Solo KAYAK Trip Off to a ROUGH Start! [Day 1 of ???]

This multi-day solo kayaking trip in Central Florida is off to a rough start! Being comfortable around alligators is easier said than done, I don’t have the best map, and trees have fallen over the river. This is an honest, emotional solo camping and kayaking vlog where one things keeps happening after the other!
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What is Beer in Beautiful Places?
Hi, I’m Maddie! Celebrating an outdoor adventure with a beer has been a long-time tradition for me, and I wanted to create a platform for like-minded folks to come together. In my videos, I cover all types of adventures and review beer! Topics include day hiking, kayaking, travel, thru-hiking, and life on the road. In short, if you would describe yourself as an outdoorist, outdoorsman, outdoorswoman, hiker trash, nomad, or dirtbag, come on along, this is the channel for you! Welcome and cheers!
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[@BackwardsKnees]

I'm really hoping a lot of this video is dramatized... no idea of direction, no real idea of how far/where to go, no safety devices, seems like poor planning on supplies like water and bug spray, unnecessarily terrified of alligators (you didn't paddle up to it and run over it and they aren't like lions). Seems like quite a place to end up with as little of prep as it seems.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I hear you, this video definitely makes me look clueless! But I wanted to show that even when you research everything you can, there are still some established routes without a lot of up-to-date or accurate information. I'll go through everything you listed and how I researched: - no idea of direction: the put-in was facing the opposite direction I was supposed to go, and I didn't think to question it at first. When I said "am I sure I'm going the right way?" once I was on the river for a while, I was just doubting myself because I was nervous. Everything I read before the trip said "navigation is easy, just follow the flow of the river!" - no idea of how far/where to go: the map I was using was posted on several websites as a good resource, and I didn't see anywhere that said it was disproportionate or out-of-date. I called my outfitter to ask about finding campsites and they told me about one part where you can only camp on the right side, but other than that just look for campfire rings and other signs of people using a place for a campsite in the past. I don't think they were being purposely misleading, I think whoever I talked to just didn't really know what the northern part of the trail was like. - no safety device: this one's on me. They gave me the orange, scratchy rectangle kind of PFD and I had it strapped to the back. - no water: my plan all along was to filter water from the river. I made sure the river water was okay to filter before the trip. About the time I said I wasn't drinking enough because I wanted to keep paddling, I was just freaked out by the gators! Was it rational? No. But sometimes things seem worse than they are when you're in the moment. -no bug spray: in my experience, bug spray doesn't keep the bugs off you, it just keeps SOME off, WHEN you have a fresh coat on. I meant to stop at a store on the way there to pick some up, but forgot, so plan was to go in my tent if the bugs got bad, like I did on the AT. Again, that one was on me. - unnecessarily terrified of alligators: have you ever turned a corner and a large animal is within 5-10 feet you all of a sudden? And because it was on the water, you're still moving towards it? Maybe this wouldn't phase some people, but I would've jumped even if it was person-sized turtle or bird! Sure, you can hear that gators are usually scared of people, and there hasn't been any incidents on this river, but seeing them up close, in person, bigger than you pictured, by yourself is a different story. There's even comments on this video from Florida residents that say they avoid them. Yes, I did get irrationally jumpy and paranoid after that first one surprised me, but I think most people that aren't comfortable around gators would probably do the same. So what DID I do to prepare? -read all the websites and personal blogs about this river and this route I could find -watched all the videos about it I could find- in retrospect, these only covered shorter trips on the southernmost part of the river, which is more popular -asked the outfitter about dangerousness of gators, attitudes of locals, filtering water, campsites, and if there were any portages. Maybe they simply forgot to tell me some information, maybe I didn't ask the right questions, maybe they usually serve people who already know the area extremely well. -heard from a friend of my dad who's done day trips on the Peace River I'll make a video about what I wish I'd known, costs, and other logistical info after this series so hopefully no one else feels as blindsided by this trip as I did.

