Solo Camping & Kayaking | Fort De Soto Park and Shell Key Preserve

[@Shereejennifer]

I am battling that "go alone" as well. I do get a little fearful but its time to enjoy and not wait on others to do adventures. 🥰

[@kellyhays23]

Yes ma’am!! Get out there and do it! It’s so rewarding!

[@chewielewis4002]

Thinking of camping there soon. I hear the raccoons are pretty bad what was your experience with raccoons at the campsite?@@kellyhays23

[@Arlatube]

There are so many Men that feel the same. Men that want to do this with women. Too bad there is not a way to combine efforts to get out there. That sounds weird with all the "dating apps" but I think those apps and tech are what majorly helped created this lone adventurer and lone everything else problem.

[@DAL201107]

Meet Up has been great for me. Florida trail will be with some people I met on Meet up and when I go to Zion this summer hopefully I can get people to go there too. I did do the Rim to Rim to Rim solo last year but man, that was awesome to do solo. Amazing to be honest. I highly suggest it, solo or with companions.

[@mattsnookman34224]

Always carry a 🔫. Just in case.

[@brithansgen534]

The awesome thing about doing things alone is that you tend to meet other people doing the same thing... some of them are weird and you realize why they're alone, but others are really awesome and you end up making the friends that do the things you want to do - instead of feeling like everyone is too busy to come hang out. Love your channel, btw! You're hitting a lot of spots I know or want to check out!

[@Arlatube]

Good point made!

[@813kengarcia]

Man there’s so much to love about this video! Gary, nachos, Ft DeSoto, the sunset, your perspective, awesome work.

[@BootsAndPearls85]

I love that Gary and his friend took time out of their day to spend it with you, usually the wildlife is too busy!!! So many things to explore down there, thanks for sharing!

[@kellyhays23]

Haha they were so cool. Miss those dudes! Thank you for watching, Amber

[@timfields6130]

Kelly, I'm loving this Florida Series. I'm a Native Floridian and enjoying your first time experiences to seeing it for what it truly is... I forget sometimes how beautiful Florida is due to the changes and population explosion I have seen in my life time. I actual paused the video to comment. The "TOLL lady" is correct. "Don't be stressed, YOU are in Florida!" People forget that. It's suppose to be a laid back no hurry place. Also, I recommend getting a "Sunpass" for the TOLL roads. I also noticed the shark/dolphin correction. Very good. Loving this series. Keep up the great work and HAVE FUN doing it. Now back to your video.

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you so much Tim! I def should have gotten the sun pass a long time ago haha! Thanks so much for watching, always enjoy reading your comments!

[@BillMeyerComm]

Loved "Gary" your water stalker, not to be confused that Land Squirrel from Texas...!! LOL. And your take on life and doing things on your terms, alone, if need be is so true. In my travels thru the 80's across this country and in the US Navy, I realized I didn't have any tokens or pictures to validate my travels. And it occurred to me I did it for me, not to show as an accomplishment or achievement to validate my own happiness. Don't get me wrong, I wish we had cell phones back then to help navigate and take quick pictures. But in the end, it was the experience and how it enhanced my understanding of the world that mad me feel happy and satisfied I did it. So, thank you once again for taking me on your little trip... BTW - your tin foil meals were a staple of my summer meals in the teenage years. Great way to throw things together quickly and chow down... Happy trails!!!!

[@shannonthomas9158]

Love it! Thanks for reminding me that I don’t have to beg people to go with me. I always want to go places no one else wants to go and I don’t go because of that. Ugh! Encouraged. :)

[@NinjaNikki786]

I just took my brand-new paddleboard out by Fort De Soto (tbh, because of this video) and Gary and his friend joined me! They're still out there, looking for that sweet underwater shade. Thanks for filming all these wonderful places that I'm not too far from!

[@johndonahue4777]

Gary is a Cormorant. He looks for fish all the time. Under the kayak he likes the shade and low glare to see better and hide. Gary's friend is also a Cormorant. I love the nacho pan. I would need at least one all to myself. Also I would get a 7' light salt spinning rod, a two or three piece one and a Shimano reel. 14# line and some white bucktail jigs. Also chartreuse. (Fish bite on white. But you can't lose with chartreuse) There could be some tasty snapper or cobia or a grouper under the sea. Worth a try here and there. Plus you are already there! Also a couple 1oz. sinkers and some #4 or #6 Owner octopus hooks on a redneck rig with hooklears. (Just in case you happen on some hermit crabs or minnows for bait. I can't help it, I'm a Cormorant).

