Remote Camping at Green River Reservoir State Park in Vermont

[@derbywinner6316]

The Milky Way was gorgeous . We were in phantom ranch in the GC and I wished have a camera to capture the 🌌. Millie knows how to stay cozy in the woods . As always, thank you for sharing your trips .

[@RachelWhelton]

Thanks. Phantom Ranch sounds sooooo cool. I want to go there!

[@TerryX2Explore]

Hello Rachel! Such a beautiful lake! We are from WI and love camping by pretty lakes, especially if loons live there! ;-) We also love sharing our beautiful state. Gorgeous night sky! Millie is soooo adorable... Thanks for taking us on this fun camping adventure! 💙Terry and Terri

[@RachelWhelton]

Thanks. Loons are so wonderful. And lakes. Both seem rather distant and magical since right now it is freezing winter! I guess loons go south. I don't recall ever hearing a Southern person talking about loons. Hmnmn.....

[@TerryX2Explore]

@@RachelWhelton They sure are and yes they do go south for the winter. I don't know too many southern people though! ;-) Wishing you many wonderful adventures!

[@hmr171]

I would have never known about that potential issue with the bear box latch. So I appreciate you taking one for the team, so the rest of us can avoid that problem 👍

[@RachelWhelton]

Yep! I go trodding through the wilderness finding every pitfall and occasionally making poor judgments. But I've come a long ways and the richness of life has upgraded for me overall. I myself enjoy hearing all the accident stories from the American Alpine Club because it is a level way above me and makes my stuff easier to handle.

[@hmr171]

@@RachelWhelton One of the things I enjoy about your videos is that you are relatable and real. It would be easy for you to edit out the mistakes and make it look like everything is perfect. I appreciate you including the bad along with the good.

[@RachelWhelton]

@@hmr171 Thanks. Mostly I edit stuff out if it gets too boring, or if it ends up sounding like endless complaining. Some things are best forgotten! But the real part is good because each of us who makes videos in this region brings something different. I can't be the fastest hiker or the youngest adventurer but I can represent the crowd that is a bit older, or newer, or still figuring stuff out.

[@tinadrew9864]

Another beautiful video with a teachable moment. Every time i use a bear box in the future , I will think of you.😉

[@RachelWhelton]

I now prefer the type of bear box without hand latches. : )

[@patrickmichael8655]

Thank goodness! For a moment I thought when “remote camping” in the thumbnail I thought you would be joining the campsite via zoom!

[@RachelWhelton]

Ha ha ha.... good point. It is funny. I suppose the state park using the term remote in this way preceded the covid-era use. I was calling it kayak camping but that didn't seem fair to the cool canoe crowd.

[@jq2147]

Millie wasn't a happy camper, but I was watching this!

[@RachelWhelton]

I didn't know whether to bring her or not on this one but now we know! Sometimes we humans have to go do fun stuff and let the doggos have a nap at home.

[@lancerproductions57]

Another beautiful trip Rachel! Thanks for taking us along! Loved the nightime timelapse of the stars and of course the music at meal time! Poor Millie looked so cold this time. Looked like she was done with camping for the season this year for sure.🙂

[@RachelWhelton]

Thanks. Yeah, as I write this, it is raining and Millie is curled up in her bed under a blanket near the wood stove. We take a 1 mile walk once (sometimes twice) a day and the rest of the time she is happy to socialize, eat, and sleep.

[@tamaravaughan503]

You are doing exactly what I want to do❤ Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Millie’s favorite part of the trip seemed to be the boat ride back to the car😂

[@RachelWhelton]

Yeah, true. She likes to be home and she likes me to be home with her. That's why I usually do these one night trips instead of multi-day trips. I am thankful that my husband and I take turns doing various little camping things we want to do instead of neither of us doing anything because of the dog and kids.

[@MichelleStubbings]

Guess they should put warning signs on the bear boxes to put items to the back of the box so that the locking mechanism functions properly. Glad the ranger was able to get it open. Great little campsite and beautiful views! Challenges aside, looks like another great park to add to the list of possible camping spots. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful fall adventure!

[@RachelWhelton]

Yes, that is exactly what the ranger said. He thinks they should paint orange warning zones to keep clear of the mechanism. He also suggested there are other types of bear boxes without the latch. Even when it is working, it is hard to get your hand into the covered latch.

[@keving4081]

Thanks for the memories. I worked at G.R. for three years,a nice retirement job. It is a special place in part because only electric motors are permitted.

[@RachelWhelton]

Ahh, that is cool you worked there and liked the video. You probably got to see a lot of the area! I was so curious about the little inlets or whatever you call the waterways that go towards wilderness. I am sure the animals know where the people go and where they don't go. I expect you would see beautiful things there year round!

[@keving4081]

@@RachelWhelton Imagine getting paid to paddle with your dog 5-6 hours each day where loons often surface right under the bow, otters frolic along the shore, and great blue herons roost in the trees. Oh, that's what you do, isn't it? Ha. I'm really looking forward to watching your other very well-done videos.

