Some of my most rewarding back country adventures have been solo, or with just my dogs for company. Without the distractions of other people after a few days the 'chatter' in my head slowly decreases and one becomes much more in tune with the surroundings. That said, knowing that no help will be forthcoming if something goes terribly wrong, one quickly learns to slow down and become very present in the moment. I now carry an inReach when I go solo if for no other reason to let people know where to search for my corpse. I honestly feel safer traveling solo in the back country than crossing Tudor Rd.. Crossing streams though .... be prepared as that has been the closest I've ever come to getting my ticket punched, more than once.