Hi Maddie! I enjoyed this wrap-up of your trip down the Peace River. There were lots of lessons learned, as in all adventures. Those gators were a huge concern in my mind. I guess, like you said, the rental company didn't deal much with out-of-towners who went on long trips. Still, it seemed like they left you hanging on your own. I hope they see this video and take into consideration how to prepare their clients. I learned a lot about gators with this video. Just like the black bears on the AT, one needs to respect them and their territory. All the things you did to scare them away- like you would with black bears- were the opposite! Who would know that? Of course, the ultimate reason I started following you was your "Beer In Beautiful Places" handle. I followed you on the AT and had fun hearing about your trip on the Trail. With Peace River, I enjoyed hearing your daily review of the afternoon and evening beer. I know you would be my dream hiking companion: looking forward to some interesting brew after a day's jaunt. Best wishes to Smoke and cant wait for the next trip!
Love you Maddie and enjoy all your adventures. One tip from an old adventure lady....I always keep one credit card in my zipper pocket of my shorts on any trip. Then you are ready for anything, and if your wallet is stolen you at least have one card. Happy spring and happy hiking!
As a native Floridian who has lived over 60 years within a mile of Peace River, your video was spot on. Don't fear alligators but respect them. The fish you likely observed jumping out of the water were probably mullet. You picked a good month for your trip March and April are usually fairly dry months and "cooler" compared to our HOT and HUMID summers. Glad you visited our area and I look forward to more adventures.
I so loved watching this journey kayaking on the Peace River. I kayak fish in the marshes of Louisiana and come across Gators all the time. For the most part they will leave me alone,,, Unless I am reeling in a nice fish near one. Ive only had 1 one time come after me for the fish I was reeling in. That did shake me a bit lol And I had A Huge Moccasin come after me that was more frightening than the gator for me😅 Happy trails✌️❣️
Being tough doesn't have to be a social thing. Being tough is about understanding the situation relative to your abilities. The more knowledge and experience and physical abilities you have the tougher you are, regardless of other people. Over time, people will come to naturally respect you for it. I think even some animals can sense the toughness in you.
I camped in that area for a couple months once (from the Midwest) and it was crazy at night til I got used to it, I was solo also . Bravery is still doing it when you’re scared though and you are a champ ! Cheers!
Wow ! You provided terrific information in this ! VERY VERY THOUGHTFUL of you 😍😍 Get a mesh or onion bag and hang those beers over the edge in the water .
You need a Garmin fenix watch for maps and GPS. Lasts 14 days or about 7 days with heavy use. Then you can plan your route and see where you are as you travel. It will also tell you when you are off route.
Extremely impressive, I grew up commercial fishing that river from the exact boat ramp you put in. If you would’ve kept going when you put in instead of using your compass you would’ve came up to lake Hancock dam. For someone not from the area to do what you did by yourself takes balls of steel, you didn’t even mention the snakes. The ants and mosquitos are enough to keep most people away. There’s tons of different species (the further south you get turns brackish and contain saltwater fish even sharks) but the fish you saw were most likely tilapia and in March there should have been a bunch of bowl like beds near the banks especially sandy areas, beautiful fish. Hope you had polarized sunglasses that water is literally alive. You picked a perfect time because that water will really get to flowing in the rainy season. Thanks for the awesome vids and congrats on completing an amazing trip.
Yay! Looking forward to this one! Thanks for sharing so much helpful info! I don't think I will be this adventurous but it was fun watching you on your adventure!
It's interesting to hear your thought processes and methodology in planning your trip. And unfortunately there's always something unforeseen. That's what always gets me when I make plans.
Great video! Still think you have some moxy - I love how you don’t let going it alone stop you! A true adventurer! (But I think you should carry some mace and a taser - and you may already do this!) ❤
I dont how you did it. I lived in Florida in the early 80s for about 9months couldn't wait to get back to Connecticut and i have never been back. You rock Ranger!!❤
I'm glad you had a wonderful adventure. I appreciate your honest evaluation of your decisions and the results that came from them. I really enjoyed every chapter of this story. Thanks for sharing. Be well.
Thanks for including more pre planning advice. I continue to find that there is very little advice dealing with logistics…specifically…what/ how permits are obtained. I have been thwarted multiple times because I was unable and unaware concerning permits. I would love to learn from a seasoned traveler how they managed to get “permission”. I personally would like to see how someone can successfully obtain permits to do rim-to-rim in Grand Canyon…it’s like trying to win the lottery, and NOBODY provides guidance. Our park system can, and should do better at being INVITING/encouraging…not discouraging and bureaucratic.
As for this trip, no permit was needed. I was thinking about doing rim to rim to rim next time I’m out west, but I didn’t realize it was a tough permit situation. If I do get to go, I’ll have to remember to mention that in the video I make!
The reason gators and crocodiles survived when dinosaurs died is because gators and crocodiles can survive up to a year without eating and dinosaurs couldn't. When things improved dinosaurs were dead but the gators were still around.
I enjoyed your AT hike , as an old man that has walk the NC part in my youth, I always dreamed on doing a thru hike. Life got in the way and now heath issues will not allow me to do it. So I enjoy watching others fulfill their dreams. This is my way of thanking you and others .
Thank you, Maddie, for mentioning wearing your life jacket, PFD, Personal Flotation Device. It can be a life saver. I have been kayaking for 32 years and always wear mine. Yes, they do make PFD's specifically for kayaking and they are much more comfortable than the style your outfitter gave you. I am surprised that they did not provide a kayak specific PFD. They were only going by Coast Guard regulations that there is one Coast Guard approved PFD for each person on board a vessel. Love ALL your videos, you are a RU-vid Legend! 🙂
I couldn’t do the heat or the gators lol. The Adirondacks are home to me. Working on becoming a 46er. Actually, it’s because of YOU that I found such a renewed love for hiking and nature. We have a similar hiking style. ❤
If you ever get back to Florida and would like a more enjoyable kayak/canoe trip, look into the Blackwater River Florida State Forest area. Two major rivers/creeks, the Blackwater River and Cold Water Creek. Both are in the same area and both will have about the same experience. These are located in the north western part of the Florida Panhandle. About 50 ish miles north northeast of Pensacola FL. If you're ever interested I can give you a couple of outfitters that are on those rivers. Best part, no gators 🐊! They both flow through state forest so very little private property issues. Camp where ever you find a sand bar. Send me a message if you want more information.
