[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Just Curious (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 8/25/2011 3:49:55 PM EDT
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What the SF opinion is.
I haven't told many people in the real world, for multiple reasons involving security, and because of nagging  but ive got a multiple day solo backpacking trip planned.
Details: Me. Early 40s, petite female, respectable physical condition, well trained with firearms, and a bit of unarmed stuff..in fact I have edged weapons and ground fighting classes this weekend. Trained to an EMT spec level, as well as Wilderness EMT. Basic land Nav skils. Somewhat of an adrenalin junkie, but generally sensible. No medical issues that would kill me if i missed medications for a few days. Bad hips, but reasonable with Ibuprofen. I'm planning to wear knee braces, and I have trek poles. Trail is well marked and reasonably traveled. Moderate to minimal changes in elevation, plus roads to exit trail if it becomes necessary. I'm planning on traveling 5 to 10 miles per day. Gear includes a good pack, and lightweight tent/sleeping bags. Multiple ways to purify water and start fires. Annotated topo map and compass. Phone gps with solar charger. IPad loaded with good books, also chargeable. Bear bag, bells for tent door. Bag is currently 28 lbs but I'll wittle it down to less than 25 before I leave. So..how many of you expect I'll survive and maybe even have a good time? How many vote killed at Rape River, which seems to be my coworkers' opinion? 
Fwiw, I'm really looking forward to this..I need a break from the world. |
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Hah..badass, I'm not. I'm middle aged but I like me some wilderness solitude with a good book. I'm planning on rereading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. I have chocolate.
Id like to do something more challenging but this seems like a good first solo trip. I was surprised by the reaction of the few (trusted) coworkers I told. I deliberately chose something doable but they're already divvying up my stapler and post it notes. I'm leaving a copy of my map with a coworker and my roommate with expected camping areas marked. Depending on phone service, I'll be texting each of them once a day and they know when to expect me back. |
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There seems to be a lot of paralysis by analysis around here. I wouldn't over-think things for a three or four day, late summer backpacking trip.
I'm seeing some gaps in your gear, but if you have a Wilderness EMT certification, I'm just going to assume the gaps are simply from a disdain for detail. |
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I'll beware of banjos. :)
Percent, I understand the concern but people are murdered all the time..just less often in the wild. And to be honest, if I have to die, I'd prefer it be doing something I enjoy. I'm expecting to make it back quite safely, though. As for firearms, Glock 17, open carried. Not my preference, but the way the straps and belt/ holster line up, that's how it's gonna work. |
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Quoted:
I'll beware of banjos. :) Percent, I understand the concern but people are murdered all the time..just less often in the wild. And to be honest, if I have to die, I'd prefer it be doing something I enjoy. I'm expecting to make it back quite safely, though. As for firearms, Glock 17, open carried. Not my preference, but the way the straps and belt/ holster line up, that's how it's gonna work. I would really try to concealed that 17. As for dying. Let the other B-T die! You be safe. And have fun! As someone else said Report back with pictures, Please!!! PITA45 
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You seem well prepared for your trip. Personal security is important, but most likely if an emergency occures will be some type of accidental injury or wildlife encounter. Maybe you could look into one of these? SPOT satellite messenger
Good luck and have fun, dont forget to post pictures when you get back. |
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You are more prepared than 90% of the people that will step foot on a trail. You are armed, trained, and equipped. I think you will be fine, but I also agree that you have a communication plan with a trusted person back home that you can check in with at least once per day. I will echo what others have said about leaving your plan with someone you trust.
As far as your coworkers already assigning your worldly office goods to themselves, they just lack a complete and total understanding of what you're trying to do. Pay them no mind. Come back to the office refreshed and full of wonderful stories. Your coworkers are just pussies. Enjoy yourself, and I can't wait to read the return thread! |
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That's why I like youse guys. You understand that life come with risks, you plan and prepare to reduce the risks, and you don't cower in the house because bad things might happen in the world while you're safely dying of heart disease.
And yeah..the book rocks. Been too many years since I've read it...On a Chattaqua.
It'll be a few weeks before I take off but I'll take pics. Beautiful country around here.. |
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Consider one of these.
http://www.backcountry.com/store/review/96203/Best-peeps-on-the-market.html When I did search and rescue for backcountry climbers/skiers a note was always made that these were in posession. It is king-of a standard for winter, but would work well in summer too. It does not require a cell tower or satelite. Have fun. But make sure you make a note that you have a peeps or the rescue personell may not bring them in summer. |
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You might with to leave an imprint of your boots with the map/itenerary you're already leaving with your roommate.
Place a sheet of aluminum foil on carpet and step on it in the shoes you’ll be wearing––ideally, wearing the pack loaded approximately as you'll carry it. In the chance that SAR is needed, the searchers will have your footprints for tracking. Sounds like a fun trip. Looking forward to seeing the AAR & pics. Regards, David Tennessee Firearms Association TFA Forum |
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I am curious what solar charger you use with your iPad. Does it annoy you like it annoys me that I can't preload google satellite maps on my iPad with MotionX GPS? I sent them a message a while back asking for that feature. Get a movie or two to watch on your iPad, nothing to scary because being alone in the woods at night is already freaky enough. Also, download some survival PDF's showing how to set snares and make fire and practice to pass the time. Listen to me, I'm planning your trip for you, don't get me started.
