Tammie and I have a canoe and love the swamp, the prettiest place in Georgia. We paddled from Steven Foster State Park to Billy's Island and counted 206 alligators. We can't wait to go back.
Seeing all that Spanish Moss reminded me that it has been said the first automobile recall was because the Ford Model T used the Spanish Moss for it's car seat stuffing. Well Spanish Moss is home to red bugs (chiggers) and quality control being what it was back then didn't get rid of all of the bugs causing some drivers to get bitten and causing the recall. Not sure if that is fact or fiction but I found it interesting anyway.
We've been and yes it's a really remote area. We were there in Nov during Thanksgiving week, in a tent and thought we'd freeze to death lol. Took the boat like y'all too and loved it! Only downside is no cell service and about 40 miles to the nearest store. We were there a week with family and grandkids great memories 🥰
PS- Do not fail to check every day for openings to Highlands Hammock State Park near Sebring, FL for campsites, you HAVE TO do the catwalk there in the river/swamp. It is a wonderful experience!!! We visit there every winter even if just for the day.
Oh so much love for this segment and one of my favorite places in the country! I canoed through the Okefenokee in 1977 during winter break from college. For four nights we slept on 18 x18 foot platforms, like island docks built alongside that watery trail because there was no dry land at all! We did not touch land for 6 days except for Billy's Island, where we stayed in the cabin that I think must have been the one pictured on that etched glass and no longer there. Looks like you saw some good birds! Lots of White Ibises, Turkey Vultures, Green Heron and Great Egrets. The Barred Owl picture is beautiful, you captured one calling at 13:10 later in your vid. We were told at the interpretive center that the old-timers living in the swamp navigated by knowing the locations of the Osprey nests, which they could individually recognize and were a predictable distance apart. My jaw literally dropped at those tree-framed starry skies! The song you were serenaded is just the icing on the cake, another special part of this video. It's "Across the Great Divide" by Kate Wolf. Based on my experience with midnight marauders at the Okefenokee, that noise Maggie was whining at was a raccoon looking to swipe anything that was not nailed down at your site. We had one tromping across our sleeping bags one night on one of the platforms! It made off with a bag full of someone's toiletries. Great memories and thanks for a great video!
Thank you so much for sharing your memories and all your knowledge of the Okefenokee. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to camp out in the open… good for you.
The swamp drains out into the Gulf (Suwannee River) and Atlantic (St. Marys river) 2 of the prettiest Rivers in the south. I'm a little prejudice because I live near the st Mary's river
We continue to look forward to your videos, my wife and I sit and watch them together (it’s been 95 days since we’ve ordered our Ekko). Thanks for posting this one, we now know that this is a place we’d like to avoid. 😅
Thanks for the great video. Like you, we have been all around that campground but never stayed there. Will definitely put it on our radar. A lot of campers get this campground confused with Stephen Foster State Park in North Florida. They are different as day and night. Look forward to your next stop. They have done some renovations there and want to see how it went. For ebikers you cannot beat it.
I think what I meant was what was on the other side of the dock you were on? It came out wrong. I saw a building it was near the end of the video. I agree with you Lynn it’s scary at night when you hear all kinds of fitters out there. Sorry I worded that clock thing wrong it dock.
Oh WOW very interesting!! Really something to see with the scenery and the birds and the alligators. The trees was interesting to look at. Once again thank you for taking me along and sharing this with me . The meal look tasty. As always BS & BK & BC
Just don’t go during yellow fly season you’ll thank me later. Those things will eat you alive !! Swell you up and itch you to death lol. Looks like regular fly but it’s yellow !!!
Wow! We were there a couple of years ago, and found the place almost magical. It rained for most of our time there, but we were still able to enjoy our stay. I’m not sure if you encountered the yellow flies, but they will bite the crap out of you. On the morning we left we had an alligator visit our campsite to say goodbye. We cannot wait to return. Thanks for the memories! Becky and Butch 😃
Hey my Cuzin Eddie friends! (just about time to watch that movie again). A gator in our campsite would have sealed the deal for Lynn and kept me from coming back for sure. No bugs at all this time. It was very cold for the area since that arctic blast was right on top of us. Maybe be the bugs just napped until it warmed up. It was a good thing for us though. Glad to hear from you guys again and hope Cuz Eddie is doing good for you these days.
