I should have probably called this post Why I (Typically) Hike Alone. Don't get me wrong, I hike with people all the time, such as the PD, my wife, my daughter, and a great number of wonderful people I've met on and off the trail. But most of the time, and mostly by choice, I hike alone.

Disclaimer: I am not advocating that everyone hike alone. Definitely not. The talk about not hiking alone is very sensible. However, I take precautions. I leave an itinerary. I have a Spot and a whistle. I am prepared for emergencies. I am a very experienced hiker.

In this post, I am merely describing my own preference and reasons for doing so.

There have been days where I wake up well before dawn, drive a long way on the freeway with hardly anyone on it, exit to a winding highway, turn onto a dirt road and drive for miles, and end up the only car at a remote trailhead. The first few miles necessitate my headlamp and a few extra layers, but then the sun rises and I shed them. Some of the sunrises I've seen have put tears in my eyes.

I couldn't imagine having that experience while chatting with other hikers.

I then scramble to the top of a mountain and take in the landscape. I sometimes chat with my video camera, but mostly I sit and breathe. I take some comfort in knowing that there is no one within earshot. I have a snack, drink some water, and head back down to the car.

The following are reasons why the above hikes are typically the kind I need when I am outdoors.