A month in the woods?

I have to say that a month long trip alone would be torture. I would miss my girl too much. I can see the allure but must admit that, for me at least, the reality of it wouldn't match the fantasy. It's like sleeping with the hottest super model. Yeah it's great at first but eventually you have to talk to her. No, to me something in the middle would be better. Say you were able to find an isolated place within say an hour from home and establish a base camp /shelter. Then you take a series of week long intensives where after you come back for a few days. Think work week. Five days on and two off. Come back Friday, resupply, kiss the wife, tussle junior's hair and then head back out. Now that's something I could get behind.
 
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worked in the Bob Marshall as a wilderness ranger and we would work 10 day hitches and then get four days off (and then back on for ten days)- several times I stayed in the backcountry on my days off giving me 24 days in the backcountry. There were several occasions where I wouldn't see another soul for several days (once I went a whole ten ditch hitch w/o seeing another person :eek: - someone forgot to tell me the governor had the woods shut down due to extreme fire conditions- I thought there may have been a nuclear event! :D)

For those not familiar the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (along w/ the Great Bear and Scapegoat) is ~ 1.5 million acres in NW Montana.

Eramus- the Sierra High Route is on my "to do" list, definitely not a hike for everyone, but that's part of the appeal :)
 
Samael -- I believe the Middle Fork is calling my name again this year... waterfalls, 13ers and 14ers, wildflowers and wildlife!
kgd -- It's been awhile since I've played for a month or more. I used to deploy a lot and in between I'd often head out to enjoy some down time and recharge. My favorite destinations were the Boundary Waters and the Frank Church Wilderness. In the MN and Canadian waters the only food I'd need to take was pancake mix and some lemonade mix (to offer variety to the water). Fresh blue berry pancakes for breakfast, and all the walleye and small mouth bass I could catch and eat for lunch and dinner. To me it wasn't a bad way to live for a few weeks... and the canoe opens up new dimensions for travel. ID offers some incredible wilderness areas (as does my current home state of CO), but the Frank always let me see the wildlife I wanted. Have fun planning your adventure. Consider your favorite environment (read: there's a lot of options), and put a place holder on the calendar. Best of luck! --Schlots
 
Shotgun said:
I have to say that a month long trip alone would be torture. I would miss my girl too much. I can see the allure but must admit that, for me at least, the reality of it wouldn't match the fantasy........No, to me something in the middle would be better.
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I hear you Shotgun. I have no illusions that 1 month would be a vacation and frankly there would be a lot of work. Part of the duration mindset is to intentionally break my rhythm and world view and reconnect it to a natural one which includes the associated fears and vulnerabilities of being alone and out there. No, I probably won't break down and cry like our friend of Alone in the Wilderness (at least not every 4 hrs) but at the same time I'd like to test myself in part of those conditions without trying to make a TV-show out of it. But I understand you view point. I'll probably need a week off after I get back to take a vacation from the vacation. It would be easy and it might involve hardships like I haven't endured in a long time. Maybe this is my version of the mid-life crisis, its less expensive than buying a corvette and lasts longer then an affair ;)

schlotskey said:
kgd -- It's been awhile since I've played for a month or more. I used to deploy a lot and in between I'd often head out to enjoy some down time and recharge. My favorite destinations were the Boundary Waters and the Frank Church Wilderness. In the MN and Canadian waters the only food I'd need to take was pancake mix and some lemonade mix (to offer variety to the water). Fresh blue berry pancakes for breakfast, and all the walleye and small mouth bass I could catch and eat for lunch and dinner. To me it wasn't a bad way to live for a few weeks... and the canoe opens up new dimensions for travel. ID offers some incredible wilderness areas (as does my current home state of CO), but the Frank always let me see the wildlife I wanted. Have fun planning your adventure. Consider your favorite environment (read: there's a lot of options), and put a place holder on the calendar. Best of luck! --Schlots
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Canoeing would definitely be part of it in Ontario. There is a lot that can be covered that way and its a great way to haul gear/supplies.
 
Shotgun said:
I have to say that a month long trip alone would be torture. I would miss my girl too much. I can see the allure but must admit that, for me at least, the reality of it wouldn't match the fantasy. It's like sleeping with the hottest super model. Yeah it's great at first but eventually you have to talk to her. No, to me something in the middle would be better. Say you were able to find an isolated place within say an hour from home and establish a base camp /shelter. Then you take a series of week long intensives where after you come back for a few days. Think work week. Five days on and two off. Come back Friday, resupply, kiss the wife, tussle junior's hair and then head back out. Now that's something I could get behind.
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mtwarden said:
worked in the Bob Marshall as a wilderness ranger and we would work 10 day hitches and then get four days off (and then back on for ten days)- several times I stayed in the backcountry on my days off giving me 24 days in the backcountry. There were several occasions where I wouldn't see another soul for several days (once I went a whole ten ditch hitch w/o seeing another person :eek: - someone forgot to tell me the governor had the woods shut down due to extreme fire conditions- I thought there may have been a nuclear event! :D)

For those not familiar the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (along w/ the Great Bear and Scapegoat) is ~ 1.5 million acres in NW Montana.

