Solo Kayaking Adventure with AMAZING Campfire Cooking

Another improptu solo overnight kayaking adventure on a 16 mile section of the Mad River from Eagle City Rd. to Spangler Road. After hiding my kayak in a cornfield on Eagle City Rd. I used an Uber to shuttle from Spangler Rd. back up to my kayak. In my haste I forgot a few a items and I was forced to stealth camp illegally due to improper planning ahead. Use the time stamps to jump ahead to the sections of the video that interest you most.
0:00-0:53 intro/info about the Mad River
0:53-3:34 hiding kayak in cornfield and Uber shuttle
3:34-6:47 starting at Eagle City Rd. put in
6:47-17:31 looking for a sandbar to camp and cook on and what makes the best campsite?
17:31-27:26 finding an illegal campsite and end of day 1
27:26-31:11 morning day 2, campfire breakfast and packing up camp
31:11-36:28 day 2 on the water
36:28-44:52 campfire lunch on a sandbar with homegrown veggies
44:52-47:20 final few miles and a river blockage
47:20-48:53 arrival to Spangler Rd. and conclusion
Mad River 2023 Rt. 55 to Tremont City: • Solo Kayak Camping wit...
Mad River 2018 thru paddle Rt. 296 to Deeds Park Dayton: • Kayaking and Camping o...
Mad River 2022 Liponcotte to St. Rt. 41 in Springfield: • Solo Kayaking Adventur...
Mad River 2021 St. Rt. 55 to Tremont City Hike, Float, Cook: • Hike, Paddle and Cook ...

[@jeniferokeywsu]

This isn’t Jason Wish - this is an imposter! He’s not wearing blue trunks, trespassing, not doing the rope swing, no mention of the Colonel! 😂 Looked like a good time. Man those veggies look so good! We do the same sauce as you but use it over ham and it’s so delish!

[@jasonwish-]

hahahaha! Those old ragged blue trunks have about fallen apart, time to retire them. Colonel is a busy man, but maybe I can convince him to get on the water at least once this year....and maybe even do a rope swing with me! That sounds good on ham!

[@kevinkim1418]

Wow brings back memories. Had my first Kayak camping trip in Mad River during my OSU years back in 1998. So relaxing and one of my best memories in OH

[@jasonwish-]

Glad the vid brought back some good memories! Sounds like I was at OSU about the same time as you, ‘92 to ‘98

[@jamesosborne5950]

The man . The myth. The legend mr wish back on the water

[@jasonwish-]

Ha! Soon to be back on the Trace too!

[@jailen461]

I live in northwest Indiana. I've done most of the Michigan rivers and streams I've seen you and sarg on. Manistee, Muskegon, Pine, AuSable, Pierre Marquette. Been at it since 1975 the year I got married. Thanks for sharing. You do a great job my friend.

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks! I have so many Michigan rivers on my list, such a beautiful state.

[@KN4OKadventures]

I would not worry about the campsite, great spot. Another great video

[@jasonwish-]

Yep, other than the steep bank...thanks!

[@michaelcrawford9425]

Enjoyed this a lot! Thanks for sharing the adventure!

[@jasonwish-]

Sure thing, thanks so much for watching!

[@DMSAdventures]

Wow what an adventure! That food! I wish I had the patience and foresight to bring all that and prepare it cause it looked amazing... as your title suggested! Jeez so many adverse situations. Ya gotta just make it work but that would cause me considerable anxiety! Having that tree at the end is kind of like having a big uphill climb to finish out a long hike! Stakes were on our list of top 5 most forgotten items! I really like that you say where you are at and what roads you go under. I actually enjoy pulling up a map and seeing where you are at or what is in your immediate vicinity that doesn't show up in the perspective of your camera. Fun adventure as always. Hey we put up a 1k subscriber thank you video and you have a "Thank You Letter" waiting there!