Are you asking about going on the water? If so yes, if you take one of the motor boats you need to be experienced with clearing grass from the motor and having to pull start it. They do kayaks and canoes for rent, also they have a pontoon boat tour for multiple people. I hope this helps.
What a nice place to stay. It’s nice and quiet until you hear the critters at night. Maggie was cute protecting what was hers. That is so brave of dogs. Our protects us too! He’ll hear things outside at night and bark. That was cute owl you showed. I love owls. Hope you have a great day and weekend and week see you soon! Safe travels. 17:36
It was a very nice place to stay but a little scary at night with no lights. What scare us most was Maggie’s reaction to what ever was out there. Thanks so much for following along with us.
I've knocked around the idea of adding one. But Lynn says we have enough cameras. Each video now includes 7 cameras that we have to keep in sync and bring in to edit... she may be right.
Oh so beautiful. A different kind of wilderness than where I am from…NY Adirondack Mountains. You captured so much wildlife. Good point about the night sky access through the trees. Where did you get the folding cot for Maggie? Looking forward to your next adventure.
We got Maggie’s bed from Amazon, it’s a KingCamp bed. It’s located in our Amazon store in the “outside” section, here’s a link to our store if you are interested www.amazon.com/shop/VanTrekkingLifestyle. I will say Maggie loves it and we wish we had bought it sooner.
Your videos are great and you were both so compatible and enjoy the same things together which is beautiful. The dog warning you in that way shows there are more serious critters out there that some have experienced. I could not stay in a place that locks the gate and a way for me to leave if I had to. That just doesn’t make sense.Neverused to think that way but have learned the hard way that one must think of those things. Looking forward to Jekyll Island and hope to explore it someday.
I will say this one of the only places we have stayed that didn’t have a code on the lock to enter or leave, it was a little strange for us too. I want to think that Maggie’s warning was only a raccoon, but it was enough for me to want to go inside especially with not being able to see what it was.
The bummer for me was when I showed up to Canoe camp with a Motor and they said, not Motors for overnight camping. I went to Dowling Park on the Suwannee River and Canoe camped for 2 weeks. In 2024 I will go back to the OKF Swamp. Great Place.
Had to go back to give 👍’s up! Excellent video. Can’t wait to see Jekyll Island, we love riding our bikes all over the island. Thanks again Godspeed to you.
Ooo!😮 ya were scaring me being out in the dark with Maggie away from you. 😬 Were the mosquitos bad?? I would think they would be horrible after dark. We’ve driven through the area years ago, but haven’t stayed there, yet.
Years ago, my hubs and I went canoeing in FLA... it was our first time in a canoe... and I'll tell ya - it would have been MUCH better to have been experienced - specially when we first encountered the biggest alligator I've ever seen - about 5' from us... He kept telling me that if I saw one, to be calm... well, I was!! but when I pointed it out to him, he nearly tipped the boat! thankfully all went well, and we came back with a great story!. .. glad you didnt find whatever Maggie was concerned about in the dark!!
That had to be a scary experience but I bet it's one you'll never forget. We had the same thing happen a few years ago on our inflatable paddle boards during mating season. They get testy during that time. 😂
We enjoyed your boat ride! Kobe got real excited when Maggie was barking 😂.I think this is the headwaters of the Suwanee river! Just a heads up if you are going to Anastasia park this trip the mosquitoes have been real bad since nicole there has be several case's of west Nile.
It amazes us that so many pups know Maggie's voice on TV. 😂 Maggie actually pays no attention to the TV or any other digital voice... at all. Sorry to hear about mosquitos at Anastasia... we're headed that way soon.
