Q&A | Solo Camping Edition
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| Q&A |
Introduction to Oya Obinidodo:
Question:
Can you tell us a little about yourself and a what inspired you to become a wilderness survival enthusiast?
My Answer:
Well I never in a million years thought I would be a wilderness survival enthusiast. It's something that kind of happened naturally after experiencing poverty for so long. I new that I had to survive and adapt to living in the wild.
Influence of YouTube and Books:
How did watching survival videos on YouTube and reading wilderness survival books shape your approach to camping and outdoor adventures?
My Answer:
I learned as much as I can by watching and reading.
First Solo Camping Experience:
What was your very first solo camping trip like, and what were your expectations going into it versus the reality you faced?
My Answer:
My first solo camping wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. It seemed like no matter how many supplies I took with me, I could never have enough. I either run out of supplies too fast, or realize that I need to buy a whole lot of new stuff to survive. My dog passed away on my first solo camping trip, and I went into a state of depression for a long time.
I learned that the amount of supplies you take with you depends on your location. Some locations are more remote than others and you may need more supplies to protect you from the elements and wild dangerous animals. The more remote the location, the more supplies you will need.
I also learned on my first solo camping trip that finding a camping location without all the supplies you need isn't as easy as it looks. Each destination has it's own harsh realities. I also had to watch my back for tornadoes and bad weather. I installed a weather app so I could keep track of the weather.
I got harassed a lot on my first solo camping trip too. I received death threats, which I talked about in many of my previous blogs. I didn't expect that to happen. I thought the trip would be relaxing and peaceful. I was in Nauvoo Illinois.
Challenges Faced:
Can you share some of the most dangerous situations you've encountered during your camping trips and how you handled them?
My Answer:
One time, I went on a solo camping trip and got lost in the woods. The area was so remote that I lost cell signal and got stuck. I couldn't find the dispersed campsite I was looking for and I ended up choosing any old space and set up my tent in the middle of the night. By the next morning, a truck pulled up to me and told me that I was on private property. I didn't even know. I thought I was on the free DWR property but I had gotten lost and didn't have cell service. I had purchased an annual national forest permit and a DWR 14-day permit, but still ended up in the wrong spot. The name of the spot was called Big Woods WMA, in Surry Virginia.
Another time was when I got on a site called Campendium or The Dyrt to look for a campsite. It said that the site was legitimate but when I got there it was not. I set up a tent and the owner came around and told me to leave. I knew not to trust every listing on there. I can't remember which site the listing was on but it was one of those two. This happened to me in South Carolina. I can't remember the city exactly. I talked about some of this camping stuff in The Gruesome Travel History of Oya Obinidodo on YouTube.
On one of my solo camping trips, I had made a reservation on Hipcamp. After I got there, my car got stuck in the mud. The campsite was very remote and on a narrow hidden path. I had to walk to a nearby intersection to wave down someone who could help. Someone eventually came and helped me get my car out of the mud, and I didn't have pay hundreds of dollars for a tow truck. I ended up cancelling the whole trip and asking for a refund. I was in Emporia Virginia when this happened to me earlier this year.
On the flip side, about six of my solo camping experiences went as planned, and I didn't really have any problems. Those places were (and the year that I visited):
Bill Monroe Campground - Morgantown IN (2022)
Chickahominy Riverfront Park- Williamsburg VA (2023)
KOA Holiday - Virginia Beach (2023)
Picture Lake Campground - Petersburg VA (2024)
Oregon Inlet Campground - Nags Head, NC (2024)
Merchants Millpond- Gatesville, NC (2024)
You guys should check out those locations if you're looking for a chill tent camping spot. Unlike the more remote dangerous spots that I went to, those locations didn't require much survival skills and were located within 5 -10 minutes of civilization. If you don't want to be around alot of people, don't go during the busy season and choose a campsite far from the others.
Lessons Learned:
What are some key lessons you've learned about survival in the wilderness that you think are essential for others wanting to try solo camping?
My Answer:
Always take enough supplies with you and always have a GPS signaling device if you are going into a forest, desert, mountain, or ocean terrain. Never always depend on a cellphone GPS because it could take you on the wrong route. Always watch for wildlife and be careful.
Balancing Rap and Adventure:
How do you balance your passion for rap with your love for wilderness adventures? Do they influence each other in any way?
My Answer:
I like to rap when I'm in the wilderness. For me, rapping and wilderness go hand in hand. That's why I wrote 'The Ruff Owtdowz'.
Viewer Reactions:
How have your fans and followers reacted to your solo camping videos? Have you received any memorable feedback or stories from them?
My Answer:
No, I haven't received any feedback about my solo camping videos. I don't think anyone cares. They rather watch someone else's videos, and that's okay with me. I don't mind watching my own videos.
Advice for Beginners:
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start solo camping but feels intimidated or unsure of where to begin?
My Answer:
If you feel intimidated, then don't go. Solo camping is only for those brave enough and knowledgeable enough to do it. You must know more than basic survival skills. You have to be an expert at it. You have to feel confident in yourself and know that you can do it. If you're scared or having second thoughts, then I wouldn't recommend doing it it.
Future Adventures:
What are your plans for future camping trips? Are there any specific locations or challenges you're excited to tackle next?
My Answer:
At first, I had a long list of destinations I wanted to check out. Most of them were located in or around National Parks. I wanted to check out New River Gorge National Park, Shenandoah National Park, and also Death Valley National Park and even Yellowstone at one point, but I crossed those destinations off of my list about a year ago. I got tired of planning for it, and knew that it would be too dangerous of a trip.
I also wanted to check out the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, a few campgrounds in Missouri, and a few camping spots located off of the interstate but I crossed them out as well. I eventually threw my entire solo camping bucket list in the trash, and told myself that I would just take it one trip at a time, and go wherever my heart takes me.
