Solo Adventures for Anyone
Recently I, Jessica, did something powerful, something I’ve considered for a while now. In all my years camping and backpacking - about 35 - I’d never gone alone…until two weeks ago when I went on my first short solo wilderness adventure! It was a time of reflection, adventure, healing and self-coaching. I loved it!!!
I had been raised with an understanding that it can be dangerous for people, especially women, to camp alone. So I never did. I traveled by myself a ton in my 20s, even internationally. These trips were enjoyable and successful, and I felt safe. But I still held back from camping or backpacking alone. If you resonate with this, if you’ve wanted to go out into the wilderness alone (no matter how you identify your gender) keep reading. This story is for you. Solo adventures are for anyone!
The pandemic, political and social unrest, wildfires, work stress and several new personal health concerns in 2020 have been a lot to handle. I’ve needed time to myself. I’ve also needed ways to build my confidence in my body, my skills and my future. Outdoor adventures have always been life-giving for me. I hope it has been the same for you.
This spring I decided it was time to adventure out on my own. The time has come and I was ready. It was a short trip; nothing fancy and originally planned for two nights but shortened due to rain and a leaking tent.
I picked Battle Ground Lake State Park campground just 30 minutes from my home, a place I’d visited before and gets cell signal. These factors gave me comfort in going alone.
As I explored the lake and state park, I found several lovely spots to sit quietly and simply breathe. Wow - did the slowness and stillness feel good. So did the freedom to do whatever I wanted in the moment without checking in with anyone else or coordinating my interests with those around me. I realized how often I do just that, coordinate with the world around me...and how much effort that can take. Maybe I don’t need to do that as much moving forward.
Time in nature is powerful. It is cleansing, for our body, mind and soul. For me these two days alone created the perfect space for personal reflection, rest and self-coaching. It was also a time of joy as I marveled at God’s many beautiful creations around me.
As I hiked around Battle Ground Lake I enjoyed the bright green of new leaves, the white little petals of blossoming trees spread out all over, unfolding ferns and various wildflowers. I journaled, read, practiced yoga, ate fun adventure foods. I cried, slept and prayed. The privacy of my own tent and private camping site was wonderful and relaxing. Overall, it was simply amazing.
If you’ve been nervous too about camping or backpacking on your own, I understand. I’ve been there…for decades. Now after just one night alone I’m ready to go out on my own again for longer. I now know I can go out into the wild on my own and I believe you can too!
Looking back, here’s what I learned:
Going somewhere familiar and with cell service decreased my nervousness
Thinking ahead of time about my reasons for going alone created a sense of purpose in my trip
I didn’t get bored being alone; in fact it was freeing
Last minute adjustments are no problem on a solo adventure
Being alone let me focus on the natural world and my inner world more
If you’re concerned about camping or backpacking on your own, perhaps my lessons and experience can help you consider how to plan a solo adventure! My intention was to build confidence and create a space to focus on myself. Whatever your reason for adventuring out on your own, I hope it brings you a new sense of personal satisfaction and connection with the amazing natural world around us.
Happy trails!
Want some support as you consider future adventure options? Learn more about ways I can support you during solo adventures or request a free strategy session in our new Wilderness Coaching section. Come join me for Yoga in the Wild, Your Day Away Adventures and more!