[@johndonahue4777]

*rewrite: (I am ALSO a Cormorant)

[@eaglehaslanded]

You are right life is short, you’ll never know what tomorrow brings. Take it from someone like me who is recovering from two strokes. I am on my sixth year and still can’t move my legs, the first year I couldn’t control my left eye I couldn’t focus with one, couldn’t swallow because I did not know when to breath or swallow. So you’ll never know what going happen one day you are kayak fishing the next you are bedridden because of a stroke. So have fun enjoy your life make everyday count.

[@rituka]

Your videos are so entertaining! Gary, the bird was awesome. You are my favorite you tuber. 💛

[@kellyhays23]

💛💛💛💛💛 thank you so much!!!

[@gandyands]

Loved the adventure. And I especially love your life philosophy regarding travel and doing things. Bravo.

[@kellyhays23]

💛

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

Totally enjoyed your adventure. Enough so that I was paying more attention to it then the spreadsheet I'm supposed to work on. Yikes. Beautiful place and so relaxing. Well done and thanks for sharing.

[@keitheverhart9556]

I am loving the Florida videos, maybe even more than the AT. Can't wait to see where you go next. Have fun and be safe.

[@kellyhays23]

Haha oh wow! Been loving my time here. I’ve gotten to do a ton of cool stuff!! Can’t wait to share the rest :)

[@claramullen]

That is a beautiful area up there. I am 63 and I've been tent camping alone for 42 years I have never been afraid of wildlife but for the last 20 years crazy humans have kept me on edge but I am well prepared and trained to handle situations.

[@WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

Well great. Now I want some nachos. That bird following you had me rollin'. Great video!

[@calmmusicforsleep]

Awesome tour! So beautiful nature around! Pretty cool views!

[@carlosmachado6600]

Our favorite place to camp when we lived in Florida!

[@jacquikostige4948]

You're such an inspiration. I loved what you said about doing things alone.

[@johnnyguerra3754]

I agree, life is short. Go out and enjoy life everyday. I've been preaching this to everyone. Thanks for bringing us alone.

[@jeanyates6259]

Loved your video. Glad you are enjoying FL and taking advantage of all the great places to see and do. I admire your willingness to do things alone. Stay safe and have fun.

[@TheAkashicNomad]

Thanks for sharing this adventure. I love hiking and want to camp and be outdoors more and my husband isn’t really into it. This is inspiring me to look into some solo adventures. Plus, Ive lived Florida (most recently st pete) for 12, maybe 15 years and never considered camping at fort de Soto like this. Now we are on our own adventure…. We sold everything and have been traveling around USA (via airbnbs and furnished spots), for 18 months now. Thank you so much for sharing this.🧡

[@kellyhays23]

That is so awesome!!

[@jasonjones5213]

Gary seemed pretty cool.Nice camping spot too.Those nachos had my mouth watering.

[@judybryan9575]

So glad you made it over to Pinellas County and Fort DeSoto Park. Gary and his friend were happy to show you around Shell Key...LOL! He certainly wasn't camera shy! A great campsite with a beautiful view, you'll have to come back with James! Those nachos looked awesome!

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you Judy!! :)

[@brucemartin6895]

You're gonna love Florida after you get familiar with the hurricanes and heat and humidity..Thanks for the video and you look happy and healthy..

[@lauracoard904]

We are really enjoying your weekend adventures in Florida. It's great that you're going to nature places that typically tourists don't even know about. Gary (I think that's what you named the bird) was a funny, unexpected, & uninvited delightful visitor. You have a great way of including unexpected things/animals in your videos. That also makes me think of the mud you had to go through while carrying your kayak. I'm glad you include stuff like that. I don't know if I remembered to comment on the video you took at the hospital during the hurricane. It was interesting and a different point of view than I saw on the news. I appreciated you sharing your accommodations too. Finally, I appreciate hearing from or about James. We know he is special to you and important in your life so it's great that you include some aspect in your video.

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you so much for watching Laura!! This comment made me smile big!! 💛

[@vickifg13]

You are an amazing young lady. I love that you said why should I make my plans a round someone’s else’s day. At 67 years old I am still doing that. I need to start doing it on my own. Thanks for sharing your trip with us and my next camping trip I am going to try your recipes.⛺️🍁🪵💕

[@LisaVicaire-hx5mu]

When Gary popped up that just made my whole day. I just love your video's ❤❤

[@KevinChristiansen-i2q]

Desert looks delicious

[@MikeSwearingen-v6i]

So glad I found this channel. I look forward to the adventures.

