If you're backpacking by yourself, what do you do once you're done for the day?

[SilvrSurfr]

I also tend to hike until dark when solo hiking. While some like to hit the trail early in the morning, I will delay my departure so that I'm not sitting around camp with my thumb up my butt. If I know that I will be arriving early, I'll bring a book (paper) to read to pass the time.

Unlike some people, I've never been bored in my entire life - I don't know what boredom is, frankly. So if there is down time, I'm probably going to find some way to enjoy it by birdwatching, wildlife sighting, or even reading a book.

[OneClick]

Unlike some people, I've never been bored in my entire life - I don't know what boredom is, frankly.

I've read all new posts. I'm now bored

[Caminante]

I'll second photography. I bought a Micro Four Thirds format camera just for the compact size and light weight compared to DSLR's, but still acceptable image quality. Some of the best photo opportunities are either in the hour or two before sunset or the middle of the night if you bring a tripod or find a solid perch for your camera.

Star Trails.jpg

[scclimber]

If I am in the Smokies I like to explore for old house sites that were there before it was a park, in the summer and I am close to water go for a swim, If up high on a ridge enjoy a nice view, there is usually some reason I go hiking in an area and i like to explore (day hike) to learn more.

[pgibson]

I hike to fish. Some of my friends have heard me say...mid hike...that I hate to walk. But I love getting to amazing places and catching beautiful fish when I am there. But I also will spend time working on a video, taking my time cooking, hike around a bit getting to know the place I am staying, take photos and edit them, sometimes read or watch a movie.

This is pretty much what a solo hike looks like for me.

[LuvmyBonnet]

- Process fire wood and sit around the fire with a drink (whiskey or wine)

This ^^^^

[bear snack]

In the winter I never have this problem since I can fall asleep at 5pm if the sky is dark :P In nicer weather with longer days I will hike a little longer, even if it is just exploring with no pack after setting up camp.

I also enjoy gathering firewood that is small enough to be processed by hand and building a tiny, but beautiful fire to stare at while I sit in camp. It is fun to perfect your fire starting skills. Make it a challenge - can you start it without an accelerant / with one match / with flint and steel etc.?

I don't know if it really counts as solo camping when I hike with my sweet golden retriever, but depending on the mileage for the day we either explore around camp or sit and snuggle by the fire. (He's a champ at convincing people to pet him endlessly!) He's usually ready for bed before me though, so that's when I'll make a fire. For some reason he thinks that the sticks I gather as firewood are super tasty dog toys.

[MattK]

I usually spend the time hiking more. Either with my whole kit and just set up camp deeper in the wilderness once night draws near, or after setting up camp and hiking off to find someplace beautiful to be and sip some whiskey, and, as others have said, to wash the city off my soul. That is a beautiful way of explaining it. I also bring my kindle, but I usually don't use that until the morning for my daily coffee and reading.

If I do have a lot of down time, I would likely lounge a bit and read some, play with a bunch of different ways to pitch my tarp. If I do have a fire (I tend to spend a decent chunk of time in areas with fire bans - not all that rare here in CO) it is usually small and just for the ambiance. Enough to keep my warm for a short bit after the sun goes down, but little enough to be unobtrusive.

Personally, when I go solo, I make the effort to not speak out loud, even to myself. The silence fills and soothes me.

That sounded kinda creepy. Sorry.

[WaffleBox]

Idaho sure is purdy.

[Tacblades]

Just a deep and dreamless sleep