And now I am getting the business from all angles. Texts from mom, comments from the kids and my wife is boarder line out of control and questioning my sanity. Has anyone else been answering to your loved ones since this mans passing and the fact that he was even traveling with his friends as my wife was eager to point out ? I did agree to take a spot with me for the 1st time ever just to get a break from the constant questioning of my abilities. I need my solo trips for something to look forward too as well as my own sanity .

As far as solo tripping goes, it didn't help that man that he had friends. His mistake was to keep going after he felt really ill as I understand it. A PLB would probably have gotten help sooner, rather than depend on a companion who goes for help. However conditions for rescue at night were severe. Every solo canoeist should have a PLB type of unit to call for rescue or suffer the consequences. But even some conditions, such as loss of consciousness will leave you unable to summon help. I always keep mine in my pocket, so at least if I suffer a fall, get hit by something, or have some other internal condition, if I am conscious I can use it--doesn't help much if you can't get to it. But let's be fair--sometimes you just have to realize there is an element of risk no matter where you are or who you're with. Life is like that. And that's part of the lure, knowing self-reliance is all you have in the end. My family knows I like to rough it alone and simply accepts that I am a wanderer by nature, they have no choice but to just "keep the faith" and wish me well. They sure aren't about to follow me around, nor would I want to have a shadow or be one for someone else. Being about in "civilization" in far from a guarantee of safety and security--just read the papers or listen to the news.

He died doing what he loved with friends. Life is short. We can sit at home and dream what might be....I did that until I had to do and see some things before time runs out. It can be very hard for some family members to understand. My 90 year old mother has the hardest time. My wife is not thrilled about it but totally understand my need to do what I do. Going solo is a bit of a selfish thing.

Remind them that driving hwy 61 is probably more dangerous.This is a rare event and we overemphasize rare events. We could get broadsided by a drunk driver tomorrow. Do we dwell on that?

quote wvevans: "And now I am getting the business from all angles. Texts from mom, comments from the kids and my wife is boarder line out of control and questioning my sanity. Has anyone else been answering to your loved ones since this mans passing and the fact that he was even traveling with his friends as my wife was eager to point out ? I did agree to take a spot with me for the 1st time ever just to get a break from the constant questioning of my abilities. I need my solo trips for something to look forward too as well as my own sanity ."

I will be going in EP43 in 3 weeks. Destination, Swan Lake. As we all know a young man passed away on Swan in 2011. It is constantly on my mind, while it does sadden me that these you g gentlemen lost their lives, it does not effect my trip or decision on going solo. As stated above, the drive to the destination is by far the most dangerous portion of the trip. With that said, I am always a nervous wreck when away from home, and every time I go to the BW I worry about the safety of my family back home!! Good luck and positive thoughts. Think clearly and logically, you'll be fine.

You can try logic, but I wouldn't count on its effectiveness in an emotional arena. It was a tragic death, but wasn't caused by being solo or being in the wilderness. He was, in fact, not alone, but that did not prevent his death. People die alone at home - would they leave you home alone? People die on the golf course, at the park, the swimming pool, skiing, motor boating, etc., and the proximity to people and civilization does not save them. Hundreds of thousands of people spend time in the wilderness, many of them solo, every year and nothing happens to them. I do not know what else to tell people.

Have her Google the reason he died. Ketoacidosis. It is a complication from diabetes, which probably won't solve the issue at hand, but hey. If you are healthy and in good shape there shouldn't be a reason to worry.

Some of my family shake their head, but they understand. A select few understand, or know I can keep care of myself.

Perhaps you could begrudgingly agree to rent a satellite phone. I know, it takes away completely the ability to "check out" from the world, and is one of the reasons I go...but sometimes making a wife feel at ease is more important. I will never bring that option up and require she/they know I'm ok via a SPOT.

I've started breaking my wife into the idea that I will be doing a multi-month solo when I retire. And I have 14 years to retire!!

