YC, it's good to hear that you are able to start moving forward. Glad you can "get out" and enjoy nature.
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Happy Caesar Crosses the Rubicon (49 BC)! "alea iacta est" 🎲
Why I trip alone
- Thread starter Philtrum
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This song pretty much sums up some of my solo trips.....
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You're in the land of the living, and I'm grateful for that.
We are all happy for Yellowcanoe.
I like Phil's comments. People seem unresponsive at times when it come to planning trips. The people with 3 phone numbers are the ones I can never reach. In order to stay flexible, I now make some of the plans on the way there after everyone is together, we check water levels, and local knowledge. Some decisions I just arbitrarily make when people are slow to respond. Middle aged people seem very set in their ways.
I like Phil's comments. People seem unresponsive at times when it come to planning trips. The people with 3 phone numbers are the ones I can never reach. In order to stay flexible, I now make some of the plans on the way there after everyone is together, we check water levels, and local knowledge. Some decisions I just arbitrarily make when people are slow to respond. Middle aged people seem very set in their ways.
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No kidding. I can usually get people marginally interested but it is a major feat to get one to committ. I need to develop a small group of like minded people who will pick up and go at short notice. Not easy to do. Not too many 60 year old women want to suddenly take up canoeing...lol.
Kim, enjoy your trip to the Rock in August. It is fantastic country. We will need pics of course.
Christy
I feel sorry for anyone that "does not trip alone because their spouse is too uncomfortable."
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Ditto.
Two years ago I almost rented a SPOT device to accommodate my then-girlfriend's concerns. At length, I explained to her that the only practical reason to have one is to get rescued if something serious happened, like appendicitis. She finally relented, and I went off without the SPOT. I still wonder if I would have rented it just to ease her fears. I think not.
Just this morning my son (who's gone on two trips with me) asked if I'd be taking a beacon of some kind on my next trip, in May. I asked him why I'd do that. He gave the usual responses: "what if you got hurt?" and "others would feel reassured." When I told him what a SPOT cost he seemed to think it wasn't worth it. So now I know the value he places on knowing his dad is safe - it's less than $25/day.
My bottom line is that I don't want someone else's worries.
Accepting the risk has always been a part of outdoor adventures. It is part of the attraction. Going solo it is all on your own shoulders.
I did things as a young person I would never do now on purpose like swimming Class V rapids and packing horses 50 miles in without even a cell phone. But those experiences are a big part of the old fart that I turned out to be. I was at Earth Day in Reno yesterday trying to explain what it is like to have going to this event for 45 years. The first one was in 1970 at the Washington Monument grounds.
I did things as a young person I would never do now on purpose like swimming Class V rapids and packing horses 50 miles in without even a cell phone. But those experiences are a big part of the old fart that I turned out to be. I was at Earth Day in Reno yesterday trying to explain what it is like to have going to this event for 45 years. The first one was in 1970 at the Washington Monument grounds.
Soloists may trip alone but I bet few have no family. How would they feel if you broke an ankle and died of dehydration because no one knew you were hurt and you were unable to get to water? There are many areas where you might not see anyone for months!
I got a PLB so they know I did the best I could to come back to them.
I got a PLB so they know I did the best I could to come back to them.
I agree Kim. My wife is supportive of my canoeing, but she does worry when I go on a solo. I will generally give her a call at some point on the Sat phone to let her know I am alive. I'm really interested in that "In Reach" technology that is out there for texting, and will probably go that route within the next couple of years.
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My practice has been to tell the person I'm closest to at the time that if s/he doesn't hear from me within two days after my planned exit date, to contact the outfit I bunked with on the way up and/or the authorities. I file a trip plan with an outfitter and my friend/partner/son; although I might not camp at the sites I designate, I don't deviate from the route. So if someone needs to come for me they'll know where to look.
I leave float plans too, but the communication device is primarily for my wife's comfort. It's a small consideration for her comfort.
For some this simply part of the call. The what-ifs are part of the journey. More a male thing I'd imagine. Those whom hear the call for solitary adventure cannot hope to explain it to those whom do not.
For some, the need to engage in a solitary wilderness adventure is just that - a need. If electronic saviors and such violate that person's sense of going it alone then so be it. Its a very personal decision.
Sure, it's a personal decision, if you want to piss off the other half. If she's OK with no communication, fill yur boots. However, it's not the end of the world to press a button on a spot telling her there's no need to worry, the Zen Master of solo tripping isn't gonna jump out from behind a rock and kick you in the gonads.
