camping solo

[mountainboy]

It seems that I do a lot of this lately--especially when fishing buddies back out due to various excuses. I often tell my wife that if I didn't go just because of other friend's excuses, I'd never go at all. Any of you often go through the same as me? I just got back from a winter camping/ice fishing trip solo--had a great time as always and came home refreshed. The solitude is something that I don't too many people understand.

 

[Bear]

Re: camping solo

Going solo is a luxury if you don't over do it. (I hope I got that right.) I do it a lot during spring or fall. I have friends who can't understand it either. <br />I know what you mean. Just do what you want.

 

[JB]

Re: camping solo

Hi, Mountainboy.<br /><br />I fished, hunted and camped alone a lot from my teen years until my children began to join me.<br /><br />I enjoyed the solitude and didn't enjoy the rowdyism too many of my buddies engaged in.<br /><br />The results of a psych screening for a military assignment described me as having the "lone hunter syndrome". I was almost disqualified until the shrinks explained that it is not a disorder, it is a coping mechanism than some develop to better deal with life's pressures.<br /><br />You have a soul brother in your love of solitude to this day.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: camping solo

I relate to this too. People think I'm crazy when I go out in the boat fishing alone, but sometimes I prefer it. Other times I'm glad of the company.<br /><br />JB - I (and others I'm sure) would be keen to hear about your military assignment one day, although I realise that something you said in an earlier post might mean that it's still confidential ?

 

[Ross J]

Re: camping solo

Likewise I like the solo outdoor thing. My wife is the most patient woman I've ever known, she has put up with me going out (planned) alone fishing or hunting for a couple of days. Always there with a warm welcome for me! I love the solitude and then I love the company when home.<br /><br />Yes JB I also would like to hear some of your history with the military. <br />Ross

 

[mountainboy]

Re: camping solo

Thanks for the support guys--I'm glad that I'm not the only one that often prefers to go out alone.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: camping solo

Another "Lone Wolf" here... <br /><br />Being self employed allows me the time (on occasion) to enjoy the solitude of an afternoon/evening fishing excursion without the "gang" tagging along... Them poor suckers are still workin'... Ha Ha Ha .. <br /><br />Most times I'll put the boat in far from where I plan to fish, not because there are no boat ramps in the area but just so I can have a nice long boat ride on the way... Just the sound of the motor and the wind whistling past my ears helps to clear the mind...<br /><br />I read a post where Derwood wrote something to effect of "when I'm fishin' alone and it's quiet I can hear the fish talking to me"... I know just what he meant....

 

[sloopy]

Re: camping solo

I like doing things solo that way if someone screws up you know who it is I sail mostly solo I camp solo I run solo, I wonder about solo... ect ect

 

[BR549]

Re: camping solo

Nothing wrong with a little solitude - I try to get away for a day or two every couple of months.

 

[roscoe]

Re: camping solo

Kind of grew up doing solo things. Then worked unconvention work schedules. No way was I going to sit around and wait for someone else to get off work. Used to take off on BMW or Honda touring bike, mostly solo cause I could. I went fishing a few times without any equipment. Just floated around the lake and walked on the shore for a few miles. Girlfriend couldn't figure out how I could have been "fishing", was accused of cheatin on her. Oh well, almost ended up solo.<br /><br />Solo icefishing doesn't work for me though. I need someone there to convince me that we should stay out in the cold. Or to tell me that it is darn cold and we could be in the cabin watching the football game.<br /><br />Non solo people will never understand us solo-ers.

 

[DJ]

Re: camping solo

Loner by nature and proud of it.<br /><br />My wife cannot figure out how I can drive 1000 miles by myself without going crazy. I do not consider "windshield time" an enemy.<br /><br />I've tried, over 23 years to explain, it let's me think!!

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: camping solo

a good dog is a fine companion, better than a lot<br />of people I can think of...

 

[Fishbusters]

Re: camping solo

I find myself solo for many reasons none of which are because I enjoy the solitude more than company but rather the way I fish and when I get to go usually mean I head out alone. I had a good fishing partner once and he and I both agreed that we were the others perfect idea of a partner. Many times one of us would suggest something and tho other had it on their minds as well but he moved to Wisconsin for work and it has been hard to find someone that I can put up with and that can put up with me. Other than that guy my wife and kids are working out to be the best fishing partners I have but time constraints mean it is hard for her to go and the ages of the kids mean that my type of serious fishing has to go out the window if I take them so I fish and other things alone.<br />BTW I have summers off so I fish weekdays then as well as many other times free to go when others are not.

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: camping solo

At last alone, The lake is mine,<br />the river is mine. My soul to restore.

 

[crab bait]

Re: camping solo

i'm a loner in a major way.. an like DJ,, i'm too, proud of it..<br /><br />it's really a blessin', really..!!<br /><br />the older i get,, the less you can find people able to go & do with ya..<br /><br />it now has to be planned & approved an a itinarary made..<br /><br />THE HECK WITH THAT..!! i go & do as i please.. if'n you want to come along , great.. if you don't want to come along ,, even better.. than i don't have to wait for ya,, entertain ya,, make sure your havin' fun, tend to your needs ,, not bored , get you back home on time... <br /><br />heck with that mess..!! <br /><br />I GO IT ALONE...

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: camping solo

Me too Crab Bait.<br />He who goes alone can<br />start today.

 

[Moose_Miller]

Re: camping solo

JB, you mean to tell me you were a party-pooper even in your teens? <br /><br />Having graduated with a BA in Sociology, your "lone hunter syndrome" had me intrigued. I can't find that diagnosis in any of my books. Can you give me some insight into where I can look to read up on that sociological disorder? It sounds interesting, and may explain some things to me. I've read of "lone gunman syndrome", but that's a trait commonly found in terrorists; so I doubt it's the same as that.<br /><br />As for being alone: I just treat the voices in my head like they're real people... so I'm never alone

 

[Trent]

Re: camping solo

After reading all these replys Im wondering...Is boating a loaner thing? Because I too love to get out their ALONE!

 

[JB]

Re: camping solo

Hey, Moose.<br /><br />If you stay away from the "party" you don't need to "poop" it. <br /><br />I went to fish, camp and hunt in a pastoral environment, not to drink, act like an idiot and fool around.<br /><br />I have no idea if anything was ever published on the "lone hunter syndrome". My studies were in behavioral sciences, so I had no further exposure to it.<br /><br />Maybe it is Psych. jargon for "loner", like many others here.<br /><br />I have written here before about the voices I hear out there. I now usually have the companionship of my son, son-in-law or some grandsons. All great outdoor companions who go there for the same reasons I do.

 

[12Footer]

Re: camping solo

Ditto. I do most of my campin and fishin alone. <br />By choice, I guess. Not that I don't love to go fishing or camping with good friends and the kids, but it's just different, and needed as much as the quality time with the younguns and friends.