Going Solo?

**bgraybackpacker** · 06-23-2011, 01:42

As a step father of three, introvert and a call center employee I really love the peace, smell and relative quiet of the woods alone. I prefer the hikes where you rarely see anyone. Yes I have had my nights of looking up and around at all the noises the night brings. I once camped in a perfect spot next to this nice little beach on a gorgeous lake. Unfortunately it also happened to be every large animal in the vicinities favorite watering hole too. I have heard Coyotes howling, Owls hooting and even saw a black bear at lunch time high up on a ridge on a hot day. This was all on my first solo multi night backpacking trip. You just don't get opportunities to be with nature as often as you do when you are alone. It also takes a person who is comfortable being by themselves.

**Randy** · 06-23-2011, 04:54

Originally Posted by oldgringo

Maybe not, but there's Hook Man. I've seen him....well, I saw his hook. Sweartogawd.

Dont scare these folks , the for sale section could get active..
I wont even mention the banjo music...

the horror......the horror...........the horror........

**grey721** · 06-23-2011, 08:43

Two and a half more pages!?

Thank you all for sharing your experiences as a soloist. They're enjoyable to read, and I get a chuckle out of 'em. These stories are giving me confidence to just go out and do it! Maybe I will tonight out in the back...

I do agree that it's probably more difficult to sleep in the city than the woods. I'm just deathly afraid of random acts of violence and people who would like to do me harm. Not to mention that there have been tons of break-ins (and even a few shootings) in my neighborhood lately. Maybe, just maybe, I can hang waaaaaayyy high up in a tree. That way the guy sneaking in my yard won't see it comin when I pounce on him from above!

Seriously though, thank you guys again. I just hope it doesn't rain again unexpectedly tonight... I'm without a tarp (suggestions??).

**canoebie** · 06-23-2011, 08:52

leap and the net will appear
-zen saying

I like your sig and I think it applies to solo camping. I have done 2-7 day solo trips, backpacking and canoeing. For me, they are great times for self reflection and personal growth.

Your signature applies because when I am out there, I adopt an attitude that all around me will care for me. If I am smart and do the things I need to do, the "net" will appear. With an attitude of full faith in the woods I fall into a deep sleep. When I hear the owls, coyotes, find the bear scat, hear that big buck snort, I view it as the woods watching over me. Paradigm shift. Works for me.

**Shade-Dog** · 06-23-2011, 09:09

I solo 99% of the time, but cant get to sleep hanging in my back yard. I had no idea how much noise my neighborhood generated at night.

Last year in the Black Hills as I settled in for the night.. the wolves began to howl and the grunts from the bison echoed all around me. All this was more comforting than the noisy motorcycle racing down the street while hanging at home.

A side thought: It's not the noisy animals that will get you....

**RootCause** · 06-23-2011, 09:25

Originally Posted by bigbamaguy

When I get out by myself I usually use earplugs and a shot of crown royal!!!!!!!

Brief advertising break:
Have you tried the Crown Royal Black? It is extremely smooth- yummmmy!

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming....

Originally Posted by grey721

Two and a half more pages!?

I recommend setting your viewing preferences to show more replies per page. Cuts down on the page turns! Under "User CP" on the main menu bar, then "settings and options", "edit options".

Originally Posted by grey721

I just hope it doesn't rain again unexpectedly tonight... I'm without a tarp (suggestions??).

Start with a blue poly tarp, available in many sizes for cheap. There are multiple threads here addressing using an oversize one, then cutting it back as you figure out what works for you. Then you are armed with the knowledge to buy (or build) a perfect tarp for YOU.

Best wishes- this thread has lit a fire under me to get out for some solo overnights. I gotta try it, there are so many places around here I want to explore, and it can be tough to find others to go with me!

**Yukon** · 06-23-2011, 11:00

Nothing like waking up in the middle of the woods in the morning to nothing but the sounds of birds chirping and singing, complete peace. You will get used to it the more you do it. There is nothing out in the woods looking to get you, just your food if it's readily available lol

**shumway** · 06-23-2011, 12:13

I was thinking of giving my BB it's first night out in the back yard. I don't know.. that street lamp in the alley might be annoying. Street noise too. We have a pretty busy street not far from the house. thinking... if it's bad I'll just set up my stand in the garage.