Well, I jus found out that on Sunday I have 2 days off in a row, that is very odd for me, so I check the weather and it is going to be georgeous. I decide to go camping at a near by National Park (Woo Hoo). The only thing is that I have nobody to go with. While I have no problems being alone in the woods I always run out of things to do when it gets dark and I can never fall asleep right away. So I am asking, what are some fun things I can do in the woods alone? Right now my only hope is to find some more campers along the trail. I do plan on hiking about 5 miles in so getting bored and heading to the local pub is not really and option, neither is carrying too much stuff. I appreciate any ideas serious or comical. Thanks all
I love just building a fire and hanging out all by my lonesome. Pack in some booze if you’re so inclined. Couple of snack things like marshmellows or popcorn to toast on the fire. Flashlight and a book are always good too. It’s been so long since I’ve had the opportunity I’d love to just feed the fire, watch the night come on and the stars out, listen to the changing sounds…
Build a fire, but check if it’s allowed first.
Bring your portable tape player or CD or MP3 player and pretend you’re Pavarotti where no one can hear you.
See the stars without all the city lights blocking them.
Enjoy snacks.
Run blind and terrified through the trees because a bear smelled your snacks.
(Seriously, if there are bears about, learn proper storage.)
Listen to the stillness. Watch the moon rise and set. Feel the slower rhythm of the woods.
Id say well over 3/4 of the backpackers I know enjoy either a few swigs of brandy or a few umm puffs of something else. The others don’t. And in all honesty its unfair to label all backpackers as either drunks or potheads, but many do enjoy one or the other. Most of us just sit and contemplate when we’re alone, clear headed or not.
-PSM
Fire. Fire fire fire fire fire. Build a humongous bonfire and throw random things into it. Flame marshmallows. Roast/burn sweet potatoes. It’s the bestest best thing in camping.
I love fire. Yep.
[sub]Like Satisfying Andy Licious said, though, make sure it’s allowed first, and don’t burn down the forest ;)[/sub]
Make sure you’re carrying a couple big knives that will make it easier to amputate one of your limbs should you be pinned under a runaway boulder. You don’t want to be stuck in that situation with only a pocketknife.
Wow! If you are in Seattle, you must have many great prospective camping areas. I’d check with a National Park Service rep. and ask about places that are more populated with campers, so that you can have neighbors, if that is what you want. Some areas might have a party atmosphere. Might be online info., too, at each site. I think the auto club has maps and tour books for camp areas, if you are a member. Have fun!
Get naked.
Run around the fire and then lay down and look at the stars.
It will be extra fun if somebody walks by. And even if nobody comes by, it is just fun to be alone in the middle of nowhere, naked as the day you were born, and saying hello to nature.
Have a great time, and don’t let the bedbugs bite.
Buy a black frisbee. Hook it up with a set of LED lights around the rim, a 9 volt, and a switch. FInd other campers, hide behind trees and throw lit up frisbee over their heads, and back to yourself. Turn off frisbee put in backpack and scream. Run out of woods into camp group screaming ‘The aliens are coming!’
please, dont look for other campers.
Why do you want to go camping in the woods anyway, if it’s just to party with other people? You can do that at home, or at a crowded beach , or at a bar.
Enjoy the opportunity to REALLY see nature . Sure, it can be “boring”–but sit there long enough, listen to the silence, and let it seep in. Let your mind wander a bit, or just “veg out”, -but try it once.
Pure Silence–It’s an experience that you can never have in the city.
I like to bring a book, but another thing you might find interesting is sugaring for moths. Boil lots of sugar in some water to make a syrup, then when it cools add a nice snort of rum. Smear some of your concoction on the trunks of trees (different species, if you can) before dark, then a few hours after the sun goes down revisit the trees to see what you’ve attracted. Moth species outnumber butterflies by 40 to 1, and many are incredibly beautiful. You might really be surprised by what you find. Or maybe not?some nights are better than others.
chappachula - I didn’treally want to look for other camoers but atthe time I posted I hade no other ideas. Now I have some option. I like your idea mycoman but I don’t think I will have the resourses to do that on this trip.
DMark - While nudity is an option (in the woods behind my house growing up I was naked more often than I was dressed) I think I will check to see how busy this place is before I start going ‘au natural’. Besides I am going to a National Park I don’t think being picked up for indecent exposure on Fedreal property would be a good idea.
Well thanks for you ideas guys I think with a good book and the reading light I just got I will be fine. I don’t think I am going to go out to find more people I now have a few things to ponder that and work really pissed me off yesterday so I don’t want be near people anyways. Well I will be off in a couple hours I just need to cook some breakfast first. Agian thanks all folks.
Edison
You’re allowed to be nekkid in a National Park as long as you are in the “back country” (five miles should do it) and are not being “lewd and lascivious”. But still, keep a towel close.
Other than that, Jiffy Pop. You just can’t have more fun than Jiffy Pop. Well, there is Jiffy Pop whilst nekkid…
Well, Just got back. Had ablast. Didn’t see anybody else. It was too cold to be naked the whole time but I di undressed a little bit and soaked up so sun. Basicly all I did was read a book I had a couple fun adventures but that doesn’t belong in this thread. I would just like to thank everybody for their suggestions.
Have a nice day
Gosh, just like when I met the beautiful Armenian lady who told me that she used to be a nymphomaniac until she met Jesus, I am too late. I was gonna tell you to take Carlos Castanedas, the books, not the guy. He writes in one how you should lie down quietly just at dusk to become part of the night rather than an intruder in the night.
If you are truly alone and you are really sure you are alone…you have to walk about naked. Seriously. Quite exhilarating really, I’ve only done a couple of times myself in all my times backpacking. I’m sure some other avid backpackers/campers can attest to this too.
Now, I’m not a smoker. But when I’m backpacking, I have on occasion taken tipped, colt cigars for one sole reason; to induce a good constitutional. I don’t inhale, but I think the tabacco reacts with my system that way. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems to work.