Wow, thanks for all of your responses to my question. I probably will end up going alone. It seems near impossible to find someone who has the time available when I do, who is at the same skill level, who wants to do the same things, etc. Plus I love the idea of being alone with my thoughts and being more open to meeting new people. I'm pretty new to bike touring (have done mostly local commutes and leisure rides) and I guess I just wanted to know that I wasn't nuts for wanting to go alone, glad to know lots of others do it. I am anticipating friends and family being worried about it. Thanks for all the info.!