Camping & Caving Alone On Rocky Island

[@ronrivers4261]

Awesome! I didn't know popcorn could be that much fun. I'll bet it tasted good too! Exploring the cave was way cool, although I would have gotten the heck out of there when I saw the skull! Otherwise, very enjoyable! Thanks for sharing!😊

[@WesWherever]

Thanks Ron, glad you enjoyed!!

[@Woodstock271]

Man, I used to sail to that island every day back in 1981. 18 years old, living in Redrock Marina I had a Coast 13 sailboat and land on that very beach. I never saw anyone else on the island, it was mine. I explored all over that thing and the caves. And of course caught poison oak there. I never camped there since my dad insisted I sail back home before sunset. (He always worried about me on the Bay alone in my tiny sailboat. Redrock used to be an old Manganese mine. That’s the red color. Great video and thanks for bringing back memories. Haven’t seen old Redrock in 40 years or so. Happy camping, kayaking, and be safe. 🤙🏼 Just subscribed.

[@WesWherever]

Wow Sean, that is such an incredible connection you have with the island… sound like some unforgettable adventures and memories you had there! The island has always treated me well and taught me some valuable lessons at the same time. Hope you were able to experience being there again with the video, even if it’s been some time. Thanks for watching and sharing your connection and knowledge of the island - very inspiring!!

[@Woodstock271]

@@WesWherever , Yeah man, thank you! At the opening scene of your video I saw the drone footage of the island and thought, “That looks like Redrock Island!” But I didn’t see the Richmond bridge from that angle so I watched until you paddled over from the Oakland side. That must have been a hell of a paddle. Kayaks weren’t a thing in my day but sailing was. (Me and my father eventually sailed to Hawaii from San Francisco where I spent most my life) But I’d train on my little Coast 13 and always go to Redrock Island because it was a destination. A place to explore. I had to time the tides because sailing against a 7 knot tide in 10 knots of wind meant you were basically standing still. Had a few spooky times after dark waiting for the tide to slack and let me get back to the Marina. Great adventures though and thanks again for the memories! 🤙🏼

[@johnjeffreys6440]

@@WesWherever If you're looking to make another channel like most YT's do. How about, "The Island Hopper."

[@johnjeffreys6440]

He was in this same exact cave in another video. I remember the photograph. haha

[@alanjohnson2613]

Most states in their boating regs require navigation lights at night.

[@chockabout]

This is so cool. I've driven past that island on the Richmond/San Rafael bridge for years and always wondered what it was like to be on there.

[@johnkilty1419]

Back in the late 70's. We had friends who live on the canal in SR. They had about 6 Drake made kit fibre glass kayaks. Several times we took them to this island on full moons. Only once did one of us flip on the way back.

[@WesWherever]

Wow, sounds gutsy and must have been some very memorable trips! How did your friend who flipped do?

[@johnkilty5091]

Ha. Or lack of brains. The one who flipped was my friend's little brother. He was 19. We had no life jackets and no way to get the water out of his kayak. So we paddled all the way back into the canal with him alongside but still in the water. He was definitely cold. Probably was in the water for 45- 50 minutes with his big brother telling him to tough it out. LOL. We used to raft SA creek when it would flood. Surprisingly we all lived.@@WesWherever

[@WesWherever]

My goodness… sounds like an almost worst-case scenario, so fortunate you all made made it! Rafting the flooded creek sounds like a lot of fun. I did something similar, but on the flooded Napa River where it’s normally really narrow (near Yountville)

[@MiniLemmy]

Ah! That’s the life man! The more remote and isolated, the better! The sense of freedom from a camp like that is indescribable

[@sandrabonner8208]

Decades ago, I and two knuckle-headed friends took Boy Scout project kayaks out to Red Rock. We were too foolish to not consult tide tables, did not bring flotation vests; it was easy to get out there, but fought the tide back and it was dicey! On the way back while fighting the outgoing tide, a large tug boat passed close that created a large wake. Either it did not see us or left it up to us to avoid it. We went to the top, but neither saw nor knew about any caves!

[@Ghostrider-71]

Might be a good idea to bring some navigation lights for the kayak or something that will illuminate you and the kayak out on the open water when the sun heads over the horizon. Red Rock island.

[@WesWherever]

I do have some lights that can mount down onto the kayak, but have been meaning to get some that mount higher up for better visibility. It was suggested by my grandfather who was in the navy and tends to get a little worried about me on the water! Appreciate you watching bro!

