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  1. #1
    Member Lifeguard326's Avatar
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    Is this a stupid idea?

    I would like to start backpacking but have no one to go with and have never been. I have time off this week and am thinking about going solo to the Red River Gorge for an over night and giving it a try. I have done a lot of reading and have gathered equipment. I'm in reasonable shape without any major health issues. So, I'm I being stupid for wanting to give it a try solo with no experience?

  2. #2
    all secure in sector 7 Shug's Avatar
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    Just have a good out and not too far from your car. At least the first time. Good to be able to bail!
    Shug
    Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven

  3. #3
    Senior Member Hawk-eye's Avatar
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    Plus one on Shug's advice ... from another solo hiking lover ... and suspected ax murderer

    WARNING: Will discuss Rhurbarb Strawberry Pie and Livermush at random.


    "A democracy is two wolves and a small lamb voting on what to have for dinner.
    Freedom under a constitutional republic is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." ... B.Franklin


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  4. #4
    Senior Member Hooch's Avatar
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    Another vote for "go do it". My first backpacking trip was a solo on the AT. RRG is very hiker friendly, usually has plenty of great hang sites and good water sources. Go enjoy!
    "If you play a Nicleback song backwards, you'll hear messages from the devil. Even worse, if you play it forward, you'll hear Nickleback." - Dave Grohl

  5. #5
    Senior Member Hawk-eye's Avatar
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    Might "esplain" myself ... as Shug has mentioned in one of his interviews and on hikes ... sometimes when you are a male solo hiker ... and especially if you're a bit long in the tooth like some of us. You'll get "the look" from passing hikers ... you can almost hear them thinking ... "better watch that boy ... has that serial Ax Murderer look about him"

    When in truth it's probably just the exhausted ... "I've dun hiked my arse off" ... expression on your face that makes ya look that way!

    But dang it there's something great in experiencing the woods on your own. I highly reccomend it ... and sometimes ya just can't find another companion with the free time to join ya. So ya have to make do.

    Enjoy your mistakes, learn to not repeat them and have a ball. Sometimes those mistakes and those weird trips are the most memorable ones in the rear view mirror!

    WARNING: Will discuss Rhurbarb Strawberry Pie and Livermush at random.


    "A democracy is two wolves and a small lamb voting on what to have for dinner.
    Freedom under a constitutional republic is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." ... B.Franklin


    Home of the Gorge Rats: Linville Gorge
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  6. #6
    Senior Member Theo's Avatar
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    You mean you can hike with other people? What will they think of next?

    Seriously, though. Nothing wrong with solo. If I only went when there was some one else to go, I would probably only go about once every two years.

  7. #7
    Senior Member Bubba's Avatar
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    I first went car camping solo and then as others said I just went and did backpacking solo. It would be good to stay close to your car at first but just be careful and don't take any undo risks. I have to admit that my first couple of nights alone had me a little anxious at times but then you get used to the feel of the woods. Take care and have fun.

  8. #8
    Member strung2tite's Avatar
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    Others advise +, tell someone else where your going for how long. Just in case.
    Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.
    Thomas Jefferson

  9. #9
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    On my first night backpacking, I stayed in a car campground just in case. I was comfortable with everything that night, so I did some hiking and did an overnight on the trail. I had hoped on doing another night out, but I was pushing the comfort limits of my sleeping gear too closely (actually, I broke them), and so I packed it in after that night. Twas better, I think, than me going another night outside of my limits.

  10. #10
    Senior Member kthompson's Avatar
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    Just leave an itinerary with someone trustworthy. So that if you are overdue they will have an idea of where to look. And stick to it. Solo is awesome.

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