Cades Cove / Camping / Loop Trail / Bears / Copycat Chili / Tornadoes

Birthdays, bears, butterflies, snakes, flash floods and tornadoes made this stop at Cades Cove one to remember. We still managed to have a relatively peaceful time here as we celebrated Maggie's 11th birthday doing all the things she loves to do.
A few things about this episode. 1st, just because the rules say you can run a generator from 9am until 8pm doesn't mean you have to... just saying. If you're the one in the camper two spots down from us, you owe us $30 for having to change to a more quiet spot. 😂
2nd, there's absolutely zero cell phone coverage here and it is a remote place. And in the spring each year this area is pounded with flash floods and tornadoes. Pay close attention to the weather here and stay safe.
3rd, in the spring (we were here the 2nd week of May) bears are everywhere... in the campground loops, on the roads and definitely along the Cades Cove Loop road/trail.
4th, we HIGHLY recommend bringing your bikes and riding on the day that is set aside each week for bikes and pedestrians only. It is a bucket list experience... one so good we had to go for a second time that day even though our batteries were drained and we were tired.
And finally, when you meet a cowboy, even if he's at Cades Cove in Tennessee... you have to say HOWDY!.. it's the law!
Texas Roadhouse Copycat Chili Recipe:
PREP TIME: 10 min
COOK TIME: 2 hr 30 min
SERVINGS: 10
INGREDIENTS
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 5 pounds beef stew meat
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 2 jalapeno peppers (seeded and sliced)
• 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 Tablespoon cumin
• 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 can)
• 15 ounces diced fire roasted tomatoes (1 can)
• 30 ounces kidney beans (2 (15 oz cans), drained)
• 1 cup beef stock ((add more if you like a soupier chili))
• 2 Tablespoons Masa Harina
• 2 Tablespoons water
• salt and pepper, to taste
• Hamburger
PREPARATION STEPS
1. Season the beef. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the beef. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. DO NOT crowd the pan. You will likely have to brown the beef in batches.
3. Add the veggies. Stir in the onion and jalapenos and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Season. Add the garlic powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the tomatoes and kidney beans. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, and stock.
6. Stew. Allow the chili to come to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Thicken. Whisk together the masa harina and water to form a paste and stir it into the chili. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
8. Adjust the seasoning. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
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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...

[@David-jo4gt]

With the temp reaching 102 today, spring time in the mountains looks like heaven. Your photography paired with music was spot on. Thank you for all the hard work you and Lynn do. Please give Maggie a big Happy Birthday and a belly rub from us. Happy tails and safe travels.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks David, we appreciate your support. Try to stay cool.

[@sherriweber7105]

I wanted to let you know I think it was so cute watching Maggie eat a pup cup for her birthday! Plus getting a bike ride and chicken. It’s well deserved for a dog as good as she is. My dog loves chicken. Hope Maggie enjoyed her birthday!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I hope Maggie enjoyed her Birthday, we tried to make it special for her. The things you do for your pup 🤣.

[@jholcomb9532]

Loved all the wildlife! Amazing butterflies. Many Happy Returns of the Day to Maggie Girl.

[@sloanschwindt9718]

This was a wonderful video! Enjoyed the bears, butterflies, snakes and Birthday Girl. Scary having that much rain and tornado warnings!

[@toddlancaster5298]

That looked like a gray rat snake. Love Cades Cove. One of my favorite places.

[@karinwest919]

yes, the shape of the head and the eyes will give it away!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the information. We need to get better at identifing snakes.

[@sherriweber7105]

Happy birthday Maggie!

[@pattyk8594]

Love that you were able to bike cades cove with no cars for a day! Just beautiful! And happy birthday Maggie! You deserve that chicken sweet pea :o)

[@larryvincent2098]

Another great adventure!! Beautiful scenery, accept for the snake !! lol !!Happy Birthday Maggie 🎉!! Oh yea the bears ! Where the rain lol ….. Sounds of the birds , beautiful … Wow the butterflies!!! Always enjoy your channel!! BS & BK & BC !!!!!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much for watching and always taking the time to comment.

[@koalabear6722]

Happy Birthday Maggie! Bike ride was awesome. We did the hayride, lots of fun and we didn't have to drive, just look. Spring time can be very risky! We love the store in the campground. visit it every year. in the fall! Happy Camping!

[@angelabennett2941]

Glad the tornados missed you! The bike rides looked really fun. Happy birthday to Maggie!

[@lisabritt4284]

Happy birthday Maggie you lil sweetie 🎉❤

[@karinwest919]

what a wonderful experience in Cades Cove! oh, the memories you make! This vid is my fave so far!

[@lindao1327]

Thought I saw a black bear through the trees around 7.26! Great video guys. Happy Birthday sweet Maggie. ❤

[@lindao1327]

I looked again, but think it was a tree stump!

