Rabies Scare and the Big Lagoon: Slim's 2024 Travels Part 2

[@SlimPotatohead]

NOTE FROM SLIM: A lot of concerns about Armadillos carrying leprosy. No I did not take anything for leprosy, as again it was very, very low risk. Also leprosy is curable by antibiotics, even after symptoms occur. Rabies however is NOT curable after symptoms. HUGE DIFFERENCE! Thanks, SP

[@skytechbits]

So no blood test for anything? Just shots? You might not have anything. Well I hope the rest of your trip goes well.

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

I've gone thru the rabies series too. And yup, it's painful BUT your titers will protect you for 10 years from rabies.

[@greggoldman893]

Slim, you are a treasure i really hope that you aren’t the first known rabies in the area. A slim chance is still a chance.

[@tedreid1035]

Nothing to test for. @@skytechbits

[@Artemis22202]

I am glad you chose to be safe! Honestly I was concerned about leprosy. I am relieved it is so treatable. Thank you for you beautiful work! Stay safe and have fun!

[@robertstanton1668]

Meanwhile, the armadillo is at the vet's office like, "Doc, I bit a Canadian. Do you think I'll be all right?"

[@margarethughes3763]

😂😂

[@stefansoder6903]

Was gonna do the same joke! Damn you!

[@llaeeZ]

Do you become afraid of maple syrup?

[@jasonwilliamson8346]

😂

[@rajanikumari3672]

🤣🤣

[@debuttaro4477]

Hi Slim, the Blue Angels are a group of Navy pilots stationed in Pensacola. They are fantastic and put on air shows all over. Catch a show if you can!

[@beverlystewart5518]

The crazy part of it is the armadillo can’t see well so he is just looking around for food and picking stuff up and checking to see what it is. Did not I am sure even want to bite a human. So sorry for your troubles Slim but so very glad that you did the right thing.

[@susanferrell4750]

Our cat loves to watch your video, especially with the birds!

[@CMoore8539]

My cat does the same thing!😊

[@ItsaKarifulLife]

Hi Slim! I’ve just discovered your channel! I love it. You are the Bob Ross of camping/nature. Love your cabin updates as well. Safe travels from the PNW.

[@33R3X]

Welcome to the club

[@Wenowknow]

I find Slim's style of narrations so similar to the original Disney nature programs we watched as kids. Very informative and soothing to the ear, candy for the eyes. His camera work is like a true pro. Be sure to binge a little. Lots for you to catch up on. Spread the word (like I do). Slim deserves many more subscribers. ...and no, I'm not related. I just live the very same life. Reno cabin and snowbird. 🙂 My hubby was a pro camera person so I appreciate what it takes to do what slim comes out with.😊

[@debraervin5773]

“The Bob Ross of camping/nature….” Perfect descriptor!

[@bikingal4283]

so glad all turned out ok with the armadillo... not sure it's true but had a camping friend tell me 2 yrs ago that they have very poor vision... her's walked right up to her like yours.. she clapped her hands and it jumped straight up and took off...plus with their heads down and noses buried in the brush and/or sand that makes it hard to see.. think he was just checking to see if you were edible.. glad he decided you weren't.. take care.. now putting both these SP on my to see list..

[@barbarawilliams5621]

I am leery of most vaccines, (as most medicines cause me trouble) but this was the right move! Glad you did it, even though it was a lengthy process. We would not want our Canadian friend to get sick- especially with rabies! Stay safe, and enjoy the rest of your trip…

[@joguldee56]

Gobbleberry bird is Northern Mockingbird. Yellow-rumped warbler at 12:01

[@dynac8012]

State bird of Texas

[@cheryllapham6279]

He’s eating Yaupon holly berries. They can be poisonous to some birds, but mockingbirds and cedar waxwings love them.

[@claramullen]

Slim I am gald you went for the shots and it is good that the heath department said you didn't need more I hope all goes well. We need to remember wildlife is wild no matter how small and tame they might seem you never know what can happen if they get to close. Take care

[@rajanikumari3672]

My dad got bit by a possibly rabid dog as a child. Be glad the shot regimen has changed since the mid1930’s. While no picnic & a bit spaced out now, the shot regimen he had was truly horrible in number of shots, placement, and number of consecutive days of shots. Great photos of the birds.

[@lineupfunding]

Glad you checked it out...loving the facial hair. Looks good on you!

[@novampires223]

Very handsome 😊

[@charleschilders6366]

Sending good vibes and well wishes your way Slim. I had to experience the Rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine process about a year and a half ago. I was one of the lucky ones that did not do so well with the immunoglobulin (long half life). I wanted to tell you and anybody else that may have the same experience that it does get better even though it might take a few weeks. Beats the alternative. Safe travels and take care.

