Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: Any tips for first solo!?
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MikeinMpls |
2. Use the lee of points, bays, and islands to your advantage in big water or heavy winds. 3. Use the time alone to do whatever you want, whenever you want to do it, on your schedule. Like others have said, bring a book. I try to buy books that interest me (obviously) with a lot of pages and very small print. The number of pages you can get through in a day may astonish you. I also tear out crossword puzzles from the newspaper and put them in the book. Sometimes gas station magazine racks have puzzle books with crossword, logic puzzles, and other enjoyable activities. 4. Consider bringing a small radio, shortwave is best in my opinion. Sometimes it's nice to listen to the world if only for a few minutes. I do want to keep up with the news. At nighttime, listening to radio stations across the country can be fun. You will also get weather reports. 5. Do your very best to think before executing a move like exiting the canoe, or walking on wet rocks. It gets slippery out there in a hurry. I have injured myself on two previous solos: once I was jumping on rocks on the shore of Spalding Lake. Before I knew it, I was on my back lying on a sharp rock perpendicular to my spine and just narrowly missed hitting my head. My body would not have been found for quite some time. More recently, I got pretty banged up slipping on multiple rocks on a solo to Fourtown. On the day I put in, I fell four times. My legs were very bruised and swollen. Not a good way to start a trip. 6. Please wear your pfd. Lastly, be prepared that you most likely will become quickly addicted to soloing. Fortunately, there is no cure! Mike |
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boonie |
Having that much alone time free of the pressures of the outside world is a rare opportunity these days. Enjoy it. Be careful, watch your step, take your time, don't push your luck in wind, water will still be cold - have a plan. |
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HighnDry |
You'll do fine. I always enjoy my solos with the peace and quiet and the rhythm of any lake that I'm on. :) |
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CoffeeInTheWoods |
Five star campsites are usually rated high with the assumption of a larger group and the need for extra tent pads, etc. Some of the lower rated sites are fantastic for solo travel, especially in a hammock. |
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OneMatch |
Don't be afraid to talk out loud to yourself. Get on your knees and lower your center of gravity if you get a tough wind. |
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TaylorRN |
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Frenchy19 |
You are going to have a blast! Be safe and let us know how it goes! |
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TaylorRN |
Happy voyaging Taylor |
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straighthairedcurly |
1) Bring both a single bladed paddle and a kayak paddle (break-apart style). The kayak paddle really helped if I had wind or current to deal with. 2) Entertainment was important. For me this means a journal, a camera, a book, and a deck of cards for solitaire. I find that when on a solo I get up really early, travel hard for about 5 hours before camping. This means I have a full afternoon to entertain myself around camp. 3) Like many others, I tend to eat a bit less when solo. 4) Have a backup map. Lost my map on a portage once and it was terrifying to think about how I would get out if I was unable to find it again. 5) Tie off your canoe whenever it is unattended. All it takes is a sudden puff of wind and you are stranded. 6) Travel light even if you plan to double portage. You will appreciate light loads if you are tired, hit bad weather, or get an injury. 7) Like others, I have had the best success trimming the boat by tucking my bigger pack directly behind my seat and using a smaller pack in front of me, and using it to make smaller trim adjustments. 8) Carry a ditch kit in your PFD pocket or in a fanny pack you never take off: matches/lighter, water purification tablets, knife, emergency blanket, energy bar, permit. 9) I always wear my PFD when I swim on a solo trip (and obviously when I am in my boat). I am extra safety conscious when alone. HAVE FUN!! I look forward to my solo every year. You have a beautiful route planned. |
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merlyn |
It is easy to get bored (so much of our time is social time) plan some activities to keep busy if you're stuck in camp. You really need to be safety conscious and remember you are your only backup. Solo tripping can be addicting you will need to budget time for an extra trip or two each year. Read all the solo trip reports, tons of good advice and info there. |
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Snorty |
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Blatz |
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lionman |
-- Trimming the canoe can be a bit more difficult. I'm assuming you are using a solo canoe? I found that placing my main pack just behind me and a smaller food pack in the bow helped level it out. -- Going into the wind is much trickier in a solo. I had to readjust my plans on a particular blustery day. A kayak paddle probably would have helped. -- Time at camp can seem longer. I'm always fine lounging in a hammock with a book, fishing, or doing camp chores, but you might want to bring something to keep you occupied if you aren't traveling long distances. -- Camp chores take longer with only one person. I'd recommend bringing easy to cook meals. Decide whether you really want a fire or not. -- Portaging can take longer too. I packed light so I could single portage. If you have to triple portage, account for the increased time in your travel plans. -- If you get spooked easily, some people recommend bringing earplugs so you don't jump at every animal scratching around the campsite at night. -- An inreach or other satellite communicator can give peace of mind for you and those at home. -- Be more careful on slippery rocks. A twisted ankle is harder to deal with if nobody else is around. If you haven't already, join the solo tripping subforum. Lots more tips there. Have a great trip! |
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boonie |
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CoffeeInTheWoods |
Don't bring a radio. Bring books. |
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EddyTurn |
boonie: "It's a whole different vibe staying at a small, lesser-used campsite." Hear, hear! |