[@jasonwish-]

Bringing and cooking good food over the fire on the river definetly takes patience, which I have very little of, but I'm always glad afterwards that I took the time to do it! The unexpected obstacles are always frustrating, but sometimes they turn out to be the thumbnail, haha! I have so much of my gear stored in different places that's its so easy to miss something when I pack up super quick...I've done it so many times now that I've become complacent on these short trips and just tell myself that it will work out even if I forget something...goood thing it was just stakes! Congrats on reaching 1000 subs! You have certainly put in the time and effort to get there and I think it shows...your editing is fantastic! Thanks so much for including me in the thank you lettler video, that was great! I can't even imagine how long it took to script out all those rymes and all the multiple takes to get it right with all three of you involved...simply incredilble! I would never have the patience to do that!

[@JayHill615]

Trespass camping huh? Since we are all being honest, I don't always dig a cat hole or carry a trowel. 🤫 Great video!

[@nalonabrato8900]

I couldn’t help but chuckle hearing you say it was 80 degrees and hot. I live in the Texas Hill Country. It’s after 9:00 pm, and it’s still only down to 92 degrees. Maybe I should vacation in Ohio next summer. I enjoyed watching you overcome the obstacles you faced (camping spot, broken knife, etc) with dignity. 👏🏽 Great video, Jason!

[@jasonwish-]

Yeah 92 is about as hot as we get here and 80 in the morning is pretty warm...remind me to never visit Texas in the summer!🥵 Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@willieoakley2336]

Jason that river looked great i really enjoyed this video and you are so right you don't want to be on the water at night not smart take care god bless

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Willie! Night kayaking can be unsettling and very difficult to find a camping option...it happened to us on the Scioto river back in 2020.

[@OutLan]

Looking forward to river tripping with you!

[@jasonwish-]

Yeah buddy! Too bad Helmondollar can't join us 😢

[@tiffanychristmas6443]

Love watching your adventures and would love to see a video showing the beginning of mad River along with the places to put in and take out until dayton.

[@jasonwish-]

I’m getting some great feedback on this video idea so I will do my best to put in together soon, thanks!

[@markogletree2790]

I like your video idea of all the places to put in and take out that would give people like us an idea of where to start and finish.

[@jasonwish-]

I'm going to do it! Thanks Mark!

[@markogletree2790]

No prob 🙂

[@juliashearson910]

Love this video. Shows the true nature of Man's plan v. God's plan. Shows how being adaptable is an essential trait of a skilled explorer.

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Julia, great comment! Thanks for watching!

[@juliashearson910]

Wishwell Farms seems like paradise on Earth. Hard work to be sure, but you are clearly blessed with the fruits/vegetables of your labor. Love your hiking videos too. Endurance, humor and humility, also great traits. Sharing your journeys, knowledge, trail beta, etc. with us, that is what makes your stories so compelling and helps us envision our own future adventures great and small, far and near. Funny, how you probably would not have enjoyed the fajita as much if you had to eat it looking over your shoulder at the wwt plant tent site. Keep on adventuring!!

[@jasonwish-]

@@juliashearson910 So glad to hear that you enjoy the videos! I have so much fun exploring new trails and rivers and documenting them on film!

[@pstilwell8790]

We paddled most of Buck Creek this spring. Put in at Buck Creek Nature Park near Carleton Stadium and took out at Huffman Metropark. There is a National Trail Parks office right there as well and they were very kind about letting us leave a car there overnight. No issues with water depth at least in the spring. The rapids that they have installed in several places were a lot of fun (as long as you’re not worried about getting a little wet). A lot of great camping spots the last several miles before you cross over 70. I’d highly recommend trying it out.

[@jasonwish-]

I'm sure I'll get on it eventually hopefully when the water levels are just right. I've thru paddled the entire Mad River in 2018 and this time I'm just section paddling and plan to finish from Spangler Rd to Deeds Park in late August. I found a couple nice sand bars on Google Maps that are not private property...looking forward to it!

[@user-nr5fi8yc4q]

I really do appreciate your videos. They take a lot of time and dedication for sure and they are enjoyable to watch. To answer your question of making a video of all the put in and take out spot although it would be very informative it would likely attract quite a crowd to the mad river. Union, Logan and Champaign county have more than doubled in size over the last few years not only taxing the villages, towns, cities roadways and infrastructures but now our pristine waterways. What is going to happen will be the closure of some of these spaces due to over use and public trespassing. Please keep on sharing your videos but maybe consider sharing a little less of the locations.

