BWCA Expectations Boundary Waters Group Forum: Solo Tripping
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Group Forum: Solo Tripping
      Expectations     
 Forum Sponsor

Author

Text

napinch
distinguished member (157)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/17/2014 06:26AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
How many first time solos or solo trips fail to meet your expectations?

Went on my first solo a few weeks ago and felt like it was not a great success because of the follow factors

1. Not anticipating how the wind can stifle / alter your route. The wind blew hard almost every day and made travel tough.

2. Even with months of gear and food planning, not getting either right. Packs too heavy to comfortably manage the longer portages and coming home with 2/3 of my food. What I did not anticipate was that I did not seem to have too much of an appetite and found myself just not bothering to cook or eat much. Net result of this was just continuing to carry my food from camp to camp.

3. Less than desirable results fishing.

Between the constant strong headwinds and heavy packs, I altered my route after day 1. I ended up with a 6 day (instead of 8) loop and tried to focus more on fishing. The winds also made that goal very difficult to achieve. Just was not very comfortable heading out in white caps with an empty solo canoe. And when I could get out, the fishing was off...

Anybody else experience this?
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
09/17/2014 07:25AM  
Wind can impact anyone on any trip, can't plan or expect better.
Excess food and gear are more experience and personality bound, again hard to figure on first trips.
I always take backup entertainment for trips you described. Then again I'm simply entertained, parents always told folks "Give him a block of wood a nail and a hammer, put him in a corner, and he'll be busy all day!". And that describes me today. A few books to read, my camera to use, and some camp chores, fill a day for me.

butthead
 
yellowcanoe
distinguished member(4984)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
09/17/2014 09:14AM  
Sure. Now that you have one trip under your belt you know that you are not in control of every factor of your trip.

Now that you are gaining solo experience you are learning to be adaptable.

 
DeterminedOrange
distinguished member(568)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/17/2014 09:21AM  
Yes, I had the same "let down" feeling for a while when my first solo a couple weeks ago was hampered by an injury followed by wind.

But, as I sat there the last night on a rock I realized that I did achieve many of my goals and they worked out perfectly. I made a mental list and thought through them in my head (well maybe a little talking to myself), and found joy in those things:

1. My solo stripper was fun to paddle, handled the waves excellent, was easy to portage and I received many nice comments on its appearance.
2. My gear selection for tent, cookset, stove (alcohol and stick stove) and portaging yoke was spot on, couldn't really improve it.
3. My food planning was a touch heavy but well balanced and met the needs for flexibility.
4. I saw some great country and loved every second of that.
5. The solitude was more than I expected and loneliness was exactly what I expected.

So, long story short, be happy with what was good and plan for another trip that might be even better!
 
09/17/2014 09:59AM  
it has been thirty-five years since my first solo. i have learned over time that on a solo trip the plan doesn't always match what will actually happen. i have had many big loops turn into base camp trips. safety is always my number one concern. if the weather is not cooperating i do the smart thing and reevaluate my plans. turning back is not a mark of failure, it is a sign of experience. if i am in the wilderness the trip is a success no matter how far i go or don't go.

sorry i didn't notice. it seems that you are coming from ohio. that's a long drive. i can understand your feeling of disappointment. i am usually driving up from duluth. i have the luxury of bailing out because i have little invested in the trip. but i have bailed on many trips in the rockies, sort of similar i imagine. always safety is number one. in the wilderness you aren't always in control. recognizing that comes with experience.

 
09/17/2014 11:10AM  
Indeed, disappointment is part of tripping. I do not think it is unique to the solo, but perhaps felt more on a solo.
I had mostly given up on fishing accepting I am better at gathering firewood. Tried again on my Quetico solo and failed again. And after multiple trips I am still working on having everything I need, but little or nothing extra. And weather...oh well.
So if disappointment is a function of expectations then I am getting less disappointed. I plan my fish dinner at the Ely steakhouse and just put up with the rest.
There are always those moments of superb goodness that are also a part of every trip. I think more about those. Keep doing the trips, each will be different in how it meets and fails to meet expectations.
 
