There is no question that there is some element of risk
associated with solo trips. Most canoeing organizations take the
official approach that solo tripping is foolhardy, and there is
probably some merit to that position. When we head out paddling
on our own, there is nobody around to help us if we get into
trouble. Problems that are trivial or a minor inconvenience in a
group setting can quickly become life threatening on a solo
canoe trip.
In spite of this, the
experience of being in the wilderness alone can be a profound
one. It is not often that we escape the bedlam we call the
"civilized" world and spend a few days in absolute
solitude.
Most of us have forgotten what it is like to be alone for any
length of time. I would venture a guess that there are those
among us that have never spent more than an hour or two alone in
their lives.
Solo tripping can be a rewarding experience. Our fast-paced
lives demand that we balance things out by spending time in
quiet reflection, and a solo canoe trip can be just the place to
do this.
Before you plan a trip like this, you should ask yourself:
- Are my paddling skills
adequate to travel solo for the distance being considered:
- Am I in good physical
condition?
- Is the trip a safe
one, with few potential hazards such as whitewater or large,
exposed lakes?
- Am I comfortable with the
psychological aspect of being alone in the wilderness?
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