[@johnjeffreys6440]

He was in this same exact cave in another video. I remember the photograph. haha Reply

[@swanseamale47]

A bright strobe beacon would work.

[@PaulMiller-mn3me]

Might also be a good idea to mention where this island is

[@jimthompson717]

@@PaulMiller-mn3meRed Rock Island SanFransisco Bay.

[@bverde123]

The bones on the beach were brought by gulls that scavenge at nearby food processing plants, I worked on Alcatraz for awhile and saw it there too.

[@WesWherever]

Interesting, I would have never guessed!

[@yoruneko34]

I was looking for such an answer thank you!

[@wyattflp6163]

Just found your videos, this reminds me a little of the game I have on ps4 Stranded Deep lol. Good videos man

[@WesWherever]

Thanks Wyatt, I have actually tried building a driftwood fort similar to some of the builds on that game… didn’t quite turn out the same tho 😂

[@user-ou4ox9cb9v]

I have to say the production has gone up significantly and it shows , another great video!

[@WesWherever]

Thanks so much, that really means a lot!

[@robsoto1460]

Awesome, Whenever I’m crossing the bridge towards San Rafael, the first thing I see is the island, And always think, how cool will it be to be there just by yourself. Now I know 👍

[@Woodstock271]

@@robsoto1460 , Yeah man. I saw it from the bridge and just knew I had to sail there. I spent many afternoons on Redrock. It’s the coolest little island in the bay.

[@jasperdiscovers]

Love your videos man, they're so soothing.

[@infiniti_fxvq4602]

I grew up in the bay area and have always wanted to go to that island, ever since i was a little kid. Thanks for this!!!

[@MattHayashi]

I've always wanted to see if anyone camped there. Thanks!

[@bartactivities]

Always wanted to do this 😂 I think about it every time I cross the bridge

[@shotbychristo]

Exciting stuff. Awesome adventure with good shots.

[@daughterofgodcarolv8411]

I just love your videos!! I look forward to each one!

[@LeeLeesAdventures]

Living the dream boating camper van road trips wish i lived out there here in the UK we have no where near the space or locations to ex-plore love watching your adventures stay shae and remember the first aid kit every time

[@Jonistired]

I recognized the island from the thumbnail. I’ve. Been past it many times on the Richmond bridge. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to camp on that beach.

[@aengusmacnaughton1375]

Wes -- had a great laugh with you and the Jiffy Pop! As a kid (early 1970's) we had that at home -- on the stove top, and my family was camping around the US all summer long, every summer -- but we never brought the Jiffy Pop! Now I know why!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for taking us on your camping trips -- you find great places, and it's nice to see folks who are nice and not giving you a hard time!

[@fathertomoutdoors6579]

Dude, you are scaring the bejesus out of me in those rocks!

[@SaniBanks]

Wow, thought i was the only one who always wanted to go there lol

[@tinatspoon]

I love these adventures of yours, I’m not a fan of deep water so living vicariously through you, love the happy dance too! 😊

[@WesWherever]

You’re always welcome to come along! 😊 I may have to bring back the spontaneous dancing segments since someone appreciates it 🕺😉

[@tinatspoon]

@@WesWherever please do! ☺️

[@xinwan162]

​@WesWherever I started with watching your newer videos and now seeing this one I'm quite disappointed you stopped doing the dance

[@bettyvarone4420]

I expected to see Tom Hanks with Wilson in that cave , lol, crossing open water at night without lights is very dangerous, lived near the beach in Florida and always had lights at night on a small boat, you are so brave.

[@jonsymmonds1120]

Another amazing adventure Wes! As I have said many times before, this guy is fearless!

[@WesWherever]

Thanks again Jon, glad you are enjoying :)

[@johnjeffreys6440]

He was in this same exact cave in another video. I remember the photograph. haha

[@cathpeterson1944]

awesome island adventure 👍🏻

[@joannefazenbaker1448]

Beautiful night view with the lights

[@cb750k1974]

Wouldn't hurt to have a pair of Harbor Freight leather work gloves for the climbing - exploring efforts. The caving part was cool. Seemed like a pretty long paddle. Good job!

[@WesWherever]

Yeah I definitely will bring gloves next time!!

[@jukingeo]

That is a beautiful place, especially with the view of that bridge!

[@geoffcaldwell580]

You ever try putting the foam pad on top of the air mattress? I prefer it. I use 2 long 72” straps to hold the two together if I need to. I think it’s more comfortable and warmer in cold weather.

