First Solo Trip - I chickened out!

Campfires&Concierges Most of my early solo trips were one-night affairs, so I didn't have that option (cutting it short). Maybe that was a good way to get used to it. I do remember my first few solos being a bit unrestful, as I got the hang of being alone. I will say that my preference was always for the campsite with no one else anywhere around. (I speak of it in past tense because I haven't gone solo since getting married. I have a great companion now). It was other people, much more than critters, that scared me, though the noises in the night could be either one, and often made me clutch my ice axe like a toddler clings to his blankie.

One thing jumped out of your TR at me--about knowing some people who won't go to the movies alone. I realized that I won't go to the movies alone, but I'll go backpacking alone (including one trip that totaled 15 nights)! Maybe I'm weird?

Thanks for sharing your trip report, Campfires&Concierges. The photos were beautiful and made me homesick for the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Kudos to you for having the courage to try what so many wouldn't. I'm considering a solo trip myself, so I appreciate you sharing your experience. And don't feel too disappointed -- even those of us who like to be alone are rarely isolated and alone to that level. And we all know how those night noises sound -- for me it was an armadillo rustling leaves one (car-camping) trip. I thought a 250-lb man was tramping through the campsite, until I squinted out of the tent and saw the little guy. I usually bring an ipod and earbuds to drown out my anxiety about being miles from "civilization." (And I don't do anything that requires a knife or sharp blade ... lol)

And I also love to shop and go to movies alone -- you always get to see what you want, and you don't have to share the popcorn

Movies are a social thing to me (and not something I enjoy that much; if I do watch a movie I'd rather do it at home, where I'm happy to watch alone or with company). I hate shopping (well, except at REI or the hardware store), so will only do it with the added incentive of social connections

I wouldn't at all consider you a chicken. I would consider that you experienced an emotion which was strong, you tried to evaluate it as best as you could under the circumstances, which is logical in my opinion. Then you made a decision and acted on it. In retrospect, you questioned your situation and took action to remediate it. To me that suggests decisiveness and wisdom.

Had you stayed and become more anxious, it would have been not only been more difficult to make a clear headed decision, but you you might have made a decision that made it worse and aggravated the anxiety.

I've only been in a similar situation once, but it wasn't in the wildnerness, it was right at home when I was convinced someone or someones were breaking into my house. Every single noise unsettled me and made more nervous. Rationalization was impossible; I barricaded the doors, got out my rifle, and stressed for hours until I finally called the police.

In retrospect, the incident was precipiated by a visit with my sister to her oncologist, who had nothing positive to offer and cautioned that time was limited. We were both upset; I left her to be alone as I thought she would want to, not recognizing until she told me later that she too went through a frightening night as she contemplated death. In retrospect, I should have stayed with her.

So I now know that there were legitimate mental issues which scared the heck out of me, and I'm glad I finally did call the police because I don't know what stupid thing I might done if I became any more neurotic.    I also heard the same noises again the following night and realized that they were merely lilac branches brushing against the house, as they'd done for years.   But the heightened level of anxiety following the oncologist's visit must have magnified my senses and anxiety to the point that a small branch seemed like a large, massive burglar attempting to get in.

Great story - thanks for sharing!

I was just out camping with my mother, as an exploratory trip for a solo excursion. I like to scout out an area first before taking the solo plunge. We were quite enjoying the hike (fairly easy), the location (perfect) and the weather (ditto). But I had an expectation that failed to materialize and it ended up unsettling me.

When we left the parking lot there were 10 cars there already - on a Tuesday! I thought we would be sharing camp for sure (just a stones throw from the PCT as well). We didnt see a soul. We also saw zero wildlife. No critters, no scat, nothing. As night drew closer I got anxious about the complete solitude (even though I had another person and a dog with me). I was hoping to meet and visit with some though- or long distance hikers and the disappointment turned to anxiety.

When I thought about camping at the spot solo my first thought was "hell no!", too secluded but later I realized I think it's mainly my lack of experience and the expectations I brought with me. Of course I had the usual night-noise anxieties but the dog helps with that

I had to examine what causes me anxiety, what parts I can fix and what parts are just mental, and adjust my expectations. Solo also doesn't mean I have to be in utter solitude! And experience will help with the rest (maybe).

Glad to hear others' experiences. Makes me feel a little better lol!