I have been around diabetics for nearly 20 years of my life including my wife (type 1). When I first met my wife she didn't much care about managing her blood sugar levels (mainly on the high side which basically leads to ketoacidosis-),, and the high blood sugars is what does the damage. She got much better as time went on.
I don't know the young man's history who passed, but the article had stated he had been hospitalized in the past for ketoacidosis-- and likely was the cause of his passing. It's some nasty stuff and if left to become a chronic issue will lead to death. As mentioned-- people die in many different locations, in fact a neighbor of mine was just found dead at his work desk. Just because it's a remote location, doesn't mean it wasn't going to happen. When it's your time to go, it's your time to go.

quote wvevans: "And now I am getting the business from all angles. Texts from mom, comments from the kids and my wife is boarder line out of control and questioning my sanity. Has anyone else been answering to your loved ones since this mans passing and the fact that he was even traveling with his friends as my wife was eager to point out ? I did agree to take a spot with me for the 1st time ever just to get a break from the constant questioning of my abilities. I need my solo trips for something to look forward too as well as my own sanity ."

Needing solo trips is a healthy thing. Those of us who need it should act on those needs. If we do it carefully and intelligently, recognizing the concerns of those who care about us then we are being as responsible as we can be.

Now you can fly high, young man who passed in the wilderness...

Same here, for the first time I will be tethered. I have mixed feelings.

quote Duckman: "Same here, for the first time I will be tethered. I have mixed feelings.


"

Me to, but if it makes the wife happy and my dad I'm ok with that, I bought a reconditioned InReach for about a $100 less then new, my dad really likes the tracking part of it.

My grandfather died at the age I am now... In the cabin I live in doing what he loved. I don't have the issues he had but I think about it sometimes. If we sit home where we're so "safe" we lose who we are and I'm not going to do that. I hope the young man can rest in peace. Sounds like a good guy.

when your number is up...its up. live life.

quote kanoes: "when your number is up...its up. live life."

Agreed.

Some people wait to long to enjoy life until it is to late. The worst thing a person can do is sit around in life and do nothing.
Also the stress free time of soloing will probably prolong your lifespan.
Also the chance of something happening soloing is a lot less than driving down the road. Maybe we all should sell our cars and just sit around.

Tell them there is a higher chance you will pass going out to get the mail. Then tell them you will start to carry your PLB when go get the mail to make them feel better.
They really need to chill a little.
CB

A preacher once told me "when you are conceived you are given X number of days on thus earth, when X is reached you are going to leave this earth and where you go depends on how you have lived those X days, but you are leaving. Works for me. FRED

It is sad you have to battle misunderstanding. Some points from my side of this.

Being rational with irrational people is irrational.
Don't confuse me with the facts, I've made up my mind.

Next month I will reach 45 years counseling people upon which I offer the following:
1)Identify and acknowledge their concerns/fears. Help them develop their own reasoning and what beliefs support it showing you do understand their reasoning for their position. Show you listen.
2)This hopefully opens dialogue. Point out some of their very well made points about safety in the wilderness and promise to follow safe practices. If they are unwilling to listen after you have demonstrated full willingness to do so you have irrational people...
3)Shift your tactic and go irrational briefly pointing out how you have been convinced by them. State how you have realized the world is unsafe and immediately lay down on the floor claiming you are afraid of falling. If that does not open dialogue further admit you have lost it and they are better off with you off alone. Bring up some of the other hair brained things you do and discuss how it really might be better for them if you were gone. If after a couple of these moves dialogue does not open you have a problem. As the talk show folks and authors would tell you, consider professional help.

Ultimately most of these discussions are not about the issue (in this case safety), they are power and control struggles which are part of all relationships. If you develop a pattern of giving in to irrational people they will come to expect it and you are giving up your power. Happens all the time and usually leads to sadness.

