LOCALadk Magazine

Summer 2020 LOCALadk Magazine 39 LOCALadk 8. Reinforce First Aid and Emergency Kits In the event of a medical emergency while solo back- packing, you want to be able to rest assured that you have the medication and equipment to safely get you through it. Off the shelf first aid kits are a good start, but it's best to carefully go through them be- fore a trip and bolster with extra supplies and meds. Items such as a signaling mirror, emergency whistle, prescription meds, and medical tape and bandages are things that can be crucial in an emergency and that often aren't included in a run-of-the-mill first aid kit. 9. Strengthen Navigation Skills Even when planning to stay on designated, well- marked hiking trails, having a strong knowledge of your planned route and bringing along a map of the area is crucial. GPS devices and phone apps such as AllTrails can be great navigation resources, but many a backpacker has needed to be rescued after the batter y in their navigation device died. Bringing a map and compass, and knowing how to use them, remains a vital skill even in this digital age, especial- ly when navigational choices are up to you alone. 10. Combat Loneliness Getting away from it all, challenging yourself phys- ically and mentally, and connecting to the natural world are just a few of the many benefits of back- packing solo. Having some downtime on a trip can be great, but it's in these moments that loneliness can creep up on you and threaten to sabotage a solo trip. Keeping the mind active is a great way to stave off loneliness. Writing in a journal, drawing, reading a book, and taking photos are a few activities that don't require much energy but keep the mind en- gaged. Grappling with loneliness in the wilderness and overcoming it can be one of the most reward- ing aspects of solo backpacking, and the more time spent out in the wilds alone, the more comfortable you'll become and the more it will begin to feel like home. Going Solo in the Adirondacks In an area that spans six million acres, it's no surprise that the options for backpacking trips are seemingly endless. While the High Peaks get most of the press and glor y, in my opinion the best backpacking in the Adirondacks lies elsewhere. Wilderness Areas such as Pharaoh Lake, Hoffman Notch, Five Ponds, and West Canada Lake are just a few destinations that offer more solitude, better camping opportunities, and more options for extended forays into the wilderness. Another advantage of these Wilderness Areas is that, unlike the High Peaks, campfires are often allowed, which can make the camping experience even more pleasurable and provide some "company" when going solo. Even though Pharaoh Lake is one of the more popular Wilderness Areas in the Adirondacks, its crowds pale in comparison to those of the High Peaks, and on a solo trip on a beautiful August weekend I had several options for pristine campsites and even passed by some empty lean-tos before settling down. Most of the campsites at Pharaoh Lake itself are lakefront, allowing for easy access to drinking water and fa- cilitating evening dips into the cool water and colorful sunrise reflec- tions. Pharaoh Lake is reached after hiking a relatively flat 3- 4 miles, making it a great option for a first solo trip. For more experienced backpackers there are several options for extending an overnight trip into a multiday journey. Taking the Grizzle Ocean Trail from the east- ern shore of Pharaoh Lake takes backpackers to Grizzle Ocean, Clear, Rock, and Crab Ponds before completing the counterclockwise loop back to Pharaoh Lake. Climbing Treadway Mountain partway through the loop is an excellent option for the hardy hiker and provides expansive views from this unique, rocky summit. Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is just one of the many exceptional destinations for solo backpacking in the Adirondacks. As experience is gained, skills expanded, and confidence built, an endless array of wilderness adventure in the Adirondacks will open up to you, just waiting to be experienced.

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