[@stevenmather1131]

So you like to camp, hike, kayak, explore, food, adventure your an all round perfect, fun to be around girl. Why can't more girls be like you. As always brilliant content showing us first-hand what places are like. We all thank you. Keep them coming take care and best wishes

[@WickedEarthAdventures]

It was cool seeing the birds so close to your kayak!

[@annajo1963]

Beautiful beaches and great sunset. Thanks for the video!

[@anneoconnor3614]

Just love your adventures. !! Gary is adorable …

[@anthonybarbour43]

Great video Kelly! Thanks for sharing your adventures. As a kayaker, I can relate to wading through the muddy muck more times than I care to recount. A couple years ago, my kayaker buddy died unexpectedly and none of my other friends cared to go as much as I did. As painful as it was, I had to start all over with a new set of liked minded adventure friends because as you say, life is too short to sit at home.

[@kellyhays23]

So sorry about your friend. I’m glad you have been getting back out there tho! I’m sure your friend is looking down smiling everytime you get on the water :)

[@gilbolhuis7697]

Great video, very interesting to see Shell Key and the fort. Those nachos look good, will have to try them.

[@NINZIE1949]

Love your spirit, as long as you don't your own company, your golden.

[@djskum]

Your statement at 4:00 has been the story of my life. When you are alone you do, see and enjoy YOUR life more and don't need to worry about others. The situation with the can opener, go to any army surplus store and get a couple of P38's, army can openers, you can put one on your key chain.

[@JoeandEmmaLee]

Dawwww freakin Gary!! Probably thought you were going to fish haha. What a cool kayak sesh!

[@theadventuresofgranolagran7868]

Ohmygosh! My first solo camping trip was at Ft. DeSoto 21 years ago. I was in my first year of sobriety and learning who God was. It was a magical weekend! Thank you for this video!!! Memory Lane ❤

[@kellyhays23]

That is so amazing!!!

[@theadventuresofgranolagran7868]

I live in Oregon now, but I do miss the heat and humidity at times 😉

[@dannyroberts5056]

Hey Kelly just a suggestion. Go to Lowes or a Home Depot and pick yourself up a three step ladder. The top step is like a platform step and the frame is aluminum . It well help in loading your kayak. The ladder folds down flat and stores really well in the back of your Subaru. I own a 2016 Crosstrek and I use my lader everytime I load or unload my 17ft cedar strip kayak I built. Trust me it's probably the best money I spent and it helps me allot. I'm 5'8" tall and I use kayak cradles that allow my kayak to sit upright . Thanks again for sharing your adventure with us. I did most of my adventures alone until my children came along. Now as they have grown up and are moving on with their own lives I am starting to do more solo adventures again. Keep it up.

[@peter5045]

Nice!!! I'm glad you liked my recommendation 🙂. I was just there last weekend with my wife and son. I need to bring less gear next time, I may have went overboard with the glamping. Need to keep the family comfortable. I wonder if we were there at the same time. I was in campsite 11. I was the loud person snoring haha.

[@saltair1]

I really look forward to your vids. I’ve been following your journey since u first did the gear review before u did the AT,, you have amazing energy keep shining

[@riversandcoffee]

Friends come in all shapes and sizes... Gary sure did add to the adventure... Awesome camp and cook... Very fun...super entertaining video....😊✌️

[@mrmotorcity4207]

I love your adventures and channel. Much respect from Michigan ❤

[@KevinChristiansen-i2q]

Great video Kelly

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

I truly enjoyed this adventure and can only imagine how you enjoyed it in person!

[@kellyhays23]

Hahah definitely one of my favorite weekends here

[@TheOaksHeart2024]

So happy I found your channel, and will be taking some of your advice to heart.

[@ang3lbass]

That’s my favorite local camping spot :) Lithia Springs and EG Cummings are also some awesome spots nearby.

[@RJ-oz5fj]

That’s my home turf- cool to see someone experiencing it for the first time. Every visit is different. I went in the kitchen and made nachos after watching this- no lie! Lol

[@agpawpaw5912]

This what I learned as well, we can’t rely or wait on other people. Alone not the best, but better then on coach watching KZbin. God bless you!