[@dabeev]

Love these videos.

[@jasonwish-]

Thank you, so glad you enjoy them!

[@ImSmokey4200]

Im so glad the tree that fell, decided to fall before you got to it, would be a really bad experience if it was when you was under it 😨.

[@jasonwish-]

No kidding! I never really thought about how close that really was!

[@Joshua-tn2se]

Yessss! Love the idea of a video including all out ins and takeouts!

[@jasonwish-]

I plan on putting it together sometime this year hopefully. Thanks!

[@jjs283]

Needed a summer "fix" since it's 30 degrees with snow right now. Can't wait to get on the river! By the way, just in case no-one's mentioned it, the landowners own the stream bottom in Ohio. Typically, the owner of the right bank owns to the middle of the stream and the left bank owner, the other half of the stream. Even stepping out of your canoe anywhere along the Mad outside of park-land (W. Liberty Park is the only one that comes to mind) is technically trespassing. A sandbar is no less trespassing than any other spot. Not sure if that helps you feel better, or worse. LOL

[@jasonwish-]

yes I'm aware and that Ohio law is ridiculous! South Carolina has a much better law, the landowners only own to the high water mark. There are several other areas on the Mad that are owned by the Cities and not private property, a few in Springfield and one in New Carlisle (near Spangler Rd.) But yes your right, most of the time kayakers are tresspassing. Obviously land owners that don't live right on the water can't really patrol it and I'm guessing many don't evern know about it happening, especially the Birch Bark Livery area. But for me personally, I dont really care, I just stealth camp and leave no trace, because sometimes there is just no way around it, however, I do try to set a good example for those that follow me so I try to find non private land as much as possible.

[@jjs283]

@@jasonwish- I think that's a great approach, all things considered. I'm a fisherman and there have been times on the Mad in the past, where word got around that some sections of the stream had landowners who made it very clear they didn't want people on their banks and to be cautious. Typically, fishing groups have tried to smooth things over and maintain good relations with landowners and that often makes the problem go away. It would be a lot easier if we had the SC law, for sure.

[@Nick-mc2hy]

Thanks for showing your packing setup and process.

[@jasonwish-]

Sure thing! Hope to do a more in depth one soon.

[@JourneyontheTrail]

Great trip video man! You made the best of a tough spot to be in….good ol’ Ohio private property everywhere. I think a video of just showing the put ins and take outs is a great idea! I can say for myself when I research trips especially in Ohio that kind of information (especially detailed or in video format) is very limited. Now I just need to get out before summer ends…can’t believe my first time even getting the kayak out this summer will be this upcoming weekend.

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks AJ! Dang your way behind! Well, I look forward to the day when we can finally get a hike or a float in together.

[@toddseagle]

Great video, and very helpful to a newbie with a kayak. Entry / exit locations would be freakin awesome!!

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks! I am planning on making that video, hopefully yet this summer/fall.

[@toddseagle]

@@jasonwish- in one of your videos you said you started in west liberty, could you tell me where and if there’s a place to park for a few hours? Thanks

[@jasonwish-]

@@toddseagle yes there is canoe access on SR 245 in West Liberty and you can park about 200 yards down the road at Lions Club Ball Park. All of this is on google maps.

[@toddseagle]

@@jasonwish- thank you very much

[@georgedouglas9342]

Great vid! Looks like a very nice river to yak. Our mindset is very similar as far as camping and such. Gotta do what ya gotta do sometimes, and try not to step on toes. A video on in/out spots would be exceptional for anyone interested in yakin the Mad. And get yourself a rope and carabiner! Lol. May not use it a lot but good to have along 👍 I did a short solo float Sat on the Tuscarawas from southern Stark Co. to Bolivar (Tusc Co) best of 3 rivers in my area. Your lunch looked freakin awesome!! 👍 Happy floatin ✌😎

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks George! Camping legally is not easy in Ohio so most of the time you just have to be descrete about it. I'll have to check ou the Tusc sometime! Nothin better than cooking good food over the fire along a river!

