Going it Alone
I’m not sure why, but hiking alone is so satisfying. Maybe it’s the shedding of insecurities. I don’t have to worry if my hiking partner is comfortable, if I chose a trail too steep or too easy or not scenic enough. I don’t have to feel insecure about my slow pace and frequent stops for water and photos. Or maybe it’s the feeling of independence that is so appealing, proving to myself that I can accomplish something completely on my own.
I haven’t always felt this way. When I first started hiking I would get nervous if my husband was far enough ahead of me to be just out of sight. I was easily distracted by noises and scared of snow or slide crossings. Then one beautiful sunny day in June I decided to leave work early and go for a hike on my own. I was really itching to get out in the mountains. My husband travels a lot for work and I just decided that I didn’t want to wait for him to go on a hike anymore. So I hiked on my own to Heather Lake, a trail that I had already been on twice before and was nearby and short. I felt confident and free as I climbed the switchbacks, but as I hit the early summer lingering snow I was hesitant. There were many footsteps as this is a very popular trail so I mustered up my courage and continued in the post-holed boot tracks of others. I made it to the lake and basked in the sunshine. I thought to myself, huh, this is pretty nice. Since then I’ve hiked hundreds of miles on my own or with my dog. I find that it fills me up when I feel emptied by the monotony of daily life.
Going Alone edited by Susan Fox Rogers
This compilation of stories from inspiring women is sure to motivate anyone to try a solo journey. These women climb Half Dome, sail with sharks, hike the PCT, embark on a long distance backpack in Alaska with only a dog and bike solo in France fueled by adrenaline and thrills. They share their motivations and struggles on the way to becoming true adventurers.
Read more about my solo hiking adventures on the Outdoor Women’s Alliance website:
The Case for Females Hiking Solo
Hikes Featured in this Post (some trails I’ve enjoyed solo):
Ptarmigan Ridge, North Cascades, WA
Heather Lake, North Cascades, WA
Maple Pass, North Cascades, WA