I will soon be going on my first solo trip. My wife asked me a question over supper, What do you want to get out of the trip? I had already thought about this question, so I was able to answer and then some.
1. I want to see what the solitude is like
2. I know I have the skills but I still want to test them
3. It fits with my imagination. For as long as I can remember, I have daydreamed and read about being in the wilderness. I want to go, by myself, to that place in my head.


She is very supportive of my trip. It's not something she has any desire to do, she was curious about what I was thinking.

So...why do you solo?

I'm going to solo because the number of friends I have who think the BWCA is a vacation is small. Added to that, the number who will actually commit to a trip is even smaller...usually one...and she can't go this year.

I'm a little tentative on going on trips w/people I haven't met. I want to make sure I'm "camping compatible" with anyone I'm spending time with in the woods. I can also be a little unsure with groups because I'm not always the fastest at things like portaging and I don't want to travel with people who get ticked off at slowness.

Plus, I'd like to give it a try and see how it goes. I'm not getting any younger, so if not now, when?

I go solo because I need to go to the BWCA, and the people I have gone with in the past can no longer go, or not very often.

I still go with others when they can go, but I am also getting more selective about who I want to be there with.

I do not go for the solitude, but only to be there.

Its all about being addicted to the BW!

As with many on here it starts out of necessity. The choice is either go alone or not at all. After you solo and discover you like it you do it because you prefer it.

To wake up each morning and say "which way" is a real freedom. You are free to chose when and where and how with only yourself to debate with.

The physical challenge. You have nobody else to rely on. You need to prepare physically. As I age it gives me a goal to work towards and stay physically fit.

Planning is so much easier. No compromise on food, dates, length, routes and trip style.

It is great you have an understanding wife. That helps a lot. My was worried at first but totally gets why I do it.

great question.
it has been my nature to do outdoor activity's alone, for many years.
fishing, wading the rivers, biking, etc.
i started doing canoe trips, solo around 2000.
it is such a feeling of being alone in the bwca, after a few days and nights in. i really enjoy how that feels.
the few thoughts of loneliness i have pre-trip, and during the beginning, are replaced by such moments of adventure, and just pure fun.
you would not be human if there were not moments of being on edge, while you are out there alone. it's exciting!
i'll solo until i can't.

I do both solo trips and small group trips each year. I solo because I like it. I only have to worry about me. I only have to make decisions for myself. I can do or not do what I was planning. I can go or stay where I'm at. Most of all, I go solo to decompress from the stresses of life. I almost always return home a little bit tired, but much more happy and content....

Many factors led me to try first solo last year. I made a real long task out of it starting with building a solo canoe and adding specific solo gear, all took tons of research and trial and error.

1. I like to tinker with new gear, alcohol stoves, smaller tents and a homemade canoe (and accessories to go with it). Soloing allowed more of this.
2. I like the peace and quiet, no talking required.
3. I like the feeling of accomplishment, I did it all myself.
4. I like the ability to overcome fears I never even knew I had.

It's the ultimate form of selfishness! Yet nobody seems to consider this a selfish act, but adventurous.

butthead

quote crumpman: "I will soon be going on my first solo trip. My wife asked me a question over supper, What do you want to get out of the trip? I had already thought about this question, so I was able to answer and then some.
1. I want to see what the solitude is like
2. I know I have the skills but I still want to test them
3. It fits with my imagination. For as long as I can remember, I have daydreamed and read about being in the wilderness. I want to go, by myself, to that place in my head.



She is very supportive of my trip. It's not something she has any desire to do, she was curious about what I was thinking.

So...why do you solo?"

Pretty much the same thing here. I had talked about doing one for about 3 years and last fall my wife said "stop talking about it and just do it". So instead of her doing our usual fall trip with me I went solo and LOVED IT! I kind of think she thought it would be something I got "out of my system" because she was surprised how much I liked it. I just did my 2nd solo last week and I can't wait for my 3rd one.

My wife is also very supportive and talks about how good it is for me and how it's something I "need" to do.

in general, people dislike me.