I am with Maggie, the guard dog instinct kicking in would of been my signal to heed and believe, time to go inside the Ekko. If it stings, bites, slithers, coils, or looks at me as the next meal, see ya 🤣🤣 other than that criteria, I guess it is a nice place to visit, maybe, LOL. But thanks for the visit to a pretty spectacular place. 🙋🏼♀️🚗🇺🇸❤️🐕
Thanks Guy. You're very welcome. We're glad you're with us and we learn from you telling us what you love. Not sure we can find more owls but we can do more Timelapse's for sure. 😂
Enjoyed this video. This is one of Georgia's most unique state parks. So glad you got to go to Billy's Island where there was actually a thriving community at one time. Did you get to see the old rusted cars that are there? And there's a cemetery there too. I camped there in a popup camper many years ago as a child with my family. My most recent visits were a cabin stay and a day trip. It's certainly on our list to return for a camping trip.
Didn't get to wander around too much on Billy's Island. I actually left the rope on the dock so Owen had to stay at the dock for the island and hold the boat in place while I explored. Really glad you loved the episode.
The boat ride in the swamp was cool. I didn’t hear any banjos so that’s good 😂. Love it’s a dark sky park but yeah a clearing would be nice to see the stars. Looks like a nice quiet place to camp. 👍🏼
Being from south Louisiana I can definitely do without the gators. The boat ride reminded me of the swamps around here and to think as a youngster we would ski and swim in bayous just like that....not any more. That meal was worthy of a happy dance. Happy Trails🐕
That meal was me going back to something that I knew I could do. The last 2 meals on this trip had been a bust so I wanted something I could nail and get right. But man, it was good. Isn't it funny how we did things when we were young that we'd never do now? I was even aware of the water around me when I was clearing the prop, which I had to do 7 or 8 times on the boat ride. I love swamps. My uncle, who was from the swamp land in SC, pronounced them with a definite southern style... he called them "swumps". 😂
OK... have to admit... at first I thought it said Donald Trump. 😂😂 Old eyes. HAHA. The app is a free one from Truma. Here's a link to a video we did about using it. ua-cam.com/video/3ztv6BIY6F0/v-deo.html. I look a lot younger in this video too. 😂
This was such a picturesque episode. I loved every minute. You've seen two owls that you've been able to share, I think. That's amazing! And he waited for you to get your camera! That's even more amazing!..I don't get time to get my phone out of my pocket to snap a photo. I'd love to see an owl. I've heard them many times, though. Glad you got to go out on the water. And that you're feeling better. Jekyl Island is the place in Georgia that is on my list of places I want to go already. I'm very excited to see next episode! You guys are super! Peace & Prayers.
Like RDTW said... except we were there when that arctic blast came down so we had nights into the 30's one night and when we were out on the boat it was in the low 60's when we started and 57 when we got back to the RV.
Was on the fence about visiting this park....now we will give it a whirl. Definitely think the boat excursion will give a true flavor of the swamp. Great video. Thanks for sharing.
You know what... we love it when we hear those words. These places are such jewels and if we can show just one other person that they deserve to be visited then all the work was worth it. You'll love it. Be sure to let us know when you visit and how it goes for you.
Glad you went out and explored. We have some of the most unique, natural and pristine environments here in Florida. Kinda sad so many only know us as WDW. But maybe let’s keep it our little secret.
We often feel the same way... should we tell folks or keep it a secret. But then we thought of something we heard lately. "Everyone on earth should be out here and learn to experience and enjoy this... but the truth is everyone who would enjoy it to its fullest is already out here enjoying it already".
Hubby and I checked out the park a few years ago. Previously to going into the state park, we had taken a guided tour boat ride on the other side of the swamp. It was springtime and gators soaking in the sun to warm up. The concessioners kept our little doggie as we could not ride with us. The stories and info on the canals were quite interesting. Thanks for taking us on your adventure. Oh! I was afraid Maggie saw a bear as we didn't hear a coyote at that point. Bear Scat!!!
Yes lots of bear scat. Pretty sure Maggie heard a raccoon but it literally could have been anything. Maybe I shouldn't have walked over there... but she's a sweet guard dog. Thanks for watching and reaching out to us.
