The best of both worlds? Group solo baby! That is where it's at IMO. Like Prouboy I can talk to anyone........anywhere.........anytime. (And I had better be able to, it is how I make the legal tender).

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!

Marten wrote on Apr 26^th, 2013 at 3:34pm:


Nothing wrong with wanting to solo, but IMO paddling tandem is not like riding a tandem bike at all.

IMO The ultimate canoeing experience is a well coordinated tandem team.

Tandem vs solo.........now I've done it! (again)

One of those cases where everyone is right.........and everyone is wrong.

I get where Jim is coming from........ 2 paddlers having such an effect on a boat that it seems that they are really one.

But this thread is about "match making" and I am about 90% on Martens side. I'm trying to envision one person on the planet with whom I want to spend every waking moment with on extended canoe trip. I can only really think of one and He walked on water. (Although I would certainly make an exception for a really rigorous and potentially dangerous trip like an Arctic trip)

I suppose the thing for folk to do is to honestly evaluate just what they are going to the woods for in the first place. In spite of our overly connected world I would argue that people are more lonely and alone in this age than ever before. As a consequence many paddlers are looking forward to the social aspect of tripping.

Others may be seeking a respite from continual social interaction. From the demands of family, friends and business pressures.

What I do know is this.......if your going to do a tandem trip you better be darn sure that you have a compatible partner because there is no walking away if someone rubs you the wrong way. I have been fortunate that all my tandem trips have been done with lifelong friends......I will admit that the tandem trips have had the effect of increasing the bonds of friendship so there is certainly something to be said for tandem canoeing provided you have a match.

But I'm stayin with group solo as the best overall experience. One day I would like to go with a large group.......never done that. Could be fun!   

TomT wrote on Apr 27^th, 2013 at 4:02am:


Just admit it Tom........your anti social 

Here's my $2 bucks worth ( "Hope and Change" is expensive).........sometimes you need to hang out with some folk a bit longer than a day or even two before you can  determine wether they could be a match or not (although I proposed to my lovely wife in 2 weeks  ). Some people are reserved or might even be a bit nervous. So within about a week you should have a handle on it. But isn't that the beauty of group solo?

You have just pulled into your campsite together and the new guy hasn't shut up for 5 minutes........so you go to your own tent for a little siesta. Then you get back up and the interagation commences once again......so you grab your rod and take your boat out for a little spin. Later in the week the overly hyper babbler has calmed down and you find out he is not such bad company after all. When your group solo the escape pod is always available.

Tom...Lord willing I will be in Highland Park Aug. 24/25 at the Port Clinton art show. If you are around that area breeze through the show and say hi. Don't travel distance to meet me (I wouldn't  ) but if your local come to the show. If you have never been it is one of the better shows in the country and well worth attending for its own sake.

MT   

mastertangler wrote on Apr 27^th, 2013 at 9:54am:


I am to some degree anti social but really more introverted and definitely shy.  The shy thing isn't so tough for me anymore but it never completely goes away.

You make excellent points about giving it time with a group solo. I usually trip for 10 days doing a loop with a few layovers.  I love the freedom of soloing ie: camping when and where I want and travelling at the pace I want.

How to balance that with the compromising of a group dynamic?  Maybe 1/2 group then half solo... 

I think I could make that art show in august. My permit for the Q is Aug 29. I'll put it on the calendar, thanks.