I think you'll survive and have fun as you sound more capable than 99% of the rest of American sheeple. |
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Sounds like a blast! I'm jealous.
There are additional risk associated with going solo but that's only a problem if you're blind to those risks and aren't aware of the situation you're putting yourself into. That's not the case for you. You're aware of the risks, you're planning to take steps to mitigate those risks, and you plan to go live your life accepting full responsibility for what ever may happen. That's living!! Go get 'em! The timid pillow biters will never know the sense of awe, wonderment, and accomplishment you'll feel after the trip is over. It's stuff like you're planning to do that turns out to be very life affirming for people who seek adventures. Those who rarely dare to push their limits will never understand the reward. Go have a great adventure! |
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I've done a lot of solo backpacking in some pretty remote places. I always carry a handgun.
Aside from that, it's pretty much a mind thing. Some folks just really don't do all that well being alone with their thoughts for any period. 
A good dog makes backpacking solo quite a bit better. They really seem to enjoy that sort of thing. Other than that, you just need to be a little more careful than you might otherwise be if you were backpacking with others. A little slower, look for snakes, watch your footing, that sort of thing. Enjoy! ETA, Trek poles. I'm old and have bad knees. Those things will save your ass carrying a pack in some bad conditions. |
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I think I'm good. I have both poles and knee braces. One knee has been a little problematic lately and this should give me some extra support.
I'm surprised by the people think this is foolhardy, or that I'm going to be lonely. This is the only place people mostly thought it was a normal thing to do. I really appreciate that.
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Quoted:
I think I'm good. I have both poles and knee braces. One knee has been a little problematic lately and this should give me some extra support. I'm surprised by the people think this is foolhardy, or that I'm going to be lonely. This is the only place people mostly thought it was a normal thing to do. I really appreciate that. Many folks can't fathom an attractive, fit woman who can actually take care of herself when it really matters, like a solo backpacking trip. Just like they cannot understand preparedness. |
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I used to LOVE my solo, alone trips.
Still do a few short ones every year, be they fishing, hunting, or trapping: 1-3 nights. That said, I take more joy in taking one of my kids along. Does us both some good. And getting ready for a STUPID trip with one of my brothers shortly.
You'll do fine, and HAVE FUN! Dave |
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Quoted:
I think I'm good. I have both poles and knee braces. One knee has been a little problematic lately and this should give me some extra support. I'm surprised by the people think this is foolhardy, or that I'm going to be lonely. This is the only place people mostly thought it was a normal thing to do. I really appreciate that. How long and far is the hike? What trail or region? From your earlier descriptions, it sounds like the trail is possibly within cell phone coverage? It also seems like there might be nearby roads, too. It sounds like your co-workers are afraid of their own shaddows. Sad. |
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You will likely be fine, and with proper precautions will be fine even if something minor goes wrong.
I personally don't like the idea of solo hiking, but if that's your thing ... I'd much rather do a two person hike with someone quiet, competent and trust worthy. On principle, I dislike the idea of being alone in the woods in strange territory, especially sleeping. Call me paranoid. If that's your thing though and you're ok with the risks, have a blast. I wish you nothing but success. 
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It's going well although my pack is too full. In pants, shirt and socks this AM, I weighed 135.4. With pack, including braces, pistol, spare mag, food for four days, and 2 liters of water, I weighed 180.1. Only gone a couple miles today, Including a couple of good inclines and was ok, but it's not going to be comfortable eventually. Not sure what else to remove.
Beautiful country though. |
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Quoted:
I think I'm good. I have both poles and knee braces. One knee has been a little problematic lately and this should give me some extra support. I'm surprised by the people think this is foolhardy, or that I'm going to be lonely. This is the only place people mostly thought it was a normal thing to do. I really appreciate that. LOL. When I go alone I usually give my wife a map and mark out my route, where my truck will be parked, ect. There's no cell coverage where I go, so I have a check in time (well, a day usually because I have to drive into coverage). If she doesn't hear from me by said day she's to give the WV Troopers the info. Best I can do given the situation. It's a risk I'm willing to take. The other option is staying home and not doing anything.
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All the hiking I do is solo. If I'm doing something, I don't mind (or prefer) doing it with others. Walking through the woods is something I prefer to do at my own pace.