[@EddieJoe55]

PFD (personal floatation device, aka-Lifevest-it’s not kool to NOT wear one. You just MAY NOT get that floaty vest on if the kayak turns over. I have been kayaking a while now, and I’ve yet to hear of someone drowning with a PFD strapped on their body. Call it the “dad” instinct. Uncomfortable, yep, some may qualify, but I’d rather you be a little unconfortable than dead! I realize you lived through it, but you truly needed a buddy along on this boating event-I would have felt safer for you! Kool video though!

[@RobBrown2288]

I didn’t want to be that guy, but you are 100% correct. Also, shame on the outfitter for allowing her to go out with a PFD totally inappropriate for kayaking

[@EddieJoe55]

@@RobBrown2288 Soooo RIGHT! He/she should be fired! Must not care about their customers.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I agree, I should have worn it!

[@amerphoto1]

Maddie, please wear your (PFD) Personal Flotation Device!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

You're right, I ought to have worn it

[@steveblake4187]

And, it would make it tougher for a gator to swallow you!

[@birdingtrip7101]

Florida is wild even 1/4 mile away from a town. Bears, alligators, snakes, hogs, quick sand, and a million other things. People always under-estimate the danger.

[@jamesadams2334]

Hey, good to see you on here again! The Peace River is a beautiful trip. I did Fort Meade to Arcadia a few years ago and it was one of the most memorable canoe trips that I've ever done. I saw lots of gators but the outfitter at Arcadia had been in business almost 20 years and had 200 canoes that he usually had all of them rented every weekend and he never had a gator problem. As long as you stay away from the nests, you'll be fine. I was in a 15-foot canoe and saw at least 5 gators that were as long as the canoe and probably 50 smaller ones. They will come off the bank and swim straight toward you and then go under about halfway to your canoe or kayak, but they are just showing you that it is their territory. I was MUCH more worried about snakes than gators. You are doing fine, just enjoy the trip and relax. The gators are not a problem. I even saw a kids rope swing in a tree on the bank with a gator sunning itself on the beach under the swing tree. BTW, anytime you're on a river and not sure of direction, look for grass in the water. It will be bent over and pointing the direction of the flow. Good to see you and hear your story again. geek

[@christopherlands2706]

Welcome to Florida!! As a kid my parents used to take us canoeing and fishing in the wetlands. A couple of times gators bumped our canoes but it was mostly like just a curiosity thing and then they’d move on. Somewhere out there, there is a picture of my mother, in a lawn chair, fishing, and alligators sunbathing about 40 feet away from her. Us kids playing at her feet- It was the 80s so 🤷‍♀️ Now I find that TERRIFYING 😂

[@703am]

this adventure sure is different than hiking the AT...but any adventure that you take us on has to be good...good to see you back at it again

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! I was so stoked for this, it was a bummer I was a little blindsided about a few things

[@TofteTom]

Come back to Minnesota and try the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. No gators :) ✌️

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I've had enough kayaking for a little while after this trip, but I'd love to go to the Boundary Waters someday!

[@danreed7889]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces Good beer in MN

[@taix371]

This reminds me of two guys who rode their off-road motorcycles across the US and came by many fallen trees blocking the dirt road they were on. They couldn't go around because they were riding in the mountains. They had machetes with them and had to chop through most of the trees to get through. They were running out of water and fuel. BUT they didn't have huge lizards lurking around!

[@ashleys_sadness]

I wouldn’t have the courage to go with alligators. I’d be so freaked out. I have done seven miles on a river close to us in Indiana. It wore me out.

[@cls540]

I will definitely be on the lookout for your next vlog for this adventure! I can't imagine how your heart jumped when you saw that first gator...my heart jumped and was racing for a while after that clip...sheweee....I love seeing your adventures...and as much as your AT thru hike made me want to get out on the trail, this particular adventure solidifies my belief that I will never be kayaking in a florida river...ever! LOL Good on you for doing this...I know it must be thrilling and you will look back on it and be glad you did it!

