Delta Junction, Alaska
I enjoy solo wilderness travel. I also enjoy group wilderness travel. There are pros and cons to each, but certain trips are best done solo, while others are best done by two or more individuals.
In the case of this expedition, the reason I’m doing it solo basically comes down to the question: How many people do I know who are willing and able to do this trip? Willing: have the desire. Able: have the skill, time, resources, and flexibility with job, family, and other commitments. I know of a few people who might be willing and able, but I don’t know them well enough to risk the expedition on them. So I am doing it alone.
This has some significant pros…
First, I find that I’m much more engaged with my surroundings. There’s no opportunity to get distracted in conversation or to be sidetracked by group dynamics. This engagement with my surroundings helps keep me from becoming lonely–I’m so immersed out there that I don’t think about it.
Second, I’m more open to local interaction. When you’re traveling in a group, you’re in a bubble. Outsiders are more inclined to speak to someone who is on their own.
Third, I am completely responsible for my own success or failure. My fate is contingent on my commitment, health, and physical ability. I am not concerned about a team member getting homesick, being incompatible with other team members, or being physically unfit.
Forth, I have full-time executive authority. Compromising and delegating are good skills, but they are not always practical in the wilderness. When the stakes are really high, as they are during this trip, I prefer being able to decide where I’m going to camp, how hard I’m going to push, and what route I’m going to take.
And certainly some cons too…
First, I find that I become intellectually stagnant. There is much to be learned vicariously through relationships with other people, and I miss this component entirely during my long solo trips.
Second, I am limited in the technical difficulty of my expeditions because of safety considerations. For example, my trips do not include any technical rock climbing or glacier travel, and I try to stay out of avalanche terrain.
Third, a great group can achieve that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” effect. My potential as a solo traveler is limited to just me.
The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools & Techniques to Hit the Trail 
Hi Andrew – I used to hike a lot with my son, but since he started college I find I’m doing a lot of solo trips – nothing huge – overnight trips in the North East, including some winter hiking. I definitely enjoy being the only person to think about – if I’m feeling good and want to push hard I can – if I’m feeling tired or want to take a section slower, I don’t have to worry about what other people are thinking. I miss having company, but I completely understand what you said about feeling more in touch with your surroundings. I find hiking a great way to de-stress ad re-charge. I’ve started doing some day hikes with groups from the AMC, so I may end up doing longer hikes with groups again – we’ll see, but for now I’m enjoying going solo.
Thanks for your posts – great to read and learn from your experiences.
Cheers,
Dave.
I always say if I had to wait for someone to go along with me, I’d never get to do anything. I know very few people who would even want to do what I do, and those who want to and have the skills can’t get away. I’ve learned to just go alone, and I like being in charge of the experience. Being able to go solo is very liberating in many areas of life.
Going solo is sometimes a hollow experience, as there is no one to share your successes and failures with. But, I’ve had some of my most memorable moments when there is no one around, no one to whine to, no one to direct me. Nothing like a face to face meeting with a mountain lion in the dark to get your blood moving when you’re by yourself. Or a close call on a rock ledge above a chasm where no one will find you for a long time. You feel raw, like a true traveler that makes his own way.
Ok…I’ll stop with the Ernest Hemingwayesque stuff…But seriously. Get out alone. It’ll rock your world.
you are not alone when you are out in nature. your spirit guides and guardians are all around you and you can communicate with them. the mother is of course always there and quite nice when you respect her and embrace her. the animals will guide you as well when you open up to speak with them and respect them and their homes and lands. the most important thing is to remove ALL fear and flow with your path as EVERYTHING in nature can feel and smell your fear…