[@georgedouglas9342]

@@jasonwish- You bet. The Tusc runs a long ways. Basically Canal Fulton to Coshocton where it joins the Walhonding and becomes the Muskingum. Tricky between Bolivar and Dover area, Dover dam biggest obstacle. Many good in/out spots. Hit me up if you need some more info 👍

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Great review.

[@jasonwish-]

Thank you!

[@WVWes]

Good one man! I like that Uber trick. We aint got ubers down here in WV though

[@jasonwish-]

Doesn't work everywhere but fortunately I was near a big city on this one. Thanks!

[@cheezy-rider]

Yeah. I wold like to see a video on put-ins and take-outs. I'm in Hillsboro Ohio and will definitely check this one out.

[@jasonwish-]

I still plan on making this video I just didn’t have the time this fall so hopefully this spring I can start working on it. Thanks!

[@juliacook8059]

Great video Jason! I hope to try this part of Mad River sometime, beautiful! A video of the 'put-ins' and 'take-outs' would be helpful. Loved the cookin as always. Glad you had that extra knife. That fajita looked awesome! I'll be trying that sauce. Good tip for campers about the chap stick. Really enjoyed this.

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Julia! I think I will make that video from all the positive feedback I got. That darn knife had been on just about every backpacking trip I’ve ever taken! I struggled quite a bit getting my breakfast fire going and just started experimenting with what I had in my ditty bag and fortunately it worked out.

[@stevenmabey8834]

Yes to the in and out on the river

[@jasonwish-]

i hope to one together this spring!

[@kenlodge3399]

Mile 5: Water Treatment Plant. I was gonna say what are you, a Republican - worryin' so much!?! Just kidding - you finally came around, i.e., it's called Boondocking aka ya do whatcha gotta do or camp where you gotta camp, lol! Am telling ya I am really enjoying your videos, gratefully so. I spent most of my time out west, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana where the rivers run fast tho never more than class IV. Climbing, canyoneering, kayaking, tubing, etc., but mentioned before or asked if you did any rivers south and east off Michigan and here you are plus seen your whole channel. You did my favorite the Manistee and to a lesser degree the Au Sable, but really like this and looking forward to all your other river videos. Thanks... keep adventuring.

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Ken, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@phortie40]

Fun trip, keep it going!

[@jasonwish-]

Oh yeah! Thanks, will do!

[@jamesosborne5950]

Great idea . That would help people know where exactly to put in or take out

[@jasonwish-]

I think I will do it! I would rather take a week and float down the river and stop and film each locaion from the water too!

[@jetco5906]

Please do a video on all the put in and take out!!!!! Thumbs up!!

[@jasonwish-]

I really hope I can get this video made, there has been a lot of request! If it doesn't happen this fall I'll try to by next spring, thanks!

[@SinchuwusOutside]

Thanks for sharing Jason! I need to get down there and do that. Your trips always look like a great time. I'd like to do a 2 night trip at some point. If I have any questions on suggested put in and take out for 2 nights, I'll ping you. I'm about 3 hours from the Eagle City Rd put in. Thanks again!!! -dave

[@jasonwish-]

You bet! Hopefully you'll make it to the Mad one of these days. You could thru paddle all 52 miles pretty easily with a two nighter.

[@Tom-xs3mn]

Thank you

[@jasonwish-]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@Maxspeed1998]

Great video Jason! Looks like you will need a new knife!

[@jasonwish-]

yes I do! I've had numerous offers to review knives so maybe I'll take them up on their offer!

[@user-vl4sq8uq3p]

Almost felt like I was there.

[@jasonwish-]

It was a fun one! Ready for another!

[@robertuffman3041]

that is a great idea. and maybe post that to Go Paddling.

[@jasonwish-]

Thats a good idea! Other than filming the sites and where they're at, what else should be in a video like that?

[@robertuffman3041]

@@jasonwish- i don't know much about video editing but can you take stills from you video? i mean i would be happy to put the stills on the App.

