Solo Hiking

Hiking Solo

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy planning a hike with others and hiking with a group. There's nothing like a shelter full of hikers at the end of the day. I enjoy running my mouth around a campfire, as well as the next backpacker, comparing equipment and experiences. I also like seeing things that I hold dear to my heart as 'vistas meant just for me'. Treasures meant for me to ponder and keep dear may not be treasures to another person. What I find amazing,another might find annoying. In fact, I know I can become annoying to others after 24 straight hours. (That's why a combination of solo and group can work for me. Solo during the day and group around the campfire.) I'm not called "highly opinionated woman living in north Georgia" for nuttin' ya know! I think my personality (since I have three names, Birth, Angel and Hiking, one of my friends has told me I must have 'multiple' personalities) fluctuates among the extrovert and the ntrospective fairly regularly. And this is why the 'combo' hiking works for me.

Soloing has not been a problem for me. I live in North Georgia and have hiked all but about 8-10 miles of the Trail here at one time or another. I kind of "know" these mountains and am familiar with them. I usually wear a wedding band on my left ring finger at the insistance of my kids, to send others a message that "there's a protective husband around somewhere" so that they won't 'mess' with me. I'm fairly trusting (fairly? I'm a blonde, does that say it all??) so I've done some 'textbook foolish' things -- things I do not recommend others do! And I'm trying to be more aware of my surroundings. When I hike out of my territory, I will HAVE to become so! If I'm asked "are you alone" -- I try to remember to look at them kind of "duh?" and say, "no I'm scouting out a place for --lunch, break, water,camp, etc. depending on time of day -- for the group, and they're right behind me." (Of course, sometimes I just forget to be cautious and say "Yes, I always hike alone" -- duh-blonde strikes again.) Usually this is to all-women groups or couple groups. Only once have I felt uncomfortable around a group of hikers. It was 5 or 6 years ago with a group of males, not 'true backpackers' by their gear or lack thereof. They wanted to stop me to talk, but I hurriedly said, "I've got to get to the trail head, my husband is bringing the car around and I have to get there by five or he'll get angry and come looking for me." (I had just about the right amount of time to get to the trailhead if I kept hiking as fast as possible.) When I met these guys, the hair on the back of my neck rose -- and I felt so uncomfortable that I got away as quickly as possible.
Another couple of things that I think helps me with solo hiking where another may not feel comfortable hiking alone, is that I've lived in a couple of East Coast States and am familiar with different 'cultures.' I'm 'older' and have had a lot of experiences with people, and my job puts me in a position to have to think on my feet and keep situations calm. I couldn't do 30 years ago what I can do today. I probably would not have felt comfortable hiking solo at 25. If a person doesn't feel comfortable hiking solo, then she shouldn't -- that's my 'sage' advice. When you get to feeling that you can hike alone, then test the waters. Have someone hike 'behind' you but not interfere with your solo hike. Hike 'alone' for day hikes a few times before stretching out into an overnight. And have someone meet you at the campsite the first couple of times, if you don't feel comfortable on your own. And you know what? Maybe you never will feel comfortable hiking solo and that's okay too. Not everyone's personality works for solo backpacking. If yours doesn't, don't try to make it happen.
Backpacking is to be fun and if it's not, you won't backpack. And that's the last thing we want to happen -- that you don't get out and backpack! One other bit of advice. Take no un-necessary risks and there are no necessary risks. The solo backpacker has to be prepared for anything that might happen -- broken bones to burns to bee stings.
Be like a boy scout -- always be prepared mentally for anything that could happen. If you're prepared mentally, you can handle anything the trail tosses at you.

Freedom to Solo

I'm not sure who started the fear infusion into women. I know we are smaller, and physically weaker than most men. Many of us have never used a weapon in our lives. Some of us have always been indoors, with lights and heat, a telephone nearby. We have been taught to depend on males, our fathers, brothers, boyfriends and husbands for protection.

