Why Hike Solo?Because! Because why? That depends. There are many variables hidden within successful solo trips for a woman who wonders "Why hike solo?" Who are you? By that, I mean age, physical condition, and mental attitude. Where are you? Your location determines your access to solo hiking - unless you're willing and able to travel. What type of hiker are you? Your outdoors skill set, your motivation, your level of desire for solo hiking, your willingness to prepare for solo hiking.... it all matters. To help you sort through all of those factors, I've developed a list of answers to the question "Why hike solo?" For whatever reason, all of the reasons start with the letter S. I hope that doesn't bug you or remind you of a hissy snake.... both of which are trail buddies you might encounter as a solo hiker! OK, in no particular order, here are answers I give to a question I get asked all the time:
Why hike solo? SOLITUDE: I crave “me” time, quietness and space to think my own thoughts. I want to leave behind all of my electronic devices, all of my "to do" lists, the entire stack of books I need to read which sit right next to the stack I want to read. Nobody's thoughts except my own, rumbling around in my skull. Ah.... There's nothing like a strong shot of solitude. SELF EXPLORATION: If I give myself a reason to be alone with myself, I can check in with myself about who I really am. Not to get all existential on you, but do you know why you're on this planet? Do you realize how much you've changed over the past few years? Nothing like a little alone time to give yourself room to roam over physical AND mental landscapes. STRENGTH & STAMINA: Can I carry what I need? (testing my physical strength) Can I be in charge of a hiking trip and trust myself to make good decision? (assessing my mental toughness) SOUL SEARCHING: I need to reach a decision about something big, and a solo hike is just the ticket. Getting into a monotonous trail rhythm with no one else to distract me, my mind focuses on the question I need to answer: Take the job offer? Buy that car? Move to a new location? SERENITY: I want to clear my head of all the distractions of daily life. By myself, I can focus my energy on finding a peaceful place within myself. Or maybe it's just as simple as needing to sit on a high spot and gaze over a serene landscape to rest my weary bones. SUCCESS: I want to set a goal and conquer it! I like challenging myself. If you've never challenged yourself, now might be the time. I find this is true for young women in their twenties, and post menopausal women, especially. SCRUTINY: Being alone gives me time to slow down and sink into my passions: wild flowers, animal tracking, geology for starters. OR sink onto my knees to look at a rock crystal or a flower. There's nobody standing there to scrutinize my scrutinizing! What do you want to focus on in the great outdoors? SKILL BUILDING: I want to get better at off trail navigation, wild crafting, and survival skills.... what's on your list? By being alone, you put a little more pressure on yourself to get it just right. And there are no distractions pulling you away when you're immersed in a subject and the hours are just flowing by. SPIRITUAL QUEST: There is a time honored tradition of turning to Nature to find one's path through life by connecting with a higher power. Think of it as hiking on unseen trails. SIMPLE SATISFACTION: Because, just because. I sincerely hope that my list of answers gets you close to your own personal answer for the question "Why hike solo"? If you're flirting with the idea of trying a solo hike but there's something holding you back, maybe it's time to go fishing for some answers. I'm developing a "How To" series of inexpensive but comprehensive e-booklets on how to transform yourself into a confident and safe solo hiker. Interested? Drop me a line and I'll send you an email when they're available. They will be instant download pdf booklets, not too long but definitely not short on details. I want you to have the fantastic experience of hiking solo. It's a rite of passage right up there with getting your driver's license, your first "real" job, planning your wedding, childbirth, or watching your youngest child march across the stage to grasp a diploma. If you think I'm kidding, we need to talk!! Drop me a line here to add your thoughts and questions to the topic of "why hike solo?" |