Desert springtime solo camp, in my 5th gen 4Runner

[@kriskabin]

I had a 3X-sized rat fall from a tree onto my suv roof while I was camping the other night. Horror & dred gripped my inards. I sprang from my bed, flashlight in hand, & flung open the hood. There it was already, enormous & running around in my engine bay! 😡 I set up every light that I had around the engine & quickly mixed up a spray bottle of industrial strength peppermint oil water. After soaking everything down in the engine bay & squirting the rat too, he finally high tailed it out & I packed up & left! Casino camped that night. Thanks for another amusing camping vid, S.M. " I don't know if that guy's wearing pants." 😂 👏

[@ShoestringMartha]

OK that is nightmare fuel right there (the Rat of Unusual Size - not the guy in the itty-bitty shorts) 😱 Glad you won the battle, at least. 🤜🐀

[@kimberlystuckey9955]

I chuckled at your comment as you gazed up into the sky, "I'm not dead yet!"

[@ShoestringMartha]

It’s my new daily affirmation 😄

[@jamesdove8021]

Perfect music!!

[@54bonkers]

Love your adventures! Thanks for sharing. ☮️❤️☀️

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Thank you for picking up the trash at your campsite! Gunther is accumulating more sniff memories - as usual..

[@ShoestringMartha]

Always!

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Loved the scenery, the sunset was amazing. Your food always looks so tasty 😋, I really like that shower, have to look into that ❤

[@driveabout1world872]

So.....happy to see the trash grabber in use. Great video as always.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Sad that I have to use it so often, but grateful that I have it to use!

[@yatesmsw]

Gunther 😍😍, careful under trees please, branches may fall. Great taste in music 😀 Have great trips!

[@moscafroglover2127]

Hey C and G! Lol, i laughed when you were like "oh Jesus" at the rowdy neighbors. You lways make such yummy stuff. I dont really drink, but I was even ready to try that little cocktail you made.

[@ShoestringMartha]

LOL they really had no ability to communicate at anything other than a shout. I edited out a lot of my eyerolling about it. 😅 Thankfully they knocked it off by the late afternoon, and were quiet after that. Definitely try just the jasmine green tea (with a little honey) + ginger beer + a lemon twist -- it's so refreshing!

[@moscafroglover2127]

@@ShoestringMartha that sounds super refreshing!! Will do🙌

[@lynnef3297]

Thanks for the spring trip. That drink sure did look tasty! Looking forward to the food videos and your review of the fridge. 😊👍

[@livinright1]

Your Gunther is the cutest boy! That hammock looked so relaxing and loved the unique shape of your drinking glass too. Thx for sharing 👍

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks - it's a whiskey tulip!

[@ArrowheadGarage]

I'm a Local Phoenix guy. I've been watching a ton of your videos this weekend as I'm getting ready to do some camping in my Porsche Cayenne, which seems to be about the same size as your 4Runner! Thanks for the videos.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Well hey neighbor - welcome! 👋 I love seeing Porsches in the wild! very cool 👌

[@nebc_yukonyeti]

Those toothpaste tabs are great in freezing temps, rather than a toothpaste popsicle. Thanks for the Arizona greenery, can’t wait for the next round of Pie Iron Chef! 🥾🏔️🇨🇦❤️

[@ShoestringMartha]

Again, something I never would have considered, living where I do. 😂

[@nebc_yukonyeti]

But they are still a frozen, minty, hard crunch. 😉 Or if you need to really conserve water. 😁

[@mastandstars]

the tunes baby! Yes! 16:08

[@PHorne-co6pg]

Thanks 🎉 from Atlanta Ga ❤❤❤❤

[@traveledtexan]

Gear fund... I love camp gear... it speaks to me 😂

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you so much -- I will definitely use it!! There's so much cool stuff out there 💸💸💸

[@mainstmo]

We use a similar shower system at camp and it is amazing! Nothing beats a warm shower before bedtime! …also do I detect a little soundgarden in the beginning?! Rusty cage?lol thanks for the video 😊beautiful country

[@ShoestringMartha]

Nailed it! 👏 Felt appropriate for leaving the city 😏

[@IShallNotBeSilent]

Martha, I just got my 5th Gen 4-Runner 3 days ago and am taking a lot of inspiration from your set up. Are you able to sit up inside with your other set-up without removing the seats? I am at the place of making the decision of removing the seats or leaving them. I am minimal in things I carry, about what you have and carry and why I am getting ideas from your set up. I love that you change things up according to where you go and what you are doing. The versatility is good. I have a floor chair also, that I used in my Rav4 setup and did not know where to put it in the new vehicle, but now I see exactly where I can put it. If you could change anything about your set-up, what would it be? Any input would be greatly appreciated. I have gone back and watched a lot of your videos when building your platform and kitchen gathering ideas. Thanks for all these videos and sharing with all of us. Have a wonderful day!