09/17/2014 12:30PM  
 
SourisMan
distinguished member(583)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/17/2014 12:43PM  
Some people are completely comfortable battling waves on big lakes. Not me! I stay on small water when I solo and I sit and enjoy the day if any lake looks "iffy". I'm planning on a solo on the LIS in the next few weeks, hoping to spend some time on Heritage. If Shell is whipped up, I may alter that plan, or at least wait for it to calm.

When I do have a bigger lake in my path, I try to hit it very early in the day. That may sound over-cautious, but it works for me.
 
napinch
distinguished member (157)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/18/2014 06:23AM  
Thanks for the words of encouragement and / or advise. There were many parts of my experience that I enjoyed, and I probably need to focus on them.

When I got out of the woods and got home, I was not sure that I would do another solo, but as days go by and read comments by others it makes me want to start planning again. I am still not convinced that I prefer soloing vs group trips. Right now, it is more of wanting to overcome the "challenge" of completing a bigger and more difficult loop. I think that if I am able to do another trip and complete the planned route, I will find even more enjoyment due to a personal sense of accomplishment.

Coming from Ohio as a Solo is a major effort to get there. I am jealous of those that live within a 4 hour drive. It would be nice to be able to do multiple 3-4 day trips instead of planning for just 1 annual trip. With multiple trips, you can experience the park in different seasons or as one of you suggested, bail out if weather or something else fails. With one trip, you just have make do with what you have and reset expectations. Which sometimes means not getting to do what you have spent a year planning to do.

Thanks again for the feedback

I hope to get a trip report out there soon.
 
09/18/2014 07:34AM  
Solo hiking has taught me that I need food that gives me energy...not so much that makes me "full." If that makes any sense.
After a long day hiking with a 30-35lbs pack I have to force myself to eat...just to recover. For during the day I stopped bringing a "lunch" and started to just bring energy bars or the like. Seems to help my appetite in the evening.
 
gkimball
distinguished member(655)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/18/2014 08:19AM  
quote napinch: "There were many parts of my experience that I enjoyed, and I probably need to focus on them."


Your conclusion is spot on! I have never gone on a trip that didn't have something happen, or didn't happen, that was less than desirable.

A spring solo trip that was messed up when I forgot to bring coffee and went into caffeine withdrawal for three days. A summer trip with a friend who spent the whole week moping because he had to return to his teaching job the next week and the weather was cloudy. The list goes on and on. It's always going to be something.

But now, as I look back the good things dominate what I remember. A place like the BWCA helps make it a lot easier. One of the best thoughts I carry is that during the trips I didn't let the bad parts keep me from enjoying the moment. If I had, I think the memories would be quite different.

Good luck! Stay with it and let the cheery side of your nature be in control.
 
jeepgirl
distinguished member (436)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/18/2014 12:09PM  
We always have high expectations and deal with what comes our way. We were in the bwca last week. It was cold. Rather than be upset about it, we focused on the beautiful sunrise, the fact that it did not rain, warm cocoa, a close potty, and the beautiful river we traveled down. We were prepared for cold and that helped.
When I did my second solo this summer, I thought I would do this big loop and travel every day. I was not in as good of shape as I wanted to be in so I made the loop much smaller and really tried to enjoy the little things like being able to lounge in a hammock for hours reading on a windy day. Instead of traveling every day, I stayed at a campsite for 2 nights and saw moose both nights. The next site was an island site with beautiful views of the lake. I survived the July storm that took down 3 trees at my campsite. I met people who were impressed that I was even out doing a solo. One person thought I was crazy for being in the bwca alone. Ok I am fine with crazy! I loved it. Next year, no expectations and I will love it.
 
SevenofNine
distinguished member(2472)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/18/2014 12:30PM  
We all have expectations that don't live up to what we wanted in a trip. Mine was a Spring trip this year where I retraced a trip I did in the Fall with a friend. Everything was flooded so the long sandy beaches were not there.

Also, I missed judged how far I should go the first day and stopped short of my goal. Worked hard the rest of the trip.