[@soniayoung7531]

Hi Slim sorry you got bitten ,it's good you got the shots better safe than sorry, beautiful scenery awesome video of the birds ,sunset and sunrise amazing video, stay safe as you continue your travels 😊

[@Elizabeth-theta1111]

Beautiful scenery Slim. The grey bird in the bush is a mocking bird.

[@kaykaykayak9368]

You’re absolutely right you did the smart thing! It was fun hearing the redwings, a sound I look forward to in the spring ( I live in Wisconsin) Happy travels!

[@o.smallwood4268]

Glad to see your adventures haven't been slowed by the armadillo speed bump! 😁 couldn't resist, sorry...Thanks for sharing as it did loo like a very nice state park. All the best and stay safe; as you always do!

[@cathie9614]

The Opossum is the only wild animal in US that doesn't carry or get rabies. They can eat 5000 ticks a year which helps the environment for all. They will also eat catfood and peanut butter sandwiches. 😋

[@carycoombe3380]

I am glad the tip on the window vacuum was handy. BTW: we have met when you were moving from the West to the East coast, and you stopped to meet people at Deacon's Corner in Manitoba.

[@theresevh]

Good call on getting the shots! Better safe than, well.... still sorry you had to go through that. You sure don't complain! I'd be a big baby about it myself! That state park looks very lovely. I'm glad you found the bright side. Thanks again for another great video!

[@sonora108]

You made the right decision to go ahead with the Rabies vaccine or antiserum as they called it way back in 1966 when I went through the Rabies shots. I had a tangle with a bat in a cave, it broke the skin on my face so same decision was made. Back then I seem to remember getting more shots and at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. I've always heard Armadillos carried leprosy? PS Glad you didn't have to finish the series.

[@jakeh1474]

I am a little behind, but glad to know SP was alright since I can see he has posted many videos after this. Every time I watch a video of yours, I’m inspired to get out and do some camping myself.

[@phoebelong7513]

wow....glad you are alright Slim. Rabies is NOT something you want to mess around with. Looks like a great place to spend time in and watch the wildlife. Thanks as always!

[@rockypluto2683]

Good to see you travelling through my neck of the woods..😊

[@vincentsebastiano1058]

Hi Slim, I have to say I love your percolator. My wife bought me one for my 69 birthday few years ago and it brought back memories of making coffee in the 60’s and early 70’s before Mr Coffee. I put my electric drip machine in the basement and haven’t missed it. I think coffee tastes better perked, just my opinion

[@artieross9537]

I laughed out loud when you said, "Just don't get your dog drunk." That was a great line! I'm glad you heeded everyone's advice. Better safe than sorry. Thank you for the bird shots. They're exceptional.

[@frankenyon]

Glad you are ok. Glad you are back on the road. Love your little trailer! Wish I could travel the way you do.

[@MaryK4242]

OMGosh! You were right down the road from me!! How cool is that? I love Big Lagoon, I moved close to here for access to it for kayaking. Glad you got to experience my neck of the woods. 🥰

[@r8edrv4fun65]

No... he's right down the road from Me! 😂 He's usually so far away

[@annavallentin4662]

So glad you got treatment and then clearance to not need subsequent shots. Better to be safe than sorry and we'd like you to remain healthy! BTW, your mustache and goatee look great -- very sophisticated, IMHO. 😊

[@chrishelms1967]

Glad to see you found a great park to spend a few days in

[@ruthanderson1758]

So glad that bite didn't cause you big problems. What a lovely camping area at a reasonable cost.

[@ammobates]

Hi Slim, Rabies does occur in armadillos but it is extremely rare. Very glad you went ahead and got the shots. Many state health departments have the vaccine as well so check there. Much more likely to contact rabies in skunks in the southern US. Avoid any skunk you might see in the daytime for sure. Also raccoons. FYI: Armadillos are the other mammal (besides humans) in the US that carries Hansen's disease (also known as leprosy). Again highly unlikely to contract it as it generally requires repeated exposure.

[@davidbarts6144]

Glad you got the shots. Like you said, rabies is near 100% fatal once symptoms develop, so best not to play around.

[@n8rlvr876]

Poor you! Between the storm damage at the cabin and being bitten by a dang armadillo….! I mean… my goodness! Here’s wishing you a slightly less “eventful” Spring season!😄 So glad you’re all right though, and thanks for the fantastic bird footage!

