GossSquatch Outdoor Adventures

Pics Dec 2022 The Everglades is a very wide, very slow‑moving river — basically the lazy river of the natural world, minus the inflatable tubes and questionable sunscreen choices. Once stretching from the Kissimmee chain of lakes all the way to the Gulf of Mexico , it’s now one of the largest National Parks in the USA and the largest in Florida. It was also one of the first national parks created specifically to protect biodiversity. (Take that, theme parks.) History Before humans settled in South Florida, the Everglades was a natural wonder that filtered water through grassy marshes on its leisurely journey south. It was home to species like the Everglades Orchid ( Govenia floridana ) and the Wandering Giant Sloth — a creature so slow it made modern teenagers look energetic. Sadly, both species disappeared due to human activity, hunting, and habitat loss. When settlers realized Florida could grow sugar cane without importing it, they went all‑in. Huge areas were converted to fa...

Shingle Creek is often called a small river, winding through Central Florida with two personalities: the calm and relaxing upper and lower sections, and the wild, unpredictable central stretch. I’ve attempted the central section twice and completed it once—an adventure that shaped my love for paddling and set the stage for future journeys. Disclaimer: This story predates my photography days, but it’s worth sharing because it frames my sense of adventure. And yes, the only thing I captured back then was mosquito bites. Paddling Adventures – Overview Before diving into the trail details, let’s talk about my paddling experience and some essential safety notes. Because nothing says “fun” like avoiding a call to the Coast Guard . My Experience I’m an experienced paddler with certifications in Paddle Craft Safely (in-person) and Safety Afloat (online) through Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America). As a youth, I paddled the Everglades and stayed in a chickee, explored ...

Welcome to My Travel Blog — Adventures Ahead! Hello everyone, and welcome to my new travel blog! If you love the great outdoors—or just love pretending you’re outdoors while inside with the AC blasting—you’re in the right place. I’ll be exploring America’s National and State Parks, camping, hiking, road-tripping, and sharing the adventures that inspired me to start this blog. Whether you’re planning your next trip, learning from my mistakes (I make plenty), or simply enjoying the ride through my eyes, I’m glad you’re here. My mission? To inspire your sense of adventure—and possibly your tolerance for dad jokes. What’s Coming Up? Over the next few months, join me as I explore: Venturing Out West Climbing in Badlands National Park Navigating the maze-like passages of Wind Cave National Park Descending deep into Jewel Cave National Park Standing beneath our stoic stone presidents at Mount Rushmore Exploring ancient cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde Gazing into the vast Gran...