[@janetfolkerts5827]

Awesome views, yep, I think you hit the motherlode in seeing nature in it's finest ! As always, love your cooking presentations. BTW the chili looked great as well. Happy Tails to Maggie ! THANKS for sharing.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thank you for watching.

[@sloanschwindt9718]

Happy Birthday Maggie! We have the same Blackstone griddle! Love it!

[@christinaputney659]

Happy Birthday to Maggie!!

[@sandrap3047]

I've always heard that Cades Cove was a beautiful place to bike ride when they are closed to cars. Now you have shown me just how beautiful it really is. The other ride was beautiful too. Love the wildlife minus the snake. I have one fear in life and it is snakes! I'll probably dream about that one in your video tonight! Thanks for that! :)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I have bad dreams too when I see a snake. So sorry!

[@BillandJulia615]

Happy Birthday Maggie! 🎉 Your bike rides look amazing!

[@skipmason8747]

Cades Cove is my wife’s favorite place. She loves going there. We visit about once a month if we can.

[@barbaracarlson7402]

Happy Birthday Maggie, you sure are a sweet girl. We toured Cade’s Cove some years ago and loved it but it would be awesome on bikes! We were in Texas earlier this spring and experienced some wicked storms.. Sure is scary any time but more so in an RV we feel. Really enjoying your trip in the Smokies, thanks for taking us along!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I agree it is so much more scary in an RV. Thanks so much for watching.

[@patkincaid8061]

Looks so nice and inviting. Beautiful place. I’ve been there once but looking forward to going again one day.

[@dmhenshaw]

Cades Cove is the best!

[@Shopsktkolsc]

This video has inspired me to try cades cove again. I was trapped in my car for hours on that loop a few years ago and swore I would never visit again. Cycling seems to be the way to go. Great video and I agree that your music is perfect.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The loop does get crazy backed up. We’ve tried that before and much prefer the experience with no cars. It’s so worth it.

[@stanw909]

I tried talking my kids into becoming meteorologists . I told them that they never have to be right and get paid anyway. Especially heer in Socal. BTW , From she to me put in one your songs. Beautiful song. Beautiful vocal and beautiful arrangement. Better hit her up for your royalties 😂..

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Good advice about becoming a meteorologists. I wish we could take credit for the song in Debbie’s video, it was beautiful, but not Owen.

[@AndyB718]

Chilli and i can't help but be reminded of the Blazing Saddles scene. 😂

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I remember that scene… thanks for the memory.

[@grillinandchillinwithdeb]

Happy Birthday Maggie ❤Great video

[@bevbender3587]

What an adventure: bears and other wildlife, rain, flooding, tornadoes . Happy Birthday Maggie🎂🥳🎉

[@clarkcopenhaver1265]

Every time we visit the Smoky's, we spend time in Cades Cove. Beautiful place......"HAPPY BIRTHDAY" Maggie.

[@richardburguillos3118]

Ya just keep these amazing adventure videos coming… another beautiful location. Thanks for sharing. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAGGIE!!🎉❤🦴🦴🐾

[@michaelcox6559]

A belated birthday wishes to Maggie! Glad you guys are safe from those storms. We are on pei now and settling in. Have the rv here too so gonna look for some boondock spots this summer

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Sounds great. Hope it’s nice and cool there.

[@plove523]

Cades Cove is one of my favorite places.

[@billparks2788]

yes a red rat or corn snake, the under side looks like indian corn

[@judystreich7333]

Maggie’s so special on a normal day, but her birthday about wore her out. Happy Birthday sweet girl, your fans love you little darling. Beautiful area to relax, hope our crazy weather calms down soon.

[@karenenglish4900]

It was great you saw so many bear. More often than not, we don't see them. Nice bike days!! Happy Birthday Maggie!

[@ladikmk]

Happy Birthday Maggie! You are one very lucky doggie - here's to many more wonderful Birthdays for a very special little fur-girl.

[@raybetts3795]

Hey y’all, loved the video. Happy Birthday to Maggie. Our Jake Dawg is thirteen and named after John Belushi’s character from the Blues Brothers movie. We’ve been to Cades Cove several times, always a great experience. Especially seeing wildlife. I’m pretty sure your snake was not a Copperhead. A Copperhead has markings that resemble a Hersheys Kiss. This was probably a water snake. But, good to be careful. Take care and travel safe. Don’t know if Owen knew the Carter Brothers but Danny Carter passed away today.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We saw that Daddy Carter passed, we appreciate you letting us know, such a loss. We had a Jake Dawg too, before Maggie. Thanks for the information on the snake, we need to get better at identifying them.

[@davidstill7684]

Happy Birthday Maggie… Lots of great wildlife. I am jealous you got to ride Cades Cove. Did you stop at the church? Great video…. Love you guys! ❤

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We did not stop at the church this time. It was a great ride. Miss you guys.