[@restlesshomebody]

At age 3, I was bitten by an unidentified dog in a rural area. I was given the rabies series, and to this day, I have no fear of dogs but will faint at the needles…and I’m 70!! Glad it’s “okay”!

[@turbo5488]

Slim, it's better to be safe instead of being sorry. I want to see more videos stay safe

[@dougzirkle5951]

Hate that you had to go thru that on your own, in surroundings so far from the comfort of home. You probably did the right thing and it’s a good lesson for all your viewers. Nice looking places that you’re staying down there!

[@taurota1554]

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@larrygilbert7273]

Gotta love Mardens! Guess you bought it when you saw it at Mardens.

[@jimpetersen8095]

I think you did do the right thing Slim. Better to be safe than sorry. As for your Blue Angel thing I’m still laughing about that. We use to call it the back burner. Safe travels Slim

[@bevdwyer2509]

We’re travelling in Georgia and I got very excited when I saw an armadillo on the side of the road snuffling in the grass. I got out and got a few pics but was thinking of you and stayed a safe distance because I didn’t want to be the second Canadian bitten by an armadillo lol. I googled them and the first thing that popped up was that they are carriers of leprosy!

[@nickboucher1884]

Great channel really enjoy watching .

[@kimprocarione5473]

Great news! And I had never heard of a window vacuum! Very cool!

[@d4nial]

Shout out to my state and Marden's in Maine! (I'm guessing the Scarborough one!) Cue the music 🎶"I should have bought it, when I saw it, at Marden's!"🎶

[@chaosncheckt9356]

Have camped at Big Lagoon and it is a very nice park. Speaking of utilities, it’s water and electricity only, none of the sites have sewer. Ft. Pickens is nearby as well and you can do self guided tours of the fort.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Yes, but it does have a dump station.

[@RabidFlowerpot]

You look different, good, but different. Keep doing whatever your doing because it works for you.

[@brkaz5864]

Glad you received the rabies vaccines Slim. Currently in Tucson at Saguaro National Park East we are experiencing a possible rabies outbreak. Dead animals are found in the Park, animals are acting "strange" and a hiker was attacked and bitten by a bobcat which is unusual as they normally stay away from humans. Bad time for rabies outbreak at one of our Parks during snowbird season, Gem show season and upcoming Rodeo season. Lots of tourists many of which are international in town.

[@trentk7732]

Wow I'm in Tucson at Houghton and 22nd and this is the first I've heard about it. Fun I have to watch a video about a Canadian to find out what is happening down the street lol

[@lizp.9513]

@@trentk7732😂

[@azclaimjumper]

Thanks for the excellent review of this well-kept State Park with all the amenities. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

[@teslah2997]

I like the voiceover style. And regarding depression….I,too, have been going through some dpression as my life just hasn’t turned out the way I thought it might (I am 73, so not much chance of turning it around). Hang in there….it, too, shall pass. Glad you have 3 people that show up for you…that is more than many people have. I have always said to myself when things were difficult in life that has always put it in better perspective for me….”It could be worse”

[@SlimPotatohead]

I think you mixed me up with another vlogger. Not depressed, and I travel solo. I do wish you happiness though, it is always within reach if you find the right path. SP

[@teslah2997]

@@SlimPotatohead Hi, Slim….I did,indeed, intend this for someone else. Not sure how that could even happen. Thanks for well wishes….sorry you had to go through rabies shot protocol due to the armadillo. They don’t usually bite like that, so probably a smart move on your part. I have enjoyed your vids for a few years now….keep adventuring. 🙂

[@bambambundy6]

Slim I'm sorry you have had to do that!! In Pensacola I always stayed out on the island down by Ft. Pickens.

[@krisg3984]

Wow, hang in there Slim ! I believe you made the right choice to get to the shots. I mean how often does an Amarillo just seek out a human just to bite them . Stay and get the care you need . Your nature shots and hikes are enjoyable . Glad your heater is working well for you. You seem in high spirits

[@janicechilders4885]

Awesome scenery shots!❤

[@johnandsharon5785]

Slim, in our tiny camper, we crack our vent fan and a window to prevent condensation.

[@sharondavis6121]

Thanks for the good information. I'm picking up my Runaway Cool Camper in Fl in 2 weeks. I put this state park on my list of places to visit

[@bafergs]

Glad you’re safe from illness. Thanks for the Park review. We’ve added it to our list for places to visit.

[@jeffhoward9186]

So happy and glad that you got checked out and it turned out to be a positive after a scary time of unfortunate events. Sorry about the shots. Onward and forward with your travels. Good luck and Gods speed.