[@WesWherever]

Interesting, I like to use the air on top of the foam, but have not tried the reverse. I will give it a try!

[@pcatful]

Cool video. Landed there once. I think it's private property. I've paddled out there in "open water" a few times. Seemed fine.

[@ChasMtz420]

FYI where you pulled up on shore is a fantastic spot to catch stripers throwing lures like white swim baits. Also that Island is for sale right now...

[@WesWherever]

Thanks Chas, seems like it would be a fun place to do a catch and cook 🤔 Hopefully whoever buys the island doesn’t mind the occasional camper

[@romanbrough]

Fell asleep through most of the video 😔😔😔😁

[@sqeakgeek]

I sailed here from larkspur on my windsurf board late 90's also went to rat island a lot you were lucky you did not get popped by the rangers at China camp they live full time right at at bullhead flats another secret windsurfing spot on northwest wind you can sail on a 20 min reach to the mouth of the Petaluma river when the wind is 15-25 mph always wanted to see what was in that mine thanks for that :)

[@WesWherever]

Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for the tip, I am thinking about going back in the future. Glad you are enjoying the adventures... thanks for watching!!

[@sqeakgeek]

@@WesWherever There is one secret place that could work for your channel here in Sonoma country it is called (Land path old grove) U can find it on Google earth it on Fitzpatrck Rd at the end That is all I am going say BUT would a great Video.worth a walk a least about 40 acres bears poss.

[@iliketowatchvideos47]

Just discovered and subscribed, i find these videos really relaxing ,keep it up ,should get a little dog companion ❤

[@WesWherever]

My heart is open 🐾💙

[@AdamDTaylor]

Inspirational video! Where is this island?

[@hoosierfatha]

Around 50 years ago some kids i went to school with said their Father owned that island, i believe it's divided by 3 counties, Alameda, contra costa, and marin. i think it's for sale now. cool video, been there never spent the night though...cool video..

[@WesWherever]

Yeah it's really an epic place... would be cool if someone purchased it and turned it into a campground or something! When did you visit the island? Does it look any different now from what you can tell in the video?

[@hoosierfatha]

@@WesWherever it is really cool, last time i was there probably 93 or 94. looks the same.... Keep up the cool adventures....

[@Rob-yv9og]

that was me!

[@hoosierfatha]

@@Rob-yv9og What was the name of the school???

[@Twobarpsi]

Epic video!

[@computername]

I saw this island advertised for sale. I was intrigued to see photos from the top, but there aren't many. Turns out, probably because it's actually kinda hard to get up 😅 Apparently the "caves" are from mining activity, but so far I haven't found more detailed information. Nice little phantasy of building a little cottage from self-quarried stone and living off grid. Though the proximity to the road bridge is letting it down a bit, and I guess as seen in the video, it is fairly frequently visited.

[@WesWherever]

One day I hope to hike/climb to the top!! I have heard they were mining for manganese, which was then shipped off to Europe. Would be so cool to build something on the island, for sure!!

[@neoanderson726]

where did you learn to kayak? you do it well

[@yapinterlude]

underrated asf

[@WesWherever]

💙

[@OLDMANTEA]

That islands been for sale for a while

[@JG-vi2bq]

Love this ro k. It's for sale you know.

[@Shields686]

Very cool video my friend!! I lived in Point Richmond for 3 years (and used to eat at taqueria el trompudo in el sobrante all the time as well). Always wanted to kayak out to Red Rock island and explore the old manganese mine but never did. 😞 A few of my buddies took a dinghy boat out there and explored that mine a couple years ago, told me about it but didn’t take pictures. There’s literally no pictures of it on the internet. You have now put my curiosity to rest over that mine in this video. Subscribed! 👍

[@WesWherever]

So cool man, you are very familiar with the location!! El Trompudo is the bomb... Glad you could check out the mine through the video, I do try to make these like a virtual tour/adventure - you are always welcome to join 😉

[@stealthkitchen4375]

Always wanted to go there ❤❤❤

[@yenpigletzD_pandora71]

Amazing place ,I'm jealous 😅

[@WesWherever]

Probably my favorite camping destination! 😍

[@alanthal6876]

Love your series .Where is this ?

[@WesWherever]

Glad you are enjoying!! This is in the San Francisco Bay

[@MrChubbyHubby.]

Cool beans stealth camping Wes Wherever, keep up the sneaky work.