Finally, I envy people that have their food systems down pat. I just can't find the right recipes/food that I repeatedly bring on my trip. The result is I carry heavy food, way too much food or not enough of something.

Don't be too hard on yourself and enjoy what you can.
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/18/2014 12:58PM  
A wise man once told me, "No expectations, no disappointments".

Alan
 
09/18/2014 06:06PM  
one fail happened before I even got to the entry point. I just had a strange feeling/vibe and turned around and drove home.

the other fail was due to a scratched cornea...that was one long day paddling out from kek to moose, then driving home from ely at night.

two expectations not met. all other solos have either met or exceeded expectations.
 
Alan Gage
distinguished member(1084)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/18/2014 07:58PM  

the other fail was due to a scratched cornea...that was one long day paddling out from kek to moose, then driving home from ely at night.


I've never had that happen but I had a friend that it happened to and hearing how much pain it caused and how debilitating it was that doesn't sound fun at all.

Not only did she get to experience it once but she also got to feel it again when it retore a month later when she simply opened her eyes in the morning. And then again 2 months after that (again, opening in the morning)! She had some sort of laser surgery and that's been a few years ago now, so far so good. She was really paranoid about waking up for a long time though.

The first time it happened was a stick to the eye.

Alan
 
wetcanoedog
distinguished member(4442)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
09/18/2014 11:02PM  
my august solo was a replay of yours but i saw it as a shake down of my new knee.i was able to portage like i did 10 years ago,that is pain free.the last couple trips before the knee fix i thought might be my last ones. i did not need to use a paddle as a walking stick!!
yes i had problems with the wind and for some reason sitting out the rain in my shelter reading and drinking tea sort of lost it's outdoor romance.
i felt like it was the last of the old style trips with 45 pound packs
and the next ones will be lighter with less fun stuff,like the plastic box of cookies!!!!!
but anyway now that i know i have more freedom of movement i'm sure the only expectations will be good ones.
 
bwcasolo
distinguished member(1921)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/19/2014 05:25AM  
i have had a few moments where I was frustrated with the way things were going, but I did not let it impact my trip. I took notes and thru the years I changed the way I packed, took less, bought lighter better quality gear, made adjustments.
as far as the food goes, I realized also that I was not eating as much, but as soon as I began to eat more, I felt better, had more strength, mentally I was better. eating is important as you work the body you do need to feed it. keep working on it, your next trip could be awesome.
 
09/19/2014 06:45AM  
quote Alan Gage: "A wise man once told me, "No expectations, no disappointments".


Alan"


My first solo is next week and I'm way to excited to follow that advice :)

I'll report back about my expectations compared to the results!
 
09/20/2014 10:17AM  
For someone going on a one and only trip, I can understand hoping for fairer weather. For me, I've gotten to where I absolutely don't worry about the weather - I'll take what ever comes. Everyone including me loves those sunny, calm, beautiful days, but I have also found they can sort of blur together. I enjoy them, but I don't tell stories about these days. The days which have created my most vivid memories are the days that threw challenges in my way; the 3 days I hunkered down on Alice during a fall storm, or breaking camp at 4 am and doing my first portage in the dark so I might beat the headwinds that turned me back the day before. These days were hard, but they are the ones I tell stories about.
 
09/20/2014 12:40PM  

I've never had a solo canoe trip fail to meet my expectations, I've enjoyed each and every one of them. That being said though, some solo trips have been better than others. I don't let miscues or an occasional bad situation put a damper on my overall trip enjoyment.

Over packing is a common problem with first time solo trippers. There seems to be a tendency to take "everything and the kitchen sink" because there's no one else to rely on in the event there's a food or equipment need that you haven't planned for. The old adage "better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it" often leads to excessive bulk and weight.

Although I've done countless solo trips, over-packing equipment and food is still one of my biggest liabilities. That said, I wouldn't be to hard on yourself, because even some of us "seasoned solo trippers" are guilty of packing too much food and gear. :-) I don't mind a few extra pounds on my back for a few extra "luxuries" in camp.

