Elkmont Campground Great Smoky Mountains Dodging Raindrops

Рет қаралды 12,025

Күн бұрын

A little rain never stopped us... but a lot of rain... and hail?... still didn't stop us. Nestled right between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Elkmont campground has so much to offer. The nature that comes with being in the Great Smoky Mountains and minutes away from all the restaurants and shopping you can stand to enjoy. And sometimes when it rains a lot that's a great thing to have nearby.
Chapters:
00:00 Heading to Elkmont Campground
00:34 First stop Sugarlands Visitor Center
05:06 Setup camp at Elkmont Campground
06:10 Wrong Turn Going To Apple Barn Pigeon Forge
09:07 Broccoli Cheddar Soup on new Blackstone griddle
14:13 Woke up to rain at campsite
17:03 Sugarlands to Gatlinburg Trail- Riding bikes into Gatlinburg, TN
22:50 Ekko generator fails us AGAIN!
25:00 Our thoughts about Elkmont Campground
27:05 Look At Nature- Butterflies Of Elkmont
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〰️〰️ LINKS TO THINGS WE USE
〰️〰️ (to make it easier for you & help our channel)
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🚲 Bikes:
Lynn's Bike: bit.ly/4e2kVwH
Owen's Bike: Not available (Wolff Lyra ST)
Maggie's Toto Basket: amzn.to/4e4Sy0M
Our Bike Rack: amzn.to/4e3ytYO
Our Bike Cover: amzn.to/3XoArNF
Owen's eScooter: amzn.to/3V59Z8W
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🧑‍🍳 Cooking:
Cast Iron Trivet: amzn.to/3R9Ic64
Insulated Plates: amzn.to/3R9EF7C
Magma Stackable Pots/Pans: amzn.to/4c1tOF0
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🏕️ Outside:
Nemo Chairs: amzn.to/3R5YtsM
Picco Chairs: amzn.to/4bZRg5q
Swivel Chairs: amzn.to/455f1Xm
Maggie's Outdoor Dog Bed: amzn.to/3Kxn4Tj
Maggie's Car Seat Bed: amzn.to/456kUDH
Folding Screen Room: amzn.to/45eFamL
Popup Fire Pit: amzn.to/3X5srAU
Solo Stove: amzn.to/4dYL0wF
Folding Table: amzn.to/4bKJiNY
Spare Tire Bag: amzn.to/3X6NtyR
Bote Inflatable Tandem Kayak: amzn.to/3V9vcOS
Folding Oru Kayaks: amzn.to/3Xd173s
Lynn's Grey Hat: amzn.to/3VsO2Cc
Lynn's Deb Hat: amzn.to/4b0MPGN
🏪 Our Amazon Store: amazon.com/shop/VanTrekkingLi...

Пікірлер: 80

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 23 күн бұрын

Glad you guys found the video and have watched! It means a lot to us. So in this pinned comment I'll try to answer the questions as they pop up. If you have a question, ask in a comment and we'll try to respond here so everyone can see the answer. 1) What month? 2nd week of May, 2024 2) Where is home for us? We live near Boone, NC 3) Get a Waggle... we've had very bad experiences with Waggle, even though they have tried on at least 2 times to sponsor our channel. Last year we took one to Newfoundland around this time and it never would connect and we could not depend on it. Had the same thing happen when we went to Alaska and through Canada. We went to a wifi monitor that works when we have a hotspot (which we don't now) or have Starlink up. 4) Do we like the camping version of the Blackstone griddle? So far, yes... only time will tell. We actually like the smaller griddle and burner combination too.

@marthatroyer3021 21 күн бұрын

We usually eat like y'all, breakfast, snack, and early evening meal. We love our 25 ft. motorhome. Easy to park and everything we need is always with us, including the bathroom! 😊

@larryvincent2098 22 күн бұрын

I enjoyed your adventure at campground and seeing how beautiful things are at the smoky mountains!! Thank you for sharing this with me !!! As always BS & BK & BC !!!

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 22 күн бұрын

You are so welcome and thank you for watching.

@OG785 23 күн бұрын

Watching this while camping with my dog... In the rain😂

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 22 күн бұрын

So you know what it’s like… Maggie does very well when we have to hunker down due to rain.

@annearmstrong14 22 күн бұрын

We did the bridge walk 2 years ago. Loved it and West Virginia. As always, I enjoyed the video.