[@newplanet7]

Finally we got to see how you put the Kayak on the roof. Effective af.

[@fredburbage5344]

Love watching you. You do such a great job and you go to some very nice places. Thank you.

[@richardross7219]

If you carry a regular scout type knife, it has a can opener as one of its blades. It takes a little practice but once you're used to it, you can open a can in just 5 seconds. If you work the vaseline into the cotton ball(I use the ones from pill bottles) and then pull the ball apart the protruding fibers will light with just a spark. Good job on campfire cooking. Imagine having to carry that pan on a hike. Good video. Good Luck, Rick

[@BafMilr052]

I love that you actually make real food and don’t just eat packaged food. 😊

[@sandrap3047]

Your friend is hilarious! We went to Ft Desoto once. It's beautiful! Great camping spot! That campfire dinner looks delicious! Looks lilke Florida life is agreeing with you! You look very happy Kelly Hays!

[@rondagipson2184]

You are an inspiration! Just started doing things solo and I love it! Very cool video! Loved the part of Gary and his friend joining you! I just subscribed to your channel!

[@mattiethesurfer]

I feel inspired and encouraged by your videos - thank you!

[@kamurray67]

Lady, i have no idea why your video was in my feed! I can say I enjoyed it and your personality is infectious. Thanks for the fun. I love kayaking. Lost two in a fire and didnt replace them. I may have to do it soon for spring is coming. I just saw the Buffalo River National Park sticker in your kayak. That is where I am from. The Arkansas Ozark Mountains will always be home for me even though I left many years ago.

[@kimmorgano8778]

This is my fav campground in FL and I'm a native Floridian!

[@tacoma_jon]

Nice campsite Kelly. Those nachos looked amazing!!

[@Onewholovesrock]

Good to see you made it to Ft. Desoto. Fun video. We were out there a couple times last week.

[@lorenzoechevarria3235]

Looks like an amazing time!

[@scottjones3102]

Never go wrong the the Aldi!!

[@aliciakay4725]

Really enjoyed coming along on your weekend trip! I felt like you were talking to me about doing things on your own and not waiting for others. My kids are grown now and I don't have my camping buddies as easily accessible to go with me and i want to do more hiking. I need to just get brave and go by myself. Thanks for the encouragement! :)

[@TheAdventuresOfDougan]

Wow, you have a knack for camping, that’s for sure! First that campsite, it doesn’t get much better than that. In CA you’d have to be on a year long waitlist to snag anything close to that. Then the camp setup with the fire pit, tent, hammock, expert level. Finally the camp nacho’s OMG those looked so good and the cast iron pan would keep them crispy. You might have to share a link to the recipe, or, we can rewatch the video and pause 😂 Really enjoyed it!

[@KevinChristiansen-i2q]

Meal looks delicious Kelly enjoy

[@bobpalermo8793]

Hi Kelly, you have this Florida video series down pat. So enjoyable to watch.

[@kellyhays23]

Thank you for watching Bob!

[@mickaelmick5397]

I love the wonderful moment kelly , specially between 19 mn 30 et 20 mn, it s a amazing show 😀

[@KP11520]

I swore I heard that bird say.... Mom, wait up for me! Keep up with all the fun! You are adorable!

[@pauldonathan5316]

Great place. Serious talk about having the right life jacket and wear it every time you kayak. Round these parts people drown all time, and I just want you to be safe. Girl, those nachos were awesome lookin... great times always!

[@brucemartin6895]

Wow,,you virtually had the place all to yourself. The island .

[@ed8063]

Nice, you went to Shell! When you camp out there next time don't go around the front of the island, go to the back side. There are a few points where you can park your kayak and take a path through sand dunes to the beach side. We usually camp right at the edge of the bird preserve area. There's a path from the back right there.

[@stephenbeaver2035]

Been watching your videos. Thanks for the content. I am a Floridian and jealous of all the places you have been. Love that you often travel alone. My situation is different. I often think I can do what she is doing/ Someday I may get the chance. Until then enjoy the possibilities through your videos.

[@JohnDahl-p6h]

Hi, I think your videos are great, camera work, editing, personality! Keep up the good work, stay safe!

[@JustFinall]

Fort de Soto is always a good time. Another quick and basically free fire starter is using the lint from your dryer tray. Took me way too long to learn that, so paying it forward.

[@ridethepace6005]

Camping there is definitely on my list. Thank you.

