Traveling Alone

An unforgiving place at times

Make no mistake, traveling alone in the wilderness (often refered to as "Soloing"), can be a very risky activity. One never knows when he or she may be hit with severe weather, stumble down an enbankement, develope altitude sickness, be confronted by a bear or other dangerous animal, or simply get lost.

I do not recommend the practice of traveling alone in the wilderness and at times ask why myself why I choose to go "across the grain". The question always remains unanswered with a strange yet peaceful feeling deep down inside of me.

The Wilderness "Classroom"

I'll admit that for me to fully "feel" the wilderness, and to learn from the lessons she provides, I prefer to study alone. It's somtimes hard to put these feelings into words. Unless one has traveled deep into the woods, built their own shelter, harvested their own food, sat in front of their own fire, with nothing but the clothes on their back, a small bag, and a blanket, -alone-, it may be somewhat difficult for them to relate.

Campfire Learning

This is not to say that I do not enjoy the company of others from time to time in fact I enjoy it very much. Sharing a campfire with a couple of good friends, a can of coffee, and a good story, is always a memorable occasion. I always look forward to the next get-together and soon find myself thinking about when and where the next trip will be. I am however, rather cautious when choosing who I'd prefer to join me in my travels. Horace Kephart describes his thoughts on the subject:

"The joys and sorrows of camplife, and the proportion of each to the other, depend very much upon how one chooses his companions - granting that he has any choice in the matter at all. It may be noticed that old-timers are apt to be a bit distant when a novice betrays any eagerness to share in their pilgrimages. There is no churlishness in this; rather it is commendable caution. Not every good fellow in town makes a pleasant comrade in the woods. So it is that experienced campers are are chary of admitting new members to their lodges. To be one of them you must be of the right stuff, ready to endure trial and privation without a murmer, and - what is harder for most men - to put up with petty inconveniences without grumbling."

Students of the Wilderness

One of the greatest joys I've found, is to witness the expression on a fellows face just after he's built his first fire or caught his first fish using not so "conventional" methods. Not to mention doing so never having stepped foot into the wilderness before. It's an even better feeling having that fellow look you square in the eyes and thank you for showing him how to do it.

I feel that passing along knowledge and information is part of being a true woodsman. "Always a student, sometimes a teacher" is a phrase I've heard before and I feel it is a good one.

Traveling Light

So for now, I will continue to follow my "path", traveling alone in the wilderness.

Eric