Solo Hiking - Modderfontein Reserve: My Ultimate Rebellion

So, here’s the thing: for the last 58 years, my life has been a seamless transition from parents to husband to bubble.

Sure, sprinkle in some “responsible adult” activities like running a business, raising kids, and working - but at its core, it’s been parents, husband, bubble…....rinse, repeat.

Driving more than 5km outside my comfort zone? Absolutely not.

Going anywhere on my own?

Firm "are you out of your mind?"

My friends, bless their patience, grew increasingly exasperated with my hermit ways.

They spent years trying to gently evict me from my self-imposed cave.

“Try something new.”

“Get a hobby.”

“Leave the house voluntarily.”

How I Left My Bubble

But on this fateful day, I did something so wildly out of character that even my friends - those same ones who’ve been begging me to leave my bubble - would’ve screamed, “What are you thinking?!” had they known.

I went on a solo hike. 

Yes, me.

Alone.

On purpose.

No witnesses to my inevitable clumsiness or anyone to drag me back to civilization if I tripped and became a human pretzel. Shocking - I know.

Or even worse - getting laughably lost in an area so flat it practically comes with a built-in GPS.

However, I was left with no choice - my planned group hike got cancelled thanks to rain.

Yes, rain. - very important for crops, but did it have to ruin my day?

My weekend plans?

Completely derailed.

And my trusty hiking squad -Salt, Oregano, Chili, Paprika, and Cinnamon...….all unavailable. 

And no, I’m not feeling ghosted at all, thanks for asking.

Mind your business.

Desperate, I turned to my other son Pepper the night before - my last resort.

He agreed to join me at Modderfontein, but with one caveat -do not wake him early. 

Too many terms and conditions for my taste.

Fine, I thought. Way to end the year. It’s happening.

SOLO!!!!

The old me would have fainted at the idea.

But the new me? Living for it.

Honestly, the old me is probably watching in envy, living vicariously through this wild new adventurer I’ve become.

Solo Hiking Is Suspiciously Enjoyable

So there I was, alone, strutting onto the trail, earphones in because let’s not get crazy - I wasn’t about to face my own thoughts too.

I strutted onto that path humming “Mother’s Savage Daughter” like a woman who definitely knew all the lyrics and could definitely sing in tune.

Neither of those things were true, but confidence is free.

And the best part? Solo hiking is gloriously selfish.

Want to stop every 12 seconds to take photos?

Do it.

Want to wander slowly, pause dramatically, stare at a tree for no reason, then continue?

Nobody can stop you.

Pure bliss.

Did I, mid-hike, finally understand why people get so annoyed with me for all the stopping and starting to take photos?

Sure.

Did this revelation inspire personal change?

Not even slightly.

So there you have it.

Me, alone on the trail, fully embodying this audacious, adventurous new version of myself.

It was freeing. Peaceful. Slightly empowering. Even fun.

Which is deeply inconvenient because now I may have to become one of those people who “embraces new experiences.”

Disgusting.

Is Solo Hiking Actually Dangerous?

This was not just a solo hike - it was a rebellion, a declaration, and a reluctant nod to everyone who’s ever asked, “But is it safe to go on a solo hike?”

I know this is going to be polarizing, but I think we dramatically oversell the dangers of solo hiking.

My fears weren’t mysterious strangers lurking behind trees.

No.

My fears were far more humiliating.

Like slipping and ending up stranded on my back like an overturned tortoise.

Snake bites also crossed my mind because I enjoy maintaining a healthy level of irrational panic.

Or worse, getting hilariously, pathetically lost in a flat, well-marked area...…because that's how I roll.

Me on my first solo hike, starring my shoulder in its big debut.

Naturally, I’m not suggesting anyone I’m not suggesting anyone disappear into remote wilderness armed only with positive thoughts and a granola bar.

I mean, I have SOME sense of self-preservation.

But the ones I have earmarked as “solo-worthy” are glaringly obvious - you know, in my very "expert" opinion.

Tips for a First Solo Hike (From Someone Deeply Unqualified)

If you’re considering your own solo hiking debut, choose trails that are flat, fairly busy and within an establishment that’s well-populated.

Bonus points for having a receptionist who could call for help if I somehow ended up upside down in a bush.

So, seriously, give it a shot - responsibly, of course.