10 MISTAKES to Avoid When Hiking Alone | How to Stay Safe While SOLO HIKING
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiking Alone | How to Stay Safe While Solo Hiking // Solo hiking can be intimidating for ANYBODY, whether you’re a man or a woman.
With all of the solo hiking and backpacking trips I’ve gone on and all of the solo hiking and backpacking videos I’ve created and posted here on my TH-cam channel over the years, a question I see pop up in the comments and get asked all the time is,
“How can I stay safe while hiking alone?”
In this video, I’m going to share with you 10 mistakes to avoid when hiking alone that will help you stay safe while solo hiking.
Don’t let fear (or someone else’s fear) hold you back and get in the way of something you’re passionate about and want to do for yourself. If you want to give solo hiking a try, do your research, properly plan and prepare for your adventure and then go out there and have fun.
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Thanks for watching! Are you thinking about going hiking solo, but not sure how to do it safely? What’s the one thing you’re afraid of when it comes to getting out on trail by yourself? I know I’ve made my fair share of mistakes while out solo hiking over the years. What are some mistakes you’ve made while out hiking alone? Tell me in the comments below.
What was the name of the map you use? Sorry I didn’t get the name of the app or trail map. It looks like really good one
@@khc4716 The navigation app I use in this video is onX Backcountry and I really enjoy it. If you're thinking about checking out this app, you can get 20% off your purchase of onX Backcountry OR start a free 14 day trial of onX Backcountry Elite by using promo code "HungryHiker" and this link: www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/r/thehungryhiker
Great video.
@@RationalTalk Thank you!
Women can also give their backpack a name like “Jason” and when someone asks if you’re alone you tell them “No, Im with my friend/boyfriend/husband Jason he’s right behind me”..
I love that! My pack already has a name so this one will be easy to implement when out on trail. 😀
Lol, I love your choice of name - my son is Jason. ❤️
It's a very good idea, I like it.
@@TheHungryHikerlmao I would just pretend to be crazy. Who’s gonna follow you if you seem more crazy than they are 😂😂
I consider injury as my #1 solo backpacking risk and in my experience a major mistake that I make that increases my risk of injury is hiking when I’m too tired. That’s when you use poor judgement, make mistakes, and are too tired to recover from a slip. Stop for the day before you get exhausted.
Good point and great suggestion. It's always a good idea to stop before you're too tired.
Had that happen to me where I fell on the way out of a 6 mile in and out on the first day of a trip, which included about 5 hours of driving. Slipped on a rock and twisted my ankle, spraining it and my knee seemed to pop as well. Laying there didn't think I could get back up. Thankfully it wasn't as bad as I thought despite my awkward leg and ankle angles. I was able to hike the final 2 miles and before serious swelling and pain set in and managed to hike every day the rest of the trip, but had to change hiking plans a bit to accomodate a very sore ankle. Worse case, it was a popular trail on a Friday night in summer so I ran into several hikers and it was near a town so there was cell service. I have had a few minor falls other times too and they most often happen toward the end of the hiking day when tired and or hungry.
Senior hikers, it could happen... You've answered mother nature's call, and now a knee or hip decides it's time to turn painful. I always keep a trekking pole at my side to help me up. And it's one of my "protection" devices.
Trekking poles are a great multi-use piece of gear!
I saw today a great idea for when your battery on your phone is running low and you’re in need of help. Change your voicemail message to include your location, the time you ran into problems, what the problem is, what you’re wearing/look like, what gear you have with you, and if there is a person who is following you or something, what they look like and their clothing. That way, even if your phone dies, when someone calls to check up on you the voicemail message will alert them to trouble and hopefully they will alert the authorities.
That's a great idea!
Genius!
People get lost when they get off trail to poop or stealth camp. In heavy foliage where you can't see trail when you are off trail, you can miss trail entirely if you are 5 degrees off. I carry a map compass around my neck and every time I get off trail I point that compass in direction I am going to head, turn the dial and put red in the shed, and that compass is set. Return direction is 180 degrees from that compass setting. Take a compass setting BEFORE u get off trail, compass is no good once u are already lost. People get lost, pull out that worthless button compass and guess what, they are still lost.
Great suggestion!
