From Awesome to Awning Repair: Boondocking Florida

Florida during January can be a challenge for those looking for a cheap place to camp. Fortunately I was able to find one, do a little camper repair, fend off ticks and see one of the most amazing wildlife migrations ever!
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/ @slimpotatohead
Website and Contact: www.slimpotatohead.com
Music Credits:
Fractal of Light by Chris Haugen
Venkatesananda by Jesse Gallagher
Products mentioned in this video (Amazon Affiliate Links*):
Insect Repellant for Clothing: amzn.to/3JnkHjJ
Awning Repair Tape: amzn.to/3sjxCfB
My Equipment (Amazon Affiliate Links*):
Camcorder: Sony FRD-AX53: amzn.to/3fqW7jd
Osmo Action Camera: amzn.to/2QCSUlh
Action Camera stabilizer: amzn.to/35nRXD2
Main Camera: Sony A7Sii: amzn.to/2J9voXk
4K Sports Camera: amzn.to/2Dtsygn
Zoom Field Recorder: amzn.to/2WrLZQU
Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/2kOJqqY
Tripod: amzn.to/2X0Vk0P
Editing: Powerdirector 17: amzn.to/2KqY8gC
Sports Chair: amzn.to/3cPTS7U
MPPT Controller: amzn.to/2LHgM5t
Portable Power Station: amzn.to/2LEZt4Z
How I get around:
Trailer: 2008 Outback by Trillium trilliumtrailers.com/
Tow Vehicle: 2010 Jeep Liberty, 6 cyl 3.7L gas engine, 4WD, over 220,000 km
* Amazon Affiliate Links provide me with a very small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to the buyer. Please support Slim Potatohead by using my links for any Amazon purchase. Thanks!

[@mitch8831]

The manatee portion was mesmerizing and calming. What a beautiful location with good timing.

[@nonewherelistens1906]

Agree. Never saw so many in one location.

[@chloesamclutch]

Check out Three Sisters springs in Crystal River FL between November and March. We were down there around Thanksgiving and there were literally hundreds of them!

[@joannecanetti7481]

You never disappoint Slim. Your beautiful wildlife photography never ceases to amaze. I get to see things that I probably wouldn’t get to see without you, thanks for the adventure.

[@davidjones8680]

Watching this episode has been a great end to my one day a week off work. I just love watching and listening to your travels. I am counting the days until I retire in May after 50 years service with just the one company since leaving school back in 1972. I can then just load up my truck and trailer and go dissapear wherever the fancy takes me. Take care and safe travels. David in the U.K.

[@debrhein92]

Best of luck to you. You’ve certainly earned!

[@cherriemckinstry131]

Hope you visit the US

[@paulr.3220]

Hello Slim. As a neurotic about ticks from a couple year fight with Lyme Disease I highly endorse Permethrin. The first time I hiked with treated pants, the ticks would act like their feet were on fire. After a bit they would just fall off. Peace.

[@KRT045]

Pablo Ricardo are you still dealing with the Lyme? My wife went years undiagnosed and misdiagnosed and still deals with issues.

[@MrTespro]

I'm in total agreement with your Permethrin comments. It is really an insecticide, not just a repellent. The US military, as well as the Canadian, has used this for many years - soaking clothes in it. In fact, it can be bought by the gallon in concentrate and mixed with water to be used in an atomizing sprayer killing yellow flies in Florida's springtime and mosquitoes all summer.

[@TKevinBlanc]

At the beginning of the pandemic I bought a set of Wahl clippers from Amazon. I think they were $40. For a year, I did my own hair (2 on the sides, 8 on the top, 4 in between). I only went back to my barber when shutdowns ended because I knew her business was struggling. I think my hair looked better when I did it. 😂

[@catherinewhittington4567]

I too have been using the Wahl clipper along with thinning shears and have concluded I do a better job than the hairdresser!!

[@91CavGT5]

We did the same thing except I had my wife cut my hair. It saved money and most of the time I were a hat anyway so you can’t tell if my hair has a fancy or a cheap hair cut anyway. I definitely encourage others to do the same.

[@ve2vfd]

Lovely Manatees! I had the privilege of snorkeling with them in Crystal River FL and swimming and feeding them at a wildlife rescue in Mexico (they get stuck in senotes and once rescued and nursed back to health, they often won't leave).

[@claridee0765]

Oh my God you brought tears to my eyes I love the manatees. As a former Floridian this brought back childhood memories. Those beautiful creatures are so amazing and yet tortured at times by intentional cruel people and careless motorboat incidents. The music was perfect with your footage also thank you so much for sharing❤️

[@timfellows9898]

Such great photography Slim, thanks for bringing us along.

