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honestly, do you like camping alone? (scary for me)
- Thread starter gazaati
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- Mar 21, 2007
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I enjoy solo hiking/camping/backpacking. I've only gotten to go on solo overnights a hand-full of times. I love the freedom that comes with not having to worry about anyone except myself. It does still feel a little creepy at night sometimes, and like some others have said, I prefer to be more out in the open rather than in a tent so I can switch on a flashlight and get a look around if I want to, or move in any direction if I need to. If its warm enough to have to worry about bugs I usually sleep in a hammock with a bug net. If it's cooler I just sleep on the ground in the open.
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I like your style. I can relate. Nothing more comfortable than a hammy.
Yeah I actually prefer it as well. Actually I take my dog. Doesn't make it quite so lonely and I can rely on my dog to tip me off to any real danger. As long as he can sleep I can sleep. If he wakes up I know theres something in the area. Could be something as innocent as a raccoon or something more dangerous including people. He can go anywhere I can go and probably more. He's small enough to not eat a ton of food and has some endurance but tenacious and alert enough to be a sidekick. Going solo is a whole different experience than going with people. You can wander wherever you like and carry only what YOU choose. A tarp instead of a tent etc. I actually find the bush more enjoyable solo. No talking no excess noise. I find it much more rewarding. Spend enough time and all you will become as numb to the wild noises as most of us are to traffic. AND bring a pipe or cigar with some fine liquid courage. Enjoy!
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You just need to bring a little "liquid courage"... if you catch my meaning.
whisky[/QUOTE
HMM intoxicated and scared in the woods what could go wrong
I really just started solo camping Recently, Mu first trip was a kayak trip and although I couldnt see the river, I could hear it and hear animals splashing through it moving past my camp, plus it was a summer trip and the woods were really alive, and noisy, I had a hard time sleeping, Since the I have done a few, and havent had a problem, in the fall and wither when the woods are cold and quiet I really like the solitude. its very Zen and calming. I am More on guard when Im alone but i think thats pretty nomal, A flashlight nearby along with my knife do add feeling of security, but as others have said you are ususally the scariest thing out there.
If I am really concerned about predators two legged or four, my .357 or 20 guage are not bad options.
Anyone who tells you that a weapon will be turned against you by an attacker should keep in mind that its just as easy to turn the Lack of a weapon against a victim.
batosai117
Gold Member
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- Jun 5, 2007
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- 5,463
Great thread :thumbup:. It's not easy for us "macho men" to admit when we are afraid of something.
Some of my first overnight campouts, well all of my overnight campouts until I was 18, were with groups of other scouts. My first overnight campout that was longer than a weekend was my first summer camp trip. Of course all of the older boys scared us green scouts $hitless with some "karankawa Joe" stories and some other campfire tales. The whole week I was on the lookout for karankawa joe everytime I went to the bathroom at night. I was a young'n then, well still am compared to some of you guys, and now I'd say that if I'm familiar with the area I am perfectly fine at night.
Of course it's a whole other story when it's a new, unfamiliar place. It's nice being alone and away from everybody. It's kind of hard to be completely alone nowadays with cell phones, kind of makes you wonder how we lived without the darn things. It's like going fishing on a pier and there's that one poor chump whose phone is going off every hour. Kind of ruins the whole getting away thing, even if it's for the day.
Camping alone no matter how long or short is always a good thing. No people to bother you, no one asking when it's time to eat, get up and go when you want to, and PEACE and QUIET. I'm a very solitary person so camping alone is always great to me. I'm always around people 6-7 days a week, so any chance to get out and go by myself is always something to look forward to. The night-time thing will be an "aquired taste." Good luck on your future campouts, and stay away from the people, they are known for being the most dangerous critters.
Some of my first overnight campouts, well all of my overnight campouts until I was 18, were with groups of other scouts. My first overnight campout that was longer than a weekend was my first summer camp trip. Of course all of the older boys scared us green scouts $hitless with some "karankawa Joe" stories and some other campfire tales. The whole week I was on the lookout for karankawa joe everytime I went to the bathroom at night. I was a young'n then, well still am compared to some of you guys, and now I'd say that if I'm familiar with the area I am perfectly fine at night.
Of course it's a whole other story when it's a new, unfamiliar place. It's nice being alone and away from everybody. It's kind of hard to be completely alone nowadays with cell phones, kind of makes you wonder how we lived without the darn things. It's like going fishing on a pier and there's that one poor chump whose phone is going off every hour. Kind of ruins the whole getting away thing, even if it's for the day.