The swamp is beautiful in its own way, even with all the night critters. Maggie is a good guard for sure; extra treat for that invader alert. Whenever I see lily pads I want to fish but in that dark water if you reach down to grab your fish, there may be something much bigger ready to grab not only your fish but you. In the years that I lived in Florida and did lots of fishing I saw enough gators to last my lifetime, and then some. Stay well, safe travels and hugs for the bestest guard doggie.
Having fished quite a bit in saltwater I've learned to grab fish really quickly. A few sharks and several barracudas taught me that lesson. But a gator trying to grab something would stain my shorts for sure. 😂 😂 😂
That looks like a really cool campground. My list keeps growing from all the places you invite us into every week. I love that you're in the middle of nowhere but there are still a few peeps around so it's not too intimidating. Love traveling virtually with ya'll. 🚐
Yes... it would have been really, really scary to be out there and be the only meal for the critters. 😂 It's an honor to keep adding to your bucket list. See you out there one day we hope.
Wow! That owl is absolutely beautiful! You have eagle eyes to find him! Such a cool trip! I agree with Lynn, part of it might be a bit creepy (with all animals out and about at night). It surely was beautiful, though. Y'alls' skill with the video, pics and editing just keeps getting better and better. This was just mesmerizing. Thanks for bringing us along with you this afternoon! Can't wait for the next one. Stay safe this week. Much love from SC, Jane ❤🙏
Thanks dear friend for that comment... made Owen smile. He works really hard at improving and listening to what folks like when we edit. It was creepy... for me and Maggie. Love from NC.
Tammie and I have a canoe and love the swamp, the prettiest place in Georgia. We paddled from Steven Foster State Park to Billy's Island and counted 206 alligators. We can't wait to go back.
We were there last fall and we are going back next month. One of our favorite Georgia State Parks, so quiet and peaceful.
Also Lots of deer then, you could almost walk right up to them walking around the area 🙂
Seeing all that Spanish Moss reminded me that it has been said the first automobile recall was because the Ford Model T used the Spanish Moss for it's car seat stuffing. Well Spanish Moss is home to red bugs (chiggers) and quality control being what it was back then didn't get rid of all of the bugs causing some drivers to get bitten and causing the recall. Not sure if that is fact or fiction but I found it interesting anyway.
That is very interesting, thanks for sharing.
We've been and yes it's a really remote area. We were there in Nov during Thanksgiving week, in a tent and thought we'd freeze to death lol. Took the boat like y'all too and loved it! Only downside is no cell service and about 40 miles to the nearest store. We were there a week with family and grandkids great memories 🥰
Sounds like you made some great memories.
@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle We sure did 🥰
PS- Do not fail to check every day for openings to Highlands Hammock State Park near Sebring, FL for campsites, you HAVE TO do the catwalk there in the river/swamp. It is a wonderful experience!!! We visit there every winter even if just for the day.
Will do. We have stayed there a couple of times and love the catwalk. Thanks for the suggestion.
Oh so much love for this segment and one of my favorite places in the country! I canoed through the Okefenokee in 1977 during winter break from college. For four nights we slept on 18 x18 foot platforms, like island docks built alongside that watery trail because there was no dry land at all! We did not touch land for 6 days except for Billy's Island, where we stayed in the cabin that I think must have been the one pictured on that etched glass and no longer there. Looks like you saw some good birds! Lots of White Ibises, Turkey Vultures, Green Heron and Great Egrets. The Barred Owl picture is beautiful, you captured one calling at 13:10 later in your vid. We were told at the interpretive center that the old-timers living in the swamp navigated by knowing the locations of the Osprey nests, which they could individually recognize and were a predictable distance apart. My jaw literally dropped at those tree-framed starry skies! The song you were serenaded is just the icing on the cake, another special part of this video. It's "Across the Great Divide" by Kate Wolf. Based on my experience with midnight marauders at the Okefenokee, that noise Maggie was whining at was a raccoon looking to swipe anything that was not nailed down at your site. We had one tromping across our sleeping bags one night on one of the platforms! It made off with a bag full of someone's toiletries. Great memories and thanks for a great video!
Thank you so much for sharing your memories and all your knowledge of the Okefenokee. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to camp out in the open… good for you.
