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[at-l] Solo hiking

I was a solo female backpacker for many years - hiking in the mountains
of Arizona and then an AT thruhike and the John Muir Trail and another
AT thruhike.  I never had any problems alone.  I enjoyed the serenity of
my solo trips and though I sometimes wished for a companion to share the
highs and lows, I always enjoyed my hiking.  Years later, I was lucky
enough to find a partner to share my adventures with, and I always enjoy
going out with him.  But it is a different experience.  Sometimes we go
out with friends, and again, it is a different experience.  But it is
always good. Since Jim and I became partners, I have only once gone out
for any length of time alone.  I was worried about whether I would enjoy
the solitude after being used to always having a friend with me - but
aside from the difficulty of watching him drive off, leaving me to carry
on in a driving downpour, I discovered that I hadn't lost my ability to
enjoy the peace and beauty of a solo hike. But I was also glad to see
him when he picked me up 5 days later. It doesn't matter how I go - I am
always happy out there. I am never afraid - and have never had reason to
be.  I've also been lucky, I know. Someone mentioned not taking the same
kind of risks when you are alone - I remember once I had misplaced the
trail (not really lost - I knew where I was, I knew where the trail was,
there was just this impassible ridge between me and it).  I kept
bushwhacking to the bottom of the ridge until I reached a waterfall with
a 50' drop.  I could see a way around across a narrow rock ledge, but
since I was alone, and noone would ever find me where I was, and the
drop was a long way down onto some very hard rocks, I didn't dare take
the chance.  With a partner, I might have gotten the nerve to attempt
it, alone it was too much. So I ended up doing an almost as dangerous
bushwhack up the ridge instead. I have learned to listen to my inner
voice - and that was one time where it may have saved my life. I just
wish it had spoken when I missed the turn in the first place!

Anyhow - if you are willing to take the extra risk, solo hiking is a
terrific way to enjoy the mountains.

Ginny
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