We paddle as a group, but may get spread out along the route, and portage as a group. We switch canoeing partners daily. My canoe is faster than the others, so we may get ahead of the group, so we regroup and usually wait at points out of the wind every hour or so.  We regroup at portages and portage as a team.  I've never tried solo tripping, but maybe one of these days.  Tell you the truth, I really like the group experience.

starwatcher