On the other hand, if you are one of those rare and few (and sometimes lucky) "single" types, or if your wife has a big insurance policy on you and is hoping for your demise, put your hair shirt on and eat earthworms every night. Personally, after some of the zaney reasons some people have had for using their devices to call in the helicopters, I figure the fewer people with electronic help, the better. New entries for the Darwin Awards.
After many trial and error type marriages, I have found that it's best to attempt to keep the other half happy, or if not that, at least hopeful.
On the other hand, if you are one of those rare and few (and sometimes lucky) "single" types, or if your wife has a big insurance policy on you and is hoping for your demise, put your hair shirt on and eat earthworms every night. Personally, after some of the zaney reasons some people have had for using their devices to call in the helicopters, I figure the fewer people with electronic help, the better. New entries for the Darwin Awards.
After many trial and error type marriages, I have found that it's best to attempt to keep the other half happy, or if not that, at least hopeful.
Soloists are no better nor worse than anyone else. From some posts you would think it is a religion. In the past few years I have given some thought to the ego centric narcisstic aspect of soloing. As if no one else mattered..
Soloing sometimes really is selfish.
I have been soloing since 1996 so have had some time to reflect on it. A big change came on a La Verendrye solo in May some six or seven years ago. My first grandchild was five. I had given up a Memorial Day weekend to do this solo and in the early stages of the trip, I had a "what was I thinking " moment. My grandchild did not live close to my home and I had given up time with him for time for me.
I paddled back to the start and went to see him in Connecticut. Little kids don't stay cuddly for grandparents for long.
Soloing sometimes really is selfish.
I have been soloing since 1996 so have had some time to reflect on it. A big change came on a La Verendrye solo in May some six or seven years ago. My first grandchild was five. I had given up a Memorial Day weekend to do this solo and in the early stages of the trip, I had a "what was I thinking " moment. My grandchild did not live close to my home and I had given up time with him for time for me.
I paddled back to the start and went to see him in Connecticut. Little kids don't stay cuddly for grandparents for long.
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There is a Zen master of solo tripping? I had no idea.
I would like to take a PLB or something to let Niner Domestic track my wanderings. Maybe an elk collar or something like that. I think it would be really cool to be able to punch up the internet and see where I have been doodling around all day. Maybe paddle in a big sort of heart shaped pattern to see if it comes through...how cool would that be eh.
Seeing as I am middle aged though ( cough cough) it would appear that I am set in my ways and they dont include taking such a thing along. Simply because I never have and have done fine without one. I am more likely to die on the drive to or from than to have anything happen in the bush. It's a lot safer out there. Especially since I don't travel alone often....that is one compromise I am willing to make, which really makes sense to me.
I grew up being outdoors a lot and am totally comfortable in the bush so that is probably why I don't see the need to have a safety net. It's home, and I am not afraid to be home. It's all perspective.
Christine
I would like to take a PLB or something to let Niner Domestic track my wanderings. Maybe an elk collar or something like that. I think it would be really cool to be able to punch up the internet and see where I have been doodling around all day. Maybe paddle in a big sort of heart shaped pattern to see if it comes through...how cool would that be eh.
Seeing as I am middle aged though ( cough cough) it would appear that I am set in my ways and they dont include taking such a thing along. Simply because I never have and have done fine without one. I am more likely to die on the drive to or from than to have anything happen in the bush. It's a lot safer out there. Especially since I don't travel alone often....that is one compromise I am willing to make, which really makes sense to me.
I grew up being outdoors a lot and am totally comfortable in the bush so that is probably why I don't see the need to have a safety net. It's home, and I am not afraid to be home. It's all perspective.
Christine
Ya know, I was simply presenting an alternative perspective. Obviously not much room in your reality for such. Perhaps you could make your point in a rather less denigrating manner.
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There are a couple reasons why I prefer to canoe alone. Foremost, my current path involves bird, landscape, and macro photography. I don't market my images, more like I just enjoy the challenge of capturing 'The Shot', I liken it to bow hunting for deer. For me, it is not unusual to spend a couple hours in an area just to stalk and position myself to capture a series of images, It takes about half an hour for my companions to begin to get itchy to move on. I shoot my birds with 400mm lens, the slightest movement will create motion blur and ruin an image, having another in the canoe is just a PITA!