[@kiwirose4196]

Another amazing video - I just loved the butterfly segment - so beautiful. Happy birthday sweet Maggie, you are just 6 months older than our Maya ❤️

[@michaelbecnel63]

Riding bikes thru Cades Cove looked very relaxing and yall hit the bear lottery....HBD Maggie. Happy Trails 🐕

[@dennysisk1100]

Texas roadhouse 👍

[@timmartin4952]

Love the Smokies and Cades Cove. Thanks for taking us there. Just told my better half, I’d like to bike the loop like you all did. That was great! We have driven it countless times. Belated Happy Birthday to Maggie! Thanks for the great videos and allowing us to come along!

[@chrisgriffiths509]

Love cades cove. One of my favorite places. Nice video😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It one of our favorites also.

[@nancyskean6425]

Happy birthday sweet pup Maggie! You have awesome parents! Glad you were all safe with the wild weather. Happy tails!

[@jdmather5755]

Switch bikes or batteries at the halfway point to even out energy use to propel Owen around the loop. 😮

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You know when we got our Rad’s that was one of the reasons we got the same bike so we could trade out the batteries if this happened. But we could also swap out who rides what. Great idea.

[@joeyeubanks5965]

Another beautiful, relaxing video. And such great music too.

[@user-qn2wq7yj1l]

Love your videos!!! Happy Birthday sweet Maggie. She looks like such a love.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Belated Happy Birthday to sweet Maggie!!!!! Y'all had a great trip despite the liquid sunshine. I'm thrilled that you saw and shared so many bears! We've never seen that many at one time. I had read about the mama with 4 cubs. I'm glad y'all actually saw them! Have a great week! Much love from SC, Jane ❤🙏

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

This was the most we’ve ever seen at one time, it was such a great time riding and seeing all the wildlife… one of our favorite thing. Thanks so much for watching.

[@johnccman9547]

Happy Birthday Maggie and thanks for sharing the sites and adventure. Enjoy watching

[@rdrose61]

Thanks... you did hit the bear lottery. We saw bears in the field as well but not as many as y'all. We encourage everyone we discuss GSMNP with to visit Cades Cove on bike on motorvehicle free Wednesdays. We too recently swapped our Blackstone griddle and our campstove for the Blackstone griddle campstove. A little tight on the griddle surface but 2 bulky items to store for 1 compact is great. Congrats Maggie...

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The bike ride is so much better without all the cars, we highly recommend it too. Thanks for watching.

[@leeb6758]

Loved this one! Happy Birthday sweet Maggie!

[@ncwomanparker1708]

🎉 Happy Birthday Maggie🎉

[@kevinsandells9933]

Enjoyed the video. Happy belated Birthday Maggie

[@sandras1524]

❤

[@bigjimslade6250]

Just found your channel this week while in the Smokies & got back from Cades Cove yesterday. It’s a great place. You had better luck with bears than we did. We hope to go back soon & stay at the campground & do the Wednesday bike ride. And like you, we are no longer the 55+ resort campers that we once were.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Glad you found us, thanks for watching.

[@maryjones908]

Happy Birthday Maggie!

[@RoadsofLife]

Woo Hoo! Happy Birthday Waggy Maggie Magpie!! You don't look a day over five! And you act like one happy puppy! Stay away from those snakes and bears... we want you around for at least another 11 years! 💗 And you two better keep safe too! Wear little bells and carry pepper spray! You mentioned your generator wouldn't last very long. Is it too small or is something wrong with it? And that brings up a question I've had for a while... Can you run your A/C without the generator in the EKKO or will it not last that long without it? Tried to figure that out from the Winnebago website, but couldn't find an answer. Didn't know about butterflies and... um... well, you know. I do know the best way to tell if it's black bear is if it is small and contains berries and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear will contain little bells and smells like pepper!🤣 Stay safe and be seeing you!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

No generator was running for an hour and then shutting down with no warning.

[@thetravelingkites]

Happy birthday, Maggie! 🎉 Question for you: do you think there’s enough overhead clearance at Cades Cove for a 10’ tall class B?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes. We've been on the Cades Cove Loop in a Travato and a Revel.

[@thetravelingkites]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Thanks guys. Appreciate that.

[@tonyraby1515]

Red rat snake, not a Copperhead 😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the information.

[@sherriweber7105]

Lynn and Owen van you send me the recipe for the Roadhouse copycat chili? I would love to try to make it. We have a Roadhouse here too in Vegas but never been there. I love chili. If you don’t mind sending it. Thank you.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It's in the description of the video. Might be easier to get it from there. Email us if you need us to email to you.

[@sherriweber7105]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Oh ok! Thank you! I would love to have yours too! Owen said in video that yours was better! I love chili!

[@reagan4583]

What bikes are y’all riding now?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Lynn has and loves her Townie Go! 7D EQ Step-Thru. Link is in the description. Owen was riding Wolff Lyra ST but not really happy with it.

[@infiniti1706]

First

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes you were! Thank you.