I’m a bit of a loner. I have a few close friends I enjoy spending time with, but being by myself is not something I avoid.
I like being able to make plans without stressing about someone else’s preferences. Having my own schedule, or not having one at all, makes being spontaneous much easier.
That’s why I usually take my weekly photo hikes alone. I don’t have to consider whether someone else is bored, or tired. I can go where I want, when I want, for as long as I want.
I can hike at my pace, and not worry about lagging behind or pulling ahead of someone else.
Still, I’m not totally alone. On each hike, I find at least one sidekick. A critter of some kind that lets me know that despite my claims of solitude, I’m actually surrounded by all sorts of companions.
Thin spiral notebook 
I’m more of a loner person too, but unfortunately we don’t have a lot of nature trails around here…. but with the baby, cat and dog, I feel like I live in a wild animal kingdom.
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When I can’t get out, with two dogs, a cat, and one 20-something still at home, some days it feels like a zoo here too.
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My sentiments exactly!!!!! Love the photo too by the way. 🙂
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If I didn’t know better I’d swear that was written about me. While I have a few good photographer friends that I go out with from time to time, my best work is made, and I get the most enjoyment from, being alone in the mountains or forests with nothing but my camera and my thoughts.
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My daughter is home this summer from college, and has gone with me a few times on my photo hikes. It’s not the same somehow. I love spending time with her, but I feel guilty about making her stop so often when I want to take a photo.
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I don’t even bother bringing my camera when my daughter comes along. 😀
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Yeah, it’s useless in my case too.
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My iPhone is always with me though 🙂
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Mine too! As much for a point/shoot camera as for a GPS so I don’t get lost on my hiking trails… my sense of direction is horrible.
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Who needs a P&S when you’ve got an iPhone? I don’t have to worry about getting lost in the woods, great sense of direction. Put me under a roof, like in a Mall though and I’m screwed. Then I need a GPS, a map, and a guide. And that’s just to get out of Macy’s!
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I can kinda relate to that. Doing a two hour walk in six hours cos you wanna stop every ten yards and take another pic can be a bit wearing on your companions so I, too, like to take off when my other half is at work or whatever and take my camera for a walk sometimes. Then again, she is a very understanding wife who is quite accepting of my addiction! 😀 Click. Click
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Love the look and the color of your site. Heartily agree with the benefits of being alone sometimes.
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I like how we begged you to go to the beach and you were steadfast in wanting to do your hike. I dug that a lot.
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I hoped you all would understand. I really wanted to spend more time, but knew you all needed some fam time too. But… I really don’t do crowds well.
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me either…but I loved hanging with you
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