[@rachelyoung2775]

You better be okay. I was just as scared as you when I seen that alligator. patiently waiting for the next video, so we know you are okay.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I am okay!! Thank you for your concern, but all is well! ❤️

[@RickINFJ]

Great job pushing through and processing your emotions Maddie. 👏 I was anxious and sitting on the edge of my couch watching you! You earned all 9% of that beer brave adventurer! 🌴⛺️🌴

[@lovesallanimals9948]

O was having a heart attack. Lol

[@RickINFJ]

@@lovesallanimals9948 😂

[@gibrigg]

That terror was the real thing. Respect for sticking it out. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@johnmys5am]

You've got some balls. Good for you!

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

I see you brought the kettle awesome! Be careful out there. 🐊

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Smoke was with me in spirit through the kettle!

[@1v1Cashapp-nd8pp]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces ❤

[@amypatenaudegunn3322]

Glad you had beer

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

An essential supply!

[@stevehori673]

I love the Jai Alai beer from Cigar City so I bet yours was delicious. I commend you for keeping your cool and not panicking. It's not like you can use OnX offroad to navigate and the overgrowth makes it hard to figure out where the river is going. Keep up the good work Maddie, we're all with you in spirit.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!! I really appreciate the encouragement!

[@tinyfairy2162]

Ur so brave! When i saw that alligator 🐊my heart drop! 🫣 B safe Ranger♥️

[@gabriele1975]

Glad you felt comfortable with your campsite at the end of the day! It was beautiful seeing the river! Takes me back to my Florida days! Of course, I was sad to see you scared! I really felt that!

[@TomG315]

Fresh adventure, fresh ranger shirt. 👍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!

[@beverlypeacock8201]

I am curious brand/style they are

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

it's an REI shirt, not sure of the style since I got it as a gift!@@beverlypeacock8201

[@sarahsiskin6780]

A fresh new shirt and adventures w Maddie! Can’t wait to see how this goes. Enjoy!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Glad you noticed!!

[@kylekitchens1017]

You are brave. I’ve been kayaking once in Florida. Saw a couple big gators, cottonmouths, and spiders! I said not again lol. The manatees were cool to see

[@sharrison3974]

That beer must have tasted wonderful after such a hard day! Thanks for sharing the adventure - looking forward to the next part.

[@Terraducky]

Hello, Brave Maddie! Looks like a fun trip but I don't think I would be doing it on my own like you! Looking forward to the nxt day!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks! Day two is coming on Wednesday!

[@larryhunter8245]

You are such a trooper Maddie! You sure like pushing your envelope. For an interesting take on camp cooking check out Chef Corso. Good luck with this new adventure.

[@thrillerhiking]

Love the new Ranger shirt, Ranger....you're on a wild one! Wow

[@monicawolfrom2535]

You are so Brave!!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

There was a lot I wish someone would've warned me about on this part of the river! I definitely didn't feel brave!

[@ashleybencook]

I love kayaking, but I would be a huge chicken about those alligators. 🐊 😬

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yup! It wasn’t too fun sometimes

[@aldoerazoperez6082]

This video was amazing and this series is gonna be dope! Take care tho, dang!!!

[@jimmymalone3494]

Maddie you are really braver' I hope you have a good time and have funny.God bless you.

[@GenX_outdoors]

Oh, Lord! How on Earth did you pick this trail? Beautiful, but anything with alligators and I’m out. You need to come up to the Adirondacks (NY) and paddle the St Regis Canoe Area. No alligators! ❤

[@bonniekaminski6929]

Gosh, Maddie you are a braver woman than I. I almost had to shut it off when I saw that first gator. I hope you had a more peaceful trip! Following to see how you did.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks so much! And sorry to scare you like that!

[@lovesallanimals9948]

Me too I had to pause it a couple of times

[@bigbranch1]

Thanks!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank YOU!

