I'm talking a little about hiking solo, what it means for me. Patreon - / eriknormark Paypal - www.paypal.me/ErikNormark Shirts and Mugs - www.redbubble.com/people/erik... Your support helps make more videos. Thank you!
I don't have any friends. 😄 Actually, not a lot who would go hiking. I grew up in a wooded area and lost that after high school. I'm getting it back by hiking more and most is solo. Photography has made solo hiking more enjoyable too.
I've gone into the back country of the Grand Canyon 5 times (usually 7 days at a time). Three times solo. Twice with others (once with 3; once with 1). I discovered that I preferred solo. There are some places/experiences for which you need your attention to NOT be divided. Where you can focus on the place and YOUR place in it - without the distractions of other peoples' personalities. Could be a definition of a "good selfishness" maybe?
I tend to wander off from trail to explore the area. Besides my hiking partner who would tolerate my behavior, my lovely wife, passed away last year. Now I reflect upon the memories where we used to wander around, while hiking alone together. 🚶♂️🚶♀️🏕
I've spent(wasted) most of my 67 years trying to please other people, thinking that I couldn't be alone. After a hellish 2nd marriage and amicable divorce, I discovered the peace that comes with a simple life of contentment Eric can provide these exquisite videos because he is in control. He knows his strengths and weaknesses and knows how to enjoy his personal space. And, thankfully he invites us to enjoy his solitude vicariously. 🌛🌠🙏
I agree, solo hiking is fantastic. No talking no compromises. It‘s not better than together. It‘s just a complete different thing. Almost not comparable. Nice video!
I could watch you read a phone book - and think that was best thing I saw all day....you are special and I love all your videos....Hiking alone is the way to go - peaceful and easier to film things
I am somewhat a loner, and very introverted. Basically, I can't stand being around other people.🙄 Being alone in the mountains, the smells, wildlife, the bugle of an elk, the squawk and a crow, chatter of a ground squirrel, the weather, and how I fit into all that, is really the only place and things that makes sense to me. Everything is, quite simply, real. I enjoyed this Erik. Stay safe. Roger
My Personal Thoughts on this man: He is a man's man! Confident and brave! A man of few words; but when he speaks 149+K listen and enjoy. Living in a concrete jungle in Central California, I wish I could consider myself with the rest of you. Alas, all I have is smoke from the fires around us; sirens, vehicle horns going off and rude people fussing. His videos are a serious get-away from all this. His personal life is really none of our business. His marital status doesn't affect my interest in the moments of nature he provides for us. Sure, there are others, but there is only one Erik! He's kept it real! I believe 149+k will agree: (fast heading for 200K; and well deserved.) Mr. Normark; continued good health and constant physical strength. Erik Normark, Thank You.
I chuckled at your last sentence. I'm nearly 70, and I often have comments made to me that maybe I shouldn't continue to hike and camp alone. I told someone once, "I like hanging out with me better than with other people".😉 Be well.
You are blessed to have the opportunity to walk in such a beautiful and calm place, even if alone, because we are often surrounded by people but we feel lonely!Hugs!
I agree. I'm sixty-two years old, I started hiking alone at about age eleven. Now when I go hiking and backpacking it is almost always a solo trip. I am very social and an extrovert. I talk to everyone I see on the trail, but I prefer to be alone in the end. Occasionally I will hike with one or two other friends. But more than three people is just too many to enjoy the wilderness experience for me. While solo, you can do what you want, when you want. When I am with others, I always feel somewhat responsible for them, and my mind wanders away from the land. Only when you are alone can you be fully immersed into the land. As you say, if this is new for you, start small; try a solo day hike at a familiar location. Then, solo hike to new places. Finally, go overnight alone in the wild. Even if you are a little scared at first, it will be very fulfilling. Very good video.
The vibes I get from watching your videos are overwhelming. Nature is so loud and powerful it’s come through your videos . And you share it with us for free . No words just thank you .
I enjoyed very much your words, shared thoughts and video quality. I agree completely with everything you stated. Thanks. The older I become, the more I enjoy the periods of solitude with nature.
