Alone on trail: More risk, or reward?
“Dear Tom, I won a lottery to go around the High Sierra Camps out of Tuolumne Meadows (in Yosemite). Unfortunately, the person who was supposed to go with me couldn’t go. I’m writing to seek your advice regarding hiking alone, in terms of safety and related considerations. I am in my 60s and in good condition.” — Ning Chang
About 2,350 years ago, Aristotle urged people to do things as a team, “When two go upon a journey,” he said in a lecture, “one sees before the other.”
Then, about 10 years ago, the Bay Area’s Francis Tapon, a Triple Crown Hiker, advised, “Hike your own hike.” It was simple, just as profound and provides an answer to those who find themselves alone on the trail.
It has been a theme we’ve seen a lot this summer, especially with single women in the 20s and also in their 60s, backpacking alone. They say they won’t put their life on hold for anything, such as a lack of passion from their partners.
Fear can keep people from chasing what they want, and in the wild, there are answers for that:
Meeting jerks: The rule of the trail is that for every mile you get farther away from pavement, it seems the nicer, more respectful and helpful (when asked) people can be. Just in case, I advise women to carry bear spray, which produces a fog-like vapor that can be fired from 20 to 30 feet away, or pepper spray, a stream that is fired up close.
Physical injury: A senior field scout hikes alone, worries about a medical episode, and carries a SPOT Satellite Messenger, credited for 5,900 rescues afield. A SPOT also can be a solo hiker’s safety net. Navigation/outdoor skills: My son Jeremy hiked the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, and last week, we started the groundwork for the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail, and discussed unsigned junctions. With experience, you learn how to read the land without a map, we agreed, and see how the trail builders make sense out of the landscape. In time, you can master the skills of woodsmanship, and find help at mainstream areas if you need it. The real danger: The most dangerous part of the trip is driving to the trailhead.