I'm taking off tomorrow for my first solo and have been feeling a little nervous. I have a lot of experience with group trips and don't have any real concerns about the how-to's and what-if's, just an uneasy feeling. This ever happen to you guys? Just hoping this little cloud of worry will blow over soon.

Is it worry or just some pretrip jitters? Once you hit the water they go away pretty quick. Have confidence your group experience will translate well into the solo experience. Stay busy, stay safe and have fun.

I have 5 solos in now and I don't think I have improved my skills that much but I have way more confidence in the skills that I did have going into it. So much of what we do in life revolves around confidence and to gain confidence you need experience.

Where are you headed and for how long?

You will be paddling during daylight and that is the best part. The Windigo come out at night.


Take your time, plan on the what if and then prevent them.

Heading out of Sea Gull for 5 days. Mainly interested in going west of there but will depend on the wind. Looking for some time to relax and learn what it takes to solo.

Yup. Reaction varies. Paddled almost exclusively solo for he last 12 years. Cut a few trips short just because of uneasy feeling. Your alone so stay in your comfort range.

butthead

quote DeterminedOrange: "Heading out of Sea Gull for 5 days. Mainly interested in going west of there but will depend on the wind. Looking for some time to relax and learn what it takes to solo.


"

Be careful out there. One of my dumps was the entry into the main lake from Trails End launch. Seagull flows into bay and to river, looks benign but isn't especially for solo paddler. I portage or line east side. Watch the wind on west Seagull.

butthead

I have bear dreams the week before the trip. Then the night before my solo I get the jitters badly. All of the jitters and worries fade away the minute I get on the water.

Definitely jitters in the beginning. Now I just expect something will go wrong and since I am prepared it will just be what it is. It helps to focus on some of the things you hope to experience.

And don't worry about the windigo, they keep bears away.

Do respect your limits. And welcome to being just a little closer to the true wilderness. Best experienced alone.

quote butthead: "

quote DeterminedOrange: "Heading out of Sea Gull for 5 days. Mainly interested in going west of there but will depend on the wind. Looking for some time to relax and learn what it takes to solo.



"

Be careful out there. One of my dumps was the entry into the main lake from Trails End launch. Seagull flows into bay and to river, looks benign but isn't especially for solo paddler. I portage or line east side. Watch the wind on west Seagull.


butthead"

Thanks for the heads up. I have went through that narrows twice but only tandem, it was fun at the time. Probably best to line it even if the water is high enough to cover the shelf.

Yeah, I thought about picking another entry point with smaller lakes but really want to see more of the area west of there. The wind is my biggest fear, probably not too late to pick a different entry point. Another freedom of being solo I suppose.

That's normal. I've done seven BW solos plus many solo hiking, backpacking, camping trips. I still get a little nervous, but it goes away quickly. Yours will go away once you're out there and you discover that it's just like your group trips without all the talk. Enjoy yourself!

That's normal. Just like mentioned,stay in the comfort range,and play it a little safer on the water etc..

One thing by yourself,you set your own pace,no hurry,no deadlines,have fun.

It's not for everybody, but if you do like it you'll be hooked. Keeping yourself busy is a big thing. I like to have options and often change things up as I go. With a big lake like Seagull you should get an early start. Just be careful and focused... you'll have a great time. Precautions like what Butthead referred to are a good idea. Wearing your lifejacket is a good idea too.

The jitters is pretty normal. Once your out there and into it you'll be fine. I like longer trips because you can really get into it then. The area west of Seagull is a great place to paddle. You'll like the contrast of the burn area's and the rest. Lot's of good options on that direction... My problem would be turning around and going back when I needed to. :) Have fun! Look for flying moose decals...

I've probably done thirty solo's now and don't ever recall feeling nervous prior to the trip. I have gotten nervous during the trip if bad weather moves in or the moose are in rut. I have been more nervous during solo backpacking trips than canoeing. I have been anxious before a canoe trip though. As others have said, it'll likely fade soon after you hit the water.

You'll be fine. I always tell myself it's a win as soon as the boat and my paddle touch the water....everything after that will unfold as it's going to unfold....and it will all be good :)

Slow down and enjoy. Take lots of pictures and have fun. You will do fine.

You'll probably hear all kinds of sounds on the first night that you never noticed before. Just remember they are there every night, all summer long, in every camp site - you just didn't hear them.

You will have a great trip. Just relax and enjoy.

You'll have a great time. Be careful though ... solo trips can become a habit ;)

Have a great trip! I'm hoping to attempt my first solo the end of Sept. or beginning of Oct. Looking forward to a report from you.

;-)

quote kanoes: " ;-)"

Bad dog.

Alan

quote kanoes: " ;-)"

Did he get all your food? if you were solo at least you didn't have to fight someone for what was left or have a bunch of hungry kids to deal with. I'm thinking bright side here!

quote Jaywalker: "You'll probably hear all kinds of sounds on the first night that you never noticed before. Just remember they are there every night, all summer long, in every camp site - you just didn't hear them.


