The Berkshire Reader: Writings from New England's Secluded Paradise Book

A collection of tales of women adventurers travelling alone, all over the world, in all types of terrain. This was an inspiring, exhilarating, and insightful read. Women telling why they were venturing out alone-- biking through New Zealand or backpacking in Alaska-- and how it affected their psyches and emotions.

On the one hand, I really don't need to be encouraged to "go now, go solo", because doing things I want to do while alone is my default mode. I need to be pushed into inviting other people along or into telling others what I want to do instead of following their plans. I am comfortable with myself for company, while people make me nervous. I can make my own decisions when solo, but when I'm with others I second-guess and flip-flop. A challenge for me would be a planning a trip to do with other people.

On the other hand, however, while I do many activities alone, I've never been camping on my own in the deep of the woods, never pushed too far or taken actual physical risks. Is this smart or am I missing something? I'll drive through the Georgian countryside at midnight alone, I'll day-hike alone, I'll plan a trip to and explore cities alone, I'll sail dinky sailboats near the shore of Sarasota Bay alone, but in these I'm never too far from people (strangers) that would probably help me. I have a cell phone, guarded common sense, and good health to protect me. Venturing into the wilderness just seems foolhardy for whatever benefit. I am cautious by nature and have had the "buddy system" hammered into my head, particularly as a women. When is it saying a liberating "fuck you" to the patriarchy to venture out alone--into city streets or backwoods trails--and when is it just dumb? How do I sort between unnecessary risk and unwarranted fears?