Camping alone no matter how long or short is always a good thing. No people to bother you, no one asking when it's time to eat, get up and go when you want to, and PEACE and QUIET. I'm a very solitary person so camping alone is always great to me. I'm always around people 6-7 days a week, so any chance to get out and go by myself is always something to look forward to. The night-time thing will be an "aquired taste." Good luck on your future campouts, and stay away from the people, they are known for being the most dangerous critters.
Gazaati,
You are quite brave, many people would have just scrapped the idea when their friends didn't show. You went out and actually did it. It was a big first step. You probably learned it can be boring, and lonely and scary at times. As you build your skills, and familiarize yourself with being alone, you will discover strengths in you that you never knew existed. You will become more confident in yourself, and people will be more confident in you. Always practice the basic safety rules of letting people know your camping/travel plans, and carry a small first aid / rescue kit with signaling devices for day or night. On your next overnighter, leave early, and bring a good survival/ camping / hiking manual and practice whatever you can in it. set a loose schedule. You are going to have a lot of time to fill. try not to nap during the day, but build a lean to, or other shelter, practice flint knapping, fishing, fire making, or whatever. Keep your schedule loose. Bring the basics of a full camp, so you have the security of a shelter, and a sure number of meals and amount of water.
When you get frustrated, lonely or bored, it is a great opportunity to let loose. Dash around a bit, scream, throw sticks at the dirt, whatever. the emotions are just your mind looking for release. There is a whole different stimulus working on your head. Laugh, cry, it will pass. You will have great desire to go home. Just stick around for the time you told yourself you will stay. There will be a point where the frustrations will just not occur anymore. You will have gotten past the next hurdle. In a sense, plan to panic a little. Don't force it, you won't have to. By "plan" I mean if you expect it, it won't have as strong a pull on you. Fill your day with learning, and practice. That way when it is time to sleep, you will.
One other thing. Familiarize yourself with the wildlife in your area, they may act differently than Disney tells you they will. For instance, during mating season, porcupines scream like a woman being murdered. Go figure.
You are quite brave, many people would have just scrapped the idea when their friends didn't show. You went out and actually did it. It was a big first step. You probably learned it can be boring, and lonely and scary at times. As you build your skills, and familiarize yourself with being alone, you will discover strengths in you that you never knew existed. You will become more confident in yourself, and people will be more confident in you. Always practice the basic safety rules of letting people know your camping/travel plans, and carry a small first aid / rescue kit with signaling devices for day or night. On your next overnighter, leave early, and bring a good survival/ camping / hiking manual and practice whatever you can in it. set a loose schedule. You are going to have a lot of time to fill. try not to nap during the day, but build a lean to, or other shelter, practice flint knapping, fishing, fire making, or whatever. Keep your schedule loose. Bring the basics of a full camp, so you have the security of a shelter, and a sure number of meals and amount of water.
When you get frustrated, lonely or bored, it is a great opportunity to let loose. Dash around a bit, scream, throw sticks at the dirt, whatever. the emotions are just your mind looking for release. There is a whole different stimulus working on your head. Laugh, cry, it will pass. You will have great desire to go home. Just stick around for the time you told yourself you will stay. There will be a point where the frustrations will just not occur anymore. You will have gotten past the next hurdle. In a sense, plan to panic a little. Don't force it, you won't have to. By "plan" I mean if you expect it, it won't have as strong a pull on you. Fill your day with learning, and practice. That way when it is time to sleep, you will.
One other thing. Familiarize yourself with the wildlife in your area, they may act differently than Disney tells you they will. For instance, during mating season, porcupines scream like a woman being murdered. Go figure.
- Joined
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Gazaati - it'll pass with time, don't let it stop you.
I was a little apprehensive the first couple of times, as with anything new. Around here there isn't much in terms of wildlife that's likely to be a threat, so my biggest identified fear was a fall and resulting injury. I realized that was just my brain putting a face on the apprehension I felt about doing something new. Kinda like how your brain can come up with a monstrous image for every bump in the night. My biggest concern when solo is still an injury that disables my sole mode of transport. I try to reduce that risk with training and good practices, but it's still a risk. I'm ok with that.
Maybe throw on a headlamp and try a few night hikes ? Darkness makes a familiar trail new again and adds challenge to an otherwise easy one, especially on a mountain bike. I really like the way your visual world shrinks to the limit of your vision but sounds carry really well. Plus the woods just sound different at night - I assume this is true everywhere the wildlife has a 'day shift' and a 'night shift'.
Last fall I took a water taxi to one of the local islands, then hiked into an amazing lake loaded with cutthroat - from there it was dayhikes up the valley. Anyone else would have been a distraction and made it an entirely different trip.