[@innescoull7061]

I have to say I do miss the old slim cooking shows when camping I would like the see them back again

[@marzymarrz5172]

An ounce of prevention! Glad you took care of that. I did not know they had armadillos in Florida. Holy cow 8 shots ! Well, it beats the alternative.

[@suzyfoster623]

Glad you are going to be ok..🙂🙂🙏🙏

[@rickybreaux2607]

The Blue Angles usually practice on Tuesday and Thursday I think. They have a schedule. They also have a National Navel Aviation Museum to visit . We love Pensacola during the summer. I stayed at Big Lagoon about 25 years ago. We usually stay at Fort Pickens. If you are still close by there’s a big fish market Joe Pattis. Love that place too. 😋😋

[@AdventureswithJerrod]

It was cool to see you past through my areas I camp in. Big lagoon is about four hours from me south. I almost got swept into the sea on a kayaking trip coming back not realizing the tide would be going out with a 50 mph wind gust when I came back. Lesson learned that day!

[@Road_Trip_Warriors]

I think we may have stayed in your exact site (19). Our site was very unlevel and we had to park our travel trailer right where you parked yours as it was the only area where it was reasonably level. We stayed at Big Lagoon SP during our 2024 Spring Break road trip from the Orlando area to the FL panhandle, and back. I agree, it is a very nice park with lots to do. I wish we had taken the time to go to Perdido Key.

[@doreen3737]

Hey hey good morning just happened to have the phone in my hand awesome!!❤ Another slim video.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good morning!

[@doreen3737]

Hey, I didn't watch the video yet When I said good morning. People mean well but sometimes they do Overreact I guess cause they care. I'm sure you will be okay 👍 👌 You make me laugh by naming the birds😂😂. And I can hear the pep in your voice Again midway through the video.. At first you were scared, but then you got happy again.😊 One day I'm gonna take the 5 hour trip up there. Veterans, get a package deal for all state parks. Think it's like $50 for the year. And they can have entrance to all the parks in Florida. Yay for me😊😊

[@Lisa-ud6qz]

Glad your good was a little concerned but you very smart❤❤❤❤

[@thewanderingpinto5979]

We stayed at Big Lagoon State Park last March. We liked it, but at that time waterfront area was closed due to hurricane damage.We saw lots of alligators in the pond that you were standing on the boardwalk.Glad you're okay after your bite! Safe travels.

[@conchscooter]

I have no medical advice to offer but I’m glad you got professional help. And Florida State Parks are the best. Before we took to the road we always had the annual pass.

[@spc3461]

Woah, that armadillo bite had me on the edge of my seat! Glad you're okay, Slim! Big Lagoon looks stunning - can't wait to see more.

[@33R3X]

Bro you Indian? If yes 🤗 I've been following Slim for 5 years, never have I seen another Indian comment here. I thought I was the only one 😅

[@marianfrances4959]

Glad you're ok. Beard and mustache look great. Happy trails. 👍😎🇨🇦

[@gigi3242]

I didn't even know armadillos could bite; glad you are going to be ok. Be well and enjoy your trip

[@pattiwhite9575]

Sorry about the worries of rabies and taking all those shots. That was disturbing. But, loved that park. Very private area for each campsite. All kinds of wetlands to view birds. Plus the free access to two other parks. What a deal.

[@lonanakken1688]

As always, appreciate your attention and appreciation of the beautiful sights and sounds of the birds. One of my all time favorite Slim videos is To Follow the Crows! Good news the rabies threat low. Take care!

[@richardspurlocck5165]

Really impressed by your decision-making process. Well done

[@ShawnPatterson402]

very much looking forward to the rest of your trip

[@gtaylor1564]

Happy to see your alright buddy 👍👍

[@leliladurnford382]

Hi Slim, I love your videos! I wish it's longer but I understand, it takes a long time to have a content. You have beautiful shots & the views are spectacular. I look forward to your next video. Be safe!

[@samdevallance1527]

I agree sometimes I wish his videos were longer too.

[@williamleopold507]

Great video , thanks for sharing . Happy trails to you .

[@offairhead]

Happy travels!

[@pme166]

I know its long past but I would have told you get the shots and follow thru. I had them as a preventative before going into russia and the far east jungles. I think I did something like 28 vaccines and injections for various things you might get over there. Probably similar to our soldiers must have to take. Yes they hurt like heck and yes it has to be done on a precise time table which if you screw it up you have start over, but in the end, I can say it gives you peace of mind to deal with all the stinging and biting critters out there. I am probably due to get them again as they are only good for a certain number of years but I decided that they world is not a safe place and I might as well stay here in the states and transition to retirement. I enjoy the show, your little camper and trips are quite fascinating. I subscribed and am now grinding my way in reverse thru your portfolio of videos.