Fishing is a rather low priority for me. So much so, I rarely pack any fishing gear along on most solo trips. So obviously fishing expectations are a non-issue.

As others have said though, it's a learning process, and in time you'll learn to adjust accordingly.

Hans Solo

 
09/20/2014 03:17PM  
quote napinch: "How many first time solos or solo trips fail to meet your expectations?

Went on my first solo a few weeks ago and felt like it was not a great success because of the follow factors

1. Not anticipating how the wind can stifle / alter your route. The wind blew hard almost every day and made travel tough.

2. Even with months of gear and food planning, not getting either right. Packs too heavy to comfortably manage the longer portages and coming home with 2/3 of my food. What I did not anticipate was that I did not seem to have too much of an appetite and found myself just not bothering to cook or eat much. Net result of this was just continuing to carry my food from camp to camp.

3. Less than desirable results fishing.

Between the constant strong headwinds and heavy packs, I altered my route after day 1. I ended up with a 6 day (instead of 8) loop and tried to focus more on fishing. The winds also made that goal very difficult to achieve. Just was not very comfortable heading out in white caps with an empty solo canoe. And when I could get out, the fishing was off...

Anybody else experience this?"


napinch,

these are typical challenges that I run into just about time I solo. Sometimes it all comes together with weather, fishing, campsites, portages, etc. and sometimes not :) I have done as many others have already suggested and just readjusted my expectations. As you did, I refocused on what fishing I could, the portages/loop I could manage with the conditions...and then just tried to live in the moment and enjoy myself. Beats sitting at a desk!
 
09/20/2014 03:17PM  
quote napinch: "How many first time solos or solo trips fail to meet your expectations?

Went on my first solo a few weeks ago and felt like it was not a great success because of the follow factors

1. Not anticipating how the wind can stifle / alter your route. The wind blew hard almost every day and made travel tough.

2. Even with months of gear and food planning, not getting either right. Packs too heavy to comfortably manage the longer portages and coming home with 2/3 of my food. What I did not anticipate was that I did not seem to have too much of an appetite and found myself just not bothering to cook or eat much. Net result of this was just continuing to carry my food from camp to camp.

3. Less than desirable results fishing.

Between the constant strong headwinds and heavy packs, I altered my route after day 1. I ended up with a 6 day (instead of 8) loop and tried to focus more on fishing. The winds also made that goal very difficult to achieve. Just was not very comfortable heading out in white caps with an empty solo canoe. And when I could get out, the fishing was off...

Anybody else experience this?"


napinch,

these are typical challenges that I run into just about time I solo. Sometimes it all comes together with weather, fishing, campsites, portages, etc. and sometimes not :) I have done as many others have already suggested and just readjusted my expectations. As you did, I refocused on what fishing I could, the portages/loop I could manage with the conditions...and then just tried to live in the moment and enjoy myself. Beats sitting at a desk!
 
09/20/2014 03:17PM  
quote napinch: "How many first time solos or solo trips fail to meet your expectations?

Went on my first solo a few weeks ago and felt like it was not a great success because of the follow factors

1. Not anticipating how the wind can stifle / alter your route. The wind blew hard almost every day and made travel tough.

2. Even with months of gear and food planning, not getting either right. Packs too heavy to comfortably manage the longer portages and coming home with 2/3 of my food. What I did not anticipate was that I did not seem to have too much of an appetite and found myself just not bothering to cook or eat much. Net result of this was just continuing to carry my food from camp to camp.

3. Less than desirable results fishing.

Between the constant strong headwinds and heavy packs, I altered my route after day 1. I ended up with a 6 day (instead of 8) loop and tried to focus more on fishing. The winds also made that goal very difficult to achieve. Just was not very comfortable heading out in white caps with an empty solo canoe. And when I could get out, the fishing was off...

Anybody else experience this?"


napinch,

these are typical challenges that I run into just about time I solo. Sometimes it all comes together with weather, fishing, campsites, portages, etc. and sometimes not :) I have done as many others have already suggested and just readjusted my expectations. As you did, I refocused on what fishing I could, the portages/loop I could manage with the conditions...and then just tried to live in the moment and enjoy myself. Beats sitting at a desk!
 