The swamp drains out into the Gulf (Suwannee River) and Atlantic (St. Marys river) 2 of the prettiest Rivers in the south. I'm a little prejudice because I live near the st Mary's river
Swamps are pretty cool eco systems aren't they. Nature's filter system. St Mary's River... wow! Love that area. Good for you!
Yeah I’m not thinking it’s for us. Looking forward to next week with Jekyll Island, one of our most favorite places.
It is not for everyone for sure, now you know.
We continue to look forward to your videos, my wife and I sit and watch them together (it’s been 95 days since we’ve ordered our Ekko). Thanks for posting this one, we now know that this is a place we’d like to avoid. 😅
😂… it not for everyone that’s for sure. The waiting is hard but so worth it.
Thanks for the great video. Like you, we have been all around that campground but never stayed there. Will definitely put it on our radar. A lot of campers get this campground confused with Stephen Foster State Park in North Florida. They are different as day and night. Look forward to your next stop. They have done some renovations there and want to see how it went. For ebikers you cannot beat it.
You are so welcome and we appreciate you watching.
Wow I didn’t see any of those boats you rented went last week. Lucky you!
So sorry.
I think what I meant was what was on the other side of the dock you were on? It came out wrong. I saw a building it was near the end of the video. I agree with you Lynn it’s scary at night when you hear all kinds of fitters out there. Sorry I worded that clock thing wrong it dock.
Thank for letting us know, I rewatched the video and didn’t see anything about clocks. We appreciate your comments.
Oh WOW very interesting!! Really something to see with the scenery and the birds and the alligators. The trees was interesting to look at. Once again thank you for taking me along and sharing this with me . The meal look tasty. As always BS & BK & BC
Thanks dear friend! Those trees are really majestic and beautiful for sure. Makes us smile to hear from you each week. Stay safe!
Just don’t go during yellow fly season you’ll thank me later. Those things will eat you alive !! Swell you up and itch you to death lol. Looks like regular fly but it’s yellow !!!
Thanks for the warning. When is yellow fly season?
I wouldn’t want to be in an inflatable kayak either. Did you see any gators in the swamp? I saw sone bird.
We only saw two gators, not as many as we were expecting. So Inflatables might be ok?
I've been here and loved it although the bugs and mosquitoes are pretty bad. I was swarmed at dusk. Also, watch out for those Sasquatch.
I can see where it may be buggy there, I guess we got lucky. We didn’t see Sasquatch either.
Wow! We were there a couple of years ago, and found the place almost magical. It rained for most of our time there, but we were still able to enjoy our stay. I’m not sure if you encountered the yellow flies, but they will bite the crap out of you. On the morning we left we had an alligator visit our campsite to say goodbye. We cannot wait to return. Thanks for the memories! Becky and Butch 😃
Hey my Cuzin Eddie friends! (just about time to watch that movie again). A gator in our campsite would have sealed the deal for Lynn and kept me from coming back for sure. No bugs at all this time. It was very cold for the area since that arctic blast was right on top of us. Maybe be the bugs just napped until it warmed up. It was a good thing for us though. Glad to hear from you guys again and hope Cuz Eddie is doing good for you these days.
I loved seeing the owl. I love owls. They have beautiful eyes. 3:00
We get real excited when we see owls. They are so majestic.
Very relaxing. Do you think it would be safe for a person to go alone?
Are you asking about going on the water? If so yes, if you take one of the motor boats you need to be experienced with clearing grass from the motor and having to pull start it. They do kayaks and canoes for rent, also they have a pontoon boat tour for multiple people. I hope this helps.
What a nice place to stay. It’s nice and quiet until you hear the critters at night. Maggie was cute protecting what was hers. That is so brave of dogs. Our protects us too! He’ll hear things outside at night and bark. That was cute owl you showed. I love owls. Hope you have a great day and weekend and week see you soon! Safe travels. 17:36
It was a very nice place to stay but a little scary at night with no lights. What scare us most was Maggie’s reaction to what ever was out there. Thanks so much for following along with us.
Thats a place to set up trail cams on your site to see the visitors that come at night
I've knocked around the idea of adding one. But Lynn says we have enough cameras. Each video now includes 7 cameras that we have to keep in sync and bring in to edit... she may be right.
