Solo camping quistion
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I do sometimes if sleeping in a tent. I just cuddle my axe and go back to sleep. Never happens when under a tarp. I guess I feel kinda vulnerable and trapped inside a tent.
I've personally never been scared of the dark in my adult life. In fact, when I went on my first solo camping trip last year I was actually sitting on the ground beside my fire and staring out into the dark whilst listening to music. A great experience.
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Have been on my own on a few wild camps, some in a tent, some under a tarp, and its never bothered me.
My first time in a hammock on my own, I must admit I did have a bit of a scare when about 2am, something hit my hanging straps, that woke me up with a start,
for some reason I shouted at the top of my voice at what ever did it and actually went back to sleep.
Next morning there were no obvious signs of what caused it.
But that hasn't stopped me going on my own, I quite like the solitude and listening to nature.
My first time in a hammock on my own, I must admit I did have a bit of a scare when about 2am, something hit my hanging straps, that woke me up with a start,
for some reason I shouted at the top of my voice at what ever did it and actually went back to sleep.
Next morning there were no obvious signs of what caused it.
But that hasn't stopped me going on my own, I quite like the solitude and listening to nature.
I think this is a brave thing to ask. Hats off!!!
Personally I think if we were born in the woods it wouldn't bother us a bit. But we have been conditioned to living In warm comfortable beds in a quiet as possiable house. Sleeping in the woods is very alien to most of us at first.
I started lamping when I was fairly young on my own as it got dark and your alone it's very quiet etc I got spooked and still do sometimes.
My best advice is go out to a wood you know well and not far off the beaten track and just sit and chill. Best thing to do is badger spotting. This will teach u to be alone in the dark with strange noises. And u will be distracted by the pure thrill of seeing wildlife.
U will slowly become comfortable in your surroundings. Don't go out alone at first take a friend or who ever.
Small steps at a time. If u really don't like wild camping alone don't do it just go with a friend there's loads of top people on here.
I am sure someone will go with you if not give me a shout and we can arrange a meet with a few people. It's about enjoying yourself not putting yourself in a uncomfortable situation and not enjoying it.
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Personally I think if we were born in the woods it wouldn't bother us a bit. But we have been conditioned to living In warm comfortable beds in a quiet as possiable house. Sleeping in the woods is very alien to most of us at first.
I started lamping when I was fairly young on my own as it got dark and your alone it's very quiet etc I got spooked and still do sometimes.
My best advice is go out to a wood you know well and not far off the beaten track and just sit and chill. Best thing to do is badger spotting. This will teach u to be alone in the dark with strange noises. And u will be distracted by the pure thrill of seeing wildlife.
U will slowly become comfortable in your surroundings. Don't go out alone at first take a friend or who ever.
Small steps at a time. If u really don't like wild camping alone don't do it just go with a friend there's loads of top people on here.
I am sure someone will go with you if not give me a shout and we can arrange a meet with a few people. It's about enjoying yourself not putting yourself in a uncomfortable situation and not enjoying it.
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If you're having trouble with being in the woods at dark, just take comfort in the fact that you're out there instead of watching TV. There's nothing in the woods at night that's not there in the morning.
There is nothing to worry about in the woods except your own fear. That said If you can pick a site that is well away from
routes that other people use you should be quite safe. Other humans are the only possible danger as there are no longer
any predators that would think of attacking humans. Normally if you think about it, you can usually find an explanation
for any noises that you hear nearby, possibly a deer stepping on a twig and snapping it, or a hedgehog snuffling around
among dead leaves. I have always lived in the countryside, and have always found an answer to any strange noises.
I suppose coming from the big smoke, this is alien territory for you. I would be more concerned if I was sleeping in
London. Cheers Stuart.
routes that other people use you should be quite safe. Other humans are the only possible danger as there are no longer
any predators that would think of attacking humans. Normally if you think about it, you can usually find an explanation
for any noises that you hear nearby, possibly a deer stepping on a twig and snapping it, or a hedgehog snuffling around
among dead leaves. I have always lived in the countryside, and have always found an answer to any strange noises.
I suppose coming from the big smoke, this is alien territory for you. I would be more concerned if I was sleeping in
London. Cheers Stuart.
That's a very good point, Ol Smokey. It helps to see and try to understand the woods as a safe-haven from human activity. A city is many times more dangerous than a British forest. All you'll encounter is occasional wildlife, if you're lucky, and they can't hurt you. See the woods as a positive place.
What a great question! To be honest I feel afraid as well but I know why. I spent 20 years in the British Army and when we stay out we normally have other people with us...and an assault rifle!
I miss the assault rifle! I think it becomes a comfort blanket!
Ultimately face your fears. Fears are exactly what they stand for FEAR-False Evidence Appearing Real.
Russ
I miss the assault rifle! I think it becomes a comfort blanket!
Ultimately face your fears. Fears are exactly what they stand for FEAR-False Evidence Appearing Real.
Russ
Aye, my over active imagination has stopped my going solo. I was camping with my brothers and cousins between Tomatain and Loch Ness years ago and it was by a bridge on a very quiet road going through FC plantations- I was properly freaked (as the eldest to my shame, none of the others were) but when we went exploring the next day across the river we found traps, snares, beer cans (with fizzy beer still in them..) turns out we were being watched. It was a place we went to regularly for family picnics but not any more!
I have been solo a few times since then but it's been in more exposed area- and even now I have an irrational hatred of dark FC plantations!!
Shakespeare said of sleeping in the woods (Midsummer Night's Dream) "How oft a bush becomes a bear." And it's worth remembering that Shakespeare as a youth was apt to do a bit of poaching in the woods around Stratford and so knew what he was talking about.
I've seen plenty of bushes turn into bears when sleeping out, but they always turned back into bushes when I was fully awake. My wife maintains she ran into a bear while having a pee when we were camping deep in the Rockies. I turned it into a bear in my imagination, turned over and went back to sleep. She has never liked sleeping in a closed tent since.
I don't mind sleeping out alone in the dark; darkness conceals me from others. But I do get a bit nervous finding somewhere safe to sleep away from other people.
I think that with more knowledge and experience you'll conquer your fear, but remember to retain a bit of caution: fear is not always irrational.
I've seen plenty of bushes turn into bears when sleeping out, but they always turned back into bushes when I was fully awake. My wife maintains she ran into a bear while having a pee when we were camping deep in the Rockies. I turned it into a bear in my imagination, turned over and went back to sleep. She has never liked sleeping in a closed tent since.
I don't mind sleeping out alone in the dark; darkness conceals me from others. But I do get a bit nervous finding somewhere safe to sleep away from other people.
I think that with more knowledge and experience you'll conquer your fear, but remember to retain a bit of caution: fear is not always irrational.
Kudos to admitting it usually the first step as they say
I can honestly say I've never been afraid on my own in the woods I love it but I can say I suffer the opposite I become paranoid and anxious in large groups of people always checking whos behind me and stuff so were all different and as many others on here will confirm theres alot less scary things in the wild
I can honestly say I've never been afraid on my own in the woods I love it but I can say I suffer the opposite I become paranoid and anxious in large groups of people always checking whos behind me and stuff so were all different and as many others on here will confirm theres alot less scary things in the wild
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