[@jasonwish-]

@@robertuffman3041 Yeah I can pull stills from my video. Hopefully I'll get a chance before summer is gone to work on this project.

[@brianstacy782]

Ran buck creek last weekend

[@FrankD518]

Hey Jason, another picturesque float down one of my local rivers. I'm about 10 minutes south of that Spangler takeout. And from the ones last year, I'm about 5 mins from the Glen Thompson. So if you have issues with uber, I can lend a hand or more importantly wheels.

[@jasonwish-]

@@FrankD518thanks Frank, that is good to know! Message me on FB messanger sometime so I have your contact, cause I will be hitting up another section here in August.

[@jasonwish-]

good to know. I saw one spot that lookd a little sketchy with maybe some small class 2 rapids or big class 1's when I was hiking by it...do I have anything to worry about?

[@brianstacy782]

@@jasonwish- there are a few man made whitewater features that may be a little above what your kayak can handle. And a natural ledge that easily runnable along the left bank

[@williamgehrke7885]

Hi Jason I thought you did just fine with your camping choice! I would have done the same thing.

[@jasonwish-]

I was glad it was city propety, doesn't bother me but I try to set a good example for those who may be new to kayak camping.

[@jailen461]

Hi Jason. I've watched several of your videos. Most good. Your attitude is good in all of them. Don't think I want to try this river you're on. However I am curious about the Southeastern part of Ohio. I drive a truck and I like kayaks and canoeing. Do you know of any good water in that area. When driving through there years ago it was very pretty.

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks. I'm not real familiar with SE Ohio rivers since I mostly backpack in that area, but there is the Little Muskingum River down there that goes through Wayne National Forest that looks pretty nice for an Ohio river. I've been wanting to paddle it for several years now but just haven't had the chance.

[@Crazy_Anglers28]

I would love to join one day

[@jasonwish-]

do you fish rivers?

[@alanmccall3503]

yes,make a video of all the access points on the mad river

[@jasonwish-]

I hope to get to it this spring, thanks for the input!

[@mowerparts3824]

Do the video! That's a great idea.

[@jasonwish-]

I am planning on it! Any suggestions on what others would like to see in a video like that?

[@kenlodge3399]

I'm probably outlawing right now administering two, 2, comme3nts on one vid. Ahh The Recker is my name and reckless my game. IDK where that came from, huh!?! Anyway this Mad river is really something, especially like if compared to the Little Miami (just watched that, all 3 parts yesterday). This Mad is spring fed you say... well I'm enjoying every bit of it, the scenery, the mellow flow, thanks for sharing your travails. Speaking of which, Hey! I gotta say you really pack it away on your trips - I gotta ask; whatchu do with it? I mean the way you put it away, especially with all those hi carb veggies that are hi in fiber. I see you don't carry a jungle seat or trowel for your "leave no trace" mission? I'm just sayin', d'you got a slow metabolism or something and are able to wait for a campground, bar or eatery - it's just amazing to me how well you eat on these trips. Well the opportunity to - enjoy you got in spades - and you're making money doing it. Behold the King of Marvin Gardens

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Ken. I'm a super high metabolism high energy guy and run nearly 35-40 miles a week when training for Ultra marathons and speed record attempts on trail and backpacking. I carry a regular poop trowel like every backpacker does. I lift weights 4 days a week and work 60-80 hours a week during the summer produce season on our farm.

[@campingadventures7601]

Ever thought about doing an over night down the licking river in kentucky?

[@jasonwish-]

I have not but I will certainly check it out!

[@jasonwish-]

do you have any recommendations for where to start and end?

[@thomasc7332]

We did the lower Mad River but had to take out at the lake at Huffman Metro Park because we were told that there was no realistic way to get through the dam. Is there a reasonable portage? If not that lake offers a nice and easy take out. Thanks.

[@jasonwish-]

We floated right through it with no issues back in 2018. Wouldn't do it during high water though.

[@thomasc7332]

Sounds good. That Metro Park Lake offers an easy take out and the parking lot is right there should you ever need it.

