My theory on enjoying or not enjoying solo trips is that it probably has a lot to do with an individual's personality type. I've never done a solo canoeing trip, but once did a 3day/two night solo backpacking trip in the Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness Area (just south of Smokey Mountain Nat'l Park). I didn't particularly enjoy it, and I don't think it was because I was uncomfortable with myself, or concerned about safety. I know myself pretty well after 46 years, and am basically a social person. For me, a very big part of the enjoyment of seeing and experiencing neat stuff is being able to share it with others. I saw some pretty neat things on my solo trip, but the thrill was kind of dulled because there was no one to turn to and say "wow..isn't that incredible". I'm glad I took that trip, because it was a learning experience for me, but I'm also glad it was just a short one...I missed being at home, which is something I never do when I'm backpacking/canoeing/etc, with friends and/or family.

Many other people would react differently to the same experience, and I think it is just because we are all wired a little differently...not better or worse, just differently. That's just my opinion, for what it's worth.

Posted by Bill/TN on February 21, 2000 at 10:32