You made swamping look like fun.
It was fun. I’m sure it’s not for everyone.
No, nope, and no way. Not a fan of critters. Thanks for sharing.
😂
Oh so beautiful. A different kind of wilderness than where I am from…NY Adirondack Mountains. You captured so much wildlife. Good point about the night sky access through the trees. Where did you get the folding cot for Maggie? Looking forward to your next adventure.
It is different and not for everyone. We appreciate you watching.
We got Maggie’s bed from Amazon, it’s a KingCamp bed. It’s located in our Amazon store in the “outside” section, here’s a link to our store if you are interested www.amazon.com/shop/VanTrekkingLifestyle. I will say Maggie loves it and we wish we had bought it sooner.
I wonder what Maggie saw in the dark.
We think it may have been a raccoon but we will never know.
I finally saw a gator!
Good, glad you saw it.
Your videos are great and you were both so compatible and enjoy the same things together which is beautiful. The dog warning you in that way shows there are more serious critters out there that some have experienced. I could not stay in a place that locks the gate and a way for me to leave if I had to. That just doesn’t make sense.Neverused to think that way but have learned the hard way that one must think of those things. Looking forward to Jekyll Island and hope to explore it someday.
I will say this one of the only places we have stayed that didn’t have a code on the lock to enter or leave, it was a little strange for us too. I want to think that Maggie’s warning was only a raccoon, but it was enough for me to want to go inside especially with not being able to see what it was.
The bummer for me was when I showed up to Canoe camp with a Motor and they said, not Motors for overnight camping. I went to Dowling Park on the Suwannee River and Canoe camped for 2 weeks. In 2024 I will go back to the OKF Swamp. Great Place.
Thanks for sharing. It was a great place for sure.
Not sure how use those clocks on the side.
I’m not sure which clocks you are referring to.
@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle
I’m not sure either. Going through the video to find out. I might have spelled it wrong. Not sure. So sorry!
Had to go back to give 👍’s up!
Excellent video.
Can’t wait to see Jekyll Island, we love riding our bikes all over the island.
Thanks again Godspeed to you.
Thanks for that! And you'll love the footage of the bike ride. Our experience at the campground was not a good one but the island was still a 10!
Ooo!😮 ya were scaring me being out in the dark with Maggie away from you. 😬 Were the mosquitos bad?? I would think they would be horrible after dark. We’ve driven through the area years ago, but haven’t stayed there, yet.
Maggie was on a short leash for sure. No.. actually we did not encounter one single mosquito... at night or during the day.
Years ago, my hubs and I went canoeing in FLA... it was our first time in a canoe... and I'll tell ya - it would have been MUCH better to have been experienced - specially when we first encountered the biggest alligator I've ever seen - about 5' from us... He kept telling me that if I saw one, to be calm... well, I was!! but when I pointed it out to him, he nearly tipped the boat! thankfully all went well, and we came back with a great story!. .. glad you didnt find whatever Maggie was concerned about in the dark!!
That had to be a scary experience but I bet it's one you'll never forget. We had the same thing happen a few years ago on our inflatable paddle boards during mating season. They get testy during that time. 😂
Got 2 days between st petersburgCOE and eastbankCOE, Might have to do a layover!
Stock up and enjoy. It's a great place with that actually has quite a few sites.
We enjoyed your boat ride! Kobe got real excited when Maggie was barking 😂.I think this is the headwaters of the Suwanee river!
Just a heads up if you are going to Anastasia park this trip the mosquitoes have been real bad since nicole there has be several case's of west Nile.
It amazes us that so many pups know Maggie's voice on TV. 😂 Maggie actually pays no attention to the TV or any other digital voice... at all. Sorry to hear about mosquitos at Anastasia... we're headed that way soon.
I am with Maggie, the guard dog instinct kicking in would of been my signal to heed and believe, time to go inside the Ekko. If it stings, bites, slithers, coils, or looks at me as the next meal, see ya 🤣🤣 other than that criteria, I guess it is a nice place to visit, maybe, LOL. But thanks for the visit to a pretty spectacular place. 🙋🏼♀️🚗🇺🇸❤️🐕
It was my instinct to go inside too, hearing noises that you cannot see and then with Maggie’s reaction was all it took.
