Solo Female Traveler: Robin

Q: Travel Mishaps — Has any crazy stuff happened?
A: I came back to my campsite from a hike on Wellesley Island State Park on the St.Lawrence River and my ladder was gone. Must have been kids as I found it down by the river’s edge at my site. Now I lock my ladder to my roof rack!

Q: What are the top challenges you face, and how did you overcome them?
A: Sometimes it is just the courage to tackle things alone. I am always very proud of myself when I pull off these trips.

Q: Do you have some wisdom from your solo travels that you’d like to share?
A: I have a master list that I have compiled over the years that I cross-check before I set out. I also have a Garmin in Reach Explorer that gives me and my family peace of mind in case I get in trouble.

Q: Where are you going to explore next? Do you have a dream camping trip?
A: I’m hoping to get up to Algonquin Park in Canada. I love to paddle and before I had to choose between the Roofnest and my kayak on the car roof but I just got an Oru foldable kayak so I can have both!

Q: Where are your favorite places to explore? What makes those spots special to you?
A: Anywhere wild. I love to find new places I haven’t seen. I almost never go back to the same place and I often try to be near water. I spent my childhood in the Allegheny National Forest in PA and learned a lot about the plants and animals there. I got very comfortable setting out into the woods for the whole day alone. I’d love to camp on the Oregon coast but it means a cross-country trip for me with the Roofnest. .

Q: What drew you to solo traveling to being with?
A: It is hard to find older women who camp. My husband loves the outdoors but just doesn’t want to camp either so my choice was stay home or go alone. I also value the time by myself to self-reflect and remember who I am. The outdoors really fills me up.

Q: Do you have any favorite pieces of gear you’d never be caught without? Why?
A: Camping knife, tarp with lots of bungees and carabiners, down vest, rain gear, headlamp.