Eramus- the Sierra High Route is on my "to do" list, definitely not a hike for everyone, but that's part of the appeal :)
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Very cool mt! How did you differentiate your time on the job versus off the job in while on your on/off hitches? Would you keep to a similar routine, would you wonder for your 10 d of down time, find a base camp?
 
kgd said:
Very cool mt! How did you differentiate your time on the job versus off the job in while on your on/off hitches? Would you keep to a similar routine, would you wonder for your 10 d of down time, find a base camp?
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days off I'd hike for the sheer enjoyment, with a fair amount of fishing and simply lazing around a cabin thrown in too :)- days on meant clearing trails (no chainsaws or the like allowed in the wilderness area- everything was done w/ a buck saw and axe); inventorying camp sites (mapping and rating how impacted they were); educating folks on bear safety, low impact camping and insuring bear storage, fire restrictions and other regulations were being followed; with some supervision over the trail crews mixed in.

there were small forest service cabins ~ every 10-12 miles on the Middle Fork of the Flathead that I worked out of, probably half my nights were spent at the different cabins, the other half in a tent when I was working away from the river corridor

didn't pay a heck of a lot, but it was a great job nonetheless; probably was the best of shape I've ever been in as well :D
 
Hey hgd,

Last August (July to Sept.) I embarked on a solo canoe tour of Wabakimi Prov. Park, had a fantastic time and learned a lot. Being out there for a month didn't turn me into a grizzled outdoors-man like I had maybe hoped. My skill set and experience was strong going out there, so most of what I learned was primarily gear related, what's really useful and what's not worth taking to the other end of a portage.

My best advise is to just pick a date, inform people of your plan and just be absolutely determined to make this a reality. I was 19 at the time, so my working situation was a little different than the one you face. But anyone can do this with the determination to make it happen. It may take 2 years to plan for it, but you can make it happen. I would strongly suggest setting a date now, this is an important step to realization, otherwise you will sit in your chair thinking about it all day instead of laying the proper foundation to make that July 1, 2013 mark ( for example). Maybe sit down with your family a seriously discuss setting a date for this.

Also, one month away from your family could be very difficult for you. I know I sure thought about home a lot. Not everyone is okay with a month of solitude. In my opinion, this is something you should think deeply about before embarking on a month long trip. This trip was a big step up from me, backyard bush craft and overnighters to a full on solo experience, I would recommend 10-15 days to start if you haven't spent much time out there alone. Unless you have an absolute conviction that you will be able to handle one month alone as I did, I can not recommend it.

I'm planning to be out there again this August for about 15-20 days with a kayak and maybe for 2 months solo next year. If you have any questions I can help you with, I'll do my best to answer them.

Best regards,
Tyson
 
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Taking a wilderness trip for 2 weeks is a good idea if it is something you dream of. I had such a dream as a youth and came to the Alaska wilderness and spent about 25 years alone. Been 8 months at a time without seeing anyone living off the land. I now live in a village of 300, pretty much civilized at 60 years old. Yes some issues. Anything can be done, it’s a matter of the price. Can you afford 2 weeks off can you get away from the job for that long? Depends on the kind of job and the boss I suppose. I’ve always worked for myself. Sometime the issue is ‘family’ will family let you be gone for 2 weeks without them included? On the job can you build up vacation time? If we can take off 2 weeks sick why not 2 weeks for the soul? If you can come home a more sane, more happy motivated person, the boss – your job will benefit. If you want to bad enough quit the job take off and get another job when you come back. I have paid heavier prices then this off and on in my life following my dream. There may also be retreat camps that offer what you want in a controlled environment with advice, gear, making sure you do not get lost etc. Getting yourself in trouble is a real issue.
Example turn it around. Lets say I know a wilderness person who wants to take a trip to the big city for 2 weeks to discover himself. He owns a loin cloth and a spear and a piece of flint. No ID no money no credit no knowledge. But he wants to see what it is like being a corporate executive. (just as we might want to see what it is like being an Indian chief). You and I know he has a lot to learn and might last about an hour before he’s in trouble in that loin cloth and spear walking around New York City. Someone needs to take him under their wing. The same if you are from civilization and want to experience the wilderness.
Is that what I did? Nope (grin) I paid a pilot to drop me off in the wilds with no arrangements to get picked up and I walked out a year later. But I’m also lucky to be alive. Anyhow some thoughts to share.
 
The longest I have been out is 45 days, and that was in '78 or '79. That was a loooong 45 days. Do not underestimate bringing a bit of entertainment. I took several books with me and wish that I had taken a mini radio. In the fall of '92' '93, and '94, I, my wife and oldest son spent between 21-25 days out each year in NH (my home). This was a blast! Due to the young one, we did have to do a couple of resupplies (and to pick up a couple of cold ones). Whatever you wish to do I would suggest doing it now. I was to do the AT during 1980 and postponed due to the friend I was to do this with not being able to make it. I now still have not done it, and I do not know if I ever will.
 
