I survived without bringing my guitar or firearms, or even a kazoo. I did not see any bears, chupacabra's, sasquatch sightings or have any ninja or pirate encounters. I had many a firsts on this trip: Paddled a solo canoe for the first time,(& loved it!) portaged a canoe for the first time,(proud of it & without a goat!) hung up a tarp for the first time (better than Mr. Trix I might add, but I won't tell him that) hung up my food pack for the first time, (even tho I really didn't need to, it only had my vodka,coffee & baileys, the rest went into the bear keg),and cut up my firewood for the first time.(without cutting off a limb or appendages) Did not see alot of people. Had great weather. The last morning I was there I did have a Cow Moose & her calf come right through my camp. About gave me a heartattack! About 8:00 AM.,I was sitting on my huge rock by the lake drinking my baileys & coffee writing in my journal enjoying the serenity. I heard a noise in the back woods & knew it was a big animal. It started grunting & was coming closer. I thought for sure it was a bear! It was Mother & her calf. About 20 more feet & they would have walked on my tent. I was relieved it wasn't a bear, but still very cautious about a Moose protecting her calf. It still was pretty exciting. I have seen plenty of Moose up in the BW, but none quite so close. I came home with lots of bug bites, bruises, scratches & a nice tan. Would I do a solo again? Probably not. I missed companionship too much & someone to talk to besides myself. But, if I ever decide to again, I know that I can & am able! I have no regrets & am very glad that I did it!

welcome back

Yep, soloing is not for everyone.

Welcome back. Can't wait for the trip report.

Welcome to the club! Sounds like a very successful trip to me.
Moose's can be sneaky!

butthead

Congrats, for a good trip.

Congratulations on the solo!

I felt the same way when I completed my first solo last year. I don't think I would do a solo again for the same reason, I got bored with myself. But, it is a good feeling to know that you can do it.

congrats and welcome back trix!

Many congratulations!

I admit I'm jealous! Did you ever wonder if you'd were safe--strong enough, experienced enough, whatever might be required to deal with whatever might come? I think I'd enjoy the solitude. (I work at home, and it never occurs to me that I'd rather be any place but here in my own little office.) But I've wondered about the safety issue.

Good for you! and welcome back!

I have no desire to do a solo myself, but I congratulate you on the accomplishment and am very glad to hear how well it went. Sounds like you had a good trip. I would have loved to have seen that moose and calf!

Forgot to mention. When I got to Sawbill Outfitters to pick up my canoe & permit, I ran into tg. I was so excited to see someone from this website that I have met, that I ran up to him & gave him a hug. I bet he thought I was a little wierd. His girlfriend & his dog Alley were just heading out going up to Cherokee. Hope they had a great trip as well. It was Alley's first time going in. Hope all went well with Alley. Seeing the Cow Moose & her calf was definately awesome. It was just a little too close for comfort. I really feel like I accomplished alot. I amazed myself in what I did. Your mind definately plays tricks on you when you are up there alone. I think it was the fear of the unknown that may get to a person more that anything. Again, I am so glad I did this, but it is good to be back. Hopefully heading back up mid August, but this time with Mr. Trix. I will let him hang the tarp up this time with my supervision of course!

trix? youre one of a kind! they broke the mold.....

:)

Awesome.

Congrats on your first solo. The moose in camp is an awesome experience. I had a similar encounter on one of my trips to Rose Lake. The little bull moose almost tripped over one of my tarp lines. I was really shocked to see him walk right into camp without a care in the world. Great job. Cant wait to see the trip report.

tony

Excellent! Give the heebie jeebies a few weeks, they will calm down and you might find yourself craving solo again!

Way to go Trix! Glad you're back and it was good. Waiting for the trip report, and pictures if you've got 'em!

way to go Trix! we're all proud! look forward to the trip report and hearing where you went. very cool moose encounter.

Alley did great BTW!

tg

Way to go Trix! Post lots of pics in your report.

Good job Trix! Challenge met...faced...and conquered!

No chupacabra! You must be disappointed.

This makes me want to try it.
I think I can... I think I can...

I will post a trip report & some pictures when I get caught up at work. It really sucks that you eventually have to come back to civilization & work twice as hard before & after you get back. tg, glad to hear that Alley did well.

Congrats on the trip Trix! I just did my first solo last weekend. While my trip was much shorter than yours, I can definitely relate to your perspectives ;-).

I wasn't as lucky as you with the Moose sighting, but I did have a rather persistent rabbit trying to come into my camp one night over and over. The noise he made was much bigger than he was...

CONGRATULATIONS and welcome back!! From reading your previous posts, it was easy to tell that you were excited to be going. It sounds like your trip was all that you were hoping for and more. Good for you! Can't wait to see the pix!

Umm, Trix? Bailey's at 8:00 am? Isn't that like 20% alcohol?

My sense of manhood just took a dive!

Welcome back Trix. Sounds like your adventure was at least rewarding for you even if the solo style didn't turn out be be your cup of tea (or Bailey's).

You improvised, you adapted, you overcame. Welcome to soloing!!!