Solo Camping in a Hut in the Everglades (crazy wildlife encounters!)

[@titanbrew8493]

I can't say enough about Trail Lakes Campground, the owner's, David and Jack Shealy, are some of the most welcoming people we've ever met. My wife and I moved ourselves and 3 children from Massachusetts to Florida in 2004 and we were fortunate to find Trail Lakes as our temporary home while looking for a house in the Naples FL area. We stayed in our motorhome at Trail Lakes for about 6 months. What an awesome adventure! The children loved camping, fishing and cooking over the fire almost every night! We also enjoyed meals at Joanne's and at the restaurants in Everglades City. So much seafood, it was great! The children attended Everglades City schools for a short time while we were there, the class sizes were incredibly small, our daughter's class had four student's, including her! Eventually, we found our home in Naples and had to move into town. That was a bittersweet time, but, my wife has a medical career and the commute to the hospital where she worked everyday was quite long. We all loved our time at Trail Lakes Campground and we do our best to get back down there when we can. If anyone is planning a trip to the Everglades I'd highly recommend a stay at Trail Lakes! If you have camping gear you can rent a campsite, if you're into glamping they offer chickee huts or fully accomidated cabins with A/C. You'll have a great time!

[@diamondbackking4141]

Kelly it was fun again ! That sweet reptile sunning with her mouth open was an american crocodile, a wonderful find ! I grew up with alligators that we gave names to. They learned their name's & came when we called them. The alligator that came to you was a feeding redponce. Obviously, it had been fed by folks staying there. You were in no danger unless you went swimming in her space. God is good & all He has created is wonderful and has a purpose...❤

[@gabriele1975]

Oh my goodness! The gentleman at the camp store was adorable! You know you just made his day!

[@JNSMAS]

At 15:07, that is a Purple Gallinule! We had them in Lakeland, FL at Lake Hollingsworth.

[@kellyhays23]

Awesome! I think he might have been my favorite find other than the croc!

[@RickINFJ]

Gator was like, "Yeah, I'm here for the burger that flipped into the fire, nevermind you're busy, I'll just be on my way." 🤣 Love your e-bike, and yes, that totally looked like Clingman's Dome! I freaking love your vlogs! ✌️

[@mray1375]

Kelly, you never disappoint. This video was so much fun to watch. I live in SW Georgia and I've never been to the Everglades. My Florida stomping grounds are around Apalachicola, Shell Point and Mexico Beach. Maybe some day, I'll brave the long trip and traffic. Thank you for a delightful moment via video.

[@popspops3795]

Hi, Kelly! That was a great video! I've never knowingly gone hiking, but I have gone fishing and walked for many years, miles in nature, to reach the destination, and I have realized that I'm a magnet for venomous and apex animals. Thank you for sharing your time and experiences. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay happy! Everything else is manageable! Pops

[@FLAlocal]

the shark valley observation tower and clingman's dome is the same architect :)

[@thewanderingtraveler8984]

It is a smaller veraion. I went up it today. Definitely not a nice as Clingman's Dome

[@pizaliasta8369]

I've been up top of both.

[@nam_hn]

Thank you so much for bringing Everglades to us. The bike loop was absolutely gorgeous. Hope Donald will comment on here!

[@snark007]

Wow another awesome adventure video!! Everglades National Park Flamingo is a wonderful place for adventures they have a new lodge or glammping options . This is where the fresh water meets the salt water. Lots of kayak trails, hiking, boating, you can rent a houseboat. Highly recommend this.

[@snark007]

If you decide to go be sure to stop at Robert is Here for great smoothies and local fruits and veggies

[@jamesadams2334]

Another great video Kelly! So many gators. That bike trail was insane! Thanks for taking me along. Gooch Gap St. Patrick's Day.

[@fmgypsy333]

Kelly, some of the birds were a great blue heron a killdeer , a black vulture, the one you asked about was a purple gallinule and the reptile with the moth open was a salt water crocodile not a Gator , he has a pointy nose not square across like a Gator! Great finds!

[@masongilligan2856]

Sweet vlog Kelly, you really found a fire Chickee hut there 🔥. You are so inspiring, always on new adventures + Those were some sick shots of the gators, glad you had a fun time. 🤎

[@gerrylake]

“How is this legal?” and “You look like the sheriff”. Hilarious.

[@TooTall_hikes]

Great video, Kelly, and thanks for showing us around the southern terminus. I truly love your videos and hope you continue to keep making great videos and keep hiking long trails in the future. I only wish i could hike the AT. And you made it a reality. I guess that's what happens when you meet the right woman. Sounding off TooTall!

[@user-David-Alan]

That was awe inspiring, all those gators. What a beautiful place, so tranquil. What impressed me the most was you eating a cold hamburger sandwich in the morning. It impressed me because I was poor growing up and my mom would send us to school with leftover hamburger sandwiches. You are the first person I ever saw do the same. Your interaction with the gator was hilarious! Can't wait to see where you go next. Stay well, safe, and happy.