09/20/2014 03:17PM  
quote napinch: "How many first time solos or solo trips fail to meet your expectations?

Went on my first solo a few weeks ago and felt like it was not a great success because of the follow factors

1. Not anticipating how the wind can stifle / alter your route. The wind blew hard almost every day and made travel tough.

2. Even with months of gear and food planning, not getting either right. Packs too heavy to comfortably manage the longer portages and coming home with 2/3 of my food. What I did not anticipate was that I did not seem to have too much of an appetite and found myself just not bothering to cook or eat much. Net result of this was just continuing to carry my food from camp to camp.

3. Less than desirable results fishing.

Between the constant strong headwinds and heavy packs, I altered my route after day 1. I ended up with a 6 day (instead of 8) loop and tried to focus more on fishing. The winds also made that goal very difficult to achieve. Just was not very comfortable heading out in white caps with an empty solo canoe. And when I could get out, the fishing was off...

Anybody else experience this?"


napinch,

these are typical challenges that I run into just about time I solo. Sometimes it all comes together with weather, fishing, campsites, portages, etc. and sometimes not :) I have done as many others have already suggested and just readjusted my expectations. As you did, I refocused on what fishing I could, the portages/loop I could manage with the conditions...and then just tried to live in the moment and enjoy myself. Beats sitting at a desk!
 
09/21/2014 08:19AM  
Four solos this summer with 16 days in the BWCA and none of them were as I thought they would be. Wind and clouds were a common theme with only one sunrise to recall and three sunsets. Iced out and blown off, flooded and muddy I had many opportunities to throw up my hands and wonder why I would make the time for these adventures if I were to be miserable.

Then in my mind's eye I saw again the moose, otter, beaver, caught a few fish, conquered Misquah and Muskeg portages, hiked through a snow bound portage, camped with snowmen, witnessed one amazing sunrise and three great sunsets, visited Johnson falls, watched my dog fall asleep on the pack and slip into the lake, ate some great oatmeal, was stalked by a spruce grouse, photographed some micro mushrooms, scratched with no tears my reconditioned canoe, enjoyed to no end the new gear I had invested in, admired my first solo camp (I DID it) and got better each and every time I entered into my personal pact to prepare well and receive well what I get.

Expectations? Perhaps I just don't know what to expect. However I love the anticipation, intensity and my abilities to travel alone on my time. Group trips cause me more disappointment if the weather was bad, fishing poor or group goals unmet. When alone I think a lot, appreciate a lot and thank God for who I am, where I am and when I am in this continuum we define as life.

Books are critical to break my moments of boredom. This summer I have entered the realm of the Game of Throne series...four books and four trips...just another treat of being north. No unnatural distractions to hijack my enjoyment of the written word; in this case a completely different kind of adventure.

My last trip was a base camp and I carried way, way, way too much stuff I just didn't need, but justified because I told myself I was "base camping". What few portages I made were heavy with an ax, an extra tarp, my depth finder/locator, extra fishing tackle, another meal plan and miscellaneous items I thought would be cool to have in camp but never used. I didn't pre-pack, I just "packed" all under the pretense of "base camp comfort" and paid the price of a heavy pack, too much unused stuff and uneaten food.

In the future I will pre pack each meal by portion (no peanut butter/honey), recall that there are plenty of downed small branches to keep me toasty if I make a fire, carry my small tackle kit and think through all that I will be taking with an eye toward conservation.

Have there been moments of disappointment? Perhaps, but then my mind is onto the next thing, like my next trip. The planning, anticipation, routing, forum discussions, dehydrating, equipment dreaming, gear sorting, storing, gleaning and considering the "what if's" of my future greatest adventure.

The more I "go", the sooner I want to return.

 
09/21/2014 09:30AM  
as far as ending a trip with extra, unused food. for canoe trips this is sort of a part of my plan. in case of unexpected delays i like the security of knowing that i have a day or two of food for back up.
 
