mastertangler wrote on Apr 26^th, 2013 at 10:26am:

But I have also spent many consecutive months in the woods alone and there is something very special about it that is hard to put into words. Perhaps the focus changes, I know when solo I am more attuned to what is going on around me in the creation and am more inclined to interact with the Creator. When I am with my fellow man the focus shifts.........due in large part to the actions of others. Camp chores, talking and even the quiet presence of others can be a distraction. But I am torn.......I ENJOY the companionship of my fellows. Who doesn't like the shared experience of quality time in the great outdoors? The lifelong bonds that are forged through tough portages and swarms of black flies. Through quiet conversations around the fire? The solution as far as I am concerned is group solo. Paddle your own boat, go where and when you want, slip away for some quiet time and then have the laughs and joviality of company back at camp or on the portage trail. Perfect!

MT, you have described an ideal set-up. On one trip we had 4 solos and last year we peaked at five paddlers, 5 canoes and 5 tents. Years ago a lover of solo paddling put it this way "Have you ever bicycled on a tandem bike." If you have you understand what he was trying to explain.