A unique experience indeed. Great shot of the owl and the time-lapse boat ride was awesome. Thanks for taking us along for the ride again.
Thanks Guy. You're very welcome. We're glad you're with us and we learn from you telling us what you love. Not sure we can find more owls but we can do more Timelapse's for sure. 😂
Great video guys! No alligators for me, I'd be running away scared. But I'm glad to see you enjoyed it.
Glad you enjoyed it
Enjoyed this video. This is one of Georgia's most unique state parks. So glad you got to go to Billy's Island where there was actually a thriving community at one time. Did you get to see the old rusted cars that are there? And there's a cemetery there too. I camped there in a popup camper many years ago as a child with my family. My most recent visits were a cabin stay and a day trip. It's certainly on our list to return for a camping trip.
Didn't get to wander around too much on Billy's Island. I actually left the rope on the dock so Owen had to stay at the dock for the island and hold the boat in place while I explored. Really glad you loved the episode.
The boat ride in the swamp was cool. I didn’t hear any banjos so that’s good 😂. Love it’s a dark sky park but yeah a clearing would be nice to see the stars. Looks like a nice quiet place to camp. 👍🏼
It was so quiet you could hear your neighbor signing from 200 yards away and man was it dark. And thank heavens no banjo music 😂
Beautiful boat ride. The lake has lots of animals to explore and I wonder about the gators 🐊 enjoy from Alex and Orly
We didn’t see as many gators as I thought we would, but I’m sure they are there.
Being from south Louisiana I can definitely do without the gators. The boat ride reminded me of the swamps around here and to think as a youngster we would ski and swim in bayous just like that....not any more. That meal was worthy of a happy dance. Happy Trails🐕
That meal was me going back to something that I knew I could do. The last 2 meals on this trip had been a bust so I wanted something I could nail and get right. But man, it was good. Isn't it funny how we did things when we were young that we'd never do now? I was even aware of the water around me when I was clearing the prop, which I had to do 7 or 8 times on the boat ride. I love swamps. My uncle, who was from the swamp land in SC, pronounced them with a definite southern style... he called them "swumps". 😂
Nice video. Thanks. We have a similar size RV on the Ford chassis. What is the leveling app you used in this video? I need some thing like that.
OK... have to admit... at first I thought it said Donald Trump. 😂😂 Old eyes. HAHA. The app is a free one from Truma. Here's a link to a video we did about using it. ua-cam.com/video/3ztv6BIY6F0/v-deo.html. I look a lot younger in this video too. 😂
Look like a cool place thanks for sharing I wouldn't mind the boat ride
That boat ride was spooky and fun... and perfect. And just $54 for the 2 of us. Glad we did it and we're glad you're with us.
We have been there, great place. We took the boat tour and the sun was setting highly recommend ir
Everyone should see it don't you think? Precious place.
This was such a picturesque episode. I loved every minute. You've seen two owls that you've been able to share, I think. That's amazing! And he waited for you to get your camera! That's even more amazing!..I don't get time to get my phone out of my pocket to snap a photo. I'd love to see an owl. I've heard them many times, though. Glad you got to go out on the water. And that you're feeling better. Jekyl Island is the place in Georgia that is on my list of places I want to go already. I'm very excited to see next episode! You guys are super! Peace & Prayers.
We love seeing and hearing owl’s, it’s always a special treat we get excited about. Thanks so much for following along.
Great video you two. Maggie was a little excited for sure.see ya next week.
Thanks Richard!
@12:19 The swamp helpers for those who are operating a boat for the first time.
HAHA... there were lots of those "swamp helpers" and we said the same thing. Beautiful yet ugly creatures for sure.
Great presentation! Added to our list of parks to visit.
That makes us smile! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Im just a little curious what the temps were there? I saw jackets and shirtsleeves...mmmm? Beautiful birds and scenery.
