Planning a solo backcountry hike/retreat

[Freida]

You are going to have so much fun! That sounds perfect. I used to love hiking and backpacking -- I even did a Nepal trek back in the day. An yes - that time alone with no input of any kind is something we all need once in a while

 

[Friday]

@Mal Content

< Putting on my Mod-Hat for a moment >

If you own the copyright on the pic that’s being used as a thread cover, please edit your first post to reflect that. Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 33052]

@Mal Content

< Putting on my Mod-Hat for a moment >

If you own the copyright on th...

Erm....guess what I forgot about? :oops:

 

[Neverthesame]

I don't suppose you live on the west coast...?

Nope, never actually been that far yet. Calgary is my current urban jungle.
Farthest I've been west is Banff. That was where I had my tent the wrong way round in the rain. Damn cold in the morning out there, even in July. Lol
I'm just glad it wasn't winter.

Before all that, I lived in Leeds, but that's as far from the coast as you can get on that island, Atlantic or Channel.

One of these days I'll get out to BC. Sure looks nice out there, especially on days like today, when the snow is 6" deep.
We do get the chinook wind here a few times a winter, which is nice. Though this year it's been so transient, all it's done is make a bunch of ice to fall on... oh well..

My pets are thoroughly repelled by the scent of tea tree oil, so I thought of spraying a bit on myself at the trailhead as a deterrent. I would love opinions on that.

I have no idea if bears react to tea tree oil, or in what way.
I personally wouldn't try this on a solo expedition. As they do have an excellent sense of smell and essential oils are very potent and pervasive.
If it does end up attracting them it will be really difficult to get the smell off of your kit. Even if they don't equate it with food, it could still draw them out of curiosity, or out of a need to investigate what strange smelling animal has begun competing for territory.

You could try asking BC fish & game, they might know.

I do know that bear mase will attract them if someone tries using it as a preventative. Something about it being painfully overpowering, rather than unpleasant being why it repels them.

Interesting theory though. It's up to you of course, but I'd rather test it with a couple more people and a gun for safety, just in case tea tree oil smells like cheeseburgers to a hungry grizzly. Lol

 

[Deleted member 541]

Good luck and stay safe!!!!

 

[Deleted member 33052]

@She Cat - Thanks! That's what I'm hoping for!

 

[blackemerald1]

Have a think about the 'unexpected'..like what do I do if I lose... (insert thing/event). Then research.
Have a load of fun!

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

I've never ventured on a journey like that but am always in awe of those who do. We're close to the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Mountains and have many hikers make pit stops in our little town. The views are beyond words. Total immersion in the whole scene....priceless! Wishing you an abundance of beauty and safe travels.

 

[Esterio]

Nothing like being out in nature to bring peace to the soul. Have a great time. I have done lots of out back camping and hiking in the back country.I don't do it to extremes anymore. When the weather is nice I go for a walk on a forest trail and usually have it all to ourselves my walking and swimming partner. We have nice days out there. I don't camp anymore and really miss that a lot.

 

[DharmaGirl]

If I could walk more than 1/4 mile I would love to do this. I used to camp a lot, and live and/or work on farms, and there were areas of the farm that you could see or hear civilization. It was so awesome.