[@user-yp3ht6iy5e]

Heck yeah Maddie ... Were hot tent camping about 30 mins north of Damascus VA on kayaks ... Love early spring late winter outings

[@KiwiCakeful]

Oh my gosh Maddie! That alligator was terrifying!! 😱

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It was! It's one thing to hear they aren't that dangerous, but another thing to suddenly be so close to a big one!

[@lindaf6716]

Oh Maddie! I think I held my breath through most of this 😮. Hooray for a good beer at the end of this day!

[@aandpforme]

I was so scared for you! You are brave

[@tbone3079]

Yea back on adventure 😊

[@fitnessfreak498]

great video , great fun

[@marcilovesbirds]

What a thrilling ride! Literally! Beautiful scenery on this adventure.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was really cool-looking!

[@AMCD18]

Maddie its madness but yeah! Please wear your vest. 🙏🏻

[@1z1zmike]

Quite the adventure…be safe!🙂🙏

[@laruep2275]

How exciting! Can't wait for the next installment 🎉

[@Self_Proppelled]

I've done a few canoe trips. Saco river Maine is a popular one. Never had to deal with gators though. For blow downs you can usually just go ashore and drag the boat past. Time consuming but does the job. It helps to sing a paddling song as you go. If you get cell service you should stream the movie Deliverance. A perfect movie to set the mood.

[@carolr9259]

That is the scariest movie ever...

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Lol nice try, I've seen Deliverance once and that was once too many. And I couldn't just drag it around because of how tall the bank was to the river and the cypress knees in the way

[@carolr9259]

Totally agree, I can honestly say that was the scariest movie I've ever seen, it was so realistic. That was a sadistic comment to suggest watching that, smh​@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces

[@angie7236]

So cool! Good job on day one...wow!!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Day 1 was definitely the most eventful!

[@m.hernandez1404]

Maddie needs to pack the portable chainsaw.

[@NYDaughter1972]

Another Maddie adventure. Woo hoo!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yay! Glad you're excited as I was!

[@mistytrails11]

Just noticed the Katettle!!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Heck yeah!

[@jamesmonahan1870]

Wonderful video .😊

[@lovesallanimals9948]

You are definitely braver than i am, my stomach is in knots watching 😊

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I definitely don't want to do anything like this again! haha

[@lovesallanimals9948]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces lol

[@cavemandancer]

Talk about getting out of ypur comfort zone, good job, scary but fun.

[@steveblake4187]

Probably private land on both sides of the river. It's not unusual for some people (aholes) to drop trees across a river to discourage people from using it.

[@laylacooper1058]

That was truly entertaining and I was on the edge of my seat watching for alligators just like you. You're so funny and I will be watching the whole way through, I live in Florida and every time I'm near a puddle I'm on high alert too

[@whatareweuptonow4415]

I’m dying to see part 2 of this adventure!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Coming on Wednesday at 8pm eastern!

[@Kari-bb3rm]

Ohmyword, Maddie! Wow. Scary stuff. Sitting on the edge of my seat.

[@Victory1981]

Yeah, those water straws come in handy. They’re especially good for even more wilder places.

[@scooty46805]

Great adventure. 😊👍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!

[@richardpereira6818]

Compass love. I read tapping doesn't matter. I'm an Eagle Scout.

[@robmanj]

you are so brave!!!!!!!!!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! I sure didn't feel like it in the moment!

[@Sourpatchhikes]

I love kayaking, but we have no gators here. That a big NOPE. I'll sleep near bears, but gators scare the holy hell out of me. Well done on Day 1! And yeah, the outfitter should have provided you with a kayak PFD. Those orange ones are terrible in a kayak... so uncomfortable.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I feel bad about not wearing the PFD so I'm glad at least one person sees where I was coming from!! All day in that thing would've been a sweaty, scratchy nightmare

[@calex9398]

You made me laugh at 6 minutes 😄 that 🐊 was wild! 9%?! Thats like an imperial 😂 cool adventure!

