In this video I'm returning to Blue Spring State Park after my last failed attempt there at solo car camping a few months ago (I'll link that video below if you missed my tear-filled rant), and this time, I'm met with a wonderful and unplanned treat when I arrive... Join me for an memorable and special experience as I'm surrounded by literally thousands of fireflies at the designated firefly habitat annual mating event. This has been something on my bucket list ever since I found out we actually have fireflies here in Florida a few years back! And the surprises don't stop there, with several more unexpected wildlife encounters and some beautiful scenery as I attempt my first mini hike since my latest (and most severe) autoimmune flare. Thanks for being here, I hope you enjoy coming along with me on this awesome 2nd chance advanture! 💚 ==== my previous failed attempt at car camping here: kzitem.info/news/bejne/yauhq2GPsmNnYI4si=UQuq0GnTA0dcjvnX my tour of blue spring State Park on a record breaking manatee day: kzitem.info/news/bejne/rZCXzpVok3yneoIsi=JJfJV6S0b9mttLAL ==== My setup details **As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it! Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used: Bluetti EB70S Power Station (800W inverter with 716Wh): amzn.to/3nhu0ft joulle travel kettle 500W: amzn.to/3VMQ8gI Shower bag: amzn.to/39LSDtM cup holder phone stand for watching TV: amzn.to/3Kk6veY disposable female urinals (Travel Jane): amzn.to/3EGHebl urinal/reusable no spill bottle: amzn.to/3Z3lWMM Luci Light inflatable solar lantern: amzn.to/3YXvJ6U Lunatec pressurized water bottle: amzn.to/3KBgXyX macrame fruit hammock/bag: amzn.to/3lOlwLT Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp: amzn.to/3lHxBCl cup holder inverter: amzn.to/41bpluz bamboo breakfast tray: amzn.to/3GiXM8Q low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle: amzn.to/3YD96EV Aeropress coffee maker: amzn.to/3lLFKG5 handheld battery powered milk frother: amzn.to/3kat7DV mesh window screens: amzn.to/3GiXSxe magnetic window curtains: amzn.to/3G8TqAW metal utility shelf: amzn.to/3wF2tXp trunk storage unit: amzn.to/3wBFNXY Insulated cooler bag: amzn.to/38FK6IG ergonomic gel memory foam seat cushion: amzn.to/3wBLNjg boot scraper: amzn.to/3z1eaJc side slot cup holders: amzn.to/3wC6IS0 hands free phone cup holder stand: amzn.to/3sTLHS1 hands free phone dash mount: amzn.to/3G8Uvsu LED flameless chargeable lantern: amzn.to/3lE8EVf USB LED light bulb: amzn.to/3yVudZc stained glass "rainbow" decals: - phases of the moon: amzn.to/3WBaxm9 - mandalas: amzn.to/3hJXlfF magic mesh screen doors: amzn.to/41OXq3x mosquito netting: amzn.to/44aPhrU Outdoor rug: amzn.to/3yuV5Pv Folding camp table (aluminum): amzn.to/37GGGF2 Coleman Camp Chair: amzn.to/3L52sQg 1.5" memory foam topper: amzn.to/3EfMQZS Luci solar string lights: amzn.to/46mPF6X Mosaic solar lantern: amzn.to/3LDJpjb large storage hamper: amzn.to/3OVtO0S storage bins with bamboo lids: amzn.to/3oCcfbC chargeable hang led color change light amzn.to/41a5IUm
@Michelle-bw1xg
6 ай бұрын
It was a joy to watch you have such an amazing trip, the delight of the fireflies and walking around. Such a victory! You brought back childhood memories of mine seeing fireflies a couple times.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Awwww, thank you! I'm so happy it brought up fond memories!!
@nikkipage9132
6 ай бұрын
I miss fireflies. So many when I was a kid.❤
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
They are so magical!!
@trish7080
6 ай бұрын
You look so cute with your hair braided. I love it , also your van is always done beautifully.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much! 💕
@lanaadams7425
6 ай бұрын
This was magical and enchanting, I think one of your best. From the environment footage to the "stuff" info, the Mindfullness word search and daily journal, Goodr sunglasses and Another Dumb Blond site. It was great. I'm so glad you had a good time.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! I had a really great time making this one!!
