We will try to get around to saying thank you each of you who leave a comment but just in case we wanted to say a heartfelt thank you everyone who watched us in this video and by doing so made it our best video for the first 2 days it's up. Wow! Thank you! Owen, Lynn and Maggie
@timmartin49522 ай бұрын
Thank you for making the videos for us to enjoy. Really enjoy watching!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Thanks for being around for the start of yet another season of traveling. We are honored to be sharing it with you.
@AnnMaynard-fu9qd2 ай бұрын
We are so glad to be able to follow along on your adventures!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Hi Ann. Thank you for always being with us. ❤️❤️❤️
@mikemanjo24582 ай бұрын
I love y'all so much! Smokemont is on our list! Thanks for bringing me along! I saw the elk at Oconaluftee, but they came right out to greet Y'all. Y'all just keep getting better and better! Enjoy every minute! Hugs to sweet Maggie, too!🐾❤🙏Jane from SC
@timmartin49522 ай бұрын
Thank you all for making the videos. It’s a treat to watch. Maybe silly, but you seem like family.
@roundstone20202 ай бұрын
If you think adding a lot of Maggie footage into the video is going to make it better, you are absolutely correct.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
We think so too. She is the cutest family member by far.
@iucp1012 ай бұрын
I can relate to campers wanting to help each other. A few years back we were camping at Smokemont in the loop across the river, sitting by the fire enjoying the afternoon peace and quiet by the river when all of a sudden we heard a loud crashing sound. We jumped up and ran to the area of the sound to find that everybody in the campground did the same. A tree had fallen down the mountain side and luckily only the top branches hit the back of a trailer. But, all the men immediately helped the man get the branches off the camper. It was an older couple and the go9d Lord was definitely watching out for them because they had no damage.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
What a great story! Thanks so much for sharing. That is what camping people do.
@cumberlandquiltchic12 ай бұрын
Landslides happening more and more in smokies. Yes falling trees are always a thing. I just had some removed next to my house , they had to climb them and slowly lower down branches etc. expensive! Living in the smokies is not for the faint of heart. Medical Care is the bigger problem here on NC side. I can’t get into dr till November and that was in may I was told that. Said go to ER. It’s bad here! Many aren’t looking into thst when they move here.
@rollinwiththedavises19382 ай бұрын
I have to agree that even though getting the RV ready can be a lot of work, it is totally worth it. We spent the past weekend at two different fairgrounds with our son-in-law at his tractor pulls. Getting the RV unwinterized, getting food packed, washing the RV....the list goes on. We had so much fun with the Village that keeps him on the track. When it is just the two of us on an adventure all of those chores at home are forgotten. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing the great way you use your RV and it’s great you support your son-in-law.
@koalabear67222 ай бұрын
Love the Smokies. We camp every fall in Elkmont. Campers love adventure and nature and are generous kind loving people. Happy Camping. Elkmont has water and we to like Smokemont. 😊
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
We go to Elkmont next. Thanks for watching.
@cathymisze31632 ай бұрын
WOW that falls is beautiful!!!❤
@Minnesota_Girl-m6z2 ай бұрын
I made this Mexican beef & rice skillet dish for dinner today. It was delicious. Thank you for sharing.😊. “Lynn”
@deborahschaub29252 ай бұрын
Thank you SO MUCH for this video ! God bless you as you come and go. Much love, Deborah
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Thank you Deborah and God Bless you!
@richardburguillos31182 ай бұрын
Absolutely wonderful location. Thanks for sharing the beauty and serenity. Also, you two are good people. Sharing what you have with those that can use a little good during a trying time.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind words… they are appreciaed.
@Cjlaub2 ай бұрын
Enjoyed the camerawork during the hiking.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it and appreciated the effort. Few know that getting decent shots while hiking or biking means sometimes doubling the amount of steps or miles… Sometimes we do OK… sometimes we’re so tired we can’t be creative.
@debravarner6419Ай бұрын
Just wanted say we love your channel ! I made your Mexican rice skillet and it was GREAT! Thanks for the recipe. Happy Dance 😁. Take care
@nancyskean64252 ай бұрын
Owen, I love your new shoes! 👍
@pamelamargroff58362 ай бұрын
I watch all of your videos, this is one of my favorites. That Mexican dish is now on my do to list!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Thank you for following along with us. It is much appreciated!
@user-lz2fm5dv9t2 ай бұрын
I love your chair!😊
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
That makes us smile.
