I finally managed my first solo trip. It wasn't anywhere near as bad as I expected - I really thought I'd be uncomfortable in the woods on my own but I was actually alright. Obviously every time there was a sound I switched off the torch and listened but other than that I was fine. I just took a tarp / bivy bag / sleeping bag plus mini trangia and usual camping gear. I also took a hobo stove and about 1kg of cut up firelog - with a small amount of wood from nearby it burned well for about 4 hours and was much more fun than sitting in the dark.
Funniest part was probably when for absolutely no reason I pondered what the single most scary thing that could happen would be and out of nowhere the idea popped into my head that it would be if I held the camera out and took a photo of myself (as I do quite a bit when I'm on my own) that when I checked the photo to see if it had taken okay I'd spot someone or something behind me. Just goes to show how your mind works when you're paranoia level is high
I learned plenty of things that I'd do differently next time but over all it was a great trip and I'm glad to have finally done it.
That said, I've no particular desire to do another solo yet - I like company. But I'd definitely not be put off another one in the future. The next one I do will probably be more walking with a stopover inbetween rather than just an hour into the forest.
Funniest part was probably when for absolutely no reason I pondered what the single most scary thing that could happen would be and out of nowhere the idea popped into my head that it would be if I held the camera out and took a photo of myself (as I do quite a bit when I'm on my own) that when I checked the photo to see if it had taken okay I'd spot someone or something behind me. Just goes to show how your mind works when you're paranoia level is high
I learned plenty of things that I'd do differently next time but over all it was a great trip and I'm glad to have finally done it.
That said, I've no particular desire to do another solo yet - I like company. But I'd definitely not be put off another one in the future. The next one I do will probably be more walking with a stopover inbetween rather than just an hour into the forest.
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