[@ShoestringMartha]

The higher platform meant the best I could manage was a slouchy sit in bed. For me, leaving the seats in adds the functionality of supporting the head of a bed, and the nightstand. If I traveled for longer, I might sacrifice those things for the additional storage space gained in the foot wells, by removing the rear seats. Overall, I am pretty happy with my setup. Jury is still out as to whether the under-bed fridge + higher platform is going to stay. More testing is on deck!

[@IShallNotBeSilent]

@@ShoestringMartha - Thanks Martha.

[@tracker5849]

Cute little squished eggs..LOL!!!!

[@DanitaReynolds]

Thanks for taking us along on your adventure! I’m looking forward to seeing the cream cheese palooza episode!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Pretty sure I consumed a block and a half!

[@DanitaReynolds]

@@ShoestringMartha 🤣😂🤣

[@justjoanish]

Nice trip.

[@ChipChoc00]

Thanks for sharing this! 💕

[@susanjackson1458]

My wife and I always had to make at least one trip, and sometimes two, around the campground to look for the best site.

[@ShoestringMartha]

The feeling of deep regret when you’re leaving and see the COOLEST site must be avoided! 😄

[@itsjustmetomc4848]

I love going out in the Arizona desert especially in the winter! Great piece of kit that goes over the back end of the 4runner! I need one for mine! Thanks for sharing. Shalom from Mesa, Arizona!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Oh hey neighbor! 👋 It's a Napier Sportzcove and it's been really nice to have, especially when the weather is so lovely.

[@pursang0904]

Can you shut hatch with it on? I noticed you left it open so you must not have been far away

[@ShoestringMartha]

You cannot. You have to take it off to close the hatch.

[@MonteenMcCord]

Awesome!!!!! Just found your channel. I too, have a 4Runner and live to camp!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Welcome 4Runner fam! 👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼😁

[@DreamingOfAK]

Your dog reminds me of Jennie in Maurice Sendak’s Higglety Pigglety Pop. Cute.

[@ShoestringMartha]

omg he totally looks like her! 😮

[@Lainer1]

Another great video. Love your dog.

[@tracker5849]

YOU KNOW we need recipe for that cheesecake!!!

[@ShoestringMartha]

I'd better get started on that creamcheesepalooza video 😅

[@tracker5849]

@@ShoestringMartha yes maam!

[@TentandLantern]

“I’m not dead yet.” 😂

[@caver6292]

Awww, Gunther is such a peach...whatagoodboi!! I am impressed with the pressure output on that Flextail pump!! (how many minutes can you get out of one charge?) You are the poster person for good camping etiquette, I try to always leave the campsite better than I found it !!! (and loud people should not go camping...) Loved the video!

[@ShoestringMartha]

I have not actually ever run the battery out, so I couldn't say. It also depends on if you have it on low pressure or high pressure. The specs on the Flextail site say "up to 110 minutes."

[@jessicawolfe5861]

I got a Sports Cove last year I haven’t tried out yet. Can’t wait for my first trip this year!

[@ShoestringMartha]

If you have a tall vehicle, highly recommend getting a couple Gear-Ties to attach to the roof rack. Much easier than trying to buckle the straps over your head. Safe and joyous travels!

[@jessicawolfe5861]

@@ShoestringMartha I have a Prius. No roof rack. It’s pretty easy to set up.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Thanks!

[@GiMom19]

Loving the music choices ❤ Takes me back in the day Sorry about the rodent guest (peppermint oil is suppose to help with yet) but I’ve never tried it. The fridge drawer looks the bomb 👍🏻

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! I made a peppermint oil spray to hopefully prevent a next time 😬

[@HTC9184]

Love this trip! Your playlist is on point!

[@ShoestringMartha]

I've been feelin' my rollerskating playlist these days -- in addition to my usual stuff. 😊

[@nilasink3270]

So sweet that you cooled his Starbucks treat! I do the same for the dogs or cats.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Those egg bites come out smokin' hot!

[@breechaudoin8465]

Omg somehow I just stumbled upon your channel and I am GIDDY. I’ve been bingeing a few videos….We are wayyyy too similar and it’s scary-from the vehicle to the camp gear to the food and cocktails. LOVE IT. Can’t wait to follow along for more adventures.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Welcome, friend - you are in the right place!

[@William2N]

Love your trips! So nice! I have yet to try truck camping😂

[@tpod892]

Gunther getting his bath = TRAGIC. 😂 Yikes on the packrat nest. We have issues with mice and squirrels here in Tennessee. Had a friend who had thousands of dollars-worth of damage from wire-chewing alone (I think it was that soy-based wire insulation that was the attractant).