@deborahhuckaby4623
6 ай бұрын
Fireflies are amazing little creatures! Like sparkling diamonds. I haven't seen any here yet. Seeing your smile and how excited you are in this video is so sweet. I'm glad you actually felt well enough to do a little hiking. Did you know fireflies are considered a sign of hope, inspiration guidance, and transformation. It was a true gift. You were able to be there on the perfect night. What an exciting trip. You would have missed all that 3 months ago. ❤. Have a great weekend.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
I did not know that about fireflies, but thank you for sharing it with me. That makes it even more special! And you are so right, if I'd stayed a few months ago, I wouldn't have gone back again this soon to camp! 💚
@TaraYanta
6 ай бұрын
Those braids are so dang cute. It's wonderful to see you out and enjoying yourself doing what you love. Can't wait for your next video 😊
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!! 🥰
@terrilane2973
6 ай бұрын
Glad to see you out and about! Love the manatees
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you!! I know, it's always such a treat to see them!
@cinnamon--girl
6 ай бұрын
Beautiful video, Heather! I have yet to visit Blue Springs, but after watching this video, it is on my bucket list! Have a lovely weekend. 🥰
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
It's so worth the visit! (Especially in the winter to see all the manatees gathered!)
@virginiawedell9715
6 ай бұрын
Hi Heather. Good to see you out and about, surrounded by the beautiful nature that you so love. I enjoyed the trip with you. I like the trips that combine nature, history, wildlife and just hanging out. I like your new journal and word search books and your cute sunglasses. By the way, I just noticed you’re a lefty, like me. A lot of famous lefties in the world. See ya on the next one! ❤️
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Those are my favorite destinations (the ones that combine scenic views, wildlife, and history!!) Thank you for watching! 💚
@douglashoward5738
6 ай бұрын
Great to see you out on an adventure!😊
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@kirstenstrobel4387
6 ай бұрын
I love happy surprises. The fireflies were my favorite. Or maybe the manatees. Or the owl (what a beauty!). OK, they’re all my faves. I like your new journal. A great way to focus on good stuff. Here’s hoping you can get out again soon to recharge your batteries!
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Amazon knows my habits too well... they recommend that journal & I was immediately influenced lol! Thank you! This was such a great trip, but I am definitely sore from my little walk lol!
@RobertDickens2002
6 ай бұрын
Oh i love some evanescence and that was my favorite song too.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Still one of my all time favorite songs!!
@birdingtrip7101
6 ай бұрын
I can't remember seeing fireflies. 😢 But it was cool seeing you watch Beer in Beautiful Places. I was going to tell you she was doing the Peace River. You knew!
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Yes!! I was so excited to see her doing it, b/c I've always been curious about fossil hunting there but wondered about the gators... did you see her first day when she startled that large one!? 😳 that might have been the end of the trip for me!+
@birdingtrip7101
6 ай бұрын
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures Super scary. After months out on the AT and then being so scared on the Peace River. That tells you how wild Florida is. I wouldn't do it, maybe with other people, but the campsites even looked vulnerable to alligators and snakes. I really don't think she should have done it alone, still waiting on the final day.
@juliamarple3785
6 ай бұрын
I ♡ fireflies! We don't have em in the Southwest. Ever since I saw my 1st ones in Oklahoma, I have felt empty without them. They are just magical.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
I've only ever seen them a few times, & only once in large numbers like this!
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
They really are magical 💚
@JimGalyon
6 ай бұрын
And seeing the Pileated Woodpecker was cool! I've seen just one here in Michigan a couple years ago. I love to bird watch and the parks in Florida look like a good place to do that.
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Yes, it was so cool getting to watch one at eye level for so long. No matter how many times I see them, I'm always surprised by how large they are! Florida is awesome for birding!
@katreyes6358
6 ай бұрын
Fireflies, how cool. I've never seen them in person. You look very happy all up in nature and wildlife, good for you!
