Equinox Solo Overnight--Solo anxiety and growls in the bushes 

so great to hear that- You are definitely not alone. I think it is more common than folks share. It is funny how when you share your vulnerability it gives permission for others to speak up too. Makes us real people I think.Wishing happy times ahead for you.

Yes, to know what it is, makes it easier. For me, I see it as a fear of the unknown, and I try to cope. As you say, I know it will be wonderful once I get there.

Yes! Me too! 😊

thank you so much Wendy- So glad you were able to visit my home area. As for the mountain lions- I have only ever seen one once and I was in the car. They are very elusive. Black bears are far more common and away from the crowd they are usually quite "well behaved" and run away. Do hope you can make it back again. Strathcona Park is wonderful. Enjoy the outdoors in whatever way it works for you. Appreciate you sending your comments along- love to hear from folks like you.

thanks for the idea- Maybe when I can't get out there and make videos.

Hello to another Wendy. I love Strathcona Park- what a gem to have so close to us. It is good to know there are others of us who have felt the changes of aging although you are much younger than me-lol. We do have to just kick ourselves out the door some times. I hope you can do your multi day trip if that is your goal. I am working on that myself. Take care. Perhaps I will see you on the trail!!

thanks for your idea and your support Michelle

Thank you so much Mary- it was a real treat being there.

You are so welcome!

Thank you! 😊

Thanks for sharing. There are many ways to enjoy this world as you have discovered. Travel is one. I am grateful I have many places in nature close by. Not all are so fortunate. Safe travels

much appreciated

You are right about not complaining. I have a very old dog and he isn't up for the task but it would be fun to have one along.

many thanks

Thanks for sharing!

Great tipMarilyn- thanks so much

I hadn't noticed! Maybe you are right- I certainly did perk up David- thanks for that- made me laugh!

Really appreciate your comments. It encourages me to continue. The beautiful scenery is what does it. Can't really lose when Nature is the star. Thanks again.

I think I may have heard from her earlier! thanks shannon.

You did! I sent your video to my Wendy and she said you told her she was very young! Sooo..she loves you and you're her new favorite person lol!

Thank you Amy- wonderful to hear from you. It was indeed beautiful.

thanks Marilyn, we do what we can. I realized the other day that it wasn't about kms or miles it was about the joy of just doing it. Just being out there and loving it. thanks again.

that is amazing - thank you for the compliment and good luck with your journey.

Don't let fear prevent you from enjoying life. Life is short. Also safety is first priority in every situation. Do your research before you go camping and hiking.

thank you for your questions. I will try to answer. Depending on how far I have hiked or other conditions I may or may not go further after setting up camp. . I usually bring a book but find I just love sitting taking in the view and the environment. Sometimes doing nothing is a gift. Sometimes I car camp and sometimes I am far from my car. ie. backpacking or canoe camping. So far I have not had any issues with camping alone. I am very careful where I choose to go. The further away from roads the better. If in a car campsite I often choose a place back country like or a place with a host. I always lock valuables in my car if away from camp. I am very selective about what I bring. Nothing I can't do without. Hope this helps a bit- I hope you have a marvellous and safe time. It is worth the effort.

@@wendyoutdoors2230 Thank you for your quick response. Yes, this helps a lot. I too only want to carry the necessities to keep pack weight low and not have extra equipment in the car. I always carry a book or two while walking around our local parks. Nothing better than to sit and read by a river or lake.

great to hear from you Malcolm. Yes, your summer is coming up. Haven't made it to Australia but have been to New Zealand. Happy spring to you!

thanks Rosemary, Guessing it runs in the family. lol--It was a wonderful and up lifting 24 hours. Something very therapeutic

Hi Sue, always enjoy hearing from you. You seem to really understand. Much thanks.

Yes, but how well does it work to scare away the bruins?? haha. Seemed to work the other day. So important to keep a sense of humour.

wow Susan. such undeserved high praise, but thank you regardless if its not quite accurate,❤️Just happy you enjoy it.

Hello Mark- The meal was great, I was also hungry-Yes, the more you do it the better it is but funny how I still question it. However, once I am out there I always celebrate. One day at a time and 1 trip at a time. We never know what lies ahead. Celebrate the moment. thanks

You are so welcome, it is my pleasure for sure

Wendy 😊

Ever so happy to have you onboard. I love hearing from people. The outdoors community is wonderful. As for the anxiety, I talk about it because it is real and many of us experience some of those feelings. It is quite common but not often acknowledged.

You are so kind

Isn’t she? 😊

thank you so much. Great to know some one else can identify with my feelings and observations. Another fellow camper!

Start off with small solo hikes and work your way up. I was SO anxious on my first solo hike but was on top of the world when I finished. You can do it!

Yes, I really like it. Can't wait for hiking season to begin!

Glad you enjoyed it. The colours were wonderful. I hope to repeat this hike this fall🤞

I am most fortunate and thank you

Yes, there is a back country fee- I think it was $10 Canadian a night per person. I deal from my point of view.

Thanks for watching!

there are many plusses to being alone for sure. I agree about getting there before dark. 👍

My pack on that trip weighed in with water and food at 22 lbs. I have no idea what French music was playing. I was just trying to make noise. lol--- CBC does it all!!

@@wendyoutdoors2230 you’ve done very well to keep the weight to 22 lbs. And you carry it very well :) So one more question 🙋‍♀️- do you do strength building exercises?

thank you very much Charlene

Thanks so much 😊- it was just so special- I couldn't get over it.

and again- double thanks

Love it!

It was wonderful- I was in awe

It really is!

Hello Joyce- so good to hear from you. Hoping I can do yet another video. Each one is a gift. Thanks for you encouragement . 🤞👍

Thanks for commenting Heidi- You are generous in your praise- Sometimes I don't really enjoy the night either-lol !! The main thing is to enjoy yourself, however that works for each person. Happy car camping, nothing wrong with that.

Thank you so much!

Couldn't agree more!

awesome to a fellow camper

it is a wonderful place especially this time of year

Thank you

I don't think it matters exactly what or how each of us challenges ourselves and how we get out. What really matters is that we do whatever it is that works for us. Glad to hear that another person is doing what they love. Thanks for reaching out and sharing.