@davidstill7684 22 күн бұрын

Lynn, I have the bug a-salt killer too. Never thought about killing mosquitoes with it. Very cool. Nice video!!!!

@AnnMaynard-fu9qd 8 күн бұрын

A lot of rain but still a great video. I enjoy a rain shower when camping but Larry doesn’t like slopping around in muddy puddles , he’s the early morning dog walker. I love Panera broccoli cheese soup. We usually have appetizers for our first night but soup is a good idea, especially for the not so hot months. A nice crusty French loaf would be good for dipping croutons. Thanks for the video!

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 7 күн бұрын

Thanks for the French loaf suggestion, I’ll try that next time.

@AndyB718 23 күн бұрын

As usual, your videos make me smile.

@sherriweber7105 17 күн бұрын

Hi Owen and Lynn! I had that soup for lunch just this week. But without bacon. I added more cheese too! It looks like a nice state park. Oh no the air conditioning went out. I wonder what happened. Nice bike ride. Glad Maggie was ok! Beautiful butterflies. How cute was that that Maggie spotted a turkey. Nice you had a few days with clear weather for a bit. Thank you for taking me along with you to Gatlinburg. Have a great weekend and week and great Fourth of July. See you soon!

@donaldtharp 22 күн бұрын

Loved your comment, Owen: “Took the Browns to the Superbowl.” I have never heard it put quite that way. 😂

@michaelsykes6679 22 күн бұрын

We invested in Waggle to monitor temp in our rig when we leave the dogs behind. It’s pricey, but it does give you peace of mind. Thanks for what you do.

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 20 күн бұрын

We have tried to use Waggle but it seems like the places we needed it didn’t have service so we let it expire. It did work great when we had service.

@RoadsofLife 21 күн бұрын

So sorry to hear about the generator. Our biggest fear is A/C failure with the dog. I did not have success with GOVEE system... it never would tell me anything once I left the van. We got WAGGLE, and it seems to work as long as there is Verizon somewhere (a couple of places did not have good Verizon signal and it did not work well). Whenever dog is in van, we monitor the Waggle even if it doesn't give me a warning, just in case. We were just at GSM... near Pigeon Forge on our way to the Embassy meetup in Bristol, Indiana. Took a "Pink Jeep" tour since we were passing through on our way north. Necessities for us: Toilet, Internet, Freedom, Each other. BTW... our daughter just graduated SCAD and is now interning with DisneyWorld! Have a wonderful trip to wherever you go! Be seeing you!

@mikemanjo2458 23 күн бұрын

Ooo...that soup looked scrumptious! We were camping the 3rd week of May at a COE in SC (Springfield) and our weather was really nice...cool, but not quite soup and fire cold. We're going to remember Panera in the Fall! That was a cool trail ride to town. I'm with Lynn, I always worry about Stanly my boy when we have to leave him. I can't decide if it's him or me that has separation anxiety worse.❤😉 Great video. Much love from SC❤🙏Jane

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 20 күн бұрын

I don’t know why things taste better when you are camping. The soup is a very quick meal and very tasty. I totally understand the anxiety of leaving your dog, I feel the same way. Thanks so much for watching.

@sandramcfarland2704 22 күн бұрын

We were just talking about the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas earlier today. We’ve been there a couple of times and we agree. It’s fun, but way too much traffic and not our favorite place.

@skipmason8747 23 күн бұрын

Spring time in the Smokies there is always a chance of rain. Summer time afternoon showers. The rain is what makes them so beautiful.

@jbianchi78 23 күн бұрын

We camped at Elkmont last summer in my minivan, pretty sure at that same site!

@dwightblanton1483 23 күн бұрын

Turns out we were there the same week as you. Remember seeing an Ekko at Sugarland and wondering why they had the bikes tilted. 😊. Elkmont one is one of our favorites. Saw your post at Smokemont. FYI, you can see Elk most evenings before sunset at the Visitor center. Enjoy your post. Thanks!

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 23 күн бұрын

Wish we could have said hello. Thanks for the info on when to see the elk.

@rollinwiththedavises1938 23 күн бұрын

The brocolli cheddar soup is always my go to at Panera. Our local grocery store carries it. Now that everybody has battery powered grinders our bikes, trailers, etc are never as secure as we hope no matter how good your locks are.

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 22 күн бұрын

It’s sad that you have to always worry about things being where you left them. But that is reality.

