hey, i'm back.

i have been able to read all of your posts several times.

what i take away is that hiking solo is a personal decision based on personal beliefs and on external factors.

where i hike is very different from where many of you hike.

and then we have all of you hunters who are out there by yourself in order to bring home the meat. solo, vs group hunting, wins the day in my book.

i also noticed in the thread that if not solo, then solo with a partner and then becomes solo with two partners and then higher numbers and then on to a group hike. which several posters pointed out could be counterproductive in that groups might take chances whereas a solo would not.

although i certainly see both sides of the arguments you all have put forth, for me i'm not convinced 1+ or more has an advantage over solo.

for me, i'd prefer to hike solo. but i am fortunate to have a hiking buddy who i can spend 8 - 12 hours a day with - without annoying each other or feeling like we're having to take care of each other.

thank you for all of your thoughtfullness and great ideas.