It is different backpacking alone the first time. I'd hiked and car camped alone a lot, since I was 18, but I was probably in my early 40's when I did my first solo backpack. I had wanted to for a long time, but other things postponed it.

It's hard to describe how I felt when I finally did. I didn't get the heebie jeebies, but I did feel weird when I set up camp, cooked dinner, and sat there eating. It was kind of like having a party by myself.