Who goes it alone and who doesn't?

**TNhitman** · 11-09-2010, 23:29

I was just wandering who hikes alone or the better question is who prefers to go alone? As for myself i would rather explore a new trail alone. There is just something about being out there all by yourself it is truly what its all about for myself. I was once out for 4 days in a local area here in TN called Savage Gulf with 4in of snow on the ground. That's a rare thing here in middle TN the highs in the day where 20deg and the lows hit 0 to -5 a very rare event also. My footprints were the only footprints I seen in the snow the entire time I was there.

**Mister Dark** · 11-09-2010, 23:38

I feel ya, man. Athough I enjoy company around the fire, I often wind up going it alone. Crazy work schedule, crazy travel, all add up to a lot of spur of the moment hikes.

Something about having nobody to depend on but yourself, to put a little extra "Zing" in the morning coffee!

**mugs** · 11-10-2010, 00:10

I like to solo as well. A lot of it is dictated by my work schedule vs another person's schedule. I like group hiking just as much but I have to cater to the group and their pace and desires. When I am by myself I can get in more mileage (about 30 miles a day) and I like to just get out meditate and re-charge my mental, spiritual, and physical batteries. This can only be done when I am alone.

**Bradley** · 11-10-2010, 00:31

24-28 years ago I had a buddy

"Buddy One"

We did it all together, hiked, fished, white water,
Archery, hiking, chess, drinkin', partying, dreaming, hiking . . .
We even watched the comedy Police Squad premier night together over the phone
after I called him to say “Hey Leslie Nelson has a new show on the tube”
We just hung out over the phone 30 miles apart, and laughed for ½ hour.
I really don’t believe we did that, but we played chess over the phone.
And once at the Ram River Falls
played chess around a camp fire,
in our minds, to about a dozen moves each
Until we realized I started with my queen on the wrong colour.

. . . I doubt i ever saved his life . . . but I know he saved mine . . .
one night when I just got back to town from a 30 day stint in the bush workin'
we went down town to party in the clubs, as we were driving down a dark street,
I saw a guy puttin the boots to some ones head.

I climbed outa the VW Westfalia before it stopped and jumped the kicker.
We slipped on the ice and went down.
Out from the shadows like a set up came a boot to my head . . .

I actually saw stars as I came back from another dimension . . .
and I could hardly make out my "Buddy One" between the thugs
his arms around their shoulders, and walking them away . . .

That was oooh soo long ago . . .

My Buddy One went away with Multiple Myeloma 2 years ago . . .

. . .

. . .

. . . Now on long or grueling hikes I hike alone . . .

or . . . short hikes and camping with my two daughters . . .

**questtrek** · 11-10-2010, 00:50

Most of my favorite hikes have been solo! .. It gives me time alone out in the wilderness and peace if mind. There are times I which there was a group but, I have always sufficed. There is one trip I plan to do with a partner and not solo and that is Isle Royale. I just don't think doing 45 miles alone would be safe but, ya never know ..

**wildcrafter** · 11-10-2010, 03:41

i like to hike alone but i like a group at the end of the day around a camp fire. On the trail I just like the peace and quiet of no one else around.

**kayak karl** · 11-10-2010, 04:45

Originally Posted by wildcrafter

i like to hike alone but i like a group at the end of the day around a camp fire. On the trail I just like the peace and quiet of no one else around.

thats me exactly.

**amac** · 11-10-2010, 04:59

I've done a solo trip each of the past 3 years. I thoroughly enjoy being alone during the day, but I miss having a buddy around camp. Not only do I enjoy being able to hike at my own pace, stop when & where I want to, I find that going solo has built a level of self-confidence in being outdoors that I don't think I would have ever achieved otherwise.

**JCK** · 11-10-2010, 06:15

I've only been out a few times, but I do enjoy being in a group, whether thats 2 people or 15, but I'd say about 4 including my self is a good number for me. Your all mates, you all like the outdoors, all getting away from work/chill time - its great.
Thats for mulitday hikes though.

For day trips, just myself is great, exploring areas and places etc.

**DuctTape** · 11-10-2010, 06:21

I do both. I started solo trips when I didn't have anyone else to go with me. Now I find it enjoyable. Except in the winter when the sun sets at dinner time and it is dark for a zillion hours. It can get boring by yourself after a while. I usually end up sleeping a lot then. I do enjoy company on trips too though.