Peace and quiet. Reflect on life and enjoy the natural surroundings, the noise of the wind, birds, trees, water, wild animals. It's the best therapy in life :) Thanks for sharing Erik.
It's been less than a year since I started doing solo trips on my own but now I do them all the time. I like it for all the same reasons as you. I particularly appreciate the need for knowledge and self-reliance. I even did my first cross-country trek alone this summer and it was an incredible experience.
You listed all of the reasons why I like to go solo. I started solo camping when I was 12 and today I'm 76. I like to joke and say there are three ( 3 )of us on each camping trip , Me , Myself and I. Me and myself get along really good but I likes to argue at times , especially about camping spots. For years I organized ( group ) canoe trips and my rule was simple. Each paddler and canoe had to be equipped so they are self sufficient , the same as if going solo. Same for camping (backpacking ) trips. I really enjoy the quiet and sounds of the woods and rivers. My favorite night sounds are when the rain is hitting the rain fly over my Jungle Hammock and an Owl is hooting off in the distance.
Hey Erik When I am alone in nature and there is only silence around me, then sometimes the silence comes into my mind and all thoughts disappear from my head. Then I am completely in the here and now. That's great. Then I see things and hear things that I wouldn´t notice otherwise. You only experience that when you are alone. Thank you for another great video.
Well said Erik! The point you made of being comfortable with your own self alone is a must. I know some, that cannot do that very thing. The whole uncomfortable silence. I love it, thanks for a great video!
The best thing for me personally has been finding my soulmate and being able to hike silently with someone who I know is feeling the same elation and deep connection with Nature. No words needed, just a path, a forest. I guess I agree with Christopher McCandless when he wrote: "Happiness is only real once shared." ~ francesca
@@LettiesLife It definitely doesn't make it happier, everybody's favourite way way to hike, enjoy Nature, or enjoy life in general for that matter, is the best possible way in their life. 💜 I was just adding my two cents. I love reading all the different experiences :-)
Your videos are always so soothing to watch. And I always grab my headphones when I start watching your videos. Keep up these coming and have a nice week! 👍
I am 100% with you, Erik. It's heartening to know, from reading other comments here, I've got company when it comes to how hiking alone is perceived. Thanks for this vid, and your good work (which I love).
Awesome video!! Made me smile so much because it resonates so much with me and I guess most of us. I live alone but have many friends. I hike alone most of the time so I can enjoy photography, my thoughts and nature. Occasionally I hike with another friend or two but smaller groups are better.
Erik, I really enjoy your videos. I am from North America but I have lived and worked in Sweden. I recently completed a solo 3 day hike in the Grand Canyon. Your description and rewards of solo hiking are spot on! I remember an old swedish beer commercial from the 1990’s, maybe Norrlands Gold? Enjoying the nature with limited words:-) Keep up the great work. Your a true artist.
Hello Erik, greetings from Northern California. It's good to see you again. I hope that you are staying healthy. A big thank you for sharing this fine video. Please take good care of yourself and keep your great videos coming along. 🤗
Great video Erik. I do the majority of my hikes Solo, too. Have recently done a few with two old work colleagues who I have known many years. I like both to be honest, but your comments here resonate very much with my own experiences. I think you could have said this for me. 100% agree with your thoughts. Love watching your blogs. You are an inspiration. Regards Ian.
At One with the world ... the most rewarding feeling a person can have. The feeling of self confidence brings on an inner strength. Well put Erik you make your adventures seem so easy for all to enjoy. Thanks mate. Bushyboy Oz.
Thanks to you, Erik, I went on a multiday hike alone. I have gone several times before, but stopped for a few years. Your videos made me pick up my backpack again. A few days of struggle makes me come back home and appreciate everything that we have. In my 3 days hike, I only came across one person and had the hut all to myself during a lightning storm.
What a very good video and love the line u said its not a compaction. After some 30 years of not off grid camping I just sort of restarted this past weekend. Like u said stayed close and now I'm thinking about going a bit farther next time. Thanks for the unexpected boost to me.