Smart
Maybe I'm too old school, but I'm always surprised at the number of people who don't carry a compass and paper map. I also find flagging tape to be an effective and easy way to mark a place I want to get back to (e.g. the trail)
Get a Garmin. Never worry bout getting lost again.
Having a Garmin is great, but just having a Garmin won’t help you from getting lost. You should also know how to use the device, be able to read maps, have situational awareness and use multiple navigational resources to make sure you stay found. 😀
I'm also a (tropical rain forrest) solo hiker. If for any reason I have to take my eyes off the trail, I immediately stop walking. Checking the phone, looking into the trees or surroundings....total stop. It's not worth stepping on a snake or tripping over
something. Good video !!
Yes, I agree! If you're distract or need to look over a map or phone, take the time to pull off trail and do it safely.
My wife made me repeat this Mantra over and over " Eyes on the ground. Stop, to look around." Easy to remember
I am older male long distance backpacker, mostly because all my friends my age have packed it in when it comes to backpacking. This said a couple of things I would add. The first one is be very careful at road crossings and parking lots at road crossings. I have heard of multiple people running into some strange people. Also don’t camp near the roads. The locals get bored and messing with the hikers is a thing for some. I personally have never had an issue but I know people who have. Make sure you pack a paper map. Yes I love my Far Out app and use it all the time but a recent bad experience on the Long Trail in Vermont changed all of that trust. Vermont has been getting a lot of rain throughout the month of June and well into July and it was also very warm for Vermont. My phone was acting up because of the extreme humidity. To make a long story short I got caught out in a very bad rain storm, over 10 inches of rain in less than 24 hours. A couple people drowned, one an AT hiker. Try using a touch screen phone in pouring rain with super high humidity. It’s pretty much impossible. I will now invest in an In Reach. Not knowing the weather was very bad. Rain was in the forecast all week but this massive storm that flooded much of Vermont including it’s capital was not called until late in the day. I run into lots of solo women on the trial and I always try to make them feel comfortable. People hiking are generally very nice and supportive. I have assisted in a rescue and a couple years ago I helped two young women find their way. One was crying and really stressed. I hiked back about a mile and got them on the correct trail. I don’t think bad people are your biggest problem. In the east it’s deer ticks. Take care
My #1 Rule when solo is stay on trail and of course let someone know your schedule. The horror stories that people talk about usually circle back to poor decisions and leaving the trail.
I completely agree!
I agree, always let someone know our intentions.
We may make small changes, but we should provide an approximate expected return time, and instructions for contacting emergency services if we are not back within x time.
It doesn't have to be family, it can be a trusted friend who isn't a worry wort.
Also always carry a personal locator beacon - it simply makes sense. 🙆🏻♀️
I'd add to be very conservative in the risks you will take. I hike alone a lot. I discipline myself to turn back when conditions seem sketchy. Even on familiar trails high water, a steep snowbank, or a fallen tree in a dangerous location could put you at risk, with no one there to help.
Great suggestion
I was all set for my solo hiking career! Part of my preparation was volunteering for my local SAR team. After several weeks of training, I strapped ona pack for my first mission, stepped confidently off the sidewalk into the meadow, tripped, and managed a type four tibial plateau fracture that left me non-weight bearing for 10 and a half weeks. So, I don't have to seek out horror stories! Also quite glad to have been in the company of a baker's dozen of search and rescue personnel who got some excellent practice moving me out of the way of the actual mission. Lesson learned: hike solo only after you've trained and conditioned in good company.
Yikes! Sounds like a freak accident but glad you had plenty of assistance nearby to help you out and get back to the trailhead safely.
Scary boring intro....
Some good advice you have offered everyone. I have hiked , camped and canoed with groups and organized the trips. When going by myself I do everything like I would when setting up a group trip. I add in some safety measures for solo trips , Bear Spray. It's good for all critters 4 and 2 legged ones. Handguns at times ( I have a permit ) are nice but a bullet can go over a mile the Bear spray is about 30 feet.