Call 911. Call your mother. Call your therapist. Call your lawyer.

A lot of men are afraid to solo also, but I haven't uncovered the male psyche, so can only deal with my fears, as a woman.

First, I think, I am afraid of being raped, tortured and thrown in the bushes. That makes any male an instant suspect. Various plans of action unfold when a guy is noted on the trail, or in the shelter. I think of all the things I have with me that could do some major damage, if I can get my hands on it in time.

Next, I am afraid of wild animals, particularly bears, who may harm me for my food. The strange noises in the night when I am sleeping alone seem personal, as though the animals are doing this chattering just to intimidate me.

Sometimes I worry about falling down the cliff and getting hurt, no one being there to bandage my wounds and carry me out. That is a great fear in society, in cities and hospitals. Suffering alone. Dying alone.

I worry about getting lost, wandering off trail perhaps in the darkness.Wandering for days, hungry, and thirsty like in the movies.

I check for my car keys, and drivers license. What did I forget? What did I leave behind?

I don't worry about food, a person can live for weeks without eating.

---But then, for heavens sakes, I just want to go hiking!

I realize the vast majority of people die in car wrecks, of old age in retirement centers, of cancer, and murders in cities. Rapes are generally by someone you know, domestic violence is a greater threat than any on the trail. Let one woman suffer a mishap on trail, it is all over the newspapers. Our fears are expanded, and reinforced that we are not able to take care of ourselves.

There are times no one is available to come along. There are times I have to deal with the bitch within. Sometimes there is a song that has to be written out loud. I have to prove to myself that I am strong, am able. There is therapy under that tree, and a trail gift awaits. If I don't go, I will miss it. If I don't hike, and accept the challenges, I will not grow.

I guess the best defense is to be alert. Don't act like a target and you are less likely to be one. Think positive strong thoughts and make everyone wonder just what makes you so sure of yourself. And I find, most guys are really nice, and wouldn't hurt anyone.

We are a small entity in the woods. I have heard that humans are the only animal that hasn't figured out that the purpose of life is to enjoy it. Those creatures aren't out to get me, just to have a good time.

I am more likely to fall and get hurt at work than on the trail. Say that each day 10 times. I am more likely to loose my mind from work than loose my way on the trail. Say that each day 10 times.

You will soon believe it.

I cherish the freedom to go solo.

All fears have been gathered up and placed in a jar, with a tight screw on lid. The jar is transparent, and I can see them. I just don't let them out to stop me.

Reality of Solo

---Brawny, post PCT 2001

A person can talk about a thing, or even read about it. They can fantasize how it may be, or relate the taste they had. But then, reality can be a whole new experience, and I am talking about a reality that goes on for days, weeks and months. I refer to a reality that becomes a lifestyle.

I wish to relate my experiences on the Pacific Crest Trail, when I hiked over 1100 miles as a soloist. If you would like, you may read what I learned on the PCT in 2001.

There were so many benefits to being solo, and hazards to picking up a hiking partner, that I am sure this was the right way to go. However, there also was a great deal of self doubt in the desert, and loneliness in desolate areas. I learned a lot about myself and life in general. That's difficult to face at times, when the quiteness allows one to meet themselves nakedly.

Sometimes, my solo status kept me from asking or receiving help that seemed needed at the time. Food ran frighteningly low. No one but myself to blame, or get me out of it. I got very cold, no one to show or tell me what to do.I wandered around a bit in the snow when the trail was covered. I ran out of water, forgot to pick some up, was hot and thirsty, but these were my own troubles. As a woman hiking solo, those problems belonged to no one but myself.

But, what a rush it is, and was, to know I did it. The photos taken at the Canadian border amaze me. Thats me. Strong, confident, carrying a "take no prisioners attitude". Some one asked me what was the attraction to hiking like this. I guess thats the reason: What it does for me, what it did to me.

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