@FromShetoMe 22 күн бұрын

2 essentials: bathroom and ice cream.

@David-jo4gt 23 күн бұрын

Thank you for taking the Browns to the Super Bowl, I still laugh every time. Very interested in how the Blackstone works out. I want one but Angie said we don't need it. We enjoyed the video and want to camp there when the weather cools off. Happy tails and safe travels.

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 23 күн бұрын

Tell Angie one benefit of getting a Blackstone is you will do the cooking. It does encourage Owen to cook more.

@rmpenning7541 14 күн бұрын

I so appreciate your low-key, helpful, and entertaining videos! You two were the first to introduce us to the EKKO. We now own our own. 😊 So a question: after finding the closet to be of little use for hanging clothes, we took out the closet rod and, at this point, decided to use several soft-side bins to place folded clothes in on shelves my husband built for that space. Lynn, how do you pack your clothes? They always look good vs. no wrinkles! Maybe you have a video on your storage tricks…? Please do tell. Thanks! 😊

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 11 күн бұрын

I appreciate you saying that because I feel like a wrinkled mess most of the time. We both fold all our clothes. Owen built drawers where the larger storage compartment were under the bed. Before that we also used plastic drawers that fit pretty close. We will try to show how we pack things in an upcoming vide.

@michaelbecnel63 23 күн бұрын

Looks like the rain is following you...Happy Trails 🐕

@Thesaltymedic36 23 күн бұрын

Well the ice cream and apple turnovers looked good 😊

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 23 күн бұрын

They are soooo good, it’s something we do everytime we are in the area.

@grillinandchillinwithdeb 23 күн бұрын

Great video, sounds like us when we tent camped seemed like all it did was rain and got flooded out tons of time. Glad we got our camper now. Enjoy and Maggie hugs please ❤

@timmartin4952 23 күн бұрын

We camped at Elkmont and really enjoyed it. I believe there are 2 dog allowed trails. One starts at Sugarland. Kind of glad they charge for the pamphlets so people don’t waste them. But understand the dlipside to that as well. We enjoy having our own bathroom as well. Thanks for the visit! You guys are the best!

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 20 күн бұрын

I don’t usually pick up pamphlets unless i really have a need for one. I’ve started taking pictures of them as to not waste them. Thanks so much for watching.

@timmartin4952 16 күн бұрын

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle sorry, I was thinking more of kids walking around picking them up. Just being kids.

@PMUP2016 23 күн бұрын

Owen, it would be great to tell us the month you were there. Helpful to gauge what it might be like when others visit.

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 23 күн бұрын

We were there the 2nd week in May. We will try to include the dates in the future.

@PMUP2016 22 күн бұрын

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle thanks

@gfinklea 22 күн бұрын

I don't know if you know it or not, but y'all drove off and left your camera. 🙂🙂 🙂 Love your videos.

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 22 күн бұрын

I hope not. thanks for watching.

@robynidyllwild6755 23 күн бұрын

We have a Butterfly expert here in our little mountain village of Idyllwild. He told me the other day that the average span of lifetime for an adult butterfly 🦋 is two weeks. Did you know that? I had no idea! Thanks for the video

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 22 күн бұрын

I had no idea… that is kind of sad. thanks so much for sharing.

@christinaputney659 23 күн бұрын

Wow, you guys had a lot of rain. It does sound soothing on the roof though. Looks like a beautiful place to visit.🚐 We have a pup dog too and that would be a huge concern. Glad Maggie is okay.

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 20 күн бұрын

We did have a lot of rain, but it did stop at times so we could at least get out of the van and walk around.

@clarkcopenhaver1265 23 күн бұрын

You should have walked or road bikes to the old cottages that are just behind the campground. About a 10 min. walk. These cabins/cottages were used as a "get away" for people in Knoxville area around mid to late 30's40's. Maybe next time.

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 20 күн бұрын

I didn’t know about the cottages, we will look for them next time. Thanks for the inforamation.

@cumberlandquiltchic1 23 күн бұрын

Aldi sells that soup, in case you want some and aren’t near Costco. I think Walmart does, based on what someone told me(I don’t buy food at Walmart so I don’t know).