[@SecPakknow]

You have a talent in "camera positioning" And your voice is so peaceful I love your videos

[@williamwilliam728]

As always Slim, your movie editing is amazing and you segue into different scenes masterfully with the most appropriate musical selections. Loved my little time with you boondocking down south.

[@smoreweekendrv3557]

Hurry back Slim!! We need you to do more Florida videos! So nice to see some quiet serene areas of Old Florida.

[@bertadelaudebri7179]

Hi Slim, Here in New Brunswick, it's not only very cold but we're submerged under an unprecedented amount of snow - being subjected to two major and consecutive snowstorms. Evidently, you've made the right decision to head down south this winter!

[@johnswof]

Here in the US we refer to that southern end of Florida as a peninsula Slim. Your video is far from subtle. It is stunning, especially to someone watching from frozen Oklahoma. My old Botany Professor used to take us out is the wild and insisted we dust our socks and shoes with powdered Sulphur to keep ticks off of us. We spent a lot of time tramping the wilds and I never got a tick. It's natural, cheap and very effective to repel both insects and arachnids.

[@herblapp6134]

It really stinks too. But I don't know the aroma of spray which cud be worse.

[@donedennison9237]

You musta found the BEST manatee spot.. those are awesome shots. I love how you just capture how they meander along living their best sea cow life. BTW I think I mentioned in my recipe suggestions, other grains like barley, quinoa and millet, but if I didn't.. they keep and are about as easy as rice. I have since learned that it's best to wash quinoa thoroughly and that might waste more water, but no reason you can't make a batch and eat it over a few days. I love it in salad too.

[@cocochanel9291]

So relaxing Slim. You are still the man. And for those of us who are stuck behind in those -31 temps....thanks for bringing us along.

[@JannaMontanna]

Seeing all those manatees together was amazing! I had no idea they would do that! Another great video, Slim! Thanks for sharing the beauty! Safe travels!

[@butchkelin3762]

Thanks for reminding me to appreciate the "subtle" moments. I'm out in the Sonoran Desert south of Buckeye and nothing is going on. Good. But the wind is driving dust and the rain may come tomorrow so it is exciting after all. Great footage of the Manatees. You might have mentioned how the scars on their back are caused by motor boat propellor blades.

[@cherylsavage3434]

Hi there Slim, I lived in Florida for 20 years on the St. John’s river. I’m sure you probably know that the St. John’s river flows south to north. I now live on the Mississippi River in Iowa. I’m just a river girl at heart.

[@tracker5849]

It was peaceful with beautiful nature...that's why I come here

[@debbiemeyer6396]

I love Blue Springs State Park. We live in Central Florida and understand how hard it is to find a space. Try Kissimmee State Park. We enjoyed it. Bok Tower gardens is in Lake Wales. Beautiful carillon music, plants, and ponds. We also like the keys. You must make it to Key West at least once in your life. Very unique. Another favorite is Fort DeSoto. Hard to get a place, close together, but right on the water. It's a county park. Pinellas, I think. Saint George Island in the pan handle is beautiful. Big dunes, beautiful water. Look for a crazy old lady waving as you go down the road, that will be me.

[@patshankle3281]

I hate being outside in the summer because of ticks. One of my aunt's had so many ticks on her she almost died. I'm just not a outdoor person that's why I enjoy watching ur videos. 💜

[@snotbubbles3276]

Welcome to the lower 48. Hope you get a chance to see more of it.

[@fourtwozero]

Great campsite! Love the scenery. We all love your videos for many reasons but you know I think you fixing issues, repairs, etc. are always my favorite part!

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

I amazes me at how long they can stay underwater on a seemingly short breath. Fantastic footage of the manatees.

[@janohare916]

The amazing music and your lovely photography have blessed my day. Thanks, Slim.

[@lakecavanaugh]

I've had great luck with that tape and never bothered to clean the area. It easily added 5 years to the life of my old awning material until I finally did replace it. A common source of failure on older awnings is on the ends of the material where the bead slides into the track on the camper. Even slight breezes puts a strain there. You might consider putting some there before a tear starts- a stitch in time saves nine!

[@frankgyomoryjr6167]

I camped next to a cow pasture on Manitoulin Island in Ontario while on a bicycle tour. It was just a place to sleep for a couple of nights. I could hear the cattle moving around and grazing at night but we didn't bother each other!

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Yeah, those cows are descended from Brahma cattle brought over from India. They are drought, heat and humidity tolerant, perfect for Florida weather! Maybe not as placid as those in this comment, though. They are often used as rodeo stock, so keep your distance!