[@tonydeardorff]

In my mind, waste water treatment plant is public…owned and operated by Springfield…ie the taxpayers. Your good!

[@jasonwish-]

Very true and that's what i was thinking the next morning. I had no problem with it personally but some might.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

You are wrong. Water treatment plants are almost a shot on sight property. They are considered a high terror target.

[@davidt.3673]

Enjoyed by the whole family. Add 8 views

[@jasonwish-]

Awesome, glad you guys all enjoyed it! Hope you made some popcorn 😂

[@TheCampistYT]

What size is that perception kayak?

[@jasonwish-]

That is the Hook 10.5 but it's only a few inches longer than my 10 ft. kayaks...I wish it was more like 12 ft, but it is nice to hava a shorter yak when on small, tight and twisty rivers like the Little Manistee I did in Michigan last fall.

[@independent-lyRich]

Please do the video with all the put in and take outs.

[@jasonwish-]

Due to great feedback I plan to!

[@independent-lyRich]

@@jasonwish- I did Eagle City Rd to Spangler yesterday. It was amazing!! I plan to start at Spangler Rd next weekend. Where would be the best place to get out at to do a similar length paddle?

[@jasonwish-]

@@independent-lyRich We will be on the water next weekend as well finishing up the Mad. We won't be starting until about 4-5pm at Spangler and staying on a sandbar about 5 miles in and finishing at Deeds Point Metro Park Sunday afternoon. That is only a 16 mile section to the end but if you want to cut it short you can take out at Huffman Metro Park which is about 9.5 miles from Spangler.

[@independent-lyRich]

@@jasonwish- thank you . We will probably start at around 8AM and do the full 16 mile stretch. It would be cool to cross paths with ya' sometime, which I'm sure will happen at some point. We're out there a lot but had never gone much more than a mile past mad river adventures and got out at that first bridge. We've been watching your videos and you inspired us to start doing overnight trips starting next spring. Thanks for the info and inspiration brother, be safe out there.

[@FrankD518]

Hey Jason, not sure if it wasnon this one or the one from two weeks ago where I messaged you about a meet up if you needed transport in the are of the little miami or the mad river where it comes close to me. You said to hit you with the info on Facebook, but I don't use that much. I did recently make an account on the gram and so I sent a message there to see if that's something you check or not?

[@jasonwish-]

I just sent you a reply on IG

[@deepwood4]

How are your tent stakes not in your tent bag? There's just no reason for that.

[@jasonwish-]

Ha! I've never kept them in my tent bag...they are in they're own little dymema bag that goes in the outside mesh pocket of my backpack. I compress my duplex into my Helinox chair zero bag so there is absolutely no extra room plus I would not want a sharp end of a tent stake to possibly rub on my dynema tent. would probably work for most but not me.

[@deepwood4]

Can you actually trespass on public property?

[@jasonwish-]

Good question....maybe I wasn't even tresspassing lol

[@skullcarver30]

aren't you missing Michigan at this point lol

[@jasonwish-]

VERY MUCH!! I hope to be up there in 4-5 weeks!

[@deepwood4]

Definitely Bigfoot

[@jasonwish-]

heck yeah it was! He new I was in his territory!

[@robertuffman3041]

don't be so hard on yourself. i would have camped and not thought another thing about it. lol

[@jasonwish-]

Oh I know....I'm just trying to be a good example for those who may be new to kayak camping.

[@Old_Timer66]

Do not judge others!

[@jasonwish-]

Who or what did I judge?

[@deepwood4]

Crocs will kill you eventually. Do the right thing.

[@jasonwish-]

got that right!

[@kellydtth2749]

Stale puke… it’s what’s for dinner, at the sewage treatment plant! Classic. Great trip otherwise.

[@jasonwish-]

Hahaha...it was horrible! At least the treatment plant didn't smell!

[@rosesmith6208]

"looks like puke" made me laugh, gross!!!!! peice of junk knife, amazing it broke up cutting up veggies, what a rip off.

[@jasonwish-]

Well, that cheap knife has been used for nearly a decade so I got some good use out of it at least. I won't be eating any freeze dried chili anytime soon 😂