[@kimberlylaska215]

Whoa! You are BRAVE!!!! Have a great time and be safe!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you, I will

[@TeeGreen222]

I was wondering if we’d see Cry #1. Welcome to my home state! I can’t wait to see the rest of your adventure!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I wasn't sleep deprived, in a big life moment, or at my wits end on this trip as much as I was on the AT! I thought about doing a gator count, but I only caught maybe a third of the ones I saw on camera!

[@racerx4259]

What a cool surprise!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yay!! Glad you enjoyed!!

[@xmorganxfayex]

Have so much fun! Welcome to FL - my home state :)

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!!

[@ISLEOVUE]

Maddie nice video enjoy the flow & steady as you go. Pleased to see you got a new shirt 'Ranger' Maddie 🤎

[@Bane97659]

Looks fun, Ranger!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks!

[@UNIQUENAME2007]

fun to watch! omg, I'd have been freaking out all day about gators too, way to keep going.

[@Victory1981]

Welcome to Florida! I admire your courage to come down here and leave your comfort zone. The Peace River is a very wild and historic river, and yes it has a lot of gators. I’ve hiked along side of it before at a state park and one of its tributaries. I like how you said it looks like Jumanji….lol. I’ve also heard the Chronicles of Narnia.

[@SolBol1]

IPAs are my favorite!

[@badabing1536]

I grew up in Central Florida. I used to wade around in a similar river all the time to scoop small fish for my aquarium. I would be up to my hips in water, and have full grown alligators float by in the middle of the river about 3 feet away. Easily could have reached out and touched them. I never had an issue. And I was CACKLING at you freaking out about all the gators. To this day I walk by a gator and don't even bat an eye.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That's what I thought most people's reaction to watching this would be! It's interesting how people's feeling towards gators varies so much

[@wayneebobtolbert364]

Beating the side of the boat and smacking the water will attract the gators

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

If only I would have known that out there! I expected the canoe outfitter would’ve told me all I needed to know, but maybe the info just fell through the cracks

[@bethaniecarico]

Love the new shirt. I believe I spotted the katettle. 😅

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yes you did! I brought it along for the ride!

[@RC_0669]

Maddie, the first alligator right after getting your kayak over the branch. SO SCARY! I'm going to tell myself you are fine since this is posted. LOL

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yep, I am fine! Thanks for the concern, though!

[@natashab3412]

Maybe you could make a Peace River guide since there seems fo be a lack of reliablle / clear info

[@natashab3412]

Exciting video. Ty !

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I definitely will! I’m already jotting down things I wanna say to anyone considering doing this!

[@natashab3412]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces That'll be great 👍

[@jdahik97]

Seen a lot of comments about a life vest. I must agree. Please wear one.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yep, i wish I had!

[@melissalafollette7256]

Goodness, you are doing something I would never do. You got guts, babe! Since you're in FL, check out the bioluminescence kayaking. It looks amazing. Take care 😘

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Aww I'm already gone from there but I wish I would've known about that!

[@db.mc275]

Stay safe and take care Maddie 🙏🏻God Bless Appreciate you my friend 🫶

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks so much!

[@ThatOneNPC]

Have fun and be safe!! The Peace River is known for great fossil hunting!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!

[@budget-adventure]

A physical compass over your phone is a better option. Also there’s times on a river when it will flow north east south and west. They wind and twist thier way through the environment.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yup I know, I was just trying to get an idea

[@johnswan9879]

Hi Maddie, I really enjoy all of your adventures. The gators do freak me out though! I'd rather deal with the bears in the BWCA here in Minnesota. Looking forward to your next video!

[@lovesallanimals9948]

Me too😊

[@xmorganxfayex]

I am from Florida and can say there is a greater chance you’ll be struck by lightning or hit by a car than attacked by a gator! They are very shy creatures. That being said, I too get spooked when I come across one sunbathing! They look like statues!

[@shannamiller7435]

Yay Maddie!

