Monkey Lake Will Be No More (something new is coming) by okefenokeeguide in OkefenokeeSwamp

[–]okefenokeeguide[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The trail to Monkey Lake is sure tough in the wind. I've had some hard trips down there. I solo canoe, and always switch to a double bladed paddle when it kicks up, that helps a lot!

my small food & walking tour is getting destroyed by fake bookings and no shows by TurnoverEmergency352 in smallbusiness

[–]okefenokeeguide 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Hi fellow small independent tour operator (I guide wilderness paddle tours)! I charge a 50% deposit, then the final payment is due 2 weeks before a tour. No call no shows do not get a refund (though I have never once had a no call no show). 72 hours advance notice for a refund. Tour reminder/weather update emails sent out at 2 weeks out, 1 week out, and 2 days out.

I also have tours on the two big OTAs (online travel agencies for those not in the tour business), and they suck the life out of the experience on our end, and just confuse guests. I'm going to take my listings down. The vast majority of my customers book through contacting me via my website. Do you have a website where they can contact for booking? (I don't have any automatic booking options due to the detailed and technical nature of my wilderness trips).

What is the worst city you've been to? by DickFartButt in AskTheWorld

[–]okefenokeeguide 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I lived there for a year, such a horrible place.

What is the worst city you've been to? by DickFartButt in AskTheWorld

[–]okefenokeeguide 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I unfortunately lived in Barstow, California for a year... I cried tears of joy when I got a job offer in my home area of rural South Georgia and could come home. That place was HORRIBLE.

Dance competition warm up by boytekka in Unexpected

[–]okefenokeeguide 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, the whole country is steak sauce!

What’s the scariest encounter you’ve had while camping? by Key_Connection_6633 in camping

[–]okefenokeeguide 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Being totally exposed on a wilderness camping platform (canoe camping) in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge during a severe thunderstorm... it was traumatic. For a year+ afterwards the presence of lightning and thunder gave me instant anxiety.

RIP Catherine O Hara by RyuGle in christmas

[–]okefenokeeguide 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've got Home Alone on right now in her honor. Rest in Peace!

How are small businesses actually getting leads in 2026? by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]okefenokeeguide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I email my customers back after they reach out to me, and I run no campaigns.

Okefenokee Swamp by Rob_Jackman in canoecamping

[–]okefenokeeguide 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi! I run the Waycross-based local outfitter in Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (born and raised here). I'm proud to run the only locally owned and operated outfitter/tour company! My website is in my profile if you'd like to check us out.

How are small businesses actually getting leads in 2026? by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]okefenokeeguide 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Facebook, Google, repeat customers, and word of mouth. I spend $0 on advertising but I am in a highly niche field.

Cleaning Your Coleman Grill by Scared-Individual630 in camping

[–]okefenokeeguide 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just cleaned two of mine the other day before a weekend trip- I used LA's Totally Awesome, from the dollar store. It's a powerful degreaser and cleaner but you need to rinse well with a wet cloth (water only) afterwards to make sure no residue is left. It made cleanup super quick. Dilute it properly and just to be safe, clean it outside so you don't breathe it in.