You're videos are really great.😍 You're one of my inspiration going solo hiking and camping. You're right, going solo gives you a lot of freedom, doing your own things at your own pace.❤
I hike and backpack most of the time. Just like you said.. I can go any direction I want and camp where I want. But I also enjoy to talk with other hikers when I run into somebody.. Thanks for your videos Erik :)
I`ve always had a bit of a haunting lonely spirit. I dunno, sometimes I like being alone because it`s a sense of my own unique adventure. And frankly other than boredom, I never minded my own company. Having said that, I WISH I COULD FIND a perfect companion, but that seems harder and harder the older I get. Fond and warm memories of my life, will always travel well with me. Peace be with you stranger.
Solo hiking is a very rewarding experience for me. I can go at my own pace and go where I want to go. Take breaks as often or as little as I prefer. Honestly I prefer solo hiking to going with other people most of the time. Yesterday I did a 12 mile solo hike in a local state forest and had a fantastic day. I recommend doing exactly what Erik said - get to know your gear, know your skills and develop a trust for what you are capable of doing. Then get out there on a solo trip.
This. Soaking up all the knowledge from everywhere (including videos like these) just so I can keep pushing the boundaries of my next solo adventure. Manage the risks as much as you can, then go for it. It's quite addictive.
I grew up pretty much alone. so I've gotten used to solo hiking. I've been out a few times over the years. in fact I did a 5 mile hike today. My body is mad at me right now. LOL. BUT I'm glad I did it. looking forward to going back out again sometime in the next few weeks.
You have said everything I feel about hiking or camping alone Erik. Rather than teaming up with people we are teaming up with nature. Time stands still. We rely on ourselves. It’s the best feeling. Thanks for sharing. Ben
Great explanation Erik. Everyone has their own reasons for soloing, I try to get out once a week to decompress and challenge myself. Nothing like getting out into beautiful areas and filling in more of your map on unexplored areas. I often like to ask myself a tough question at the beginning of a long trek. all the time in the world to hash things out. Keep exploring Erik, we're loving it!
Solo is something special. No other voices. Just nature. Don't take too many risks and you will be fine. Most people don't understand what being in the wild alone is but after your first solo wilderness trip you will know. Thanks E.
Cause that is my own time, I also make nature films here to RU-vid. In my heart there is also place to hike or camp together too, but alone everything is just perfect for me. You can focus to nature and have a kind of discourse with it. Greetings from Finland Esa / Keloja Luonnosta
Growing up in a rural environment developed in me a deep appreciation for personal space. I enjoy meeting people and can be very social but sometimes I just want to be alone. Solitude enables me to think and reflect.
Hey Erik, do you ever wake up in your tent and discover it's raining and cold outside and just say "no thanks, I'm staying in the tent today reading my book instead of hiking further" ? And also, do you ever pick mushrooms or berries on the way to supplement your food?
Long wolf club! Love going with my dog. No talking. Always cool with whatever we do (so long it’s not raining) That counts as solo. Love your videos! 🙏
I LOVE to hike alone...communing with Nature and with myself...I could call it a more spiritual experience than when with friends...and yes! I like my own company, and I am careful. Thanks for this video! Special. ATB
Just hit 86, yeh a few hiccups along the way but hiking and traveling alone is right for me too. As you say yours is the choice and it is good to be able to stop and smell the roses if that is what you want. Just a few kilometers or a lot, it is the pleasure gained and the peace and contentment, coffee, of course, helps a lot!
Im a carp angler in the uk , and spend many a weekend on the bank by myself. Bivvied up with my gear around me. Switched off from the outside world. Doing my water craft to catch my chosen fish. Absolutely love having my own time. ... and returning to my family and friends. We all need an escape. Take care Erik... all the best.