[@michelelapham1215]

I just want to say thank you for sharing these videos and going on these adventures. I've always wanted to do remote sites. I'm not talking really remote Just the ones that you have to walk in a bit or paddle in a bit, but I always tend to overpack lol and I can't imagine how I do it with all this stuff I have. However, after watching you, I realize it is possible and I could do it if I begin with small steps. Begin to understand what I really need and learn to minimize. For the first time I've booked a hike in.... Again not far at all from the car but far enough that I have to carry stuff to it.... And I'm looking forward to expanding my adventures in baby steps in the whole reason I'm being brave enough to try it is because of your inspiration! Thank you!

[@RachelWhelton]

Thanks and good luck. You are right on point when you say small steps and minimize. I felt I didn't need the cot nor the table but brought them partly to make it feel comfortable with the dog. It's like backpacking on water! The cooking skillet helps for sure because eating ONLY backpacker meals out of bags makes me want to go home. I worried my kayak would sink with the weight but it was fine, maybe just a little sluggish. This was my last kayak camp for this year but I'll do it again next year and probably go to some of the farther sites.

[@michelelapham1215]

@@RachelWhelton Thank you so much for this info and this feedback! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your sharing your challenges and triumphs. You are so inspirational and I really enjoy your photography and your adventures! All the best! Thanks again!

[@Sue-Anna]

I really enjoy your camping videos. This one was beautiful.

[@RachelWhelton]

Glad you enjoyed it. I love getting positive feedback!

[@alfredpayne1762]

thanks for sharing Rachel the fall colors awesome

[@RachelWhelton]

My pleasure. Thanks for the nice comment.

[@stephancardoos1782]

Beautiful

[@andrewmacaulay1585]

Happy new year New Brunswick Canada 🇨🇦

[@RachelWhelton]

Happy New Year to you, too Canada!!!

[@deebee4817]

Awesome video. This place has been on my list for a long time. You have inspired me to make it happen this Spring. Thank you.

[@RachelWhelton]

Great! I think Spring will be an excellent choice of season. Looking at the map made me feel a deep need to explore the campsites farther out. This trip wasn't perfect but inspired many ideas for next time.

[@mattsweet7918]

Nice video. Looks like a great place to camp. Thanks for sharing.

[@RachelWhelton]

Thanks. It is a cool place indeed and much bigger than you can tell from this video. So I hope to return someday.

[@mimir.569]

🙂 Millie wasn't in the mood. Oh well, it was nice to see the stars and the beauty of this region.

[@RachelWhelton]

Yeah, it might have been the cold that she disliked most. Anyway it's fine because we are together all the time at home. She doesn't need to be an adventure dog because she is already an excellent companion dog.

[@CeeJayKay]

Wow I'm glad the ranger / bear box solution happened before dark. I think the bear box manufacturer should change that locking system. The fall colors in the trees and the starry skies were very beautiful. I like Millie's dog outfits too. 😊

[@RachelWhelton]

The more I think about the bear box design, I think it must be that way in case somebody (like a kid) gets inside of it. You would be able to press down the latch and get out possibly, if it wasn't latched with the outside lock. Many other bear boxes have totally different designs. And yes - I, too, was relieved he came to the rescue!

[@giothexplorer8557]

I'm coming to VT this weekend, I hope the views of autumn will look like this

[@RachelWhelton]

Yes, my guess is you will have it even better. I thought I would hit peak but I felt I was maybe slightly early. Good luck!

[@giothexplorer8557]

@@RachelWhelton thank you

[@esousa486]

BEAUTIFUL, scenery Rachel, the changing of the colors, the nighttime sky, and the early morning sunrise ..... The bear-box incident could have happened to ANYONE !!!! Ranger was COOL, ... solved the problem 👌👍 .... And we all love our pets, but having them with us on camping trips can really be "restrictive" for us, that are trying to make the most of a short adventure ..... "Thank you" for sharing another GREAT video 👌👍👍👍😉

[@RachelWhelton]

Thanks, you are so right on all these bits of wisdom. I learned a lot on this trip. This is the last kayak camp for this year but nature is out there for every form - whether it's car camping, hiking, backpacking, kayaking - I just love finding ways to spend the night and watch the show!

[@esousa486]

@@RachelWhelton And we "appreciate" you sharing your adventures, and how you comment on what YOU are seeing through your eyes .... because cameras are a great tool, but the eyes definitely can see much more detail ........ The dang Bear box kind of "ate into your fun time" ...... (excuse the cheap pun....) 😁😉

[@scottalpine]

That place looks amazing. Bummer about the kayak vs car damage. Too bad about the bear box latch getting caught on the tea bottle, definitely something to watch out for in the future. That really is an amazing place hopefully you’ll share it again in the future.

