Having The Mojo To Go Solo

[Vanhalo]

Now, I've never been one to omit a fear. Coming from an Irish family, fear was something you didn't show. Running from a bully simply meant my father would drag you to the local park to face him, or her (as was the case when I was 7).

On the "pernicious and pugnacious" Irish.....and "taking control of the wilderness".

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[dakotaross]

Hanging out in camp is the primary reason I go hiking. I hike to camp so when I get to a campsite, the fun has only begun...

I can attest, man brought beer on ice to a 15 degree camp, and cooked me steak. I need to repay the favor.

[Grumpy Squatch]

(As an aside, Grumpy Squatch, I just drove through Franconia Notch on the way home from VT, and after reading up on it, appreciate your signature quote even more!)

If you want to add to that appreciation, read Tall Trees, Tough Men by Robert Pike: https://www.amazon.com/Trees-Anecdot.../dp/0393319172.

[Trecker8]

Beautiful!

[Trecker8]

Where was this from? Fascinating.

[P-Dub]

Hanging out in camp is the primary reason I go hiking. I hike to camp so when I get to a campsite, the fun has only begun.

OP asked what we do to fill the time and many of us put in all kinds of great suggestions. But if I think about it, I'd go back and answer this way: I do what needs doing.

Originally I gave concrete suggestions for things to do, but the more I read and think about it, the more I believe there is value in doing "nothing" for a time, especially in the woods. But "nothing" = watching, listening, feeling, which is certainly not nothing, and is very beneficial in ways that may not be apparent.

All of this. When I described to someone my yearly 2-1/2 week wilderness paddle in Algonquin Provincial Park, they said "gee, what do you do? You must take a lot of novels and have a lot of campfires!" I said, no way -- I'm too busy for that!

[Silverpalm2x]

These are pictures are so good.

the second one is magical. thanks for sharing

Winter solo is awesome. Who's gonna follow you in the snow with a tent or a hammock anyway? Very few people.

[H. Hastings]

Most of my trips are solo. Good travel partners are few and far between and there's a lot to be said for not having to discuss decisions with someone else. I do find that my mind magnifies the sounds I hear at night though so I've taken to bringing ear plugs. If I can't hear it I don't worry about it.

[Getintouch98]

I almost always solo camp. There are a couple reasons for it but the main one is so that I can get out into nature and relax. I bring a book,watch the fire, fish or just nap. It seems to recharge my batteries. Going out with groups or a friend or two is fun but for the most part I really enjoy just being lost in my thoughts or not thinking about anything.

Only bad thing about solo camping is all the animal noises. Would be nice to have a friend just in case that wolf wants to come check out my camp. Maybe I’ll get a dog ....

[MAD777]

I've been solo a lot lately and don't have free time at camp during daylight. Setting up, bear bagging, bathing, cooking dinner, washing dishes, brushing teeth (this doesn't even sound like I'm in the woods, does it!). After all that, or sometimes before, it's totally dark.
I don't rush those things, as I like to observe the nature around me. After dark I either sit on my stool or lay in my hammock and read novels on my phone. I never listen to music in the woods, that's for home. Nature provides the symphony.
I like to sleep in most mornings and cook a leisurely breakfast, while enjoying being immersed in nature.
Interestingly, I never build a fire when solo. Too much work. And yet, I enjoy the fire with a group, usually hanging out till midnight.

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