[@ShoestringMartha]

They are a real problem, esp for vehicles that sit for any length of time. I’m just surprised one got in the 4Runner is less than 24 hours 😳 That’s all it takes I guess.

[@onlyinparadise4613]

🥇

[@1kaaa]

Solo camping, doggie, 4Runner? Immediately subscribed.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Welcome - you’re in the right place! 😄

[@maryb5638]

Me too

[@tammy9162]

Love your Setup!

[@roamingcali]

As soon as the warranty is up on my VW Tiguan, I want to add the Molly like panels to the useless back windows. Love your set-up.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Nice!! 👏👏👏

[@tammy9162]

I LOVE YOUR MUSIC! OLDSKOOL!!!🤗🤗🤗

[@ShoestringMartha]

Clearly I've been feeling my rollerskating playlist lately. 😂

[@tammy9162]

@ShoestringMartha 🤣🤣🤣 a Girlfriend & I making plans soon to do just that! Rollerskating! 52yrs old & 58yrs old us!!!

[@ShoestringMartha]

I am right there with you, trying to tap into some 40+ year old core memories. 🤣 I've been hitting the rink once a week, and getting better, but only slightly more than a baby deer on casters. If y'all need some inspo: open.spotify.com/playlist/7s7Gsd3pnR8Xf08liNdUx2?si=492f2593557143ba

[@tammy9162]

@ShoestringMartha You do great, really. I enjoy your style and it's inspiring.

[@tammy9162]

@ShoestringMartha OMFreakn'G!!! Wholly Tramolly! My kind of Music aLL the wayyyy. Awesome 👌. Now, instead of Rollerskating, I want to go Dancing! Lololol 😁

[@auntesther3675]

New subbie here...Loved loved loved your whole vibe. From your cute fur baby to the terrific tunes and your food and drinks...Thank you for sharing!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you and welcome!

[@tjfm59]

love the smashed sports bra comment. on the cot idea. it is all about the cot leg locations in reference to wheel well location. measurements under the cot between the legs. have a 84 incher just right for my needs. it stays in the box & i sleep on the truck bed because of the wheel well issue. middle leg interferes. probably be better to rebuild your old one. noticed the bear on your belt. serious thinking of adding a couple of those perimeter alarms to my list. setup at about 15 feet out at knee height. the noise of the cap going off would wake me up. an hopefully scare the critter away. got laugh out of gunther bath time. what came to mind was the movie dirty dozen, scene' where col bryd says' you will now demostrate bathing & shaving in the field". airfilter change 1.5 yrs ago, pulled 4 lbs squirrel hair from in front of the filter. your critter experience & mine brought back this morning of gray squirrel leaving the front of my truck. judt did a fur check on the air filter, no fur found. also smoked clams do not make a good crab raggon type dish.

[@ShoestringMartha]

I actually got one! It's 72" long, which fits perfectly, if I hook it over the folded rear seat. Trying it out in a couple weeks. 🤞

[@tjfm59]

@@ShoestringMartha excellent

[@paulavaden5139]

Thanks for another campy video! Enjoyed it.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Always putting the camp in camping 😄

[@meganshields8530]

I broke an ankle running to Amazon to check out the Flex Tail shower pump. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've had to do an emergency bath on my dogs while camping. One absolutely loves to roll in animal poo.

[@ShoestringMartha]

LOL they have plenty! 😂 Happy bathing! 🧼🐶

[@judyshorrock7368]

So sorry to had an uninvited guest (rodent). Yikes, I’m going to check my cabin filter today. My home base is southern AZ and have found putting a light under our vehicles worked best. Probably not ideal creating an under glow of light while camping, however. 😁

[@ShoestringMartha]

I have a couple motion sensing ones I might put under there. I just need to NOT forget them before I drive off 😅

[@judyshorrock7368]

Motion detection ones should work. Great idea! Like you said, don’t want to leave behind. I know it would freak me out seeing a campsite lit up with no one around. Spooky! 😂

[@conniewaite1371]

Stick a note on your steering wheel,then you wont forget!

[@jaccourt9531]

For some reason thought you were from Canada. Just like a pup get you up early and they sleep in.😂😂😂 I have a camp shower, but it is a bulb not as big. And cheaper off Amazon. What yiu didn't want more pets.😂😂😂

[@ShoestringMartha]

I am not, but thanks 😂 That is typical Gunther! He has all dang day to go pee, but always holds it until half past a sparrow fart in the morning!

[@jeanparker9441]

Would like the playlist for this trip. Please and thank you. #GeorgeBenson #NuShooz #NileRodgers #GerryRafferty

[@ShoestringMartha]

You bet! There were a few, but this was the main one open.spotify.com/playlist/7s7Gsd3pnR8Xf08liNdUx2?si=rlDEQd2iR1mcybMyZVg0NQ followed by open.spotify.com/playlist/0kcdkgBoRNZCGnMVwdURbg?si=wrPiee5WSUqI5XfsBx09ig Enjoy!

