backpacking alone....

“I have the opportunity to take a few unexpected days off this week. I REALLY want to head up to the Catskills for an over-nighter or two. Problem is...my usual partners in crime are unavailable. I have always wanted to go out alone, but maybe a bit apprehensive. Any advice, comments, experiences?”

“Click on my name, and you'll see a link to my website. Go to trip reports, and look for the "First Solo Trip Ever" at the bottom. I did it in the Catskills. Hopefully, it'll give you some good insight. :-)”

“Since your experianced going sole shouldnt be too bad, you already know what to take and so forth. The only NEW item is just simply dealing with being alone.

ENJOY!”

“Artex,
Great story about your first trip. Also kinda funny as I am planning to do the Wittenberg, Cornell, Slide trail for my first solo. I have hiked that loop as part of a group half a dozen times in the past, so I thought I would feel comfortable on it for the first solo trip.
John”

“Cool! Yeah, you should be set. I didn't realize you had that much experience as a group, I just assumed otherwise. The fact that you hiked that route that many times will obviously be of a big help. Enjoy it, solo trips are great.”

“Once you get past the first night it will be nothing. I still recall that feeling as darkness came on my first time solo. It's spooky but now solo is the way I go most times. You don't have to worry about people backing out at the last moment, just remember to let someone know where you are and when you are expected to return. Give them a call when you get back.
Enjoy.”

“solo is great, even if you're afraid of the dark like i am. there's no one around who'll care if you run around naked in the morning or practice belching the alphabet or move your tent eight times cause you don't like the view.
i personally love the lack of babbling children following me around. lovely silence.
oh-and be prepared to be a little bit bored. you might want to pack a book.”

“helinka,
That was too funny. I had not thought about the possibility of running around naked or testing my belching talent. I guess my biggest concern is that moment when your done hiking, setting up the tent, darkness falls, and no one is there to share it with. Part of me thinks I'll be a bit bored and lonely, part of me knows it will be a terrific experience. I have three kids under the age of 7, I do not get all that much peace and quiet.”

“you'll get over the lonely part. since you've got the same kinda kid situation as me, i think you'll appreciate just having nothing to do”

“I think going solo the first time shouldn't be nearly as scary as what getagrip did at the Pecos Rendevous - it was her first non-solo backpack and it was with a bunch of TT guys!

I got over the scary sounds at night really quickly. I had to learn to deal with what to do after getting weathered off a mountain in the afternoon and eating supper by myself. Those were the only times I'd get lonely. Now I bring something to read, a journal, and a often a small guitar. If I didn't play guitar so well I'd probably teach myself to play a harmonica - that would be much easier to carry. Some hard liquor with supper is also a nice touch (in moderation - you have to be more conservative solo).”

“I live in the Catskills & I PREFER hiking alone. I also like to hike at night in snow covered winter. The ONLY thing that's of any concern in the catskills is poisonous snakes in the quarries & off-trail. They are long gone now due to cold. You can get ANYWHERE in the catskills & out in a day. The worst experience you'll have is if you are a light sleeper. You might hear some critters (Bambi included) sniffing your tent. I've tried lights, radio etc to keep them away as I am a light sleeper. Peeing near/around your tent actually works best. Later on in winter/spring, I recommend crampons & snoeshoes.”

“i carry a journal, or at least a few pages of blank paper. Its a nice time to reflect on yourself.”

“You have to be able to spend time with yourself before you can spend quality time with others.....”

“solo is different than in a group, but just as nice”

“Thanks for all the comments. Ya'll convinced me that I will indeed enjoy my solo trip. I leave early tomorrow a.m. for the Wittenberg, Cornell, Slide loop ( just 1 night). I'll update the post when I return. Many thanks, see ya!”

“the solitude is grand!”

“Good for you! you live in a flat area but still manage to hike! NEA sucks.”