[@WesWherever]

Thanks for watching!! 😊

[@PeterFrancisquiniAbreu-fm2lb]

Thanks! Where is that?

[@WesWherever]

San Francisco Bay

[@Sundry-Banter]

Wouldn't you be crossing the tidal current, not going with it? In which case, isn't there a danger of being taken out to sea, or at least towards the Golden Gate?

[@terrcurr]

You're a likeable dude.... subscribed

[@WesWherever]

Appreciate that man 😊

[@Dream4Design]

6:57 on your right, that a big hole!

[@BrianJoslyn]

Is that the Megler bridge between OR and WA?

[@WesWherever]

It is the Richmond San Rafael Bridge in the SF Bay

[@BrianJoslyn]

I just searched this bridge on Google Earth... It looks like it would've been a shorter distance to get to this island from the other side. One reason I asked what bridge this is, is because you'd mentioned having to row about three miles. I noticed the bridge and recalled that the Megler bridge between OR and WA is the longest, tress(?) bridge in the US. It's the longest of some kind of bridge, in the US, and it's 4.1 miles long.

[@alanjohnson2613]

Tried jiffy pop on many campouts never worked.

[@WesWherever]

Yeah it took forever! So easy to burn too... glad it ended up working this time though

[@dieterkrug5541]

Was that a human skull there in the cave?

[@PurpleTurtle-t4q]

it's funny how that wasp can fly literally EVERYWHERE across the entire island and beyond, and it chooses to fly directly into your face

[@marionpearce2366]

Where ARE you?

[@shadey111]

hey Wes, love the channel, just curious what you do for a living?

[@WesWherever]

Thanks Shadey, glad you have been enjoying! I work at a grocery store (Safeway), but thankfully got some time off recently to be able to road trip around the country 🚐

[@benjamincarle3892]

Great stuff Wesley, how long did it take you to kayak to the island? Looking forward to more videos dude!

[@WesWherever]

Thanks Ben. It took 35 minutes with 2.5 mi distance… tide definitely helped this time!

[@kixigvak]

As a journalist I find it odd that you don't mention where this is or the name of the island. But you have a link to the spork you used.

[@WesWherever]

Spots like this will get overrun with people if they are made public. It's not too hard to figure out where this is if you know a bit of geography.

[@Faith4Lyf]

❤❤😊

[@moerer57]

Ever tried fishing there,bro?

[@WesWherever]

I did!! The video is called "Camp Catch And Cook On Island" if you wanna check it out 😉

[@moerer57]

@@WesWherever thank you, I will👍

[@alanjohnson2613]

That cave looks more like a mine that was dug

[@WesWherever]

Manganese mine!

[@JW-fq1pp]

Noticed you indicated that you didn't have your first aid kit. That's something you should always carry. Never know what's going to happen, to you or someone else.

[@706d]

Isn't that a private island?

[@WesWherever]

The only one in the bay!

[@cheeseblog]

Poison Oak? Looked like you were in the thick of it.😱

[@WesWherever]

Yup, tried my best to avoid it! Thankfully I didn't get a rash 😮‍💨

[@Twobarpsi]

​@@WesWherevergood to hear!

[@joeschmoe8504]

It’s actually for sale

[@GregoryDurrance]

Why do you start all of your Island adventures at one hour to Sundown?

[@WesWherever]

A lot of times because I had work that day and am rushing my butt over to the launch site! Also packing all the gear for these trips can take ages 😩

[@Canal-gi8di]

Live life like this….waiting for the week-end to live, i’m tired of that

[@klausm.7730]

…..what a calm and lonely Island …….😂

[@pcatful]

Surrounded by cities and traffic. But yeah it doesn't have any buddies.

[@udhh2619]

You may want to bring a helmet with you if you plan on climbing things

[@WesWherever]

Very true!!

[@gamegoof]

@@WesWherever Once when i was19 I liked climbing things, I saw a cool small rock wall besides the highway and so went there and just started climbing up the near sheer vertical face. It was maybe 75 feet high? I remember it being pretty high. Anyways I get near the top and Im tired, I cant see a way for me to get over the top and then in that moment I panicked. I was realized I couldnt go any further, I might fall 75 feet straight to the rocks, no sliding down, no tumbling, just a free fall to the rocks. I was alone. Maybe somebody would see my body thump down on the side of the highway and see if I was alive... for how long... I made my resolve and slowly started climbing back DOWN a sheer face, little climbing experience, made it down.... Anyways since then Im a lot more careful especially when alone. I like the videos but I agree with posters about safety issues, unsafe climbing, no lights on open water ,etc

[@AbsoluteNut1]

"I'm worried about the poison oak." 2 seconds later. "Now I'm worried about falling to my death!"