High 50s in the morning and 70s during the day. I live just a few miles from the swamp
Like RDTW said... except we were there when that arctic blast came down so we had nights into the 30's one night and when we were out on the boat it was in the low 60's when we started and 57 when we got back to the RV.
Never disappointed when I see your video pop up. Sooooo looking forward to my trip to SCF in a few weeks.
Hope you love SCF. We did and we love seeing your comments. Let us know how it goes, OK?
@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle You certainly didn’t steer me wrong with Crooked River last year! 😻
Awesome video ! Loved it.
Thanks so much!
Lovely meditative video
Thank you!
🌼👍
Awesome video
Thank you!
Was on the fence about visiting this park....now we will give it a whirl. Definitely think the boat excursion will give a true flavor of the swamp. Great video. Thanks for sharing.
You know what... we love it when we hear those words. These places are such jewels and if we can show just one other person that they deserve to be visited then all the work was worth it. You'll love it. Be sure to let us know when you visit and how it goes for you.
Glad you went out and explored. We have some of the most unique, natural and pristine environments here in Florida. Kinda sad so many only know us as WDW. But maybe let’s keep it our little secret.
We often feel the same way... should we tell folks or keep it a secret. But then we thought of something we heard lately. "Everyone on earth should be out here and learn to experience and enjoy this... but the truth is everyone who would enjoy it to its fullest is already out here enjoying it already".
Hubby and I checked out the park a few years ago. Previously to going into the state park, we had taken a guided tour boat ride on the other side of the swamp. It was springtime and gators soaking in the sun to warm up. The concessioners kept our little doggie as we could not ride with us. The stories and info on the canals were quite interesting. Thanks for taking us on your adventure. Oh! I was afraid Maggie saw a bear as we didn't hear a coyote at that point. Bear Scat!!!
Yes lots of bear scat. Pretty sure Maggie heard a raccoon but it literally could have been anything. Maybe I shouldn't have walked over there... but she's a sweet guard dog. Thanks for watching and reaching out to us.
The swamp is beautiful in its own way, even with all the night critters. Maggie is a good guard for sure; extra treat for that invader alert. Whenever I see lily pads I want to fish but in that dark water if you reach down to grab your fish, there may be something much bigger ready to grab not only your fish but you. In the years that I lived in Florida and did lots of fishing I saw enough gators to last my lifetime, and then some.
Stay well, safe travels and hugs for the bestest guard doggie.
Having fished quite a bit in saltwater I've learned to grab fish really quickly. A few sharks and several barracudas taught me that lesson. But a gator trying to grab something would stain my shorts for sure. 😂 😂 😂
The boat adventure looked like so much fun!!! Maggie sounded scared that one night....never heard that sound from her before.
We've never heard that sound from her either. It was a deep, deep growl and she was on high alert. Move love from NC
That looks like a really cool campground. My list keeps growing from all the places you invite us into every week. I love that you're in the middle of nowhere but there are still a few peeps around so it's not too intimidating. Love traveling virtually with ya'll. 🚐
Yes... it would have been really, really scary to be out there and be the only meal for the critters. 😂 It's an honor to keep adding to your bucket list. See you out there one day we hope.
That was fun! Thanks for taking us along on your adventures and sharing these awesome locations.
Glad you're always with us Richard. Really does make us smile.
Wow! That owl is absolutely beautiful! You have eagle eyes to find him! Such a cool trip! I agree with Lynn, part of it might be a bit creepy (with all animals out and about at night). It surely was beautiful, though. Y'alls' skill with the video, pics and editing just keeps getting better and better. This was just mesmerizing. Thanks for bringing us along with you this afternoon! Can't wait for the next one. Stay safe this week. Much love from SC, Jane ❤🙏
Thanks dear friend for that comment... made Owen smile. He works really hard at improving and listening to what folks like when we edit. It was creepy... for me and Maggie. Love from NC.
@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle ❤️
Another great video! The boat ride looked like so much fun! I definitely would have enjoyed that. Yep, I can agree about it being spooky at night.
Boat ride was awesome. Nighttime was too but for a very different reason. You can't see your hand in front of your face there. Dark-30!
@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle lol, that’s too dark for me too!