Backpacking Alone?

[Judy Ann]

Thank you all so much for the feedback and the confidence booster! The reminder not to advertise where and when I'm going was important. I'll pick up a second battery for the SPOT. I downloaded The White Heart of Mojave to my Nook. I usually just carry mace, but maybe I'll get a can of bear spray. I got a cross body bag for many essentials that I'll want on me always just in case I want to do a quick side trip to take some pics. One of my maps is waterproof and I'll take pictures of blazes, signs and geographic points of interest in case I need a reference point. I think I'll get better rest away from shelters this time out...something about the rodents scampering around!

I told my sister about my plans and will send my father a site for the map so that he can track my progress with my Spot check-ins. I need to figure out the optimal way to rig the LightHeartGear solo in case of freaky weather (wind, rain and snow). It looks like this trip will be a go!

Thank you again everyone for reminding me that I'm ready for the adventure I've been dreaming of for some time now! Advice and reminders are always welcome.

[Grandpa]

The beauty of hiking solo is your own pace. Some days you may feel like high mileage and other days you may just find a sit down spot and enjoy the view for hours. Happy hiking Judy.

[Hikenhunter]

Have a great time Judy.

[ponderosa]

It sounds like you're ready. I'm looking forward to your trip report.

[oldsarge]

Have a safe and enjoyable trip, God Bless!

[ppine]

The philosophy of going solo is magic in that you can do what ever you want with no planning. It is liberating especially for people that are "other-directed." (As opposed to self-directed).
The main dangers are accidents, hypothermia, an axe cut, etc. Since there may not be any help around the margin for error needs to be increased beyond regular trips. On the AT or similar places though there are plenty of other people and you can always find help. I would camp far from the shelters otherwise it is much like going with a group.

[Pathfinder1]

Originally Posted by Judy Ann

Thank you all so much for the feedback and the confidence booster! The reminder not to advertise where and when I'm going was important. I'll pick up a second battery for the SPOT. I downloaded The White Heart of Mojave to my Nook. I usually just carry mace, but maybe I'll get a can of bear spray. I got a cross body bag for many essentials that I'll want on me always just in case I want to do a quick side trip to take some pics. One of my maps is waterproof and I'll take pictures of blazes, signs and geographic points of interest in case I need a reference point. I think I'll get better rest away from shelters this time out...something about the rodents scampering around!

I told my sister about my plans and will send my father a site for the map so that he can track my progress with my Spot check-ins. I need to figure out the optimal way to rig the LightHeartGear solo in case of freaky weather (wind, rain and snow). It looks like this trip will be a go!

Thank you again everyone for reminding me that I'm ready for the adventure I've been dreaming of for some time now! Advice and reminders are always welcome.

Hi...


Well, it looks like you're all set, eh? Enjoy, and HYOH.

[wvbreamfisherman]

Have fun, stay safe, and come back with a great trip report! ;-)

[Judy Ann]

LOL...I had to check my calendar to make sure it wasn't this week that I was going backpacking solo! One week long car camping trip on the Carolina Coast before heading off on that one. TR to come in early November so don't start thinking that a bear got to me before then! ;-)

Thank you all so much for the well wishes!

Judy

[Gondor]

I like going alone but only on shorter/one day trips. Even though I prefer going with someone I don't like crowd and usually one companion is enough for me.