[@cakeandchaos]

You need a silky saw. Immediately ❤️

[@MrPlumberguy23]

1500 miles 1 way from Mississippi to the grand canyon. so my som can retake a picture he made there 10 plus years ago. in Flagstaff tonight hit south kaibab in morning 3 down 3 up. talk to you later. keep getting stuff done!!!

[@chrgore]

I need more episodes 😂

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Coming tomorrow at 8 pm eastern!

[@fitnessfreak498]

i renig my first comment . At least your hanging tough . i dont know what would be worse , hiking the FL trail or Doing your adventure. I really admire your fortitude though

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

The Florida Trail is so many more miles, I'm sure it's harder!

[@jennifercarmack2405]

Looking forward to an update. I hope you are doing ok out there! ❤

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you, I'm doing fine! The next video will be up on Wednesday!

[@jennifercarmack2405]

Ok… it made me feel better a gator didn’t get ya. But if I remember correctly, you usually post videos after a few days out.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I'm spacing it out so each day of the trip is its own video that I'll put out on Wednesdays! @@jennifercarmack2405

[@ClairenParkerontheRoad]

Such an ominous vibe but fun to watch. I'm just waiting for a gator jump in the kayak and praying it doesn't! But I'm sure you have everything under control!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I think a gator would have to be rabid, seriously starving, or something like that to jump out of the water and attack a human! Of course anything can happen, but they seem scared of people

[@ClairenParkerontheRoad]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces lol I'm sure you're right I probably watched too much TV growing up.

[@ronnagy8118]

Try pulling the Kayak on to land, go around the obstacles and put the kayak back in the water and paddle on.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yes, haha, that would have been ideal! The swamp knees and high bank on the side I used made it impossible to lift my kayak up. I don't remember why I couldn't use the other side, but trust me, I would have loved to just drag it around!

[@frankfowlkes7872]

I have kayaked in all sections of Florida and my kayak is the exact same kayak you are in an Old Town Loon (it's even the same color). Gators can be scary but I promise you they will not bother you as long as you don't bother them. This is true the bigger they are because gators that bother people never have the opportunity to grow big! Water moccasins are what you need to avoid like the plague. With all that said I'm sure you are already finished so if I hear you have been eaten by a gator I will have to delete my post!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I can gladly report I have not been eaten! Haha!

[@kristalann1973]

As much as I admire your adventurous spirit this gave me some serious anxiety…the FL wildlife (gators and snakes) are not my vibe…I’ll sleep in the Minnesota woods with the bears moose wolves and cougars any day…I’m glad you made it to your campsite safely…the life vests for paddling are very comfortable…hope you find one for your next water adventure❤

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

Definitely a comfortable life vest, head gear and gloves. Requirements in question.

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

✅

[@mizotter]

OMG! Scary gators & wild pigs! FL wildlife is too much for this Michigan mama! I admire your courage & hope you have a great experience!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yep, people I asked told me they were fine, but it's different when you're out there face-to-face with them!

[@nicoyazawa5195]

Do you put the ramen seasoning in with the Chicken LBL? Def feels like a KY recipe (I’m from KY so I can say that lol). Hope all goes well for you on the river!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

You're supposed to, but I forgot it this time! Definitely would have been tastier if I did!

[@Tortomus]

I would never do this. Let alone sleep near the bank. You are so brave. Btw your videos partially inspired me to attempt a Nobo thru hike

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Congrats on your hike! Hope all goes smoothly as possible!

[@tomellis3218]

Just another adventure yo admire you for undertaking on your own . How were the mosquitoes at night? See on day two. ❤😊

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Mosquitos weren't really that bad! They mostly stayed away til it was almost dark!

[@robmanj]

Let's Go!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Woo hoo!!!

[@naomijones8446]

I will be going to Florida later this summer. Nervous about coming across a gator but hoping to see one at the same time.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That's exactly how I felt! I thought they were cool to see if it was far away from me!

[@jeannenimmo5]

Alligator 1: "Look, a human." Alligator 2: "Yeah, I hear they taste like chicken." Be well, stay safe. 🥾