I'm 32, I love the outdoors, and not always I have company or friends to go to enjoy them, and sometimes, I like to be by myself. I told a good friend of mine I went camping by myself, he gave me a weird comment that made me think if I'm crazy or similar. Going camping by yourself, does it look like a normal thing?, would you think something bad about someone who would do it?. Please be honest, I don't think I'm involving my feelings on this question, just let me know what you think. Thanks!
2007-07-10 07:29:17 · 49 answers · asked by livingthe30s 3 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Camping
Unlike many people I have little fear of the wilderness. I often backpack alone with nothing more than my bear proof canister, my umbrella and a tarp for protection from wild animals. But it's never as much fun as sharing it with my family or friends. I've always wanted to share my passion for the outdoors with others, and I've dragged many people along on my trips with the intention of introducing them to the wilderness and to what I consider the "real me" only to find at the end that I lost them as friends, because it turned out they hated the wilderness. Even though I'm huge, carry other people's gear, and took care of every aspect of the trip, from planning, to shopping, to driving, all I got were complaints and recriminations. I never got closer to anyone, because they failed as outdoors persons. They couldn't stop vandalizing the wilderness, couldn't leave their alcohol and drugs at home, couldn't keep going, couldn't leave no trace, follow the rules, not poach fish from the streams, so I've left all those people behind. I await the day my kid is old enough for the John Muir Trail.
2007-07-12 19:03:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 4⤋
Camping alone and with companions are truly different experiences and both are great! Camping alone gives you the opportunity to do things on your own schedule (I personally love to crawl in my tent after lunch for a nice nap. I leave the fly off so I can stare up at the trees and sky - it is the most peaceful way to drift off into a perfect sleep. Couldn't get away with this when others are around). On the other hand, I also love to cook when camping and that's a lot more enjoyable for me when I have someone to share it with. One thing I've noticed is that when I'm alone it seems to attract others to come talk to me, whether its car camping or backpacking. Maybe singles are more approachable than someone with a companion. This can be good or bad depending on whether you want to meet others. Don't worry what others think - it's probably a case of that they haven't tried it themselves. If you want to deflect any strange comments from friends about future solo trips, just add that you had some reading that you needed to get done without disturbance or that your camping companion had to change plans at the last minute and you were already packed and ready to go. Also, if you develop a hobby around your camping trips (birding, sketching, mushroom collecting, etc) then your solo trips will seem very cool to friends who chalk it up as an intellectual pursuit and not that you are being strange. Bottom line is, if you've got the opportunity to camp, regardless of the number, go for it.
2007-07-14 05:19:58 · answer #2 · answered by birdiebyrd 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I go camping all the time by myself, I take my children sometimes also and teach them the old ways. But alot of the time I will go just to relax and enjoy the freedom. Meditate and enjoy the Earth the Creator has given us. It may not be here long and I just enjoy communing with nature. I don't think one should be considered crazy most real outdoors people do go alone. It is good not only for the body but the mind and spirit also.
2007-07-12 11:13:14 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Camping Alone
2016-11-06 21:16:03 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd rather camp with friends, but I will go alone if I am ready to camp and no one else can hit the road with me. Since I do not have the stamina of a 20 year old, I only camp alone in a state park. That way if I need help there are other campers and we all seem to enjoy helping one another. Take good care of yourself - and always remember to take good care of our environment!
2007-07-13 12:29:12 · answer #5 · answered by happy_southernlady 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What's wrong with that? I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Sometimes you want to get back to the nature and enjoy the silence. Your friend probably didn't enjoy outdoors as much or something. Camping is not for everyone. I say unless you are anti-social or something, lone camping is just fine. Just make sure some of your friends or family know exactly where you are going, in case of accident. Have fun and happy camping.
2007-07-10 07:37:16 · answer #6 · answered by Welcome to Vancouver 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
YES. Normal people can be found all along the continuum of the scale from extroversion to introversion. Some people would rather die than actually go out to a public restaurant and have to eat a meal alone, while others would not think twice about it. The same is with your camping dilemma.
I think that you are more introverted than your friends who think that you are rather weird. To THEM, camping is defined as a "social activity." Their fun is the PEOPLE, more than the place. To YOU, camping is about the place and the activity--your fun simply derives from a different source, because you are a different kind of guy.
There are lots of us introverts out there--and you'll find nearly ALL of us on the internet, too, by the way! At home, by ourselves, recharging our batteries and having fun by our selves... :-)
2007-07-17 05:35:14 · answer #7 · answered by beverlybdmd 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've gone camping by myself, too. It can be very peaceful and I do just as I please without having to compromise my activities with someone who doesn't have all the same interests I have. I don't think you are crazy at all! Perhaps this "friend" is more of the "party in the woods" type than a real outdoor enthusiast. Just enjoy yourself!
2007-07-10 07:35:36 · answer #8 · answered by peachyone 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Perfectly normal . My big solo boot prints are all over the American back country. Surprisingly enough in a lot of ways solo hiking is a lot safer than than going with a group because there is not the collective group ego pushing you into places that are beyond your ability and therefore should not go. When you're hiking solo & the nearest &person is 3+ days away from you ,you are very tuned into your own vulnerability.You know that you are not allowed to make a mistake and so you don't.
2007-07-10 08:22:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
people usually go camping as a vacation with family or friends but a real outdoors person who loves to camp does not need the company to enjoy it. i myself would actually love a solo camping trip and am jealous that you have done it. i do not think it is abnormal in any way
2007-07-10 07:35:15 · answer #10 · answered by jezbnme 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