I avoid crowded areas and shy away from groups. If a group is there then I will fall back on my 2nd choice. My vehicle in the parking area has a note on the dash.. Guy's when you arrive go to the area I told you about. Anyone thinking of breaking in my vehicle has no idea when the guy's will show up. No one will since I'm going solo. If someone is asking a lot of questions , usually a short non explanatory answer and move on further down the trail. Normally I have the whole area to my self since the Florida Trail is not that well known. A stealth camp 100 feet or more off the trail helps. Basically as you said , know your surroundings and conditions.
Solo is nice since you can do what you want , when you want , where you want and there is no one else to worry about. About being solo , Folks ask me and I tell them there are always three of us . Me , Myself and I and I snore's. lol
Great suggestions!
Solo hiking is where its at for me! You have a better connection with the natural environment, you will learn valuable skills much faster but you will also be confronted by your fears and limits, most of which a mental obstacles. Plan your routes, bring enough food and water, take a basic survival kits(you will never use it), backup battery for recharging phone. Stay hydrated as this will help you will think clearer. Biggest killer in the mountains is hypothermia. Think about how you could maintain your core temperature should you have to spend an unexpected night. Enjoy your hikes!
100% agree!
I am used to travel alone for past 15 years and do my solo hiking since 2 years ago. Still your video helps me a lot! Thanks for investing your time for making this video. ❤
Glad it was helpful!
Such good information. Having broken my wrist when a hiker above me slipped on a snow patch and tumbled into me, to tearing my MCL during a solo ski traverse of the Jefferson Wilderness, along with numerous other minor injuries, first aid and communications are top of mind. But your other suggestions provide a tremendous safety factor as well to make all our hikes fun. Thanks for what you do!
Yikes!! Unfortunately those less than ideal situations are also great learning lessons for future trips. I feel like I always learn more when something doesn’t go as planned. Also makes you appreciate the times when everything goes right!
@@TheHungryHiker Yeah, Type 2 fun, kinda. But I quickly learned the 10 Essentials are exactly that, essential and that skis can be used as crutches.
Good video. Good tips.
Having a plan and a tool or multiple tools for self Defense goes a long way in easing many people’s anxiety. Have a plan, practice with your tool, gain confidence and enjoy the hike.
Carrying the 10 essentials is always a good idea too but knowing how to use those ten essentials is invaluable. Practice with those too.
Great content for all hikers! Thank you! I’ll be sure to pass this video on to my hiker friends. 👍🏼👍🏼
Awesome!
Where Ilive there is now an equipment rental company that has the Garmon InReach available to rent! So glad i can rent instead of spending $300+ before I go on my first few solo hikes.
That's a great idea! I always love the idea of getting to try gear before you buy it, to make sure it works for you.
Good advice! In our area, so many people need to be rescued, or worse, all from the mistakes that you have listed. Respect for the elements is vital, so is a good measure of humility.
Thanks for watching!
These are all great tips! I finally invested in a satellite messenger; something I should have done a long time ago. No matter how prepared I am when heading out on trail, there’s always the chance of an emergency popping up. This will provide peace of mind for me and my family, especially as I start getting into longer backpacking trips.
I agree! My Garmin was the one piece of gear I wish I had gotten sooner.
Knowing when to press the button and what constitutes an ‘emergency’ was not discussed in the video but it’s a critical part of safety while on trail. You have to press the button whenever there is any doubt or even momentary loss of spatial awareness because actual rescues take hours and you need to be sure you can make it that long. Also not discussed was the importance of getting SAR insurance at the same time as getting a PLB. Insurance is not that expensive but rescues are.
@@kscotterable Valid points! All of these points belong in a separate video focused on how to use a satellite messenger including what the SAR insurance covers and knowing when to press the SOS button.This video was just meant to be a general overview with safety tips on how to get out on trail safely, solo.
Excellent and balanced video. Your advice is great for daily life, as well. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for making this video!! It was really helpful and helped to put a few of my fears at ease.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, very comprehensive. I totally agree with the part about no matter what emotion you are feeling on the inside, always appear strong on the outside, and trust your gut - all things women are told not to do/can't do - saved myself from at least 1 bad ending so far and a few questionable near misses. Always interested in seeing someone else's gear set-up and why they use what they do. :) In addition to a whistle (less lung function required to blow than to yell and heard further away), I keep a small mirror in my pack for signaling. Safe travels!
