First Solo

**boomer754** · 10-13-2011, 21:09

Enjoy your time of solitude. My first solo trip was Labor Day weekend this year. Sure, I was a bit nervous at times, but I got over it. The alone time with nature can't be beat, especially if you have things on your mind.

**FireInMyBones** · 10-13-2011, 21:11

Thank you for all the encouragement. I know this is going to be a good trip. Now...off to netti pot before bed.

**Catavarie** · 10-13-2011, 21:13

Originally Posted by FireInMyBones

Thank you for all the encouragement. I know this is going to be a good trip. Now...off to netti pot before bed.

Ooh, check out Shug's video of the backwoods netti pot if you're a bit congested.

**Hooch** · 10-13-2011, 21:19

Solo trips are good for the soul. I enjoy the company of others but have come to embrace the solo trip as my favorite way to hike in the last couple years. Don't worry, you'll be fine, I'm sure.

Oh, and remember, Man-Bear-Pig just wants to be your friend. Like Sasquatch.

**rngn** · 10-13-2011, 21:29

Remember dont make any snap decisions, Always stay calm cool and collected while in the bush.

**Phillipsart** · 10-13-2011, 21:34

I love solo hiking, I take more care when solo.

You make your own pace, no one there to slow you down or walk to fast, stop when you want, and the pease and quiet apart from the sounds of the wildlife. I do also enjoy the company of other hikers, most of my hikes are solo.

**Les Rust** · 10-14-2011, 05:25

Jeremy, I'll add my prayers for you this weekend. I always text my route/trailnames/schedule to my wife's phone so that she has it with her at all time. I usually text my wife that "I'm out of the woods--back in danger" when I get done with a solo. Statisically, the reality is that we are far more likely to have something happen to us while on our way to the trail or on our way home than when we are actually in the wilds. That being said, one still has to have some skills and moxy about what to do.
I hike/backpack alone a good bit. It's good for the soul to find some silence and solitude in the wilds. I hope you find some good things this weekend. Shalom

**Catavarie** · 10-14-2011, 05:43

Oh, one more peice of advice I can give you. Don't use the iPod (if you're taking one) until your in the hammock for the night. I find an audio book of short stories helps to knock me out when I can't otherwise settle my mind enought o allow me to sleep. Plus, why would you want to be distracted from your surroundings while your hiking through them?