I’m kinda like going alone lately.. I’m tired of some people around me who pretend to be good friends. I hope I’ll get enough courage to go solo...one day maybe. Look at you, how creative and resourceful. I’m glad I found your channel 💙
Dear Erik, a couple of months ago you and your great work inspired me to go for my first solo hike as well. During the last years I've spent some holidays in the Austrian Alps, together with a good friend of mine, hiking from hut to hut. But sleeping in a tent and having to bring my own food was something completely new to me. So I started to buy gear and spent many nights doing research and preparing my first real outdoor trip. In Mid of August I went to Norway and spent 12 days solo in the Femundsmarka National Park, right on the border to Sweden. Going solo for nearly two weeks was something completely different compared to my normal life, since I'm really enjoying to be with people, friends and family. Especially the evenings have been really lonely. But all in all it was definitely my biggest adventure so far. A time I will never forget. I'm already excited to head off in the woods next year. Maybe I will bring some friends/family and for sure I will go a couple days alone again. I just want to let you know, that I'm really glad that I discovered your work a couple of months ago since without the impressions that you are sharing with us, I would not have done that. Thank you very much, Erik! And maybe take a trip to the area around Rogen/Femundsmarka National Park by yourself. The landscape is stunning and there are few people. I bet you would do a heck of a movie there! Warm regards, Alex
Thanks Alex. One has to find a balance that works for oneself. Not everyone likes long solo trips. It can be only for a day or two. The important thing is that one feels good about it! Atb
I have only backpacked solo a few times, but each time I came away with something profound that I wasn’t expecting. Even a couple of car camping trips by myself were quite meaningful.
Great video, dude you need a Jetboil in your life 😀✌🏼I’ve just spent 5 days camping solo in Cornwall, UK. Finding one’s self, being self reliant and free is empowering. Everyone needs a bit of this especially during this hard time.
Really like your philosophy on hiking alone. Makes a lot of sense. Also, wondered many times about your kuksa. Wondered if it got completed . Like all of your videos, the kuksa appears to be of great quality. Well done!
Everyone is alone in life. It also depends what we each consider being alone. Some are lost being alone, Erik has himself, his thoughts, beliefs and direction. That's Not being alone but being together or leading ones self. Even his voice and movements show his confidence. Great video.
I love wildlife photography and hiking alone is the absolute best way to enjoy it. You get a lot more perceptive of things when out alone in the wilderness. You hear that stick being broken meaning something just stepped on it. You don't miss that Owl sitting like a frozen statue in the tree with only the movements of its eyelids giving it away. But maybe the best thing of all is that you have your own time to reflect and to load your mental battery. Even though you might be physically tired after a hike you are refreshed mentally.
I love hiking alone. I pace myself better when I'm not worrying about keeping up or holding others back. I can stop to gaze whenever I want. On the trail solo is where I feel real.
I've camped "solo" on road trips utilizing established camp grounds. As of lately though I've been camping solo in remote sites where you need to hike or kayak to. It's a different experience. You're right...it's just you. You learn self reliance, what works and what doesn't and how important it is to be cognizant of doing things correctly, safely and consistently. I have anxieties and fears at times. In the pitch black woods....alone at night and miles from anyone. It's revealing and rewarding. Your videos; like hiking and camping are therapeutic, calming and helpful. Every time you put something out it's interesting, intriguing, informative and entertaining. Thanks so very much. Be safe - Be well
It is weird when you are out alone in the woods and decide to make a video. I've done several, may I suggest one I've got up called shelter in place. A debris shelter I made on an island. Cheers.
I am on the precipice of exploring this level of sovereignty and freedom thank you for sharing. As a deeply introspective Scorpio solitude is my comfort zone.
I think several people who works full time, having kids and a buissy familylife can imagine why it’s nice to walk alone in the woods some times 😉 I sure do, at least!
ShakespeareCafe I agree with the first statement. The last line leaves me a little puzzled. If you are already in nature why are you still in a hurry? To get “where”?
As Eric said - "It is not a competition". As I say - Follow your own path and don't obsess about "who gets there first". The journey is about the journey, not about who is the fastest.
I used to but then I found the girl of my dreams without even looking or imagining that I'd ever find her. The planets and stars aligned I suppose but I found her through making a youtube channel. RU-vid started out just as a hobby and turned into a life changer. Great video!
Always a amazing day to hike. Healthy way to start the day. Follow you heart. Cause it knows Beat. Wish apron a star and always smile . Your truely are a special person 💕