[@jonmarkus8097]

Loved every minute of the manatee portion. We were down in Florida in December and caught a glimpse of one. Had no idea we could see so many in one place.

[@dangerdavefreestyle]

in addition to what you were saying about awkwardly walking into a loud crowded bar that suddenly goes silent........ the music stops too, followed by the sound of the needle scraping across the record......skrrrrrrrr.

[@wendysmith6981]

Wow seeing those beautiful manatees in such a large group was just awesome. Thanks for sharing. Take care and safe travels.

[@dirtgirl9074]

I did not know that the manatees congregated in rivers like that. Beautiful!

[@TikiMobile]

I like subtle - nature, days, music, etc. :-) Another beautiful video excursion - thanks!

[@goofe.washington953]

From <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1177">19:37</a> through <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1208">20:08</a>, the beauty is difficult to describe. The music certainly didn’t hurt, either.

[@DannyTP1888]

Thanks for the sunshine Slim and how wonderful to see those beautiful manatees. Safe travels.

[@mrdean7206]

Thanks for taking me along Slim.

[@mikebetts5532]

being from Florida. I can totally relate to this video. I’ve been to all those places you’ve been to, and loved every minute of it. Thank you slim for the video . ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ShawnPatterson402]

that late (early) evening beer at the campsite is always a good one...as always, safe travels.

[@michellegarry1872]

This was great!! I live here in south Florida but I have become so accustomed to the beauty that I forgot how really beautiful it is. Thanks for the reminder.

[@tnxjesus]

Im truly loving these latest videos slim. The live? Was a pure delight. I cant tell you how much fun watching these new vids are watching the joy on your face from being on the road.

[@SVMSICE]

Ohhhhhhhh I can’t wait till it’s time for him to work on his cabin. I do a lot of things by myself and it’s just inspiring to see him tackling such a large project!

[@camillewilliamson786]

I luv Blue Springs. It's wonderful to see the manatees come in during the winter months. Thanks for visiting my state this trip. looking forward to see your next stops.

[@susanevans1294]

Great video. You’re a wonderful, smart, and kind visitor within our borders.

[@IUnurse9096]

Having camped in Florida about 30 times, we have always used a screen tent with permethrin on the screens, silicone on the top. Usually get several seasons out of one. The farm supply stores sell concentrate to dilute and spray. We used to spray our cows’ backs as they entered the barn. Permethrin is toxic to cats when wet (and people) but it can be used on dogs. Wear gloves when mixing and applying please.

[@lowrangeoverland9013]

hope you're having fun 👍 looking forward to seeing ya again ❗💯

[@joshb-8810]

Great video as always Slim. I know you opted not to put the permethrin on your socks. You might consider putting it on some tall socks and wear shorter ankle style socks underneath the treated socks so that you can wash those regularly. Thanks again for the great video.

[@bikingal4283]

oh my goodness... sooo relaxing for my 2nd cup of coffee... love how you endorse subtlety then go find something amazing to film...and love all your repairs, you're teaching this ol' gal a lot....

[@tomhamp2915]

Slim - Don’t know whether it was my mood or the great quality of the video , but this is one of your most enjoyable videos…outstanding. Well done, sir…you are an inspiration! Tom in The Hat

[@cheryllapham6279]

I like subtle. Manatees are subtle. Sorry to see you leave. It was nice knowing you enjoyed our state. Thanks for showing it off so well. And thanks for the info on water management areas. Another camping opportunity I’ll have to look into. Thanks again for a great video.

[@OldGoatStillGoing]

Hi Slim. Nice video. I also use the Sawyer insect repellent. I get it on Amazon. My son in-law told me about it. He said he and his wife went hiking, he had it on and she didn't. They found a few ticks on her clothes and on him one dead one. Haven't had any on my clothes or my dog. Yes, can be used on dogs but not cats. Steady as she goes, happy trails.

[@redarmysoja]

Good idea to spray the clothes down, some rubber gloves would have been a good idea too. I used to work as a land surveyor and ticks were a big concern. Something we used to do is use dog tick collars around our boots, some even wove them into a belt through the loops on their jeans. Preventic collars are pricey, but the best. I highly recommend this method.

[@herblapp6134]

Great idea and readily available.

[@jazzaman147]

slim when i watch your videos i feel at peace i feel like iam there thank you so much i been sick for awhile and it makes me feel alot better knowing the places you have been i feel like iam there with you peace be with you in the new year god bless you

[@hildeschmid8400]

Thanks, Slim. Most people think central Florida is nothing but amusement parks, but you showed the best part of our state!