[@kellyhays23]

Your mom sounds like she had the right idea haha thanks for being here David! Always enjoy reading your comments :)

[@ebroskie]

Your channel is the first I've ever watched for Florida adventures. It's making me want to book a trip just to see the nature! What a relaxing spot in spite of the toothy creatures running around.

[@lulamarie6218]

Hi Kelly! The viewing tower at SV is actually the sister structure to the one on the AT. I believe they were designed by the same architect. I loved your video, your channel is one of my favorites. Peaches AT 2019

[@tyde5604]

Brings back memories. I stayed in that chickee a few years ago when that gator was just a baby. Even then it would come to the edge of the water, and sneak up on you, if you weren't paying attention. That is definitely that gator's pond!

[@donnat9893]

Excellent video Kelly! Private airboat tour? You look so happy, healthy and are model beautiful-keep enjoying everyday and bringing us along for the adventures

[@karenwernert1744]

You need to do the fish eating creek kayak… the shuttle up and down tot he campground. You will see so many gators and the cypress Rees are amazing

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely gorgeous thumbnail my friend, video is simply captivating and so atmospheric!

[@ndan3746]

Dude your cooking beef over the fire in the middle of the Everglades! Your ringing the gator dinner bell!🤣

[@raymondparsons902]

Awesome video, love the bike trail. Wife and I might have to try that campsite. Thanks for sharing.

[@rivasoutdooradventures]

Check out the Smallwood store museum in Chokoloskee and make sure you stop and eat at the Rod & Gun club! You’ll find some amazing Florida Everglades history between the two places! Lots of places down US41 to kayak, camp, hike, fish, etc. I’m so glad I live minutes from there in Miami. It’s the most outdoors we can get out here outside of the city. Hope to meet you someday out there! Great video!

[@kellyhays23]

Oooo thanks for these suggestions!!

[@rivasoutdooradventures]

@@kellyhays23 you’re welcome! Just found your channel not long ago from watching Cody and Kellie’s videos and I really enjoy your videos too! Very fun to watch. Have fun and stay safe out there!

[@kellyhays23]

So awesome! Thanks for being here❤️

[@paulinalouise4502]

Loved seein' ya out enjoyin' your Ebike ! Am looking forward to more of your Ebike adventures !

[@itmann6338]

Such Great adventures!!! I've been in Florida since 2003.. and it amazes me that you continue to show areas I have never known existed let alone ever been to.. thank you for sharing!!!

[@cwesley2005]

Kelly your production quality just keeps getting better and better. Hey Cow!

[@DeloraUpwards]

Great video, but that night sky timelapse was 🔥🎆 I can't believe you caught that many shooting stars! The camera upgrade is definitely paying off.

[@florida-alaskasummer22driv62]

I did that trail on my road bike a couple of years ago, and can identify - I've never been that close to so many large gators. i'm gonna have to check out your bike. I like how you can fold it and stick it in the back, ride on terrain. etc.

[@keithliaros1584]

I just love going along with you on your adventures. What memories you are making.

[@Randee04]

Awesome and fun video! Loved all the crocs and views. Always look forward to watching, until next time!

[@burnie3911]

Love this video Kelly,Cool camping spot,The cold burger breakfast was awesome,Be careful around those gators,They are no joke

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

I literally just spent 4 days in big cypress!!! I stayed at Midland campground but I saw this one once I was already down there. Trail lakes looks waaay better!!! Next time 🤘🤘

[@sammymartinez556]

Kelly it’s always nice to follow u on yr adventures .. thanks for sharing.. love ❤️ from New Mexico.😊

[@JohnDahl-p6h]

Back off! To that gator? You are a gem, funny, adventurous! Those huts are really cool, take care, keep up the good work

[@jackredding7891]

Kelly, love it that you’re exploring the Everglades and Big Cypress. Living in Naples, my wife and I hike the trails quite a bit. Your video gives a good representation of the diversity of plants and animals/reptiles….🐊

[@rosemarymcleod4074]

Wow that was an awesome video! I love watching your adventures 😊

[@carolwerner3881]

FANTASTIC!! Loved that hut soooo much!

[@ralphp3057]

I hate sleeping in those huts ! Huntsman spiders creep me out !!! Rather be in a zipper closed in tent !

[@bertkelly7650]

I have an ebike and it really expanded my adventures when camping. I have an Ancheer 350 watt foldable similar to yours. Thanks for your gator filled adventure!

[@zachstraxx9899]

Wow...very cool....and informative, too !! Looks like your making big strides with that new camera....great footage! All the best !

