Rare wildlife & solo car camping at Florida Panhandle gem | Ochlockonee River State Park

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

In this episode, I'm not only taking you on a full park and campground tour of Ochlokonee River State Park on my latest adVANture, I'm showing you an inside look at some of the parts most people aren't lucky enough to see! I had a couple of awesome and rare wildlife sightings here - which is one of the reasons I've been wanting to solo car camp here again so bad, along with the gorgeous and expansive views of what makes the Florida Panhandle such a special and unique place in the state to visit. Come along with me for a weekend of solo state park camping, exploring, scenic drives, and wildlife watching. Thanks for watching! ==== My setup details **As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it! Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used: Jackery 240 Power Station: amzn.to/3wIiHgX Jackery 1000 Power Station: amzn.to/3lzmMyP Bluetti EB70S Power Station (800W inverter with 716Wh): amzn.to/3nhu0ft Shower bag: amzn.to/39LSDtM cup holder phone stand for watching TV: amzn.to/3Kk6veY disposable female urinals (Travel Jane): amzn.to/3EGHebl urinal/reusable no spill bottle: amzn.to/3Z3lWMM portable DVD player: amzn.to/3lLyZ70 string lights: amzn.to/3IxI3oW Luci Light inflatable solar lantern: amzn.to/3YXvJ6U set of mini cooking utensils: amzn.to/3IdBlTD Lunatec pressurized water bottle: amzn.to/3KBgXyX macrame fruit hammock/bag: amzn.to/3lOlwLT Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp: amzn.to/3lHxBCl cup holder inverter: amzn.to/41bpluz USB mini fan with reading light: amzn.to/3EhsDCE bamboo breakfast tray: amzn.to/3GiXM8Q Hot Logic Mini: amzn.to/3YD1YbV glass Pyrex container: amzn.to/40MXfog Dash Mini Maker Electric Griddle: amzn.to/413y6qF low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle: amzn.to/3YD96EV Aeropress coffee maker: amzn.to/3lLFKG5 handheld battery powered milk frother: amzn.to/3kat7DV mesh window screens: amzn.to/3GiXSxe magnetic window curtains: amzn.to/3G8TqAW Alpicool C20 12V car fridge: amzn.to/3MHL9X1 metal utility shelf: amzn.to/3wF2tXp trunk storage unit: amzn.to/3wBFNXY Insulated cooler bag: amzn.to/38FK6IG ergonomic gel memory foam seat cushion: amzn.to/3wBLNjg boot scraper: amzn.to/3z1eaJc side slot cup holders: amzn.to/3wC6IS0 hands free phone cup holder stand: amzn.to/3sTLHS1 hands free phone dash mount: amzn.to/3G8Uvsu LED flameless chargeable lantern: amzn.to/3lE8EVf USB LED light bulb: amzn.to/3yVudZc stained glass "rainbow" decals: - phases of the moon: amzn.to/3WBaxm9 - mandalas: amzn.to/3hJXlfF magic mesh screen doors: amzn.to/41OXq3x mosquito netting: amzn.to/44aPhrU Outdoor rug: amzn.to/3yuV5Pv Folding camp table (aluminum): amzn.to/37GGGF2 Coleman Camp Chair: amzn.to/3L52sQg 1.5" memory foam topper: amzn.to/3EfMQZS Luci solar string lights: amzn.to/46mPF6X Mosaic solar lantern: amzn.to/3LDJpjb large storage hamper: amzn.to/3OVtO0S storage bins with bamboo lids: amzn.to/3oCcfbC chargeable hang led color change light amzn.to/41a5IUm

[@robynshore7942]

You wouldn’t bore me with pretty drive around the park. 😅😍 Thank you for such a lovely camp spot tour! Loved seeing the white squirrels!!! My first time seeing those. PS . I think you must be an animal whisperer. Animals are not afraid of you. You must give out a safe/caring vibe.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you, I really appreciate that! I LOVED the white squirrels - they're so cute and unique looking! 💚

[@William2N]

Another great video ! You look so happy and relaxed. Thank you

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you! It was so peaceful out there, it was the most relaxed I've felt in a while!!