[@ricktoddy1216]

I was born and raised in Arkansas and I've travel a lot of different states while working before I retired but to me there is no place like my home state. You need to try to come to our state sometime I don't think you would be disappointed. This was another great video please keep them coming. I've been following you for a while now back when you were doing all the work on the A-frame camper.

[@marylouschubert2974]

Lovely video! I resided in Vero Bch. FL fir 29 yrs. Now in Virginia ( beautiful state pks!) We used to have Manatee come down our canal and we would give them water from a hose. 🥰 Your footage was extraordinarily beautiful of the peaceful manatees. We are camping on the east coast of FL in Feb.. Then to Ocala Ntl Forest before heading home.. We pull a small trailor as well. Happy travels. 🛣

[@g.w.moorman3887]

Permethrin is the stuff that is in the Bug Off clothing sold by LLBean. Actually it is good for many washes. Washing permethrin off BEFORE going to the toilet... because your nether parts are very good at taking up chemicals. Also, hands, armpits, any mucus membranes, your eyes, etc. take up chemicals.

[@athomewithcarla8182]

Omy goodness! Thanks for sharing, I couldn't believe my eyes with the birds and water creatures. (Sea cows) We are from Wisconsin and we don't see things like that here. May have to plan a trip there someday 🙏 ❤️

[@lovesalaska1329]

Gorgeous photos! All the manatees were awesome!

[@markrenfrow9873]

Hey Slim. Glad you had better luck seeing the manatee's than we did back in December. At Manatee State park it just wasn't our day. So darn it, guess I'll just have to go back sometime.

[@ruthscott5166]

I'm so glad you made it to Blue Springs, it is one of my favorite places. We've camped there and plan to go again:D Thanks Slim.

[@Endless_Skyway_Adventures]

Funny, my wife and I were traveling in Virginia at the same time you were, we did stop in Blue Springs State Park and had a great time as well, the Manatee count on your day was significantly higher than our day so congratulations on getting to see these amazing animals. We have since moved on to Arizona and California. Safe Travels!

[@onrycodger]

Awesome video to start my day! Catching the Manatees was great. That's National Geographic material right there.😊👍👍

[@mashburn7123]

What a hoot! Tick Island

[@mikejenkins4598]

The purple berry is Beauty Berry .It makes a great jam preserve. I think it's taste like blue berry and strawberry together.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Thanks Mike. I wondered what that was! SP

[@FreedomToRoamBySusanHare]

As always - a most excellent video. I'm from Florida. Your shots were absolutely representative of the wildlife and the terrain. Although, of course, the manatee footage was spectacular, my favorite shot was the one of you sitting in and amongst those massive oak tree branches, and, perhaps, tongue-in-cheek, talking about subtleties. Wow! One easily accessed place that I recommend, off the beaten path with a plethora of wildlife - to include wild boars, which are not much appreciated by Florida farmers, is Babcock Ranch in Punta Gorda. It's a working cattle ranch that offers tours via big-tired buses that carry you over miles of dry, marshy, and swampy areas - even through a cypress swamp, a very bumpy ride indeed (my camera went flying). Thank you for sharing your journey!!

[@brkaz5864]

A supply of disposable gloves might be something to add to your camping gear.

[@hermitgirlwanders9162]

Great to see the manatees! I hope that they survived the cold snap recently. Good video Slim! Can't wait to see where next!

[@tpseeker3367]

As for someone that was raised in Fla the main reason manatees love springs is that the water Never gets below 72°f.

[@juanitagreenspan5412]

I enjoyed the video. You have to love those manatees. Everything was so beautifully filmed, as always. Thanks Slim. Safe travels.

[@ruthanderson1758]

I love the manatee - gentle giants - have seen them several times on visits to Florida. It's always such a shame to see them hurt by the propeller's of power boats.

[@jacknimble1]

Most are dying of starvation these days. The runoff is killing the grass they need to eat.

[@TheWestlandgirl]

Slim, Pyrethrin (sp?) is made from chrysanthemums. 👍 Your choice of ethereal music for the manatees was perfect.

[@jod3035]

Hello, Slim, that phallic shaped object surrounded on three sides by water is called a peninsula! Lol. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@cherriemckinstry131]

You should have sock tops with the spray that goes over ankles or your regular socks. It will protect from a possible drop on shoes and climb up. Cows mean more ticks... Stock ticks..

[@markattardo]

Nature provides it's own excitement. Another excellent FL episode👍👍

[@carolm7828]

😲Wow....you hit the jackpot of finding all those Manatees!😁. For years, most Floridian’s always have said “they don’t like their own water!” Were those bear paw prints?!😳🤔. Nice video, thanks Mr. Slim! Have a a Great week!🥰

[@bluejeans8001]

The Sawyer product works very well. Military fatigues are saturated with a similar product for ticks.