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
It was soooo neat! Definitely a memorable experience!
@juliehoot3916
6 ай бұрын
Hi Heather, all the wonders of nature you can still experience even with your limited mobility! What a day full of nature blessings! Have you tried an aftermarket blue screen filter on your computer screen to help stop triggering occular migraine? Have you tried wearing sunglasses while working on computer? Thank you for sharing. Love nature! ❤
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Yes it was so nice to be able to enjoy being out in nature without pushing myself too much! (Although I am pretty sore from my minimal exertion LOL) Yes, I've tried both. The sunglasses help some but mine all have at least some polarization so that makes it weird too 🤷♀️ I'm thinking maybe one of those clip on privacy screens that darken it a lot??
@juliehoot3916
6 ай бұрын
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures Yes! Get some sunglasses without polarization! 👍
@KaiExploresLife
6 ай бұрын
Super excited for you!
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you friend!! (BTW live the channel name update, I meant to tell you that before!)
@KaiExploresLife
6 ай бұрын
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures Thank you friend. I thought it would be easier for people to say my name. 😂
@JimGalyon
6 ай бұрын
Hi Heather! Happy Friday. Very cool video. Loved seeing the Owl and everything else. Here in Michigan, the fireflies are awesome. Very cool that you got see them! You seemed very happy in this video. Nice to see. Thank you!! Have a good weekend 😊
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
I really was happy in this video, I'm glad that came through. I've been feeling so down lately, and the unexpected firefly encounter (followed by the owl the next morning) just really instantly lifted my mood so much. I'm so glad I went! Thanks for watching!
@hsoderberg6505
6 ай бұрын
I just found your channel. I was looking back on some of your earlier vlogs & find many comments pretty disturbing, a lot of 'armchair' docs that are so sure they know exactly what you should/should not do.
@cindyjohnston3134
6 ай бұрын
in cleveland, ohio...us kids used to catch fireflies in a jar and watch them..then let them go...our mom hates bugs...lol
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
I always saw movies growing up of kids catching them in mason jars, and I just wanted to see one lol!! I was well into adulthood before I saw my first ones!
@MegaSusanc
5 ай бұрын
Awesome as always beautiful. Aww how cute 😍 your new coffee cup lol I love it. You are truly awesome you inspire me to get out even though I'm so tired and not feeling well but you make me feel like I can do it. Thank you for sharing your awesome adventures and for all the hard work and time you put into your awesome videos. STAY AWESOME STAY STRONG KEEP ADVENTURING GOD BLESS YOU.
@MegaSusanc
5 ай бұрын
PS, Oh yah where would you see the manatees? Thanks again. 😂
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
5 ай бұрын
Thank you so much, that means a lot! I hope you're feeling better soon yourself!!
@karencannon
6 ай бұрын
Well my first solo camping was not as good as I expected lol I brought to my stuff and my kitchen is to big so rearranging this weekend and go again next weekend local
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
You'll get better and better every time you go out and before long, you'll be a pro!! 💚
@strangedaysdiaries
6 ай бұрын
I just found your channel because you subscribed to mine and i LOVE your personality and videos! Love seeing another fellow girl on the road!