It is so much simpler to prepare and plan a solo for me. About 5 years ago, Some co-workers and I decided to canoe the Brule in Wi. It was a great trip and we all came away happy. It became a annual tradition, company has grown and it has become a nightmare! Most are green to the rules of the outdoors, they have no concept as to the planning involved. They do not understand the need for reservations in campgrounds, entry permits to wilderness areas must be obtained; for this to occur, a commitment must be made. Too often, I hear, " I'd love to go if I don't have anything going on"
. One year, we went camping at Cascade River state park in October. We met at work for departure, and one guy showed up in his short sleeved work uniform prepared to work. When told that this was the day of the trip, decided he wanted to go. We stopped at every Salvation Army store from Duluth to Lutsen to keep him from dying of exposure.
It is so much simpler to prepare and plan a solo for me. About 5 years ago, Some co-workers and I decided to canoe the Brule in Wi. It was a great trip and we all came away happy. It became a annual tradition, company has grown and it has become a nightmare! Most are green to the rules of the outdoors, they have no concept as to the planning involved. They do not understand the need for reservations in campgrounds, entry permits to wilderness areas must be obtained; for this to occur, a commitment must be made. Too often, I hear, " I'd love to go if I don't have anything going on"
. One year, we went camping at Cascade River state park in October. We met at work for departure, and one guy showed up in his short sleeved work uniform prepared to work. When told that this was the day of the trip, decided he wanted to go. We stopped at every Salvation Army store from Duluth to Lutsen to keep him from dying of exposure.
I think it's just the nature of the internet medium Holmes, I think Yellow was talking more about herself and her own experiences than other folks. Sometimes in my poor attempts at humour I manage to frost someone's pumpkin too, and it's not my intention to do so. In any case, there are times when I want to get away from it all and have no contact whatsoever with any human being. It's not about the challenge or the risk, it's about recharging the internal batteries. However, I can't completely ignore the fact that there is someone else in my life who really wants to know that I'm safe and alive. She's a good woman, and I won't ignore her for my own selfish purposes. I think a Spot unit is great for this kind of thing, it's just one push of a button, and you're done. Plus, the people on your contact list often live vicariously through the daily map locations. That's usually how I roll anyway. On a group trip, I don't often touch bases, because she knows I'm with other capable people, and we can all look after each other.
The proliferation of electronic contacting devices has changed the nature of solo tripping. I think more people try solo tripping now because they know they have a way out if things go bad. The problem is, some people never develop the skills to get themselves out of a hard spot. They just press the rescue button, when rescues are not necessary. The case of the guy who lost his paddle comes to mind. One of my buddies was solo up in Wabakimi on a three week trip. During week two, he was lining a rapid and fell and broke his arm. He had no communication device, but he was able to signal a plane somehow and get out.
My advice to people who use Sat phones or the In Reach technology is too get the numbers of local outfitters before you go on your trip. If you have difficulty of a non-medical nature, contact them to fly you out. If you call in SARs, they will not take your canoe or gear, so you will be using an outfitter to pick up your stuff anyway.
The proliferation of electronic contacting devices has changed the nature of solo tripping. I think more people try solo tripping now because they know they have a way out if things go bad. The problem is, some people never develop the skills to get themselves out of a hard spot. They just press the rescue button, when rescues are not necessary. The case of the guy who lost his paddle comes to mind. One of my buddies was solo up in Wabakimi on a three week trip. During week two, he was lining a rapid and fell and broke his arm. He had no communication device, but he was able to signal a plane somehow and get out.
My advice to people who use Sat phones or the In Reach technology is too get the numbers of local outfitters before you go on your trip. If you have difficulty of a non-medical nature, contact them to fly you out. If you call in SARs, they will not take your canoe or gear, so you will be using an outfitter to pick up your stuff anyway.
For a number of years I have had the best of both worlds. On a 30 day trip I will spend at least half of it solo. Friends will fly in and join me for part of the trip. This involves a few perks that can be enjoyed like fresh meat and cold drinks. I keep my cost down by paddling in and they get to see choice areas with less vacation time burned up.
I like long trips but my wife only gave her blessing for the first one on the condition that I carried a satellite phone. I have come to realize that the sat phone makes it more of a solo adventure. When trouble happens I can get on the phone and arrange a fix myself.
I like long trips but my wife only gave her blessing for the first one on the condition that I carried a satellite phone. I have come to realize that the sat phone makes it more of a solo adventure. When trouble happens I can get on the phone and arrange a fix myself.
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