[@brucewallace3860]

As always……thank you. I appreciate what you do, how you do it. Keep going.

[@andyatkinson3574]

Your story about the barber shop reminds me of walking into the wrong bar on a Sunday morning here in Belfast many years ago.

[@KrzysztofC-1]

There are UV-blocking sprays for fabrics exposed to weather (tents, etc.), they help prevent the fabric from disintegrating, UV light is what destroys them. Might be too late to help much, but could still prolong the life of it and prevent more cracks from appearing.

[@herblapp6134]

You're right, it's too late the damage has been done.

[@bettybrigance6784]

Well, not much more can be said except thanks for this one...you take care of yourself and keep going

[@lindawoods6841]

Hello Slim,, it is cold in Oklahoma,, like them temps there... so glad to see you! Always a great video.. thank you so much for sharing.

[@marcireale]

Hey, I’m an Okie too!

[@UncleBuckle50]

I woke up yawning and went to awnings & Squeaky Slim's tic talk adventures.

[@deepsea5107]

I vouch for the effectiveness of the Sawyer Permethrin. I've been using it for about 6 years. I even spray the interior of my vehicles with it. Living with chronic Lyme gives me great appreciation for things that bring death to ticks.

[@annahorton650]

I lived pretty close to where you are camping for last thirty years. I love River Ranch. I hope you can attend a rodeo. If you can, go see Bok Tower in Lake Wales. Very historical and considered the Jewel of the Ridge. You will see the beautiful area from the highest elevation in Polk County. Have fun..yes those ticks are nasty and the mosquitoes are prolific. Watch out for pigmie rattlers around the scrubs.

[@UncaDave]

I stayed at Blue Springs last year. It’s an amazing place and very nice. There are beautiful trails their too. Glad you got to visit!

[@niagaraadventure4705]

Hi Slim! Re:Permethrin-dont go to the washroom??? .....seems strange but here's the reason...chemicals can get into your system various ways inhalation, ingestion, ABSORPTION. Your skin's thickness varies on your body, and therefore spilling a pesticide on the outside of your arm(thicker) will take longer to be absorbed into your body than a thin skinned area(almost immediately). What are those areas? Any mucus membranes, eyes, places you sweat,armpits, groin areas. So even residue on hands touching groin area could give you a toxicity exposure greater than spilling on your arm and washing off quickly! Now, the consumer ready to use products aren't nearly as bad as mixing the pure chemical, but it's multiple exposures in these innocent often unrealized ways that cause toxicity problems

[@lizp.9513]

As with any insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides etc, always wash your hands before using the washroom. Absorption is the most common way for chemicals to enter your body.

[@SheridansSojourn]

Thank you for sharing your travels and allowing us to venture with you in spirit. I was just in Florida a couple months ago and can't wait to go back.

[@vanvorst1999]

👍 Another good video and nice shades too! 😉

[@LindySellsHomes]

Another beautiful story of our southern state. The manatees really are graceful but somehow, I cannot picture them in tutus.

[@wendyweaver8749]

LindySellsHomes - Fantasia still lives!

[@kathyowens9901]

You look so happy on the sunshine! Glad you were able to get out of Canada and enjoy better weather.

[@meinschatzi8978]

Wow, not boring at all! Thank you for the great video!

[@bobr4987]

Good thing you're not in a tent. A late night stampede Could be trouble. Also watch for Gators and "no- seeums", aka tiny biting midges. Hope your tick spray works for them. Enjoy the sunshine!

[@user-nv3kv2ir8s]

My sister wanted to go feed the beautiful animals but she pass away but I she is in heaven with the family so thanks you for what you do Bonnie dozier calera al

[@tinplategeek1058]

Slim just talking about ticks and Tick Island has made my legs feel all itchy. The power of the mind.

[@robinallen8773]

I love watching you Slim especially the nature shots! Keep them coming Slim!😎

[@bypinkerton892]

Thank you again for showing us how Great Nature is..... From Gorgeous Trees at the Gate.... & Land Cows to.... Sea Cows....

[@d.c.fasciglione2417]

Great vid, Slim. I have family in Florida but have never really spent any time in the bush. Regarding the tick repellent, there are clothes sold with the repellent baked in.

[@JohnLIpe1]

Happy to see your keeping the ticks at bay have a great time 😊😊

[@jamiejack764]

You've got my mental health through lockdown and I will be a subscriber for life

[@pauloh3591]

Incredible footage of the manatees.

[@Rawvirgin]

Beautiful shots of the Manatees.

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

Thank you so much for this video, Slim. I will do the same - chill.