[@KundaliniYogaGirl_]

When down in Florida again check out the Overnight Peace river canoe trip. We counted over 100 gators and even as a Floridian they were the biggest ones we ever saw. If the water height is right you can also go fossiling . Michele H.

[@leedanielson7452]

Kelly says "You better back off bro" to a large gator coming after her!!! At night no less....😂🐊

[@kellyhays23]

😹😹

[@harrythehammer]

@@kellyhays23 I found your channel about a week ago… I’m such a big fan. Thank you for taking us around Florida.

[@kellyhays23]

@@harrythehammer welcome harry!!! Thank you for watching!!

[@Northanteus]

😨🏃💨🐊

[@ChrisCastro-to5vb]

Damn Donald low key grilled you 😭

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

The Everglades are so beautiful. I’ve had a chance to visit Florida on occasion. I need to go back and see some of the places you’ve highlighted in your videos. I also need to complete watching your FT playlist. Take care.

[@torrencel.2662]

Dope vid! Wow, whatever day this is, the fit & look is fire!🔥🔥 Thanks for the upload Kelly!

[@MoosebearAdventures]

Absolutely stunning. What a beautiful place.

[@AlexLawhon]

First time watching your videos, you’re absolutely beautiful 😊 I’ve watched a couple so far and wish I was able to do something like this on my own, especially to be able to involve my son who just turned 4 yesterday. I took him fishing for the first time and he came a small blue gill. He loved it so much and is excited for our next adventure!! I can’t wait to take him to the coast fishing, I lived in a small town on the North Carolina coast called Oriental, absolutely beautiful spot 😊

[@JasonfromEarth]

This looks like a ton of fun. Great video!

[@severecracker3640]

Fun video…. Especially yelling at the gator. You were very close to the ranch I worked at. My stomping grounds

[@genepeters7663]

I really enjoy all your videos..i think they are great and informative... But this one may be my favorite !! " You better back off Bro" lol... classic

[@JoeandEmmaLee]

Hey sheriff! Lol 😂 What a fun trip! So many gators! 🐊 Great views and great weather! (Also freaking LOVE your tye dye flowy pants -Emily 😊)

[@ralphp3057]

Always fun watching your little adventures! People are so fascinated with gators . I just like what they taste like 👍 lol ! That was a croc sunning itself! They can be much more aggressive! Thanks for sharing! 👍😁

[@MercyEspinosa-u2u]

Hi Kelly, one of those gators at Shark Valley is actually an American Crocodile. There are 3 Crocodiles there. Native to South Florida, Look for them next time you go. I ride my bike there 2 to 3 times a month..love it there. Let me know if you have any questions. Have fun!

[@IShallNotBeSilent]

We are going to have to start calling Kelly, Ellie Mae Clampett, because of how much she loves nature and animals and how she attracts them. Thanks for taking us along on these cool adventures. Be Blessed!

[@nickfaw2840]

This is awesome that chickee Hut is sweet and all the wildlife hell yeah I can't believe it's been a year already when you did the Florida trail

[@stevesampier527]

You are fun. I would have cursed and had to edit the hamburger episode. And your reactions to the gators, Shark Valley trail, stone crabs - all remind me of when I was young and first came to Florida. Thanks. Oh, not sure where you were in the chickee.

[@delmarwyatt1027]

That was so cool when you said what does this look like Klingmans dome because I went there when I was a kid. Whe you said that I said looks like Klinsmann dome right before you said it so. Cool!😆😉

[@steveblindlost9424]

Go to Wooten's airboat rides, it's a blast, we were there last month. Skip their swamp buggy ride, nothing special like the one you went on with your Arkansas friends. Stay safe and well.

[@MattAustinGaming]

Leftover cold burgers for breakfast is a camping tradition for us no doubt...we always make enough for an army and then fill up on beer instead haha🤷‍♂️

[@semiroutdoors]

Amazing video, love the channel

[@leeodell2009]

Just found your channel. Love your content! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@vickifg13]

Thank you so much for this video it was awesome.❤❤

[@hikewithmike4673]

Cool I was day hiking at a state park in central Florida that had a Seminole chickee hut to camp in the back country I thought what a cool idea..problem is I can’t remember which state park it was..lol

[@gracemccoy2874]

"I thought you were the Sheriff" 😂 thats funny. Those gators are crazy thank goodness thy cant climb the stairs into the hut! Was that irridescent bird a Guillinue(sp?) Why would the gator sit with his mouth open? Is that a cooling technique or intimidation? Airboat adventure next! Florida has tons of airboats right? Btw you are looking so radiant in this video! 👍😊

[@johnrichardson1917]

You really need to do a video from La Chua trail in Paines Prairie , Gainesville! Where else in the US of A , can you be in a large city like Gainesville and Only 15 minutes from that much Beauty and that many Gators!

[@Ns1ht50]

great video. cant believe that dome was there!