[@katreyes6358]

Thanks for all the great shots of the wildlife, so peaceful.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much!

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Such beautiful views❤. I get so calm in nature. Girl you need to be the little engine that could. I believe in you😊. Thanks for sharing this side of Florida with us

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Yes, same here! And this place was so peaceful and relaxing! Thanks for watching!

[@KaiExploresLife]

Wow the animals you see are always so beautiful. As I was watching I was thinking how quiet and peaceful that place is. I enjoyed watching.😊

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Yes! That area is sooooooo peaceful and quiet. Makes me realize there are still some places in Florida that aren't overcrowded yet, and I am grateful for that!! 💚

[@kirstenstrobel4387]

The pie bald doe was the best! Several years ago when we still had our small farm in TN, one year we had a brown and white “paint” doe (markings just like a horse) hang around for awhile. She was gorgeous! I think you are a country girl at heart!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Sounds amazing!! 9ne day I'd love to see an all white albino buck, but that's just a wild dream lol!! They are so pretty - I just love deer as it is. I wonder if this doe will ever have a piebald of her own. From what I understand, all of her offspring have been "regular"

[@kirstenstrobel4387]

@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures I did a bunch of research when we saw the paint doe. If I remember correctly it is very rare for the anomaly to be passed from the mother to her offspring. But it’s been awhile and I’ve slept since then, so I could be wrong!

[@elsathal7359]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing your journey ✌️💞🤟

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you for watching!! 💚

[@deborahhuckaby4623]

Hi Heather. Your appreciation of nature and wildlife is so sweet. There should be many more people as you. I've never seen or heard of a white squirrel. Wow, so cute! I remember several years ago, my son and his family were visiting us for Thanksgiving. He and his dad were deep frying a turkey and a couple chickens. I was in the kitchen working. My son came into the kitchen and told me to look at what he had. I turned around and he was standing there holding a dead squirrel that he had already skinned and dressed. He's not a hunter so what possessed him to do that I have no idea. I got so mad at him for doing that I started crying and asked him why he thought it was a good idea to murder an innocent squirrel that did nothing to him? He said he was going to deep fry it. I asked him if he was going to eat it? He was like, yuk no. Then I got really angry. I made him bury it before he was allowed to eat dinner and dared him to EVER murder an animal on my property. It's one thing if an animal is killed for food, but not for sport or just a lark. Kinda ruined the day. The parks in Florida are so much nicer than the ones here in South Carolina, unless at the beach. Hope you are feeling better and have a great weekend. The food looked delicious!!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much!! I wonder if your son was pretending to contribute to the hunting/providing somehow... I can see how that would have been very upsetting though! I haven't made it to any SC state parks yet except Little Pee Dee, but I got lucky with a gorgeous lake front spot there!

[@lorimiller3436]

I'm so happy to see you are feeling a little better. I manage several autoimmune disorders and seeing you manage gives me much needed hope. Thank you for being open and sharing as much as you have. Also on a technical note, who can I go to to make KZbin stop unsubscribing me!! It's been at least 10 times,I've lost count in the last several months, I just don't understand!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you for sticking with me, despite KZbin making it difficult for you, I appreciate you!! Here's to both of us finding successful ways to manage our conditions 💕💕

[@birdingtrip7101]

That was so fun. It got my enthusiasm back up (it was lagging). Interesting fact, where I lived, by Yosemite, our Mule Deer didn't give birth often until early July. Seeing the very pregnant does so late was a worry. I never learned why so late. You got the Red-headed Woodpecker shot!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I feel like March/April is the standard here, but that could just be in my specific area, too. I didn't see any new spotted fawns last year, so hopefully my luck turns around this spring! 🤞🤞

[@WanderingWithWanda]

That place is so beautiful! I love the beautiful wildlife!! Thank you for sharing this! I need to go here when I'm back on the road.

