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WWW.CANOEROOTSMAG.COM [ TECHNIQUE ] THE THREE RS OF SURVIVING AND THRIVING ALONE IN THE WILD SOLO SOJOURN
For many experienced canoe trippers, there comes a time when you wonder what it might be like to go solo. The type of solitude that comes with a solo trip may seem too extreme for some; for others, the allure of unparalleled freedom and independence has had them dreaming of a solo for years. But how do you know if you’re ready to take the leap? Before any solitary wilderness adventure, paddlers need to
honestly assess their own experience and abilities. This is not the time to be padding your resumé. Do you have experience being a trip leader? This means being able to plan a realistic route, navi- gate by map and compass, and handle a variety of weather condi- tions in terms of solo paddling technique and risk assessment.
RISK
It’s undeniable that there’s more risk involved in heading out alone, but those risks can be mitigated with preparation and com- mon sense. While it’s always important to leave a detailed trip itinerary with someone back home, it’s especially important when you’re on your own. Consider bringing along a means of summon- ing help should you become lost or injured, such as a personal lo- cator beacon (PLB) or satellite phone. If you know that your route is within range of regular cellphone service, slipping the phone into your kit is a simple solution to providing a little peace of mind. Just be sure to leave it turned off except for emergencies, or you won’t have any peace at all. Every solo tripper should carry a ditch kit, as a capsize or get-
ting turned around in the forest can leave you separated from your gear. In your ditch kit carry basic survival tools, including
a knife, waterproof matches, emergency blanket, flares and fish- hooks, which can all be lifesavers in a survival situation.
ROUTE
With no one to help shoulder the load on the portage trail, keeping things tight and light goes a long way toward making a solo trip a success. Expect everything to take a bit longer than tripping in a pair. The wind seems to have more control over your boat and ba- sic camp chores, such as cooking and chopping wood, are all up to you. By scaling back the miles and adding in a layover day once in a while, you can turn an ordeal into a fulfilling experience.
REALITY
For those who’ve never been alone in the bush, it takes getting used to. It’s natural to feel more vulnerable, especially after dark, and even the slightest noise can put you on edge. These fears tend to lessen over time, as each trip becomes more comfortable than the last. With no social interaction to fill the hours, activities like pho- tography, reading or playing a musical instrument become a wel- comed diversion and can add a sense of purpose to the adventure. Even with many years of tripping experience under your belt,
it’s wise to start small when transitioning to solo tripping, and hold off on that month-long odyssey until you’ve gotten a taste for it. While the transition can be a challenging endeavor, chart- ing one’s own course in the wilderness is a rewarding experience. With some common sense and some basic safety precautions, the biggest concern is that solo tripping can become addictive. Solo-tripping addict Mike Monaghan has found the antidote to the clutter of modern life on his solitary adventures.
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GO YOUR OWN WAY. PHOTO: MIKE MONAGHAN
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