@fraimaimfr49422 ай бұрын
Thanks for the video 🇮🇹 🇮🇹 ciao Maggie
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
You are so welcome and thank you for watching.
@user-wm2hx6nn4yАй бұрын
Your videos are always so helpful, thank you!
@michaelcox65592 ай бұрын
Hey guys you are hitting the road again! Well all the best and glad we can tag along. Wish we could for real. I like Merrill shoes too but not sure if I would have picked the ones Owen chose. lol. Love the reason you stated for travelling are all the same for us. I guess that is why we watch you guys. Just got to the part where you are waiting for breakfast and wow the rain! Makes everything so green! Just like Owen’s shirt! And the falls were gorgeous. Well off to pei in 3 days so better get packing. All the best scratch Maggie for us
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
We are just making short trips this summer, but having fun visiting some new places and some of our favorites. Have fun at your cottage!
@lynnbuck57122 ай бұрын
I truly enjoy your videos
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
@hollycomstock42042 ай бұрын
Howdy Lynn, Owen and sweet Maggie, Thanks so much for sharing your adventures, I've enjoyed being blessed by all your travels, scenery and advice. My husband Josh and our two pups Jamie ShihTzu 15 years"young" and Daisy ( 8yrs old Chihuahua) love the nature, we began tent camping 5 years ago but now have a travel trailer, We live in Johnstown, Colorado, and we all enjoy seeing new places, wildlife and relaxing under the stars by our campfire. I look forward to your video's every week and love watching Maggie on her happy trails, she is absolutely Precious and you all treat her like a queen. Oh by the way when you asked ideas to name your Ecko Trailer when removing the sticker designs My first thought to name was The Happy Trails MAGGIE! or the Precious Maggie Thanks again for brightening our lives Take care, Holly and Josh, Jamie and Daisy BTW if you all ever travel to Johnstown, Colorado, if you ever have one of your meet and greet fan events you should swing by the new huge 118 gas pump station store BUCEE's I guess it is the only one built here in Colorado, we live about a mile afar
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
We would love to have you show us around your awesome state. Believe it or not we haven't seen a lot of it.
@sandrap30472 ай бұрын
Waterfall is beautiful! Looks like Maggie was taking Owen for a walk down the stairs. Go to the Visitor Center in Cherokee if you want to see elk. They come down from the mountains to eat at the Visitor Center at dusk. We saw one Mama nursing her baby. She would move to a new place to eat & leave the baby. The baby would cry & run to find Mama and start nursing again. That happened several times. It was so sweet to hear the baby crying.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Aaaaah. Great suggestion. Next time! ❤️
@cumberlandquiltchic12 ай бұрын
Yes. Occonoluftee. They cross the river in mornings and evenings . I’ve been on path between cherokee and there and they’ve been right next to me crossing and bugling . You’ll see in fields and roads too. Living here, we see them at farms and things. The cows have dropped calves out of the park for years now.
@ladikmk2 ай бұрын
What a wonderful video! That's really what it's all about isn't it? Making the best out of situations and looking for an alternative, if what you planned doesn't work out. Smokemont is such a beautiful campground and the sound of running water makes it even more special. Owen, those snazzy new shoes should be saved for sunrise and sunset walks because you'll blend right in. Hope you're all doing well. Thanks for sharing this special place with all of us - it's going on my list for sure. Happy Father's Day Owen!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Thank you for such a wonderful comment… it is so much appreciated.
@itchingtogo73622 ай бұрын
I haven’t camped at Smokemont-yet. 🤣 Coming in from the west, I generally go to Elkmont. But you’ve got me hooked. Love the Smokies!!!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
We will show Elkmont next week. We love them both.
@bchlvrbob2 ай бұрын
Looks like the rest area near Marion. Love the videos, makes me want to hit the road again.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
You are correct, one of Maggie’s favorites.
@kathys799623 күн бұрын
Hi Owen and Lynn (and Maggie) Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed your Mexican Beans and Rice Skillet. After we each had generous servings, my husband said “This is so good, I could eat the rest of it.” Since I was feeling the same way, I quickly got it put away for the next day. 😊 I so enjoy your professional grade videos, and love watching the three of you together. We travel in our Ekko with our dog too, and see a lot of similarities to our experiences. Keep up the good work!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle23 күн бұрын
Thank you so much for your comment, it made us smile.. glad you liked the Mexican beans and rice.