You will have a great trip. Just relax and enjoy.
"

Jaywalker, Lot's of great help here including your very helpful post, thank you. I have to admit that alone in the woods at night is tough. I have read many of the ghost stories and they do freak me out, however I don't believe in the supernatural stuff and there is nothing in the woods at night that isn't there during the day...

there is nothing in the woods at night that isn't there during the day
there is nothing in the woods at night that isn't there during the day
there is nothing in the woods at night that isn't there during the day
there is nothing in the woods at night that isn't there during the day

I'll keep saying it and see if I can make myself really believe it. This July when my son and I were out I got up during the night to go out to look at the stars. We were in a cedar grove so I had to walk a ways to see up. In the moon light a large dark object totally freaked me out and I was convinced it was not there seconds before. Not having a light on me I headed back the tent with my heart pounding and crawled in (like it is safer in there). I laid awake for a couple hours listening but heard nothing. In the morning I looked out first thing to see a chest high stump that had been there the whole time and I never noticed. Just crazy I know, it was all in my head as many stories others tell must be.

It seems that I have been too excited to have jitters or apprehensions. Often I read people suggesting to "relax", yet when I'm solo I try to tune in more than ever so I don't screw up. It is a very sensory experience and focus is important. At the end of the day I'm usually so tired I sleep fairly well and don't seem bothered by all the noises. Any how, if something wants to gobble me up then I guess it will.

My tips for you are watch every step on the portages, don't get sloppy with your thoughts, wear your life jacket and keep close to shore. Once you are in and make your first camp you will achieve an amazing sense of self satisfaction and all thoughts of anxieties will disappear. Have an adventure, pass the test and then do it again.

quote kanoes: " ;-)"

you know...that blue cap...actually screws off....:)

I always get the jitters but they go away once I get going for an hour. Take your time and enjoy the experience. Bring something's to read and a small journal to write your experiences. Have fun, it's a great time once you get going.

quote DeterminedOrange: "

quote kanoes: " ;-)"

Did he get all your food? if you were solo at least you didn't have to fight someone for what was left or have a bunch of hungry kids to deal with. I'm thinking bright side here!"

it was just a lil bear, bout 600 lbs (lol) that I found ripping open my pack after my second carry at a portage. didn't take the food, just drank my everclear. hah

Walked around the lake to where my dad lived to do my laundry late last night. I fell asleep waiting for something to dry. Ended up walking home at 2AM (about 2 miles) and at one point it seemed it was only a few yards away a pack of coyotes started yelping and yapping away like they do. That was startling... but kind of neat. It was pretty dark out there then. I walk a lot at night. Noises seem more familiar in the woods at night and don't bother me. Had a bear run across in front of me once too. I think I startled him more than he startled me. I fear running into a skunk more than anything at night. So when I'm up paddling I usually sleep like a baby.

quote kanoes: "

quote DeterminedOrange: "

quote kanoes: " ;-)"

Did he get all your food? if you were solo at least you didn't have to fight someone for what was left or have a bunch of hungry kids to deal with. I'm thinking bright side here!"

it was just a lil bear, bout 600 lbs (lol) that I found ripping open my pack after my second carry at a portage. didn't take the food, just drank my everclear. hah"

Happy bear! That was on your Frost River trip wasn't it? Well I hope to not see one of those guys any time soon, what a way to wreck a trip.

luckily for me, I got over it pretty quickly. (wasn't the frost trip) youll do fine on your solo...enjoy the hell out of it! I cant add anything to the great advise already given here.

From my limited experience, if you plan right you'll be too tired for jitters and you will sleep great.

Plan two: brought my dog, she's a personal alarm system. If she doesn't react, I don't worry.

I made it back and just completed a trip report. Please go to the Trip Reports board and check it out. Thanks to all for the great advice, it helped me when I needed it most.

Bryan

Looking forward to reading it. Glad you made it back. My first solo is in 2 weeks.

quote ducks: "Looking forward to reading it. Glad you made it back. My first solo is in 2 weeks."

Thanks, where are you headed in two weeks?

quote DeterminedOrange: "

quote ducks: "Looking forward to reading it. Glad you made it back. My first solo is in 2 weeks."

Thanks, where are you headed in two weeks?"

Still working on that :) Reserved a canoe w/ VNO today so at least I know it's the Ely side. Leaning towards the Kawishiwi Triangle. Who knows with me..... until yesterday I was set on Kawishiwi Lake.

quote ducks: "

quote DeterminedOrange: "

quote ducks: "Looking forward to reading it. Glad you made it back. My first solo is in 2 weeks."

Thanks, where are you headed in two weeks?"

Still working on that :) Reserved a canoe w/ VNO today so at least I know it's the Ely side. Leaning towards the Kawishiwi Triangle. Who knows with me..... until yesterday I was set on Kawishiwi Lake."

I did the same thing, didn't decide until 2 days before the trip.

Enjoy your trip and be careful out there.

quote ducks: "

quote DeterminedOrange: "

quote ducks: "Looking forward to reading it. Glad you made it back. My first solo is in 2 weeks."

Thanks, where are you headed in two weeks?"

Still working on that :) Reserved a canoe w/ VNO today so at least I know it's the Ely side. Leaning towards the Kawishiwi Triangle. Who knows with me..... until yesterday I was set on Kawishiwi Lake."

do



not



basecamp.


:)

quote DeterminedOrange: "
there is nothing in the woods at night that isn't there during the day
there is nothing in the woods at night that isn't there during the day
"

I should have qualified my earlier post with an asterisk: ***

*** unless you are going to Fishdance, Angleworm, or Ashigan.... then different rules apply....