I go for the solitude, and sense of accomplishment, that whatever happens I will take care of it. I'm the type of person that doesn't like relying on anybody, so what a perfect way for me to trip.

quote kanoes: "in general, people dislike me."

cheer up jan, you're not that bad, after all, you are an ipa fan!

quote bwcasolo: "

quote kanoes: "in general, people dislike me."

cheer up jan, you're not that bad, after all, you are an ipa fan!"

having a ranger right now. :)

quote PineKnot: "I do both solo trips and small group trips each year. I solo because I like it. I only have to worry about me. I only have to make decisions for myself. I can do or not do what I was planning. I can go or stay where I'm at. Most of all, I go solo to decompress from the stresses of life. I almost always return home a little bit tired, but much more happy and content...."

Well said Pine Knot! My thoughts exactly.

Hans Solo

quote kanoes: "

quote bwcasolo: "

quote kanoes: "in general, people dislike me."

cheer up jan, you're not that bad, after all, you are an ipa fan!"

having a ranger right now. :)"

If you're sharing Rangers I'll be your friend :)

quote hobbydog: "As with many on here it starts out of necessity. The choice is either go alone or not at all. After you solo and discover you like it you do it because you prefer it.


To wake up each morning and say "which way" is a real freedom. You are free to chose when and where and how with only yourself to debate with.

Planning is so much easier. No compromise on food, dates, length, routes and trip style. "

This pretty well sums it up for me.

Like sueb2b, gkimball, and hobbydog I first went solo because I couldn't wait any longer for someone to be able to go. And like bwcasolo, I've done outdoor activities solo since I was young, so no problems there.

It is so much simpler to plan and execute, and I've come to think of it as "my trip". I just tell family and friends they're welcome to join, but I'm not changing things and I need to know well in advance.

Maybe that's "selfish", but if they want to go, it's up to them to make it happen. I do the planning and make the arrangements and a whole bunch of stuff, and I don't want to do it over and over.

I've come to really enjoy the solo aspects of it too:

Like PineKnot said "I solo because I like it. I only have to worry about me. I only have to make decisions for myself. I can do or not do what I was planning. I can go or stay where I'm at. Most of all, I go solo to decompress from the stresses of life. I almost always return home a little bit tired, but much more happy and content.... "

I like the silence, the stillness, the awareness that comes when it's just you and nature - what somebody here once called "becoming the beast". And I like that uninterrupted stream of consciousness, that opportunity to observe, to think without distraction. The rhythm and flow of just doing what I'm doing.

quote kanoes: "in general, people dislike me."

:) Probably why I've always done so many things solo.

I have intelligent friends.

Some well stated points. Necessity, selfishness, serenity, opportunity.

Reading another thread the comment about the importance of flexibility in making any trip work. Going solo allows the freedom of total flexibility.

Each trip brings a different challenge and resolving it is confidence building. Each trip brings a different "special" experience that goes into the catalog of memories for reflection in bringing that serenity to the hustle of life back home. Each trip brings an opportunity to learn something about myself...not always pleasant but character building. Alone this seems magnified.

quote kanoes: "in general, people dislike me."

In general, I dislike people.

quote RAFA Ranger: "

quote kanoes: "in general, people dislike me."

In general, I dislike people."

:)

I haven't solo'd for a couple years because I've had the opportunity to paddle with people I enjoy. But I have the urge to get out there solo again even if it's for shorter periods. There is just a real draw for me... and for reasons others have listed it is very rewarding.

quote kanoes: "in general, people dislike me."

Hahahaha.

quote boonie: I like the silence, the stillness, the awareness that comes when it's just you and nature - what somebody here once called "becoming the beast". And I like that uninterrupted stream of consciousness, that opportunity to observe, to think without distraction. The rhythm and flow of just doing what I'm doing.
"

Well said! Soloing intensifies everything about a trip.

I like how much quieter it is. Helps me notice and immerse myself into the natural rhythms easier.

quote Minnesotian: "
I like how much quieter it is. Helps me notice and immerse myself into the natural rhythms easier. "

Yes! There's the real big difference going solo or with others. I'm way more aware of the surroundings and all the sounds or lack of them when solo and really enjoy that. It's easy to lose track of time and just immerse myself in the woods or when paddling. With a group there's always chatter.

I just finished a group trip and the others could care less about how the sunset was shaping up or rising early to sit with coffee and watch the morning unfold.

I go because of the freedom. Simple as that.

I don't play well with others. I've organized a variety of different trips over the years ( biking. Backpacking) and very few have turned out as I originally intended. Those trips usually required a lot of modifications so every one would be included and have a good time. Often, participants would cancel with short notice which tends to screw up much of the planning and logistics.
we the exception of my last quetico trip, my preference is to head out solo.

quote RAFA Ranger: "

quote kanoes: "in general, people dislike me."