Yeah -- trust your gut, and remember that your own safety/comfort is more important than avoiding possibly hurting someone else's feelings (something else that women, especially, are often socialized against).
I like the mirror idea. Thanks for sharing
Wow! Great video. You did an excellent job covering this topic. As an older male solo hiker I learned some things. Every hiker should watch this and review it occasionally. Nice job.
I am your newest subscriber.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video, great tips! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed this one!
Hello 👋 Kathleen, greetings from Northern California. Thank you for sharing this most informative video. You covered all the essentials. All the best to you. Stay safe out there. 🤗 👋
Glad it was helpful!
Great advice! Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! As a novice solo hiker I found a lot of your tips useful.
Glad you enjoyed this one and found it helpful!
This was helpful my friend, you have outstanding channels. Content is always professionally edited and narrated!🔥🔥
Glad you enjoyed this one!
i started hiking alone , in well known certified parks , read well lot s of people, well marked trails, i always let someone trusted when i would leave and come back . once i lost my phone and got home just in time before he was gonna call it in lolll i love all trails, availible offline.
That's awesome!! Good for you for getting out there and always letting someone you know at home know when and where you go.
Super helpful! Thank you so much 🙏
Glad you found this one helpful!
Thanks for this video. I just started my channel on my passion - hiking and being outdoors. Not many of my friends want to hike, so solo hiking will be a big thing for me... wish me luck !
Awesome!
Great advice espessially to check your map has downloaded before you start . Thankyou
Yup, double-checking your downloaded maps before getting to the trailhead and not having service is really important!
Great video!!!
I recommend having a better whistle than the one on the sternum strap. We carry hurricane whistles (very loud).
I also carry a small wildness first aid guide for reading and also in case my brain goes into neutral during a medical emergency.
I always check road and trail conditions with either National Park or Forest Service. Talking to rangers at the trailhead when available is also helpful.
Great stuff, keep on doing what you’re doing 😊
Great suggestion!
@@TheHungryHiker one thing you didn’t mention about wildlife was deer/horse flies and hornets, some of the most aggressive critters you’ll encounter in the PNW.
@@Olyphoto7 And there's any more wildlife than that depending on where you go. It's impossible to include them all so my hope for this video is to inspire those who want to go solo hiking safely to start their own planning process and do their own research when it comes to planning their trips.
Awesome information thank you 🙏
Glad it was helpful!
Very well done! I liked and subscribed. Thank you for posting! I'm so sorry I missed the enrollment period for your Confident Solo Female Backpacker System, but I enrolled in your trip planning masterclass.
Thank you so much!
You are much safer being alone in the woods then being in the city..in my opinion all animals have predictable behaviors..humans are unpredictable and much more dangerous then any wild animal.
Totally agree!
This is very informative ℹ️ thank you
Glad it was helpful!
I had no idea about checking the maps you downloaded and airplane mode. Thx 🙏 so much. This happened to me and we cancelled our hike because it was our first time hiking the area we were going and the map did not download. Lesson learned
Super important lesson. Always double-check your dowloaded maps first before getting to the trailhead.
Thank you for making this
You're very welcome! Thanks for watching!
My family tells me I shouldnt do it because it's dangeroys. Hell, I've been through dangerous moments and scary things, but that won't stop me from getting my dose. I love hiking and nobody around me does as much, plus I enjoy it more alone, I can't explain it. Is like a drug. Important to never underestimate the mountain.
Absolutely! I hear all the time from friends and family how being in the outdoors alone is dangerous, but so is driving a car and walking across the street. I decided not to live my life in fear and not let other peoples fear keep me from adventuring outdoors by myself and it's been the biggest gift I've ever given myself. I take the proper safety precautions and promote these same safety precautions in hopes of inspiring other people to want to safely adventure out in the backcountry by themselves too. :)
So much info and such a fun channel, it's really surprising you haven't hit a subscriber milestone like 100,000 yet. I've sent a few friends over to you who have subbed because they enjoy the content as do the rest of us.
What's needed is much less Kartrashian content and more worthwhile fun stuff such as channels like these.