[@WanderingWithWanda]

also that coffee sounds delicious, I'm a dark chocolate fiend!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

It's so peaceful there!! And you will really like the coffee!

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Loved your video and photos. Great camera! For now, enjoying wildlife through you while I work from my city cube. You seemed to have great luck out there! Stay blessed and feeling better.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you, I appreciate that!!

[@NomadicNannie]

Hiyas! Enjoyed watching! 🚐

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thanks friend!!

[@OutonaLimbwithKym]

Heather? Do you call ahead and let the wildlife know you're coming???? I can go all day without even seeing a bird. I was out in the middle of nowhere for two days and didn't see one squirrel!!! I'm so glad that you were able to get away and enjoy the outdoors. I know how therapeutic it is for you. 💙 (I enjoyed this video so much!!!!)

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!! And apparently my wildlife magnet doesn't work on big cats, darn it!! (I guess that kind of makes sense though, since they are cats, and even my own kitties ignore me unless they want attention or something else from me LOL!) It was definitely nice to get out in nature!

[@birdingtrip7101]

I have yet to see the Eastern Towhee, and you even got a great picture.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!! They're normally too quick for me!

[@TravelingGamer_]

Amazing wildlife shots like always. I think i asked you this before 😅 but what lens and camera is this?

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!! It's a Canon 90D with a 150-600mm Sigma. I really wanna try out mirrorless, like the M50, so I might try renting one this year to see how I like it.

[@TravelingGamer_]

@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures Very nice lens. I'm newly into some night sky photography myself. Happy Travels! 🤙🏾

[@sistersheri6327]

Great Video!!!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much!

[@Susan-o9d1s]

Heather I look forward to your videos!! Have you ever done a video of what camera , gimbal or tripod you use for filming ? Sorry about missing the woodpecker!!! That must of been a beautiful moment! Hang in there. You are stronger then you know!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thanks so much!! No, I haven't done one on that yet, but I was trying with the idea... I only use my phone (Samsung S22) and a cheap tripod for my videos, and then all my wildlife photos and close up video is handheld with my Canon 90D and a Sigma 150-600mm telephoto. But with my arm weakness/health lately , that's been a bit heavy for me!

[@backroadbirder3316]

Looks like the Red-headed WP finally cooperated. I swear that birds know when you don't have your camera, or your battery just died and you don't have a spare on you, or you just filled your memory card and you can't get the new one out of the adult-proof package,. Ask me how I know, lol. That one Towhee photo begs for a clever caption and to be printed on a T-shirt. I've seen a few van-life videos before, and having seen your Nat Geo Field Guide in your most recent video, I decided I should look for bird trip videos. I'll be looking for more!

[@juketreks2192]

You are in my neck of the woods. The albino fox squirrels are our little secret. Cape San Blas has a great camping spot and less than fifty miles from there.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I have Cape San Blas / PSJ high on my bucket list, thanks for the heads up!

[@hikewithmike4673]

awesome video!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!!

[@gardeningwitheve7164]

This was beautiful. I definitely need to know the name of the pasta dish.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I threw the dang packaging away! I am going to take a picture next time at the grocery store though so I can update!

[@1951Roy]

Thanks for sharing, hope your feeling well today. Question what are you using for camera gear, have you posted a video on your camera equipment? Happy camping.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I haven't yet! For my video content, I just use my phone, but for my wildlife photography and videos up close, I use a Canon 90D and 150-600mm Sigma lens

[@1951Roy]

Thanks. @@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures

[@teresabrossett2641]

You look beautiful! 🤗🤗🤗🤗🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Be safe.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much!

[@southerngirlyall6497]

Wish all Campground showers were set up like that.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

With as underwhelming as the actual camp loop itself was, everything else was so well done and updated and kept up! The shower rooms were great and it's one of the only state parks I've visited with multiple filtered water bottle filling stations!

[@lisamallard]

beautiful pictures, you should sell them

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much!