[@dougjohnston156]

Do you have any thoughts about the new frig. Thank you

[@ShoestringMartha]

I have several (mostly positive)! I'm working on a whole video about it now.

[@maryb5638]

Just found your channel....it's like watching myself, lol. I have a 3rd gen 4 runner...which hatch cover shared thing are you using....exactly what I'm looking for , that guard dog tho ❤

[@ShoestringMartha]

Hi and welcome Yota fam! 👋🏼 It’s this: amzn.to/3Js1gbh

[@onlyinparadise4613]

Can you please make a chuck box using the IKEA KLÄMMEMACKA desk organizer? There’s a video by Kristie Dean doing it.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Tempting, because that is adorable! But you know me, if someone's already done it, I'm not gonna do it -- unless I think I can do it better. 😏

[@onlyinparadise4613]

@@ShoestringMartha I’m sure you can do better. That’s why I thought of you! Curious to see what you would put inside 😉

[@SusanTiffany-j9m]

🚐🚐🚐

[@kathleencomyn5228]

Can I ask why you didn't put the bed on the floor and the Bluetti on top of the fridge and then you can use the table as a table while you are more comfortable with a lower bed?

[@ShoestringMartha]

I have other stuff that I still need to store under the bed. Also that Bluetti weighs 72lbs. I don't know if the fridge can handle that kind of weight.

[@kathleencomyn5228]

@ShoestringMartha if you left the bed platform on that side you could store both under it and on top of it and leave a space to use as a table or work top as well and you could still access it all from your bed mattress set up next to it instead of on top of the platform. Does that make sense?

[@zanthornton]

Ueah yiu picking up the trash. My kinda person yea

[@cindysegar1426]

I have a 5th gen the same color. Lol do you like those steps? I need to get some but have no idea which ones I want. Lol

[@ShoestringMartha]

Twinsies! They are Smittybilts, and I like them OK. They seem pretty durable, weren't very expensive, and were pretty easy to install, but I kinda wish I had gotten something a little more angular-looking and low-profile.

[@rslooby6130]

One of the worst campers...well maybe two: really noisy aka boom boxes and the trashy ones. We made a point to leave our visit in better shape than we found it.

[@ShoestringMartha]

I hate to generalize, but those two types of campers are often the same people. 😒

[@A-K_Rambler]

Adult Beverage Research Fund!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Cheers, for that! 🥂

[@maryb5638]

Can you use the fridge to sit on or as a bedside side table?

[@ShoestringMartha]

It’s sooooooo longgggggg you’d probably want to build over it, whether a bed or seat. But I wouldn’t put weight directly on top 🤔

[@sherryhicks4156]

People can be so nasty. Why can't they clean up after themselves. Makes it hard for us that camp cleanly!! Enjoy your time.

[@cindysegar1426]

What's that shower called? I want one. Lol

[@ShoestringMartha]

It's a Flextail! There's a link, and a discount code in the description. 😉

[@deannaholt2851]

Wait - what happened with the rodent!?? And where exactly was it? Does that happen a lot?

[@ShoestringMartha]

What happened to it is TBA in an upcoming video. Its nest was in the cabin air filter. Packrats are a common threat to any vehicle parked in the backcountry in AZ, but it’s the first time it’s happened to me - probably because I don’t stay long.

[@dedetheb7311]

Only once? Lol!

[@ShoestringMartha]

🤔

[@Abnormally_Resilient]

Great video, Gumshoe, I mean Shoestring. 🤪 Hey, you and Gunther make GunShoe. Sounds like a sneeze! Haha Loud people….UGH! 🤬People who litter! 🤬 Um, people. InCONsiderate feckers. Picking up trash…you rock, Girlie! 🏆music this trip, 🔥 Reliving my disco duck days at The Limelight in ATL. 💃🏼Also reminiscent of ATL was the sap on your truck. Looked like a lot of trucks in the parking lot at my high school. Chewing tobacco. 🤮 only the coolest guys partook, can you imagine? I’ve upped my standards quite a bit since then. 👑 Speaking of spitting, your “sports bra effect,” made me spit out mah coffee! 🤣😂 and I’m with ya on the pickled anything! Cept mah liver, that is. 😵 Toothpaste tablets…what a crock of shite! I heard a health influencer tout his faves, so I bit, hook, line and sinker. Bought a subscription for me and my son that was like 60.00!! One “tic tac” is too small! I gots to be foaming at the mouth or I don’t feel fully brushed! 😶‍🌫️ can I get an amen?! Toothpaste scammers!! Useless as mini M&Ms, but I still buy those. 🤫

[@vickierae1994]

Thanks!

[@ShoestringMartha]

thank YOU!