Hiking alone?

Okay, I love to hike and camp. Love the outdoors. My boyfriend, on the other hand, would prefer not to go anywhere that would impede his bonding time with his PSP. I've mentioned many times how much I'd like to take a short trip soon, probably in September because the weather here is so nice, and his response has been lukewarm at best.

I'm thinking of taking this trip by myself instead, but I don't know how wise that would be? The solitude would be very good for me as well (hell, five years ago I was hitchhiking cross-country by myself!), and I could bring my 100 pound dog along - she's quite an effective protector. I'm just wondering how wise it would be, to hike off into the backwoods without another person. I was hoping for some feedback from experienced people.

Really, it would be short. Probably 2 days, 1 night. I'll find a trail that's 5-10 miles in and out (each way, I mean) and hike in starting one morning, spend the night at whatever lake or waterfall is at the heart of that trail, and hike back out the next day. I could pack light, bringing food and water enough for me. Dog food, too, but the dog can drink creek water at least. I've been looking around and there's some really nice sounding trails within an hour or so of me that all have plenty of creek water the whole way... One I found has multiple creeks and waterfalls, and caves to explore also.

It seems really simple, the only thing that worries me is that 1) my bf will undoubtedly believe this is a dangerous idea, and 2) it might actually be a dangerous idea. The most dangerous part of it that I can see is that there are lots of copperhead snakes in these parts, and there would most likely be no cell phone reception deep in the woods.

Anybody have comments, suggestions, ideas, that might be helpful to me? I sure would love some quiet time in the woods, just me and my dog!

 

Geez girl - these sure are different times - it's almost like people want to be held back.
I used to go off all the time by myself - sheeit - you could die crossing the street - As a female - having the dog sounds like you've covered yourself from unsavories - and as far as snakes go - they usually do not go after people - now cattonmouths can be a different matter - they have been know to go after people - but most snakes just want to get left alone - copperheads are around where I live and the only time anyone was bothered was when they almost stepped on 1 and he was shedding - a time when they feel more vulnerable because they cannot see too well with the skin blocking some of their vision.
I loved my time alone - still love the solitary when it comes - going off into the wilderness is one of the most healing, centering, rebalancing things I can think of -
don't let anyone hold you back - you gotta be true to yourself girl

Blessings along the Way - lessons learned from

Namaste

 

I agree with OldWolf 99%. My only disagreement would be with what you posted about exploring caves. Never, EVER explore a cave alone, even one with which you are familiar. It's too easy to get turned around, lost, twist an ankle in breakdown, or worse, have a run in with something that has decided to take up residence in there.

Other than that, carry a compass and take note of the direction you left to get there and you'll be fine!

 

A Hiking Club might be the way to go. Might meet people of a similar outlook.

 

How far are you from the AT (Appalachian Trail)? Go check it out. Just watch where you put your feet while hiking use common sense and you should be fine.

 

I hiked the appalachian trail with 3 other people. at times i wondered off by myself while we were at the hostiles. I ran into the craziest people! some creepy, some fun. I ran into an older brother and he told me that he was reading about murders that happened at the hostile that we were staying at. Don't know if it was true or anything cause i didn't read the articles. I had a run in with a bunch of black widows and I tried to avoid stepping on them by stepping on a different rock and I slipped because the rock was loose and i fell off a small cliff. It was like 20 feet up. I didn't hurt myself, but i could have and if i was alone that could have been bad. I just got really cut up. I need to hit the trails again. find atleast one person who has the same pace as you. someone faster than you will make you tired really fast and someone who is slower than you will make you pissed because you have to adjust to their pace and sometimes it's hard to adjust your pace. Whatever you decide to do just be safe and have fun!

 

Hiking poles come in quite handy in helping avoid falls,injuries etc...


check out www.whiteblaze.net

 

what was the name of the hostel?

There have been less than 6 murders in the vicinity of the Appalachian Trail since the first thru hike in 1948.

 

BooBoo, I'm the first to agree that WhiteBlaze is a great resource, but their open support of Israel and the violence being perpetrated in the middle east is counterproductive.

Going to pass on Wingfoot from now on.

 

Wingnut (as some hikers call him) is a washed up has been that just sits in front of his computer all day an never hikes.

I strongly disagree with more than a few viewpoints expressed on whiteblaze.net

check out my friend Nomads website. He has roughly 18,000 miles under his belt and is in his late 60's.

www.nimblewillnomad.com

 

Well, I will get my trip, but it might not be as soon as I like... I wish I could do the AT, but it's a pretty good haul from here. I'm near Nashville. Part of my issue is that my bf doesn't want to use up a whole lot of gas, just to drive somewhere so we can walk. In order to go, I pretty much have to put my foot down and tell him I'm hitchhiking. He acts like he wants to go, or at least doesn't want to be left out of it, but we both know that he wouldn't really enjoy it if he did go and I don't want to spend my whole trip listening to him complain about it! agg, in case you can't tell I'm pretty frustrated with all this. But thanks to everyone for your kind advice - sorry I haven't responded before now!

 

to tell you the truth i have no clue what they were called. It was 5 years ago when I was 16.

 

You aren't very far from the Land Between the Lakes. I've boated both lakes but not hiked the LBL, but they have many trails and the place is wildlife heaven.

 

Alone is foolish. I've done it when a teenager in rattlesnake territory. My advice is always take a buddy.

true stories of hiking deaths
http://tchester.org/sgm/lists/deaths.html

 

Alone is not foolish. I have hiked alone alot and never had any problems, and if I ever do does that negate all the times I never had a problem? Things can happen just try to be prepared and enjoy yourself. Life is hard, no one makes it out alive, but you might as well enjoy it while it lasts.

 

All the times you never had a problem hiking far away from anyone who can help you does not negate the chance you may get in serious trouble and die. Your last statement is cliche. There have been reports here locally of finding body parts from lone hikers eaten by a cougar, rare for this area, but animals migrate. Most of the deaths on the link I provided on the site are deaths as a result of falling off a trail that gave way, there is some pretty steep climbing in places, Tennessee may be a little easier and you have less of a problem, I dunno, maybe both of us are generalizing based on the locale of our own turf buddy. For what it's worth, my opinion is another person is the way to trek.

 

You may hear stories of people dying, but you never hear of the millions and millions of accounts of people having a fucking blast and living. I've hiked alone all the time, seen snakes and just passed them. As long as you are kind to nature it will be kind to you. Especially with the dog, you shouldn't have any worries. have fun!

 

Hiking alone is more risky than hiking with someone else, but the question is how much risk are you willing to accept? If you want to minimize risk totally, stay at home (not that even that's totally risk-free). The fun we want to have involves some danger; the best we can do is analyze that danger realistically and decide that we will or won't accept it.

Edited to say, "Be kind to nature and it will be kind to you" is a lovely concept, but it's just plain false. Plan ahead, be aware of what you're doing, keep your eyes open and you've got the best chance. And remember nature gets the last word.