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Aww, thank you, that made my day! I thought the same about your personality and I LOVE the unique places you find!! 💚
@jasonsandifer3250
5 ай бұрын
Newly Updated Safety Suggestions: for Campers, Explorers, Travelers, I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living. Although, I just noticed your KZitem channel, and other similar channels, displaying van living. I just wanted to remind everyone to Aware Be of your surroundings and Alert, I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc... People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living. I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself. Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this. I feel that you , and others KZitemrs sharing this with your viewers will be very helpful. I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors. I shared this with several other travelers, as I watched their KZitem channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others. Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety tips, and items that may help you, or others in your viewing audience. Although, you may have knowledge of this already, I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone. *Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle. You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage Do your research for the best fit for you Consider Carrying Several Extra portable cellphone phone chargers, and cables. Consider theses items: *Mini portable power charging station. I have also seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, that can be recharged from sunlight this may be very useful to have, to power your devices. *Invest in a Cellular signal booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost or amplify your cell signal and reception. Consider also the purchase of a WiFi signal booster to also boost your WiFi signal. Research to see what you prefer. *Very Inportant: Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location. There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating, or camping situations. *Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts, and location updates that can be sent to your family, and emergency first responders. Some can be synchronized with your smart watch or phone. There are some satellite SOS texting messaging, locator devices that will send messages with your phone even if there isn’t any cellular signal, or WiFi. With this device your can still text, and communicate with others in a emergency satellite transmission. Check online, for various emergency SOS products, some are small to fit in the palm of your hand. You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you. *Mini portable vehicle battery jumper charger *vehicle battery jumper cables *Vehicle Jumper cables *PLEASE BE AWARE* that in the *WINTER* *vehicle *Batteries fail* many times in very cold weather conditions. Vehicle batteries drain more often in the winter months. Please Keep a vehicle battery portable jumper pack, this is a device that can jumper or boost your vehicles battery yourself without another vehicle. If you have a older battery in your vehicle, Please have it tested or replace it, and consider the purchase a new vehicle battery with higher Cold Cranking Amps rating. Be Aware that Sometimes even a battery that is a few years old can fail in the Winter months, and extremely cold temperatures. Some alternatives to Winter Camping, Travelers, Explorers, etc, if you can find a Warmer Climate Location to stay during Extreme Winter months, or stay with family for a few weeks. Another alternative is renting somewhere although this can probably get expensive. What ever you decide Be Careful, Alert, Aware, Safe, and Informed... *Keep a Fire extinguisher handy *Smoke detectors, and Carbon monoxide detectors can be helpful Consider installing; *Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly. *Exterior vehicle mounted camera for the front, rear, and both sides of your vehicle. Some can be activated by motion, Including spotlights. *Interior vehicle cameras *Flashlights or pluggin spotlights *Portable spotlights, and lanterns Keep a few whistles around with you, and in your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console *Keep a Sound horn, for hiking this can service, as a deterrent, and a emergency signal alert for others. *A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, to communicate with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies, you can keep with you when hiking. Use your own discretion regarding the use carrying of any weapons. Don’t forget to bring Bear Spray Pepper spray Where is allowed Purchase a couple canisters just in case and keep it with you If you own a drone you can use it to survey your area for animals etc. However, Please Be Safe and Beware of your Surroundings. Stay Alert, and Be Safe even when stopping at Rest stops, Truck Stops, and conducting your various tasks. Keep in often contact with your family, friends etc. Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions. *VERY IMPORTANT* I would suggest *NOT* to travel to locations without internet, cellular service in the Winter, the reason is that weather conditions can change very quickly, and you absolutely DO NOT want have a vehicle break down, or malfunction, or emergency, and not have the availability to communicate, and contact your family, and or, emergency road assistance, or emergency services. PLEASE BE AWARE that in some extreme cold temperatures that vehicle fuel lines could Freeze and causing a vehicle to not start. Just in case Keep your gas tank filled, which helps prevent vehicle fuel lines from freezing. Keep gas or fuel line additive, or gas line antifreeze, that is rated to use okay for your vehicle. Check with your a certified mechanic and your vehicle owners manual, and or dealer repair facility to inquire what is best to prevent freezing gas tank and lines in extreme cold. *Safety is Paramount* *Your Life is Important* *You want to Live to Travel another Day* *So Be Safe* *Stay Alert* *Keep your vehicle gas filled* Don’t ride on fumes, or on Empty. Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle fuel or gas too close to Empty. Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time, and headache later on. Remember to keep up on routine maintenance, check your tires for wear, keep up with your fluids for your vehicle, like oil levels, antifreeze coolant, Please carry extra (oil)(washer fluid), (brake fluid), (antifreeze). You will need extra Winshield Washer fluid because of the ever changing Weather conditions, dustly roads, especially in slushy wet roads. Furthermore, you will need extra Windshield Washer Fluid, Because you will Be driving more often in dusty, dirty, windy, and varying weather conditions. Your windshield will gather dust and debris from long term driving. Also, Remember Because you are on the road riding for sometimes very long distances, and long periods of time, I would suggest investing in 2 sets of tires, and a spare, the extra set to rotate. Check the mileage ratings on your tires they all very. Conduct visual inspections of your tires often, check for damage, wearing, air pressure, etc Keep a pressure gauge to check your tires pressure and a tire pump. Electric, Portable tire pump. Keep towing insurance to Be Safe if you ever need it. It Doesn’t cost much try to get National coverage if available, or where you will be traveling. Keep Extra financing, and savings for any unexpected issues, vehicle repairs, and overnight stays, in a emergency or if you need to rest indoors. Keep Enjoying Yourself, Keep Enjoying the outdoors, and Nature Just..Please continue to Be Positive, Safe, and Alert.. Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All. God Bless You, and everyone Traveling, or living in their vehicles, Vans, RVs, etc. Please Be Safe..... God Be With You..... Author Advocate for Humanity, Jason Sandifer, Michigan, 12/20/2023 11/15/2022, 11/18/2022, 5/2024
@Moonchildsvanlife
6 ай бұрын
How do the butterflies hang on your ceiling mine fall down
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
They're self adhesive, but I've finally had a couple of the large ones fall off recently so when I'm at camp this weekend, I'm going to try a fix for them 🤞
@RobertDickens2002
6 ай бұрын
Ive seen them here in sw ga they are rare though the most ive seen were at the river.
@bjbj3853
6 ай бұрын
Kismet! I just checked in to Blue Spring State Park. I'm so disappointed. As I drove up to check in, I saw a sign that said 'No water sports'. That means no swimming, no paddle boats, no fishing, etc. No water sports at a spring?! I wish they had let me know, and I would have stayed at my previous campground (Rainbow Springs, which was awesome). No wonder there were so many cancellations.😢
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
I know, I'm sorry you got surprised with it, it seemed very last minute. I'm in a Florida camping group online and this past week there were quite a few upset people that had received emails letting them know right before their trips, and most had reserved there specifically to swim. I know they're still allowing boat tours and kayak/canoing/paddling on the river launch side, but that's definitely not a substitute for swimming and floating there 😔 I think some of the banks by the head spring were so eroded, they were becoming a hazard & they can't do the construction during the winter months b/c of its Refuge designation for the manatees, so they jad to wait till April. Definitely a bummer!
@bjbj3853
6 ай бұрын
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures I'm going to check out the boat tour tomorrow. Hopefully, it's still on. And that hike seems like a possibility (minus the snakes!). At the very least, I'll get to some tutorials I've been putting off. 👍
@kirstenstrobel4387
6 ай бұрын
Forgot in my other Comment: I love Montana Danna. I found her because of her cargo trailer conversion. (Will she ever really get those ceiling tiles to stay up?!) I agree she is extremely talented. But the poor girl has the worst luck with boyfriends. I think she should have me pick them for her. That’s what I tell my daughter. 🤣
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Yes, I love her she shed lol!! I understand more about some of her relationships now after the last video. ☹️
@lorimiller3436
5 ай бұрын
Hi Heather,hey this has nothing to do with this video but here goes, I tried to find that little scraper thing you use on your carpet before vacuuming, can you please put up a link or just tell me where I might find it 😊 Thank you ❤
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
5 ай бұрын
Sure thing, its definitely a handy little tool! amzn.to/3Qj8NgF
@teresarobinson4911
6 ай бұрын
Nice
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@soapychica1132
11 күн бұрын
Where did you purchase your F---g socks I love them and your channel ?❤
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
9 күн бұрын
I found them on Amazon!! There are sooooo many different styles I want by them... let me try to find the link!!
@RLeeVanCamps
6 ай бұрын
I also tell the wildlife don’t worry i won’t hurt you! Wonder if they understand😊
@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures
6 ай бұрын
💕💕
@annaroberts3976
6 ай бұрын
SO HAPPY that you were able to make this trip! And, what a magical bonus you received in the fireflies! Your 24 hours of enjoyment is exactly why we never give up...We never know what might be waiting for us the next day. Blessings to you.🩵
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