it takes a while to get enough experience and comfort to tackle a solo venture.

Add in the commitments that come with young families and it's tough to justify a week alone in the woods--at least that's what my friends say.

Of course, that doesn't fully explain why, with one week of vacation time, they prefer the tandem trips over the solos. For those of you who now much prefer the solos, was it always that way? How did you start out--on group/tandem trips? When did the interest switch to solo tripping, or was it always there?
 
02/27/2014 11:34PM  

quote carmike: "For those of you who now much prefer the solos, was it always that way? How did you start out--on group/tandem trips? When did the interest switch to solo tripping, or was it always there? "


I started canoe tripping about age 10 through Phantom Lake YMCA Camp in Mukwonago, Wisconsin and I was hooked for life. After I was too old for Summer Camp and I was a young adult, I started canoe-tripping on local rivers throughout Wisconsin with friends, cousins and my nephews. I essentially was picking-up were I left off at Summer Camp.

In August of 1977, my girlfriend and then eventual wife Jean and I took our first BWCA trip when I was 21 and she was 20. In 1981 I purchased my first true solo canoe, a Sawyer "Goldenglass" DY Special. I then started doing a few weekend solo trips on the nearby Lower Wisconsin River.

I upgraded to an Expedition Kevlar DY Special in 1984. Then in September of 1986 at age 30, I took my first BWCAW solo trip with my English Setter. Although the trip went well, I found it wasn't as much fun as a group trip. That is, there wasn't the laughter and joking around you'd get when tripping with others.

That said, there were things about being solo that I realized I preferred over group trips. I realized solo tripping was a different experience and I grew to embrace it. I found I could cover a lot of miles and there was no one there to stop me or slow me down, which I really liked.

Part of my motivation for going solo was some passages I had read by Sig Olson. Sig wrote of the solitude that can only be experienced with the absence of others.

As my friends and family all got older, I lost many former tripping partners due to family or career commitments, health issues, or lack of interest. I'd often hear, "I'm too old for that shit". Okay fine, so solo trips became more common place.

I've spent many years taking care of other people needs and raising three great kids. With that, I've had to compromise much of my time and energy. Although it may sound selfish, but when solo tripping it's my time, I can do what I want, no compromises.

It's gotten to the point that tripping with others now seems awkward and foreign. Even during our Quetico family trip last summer with my wife and son, I realized that the solitude is broken by conversation, or noises around the camp that I had not created myself, or sounds that weren't created naturally. In recent years, I have also not included my dog on my solo trips. I truly cherish my alone time and the solitude and silences of solo tripping.

I also strive to undertake routes where I'll see few if any other paddlers. I'd love nothing more than to shove off from some entry point for a couple of weeks and see no one else until I return and load up for the drive home. I've come close to that experience a few times in Quetico.

Hans Solo
 
02/28/2014 09:17AM  
Well spoken Hans. For me I did a cabin fishing trip on a lake in Hayward Wi. when I was 21. I tried to get these fishing buddies to go to the BW but the interest just wasn't there. The one friend who DID share an interest in backpacking and wilderness trips moved away.

So I went in 1983 with my girlfriend (now wife). The next year no one could go but I really had the desire to go up there again and like Hans, I was a reader of Sig Olson so took my tandem Grumman Eagle and went for it. I remember being very paranoid out there. I was basically winging it and scared shitless most of the time.

I went solo again in 1988 this time to Quetico in my new Sawyer Autumn Mist. Much better this time but I was still learning. Over the years it was just very difficult to get people I knew to go with. These days it doesn't matter so much because I really have embraced the solo for the same reasons as Hans. I just wish I had more free time to go.

 
OBX2Kayak
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02/28/2014 09:21AM  
Well said, Hans. You have truly earned your last name.
 
02/28/2014 09:59AM  
Solo trips have their advantages and their disadvantages, as do other trips. I appreciate them both and hope to continue to do both for many years. I also have come to appreciate the special aspects of a solo.

I did my first solo, like many others, because it was (and is) difficult to find interested people. The people who were (are) interested often couldn't (can't) commit to the time or the date. This is especially true now that I've decided it's not worthwhile to try to cram a 2600-mile round trip drive and a BW trip into a week.

I've gone solo every year, except for two trips with my brother, since my first trip when I joined two others. This year's trip will be a tandem trip with another board member, so that will be a new and different experience.
 
02/28/2014 11:21AM  
Hans, said so well. The simple truth of the matter.
I hope to be completing application for my first Quetico trip in several years later today and itching for some conversations at Copia to lock in some options. After a hiatus related to the life happens column I got back into paddling three years ago and picked back up the solo trips right away. As I slide through semi-retirement into full retirement I will be fortunate enough to plan more trips. I look forward to tripping with others, but mostly get excited about the solo trips. I like what Frank Sinatra says, "I did it my way".
 
