Just me and the wilderness
There's a lot to be said about a solitary hike; you pick the speed, when you stop, how often you stop, and there's no deadline.
Problem is, I do a great deal of hiking in the Southwest, and one is a real lonely number should something go wrong out there. I've had two or three close calls, caused by just that second of inattention and believe me, it's not fun.
Remember the guy who went out alone, got his wrist trapped by a rock and had to cut off his own hand? Then, let's throw in animal attacks and your solitary hike becomes, shall we say, interesting.
Caution and common sence rule the day in most cases, and they've served me well through 30 years of hiking - except for those three times....