Thanks for sharing and your advice Norris, MilesofAlaska and JW2N. I do have skills and have been out on 2 week adventures in good company and alone in the past. I just haven't done anything more than 1 week in the past 10 years for all the reasons stated and for many of the same that others brought up in this thread. Ironically, since becoming a W&SS addict, meeting a pile of great experienced people in person, taking a few organized skills classes and venturing out well beyond what was my typical style of camping/back packing of the past, I feel far better prepared to meet the long haul now than I did before. So while I still want to go off on different training exercises, because acquiring skills is a neverending hobby, I also want to put some of them to the test.

Some great advice on the entertainment, books (maybe a loaded up e-reader :D :D :D) and perhaps an AM radio. Also good advice at marking a date on the calendar and endeavoring to make it happen. I will try to get a date fixed this summer, and probably shoot for 2 years in the fall. I can probably make it happen sooner jobwise (next year) by taking my sabbatical then but not sure if the financials well let me develop a project the way I want. Probably if I go a cheap and meandered route with less need for comprehensive gear and I can make it happen sooner.

Thanks again for everyones responses, practical advice and stories. We need more stories!!
 
I will hopefully be doing a couple shorter solo trips (3-6 days) this year to feel out the waters for going up to 2 weeks hopefully within the next couple years.

My current state lends itself well to more and longer trips. Working a temp job while living with my parents, also single as they come so no attachments that way.

If my solo trip in Wyoming happens and works out well this year, next year if circumstances allow I want to do a route that is a solid 14 days.
 
mtwarden said:
worked in the Bob Marshall as a wilderness ranger and we would work 10 day hitches and then get four days off (and then back on for ten days)- several times I stayed in the backcountry on my days off giving me 24 days in the backcountry. There were several occasions where I wouldn't see another soul for several days (once I went a whole ten ditch hitch w/o seeing another person :eek: - someone forgot to tell me the governor had the woods shut down due to extreme fire conditions- I thought there may have been a nuclear event! :D)

For those not familiar the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (along w/ the Great Bear and Scapegoat) is ~ 1.5 million acres in NW Montana.
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Wow... Who do I have to beg to give me that job??
 
I'm 31 now and just getting use to the adult life. I spent 7 years traveling the us with just a backpack I would work only to a few weeks at a time to get my supplies for the next trip the longest
I've been able to spend alone in the woods were two 6 month stays both in wyoming I wouldn't trade a second of those 7 years 2 years ago I spent a month in ecuador and I never wanted to leave
 
Ive been thinking alot about my Pyrenean trip alot lately and reading other peoples trip reports. I need to set a date of departure, if im going to make this trip happen. Its not going to be next summer thats for sure. Maybe the summer of 2013. That'll give me plenty of time to sell the idea to my girlfriend. Ill be opening a bank account earmarked for the trip, where i can transfer a small amount every month. It helps when you can see the funds grow for every month.

Alot of things can happen in such a long timespan, and im not under any illusions that nothing will come in the way, but ill deal with any problems as they come. No sense spending time thinking "what if this or that happens."

I was just about to order the maps needed for the Pyrenean Haute Route. That was untill i realised that they'd (10 of them) cost in excess of 200 dollars. Ill have to put that purchase off for a while, as there are more important things i need to spend money on right now.Maybe ill split them up into several buys. Its not like im in a hurry, but having them around to plan would be nice.

Luckily i wont be needing any gear, as i already own everything ill be needing for such a trip. Thats one benefit of having been a solohiker for a long time. I might need some specialized pieces of clothing or lighter versions of my current gear, but nothing major or costly. Most of it will be nice-to-have instead of must-haves.

I dont have that much prolonged mountain-trekking experience, so ive taken a weeks vacation in the end of August, where ill head up to Norway and spend some time humping up and down the mountains. Thatll give me an idea of whats realistic in terms of hiking distances per day, gear performance, etc.

Now who wants to join me? What about you Ken, how does 35-40 days in the Pyrenees sound? The mosquitoes cant be as bad as Canada :D

Pic courtesy of Google:
LANDSCAPES-mountains-008.jpg
 
I haven't set foot in the woods for so long (two years, now) that I'm seriously considering just selling all my hunting, camping, fishing, etc. gear and forgetting about the things I used to do.
It seems like everytime I work it out to get to go on an outing anymore something comes up.
Anyhow.
Not in the greatest of moods today and thinking about the trips I used to take and all the time I don't have anymore just makes it that much worse.
 
Prior to having young kids around, I would spend 2-4 weeks in the BWCAW each year in early summer. These were as often solo as with a partner. I'm a college prof, so before my wife and I started our family I had time in May-June (when she was still teaching and I was done) to get away from "adult responsibilities" and recharge my soul. Now, I try to go solo for a few days every winter, but I stick closer to home (East/Central WI). To me, a good day in the wild is a day I don't see another human being (save for whomever is with me). The only way to do this locally is to go in the winter.
 
Very cool Prop. The mountains looks like it will have their own challenges. Sounds like a great plan on training and doing some shorter stays. Also great idea to start a bank account.
 
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