02/28/2014 01:09PM  
Primitiveman is right, this is an interesting thread. I guess my story is a little different. I grew up in Wisconsin way out in the country. There were no kids or even neighbors close by. So, from the start I did everything by myself. I never really outgrew enjoying being by myself or I guess, going solo. Out here there are 6 or 7 guys I fish with, those trips I really enjoy fishing with a partner. However if there is an odd number going I will always volunteer to fish alone. With me, its the way I grew up.
 
gnegard
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02/28/2014 01:21PM  
I agree, this is a splendid thread. I enjoy looking at it everyday to see what someone has written. When I got up this morning, I realized that Copia, is just one week away. This year, finally, I will be in attendance. For one reason or another, years past, something always has gotten in the way.

Solo tripping, is very difficult to explain, especially if someone just doesn't get it. I have friends that each year, can't understand why I would like to go out "there" all by myself. Try as I may to explain the beauty, experience and feeling of a solo trip, I am unable to.
But, I may have been that way myself. I remember, in 1981 on a trip to the BW, my paddling partner and I came across an individual that was doing a solo trip. Sitting at the portage talking with him, I didn't quite understand why he liked soloing? But, as I got older, wiser?, and maybe more set in my ways I began to understand. Now I find it much easier to just plan a solo trip. Though, I'm not opposed to having someone come along, right person, etc...

In fact, its gotten to the point, like for this year, I began thinking of my spring/early summer trip, and I didn't even give it a thought to ask someone. Guess I'm selfish. :)
 
OldGreyGoose
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02/28/2014 07:06PM  
quote gnegard: "Solo tripping, is very difficult to explain, especially if someone just doesn't get it. I have friends that each year, can't understand why I would like to go out "there" all by myself. Try as I may to explain the beauty, experience and feeling of a solo trip, I am unable to."

In the 1980's, before I had soloed, I knew a man who took two trips every summer -- one with Scouts and one solo -- who tried to explain what he got out of soloing. I didn't "get it." (I really couldn't seem to get my mind past "the risks" -- injury, drowning, etc. -- I think.) I finally made my first solo in 1995, and became hooked. Sadly, Tom had passed away by then, and I was really sorry that I wasn't able to share my finally understanding what soloing was all about with him. --Goose
 
02/28/2014 08:05PM  
Perhaps becoming long in the tooth has provided an appreciation for serenity. I get that paddling and paddling in the wilderness is that much better.
 
03/01/2014 05:59AM  
Old who is old???? just turned 57. I do 12 oz curls every day, have a bad knee (no acl on right knee) wear a soft knee brace when needed.
Had shoulder surgery once about 8 years ago. and have the attitude of a 20 year old and the body, well of a 57 year old....I aint quitting anytime soon. Ps my wife told me to get in shape and I told her round is a shape!!
SunCatcher
 
03/02/2014 08:55AM  
quote SunCatcher: "Old who is old???? just turned 57. I do 12 oz curls every day, have a bad knee (no acl on right knee) wear a soft knee brace when needed.
Had shoulder surgery once about 8 years ago. and have the attitude of a 20 year old and the body, well of a 57 year old....I aint quitting anytime soon. Ps my wife told me to get in shape and I told her round is a shape!!
SunCatcher"


A buddy of mine claims that he's in great shape, as long as round is a shape. LOL
 
Longpaddler
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03/02/2014 09:19AM  
Just turned 64. I do at least one canoe trip each year...mostly tandem w/ my wife and/or best friend, but when they can't make it for some reason I will still solo. I'm definitely slower and less driven to make miles and portages due to knee problems...but I think I appreciate the trips more....you never know when it will be your last. When I can no longer canoe trip for whatever reason, I will start renting cabins and paddle out of them.
 
03/02/2014 11:38AM  
I am 26 years old and just feel compelled to chime in on this thread to make the presence of a young solo traveler known. After reading this thread with interest, I feel like the odd man out. I didn't realize that most of the people I share with in the solo forum are twice my age or older.

Personally, I took my first solo trip when I was 20. A 5 day hiking/camping trip in September along the Manitou river. It wasn't a great trip because I found myself uncomfortable, lonely, and humbled. Poor equipment and lousy planning really made things difficult but I didn't lose interest in going solo.

I purchased my sawyer autumn mist two years ago now. Since I have done a two day 50 mile solo on the Mississippi, my first bwca solo an 8 day trip in October 2012, and a 7 day solo bwca trip mid October 2013.

I really find solo travel enjoyable for many of the same reasons as others on this board. I like the freedom of being able to make my own decisions, being able to travel at my own rate (which isn't very fast because of photography and fishing), and I really enjoy the deeper connection to the wilderness that I feel when I travel solo. Plus, I think solo boats are just more enjoyable to paddle.