I am planning my first solo for this season, I thought I was going to do my first last year. My wife wants me to take a PLB, it was actually my suggestion as I knew she would feel better. My son and I took a Spot on our Hunters Island trip and friends and family back home enjoyed "following" our trip. The death of this young man did not affect our attitudes abount my solo tripping. My father-in-law thinks it's a bad idea, but he is the only one to voice any reservation.

Years ago while doing a solo a dad and his three young kids were doing a trip in Quetico. It was early season and nobody else was around. They offered if I need any help just let us know. A very kind offer.

I believe most campers are willing to help if you need it. The only thing about solo,is you should think a little more as you go along. Maybe take a break if too windy,take it easier on the portages.

One thing a solo does I think you become more in harmony with nature when by yourself,you also see what is around you so much more. Your not always talking with your buddy.
There is a place and time for soloing and going with a group.

One question I do ask and have seen some people are not prepared or have experience to do a solo. Meaning very little if any outdoor experience before doing this trip.

Being prepared helps ease the minds of others. I carry 2 sets of maps. I also carry a ditch bag and a Spot. My trips are planned so that they can be easy or challenging depending on how I feel. This year I hope to go on a more challenging trip but who knows. I have nothing to prove to anyone but me.

My brother has no comprehension of why I go solo. I counter with....when is the last time you spent a week alone? The answer is never. For some, especially extroverts, the thought of being alone is very scary. Ask them if they ever spent any extended time alone? Turn the table and talk about that.

My father was a Type 1 diabetic from the age of 19. This was in 1934. I was born in Colorado where I spent my childhood exploring the mountains, meadows, old gold and silver mines and ghost towns, fished in crystal clear mountain lakes and had a life time of adventures......all due to the fact that my father knew that his days were numbered. He lived life every day to the fullest.

When he was in his early fifties he went blind from the disease and I remember over hearing him talking to my grandmother (his mother). She was blubbering and crying about the fact that he had to deal with diabetes and none of the other siblings did.......

His response, "I've had more fun in my life then the rest of my brothers and sisters combined."

He lived by the old motto.........I'd rather come sliding into my grave out of breath shouting "Oh my God, what a ride"......then to pass away quietly in my bed.

He died at 55 from a heart attack. But Oh God, what a ride!

(By the way, I'm also diabetic and I didn't tell my wife about the incident in the BWCA......Shhhh)

I suspect it is way more dangerous for me to get in my car and drive 50 miles to work every day, or climbing 18 feet into a tree to bow hunt, than it will ever be paddling my canoe alone in the wilderness. I have no fear of going home to be with the Lord when he decides that I am done here. I am hoping for my own private wilderness lake when I get there :-)

I never realized how fortunate I have been. I'm almost always out and about alone. A day of fishing in the kayak, a week of backpacking or hunting. My wife doesn't worry too much, because she knows I'm pretty level headed and wouldn't take chances.

A few years ago for my 45th birthday, I did a week long solo backpacking trip over Labor Day. My wife went to a cookout at my parents and there were some extended family members who asked where I was. They couldn't believe that I was in the middle of nowhere, by myself, without a way to be reached and my wife "let me" go. My mom, bless her heart, piped up and saved my wife the grief. She said something to the effect of "He started leaving the house by himself with a gun or fishing rod when he was 9. We couldn't keep him at home, but he always made it back. This hike shouldn't surprise anyone."

I can't imagine not being able to go and be by myself in the woods or on the river. I'm hoping to figure out the basics of tripping in the BWCA at the end of the month and then solo.

My first bwca trip was solo hooky!!

My intial trip partner had to bail because of a job change. Another buddy stepped in to say he wanted to go in his place, otherwise I would have figured it out ahead of time. :)

quote hooky: "My intial trip partner had to bail because of a job change. Another buddy stepped in to say he wanted to go in his place, otherwise I would have figured it out ahead of time. :)"

It's exactly this type of circumstances that made me take up solo tripping. It drives me nuts to make plans with others, only to have them bail out.