[@AN-cy7xm]

Have done this little trip, myself. The little island between where you launched and Shell Key has thin waterways through it (through mangroves). It is (by far) the best part of that little paddle. Serene and covered (almost like a tunnel in spots) and special. In case you go back.

[@suzanholder2525]

That's too cool live your best life

[@hikesome]

Looks like a wonderful time outdoors Kelly. Yor adventure really got me curious to learn how to Kayak now ;)

[@danielcgomez]

A very nice Vlog Kelly! Such a nice overnight camp also ...I find it very rewarding sometimes being alone, to recharge and do lots of self-reflecting. Mostly sorting out my thoughts and enjoying focusing on nature and it's wonders. My wife & kids love camping also ...we don't get out as much as we would like, but when we do, it's always fun :) ...take care! Looking forward to the next adventure!

[@nickwisor6165]

Amazing I've been looking for spots in Pinellas to do this all day so thanks for the video.

[@bsfishing7073]

Oh my god girl, you are amazing. I been using Vaseline and cotton balls for years. However, I got a little hack for you. If you take one cotton ball and you put it inside the Vaseline roly cotton balls in that along with the wood chips it’ll stay lit for 12 minutes. I’ve done timer is it that’s how I know how long it’s taking to burn out so to do that you can actually go and find any sawdust and put that in the Vaseline stir it up real good classic paste and then you stick your stick your cotton ball in that you roll it around and it will stay lit as long as you have your Kinlin Ready already and it’ll give you plenty of time to get that fire lit and yes, the nachos looked amazing

[@vadaboy]

That was a National Geographic level video. It was great to see James keeping in contact. The variety of the wildlife was spectacular. You have become an expert outdoor cook. The food looked spectacular. That was one of your best videos

[@sandra-sm2qk]

That was so funny... ur friend gary!

[@rangerinthewoods]

You packed a lot into your weekend. And life truly is short. Glad you had your life jacket but Life Jacket Worn, Nobody Mourns.

[@jamesconnell323]

It much better going alone than not going at all. I have always had a hard time finding Action Adventure friends because most are too lazy to do what we do. Especially Mountain Biking and Canoeing/ Kayaking/ Camping / Hiking. South Georgians like motorized… easy fun. At 65, I’ve had to slow down some myself.

[@KevinChristiansen-i2q]

Nice looking kayak Kelly

[@danareed1656]

that would be awesome! love your new friends

[@torrencel.2662]

Wow! Of all the things I've seen you make, those nachos are my favorite. They look amazing! And the cheese.... woman after my own heart lol! Glad you're enjoying Florida.

[@bertkelly7650]

New sub here. Man, you couldn't plan a better trip! Thanks for sharing!

[@meyerfranklin1149]

That meal you prepared looked awesome. I think Gary and friends were Anhingas - a.k.a. snake birds.

[@michelle_ajema]

The swimming birds are Cormorants, probably followed you around as your kayak stirred up fish which they like to eat. 😊

[@gracemccoy2874]

love Gary!! what a great solo trip. I love doing stuff alone dont have to worry about other ppls schedules! I'm researching BA tents right now, I guess you recommend??.🤣

[@porterbrass]

🤣🤣🤣🤣Gary the bird stalking you was more fun watching than your AT summit! I don’t doubt that he was just wanting to be your friend, but maybe there was something with your rowing that was stirring up food for the little guy? Your kayak isn’t too big, but if you get tired of carrying it, I recommend c-tug wheels. They’re very compact and they work great. There are even optional wheels available for sand! Your nachos and peach desert looked amazing!! Kelly, thanks for taking us along on another great video!

[@kellyhays23]

😂😂😂 thank you!!

[@joshnorden3678]

I went to the fort this summer with some family and it was beautiful. We got to see some manatees while we were kayaking and one swam pass us on the beach! It’s an amazing place.

[@DanielleD117]

Girl, I just moved down here as well with my daughter. I wanna do all the things. Hard meeting folks but adventuring is so fun. I just need to go get my doggone kayak and hit it, stop being so scurred. 😀 lol that bird went underwater playing hide and seek with you, cracked me up.

[@user-David-Alan]

What a beautiful campsite. I was happy to see your PFD on your kayak. Did it get any cooler air in central Florida like we did up here in northern FL.? Stay well and be safe.

[@karenwernert1744]

The cormorants are awesome there. The will keep doing that.

[@lilbo1Y1]

Looked like Dolphins to me, great video. Gary and his friend were cool to see.