Solo camping had always been an adventure I wanted to check off my list. So, it wasn’t a shock at all when I told my husband I was gonna take my chances in the woods on my own.
If I had to do it over again there’s very little I would change and I wanted to share what I learned and what I’d change because adventures are perfectly, imperfect!
- In June, who would have guessed!
Getting ready for this trip I had two fears, bears and the heat. I packed my bags thinking of how hot it was going to be while I hiked but it turns out Mountains don’t care that it’s June. SNOW!! I was shocked but I shouldn’t have been. At the very top on skyline trail the snow was a foot deep and foggy. This was great especially knowing I brought 5 short and one pair of pants! Ugh luckily, I brought the right kind of boots and jackets.
2. Why would I read that.
Most people would think it doesn’t get any scarier than a woman camping by herself hours away from home. Try being that woman and bringing a book about women being murdered in the woods. I know what you’re thinking… why?! Well, the goal was to keep my phone usage to only an hour a day… couple photos and videos, check in with the family and that’s it’s. Also, I left 2 of the 4 books I planned on reading at home. I finished “Look what you made me do”, by Elaine Murphy in a day. I made sure to read it during the day and in a sunny happy location.
😀 and it wasn’t bad! lol
3.Firewood cost how much!!!?
I’ve never started a fire on my own. Like ever. This was something I knew I must achieve! So did I?… well not really haha. On the Mt there’s a strict rule that you can’t pick up wood on the ground and burn it. Well not to fear you can buy firewood there for a whopping $15 a bundle!! Wow who would ever guess you’d need to bring your own firewood. lol I loved it so much though. I know most people talk about campfire at night but campfire in the morning with coffee is another level of happiness!
4. I thought 6am was early.
You would be shocked to learn veteran hikers take their walks very seriously. So when I set my alarm for 6am to get up and get ready for my hiking mission, I learned fast that…. I’m an amateur! Everyone in the nearby camping spots were already gone and started their day. It really doesn’t matter when you start but it is nice sometimes to follow other hikers especially if you were gonna attempt huge hikes like wonderland trail, that could take days.
5. Bear spray is essential… all the time!
This is one thing I kept kicking myself for. When I decided to go sight see a waterfall or some cliffs, I didn’t think it was necessary to bring my crossbody bag with my bear spray and other necessary gear just to go look at a view. Then when I get to the waterfall and realize there was a beautiful hike, I could have taken but don’t have the goods!
6. It went fast.
I wish I had more time! If I had known how much I actually needed to be out in nature and knew how renewing it would be for myself, I think I would have taken more days to hold on to all the feelings…. Its places like Mt. Rainier that’s just a reminder that God is the master artist and we are missing out on his gifts if you don’t go out and see it!
Overall, I don’t think you need to be an expert outdoorsman to do a solo camping trip. obviously take the proper precautions, maybe do a little more researcher than I and don’t get too wild in the wild and you’ll be solid! Go adventure it up!
