Backpacking Alone?

[Judy Ann]

I downloaded both the Backpacker's Field Manual and the Boy Scout Handbook to my Nook to read at night since I won't have a fire. I had forgotten about GORP, thanks for the reminder! If I can't get my food bag back down from the tree I'll just head back to the car. I could stand to miss a meal.

[Pathfinder1]

Originally Posted by wvbreamfisherman

I always go for the high protein/high fat breakfast. One thing we learned on the AT section hike was that we needed more trail mix for snacking on the trail. Lots of nuts,chocolate and dried fruit to keep you going. I'd recommend a handful or two of that before bedtime.

We made up our own omelettes from powdered eggs, dried cheese, dried minced onions, dried chopped sweet peppers and lots of (real) bacon bits. It still could have used more fat to get going in the mornings- I'm leaning toward adding some hard sausage to the mix, even if i have to cut it off the stick and add it in the morning.

For oatmeal, I'm looking at adding butter or margarine to it. That's kinda heavy though.

Hi...


Hope you don't mind an addendum to your last sentence...and this gets bantered around a lot. However...the LAST info I just got was that the TUB margarine was now the better of the two (health wise)...!!

[Pathfinder1]

Originally Posted by Judy Ann

I'm thinking that stealth camping might be best for me, but we'll see.

Hi...


The only times I can remember using an occasional campsite was on some of my cross-Canada motoring trips. Otherwise it was just me and the outdoors.

[ghostdog]

Originally Posted by Judy Ann

I'm thinking that stealth camping might be best for me, but we'll see.

That is the only kind of camping we do. We just got back from 7 days in an amazing wilderness and never saw one other person. The very rugged terrain and lack of any water source keeps them out. Our camp was tucked back into the landscape where it would be hard to find even if a bunch of people came through the area.

Don't sweat the solo thing. My favorite experiences are with one other person or two other companionable friends who bring good conversation but also value silence.

[Judy Ann]

I went and base camped just in case I would not be able to stay out on the mountain alone, and then the blizzard warnings came and the park closed early for the winter. I had knee high gaiters, warm clothes, but no snow shoes or snow tires. I think that my old dog just had her last cold winter trip as she groaned more than usual this time. Come to think of it, both of us did. I must admit that tonight I'm feeling my age for the first time ever.

[ghostdog]

Originally Posted by Judy Ann

... I think that my old dog just had her last cold winter trip as she groaned more than usual this time. Come to think of it, both of us did. I must admit that tonight I'm feeling my age for the first time ever.

I have a good coat for my dog and keep him covered up with a blanket when cold, on top of an insulated pad too. When hot and sunny I make us a sun shade shelter.

I guess as we progress we find our limits and deal with it. I was worried my ankle would not hold up with all the pack weight on our last trip but it worked out fine. I'm just slower is all. It was still the best trip yet but I guess the last one for me is usually the best ever.