Going solo has it's risks the obvious one of not having someone to go get help, as well as the less obvious of not having a complete set of backup gear. Just make sure you are not completely dependent on a mechanical stove or water purifier. As a former SAR, guy, I like your idea of texting. I'd send my lat long as well as an expected time of departure the next AM. Having said that, I never did it, but I should have. I'd also go real heavy on narcotic pain killers, enough to keep yourself doped up for the whole trip plus one day. You said petite female, so I'd figure 8 vicodin a day, if not something stronger. If you did this often, I get a PLB or SPOT or something. I carry one in AK. And a couple of ace bandages to make a pressure dressings. My on real concern with going solo would be hypothermia late in the year. If you fall in a creek with gear, out in the middle of know where, you have some serious problems. Thats why I like something like a road flare as a fire starter. Anything likely to happen to you now will either kill you (fall, reaction to insect sting), or with a minimum of medical knowledge, you can hole up and wait for rescue. |
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Ok, back home..some ups and downs but all in all, a beautiful place and I'm glad I went. Ended up coming home a day earlier than I had planned.
I hiked the Manistee River Trail in the Manistee National Forest, in NW Michigan. The trail is 10.9 miles long, plus about another 1.25 miles of connection trail from the parking area to the trailhead. It connects at the top and bottom to the North Country Trail, creating a 20+ mile loop. My plan was to cross the bridge at the top of the loop and camp and start the NCT in the morning. I got to the campground early in the evening Friday. The campground has 17 rustic sites, with pit toilets and water available, and as of that time, only 5 were in use. The connection to the trail head was at the rear of the campground. I crossed onto the NCT, and arrived at "offical campsites 1 and 2". There was no one else there and it sits just above the Manistee River. The first picture I posted was from my campsite. I got the tent set up, and a fire going and messed around for a bit with food. Headed off to bed. Woke up in the morning and checked the forecast again and it had changed again..to rain starting within the hour, with over an inch expected. Yay. Looked at the sky, looked at the map, and decided to head down the east (MRT) side instead. Ate, packed up, and headed out just as the rain started. Since it was due to rain all day, there seemed to be no point in waiting. This was, to be honest, not as much fun as I'd hoped. I was soaked. My bag was soaked. It was just warm enough to sweat under my rain jacket. But the country was beautiful. The trail was muddy and slippery in spots and I was glad I had poles. I figured I wouldn't finish even the 10 miles of this section that day as going was slow in what had become a pouring rain. I found a couple of occupied campsites and passed a couple of soggy hikers and figured I'd just keep going. After a few hours, the rain mostly let up. I stopped and had some food at Campsite 6, which is the most beautiful on that side. I decided to keep going. Lots of valleys and ridges, and a good combination of wood, riverviews and a few meadows. The trails were very well marked and well maintained. A couple of the wooden footbridges were slick in the rain and with no handrails, had to be crossed slowly. I figured on stopping about 3/4 down the trail, but then talked to a couple of other hikers on a rest break..they said the NCT portion wasn't much fun..no water, no views of the river, mostly just up and down through the woods. I figured maybe I'd just finish that portion that day and camp at the end, and then do a day hike up the other portion, and then walk back to my car the next day. I continued on..more beautiful views, but still very cloudy with occasional showers. The last 1/3 of the trail went much more quickly than I expected. I got the the Red River Bridge camping area, set up my tent, ate and tied up the bear bag, hung up a few things to dry, and it promptly began to rain again. The campsite is at a boat launch and when I went to bed, I was the only camper. When I got up, there was another one..and surprisingly, it was another woman camping alone! She was a young woman who had done quite a bit of hiking but just moved to this part of the country and didn't know anyone to hike with. She was hoping to do the whole trail with just a bag, not tent, etc. and start on the NCT section but was concerned about how to back to her car if she didn't make it the whole way. As I was still soggy and my hips were sore and my cell phone battery was exhausted (solar chargers are a great idea...but only work in the sun.) I was reconsidering the 2nd half. So..we worked out a deal for her to drive me to my car and leave hers there, then I drove her back to the Red River Trailhead..I thought about doing the day hike anyway, but decided instead to come home, especially because of the phone. All in all..it was a lot of fun. Beautiful country and nice to be able to travel at my own pokey pace and stop and look at things as I wanted. I'd like to go back and do more camping. The bad, obviously, was the rain. My pack was also too heavy. I weighed myself Friday with just pants/shirt/socks and I was 135.4 lbs. When I put on boots, belt, knee braces, gun, and pack with food and 2 liters of water, I was just over 180. It wasn't unmanageable and I was able to cross waist high trees when necessary, but I do need to work on paring it down. I took way too much food, especially, and duplicated some things that I shouldn't have. The good things I had were the knee braces and poles. With the mud, the poles were a life saver and although my knees have been giving me a hard time, they were fine..my hips aren't happy, but that's life. The rainproof annotated topo map I order from the NCT assocation was great..well worth the $6.00. There wasn't a time on the trail that I didn't know exactly where I was, or how far ahead water was. I had picked up a couple of Platypus bottles..loved them. Flexible enough to put filled ones in my pocket. I used Swedish Steel to start fires..worked well. I lost my flashlight, though..kinda sad about that. I remember setting it down at one of the waterfalls when I was getting out my water filter and reminding myself not to forget it. I didn't listen to myself. Pretty bummed because I liked it. Anyway, back home now and going to take a nap. Here are a few pics. View from campsite 1: 
Finally stopped raining: 
Camp site 6: 
Cedar Creek: 
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