I aspire to still be doing solo trips 30-40 years from now like many of you are. I have the wilderness etched into my soul, and hope that I am blessed to be able to paddle until the end of my days.






 
03/02/2014 01:16PM  
Hey BearBrown that's cool! Thanks for chiming in. I soloed when I was 23 and 28 then came a kid so my next so I was 40.

It's too bad you haven't written trip reports for your solos. An Autumn Mist was my first solo canoe I bought in 1988.

 
03/02/2014 02:39PM  
BearBrown-

While I'm a good bit older and didn't do my first BW solo (or even first BW trip) until I was in my 50's, I have done many things solo since I was young, so I wouldn't consider you the odd man out. I have spent many days fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, etc. alone since I was a teenager. I had done many backpacking trips solo. I think the same is true of many others here. I've never let the fact that I couldn't find someone else to go stop me from going.
 
03/02/2014 04:15PM  

Bear Brown, I'm delighted to see you've thrown in with some of us old Voyagers. :-)

I'm often concerned that there are so many of us our in the same age demographic. I fear that as many of us grow older and pass away, there will not be a generation coming up behind us to enjoy, support, and preserve these wild places that are our beloved "playgrounds".

I can only hope that there are more twenty somethings like you that pick-up the torch and carry on.

Hans Solo
 
03/02/2014 05:05PM  
quote HansSolo: "
Bear Brown, I'm delighted to see you've thrown in with some of us old Voyagers. :-)

I'm often concerned that there are so many of us our in the same age demographic. I fear that as many of us grow older and pass away, there will not be a generation coming up behind us to enjoy, support, and preserve these wild places that are our beloved "playgrounds".

I can only hope that there are more twenty somethings like you that pick-up the torch and carry on.

Hans Solo"


Unfortunately, I've never met anyone my age or younger that has done a solo trip. Even the friends that I trip with, including my brother, all think it is strange that I will spend a week in the woods alone and most of them are pretty experienced outdoorsmen.

I don't expect everyone to understand, but it would be nice to know that there are other like-minded younger individuals around too.
 
SourisMan
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03/02/2014 05:08PM  
This little video isn't about canoeing but it relates well to this discussion...
High Country
 
03/02/2014 05:19PM  
quote TomT: "Hey BearBrown that's cool! Thanks for chiming in. I soloed when I was 23 and 28 then came a kid so my next so I was 40.


It's too bad you haven't written trip reports for your solos. An Autumn Mist was my first solo canoe I bought in 1988.


"


I'm in the process of writing both of my trip reports. I'll send you a link when they are finished. I hope life doesn't get in the way of tripping for myself. I'm glad you are back at it.

My autumn mist has been passed around by members of this board. Bannock to GSP to myself. I think bannock was the original owner, but I'm not positive. I love the boat and she has treated me well.
 
03/02/2014 07:57PM  
Sneaking up on 60 this fall and hope to get another solo in sometime this year. Maybe a 10 day this spring if schedule at work can be worked out. Guess it will actually be a "dogsolo" since my buddy will go along.





 
03/02/2014 08:27PM  
quote SourisMan: "This little video isn't about canoeing but it relates well to this discussion...
High Country "


Thanks, nice video, beautiful.
 
hobbydog
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03/02/2014 09:16PM  
quote boonie: "
quote SourisMan: "This little video isn't about canoeing but it relates well to this discussion...
High Country "



Thanks, nice video, beautiful. "


+1
 
GraniteCliffs
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03/05/2014 08:32PM  
BearBrown, what a quote:
"I have the wilderness etched into my soul, and hope that I am blessed to be able to paddle until the end of my days."
I read sentences like yours and they really jump out at me in an emotional sort of way. Very meaningful and much appreciated.
If the wilderness is truly etched into your soul you should be able to paddle till the end of your days. I have paddled since I was a kid and am more connected now to the woods and water than I have ever been. At 62 I think I will be paddling for years but still am a little envious of someone your age having so much time left in your life to experience these magical places.
Hold it close and never let it go.
 
03/06/2014 03:15AM  
quote GraniteCliffs: "BearBrown, what a quote:
"I have the wilderness etched into my soul, and hope that I am blessed to be able to paddle until the end of my days."
I read sentences like yours and they really jump out at me in an emotional sort of way. Very meaningful and much appreciated.
If the wilderness is truly etched into your soul you should be able to paddle till the end of your days. I have paddled since I was a kid and am more connected now to the woods and water than I have ever been. At 62 I think I will be paddling for years but still am a little envious of someone your age having so much time left in your life to experience these magical places.
Hold it close and never let it go."


Thanks for the kind words. Likewise, I am envious of all of you have been there and have done it for so many years. The experiences and memories you must have... words couldnt describe it.
 
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