July 30, 2004
Great adventure

THERESA: I just got a book in the mail that looks intriguing: "Going Alone: Women's Adventures in the Wild" edited by Susan Fox Rogers. It's a collection of writings by women about finding solitude in the great outdoors - walking, sailing with sharks off Cape Cod, skiing alone in the Alaska wilderness.

Here's an excerpt, written by Jennifer Mathieu about a camping trip to the Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas:

    "There was something a little bit dangerous about being alone on the trail, I realized, and this added a bit of deliciousness to the trip. But the danger felt vague, as if I were only experiencing it because I was a worrier, and because it had been drilled into me to feel scared as a woman alone... I think of that trip often ... of the feeling I got from standing at that point of elevation ... of being entirely in my solitude. It was so many things to me, that feeling. But mostly is was the sense of knowing that there at Los Maples, at that moment, I was the toughest girl in the world."

What great adventures have you had alone, girlfriends? And what do you dream of doing all by yourself?

Comment on this topic today, anyone out there, and I'll put your name in a hat - At the end of the day, we'll do a drawing and I'll send somebody this book!

APRIL: I am sitting here trying to think of a time I was all alone on a trip. I have never done that. I think it would be a fabulous, invigorating feeling. (As long as it was at a resort with a spa onhand.)

WENDY: I can't remember the last time I was alone, and I miss it so much. Sometimes I find myself staying up late just to have a little moment when no one is talking to me. But I'm not a camper. I love the wilderness, but I don't love being dirty, uncomfortable or bitten by bugs, so at this point in my life I just know I am not wilderness girl. Find me a cabin (or better yet, a beach) where I can be by myself with a good book, and we can talk.


Comments

Two years ago I caught a train from Philadelphia to Los Angeles travelling thru the Pacific Southwest. Stopped in L.A. to see my sister then caught another train to San Jose, Ca. and visited Knight Ridder Digital.
I then rented a car and drove to San Francisco. Stayed in San Francisco for 3 days and worked at CBS MarketWatch. Drove back to San Jose and visited the San Jose Mercury News. Caught another train that evening and returned home by the Pacific Northwest.
The trip was incredible especially returning home thru Washington State, Oregon and Wisconsin. The train travelled along the coast until we reached Wisconsin. I had a layover in Chicago and shopped until I dropped.
The entire trip took 2 weeks. I felt a real sense of independence and realization of my own personal power.
I was a stewardess in my 20s and travelled half way around the world, but I didn't feel the same sense of adventure and personal accomplishment.
Everyone I knew suggested I fly, but I'm glad I followed my heart.

Posted by: Yvonne W. on July 30, 2004 09:39 AM

What a cool trip, Yvonne. Several times in the summer, I've rented a place at the shore and, though I've had guests for part of the time, spent most of the two weeks by myself. It is so calming to have a nice space all to yourself. I also love to take walks in the woods alone but I always take my dog because of safety concerns. That's the one frustration about solo adventures for women. I don't think it's wise to ignore the potential for harm. Sometimes I struggle with that.
Like at the beach, I don't go for night walks alone, even though I love to do this. Anybody have any thoughts about how to gauge safety vs. independence?

Posted by: Laurie on July 30, 2004 09:59 AM

Several essayists in the book had their dogs along on their adventures, for safety and companionship.

Posted by: Theresa on July 30, 2004 09:59 AM

Sometimes just stealing some time alone at the shore is the best. I like to go down to the beach early in the morning by myself and read and listen to music on my walkman and just take it all in. The ocean for me is just the most relaxing thing. I can be having a really stressful time and then once I look at the ocean its like it all just floats away!

Posted by: Jacqueline on July 30, 2004 01:34 PM

I'll be sending Jacqueline the book! I'll get your mailing address via e-mail...

Posted by: Theresa on July 30, 2004 03:39 PM

I frequently travel alone, either for business or pleasure. I've never felt afraid, for some reason, and I always meet wonderful people along the way.

My favorite trip (and one that I want to retrace) is a trip to Quebec, where I rented a car and drove up along the St. Lawrence Seaway to two French semi-rural communities. Not many people spoke English. I loved it. I was 25.

Sorry I missed the opportunity for the book ... I might have to go buy it!

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