👍👍👍👌
Thank you! I don't get hung up on vanity measurements like the number of subscribers I have. Instead, I focus on creating informative hiking and backpacking content in a fun way. I'm all about helping to inspire others to plan their next outdoor adventure safely and responsibly. :)
Planning my first hike this summer and these videos are helpful for taking notes. Thanks! 👍 (this is my hitch-hiking thumb)
Glad you found my video helpful!
I'm from the UK and have hiked for many years but have never felt threatened by human beings, in this country, inquisitive cows have been my biggest problem. I also hike a lot in France and have never felt threatened there either, and their cows always seem to be particular docile.
I've heard about the curious cows! Hahahahaha!!
Almost all my hiking has been solo and it is 100x more relaxing than groups.
One of the many benefits to solo hiking and backpacking. :)
What a nice video thank you
Glad you enjoyed it
You have excellent communication skills.
Thank you! :)
Very interesting video!!
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video, I subscribed 👍
Awesome, thank you!
👍👍👍👍👍👍good tips❤❤❤
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed this one and found it helpful.
Amateur radio is also an option for communication. It is not hard to get licensed and a small handheld radio is inexpensive. It can be helpful to access a repeater to get help or just to keep in touch with others in a group. Even an FRS radio (non-licensed) allows me to walk separately from a group, giving the experience of hiking alone while still "being" with a group.
This could be a good option, but you'll want to consider how much your radio weighs (every ounce counts when you have to carry it on your back) and also tree cover. If you're traveling through a heavily forest area, getting a good, clear access to the sky could interfere with reception.
Since I am visually impaired ticks are my greatest fear. It holds me back from my desire to go both backpacking or hiking 16:59
I dislike ticks as well. Have a buddy help you do tick checks if you have a hard time seeing them.
I always carry a giant knife on one hip and a can of bear spray On the other. Is it necessary? Probably not, but it makes me feel better and therefore leads to a more enjoyable trip.
Carry whatever makes you feel safe and comfortable.
I hike alone alot and never had a problem but last week I hiked to Iceberg Lake in Glacier and on my way back was charged twice by a Grizzly. The second charge I had to use my bear spray. So glad I had it.
Yup! When you hike through Grizzle Country, like Glacier National Park, it's always a good idea to have bear spray with you and make sure its easily and readily available to use, just in case you need to use it. Glad you were safe!
For females solo on the pct... use initials or a neutral gender trail name at pct sign in logs. You are ultimately identified by your permit number that is also on the sign in logs if for some reason it's needed. Had a guy catch up to me when he saw a solo female name on a sign in log. Total nuisance.
Great suggestion!
Went hiking in Montana saw a HUGE BEAR HE SAW ME. IAM NOW THE PROUD OWNER OF A AWESOME FISHING BOAT.
Hahahahaha! I hear bears can swim too so watch out.
I would say, if asked if I’m alone, “my buddy Guido or Bruno are just behind me”! Lol!,😅
Good idea!
Hey Kathleen, saw your videos on PCT section K. I’m planning on a solo the week of July 4th this year…yup, a couple weeks. I’m a little worried about snow. What do you think? Microspikes? Ice axe? Crampons? None?
4th of July is still considered early season up there in the North Cascades along the PCT. Most SoBo PCT thru-hikers don't start until mid-July and even then there's usually snow still up on the passes. Your best bet is to read current trip reports, check satellite images on navigation apps, check with local rangers in the area and also read for comments on the FarOut Guide app to see if any other hikers are going through the area and have left notes about the conditions. Good luck!
I’ll be honest, I never go into the woods without some kind of firearm! I was always taught to carry one into the woods. The one time I blew that off, a wild hog chased me and my Scottish Border Terrier up a blown down tree. God was looking after us because the tree was a few yards away. I think the hog smelled my dog, because it placed its hooves on the the tree, sniffing and grunting. It only left because the rest of the herd was moving away. I only had my camp knife at the time. I now carry a small light weight revolver that is easy to conceal and always kept on my body. If your not comfortable with a gun, then a small can of mace is your next option. Their are a lot of pocket sized ones out there.
You gotta do whatever makes you feel safe and comfortable. :)
If possible, travel with at least one other person such as a friend or a family member so you can use the buddy system in case of an emergency.
Or if traveling with someone in the backcountry isn’t an option, invest in something like a satellite messenger for peace of mind.