In general, I dislike people."

Love those!

I could actually live in the woods alone and do quite well. A dog, of course.
I enjoy every aspect of going it solo.

Parts of a solo are simply magic.
Sitting alone on a lake at sunset knowing there is no one within sight or sound.
Sitting alone at sunrise by the shore with a cup of coffee watching the sunrise and listening to a white throated sparrow.
Walking alone over a portage and stopping to hear..........nothing.
My favorite: Paddling very slowly and closely along the shore and then stopping simply to absorb the beauty,silence and solitude of it all.
With friends and family it is fun.
Alone it is magic.

1. Hard to find people to travel long distance.
2. Like not having to worry about anyone but me.
3. Hard to find people who want to go early and late seasons.
4. I really like the peace and quiet.
5. plus it helps me clear my mind from all the crap around home, work and the world.

quote housty9: "5. plus it helps me clear my mind from all the crap around home, work and the world. "

This is big for me too. I went with a group this year and came out pretty frazzled. I was with 3 newbies so was doing a lot of the work and teaching quite a bit the whole time. Plus all the compromising. No, solo or group solo for me from now on.

I really missed the solo experience and wish I could go back in September.

TomT: similar experience for me this year. First time not being solo and it was a very poor BW experience. Solos only from here on out.
Dag Nabbit. Won't get a proper fix till next June. (sigh)

I like to schedule things last minute. It's a challenge, and realizing I'm the only one to wimp out by not going the extra mile pushes me to work harder and get where I want.
It's new to me and so far it seems awesome.
I don't require much. I get to take a nap when I want, fish when I want, read when I want, don't have to stop and cook for other hungry people when they want.

Overall it's just more convenient and I do more sightseeing

I first started soloing when I had a boyfriend that had no interest in going to the BWCA. I pretty much told him fine, then I'm going to go alone. I'm now addicted to it. I love the challenge and the feeling of accomplishment and the solitude. I also love picture taking and I have all the time in the world to take photos when I'm alone and don't feel like I'm slowing anyone down.

quote BigK9Mals: "I first started soloing when I had a boyfriend that had no interest in going to the BWCA. I pretty much told him fine, then I'm going to go alone. I'm now addicted to it. I love the challenge and the feeling of accomplishment and the solitude. I also love picture taking and I have all the time in the world to take photos when I'm alone and don't feel like I'm slowing anyone down. "

I also enjoy that ability to indulge my own interests, such as photography.

Trying to get everyone's calendar to line up is such a pain that I now just plan dates that work for me. I invite a few others and, if the schedule works for them, they're welcome to join. If not, I go solo. So I guess that's "semi-selfish."

I go for solitude, and I really enjoy being able to do what I want when I want without worrying if the others want to go faster/ slower.

Toward the end of my first trip, a group trip, I found myself thinking about what I would have done differently if it had been just me making the decisions.

The bottom line is that other people tend to cramp my style.

Disclaimer: i have not yet done a solo trip to the BWCA. Most of my trips in the last several years have been with Jim, my best friend of 43 years. We have been through "hell and high water" over the years and when it comes to camping and BWCA trips we are virtually of a singular mind. I don't find the conflict about what or when to do things a reason to solo, Sometimes we have a different idea and sometimes we do his idea, sometimes mine. Either way usually turns out to be an interesting experience. I get the conflict that some have with others and particularly larger groups but we just don't have it.

I have been thinking more seriously about a solo recently. Did a solo camping trip to Savanna Portage recently and loved it, some nice hikes and moments in camp where I didn't feel I was missing anything. I know, it's different but a step in the direction. But still, there are times when sharing a cool sighting, an awesome sunrise or sunset or similar experience with someone is irreplaceable.

Haven't come to the day yet where I yearned to go to the BWCA but couldn't find a willing partner. Took an excellent trip with Doughboy this year and think that we have years of tripping ahead of us, and my buddy Jim is as game as they come. If I did i would be faced with a solo decision and I think I would do it. I am pretty sure I would enjoy it but not sure it would replace the opportunities to trip with good friends who share my passion for the BWCA.


Think I will do more of the solo camping stuff at fairly remote state parks or state/national forest campgrounds to sort of get myself used to the idea. then when the day comes that I have the desire and the time to go to the BWCA and nobody to go with I might just take that plunge.