@cumberlandquiltchic1 23 күн бұрын

Rain every day is typical here in fall, winter and spring . This is first couple weeks here on NC side we’ve had no rain . Yeah, it can be a bit like the Pacific NW living here. Bad on your “stuff” too. I have to keep dehumidifiers running inside and pressure wash often on outside, lots of wood rot on old homes.

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 23 күн бұрын

Thanks for the information on soup, that is good to know.

@susandougherty1076 23 күн бұрын

Get a Waggle that will alert you on your phone of temperature changes inside.

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 23 күн бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion, we have used Waggle in the past, we may need to start using it again.

@mikesaxon6811 11 күн бұрын

What drone do you use? The videos are awesome and fun!!

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 10 күн бұрын

Wow! Thanks for the kind words. We have a DJI Mini 4 but rarely use it due to park restrictions. We also have a little Hover X drone and use it every now and then. In this video we didn't use any drones at all.

@robertarnold2608 20 күн бұрын

Next time try Five Oaks farm Kitchen good country food My wife Nancy is a waitress on morning shift

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 11 күн бұрын

Thank you for the suggestion, we’ll put it on the list for next time.

@kathrynsummers2607 22 күн бұрын

What time of year is this, doesn’t look too busy, usually that main road is backed up! Beautiful trail!

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 22 күн бұрын

It was the 2nd week in May.

@koalabear6722 23 күн бұрын

We love and camp in Elkmont in the fall . We do that same soup in camp the 1st night. We have a 2016 180 Rpod, dry bath, love it. Would love to know what site you were in? Spring is pretty but the weather could be iffy. The Bull elk are usually in The Oconoluftee Visitor Center. Happy Camping 😊

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 20 күн бұрын

We were in site E11. We always stop at the Visitor Center just in case the elk are out. Thanks for watching.

@hbjtf 22 күн бұрын

Nice shirt, O! We’ve been next to Custer for the past many as my days. New specs?

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 22 күн бұрын

Yes new specs… better to see you with.

@richardburguillos3118 22 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing another great adventure. We have bikes I’d like to carry with our EKKO. Do you like your bike cover? Does it keep them dry? How do you redisplay your license plate and is it lighted for night driving? Thanks again!

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 22 күн бұрын

We do like our bike cover. It is a FORMOSA Protective Travel Bike Cover, it zips down and underneath so it keeps the bikes dry and clean. It has a clear area around the tires so you can see the brake light through it. It has reflective tape around it but no lights. It also has a place to put a copy of your license plate on one side of it, we have tried that but we need to get a better copy of our plate. It’s in our Amazon store if you want to take a look here’s the link www.amazon.com/shop/VanTrekkingLifestyle.

@richardburguillos3118 22 күн бұрын

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Thanks!! Can’t wait to be able to retire and travel without the need to rush home for work again. Love your adventures and great videos and editing.

@edmalin2225 22 күн бұрын

Hi Own & Lynn….we love your cooking but do you have any recipes you cook that are low in fat? When we travel my wife freezes individual meals for us and we’re always looking for healthy dinner. Thank you

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 20 күн бұрын

We will try to show some more healthier meal. Thanks for the suggestion.

@TravelingTaylorsontheroad 23 күн бұрын

Great video as usual! But, has the rule about shooting a KZfaq video in the National Parks been changed?

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 23 күн бұрын

In the process of changing. And the permit is another way they nickel and diming visitors.

@teresasprouse1097 21 күн бұрын

TMI

@victoriasolis6473 17 күн бұрын

Can the new Blackstone with the burner be connected to an RV quick connect?

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 10 күн бұрын

Yes, it can.

@vancandew7375 23 күн бұрын

Only have one lithium battery in the Ekko??

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 22 күн бұрын

Yes, only one.

@user-qr9rj8bg7b 7 күн бұрын

Does star link work in the smokies

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 5 күн бұрын

Yes and no, it was hard to find a spot that wasn’t covered with trees. We were able to connect a couple of times.

@dawnloveless1165 23 күн бұрын

Ive been looking at that model of blackstone to replace my coleman stove. Are you liking it?

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle 23 күн бұрын

Yes. Loving it. Non-stick is a game changer. No more seasoning and worrying about rust when you store the RV. Jury is out on whether I should have gotten the smaller griddle and stove top or just the bigger griddle only. But so far it has come in handy many times.

@dawnloveless1165 23 күн бұрын

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle thank you for your reply. I think the smaller griddle and burner are great for two people to make eggs, bacon and grits all at once.