I’m wearing the same purple hoodie right now in the mountains in cloudcroft ..mountain hardware tunic?
Love it and yes, this is the Mountain Hardware tunic in purple. One of my favorites!
@@TheHungryHiker it’s my favorite too!
Thanks
BELLA
Ciaoooo
Glad you enjoyed the video!
I got an InReach mini when my phone died in the 100 Mile Wilderness and it scared my family not hearing from me for 3 days. I still feel bad about that.
Yup, a satellite messenger is the one piece of gear I wish I would have gotten much sooner. It provides so much peace of mind, especially when you're out on trail by yourself.
Pocketbook type pepper spray would likely be ineffective against a determined animal predator. Bear spray is a better choice.
Can anyone pls advise on the name of the navigation app she mentioned in this video.. thank you
onX Backcountry
Get 20% off your purchase of onX Backcountry OR start a free 14 day trial of onX Backcountry Elite by using promo code "HungryHiker" and this link: www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/r/thehungryhiker
Carry a red pencil.
When going off the trail to relieve yourself take only 20 steps each & every time. Put the pencil with lead facing the direction of your trail. Always face the direction of your trail while doing your business. After zipping up pick up your red pencil and take 20 steps back in that direction on to your trail. Then continue on your way.
Always carry where permissible scare away those critters!
Do what makes you feel safe and comfortable. :)
if you take a 2nd mobile you can leave 1 with your pack anf you get lost you can always call it
Or you can save the wait (and additional expense of a phone) and use an Apple air tag to put on your phone and track it if you're worried about losing it. Usually my pack stays on me for the duration of all of my trips so I've never come into a situation where I thought I was going to lose my pack.
Is it onX Offroad? Thanks!
The version I use is onX Backcountry. onX has three different versions to choose from: onX Hunt, onX Offroad and onX Backcountry. You can start a free 14 day trial of onX Backcountry Elite OR get 20% off your purchase of onX Backcountry by using promo code "HungryHiker" and this link: www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/r/thehungryhiker
What pack do you have on in this?
This pack is the Gregory Maya 25L alnk.to/fwotJOH
Always you phone and other important items on a lanyard attached to your person.
I personally don't like having things hanging from my neck when I'm out hiking and backpacking, but that's a personal preference.
I was alone alone one morning hiking out, the bushes moved right next to me and I screamed like a wild animal. A little squirrel ran out...
That's hilarious! I know I've done that myself a few times.
Thanks for posting Jim! That is so funny, you made me laugh out loud!
Just carry something like pepper spray or a knife like a Morakniv. Hiking is safe, but you never know. Pepper spray will help with bad people or last ditch defense against wild animals. A knife is good for food prep, a tool, or defense.
Just carrying a weapon of some type for self-defense is only one aspect to hiking safely solo out in the backcountry. That's why I created this video. :)
Not saying that I'm hiking solo was something that instinctually spilled out the first time I was asked by a stranger on trail.
It made a whole lot of sense when I thought it through later on.
My girlfriend was really surprised when I did the same thing while we were hiking together. Solo or even in pairs, I figure spilling precise information to a potentially malicious stranger gives them a distinct advantage to size us up and plan ahead.
I try to be a tad more generalized with the locations we're headed to as well, or to say "Oh we're thinking of this place or that place - haven't quite decided yet". But not totally misleading about the location in case the person may have crucial safety information about the area we're about to head to. 🙏
Always trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, be vague with your plans out in the backcountry to a complete stranger, whether your solo or with a hiking partner. Better to be safe than sorry.
"I figure spilling precise information to a potentially malicious stranger gives them a distinct advantage to size us up and plan ahead. "
That's what I always think and do. But I once met a person (he suddenly stood before me and I don't know where he came from) who told me things about me that I had never revealed and that he could not have known. He made a trustworthy and loving impression. When he asked me to read my palm, I allowed him. He couldn't tell me what he saw, he was visibly off balance, with tears in his eyes. Shortly thereafter he said goodbye with a heartfelt hug and disappeared as he had come.
Years later I had to experience what he had seen: that was a hard fate. It's all behind me now and my life is back to "normal".
Such encounters can also happen!
@@5unTours 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I can’t do groups/crowds I rather be alone.
Then this is a great video for you! :)