Lindy-

You are fortunate to have the tripping partners you have, but you also have the experience and skill to go solo if necessary.

"Think I will do more of the solo camping stuff at fairly remote state parks or state/national forest campgrounds to sort of get myself used to the idea. then when the day comes that I have the desire and the time to go to the BWCA and nobody to go with I might just take that plunge."

That's pretty much the way I started solo backpacking and canoeing and it will serve you well. I'd do a remote camp by the car, a short overnight, longer weekend, even longer long weekend.

I may actually get to do more tandem/small group trips in the future if scheduling becomes easier. Maybe also some group solos.

A couple of my discoveries...
1. I found I could think deeper
2. I didn't feel like I had to try an entertain someone. I've been the leader on most of my trips and felt somewhat responsible to make sure everybody's trip was fun. This often means not doing some things that are fun for yourself. Or, at least not doing them as much as I'd like.
3. On group trips, I have always been the stern paddler. On a solo trip, I didn't have to look at the back of someone's head/back. It was really nice to "see it first".

crumpman-

(1) I also find this to be true. It's the combination of being in the wilderness and being alone that removes all the distractions that normally interrupt my chain of thought. The setting (of the wilderness) leads me to think about deeper questions too, and not just whatever is 'viral" in the media.

(2) Yeah, I'm the leader too and often it's newbies or inexperienced people like my brother, so I'm not only entertaining them, but explaining, demonstrating equipment use, directing, watching, worrying. That takes up a lot of the time I could be just "sitting there doing nothing", which, oddly, seems to be something most people don't want to do ;).

(3) I used to run with a guy whose motto was "the scenery only changes for the leader". I was a member of the "back-of-the-pack" gang and we just found some scenery that was nice to follow and tried to keep up . . . ;). Last year Steve and I alternated bow and stern positions, which was a nice change from paddling with my brother.

I know it a lot easier planning for 1 then with the wife, to hard to keep her interested,(kinda takes the fun out of it) might be her last trip, unless she brings it up next year.

I appreciate the spontaneity, going whenever I feel like it and wherever I want to(as long as an EP is open). I started because I vowed I would never miss another opportunity because someone else cancelled out at the last minute. Ever since I made the switch, I have come to appreciate the solitude, personal challenge, lack of schedule and destination and serene connection with nature. I enjoyed the BWCA doing group trips, I've learned to love the BWCA going solo.

I'm planning my first solo trip to the bwca next year but I do a lot of solo camping and fishing - I just got back from a solo weekend in Southern Colorado.

Like a lot of people, I just go solo because I don't have a suitable trip partner. I actually do not know anybody who would be 1. Able to take the time off and/or 2. Able to complete the trip.

Last year, I did my first trip to the bwca and it was with a buddy. He was able to get the time off, but when we got there, he was unwilling/unable to complete the trip.

This year, another buddy of mine has asked to come along but I'm really, really hesitant to agree. I much prefer having a companion but I also want to complete my trip this year. This buddy of mine is keen to relive his boyscout days but it's probably been 20+ years since he truly exerted himself physically. Unless he's got the spirit of a warrior and a family-sized bottle of Advil, I see some issues.

So I guess that's why I go solo . .because, although I truly appreciate company, I ultimately just want to do what I want to do and don't really want to compromise . . unless I had somebody like Lindylair describes - that would be different.

I solo because I can. Actually since my first trip to the bwca I fell in love with the area. About 7 years ago I thought about going solo after I met a few people on solo trips. A few years later I planned a short 3 night solo up to Pipestone Bay. I originally thought I would do a short solo and get it out of my system. Wrong. I did my 3rd and 4th solo this past summer and will plan a 5th solo for some time in 2016. I love everything about solo tripping. Mostly I love the peacefulness I feel when I am alone in the bwca. It is a major confidence builder but really I don't need that anymore. Im not sure I would hike the Pacific Crest Trail by myself but going to the bwca by myself is wonderful. Then again I do know a few solo hikers that would never solo canoe trip.

“Happiness only real when shared.”
-Christopher McCandless

I found that the 2 hours I spent waiting for the rest of my group was enough for me of a solo on the water. As far as a hike goes I am all for it.

