Re: [Paddlewise] Solo Paddling

First of all, thanks for sharing your story Paul. Sometimes a shake up 
call is needed for all of us. Some by reading. Some by doing. Sharing and 
comparing is what this list is about I guess.

I too paddle mostly alone. Infact, up until I introduced some others to 
kayaking just a short 5 or so months ago, I paddled alone almost all of 
the time. My wife is good for a trip or two ayear, other wise it was just 
me.(marrage and kids claimed my old paddling buddy) :>(

Most of my paddling is during the fall/winter/spring. Times when the area 
lakes and feeder rivers are devoid of the "normal" traffic. My solo trips 
are all two/three days or longer. I also like to paddle at night, during 
the winter, and alone. I've been snowed in, iced in, and had to break ice 
as I went. (Yes, I knew the risks and the price I would pay if I went in. 
I call it life) At times like these my only concern was my wife worring 
about me, not my safety. I would NEVER do this with most other people. I 
say most, because I have on one occasion with the person than went with 
me down the yukon river.(we spent Christmas and several days alternating 
between breaking ice and paddling on an area river, a few years ago)

Quite frankly, I didn't know being alone was so differant or dangerous 
until I got on this site. I always figured that being alone was a frame 
of mind anyway and being with someone was false security more than 
likely.

Many times I "wish" I could share a moment or show something to someone 
else, but the truth is, many of those "things" never happen when I am 
with someone else. My wife is the exception. We can go whole days without 
speaking. Only commuicating by eye or face exspresions.

Interestingly, I feel more at risk and think more of safty when I am with 
someone. Being alone is natural and being with anouther person I start 
going through the "what if" thoughts. Maybe this is the opposite that 
others go through. I would think each person should do what makes them 
comfortable. Just be prepared to take care of yourself and not rely on 
others for your safety.

As John said, kayaking is also one of the safest things I do. Sure safer 
than grocery shopping on double stamp day! :>)

James


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