One thing that gave me piece of mind was to take a camera phone with me and send my wife a distinctive pic of the trail I was on whenever I got up high enough for a signal. That told her that all was good and would allow SAR to concentrate their efforts if needed. Of course, she also had copies of my maps and intended routes as well.
I also liked not hearing any human voices (even my own) for a few days...I wouldn't have guessed that.
I was a little apprehensive the first couple of times, as with anything new. Around here there isn't much in terms of wildlife that's likely to be a threat, so my biggest identified fear was a fall and resulting injury. I realized that was just my brain putting a face on the apprehension I felt about doing something new. Kinda like how your brain can come up with a monstrous image for every bump in the night. My biggest concern when solo is still an injury that disables my sole mode of transport. I try to reduce that risk with training and good practices, but it's still a risk. I'm ok with that.
Maybe throw on a headlamp and try a few night hikes ? Darkness makes a familiar trail new again and adds challenge to an otherwise easy one, especially on a mountain bike. I really like the way your visual world shrinks to the limit of your vision but sounds carry really well. Plus the woods just sound different at night - I assume this is true everywhere the wildlife has a 'day shift' and a 'night shift'.
Last fall I took a water taxi to one of the local islands, then hiked into an amazing lake loaded with cutthroat - from there it was dayhikes up the valley. Anyone else would have been a distraction and made it an entirely different trip.
One thing that gave me piece of mind was to take a camera phone with me and send my wife a distinctive pic of the trail I was on whenever I got up high enough for a signal. That told her that all was good and would allow SAR to concentrate their efforts if needed. Of course, she also had copies of my maps and intended routes as well.
I also liked not hearing any human voices (even my own) for a few days...I wouldn't have guessed that.
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- Sep 2, 2006
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- 16,703
Im just scared of the chupacabras.......
Nah man, being alone doesnt bother me at all. I think its good for the soul.
In fact, I believe it is.
It's when I'm feeling stressed and too crowded that I do this ... camp out alone. Some time away from everyone in a wild setting is one good way to 'reset' yourself.
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- Apr 11, 2007
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- 1,337
I can't believe with all the awesome knives we carry that anyone is concerned about getting out of a tent.
Going solo or going with company are two totally different camping trips. I like to go solo when I want to be close with nature and experience it up close. These trips are very relaxing for me, and lets me unwind and come home refreshed.
Camping with company is usually a social event. These usually are either hunting trips as a group, or an old fasioned beer n boat fishing and beach summer vacation with alot of food. These are social get togethers in the great outdoors.
Camping with company is usually a social event. These usually are either hunting trips as a group, or an old fasioned beer n boat fishing and beach summer vacation with alot of food. These are social get togethers in the great outdoors.
kgd- i'm not trying to dis-empower any one, i just want to be sure people realize that you dont have to be a macho dude with a big knife to be alone in the woods/wilderness. some of the threads here can be motivating and intimidating at the same time because the content is so awesome, i've felt this myself plenty of times, but people need to check themselves and stay with in their skill level until they are confident enough for the next level. i wouldnt send an inexperienced paddler down class 4 rapids or give an inexperienced shooter a 10 gauge shotgun to shoot, because it might turn them off from the sport for ever. sadly people tend to remember the bad experiences more often than the good ones, and no one should have a bad experience camping
especially with all this bear grylls and "into the wild" b.s. that is mis-representing the hobby/lifestyle, i probally said it wrong earlier but i think if everyone was comfortable and contentious in the woods the world be a better place.I love it:
Plenty of pics:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=542741
Here's what I had to say about it being 'creepy':
~CanDo
Plenty of pics:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=542741
Here's what I had to say about it being 'creepy':
~CanDo
Gazaati,
Be patient with yourself.
I learnt to be scared to death, when I was a kid in the Cub Scouts.
So learning as an adult is much harder.
Give your self time.
Do it again.
Listen to the sounds.
Learn what they are.
They repeat themselves, and you are listening to the same sounds.
They become less fearful.
Good luck...
Be patient with yourself.
I learnt to be scared to death, when I was a kid in the Cub Scouts.
So learning as an adult is much harder.
Give your self time.
Do it again.
Listen to the sounds.
Learn what they are.
They repeat themselves, and you are listening to the same sounds.
They become less fearful.
Good luck...
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2007
- Messages
- 39,103
Nothing calms nerves as much as knowledge. The more you know about your surroundings the better of you will be.Alone you will hear more, see more etc.
Don't be scared of being scared.