@robertcknox2 ай бұрын
I don't know how you do all the hiking in the rain. We just finished a 9,200 mile 1 and a half month trip around the country with our dog in our van. Eventually it just got to be too much rain while in Montana so we headed home to San Diego where it rarely rains. You guys make it look easy, but I don't find wiping muddy paws etc. much fun.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
The rain can get very tiring when traveling especially if it goes on for day. At least we had some time between showers that we could get out of the van and enjoy our surrounding. I agree muddy paws cause for more cleaning… even if we wipe Maggie’s paws off the van can get pretty dirty..
@DennisHarrison-k4vАй бұрын
This was very informative, appreciate it.
@fishingfitzgeralds94932 ай бұрын
Love those shoes :),,we have been traveling a lot more since retirement and have learned to slow down and enjoy the ride ..he spent a month in Newfoundland last year (my home) headed to Maine this summer..
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
It does seem like when you retire you can slow down a bit and stay longer, instead of rushing to get everything done in a couple of weeks. Maine sounds like a great place to spend the summer.
@RhondaBartlettRBDS2 ай бұрын
We enjoy following your all’s adventures. Glad you include Maggie too! So sweet! 😊
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Maggie is the star… in so many ways.
@latada60182 ай бұрын
Thank you both so much! I live in the Triad of NC and I never knew about this place! It sounds absolutely perfect! I loved everything about this video. I also will be preparing this meal! I loved seeing that Tiffin Wayfarer across the way at the campground, as you may remember that’s what I have. Maybe you guys could show more RV’s while you’re out walking. I realize you don’t want to “Creep” on anyone 🤣.. but it’s always so fun to see what types of RV’s are out there. Thank you for sharing your travels and experiences with us. You both are truly the nicest and most respectful couple. I dream of such a relationship. I’m always looking forward for your next adventure 🙏🏻♥️
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
That is such a sweet, sweet comment and made us both smile. “Creeping” on neighbors is a tricky thing for sure. 🤣. But we’ll do our best to try to show other rigs in the future. We took note of that Wayfarer too… it was a sweet rig. You need to plan a trip the the Smokies… there are 3 National Park campgrounds and each one has a lot to offer. Thanks for being with us as we go explore… means a lot.
@kjFL1Ай бұрын
I always look forward to your videos, but you make me soooo nervous when you go hiking, especially when the terrain is wet!
@stuwardw2 ай бұрын
Never heard the term you mentioned. In Wisconsin, we call them rest areas.
@larryvincent20982 ай бұрын
There is so many wonderful comments that you receive , which shows us how wonderful your experiences pays off . I always enjoy your travelling experience which you guide me. Through your eyes !! Really enjoy your channel and take me along for the ride of adventures!! Thank you for sharing this with me!! As always BS & BK & BC !!!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Thank you for the kind comment. We do get some awesome comments that makes sharing our travels worthwhile.
@susanstrickland67742 ай бұрын
Yes, love that area. Nature plus there. Maggie is having so many doggie adventures. Tasty dinner. So kind to share, know they appreciated that. True, campers are kind, giving souls. 🙂👍
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
I agree most campers are very kind, trustworthy and helpful if you need it.
@karinwest9192 ай бұрын
Did Lynne not regret that she did not have her camera with her at the waterfall? Such a beautiful area! We were traveling there in the fall of 2022 and loved it but the crowds made it hard, so hopefully one of these years we can come back early in the season like you did. PS: Ela Campground has spots with decks directly over the Tuckasegee river !
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
At least I had my phone but I did regret having my big camera. We will check out Ella campground, thanks for the suggestion.
@AngeHage56772 ай бұрын
Now I want to head to the Smokies. Thanks for the recipe, looks delicious 😋 That Maggie is living her best life.
@rm70952 ай бұрын
Boy that dinner sure looked good! I like watching you guys adventures as they are real with no hype. Maggie is a star!!!!❤
@lisabritt42842 ай бұрын
Thanks guys! And thanks for clearing up the Elk thing for me…I’m not terribly far from y’all in NC and I was thinking I had no idea there were Elk here! Went all the way out west and didn’t see any lol. Maggie’s breakfast looked delicious Hey lil sweetie…y’all have a wonderful day 😊
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
It truly is a marvel that we have such a growing population of elk in the mountains of NC. We’ve seen them several times and it just never, ever gets old. As the summer gets hotter you have to get up earlier to see them before it gets unbearable from the heat. They’ll high tail it to the woods and cooler temps when it gets too hot. Kind of like we do. 🤣
@grillinandchillinwithdeb2 ай бұрын
We love it all for the same reasons. Enjoy your travels, be safe and thanks for sharing. Maggie hugs please ❤
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
You are so welcome and thank you for watching.