[@JayPoo1321]

Kinda creepy how that one boat just seemed to hang out for an unbelievable amount of time.

[@Eriekcamp]

🤩👍🏾👍🏾

[@flyergowest]

👍

[@alexbrunton7939]

Wes should’ve said scientist

[@LapNgo-h9u]

It's just a matter of time before we hear about you on the news.

[@robertrichardson6947]

Yea a report about being awesome

[@LapNgo-h9u]

@@robertrichardson6947 I was thinking more like him dying for some idiotic reason.

[@robertrichardson6947]

@@LapNgo-h9u yea from doing something awesome

[@WesWherever]

It happened!! Check out the article on Boston.com (front page)

[@LapNgo-h9u]

@@WesWherever Good for you!

[@jimmybaird8850]

Where exactly is this mate?

[@WesWherever]

SF Bay near Richmond Bridge

[@malcolmlagares8245]

It never ceases to amaze how so many people make videos like this, but don't tell you where they are. Thumbs DOWN.

[@ung427]

Just take a hot shower with plenty of soap when you get home and keep those clothes isolated and wash them with hot water and detergent... If you get the poison oak oil off of you, nothing will happen. Oh wow, you should camp in the cave!!

[@DEADLOK69]

Should have asked for a quesadilla for an appetizer.

[@meatchuckg]

The reason for the bones is due to the skeletons that came to life and pull hair out but not up. This is why they turned to bones. Also the worms are their money.

[@LazyGhostHunter]

See any UFO's or strange lights out there?

[@WesWherever]

Not this time, but I definitely keep my eyes peeled 👀

[@tometrist7052]

More dancing please

[@Steven-sg7cv]

I envey u

[@WesWherever]

Hopefully you can be inspired to have some adventures yourself - if you are able and have the desire. If not, you are always free to come along with me!! 😉

[@redalert2834]

Why did they have to build such an enormous ugly bridge next to one of the world's most idyllic, remote and unpopulated islands? It's so close you can even hear the traffic!

[@opossumgrylls3275]

Bro i found your channel and have been binge-watching but your videos are way way too short. You spend hours there. Certainly you can give us a 45 minute video.

[@WesWherever]

Easier said than done without it being boring filler content. I am slowly but surely increasing the length while maintaining the same level of quality 👍

[@tekk9995]

Better take gloves next time. :)

[@Vlachynahasbeenhacked]

Jestli je tam úplně sám… Musíte mu tam poslat nějakou starou bábu… Jestli tam náhodou nedělá nějakou neplechu😂😂😂😂😂 Musíte to vyšetřit, vy gumy gumový…

[@jasonm1884]

I feel certain that I'll eventually see this guy in one of those videos about youtubers who died while filming. Is he reckless or clueless?

[@robertdoyle8972]

Had to stop the video was thinking it was going to be out in nowhere land but its like city people country lol no way could i camp there I don’t even like to be that close to the city at all

[@WesWherever]

To each his own, I guess. 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for sharing.

[@USAMontanan]

“big boats” aka ships. And please, no more dancing

[@mkfmkf55]

I don't understand why you wouldn't wear gloves to climb, especially with poison oak. And also why you travel there at night, which seems much more dangerous than a day trip.

[@WesWherever]

I didn't bring any gloves with me, otherwise I would have 😅

[@WesWherever]

Well I brought kayaking gloves, but they have open fingers

[@williambiar2673]

Jesus loves you.

[@headienutburn]

Umm...the skull..? How can you just walk past that without giving us insight? 🤨

[@WesWherever]

I know just about as much as you do! Random skull there... it at least looked to be plastic though, so I'm guessing it was just a prank. Still shocking to come across lol

[@knotkool1]

ah. trompudo's. hasford heights. it's red rock island in san fransicko bay. trying to get sneaky aint ya? great view of san quentin. what possible reason would a person have to not bring a first aid kit. even cowards get hurt.

[@WesWherever]

You know it!! I brought a first aid kit in my kayak with me, but forgot to throw it into my backpack before climbing*

[@louiseeckert1574]

What does poison do to you? We don’t have it here... LouiseAustralia 🦘