Kayak Camping in Everglades National Park

A quick overnight kayak camping trip on Picnic Key in Everglades National Park just off the coast of Everglades City, FL. The weather did not cooperate-- lots of thunder and lightning that severely limited my fishing. But, I got a good trial run of a Hobie pedal kayak and had a good time. The clouds finally unleashed a downpour just as I was loading up and leaving the park.

[@SkunkMonkey991]

Back in 1977 in scouts, we canoed the WW from Flamingo up to Chokaloskee. I believe it was Broad river we were trying a short cut on the gulf but we couldn't beat the incoming tide, had to take the long way. Also remember waking up trying to barely move getting out of the tent as there were tons of noseeums inside on the tent ceiling. 7 days of fun I'll tell you.

[@thegeezerchronicles]

Doing the Wilderness Waterway back in 1977 is awesome! Navigation with a map and compass is a lost skill but is so much more rewarding than having your GPS tell you where to go.

[@JimBobson-r4y]

I beat the tide with my friend, named Suzuki 2.5 Hp. on the canoe.

[@nickyl9040]

When SAR crews look for missing kayakers they will almost always find the kayak long before they find the kayaker Therefore it is critically important to the kayaker's life that they are able to remain with their boat The easiest way to do that is to attach one end of a polypro rope to the kayak and the other end to your PFD

[@SSHitMan]

When you can ride the tide out you can make it outside in 45 minutes or so. Same going in with the tide.

[@conqueryourfuture6134]

This is nice

[@rudbeckia885]

The new pfds are so comfortable... inflation is manual or automatic. You can also go with sat beacon for location.

[@thegeezerchronicles]

Yep...I picked one up this year. They are very nice.

[@JimBobson-r4y]

I have been in that region 3 times canoeing for 5 days and each time it is an Adventure that never fails.

[@stevehogan8829]

I'd say that was real good for your first time in a Kayak. I wasn't that brave in the beginning.

[@paulsmith4789]

Wow... That was a pretty ballsy trip for your first time out in a kayak. Wish you had a chance to fish and do a catch and cook. I've already seen comments about tying off to your kayak but don't forget you can also do the same with your fishing tackle and other equipment. I'm finding this late so did you decide to keep the kayak?

[@thegeezerchronicles]

I did not keep that kayak--it is pretty heavy. I bought a Hobie Lynx so that I can move it around pretty easily by myself. Pretty happy with it so far!

[@mikeu5380]

4:00 For all your thoughtful preparation and cautions about paddling solo, where is your PFD?!

[@thegeezerchronicles]

Yeah---good comment. I finally found a PFD that is comfortable to wear while in the kayak seat and recently purchased it. You'll see it in future videos.

[@mikeu5380]

@@thegeezerchronicles I worry not only for the paddler, but for others watching who ought to have a good example... Cheers!

[@brainysmurf74]

Id fear a gator jumping on the canoe

[@JimBobson-r4y]

White people and gators don't jump

[@gregstanley5513]

Life vest is number one on a kayak

[@hanshabm]

Nice adventure! You’re a brave soul going in July!! Try again in winter and stay a few days. Much different experience.

[@emmatalmadge1473]

You didn’t even cast once?

[@thegeezerchronicles]

A cast a few times along the way...but with the lightening I wasn't able to spend quality time working the mangroves to see if the fish would bite.