[pct-l] Hiking Alone

[jeff.singewald at comcast.net]

Mags,

Great post!  I concur with you that it is more likely a personality thing.  I am one of those that thoroughly enjoyed the long periods of solo time that I spent on the trail in 2006.

I know that I'll probably catch some flack for this, but in my humble opinion, as soon as you make the decision to hike with others and form the ad-hoc social groups that are often seen along the trail, one is no longer "hiking your own hike".  Nope, at that point a good majority of the people are "hiking the group hike".  Decisions are made as a group and frankly there is compromise and give and take.  Nothing wrong with this style of hike, but rarely would groups stay together for long periods of time if each person were truely "hiking your own hike".

In 2006 I spent the better part of 1000 miles hiking with a wonderful couple and I will cherish this time forever, however, I rarely felt as though the decisions the group made were mine.  I know that I compromised my own personal desires at times to remain wit these wonderful folks.  Heck, we were the three amigos!

Anyhow, in Old Station, I decided it was time that I truely attempted to hike my own hike and the only way to accomplish this was to set off on my own and this is what I did all the way to the Canadian Border.  It was a wonderful experience and I thoroughly enjoyed confronting the challenges and decisions with no other input.  There was no pressure from others as to make or not make a town stop, to zero or nero, to walk through the fire closure or to hike 3 miles or 30 miles in a day.

I realize this type of hike is not for everyone.  Not preaching this at all.

Elevator  

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Paul Magnanti <pmags at yahoo.com> 

> >>I also have found that the younger you are, the more likely you are to 
> >>be uncomfortable being alone. Have others seen this too??? 
> My long hikes have been solo affairs. 
> 
> I did my first long(ish) hike in 1997 at 23 yo. It was Vermont's Long Trail and 
> the thought of hiking of nearly 300 miles 
> with another person never crossed my mind. 
> 
> Since that first step in Vermont, my long distance hiking "career" has been one 
> of loose partnerships at best 
> , but being by myself for the most part. 
> 
> I don't know if it is an age thing, but a personality thing. 
> 
> Many of my friends can't comprehend thet "Thanks, but I'd rather hike by myself" 
> sentiment. Many thru-hikers don't like hiking solo either 
> 
> At this point in my life, I estimate I've spent ~2 yrs cumulative by myself in 
> th backcountry, (Long hikes, throw in some weekend or so things too). 
> 
> That's a long time to be in your own head. It may also explain a lot about me. 
> :D 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ************************************************************ 
> The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust 
> caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched 
> --Thoreau 
> http://www.pmags.com 
> 
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