@bpmcalist2 ай бұрын
Always enjoy your videos! Hopefully one day we will cross paths on our travels. Looking forward to your next adventure.
@SpenSir2 ай бұрын
You drive my eyes and mind ride! ALWAYS Enjoying your travels ❤
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind words.
@robertb24682 ай бұрын
Your Happy Sneakers is a good name for them.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
I totally agree! Happy Sneakers! You should have heard the laughs from our son when he saw them… “hey… doesn’t grandma have a pair of those?” 🤣
@michaelbecnel632 ай бұрын
The Smoky mountains are always a great place to go. That meal was definitely happy dance worthy....oh those shoes...well they were interesting. Happy Trails 🐕
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Those shoes… exactly! I will say they are growing on me
@skipmason87472 ай бұрын
Love Smokemont. Grew up camping there almost every summer. My grandparents lived close and had an old Shasta camper they would take and set up for us to camp in.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your fond memories.
@margaretnifong64192 ай бұрын
“You can get two.” Yess! you can!
@boatmain12 ай бұрын
You should see dry falls in Franklin Nc.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
We will put it on our list. Thanks for the suggestion.
@patricklemieux28272 ай бұрын
Hi from Québec, Canada. We love your videos thank-you.
@stanw9092 ай бұрын
A regular Imelda Marcos 😀
@AnnMaynard-fu9qd2 ай бұрын
So good to see you on the road again. It was an interesting and fun trip even if just a short drive from home. There’s an adventure around every corner. Your dinner looked mighty delicious! The waterfall was beautiful and the tree bridge crossing was so unique. Little Maggie loves going on adventures.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
I agree there is always an adventure if you just look for it. Hope you guys are having a great summer, if you are ever close by we would love to meet up somewhere.
@AnnMaynard-fu9qd2 ай бұрын
@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle we would certainly enjoy meeting up with you, should we get up that way. We’re always looking forward to your next video.
@caseyntrent2 ай бұрын
What kind of sandals is Lynn wearing. They look like super comfortable walking sandals. Love Smokemont! I nearly died on a trail there. 😂 for real!!!! Just went for a stroll in my flip flops and half a bottle of water and ended up climbing the most strenuous hike up a mountain in my life. No phone service, right at dark, no water, flip flops. DONT DO IT ! 😂. We didn’t die 😂
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Glad you didn’t die! I can’t tell you how many times we gone for a walk where we went way further than we anticipated and wished we had water and better shoes. We never seem to learn. I think to shoes you are asking about are Taos, very comfortable.
@queenbear45812 ай бұрын
Looks like Maggie needed to walk her breakfast off.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
We all did. Thanks for watching.
@loriruby94332 ай бұрын
New subscriber here ! Great video - love the Smoky Mountains!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
We love new subscribers… thanks for planning to spend time with us and our videos. Stay connected in the comments and if you’re on Facebook look us up there.
@angierussell61162 ай бұрын
Wow! Watching from Gambrill State Park in Frederick, MD. We were in B28 last Friday and also tried to eat at Peter's Saturday morning, but the wait was too long and we had a long day of driving ahead of us (to Mount Airy via the Parkway). Love how y'all travel. We're trying to learn from you! Safe travels and happy tails from David and Angie
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
We keep learning new things everytime we take a trip. Hope you had a nice drive on the Parkway. Safe travels to you.
@trippingwithpippy23172 ай бұрын
In colder months, you can add in some bone broth and heavy whipping cream to make a creamy Mexican soup.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion, we will keep that in mind.
@alicebowman59382 ай бұрын
You're channel is great. Question what episode has the toco in the toaster please. Holly
@VANTREKKINGlifestyleАй бұрын
Here’s the link to the video with the pizza in the toaster, hope this is the one you are asking for. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mN-pi9p_vJjLh58.htmlsi=tm0iiXD4-bq-Gq1x
@timmurr16722 ай бұрын
Great video guys. Where is the shoe store you went to? We live in Hickory and stop at the Marion rest area quite often.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
The shoe store in on Bevard Rd in Asheville. The name is actually “Discount Shoes”.