[@RachelWhelton]

Yeah. Stuff like this at home would be so upsetting. But out there when you are so tired from sleep deprivation, and prioritizing survival essentials like water and food, it feels very practical and physical. It's like you better use what energy and brain power you have left to figure it out, or at least escape!

[@barrygraber9776]

Oh well. Take the little bit of bad with all of the good stuff you get to do. Next time will be better. The beavers were neat to see and pretty awesome getting to go camping and paddling with Millie

[@RachelWhelton]

Yes, I agree. I often feel the trip is doomed after a great trip (like Baxter). But overall this was still a good trip because I came home very fueled for improvements.

[@Sandora-LW]

You should see the gouges and dent my kayak inflicted on my car ! Oh well, super night shots , foliage and just being outdoors. 😊

[@RachelWhelton]

Ahh, yes, I feel for you. This is my second incident. Years back, my daughter was trying to help me lift a kayak overhead to load onto the car. We had it up in our arms and she buckled, thereby sending the kayak into motion. It went down and bounced off the ground, rebounding back up to dislodge my bumper! Luckily we were able to get it back into place. Such are the problems of us lucky adventurers!

[@normac235]

Hello Rachel, First, I love watching your videos. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I have a question regarding your camera equipment. I'm looking to get back into photography and I would like to know what equipment you are using. Mirrorless or not, and what type of lenses. I looking to do nature photography. Look forward you hearing from you. Thank you again. Norma

[@RachelWhelton]

Over the years, I have owned a Nikon, a Canon, and a Fuji, and none of them were as good as this Sony I use now. I sold off other equipment and gave some away to my teenager, to focus on having only this one Sony body and two lenses. It's the Sony A7iv. I have a Sony wide lens and also one telephoto - not the top of the line models but good ones from Sony. What I like best is the Electronic Viewfinder and the superb autofocus. I never shop for camera gear anymore bc this stuff will work for me for years. There are many excellent KZbin channels that go into more educated detail about the Sony A7iv and other models.

[@dc0145a]

Bear box who knew the complications? Ooopps. beautiful camp site. Oh no your car! What make is your kayak? Where did you buy?

[@RachelWhelton]

The kayak is a Wilderness Systems Tarpon. I bought it at a local shop here called Kittery Trading Post. It's a sit-on-top, fishing style kayak which is very stable and does well in reeds and rocks. It is not the most travel-efficient, fast boat; but I used to have a fast kayak which didn't carry stuff or allow me to do photography. I guess it is best to know your priorities and rent a few different kayaks before investing in one to haul around with you.

[@dc0145a]

I'm about an hr from Kittery Trading post. Will check out that brand looking forward to your next video. Cheers

[@bucky716]

That's some bad luck with the bottle and the latch! Also a bit of a poor design but happy someone was available to come help. What are those little containers you use for ingredients? I've been looking for some. So many are flimsy and I'd be more concerned about them popping open in my bag.

[@RachelWhelton]

Yes! Those containers are Awesome! I got a big set from the Nalgene company. I had ordered some on Amazon but then found an even better set for a lower cost at a local store in Maine called Kittery Trading Post. There are many sizes and they are super lightweight.

[@SB-wg4fj]

Thanks for the video. I plan on going in September 2025. What month did you go?

[@RachelWhelton]

Hi. Good question. It was October 1. Usually for Vermont, I expect the leaves to be in good color at the end of September. This year I felt they were late.

[@McQ109]

You're in my backyard you should have stopped by for coffee. See friends of the Green River Reservoir. It's disheartening when 30' Winnebago pull up in the parking lot 😢

[@RachelWhelton]

Ahh, OK I will check out Friends of the GRR. Looks like I could learn much more about the area. It is a nice large space for wildlife!

[@cooperfreckles]

My daughter always camped there. I wish I could but I need oxygen to live!

[@RachelWhelton]

I hope she shared some photos with you so you could enjoy her stories. She probably loved it very much to keep going back.

[@MrVTer]

You shouldn’t camp by yourself till you figure out situations that might arise

[@RachelWhelton]

I see your point but assume the risk.

[@kenreville9134]

You do realize that videos such as this increase the human traffic to such "remote" areas right? You could show the video without giving away where you are and people would still watch it. Food for thought.

[@RachelWhelton]

Yes, it is like an unintentional commercial for the number of people who view the video, which is usually less than 2000. I am considering being vague about locations for wild camping this winter for various reasons. But this video shows an official Vermont State Parks campground so I am proud to share views of it to people who are looking for places to go.

[@kenreville9134]

@@RachelWhelton Thank you.

[@RachelWhelton]

@@kenreville9134 I appreciate the food for thought. I think if we tell people places they are allowed to go, some of them will go and become environmentally responsible over time. But I worry about accidentally telling an uninformed and inexperienced person, who then gets into trouble trying to hike too far or camp too cold. There are other factors also. So I do think about this but sometimes I decide the places I am going aren't secrets. I try to learn responsibility and environmental ethics myself to show them. But even that is a process .... But it's important. So I keep learning and try to be careful with it.