“(...)how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong, but to feel strong, to measure yourself at least once, to find yourself at least once in the most ancient of human conditions, facing the blind, deaf stone alone with? nothing to help you but your hands and your own head.”
-Christopher McCandless

I'm not entirely sure that's somebody we should be taking solo trip advice from.

dbl post - pls delete.

quote cgchase: "I'm not entirely sure that's somebody we should be taking solo trip advice from. "

True... Just saw the "new" documentary.

quote cgchase: "
This year, another buddy of mine has asked to come along but I'm really, really hesitant to agree. I much prefer having a companion but I also want to complete my trip this year. This buddy of mine is keen to relive his boyscout days but it's probably been 20+ years since he truly exerted himself physically. Unless he's got the spirit of a warrior and a family-sized bottle of Advil, I see some issues.

So I guess that's why I go solo . .because, although I truly appreciate company, I ultimately just want to do what I want to do and don't really want to compromise . . unless I had somebody like Lindylair describes - that would be different.

"

That's my issue as well. I don't have friends who are experienced canoe trippers and in the physical shape necessary to do a trip that I like to do. My son in the military is about all I can think of to do a tandem with.

I think doing a partial group solo sounds appealing. I'm talking about meeting with a few others like myself and spending the first few days of the trip with before parting and finishing the trip solo. A meet up in Ely (or wherever) at the end would be fun too. I hope to go solo to Quetico with dog in Sept. 2016 if anyone is interested.

quote TomT: "

quote cgchase: "
This year, another buddy of mine has asked to come along but I'm really, really hesitant to agree. I much prefer having a companion but I also want to complete my trip this year. This buddy of mine is keen to relive his boyscout days but it's probably been 20+ years since he truly exerted himself physically. Unless he's got the spirit of a warrior and a family-sized bottle of Advil, I see some issues.

So I guess that's why I go solo . .because, although I truly appreciate company, I ultimately just want to do what I want to do and don't really want to compromise . . unless I had somebody like Lindylair describes - that would be different.

"

That's my issue as well. I don't have friends who are experienced canoe trippers and in the physical shape necessary to do a trip that I like to do. My son in the military is about all I can think of to do a tandem with.

I think doing a partial group solo sounds appealing. I'm talking about meeting with a few others like myself and spending the first few days of the trip with before parting and finishing the trip solo. A meet up in Ely (or wherever) at the end would be fun too. I hope to go solo to Quetico with dog in Sept. 2016 if anyone is interested.

"

I think soloing with a happy dog could be the best.

You are with a companion who loves you in their own way and vice versa, they will teach you how to be there in the moment if you let them, you both get a break in the routine and their sensory awareness surpasses ours by magnitudes. No bear or other critter is ever going to come near camp without them knowing it. I'm a 'cat person' now, but when I'm soloing I can remember our dog from my childhood and think she would have been great to have along.

Enjoy your trips with your companion!

Like a couple others, I have not yet gone on a solo. I would like to do one before I am too old and decrepit. In the meantime I've had the same paddling partner for 30 years ( my husband) and so at this point we are usually on the same page as far as traveling, schedules, pace, etc are concerned. And while we do have some conversation, neither of us feel the need to fill the silence (especially after he turns his hearing aid off). Just missing the total solitude and complete self reliance.

I am planning my first solo. Picking up a Bell Magic Sunday and hoping to squeeze another trip in this November, if not, then in the Spring. I enjoyed reading every single one of these posts. Very cool to read all the perspectives.

My initial reason for getting into the world of solo tripping up there is so I can go as often as I want. I have a couple groups I can go with and make it out twice a year no problem, but that just isn't enough for me, I'm an addict. Also, the appeal of no compromise on time spent and distance covered is appealing as many of my paddling partners prefer shorter base camps.

Who knows what I will actually truly love about it until I get a few under my belt. Can't wait!

quote Thisismatthew: "I am planning my first solo. Picking up a Bell Magic Sunday and hoping to squeeze another trip in this November, if not, then in the Spring. I enjoyed reading every single one of these posts. Very cool to read all the perspectives.


My initial reason for getting into the world of solo tripping up there is so I can go as often as I want. I have a couple groups I can go with and make it out twice a year no problem, but that just isn't enough for me, I'm an addict. Also, the appeal of no compromise on time spent and distance covered is appealing as many of my paddling partners prefer shorter base camps.


Who knows what I will actually truly love about it until I get a few under my belt. Can't wait!"

I would say you are primed and ready! Every solo trip is a little different from the others. All are an adventure. Go for it!