09/21/2014 02:36PM  

quote jwartman59: "as far as ending a trip with extra, unused food. for canoe trips this is sort of a part of my plan. in case of unexpected delays i like the security of knowing that i have a day or two of food for back up."


+1

Hans Solo
 
napinch
distinguished member (157)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/22/2014 06:33AM  
After more time to reflect and reading other member's posts, I would consider my trip was a success. After all, the primary goal was to accomplish a solo trip. 6 days and returning safe was not bad for first attempt even if the planned route and fishing did not cooperate.

I am already trying to figure out how to squeeze in another Solo for next year. I already have another group trip planned, but would like to figure out to add another solo trip. Again, having a 14 hr drive makes it more difficult to plan multiple trips.

I also have started to make notes on what I would change with gear and food planning. I presume that I will always come out of the woods with food. Like many others, I would always plan for unexpected delays in coming out. But, some trimming will definitely happen.

Thanks all for the comments left.
Napinch
 
10/01/2014 06:16PM  
Just got back from my first solo. Reality far exceeded expectations!!!!!!!

Can't wait to do another one. I did have huge anxieties while driving up starting at 2:30 am that I had to fight through though. It changed to excitement as soon as I got to the outfitter to get the canoe.
 
10/01/2014 09:20PM  
quote ducks: "Just got back from my first solo. Reality far exceeded expectations!!!!!!!


Can't wait to do another one. I did have huge anxieties while driving up starting at 2:30 am that I had to fight through though. It changed to excitement as soon as I got to the outfitter to get the canoe."

no heebie jeebies?
 
10/01/2014 09:22PM  

quote ducks: "Just got back from my first solo. Reality far exceeded expectations!!!!!!! Can't wait to do another one.."


Sounds great ducks! Be careful, solo tripping can be addicting.

Hans Solo
 
10/02/2014 06:36AM  
quote kanoes: "
quote ducks: "Just got back from my first solo. Reality far exceeded expectations!!!!!!!



Can't wait to do another one. I did have huge anxieties while driving up starting at 2:30 am that I had to fight through though. It changed to excitement as soon as I got to the outfitter to get the canoe."

no heebie jeebies?"


very surprisingly no. It was the calmest and most content I've ever been at night on a trip. I get the heebie jeebies bad at times on my daddy/daughter trips but that's probably because I'm worried about something happening to them. I usually base camp and this trip I moved everyday (I listened to you :) thanks) and had longer travel days than I usually do so I tired myself out pretty good. I'm sure psychologically it helped me having the dog with.

I will say that the anxiety driving up was bad enough I considered changing plans. Sooooooooooo glad I fought through it.
 
10/02/2014 11:12PM  
My first solo trip was definitely a "learning experience", and I learned the same lessons you did. Then I relearned them. I'm still working on them.

Wind was a major issue on my first solo. I didn't know much about paddling in the wind. Hell, I didn't even know much about paddling, and even less about paddling solo. I got behind schedule, but had no shorter alternate route and I had planned too many miles each day with no layover days planned. I don't do that any more.

I've now done six solos ranging from 4-9 days. I've got my food system down pretty good now. Not just the amount of food (and weight), but also the amount of time, fuel, and "kitchen gear" needed. Your food planning will get better each time and after a couple of more solos, you won't be taking way too much.

Fishing was never a major focus for my trip, but I haven't even taking fishing equipment on my last two trips. That saved me about 5-6 lbs. and more than a few dollars.

I plan shorter travel days now, and a couple of layover days on a 7-8 day trip. I often plan a trip that has a longer and a shorter option, which I can utilize depending on weather and my energy levels.

I'm still working on lightening up the gear and usually manage to trim a pound or two here and there. It's more manageable now, but lighter would be better - I'm not as young as I used to be ;).

I wouldn't say my first solo was exactly what I expected, but I wouldn't call it a failure either. Maybe it was just the "learning experience I needed.

And I can certainly relate to the long drive to get there; in fact, I'm a little envious that you have a shorter drive than me ;). One trip a year is all for me, but at least I don't have to cram the drive there and back, and the trip into one week.

Just keep adapting until expectations and reality are a little closer.