[@carolnain9042]

My kitten is really enjoying all the birds in this video

[@danielseghers8214]

Is that the big lagoon state park? We tent camped there in August one year! Wife said no more tent ! Small camper with A/C and indoor plumbing! Anyway enjoy your adventures Slim great to see where you go!

[@danielseghers8214]

Didn’t see the title first ! Duh!

[@Roarmeister2]

Nice looking beard, Slim. Keep it up, it defines you.

[@Kenbur]

From biting armadillos to "just don't get your dog drunk" great video. Thanks for sharing Slim.

[@NoraMarshallLenneice]

Sooo glad you went with safety first. How crazy. Be safe, be healthy, be blessed!

[@bradleyp2490]

The Blue Angels, formally named the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, are a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy. Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, after the French Patrouille de France formed in 1931.

[@SteveHorne]

Slim, you are in my old stomping grounds! Love Big Lagoon- too bad you didn’t bring your kayak!

[@lisafrancis7534]

Oh slim.....darn cute little buggers. Shots suck! But glad your ok and hppefully no sude effects

[@artie360]

Nice video. I pass through Pensacola often as it is on my route to points west. Happy to hear of a nice place to stop. Thanks!

[@AmericanWanderers]

Wow those were atypical 'dillos. As a FL Native I've encountered many of them and never saw one run up to me. The Berries were Pyracantha and the Bird was the FL State Bird, the Eastern Mockingbird. We in a bit of Deja Vu spent a week at Blue Angle Park _NAS Pensacola) in November and visited Bfg Lagoon, where we camped in the past, and walked those trails. You missed the spectacular Fort at the National Seashore but that is maybe 40 miles away. Florida State Parks have won the National Number one award multiple times. They are very good. Glad to see that you are back to camping after a long absence.

[@larryparson9609]

Great News lesson be ware of Armadillo 😮 who would have thunk Nice your rig has a Garage with added camper shell lockable I hope peac of mind double triple as a camper too Happy Trails Thanks waiting to finish this episode and look forward to the next

[@oceanbrzzz]

Loved this video SP. I’ve been to Pensacola but now realize I missed so much! I’ll be going back, along with husband who just retired Dec 31.😊

[@aletageer6911]

I really thought animals that have rabies show obvious signs….like very aggressive behavior. Better to be safe though! Great great news! I am not into much medical care but when it comes to rabies …..do not fool around. Glad you found the latest info and that you didn’t need any more shots.

[@fritzsantacruz4106]

Hay' slim you are in my neck of the woods. That emergency care you went to is really good. I have been there several times and the big lagoon state park is cool to and welcome to the home of the Blue Angels.

[@loribufka1792]

Really loved all the shots of the birds on this one!

[@rrhopewell]

Love this video. Sorry bout getting bit.

[@Laurasellsdreams]

Glad to hear that you are doing well! My husband loves Mardens! No visit to Maine is complete without a visit, lol

[@badcompany3057]

Glad you're going to make it.

[@peelingoffthelayers]

Thank you.

[@ScottHenion]

There are waxes used for bathroom mirrors to prevent condensation. Some say Rain-X or car wax works also. I have some pink stick I've forgot the name that you clean the window, then rub this on a towel and buff the window with it. The idea is the wax creates a thin insulator that prevents the air from condensing as it can't touch the cold glass. Seems to work well. You have several windows you could try various waxes on. The pink stuff also works on my glasses so they don't fog up. Will add that park to my list. Have done St. George Island west of there a few times. Great video as always.

[@SlimPotatohead]

I would be very cautious about this approach. Rain-X does not elliminate the moisture, it merely masks the effects. The window is in effect acting like a dehumidifier. The vaccuum removes the moisture. SP

[@RandySchartiger]

man I've camped many years in all kinds of conditions and I'm telling ya those plastic window seals (not sure exactly what they're called) that comes with double sided sticky tape you stick all around the four walls of the window and stretch plastic (clear) over them and stick to the tape and then make them tight and take wrinkles out by blowing the plastic with a hair dryer works better than anything I've ever tried, and waaay cheaper than a window vaccum! install them and forget it until weather warms up! plus you can still see outside and never notice them once hair dryer tightens them up! good luck mate! they work! :)

[@laurasimpson2870]

Very glad you took precautions. Rabies is nothing to take lightly. That looks like a birdwatcher’s paradise.❤️🇨🇦