@ncwomanparker17082 ай бұрын
It always rains in Smokemont. It's not IF it rains, it's WHEN it rains, I was always told.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
I think you are right. Thanks for sharing.
@randallborchers68722 ай бұрын
So. When is your cookbook coming out 😂
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Haha… we just like trying new recipes.
@loumadonna22622 ай бұрын
Love the sneakers, did they come with batteries?😂
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
They are so bright they don’t even need batteries. 😂
@loumadonna22622 ай бұрын
They are cool
@johnwilliamson94532 ай бұрын
Thanks for another view of your lives! Does your coach screen door rattle or make a fuss? Have you done anything that makes a difference?
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
We put tape on the locking in (that the door locks on) and it helped a lot. Also had to put some felt between the screen door and the outside door.
@davidstill76842 ай бұрын
Lynn, dropped my iPhone in my live well in a fishing trip. Got a new phone but lost a lot of contacts. Please resend me Owen’s phone number. We miss you guys… I liked this video because we have been to most of those places. ❤❤ David and Juanita
@AnubisTG1Ай бұрын
I'd love to be you guy's video editor
@HankGoodness2 ай бұрын
Where is that "discount shoes" store located? Gotta have me some of those Brooks!
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
It’s just west of Asheville. 1266 Brevard Road, Asheville NC. Best bet to get the shoes might be Amazon. The appeal of Discount Shoes is their rolling inventory. They get new shoes every week and they sell through them so Lynn in particular has learned to grab what you like when you see it because if you go back it likely won’t be there.
@bevbender35872 ай бұрын
Do you have to be concerned about ticks for Maggie when camping in such areas? Hope to travel East and South East next year.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Maggie has a tick collar and so far we have not found any ticks on her.
@AndyB7182 ай бұрын
I've been meaning to ask if or how bad you miss the Travato ? And those pride month shoes lmao.
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
We do sometimes miss our Travato, it was very reliable. But we really do like all the extra room in the Ekko.
@AndyB7182 ай бұрын
Ty, and that definitely makes sense @VANTREKKINGlifestyle
@jamesalford1892 ай бұрын
Will your van allow you to drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail in the smoky mountains
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
Yes, I believe we could drive the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. We have do it several time in our other vans and loved it. It is a must do, but very slow going.
@cumberlandquiltchic12 ай бұрын
Im New. What state or area do you live? Just curious. Im on western side of the GSMNP , cherokee side .
@cumberlandquiltchic12 ай бұрын
Where is that discount show store? I have seen several Shop there. Im assuming it is canton area , couldn’t see the name
@VANTREKKINGlifestyle2 ай бұрын
We live in the foothills of North Carolina. The Discount shoe store in located in Asheville and the name is “Discount Shoes”. Thanks for watching.
@johnpearson1258Ай бұрын
Romans 3:23 states: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;". We are all sinners, that have committed at least one sin in our lives, which earns us an eternal punishment in Hell. Revelation states 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.". God sent his Son, Jesus, to Earth as a perfect sinless sacrifice. To take on all the sins of the world; both past, present, and future sins. Shedding his blood on the cross as a blood atonement for all sins. After dying on the cross, he rose from the dead on the 3rd day and rose to Heaven. To show life after death. To show everlasting life through Jesus's sacrifice. John 14:6 states: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.". Romans 10:13 states "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.". Eternal life in heaven is just one prayer away. All you have to do is believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross for your sins. As an atonement for your sins. And rose from the grave on the 3rd day. Ask Jesus to save you of your sins and give you eternal life in Heaven. Salvation is a free and everlasting gift from God. Please don't let pride drag you into eternal punishment in Hell, but ask Jesus to give you eternal life in Heaven. If you're getting a strong feeling of resistance while reading this, it's because Satan doesn't want you to get saved. He wants you to resist, and think it's not real. He wants you in Hell for all eternity with him. Hell is not a fun place, like worldly people like to imagine. It's everlasting torture with no relief. I'm only taking the time to text this, because I want to get the message out. There are so many distractions in life keeping people from witnessing to other people. Keeping people from thinking about salvation. Keeping you from thinking about life after death. Please, ask Jesus into your hearts to save you of your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Ask him for a place in Heaven, and he will save you from eternal damnation in Hell.
@christinaputney6592 ай бұрын
I'm a little late to the party but I have to say, if I ever run into you both and I'm not sure if it's really you, I just look down to see Owens new shoes. 😃🚐