[@davidhall1769]

That was a great ride thru the everglades looked awesome just got a ebike also they are so fun

[@jasonjones5213]

Great video, Looks like a cool place.

[@starman9458]

What a nosy gator that’s after some food. I liked how you scared it away when it jumped back in the water and took off like a speeding missile.

[@robmechanic]

Best part about the stone crab is they don’t kill the crab. The take one of the 2 claws and release the crab. They are so delicious

[@stephenduncan8809]

I’m a Floridian and I know you’ve seen more of Florida than me . Heck I’ve never been past Tampa and I live in the panhandle. Have you ever been out west? Utah , Wyoming, Montana? If not I would highly recommend going. Simply amazing. All the hiking you can imagine with amazing views!

[@kellyhays23]

Yes I have some videos from my van trip out west on the channel!

[@KINGOFTHEWOODS847]

This video was amazing I love your content so much you’re are amazing 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@stuartrollings602]

Thanks Kelly…u r wonderfully fun! Saddle up!

[@leedanielson7452]

Kelly, you and animals!!! Soooo funny!!!😂❤

[@jacordi]

You should take a trip to Dry Tortugas and camp out. I regret we did not spend the night when we were there and whenever we go back we will definitely camp out for a night or 2.

[@captainandrewcrabtree]

Gators love prime rib burgers extra rare with a little campfire funk on em... 🔥

[@chrissaunders8284]

So, where did that second burger come from? Did you brush off the dirt and throw in the pan when the first was done? A little dirt is good for you. Thank you for the content.

[@renoflames]

Really impressive video one thing for sure no Tent Camping by the water and no small pets running around. Good Video.

[@jimweagant8920]

Thanks for another great video 👍👍

[@justingill1520]

Id love to go camping with you but you're going to have to protect me from the gators!😂 Cooking is my favorite thing while camping and you can never go wrong with a cheeseburger! Safe travels!

[@FLAlocal]

purple gallinule. love those birds :)

[@adamtedder1012]

Im planning to do the chiki platforms out in Florida Bay. Im moving to North Florida once im done ill get back to my adventures.

[@tblmt]

So fun, what an adventure!

[@jrcriner6542]

Can you do a video on your bike? Details on what you like and don’t like. I’m considering getting one but there are so many brands out there

[@RJ-ix4co]

You and your life are both so beautiful and amazing! So happy for the ones that do what they want and love! Please don’t become gator bait lol. I love my heybike and wish more people here in Okc had them so I could ride with them.

[@Juno_Beach]

You're never alone "especially" when you're alone

[@edshank093]

I understand housing costs are a little rough down there these day. May have to settle for one of these 😂

[@samanthagehrlich7507]

How do you feel safe camping alone ? Really wanting to go on some trips soon- I live In Florida !

[@rangerinthewoods]

Crazy trail! I think you reminded us of the guy in Jurassic Park who says "Bigger. Why do they always have to make them bigger?"😅

[@Time4myself4me]

Another great video, too funny when that burger flipped Into the fire 😂. I've seen that stuffed moose you bring with you in several videos can I ask what is the significance? He or she must be special to go on your adventures...

[@kellyhays23]

😂😂😂😂. James gave it to me! And it’s a good neck pillow😂

[@Time4myself4me]

@@kellyhays23 The gift that keeps giving !!! 😇

[@michellebrownphoto]

I just did a similar trip at the end of January. That bike loop is the most fun! Did you see the crocs too or just alligators?

[@HH-li5xl]

Holy crap!! What a trail.

[@chasing-the-afterglow]

Very cool about the tiki shack. I didn't know they existed. I will have to drive down and check it out. Is it in a place where there is no light pollution for viewing the stars?

[@kellyhays23]

Minimal night pollution

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Camping in the everglades is awesome.

[@rockercover]

No shortage of Alligators there. When I hear the name Everglades; think of Air-boats. (Air-boats might be more restricted today, due to the current popular ecology and animal preservation efforts). Saw the sign you videoed, feed a gator, get hauled away. (In different words). When you get the food aroma going, animals appear / get closer. Even a neighbor grilling 🔥 in the backyard, gets my attention. 😆. Thanks for a rare look at a unique area… The Everglades.

[@Will-t5x]

"...wildest thing I've ever done ! Plus it's legal" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@HH-li5xl]

Hi Kelly . Reading comments and came across a congrats on your first ultra. Wondering if you’ll post a video about it ?

[@kellyhays23]

I got some footage but not sure if I’ll post it on my main KZbin or just on patreon.

[@christinashepard8787]

I wanna go every where u go ….you make it all such fun. And not that tourist crap

[@ReneVandyk]

Hi Kelly love 💕 the place you are staying and the Beautiful Awesome Amazing place ❤😊

[@Victory1981]

Nice chickee hut! Nice adventure! Rock on