Pawpaw said “don’t go to Honey Island Swamp after dark.”
So naturally, I took the grandkids at 4pm. In his blue convertible. For “educational purposes.”
The Rougarou is Louisiana’s werewolf. Lives in the swamp. Hunts bad kids and people who don’t pack bug spray.
I’m not scared of legends. I’m scared of mosquitoes and running out of water.
I’m Tina, Certified Aromatherapist since 2013. I live 15 minutes from Honey Island Swamp in Pearl River, Louisiana. This is my “Rougarou Stop #1” survival kit. Everything actually in my car.
THE CONVERTIBLE THAT STARTED IT
Pawpaw’s rule: “If you’re gonna chase legends, do it in style.”
This is the car we take. Top down. Spanish moss overhead. Grandkids in the back asking “Is the Rougarou real?”
My answer: “Only if you forget the Repel 100.”
NANATEE’S ROUGAROU STOP #1 SURVIVAL KIT
1. REPEL 100 INSECT REPELLENT
Why it’s NanaTee approved: DEET 98.11%. Swamp mosquitoes bite through jeans. Rougarou don’t. Pick your battle. I spray shoes, hat, back of neck. Mosquitoes aim for ankles like toddlers.
NanaTee’s Rule: One for you, one for Pawpaw. He forgets.
Shop it: [Linked HERE]
2. SAWYER MINI WATER FILTER
Why it’s NanaTee approved: Honey Island = no stores. This filters swamp water. Hurricane prep + Rougarou prep = same kit. Pawpaw says “Rougarou don’t carry bottled water.”
NanaTee’s Rule: Keep it in the glovebox year-round. Louisiana Nana rule.
Shop it: [Linked HERE]
3. OLIGHT BATON 3 PRO FLASHLIGHT
Why it’s NanaTee approved: 1500 lumens. Rechargeable. Bright enough to blind a gator. Pawpaw tested it. Phone flashlight dies at 4% = panic. This doesn’t.
NanaTee’s Rule: One for you, one for the 8-year-old. They drop everything.
Shop it: [Linked HERE]
4. THERMACELL MR450 MOSQUITO REPELLER
Why it’s NanaTee approved: DEET goes on you. This clears 15ft around your camp. “No spray on grandkids” = mom approved. Legends hate it. Probably.
NanaTee’s Rule: Start it 10 min before you stop the car. Creates the bubble.
Shop it: [Linked HERE]
5. ADVENTURE MEDICAL KIT .5
Why it’s NanaTee approved: Cypress knees cut. Grandkids fall. Waterproof + FSA eligible. Fits in glovebox. Add Benadryl cream - swamp plants are itchy.
NanaTee’s Rule: Check it before hurricane season. Band-aids disappear.
Shop it: [Linked HERE]
WHY TRUST MY SWAMP LIST?
I’ve seen gators, hogs, and one Pawpaw who got lost for 3 hours because “he knew a shortcut.”
This kit got us home safe. Rougarou-free. Mosquito-bite-free. Meltdown-free.
See every item in my actual car here:
NanaTee’s “Swamp Survival Kit"
[Linked HERE]
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That keeps the gas tank full for Stop #2. Merci, sha.
NANATEE’S ROUGAROU ROAD TRIP RULES
4:00pm: Leave Pearl River. Top down. Thermacell started.
4:30pm: Arrive Honey Island. Repel 100 on everyone. No exceptions.
5:00pm: Walk the trail. Olight in pocket. Sawyer in bag.
6:00pm: Back in car before dark. Pawpaw’s rule.
6:30pm: Gumbo at the house. Legend debrief.
YOUR TURN
You ever seen the Rougarou? Or just a Pawpaw in a ghillie suit after three beers?
Team Rougarou or Team Skeptic? Tell me below. Winner gets my recipe for “Rougarou Repellent” spray.
With love, a little DEET, and zero legends,
NanaTee
P.S. Pin this kit for hurricane season. Same gear saves you when the power’s out for 3 days.
Important Note:
Honey Island Swamp has real gators. Stay on trails. Don’t feed wildlife. Don’t chase legends after dark.
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