 
10/03/2014 02:59AM  
I'm heading into Isabells lake Monday morning, expecting to get snowed on, get rained on, bugs really bad, wind howling into my face every day, the fish not biting and to freeze the part I sit on off. Hopefully I'm wrong on every account. FRED
 
10/03/2014 04:08AM  
On solos-- my expectations are much lower then on a group trip (fishing-size of fire- gourmet food, distance travelel etc) the only expectation that is not lower is my attitude towards having a good time, and that has always been met :O)



 
napinch
distinguished member (157)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/03/2014 07:58AM  
I no longer feel that my trip was a failure. Were there miss-cues and some less than desirable conditions...yes But that happens on most if not all canoe-camping trips. I have made some notes on how to better pack and plan for the next solo.

It is going to be tough next year. I may be committed into going back up into northern Ontario for a base camping fishing trip with my brother. Not that I am complaining...The fishing in this area is usually way beyond a fisherman's expectations.

But, I am not a stage in my life where it is easy / feasible to fit in multiple wilderness camping trips; especially when you have to travel so far to get there. Work and family obligations / trips are also in the mix. However, if at all possible, I will be doing another solo trip next year. It is just so painful to read these posts everyday and not have my own trip planned...But, there is also little chance that I am going to stop reading them :-)

Thx

 
10/03/2014 12:53PM  
quote MacCamper: "Four solos this summer with 16 days in the BWCA and none of them were as I thought they would be. Wind and clouds were a common theme with only one sunrise to recall and three sunsets. Iced out and blown off, flooded and muddy I had many opportunities to throw up my hands and wonder why I would make the time for these adventures if I were to be miserable.


Then in my mind's eye I saw again the moose, otter, beaver, caught a few fish, conquered Misquah and Muskeg portages, hiked through a snow bound portage, camped with snowmen, witnessed one amazing sunrise and three great sunsets, visited Johnson falls, watched my dog fall asleep on the pack and slip into the lake, ate some great oatmeal, was stalked by a spruce grouse, photographed some micro mushrooms, scratched with no tears my reconditioned canoe, enjoyed to no end the new gear I had invested in, admired my first solo camp (I DID it) and got better each and every time I entered into my personal pact to prepare well and receive well what I get.


Expectations? Perhaps I just don't know what to expect. However I love the anticipation, intensity and my abilities to travel alone on my time. Group trips cause me more disappointment if the weather was bad, fishing poor or group goals unmet. When alone I think a lot, appreciate a lot and thank God for who I am, where I am and when I am in this continuum we define as life.


Books are critical to break my moments of boredom. This summer I have entered the realm of the Game of Throne series...four books and four trips...just another treat of being north. No unnatural distractions to hijack my enjoyment of the written word; in this case a completely different kind of adventure.


My last trip was a base camp and I carried way, way, way too much stuff I just didn't need, but justified because I told myself I was "base camping". What few portages I made were heavy with an ax, an extra tarp, my depth finder/locator, extra fishing tackle, another meal plan and miscellaneous items I thought would be cool to have in camp but never used. I didn't pre-pack, I just "packed" all under the pretense of "base camp comfort" and paid the price of a heavy pack, too much unused stuff and uneaten food.


In the future I will pre pack each meal by portion (no peanut butter/honey), recall that there are plenty of downed small branches to keep me toasty if I make a fire, carry my small tackle kit and think through all that I will be taking with an eye toward conservation.


Have there been moments of disappointment? Perhaps, but then my mind is onto the next thing, like my next trip. The planning, anticipation, routing, forum discussions, dehydrating, equipment dreaming, gear sorting, storing, gleaning and considering the "what if's" of my future greatest adventure.


The more I "go", the sooner I want to return.


"







Wow, I like that. I'll give it a +1 as I agree and can relate to what was said here. Sometimes I feel selfish for my solo desires. But it's when you can let go of the expectations and take in what your given you really do look forward to the next adventure even before you get home again.
 
      Print Top Bottom Previous Next
Group : Solo Tripping Sponsor:
Seagull Outfitters