“We hear a lot about how bad things are in the world. So when you go out and see things that are still happening - the birds are still singing and these little creatures are still out here running around - it gives you the strength to keep going and, also, it gives you a lot of joy.” - Donna Shaunesey Today’s guest, Donna Shaunesey, has been kayak camping and backpacking on her own for over thirty years. Her solo, multi-day trips on Virginia’s rivers, marshes, and swamps have brought her closer to nature AND resulted in some close encounters with wildlife. Donna shares stories of her journeys as well as tips for planning your own overnight adventure. Let’s Go! • Rivanna River, Charlottesville: https://www.visitcharlottesville.org/listing/rivanna-river/670/ • James River State Park, Gladstone: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/james-river • False Cape State Park, Virginia Beach: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/false-cape • Bivy Sack: https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/best-bivy-sack/ • Good To Go Dehydrated Foods: https://goodto-go.com/ • Head Net: https://www.rei.com/search?q=head+net • Little Island City Park, Sandbridge: https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails/city-parks/Pages/little-island-park.aspx • Merchants Millpond State Park, North Carolina: https://www.ncparks.gov/merchants-millpond-state-park/home • Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Suffolk: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/great_dismal_swamp/ • Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area, Charles City: https://dwr.virginia.gov/wma/chickahominy/ • Saint Mary’s Wilderness, Steele’s Tavern: https://www.virginia.org/listings/OutdoorsAndSports/SaintMarysWilderness/ • Appomattox River Company, Farmville: https://paddleva.com/ • High Tor Gear Exchange, Charlottesville: https://www.hightorgearexchange.com Follow VAOA Podcast: • Twitter: twitter.com/VAOAPodcast • Facebook: www.facebook.com/VAOAPodcast • Website: www.virginiaoutdooradventures.com/