Do Many of you Hike Alone?

Going east to west for 190 miles, we had 2 days of partly cloudy, one day so hot near the end that the guide was near collapse, and one day of constant rain - the last day. I have a picture taken looking up at the trail of slurry mud so steep that all the picture shows are muddy butts. (My heart goes out to trekkerman)

As we walked into the last hotel, completely covered in mud and scratches - completely sodden, we were met by the owner who directed us around back to the service entrance. There was a formal wedding reception just starting. We definitely were not presentable. As we left the storage area and started to go up the stairs to our rooms, a matronly, VERY proper English woman, backed up by several of the guests detached from the party, looked at me over the top of her glasses, and asked, "And just WHHOO are YOOU?!" I replied without a pause, "We're the entertainment. Where do we set up?" She immediately burst into laughter and let us pass. Some time later after cleaning up we were all sitting on the top of the stairs like kids on Christmas Eve, waiting for them to clear out so we could start our 'conquest' party together. Our 'matron' who turned out to be the mother of the bride invited us all down to join them. Heck of a going away party.

Of the 10 that were with us, only one other was a 'couple'. Except for one, the remaining were women (typical on trips like this) looking for a 'safe' adventure that was challenging. We had two weeks to talk about doing the Wainwright solo. All agreed it was much more fun as a group.

That was my wife's last long trail. Hip replaced within three months.

All in all, the best "couple" experience might well be the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain. Delightful small towns, great vistas, fun, food and wine; and you can stay in hostels, hotels, or refugios. Generally the hiking is easy with a few "ups" and pretty good weather. Lots of socialization with folks from around the world. Can't say enough good things about the experience.
Trekkerman

I agree!

I've taken my brother with on a couple of hikes, but I hike alone 98% of the time. Going it alone not only allows me to choose when and where and how I want to go, but it allows me to leave all the noise behind and focus on the beauty of nature. It's a sort of meditation, I suppose.

That said, however amazing it is to hike solo, it's always important to have a backup plan just incase something goes wrong.

I've spent this summer learning to car camp and day hike alone, but I'm getting ready for my first overnight backpacking trip. Solo. Kind of freaked out, but whatever. Technically there are only a few hours between nightfall and dawn, which is when I'm most likely to freak myself out over nothing.

Just one, close to home, but far enough that I have to stay overnight (no running back to my car the first time there's a squirrel). I'm excited!

I like hiking with my friends, we can talk to share our stories and take care of each others on the road. It's very interesting.