Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Solo Tripping :: How to enjoy Solo
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hobbydog |
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SevenofNine |
I wish you the best in your search for having a great trip. The learning experience is fun and interesting as there are so many variables to staying warm and happy. |
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30Smoke |
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bwcasolo |
after a number of years with groups, solo travel was it. i read, fish a little, just get in the groove. it's your trip, you do what you want, when you want to. i like the freedom of that. no rush, no hurry. this week i will visit most entry points west and east of ely for all day, day trips, sleeping in my outback. i may set up my tent, i may not. this is my week. i may stay on triangle lake, i may not. i am not tied down to one entry point, or a route i have to follow. i am really looking forward to it. |
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sedges |
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bhouse46 |
I have cut short trips due to this effect and then kicked myself for doing so. It seems a no win unless you plan for such things. And, yes, take a warm set of backups as it can get really chilly even during the warm season. Plan Ahe a d And the group solo tripping is another option I have enjoyed a couple times and hope to do again. |
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HighnDry |
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TomT |
bwcasolo: " Yes! The freedom is what it's all about. You can absolutely do anything whenever wherever. I've been married for 29 years and as we know it's all a compromise. Group trips are a compromise. Going solo is exhilarating freedom of choice. Another benefit is you don't make much noise and consequently will see more wildlife. I remember sitting in my chair one evening reading and suddenly 2 squirrels started chasing each other through and around my site seemingly oblivious to me sitting there. That kind of thing doesn't happen with a noisy group. I like to get up at dawn put the coffee on and just observe. Maybe walk the trails around camp or the shoreline. Lots of cool stuff to see and hear. Ya gotta get your zen on. |
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HighnDry |
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Lailoken |
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GraniteCliffs |
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GraniteCliffs |
My experience, like many, found it took several trips to really begin to enjoy myself even though I had been on well over a hundred group trips. Now that I have been on a dozen solos I have learned to embrace them. Do I miss people? Absolutely, especially since I tend to be more of an extrovert. But I am able to recognize it for what it is and turn those feelings aside. I find I need to stay busy so I paddle and portage most of the day. I lily dip along the shore frequently, just staring at the lake bottom or staring at the shore or listening to the sounds as I meander down the lake. When I hit camp I don't normally bother to make a fire. I eat dehydrated food virtually every night. I bring a book and read for an hour or two every night while I have a couple of drinks and puff on a cigar. Mostly, I just stare at the lake and listen to the sounds. Then off to bed, where I typically fall asleep instantly and feel completely at peace as I do. |
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Lailoken |
GraniteCliffs: "Lailoken, you must be describing the Trant Lake beaver dam portage--no portage! I remember coming across it after it flooded. I had been there a number of times and was totally perplexed as to where I was. Finally guessed beaver dam and we jumped in the canoes and paddled the portage! It was great since that is or was a long and difficult haul and the dam helped it become a tad easier." I don't think it was that lake, as don't remember name. It is funny, I can remember the routes and campsites from the maps (fisher) but don't often know the names. It was an experience. I'd guess 40 to 45 feet wide and total of 15 feet tall. Those two pictures give the idea. |
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landoftheskytintedwater |
I tend to love being out traveling on my own, but when in camp and tend to wish I had someone with me. My first solo was a basecamp trip, so I learned the hard way on that one I didn't like just being in camp (I was also windbound so couldn't fish which made it worse). On my second trip, I planned to travel each day (only four) but kept the route tame and on smaller water as it was only my second solo. From my notes on that trip, I said I needed to try long travel days on my next solo to kind of force a little bit longer trip but also to see if that's what I'd enjoy most soloing. Going on a quick solo this summer (new baby, hectic work schedule make a longer one not possible). Trying to do four 12-15 mile travel days, going to plan on fishing while out traveling, so my days are long. Also doing a loop so leaving early won't really be possible without monster days. |
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30Smoke |
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SevenofNine |
Some people are not comfortable being alone for long periods of time. Nothing wrong with that. For me I can handle about 5 days and I then I want to see my wife so most of my trips are that length or less. |
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TomT |
My advice is keep a journal. Bring a good book or 2. Get into taking pics and or fishing. Maybe bring a dog if you have one. And just relax and enjoy what the weather brings. Be open to exploring or taking a day trip to fish a neighbor lake. I know one thing - the more often you do it the easier it gets. |
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bfurlow |
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RetiredDave |
TomT: "Soloing takes time to figure it out. I distinctly remember saying "I'll never do that again" I know one thing - the more often you do it the easier it gets. |
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butthead |
I've never considered solo tripping to be anything special. butthead |
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boonie |
Although I didn't say I'd never do another one, I did say I was going to do some things differently. I learned to cut back on food and gear, simplify chores, and plan less ambitious travel mileage in order not to be overwhelmed. After a few solo trips, I was far enough out the learning curve to be a lot more comfortable. Even at that and after quite a few, it usually takes me a couple of days to decompress, unwind, and get into the routine. I don't fish any more, so I prefer to travel most days, but some prefer base camping. I usually only travel about 5 hours a day (+/- 1), sometimes less. That way I have plenty of time to explore, find a site, finish camp chores and still have some time to just relax. I also plan an extra day every few days for weather and/or rest and day trips. It's hard to give much more specific advice on such an individual endeavor. It's something most people have to work out for themselves over a few trips. And some do decide it's not something they like. |
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boonie |
You were tired when you got into camp the first night: Were you more tired than when you go with your cousin? If so, why? Did I try to travel too far? Maybe, try traveling less. Were portage loads a lot heavier than those tandem trips? Some, how can I reduce . . . Did I get to camp earlier, later, or the same time as usual? I need more time to do all camp chores myself, so need to get there earlier and/or simplify. Cold feet? Just until you got in the sleeping bag or all night? Did I stay hydrated and fueled while traveling during the day? Being dehydrated can make you feel tired as well as cold. Do I need more/different clothes? Do I need a warmer bag? Booties? I've found that wearing a beanie/balaclava helps. It took me several trips of this kind of "analysis" before I found my comfort levels and my trip. Just keep plugging away at fixing the problems and soon you'll find your comfort level and trip. I do much better now that I stay hydrated and fueled during the day, don't travel quite as long/far, don't try to travel every day, have smaller loads, have a simpler camp routine. I get into camp earlier before I'm too tired and get things done. I have three pair of socks - one for travel, one for camp with camp shoes, one only for sleep. Like many others I rarely have a fire; if I do it's small and simple. You should have plenty of time to do your Snowbank loop later without any long days and without traveling every day. |
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jdddl8 |
Here are my solo rules: 1/know where everthing is packed, 2/when in doubt-don't, 3/carry a safety method to the outside world, 4/be amused by your mistakes as you'll make some, 5/think before you act, 6/try to remain calm when recovering from disaster, 7/watch the sky, 8/don't overdo it, 9/have a plan but be flexible, and 10/document your trips to stir memories. What I really love about solo canoeing is the freedom of choice and to know that everything accomplished is because of your efforts. May your paddle guide you through 2018! |
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mastertangler |
The key is to have a goal. Plan an ambitious route. That keeps you motivated. Get up early, run late. You hit the hay around dark and sleep solid. Rinse and repeat. I like to journal, take pics and read and fish. Plenty to do without needing to make some one else happy. My first solo trip was the Hunters Island loop. Great trip. |
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macsvens |
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TomT |
jdddl8: " Very good advice. I'd also add "Watch your step". Even a sprained knee or ankle is bad news when portaging. |
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GraniteCliffs |
Especially true on solo trips in the Q. |