Ep. 216 McCall, Idaho | RV travel camping kayaking

[@forreststinnett4123]

Very beautiful and peaceful thanks for sharing 👍

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you too Forrest!

[@bertkelly7650]

Shared this vid to facebook.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Bert!!

[@moganmark]

The more I see of Idaho the more I like. As a kid growing up in Florida we use to joke that Idaho didn't exist because we never met someone from there!

[@GrandAdventure]

And here I was expecting some line about potatoes. 😄

[@GoingPlacesOne]

How, how, how do you not have 100k subs!? Awesome video!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so much!! We appreciate the love.

[@rabbi6225]

One of my top 10 places on the planet. For real.

[@SevenBears1]

Love my Wednesday get away with GA. I'm so far behind in my adventures do to work. I get 5 weeks vacation but I can't always get away. Bishop, Mammoth and Sequoia are in my backyard so I'll settle for that till retirement. 19:54 was a great year 🤣

[@GrandAdventure]

Hey, I'm not above click bait, J! 😁 Nothin' wrong with Bishop, Mammoth and Sequoia. Years ago we had a great stay up on Deadman Summit between Mammoth and June.

[@SevenBears1]

@@GrandAdventure just keep doing what you're doing it benefits all of us.

[@davidcrane7599]

Hi Marc, I’ve really enjoyed your southern-central ID series. I lived in Twin Falls from 1954-59 as a little kid and it was a great place to be. I also spent several weeks every summer camping around McCall and the mountains east along Johnson Creek and South Fork of the Salmon River. Wonderful memories that your series brought back. I need to get back up there! Thanks!

[@GrandAdventure]

That's terrific, David! Thanks for watching, and we're thrilled that we could bring you back there.

[@donmccall9038]

I've lived in this area for almost 60 years and we always pronounced it Wall ow a lake area. Surprised the pronunciation has changed. It's beautiful there. I hiked all over the mountains around there. Even earned a few Boy Scout badges there. Just got a new RV and we will be hitting it full-time this spring. Staying in it in a KOA park In Pasco Wa for the winter. Learning about the RV while my wife has a couple of glaucoma surgeries! Keep up the good work!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Don! We screw up local pronunciations all the time. 😁 Wishing your wife the speediest of recoveries from her surgeries.

[@stevertherver3887]

Hi Marc, what a beautiful area. It's not often you can boondock and have live music right at your campsite. We just purchased Kayaks and plan on exploring like you do! Your are such an inspiration!!

[@GrandAdventure]

That's heartwarming to hear, Steve! Thanks so much as always. It wasn't the campsite that we planned on, but it turned out to be a terrific one in the end.

[@rabbi6225]

@@GrandAdventure you could have made a few bucks by selling beers and hotdogs out your window.

[@GrandAdventure]

@@rabbi6225 😄

[@MurrayPeeps]

What a clutch spot to camp! Looks like a great place to escape the madness when the snow starts flying too.

[@GrandAdventure]

If you've got the right rig, Murray, it would be a stellar slopeside spot to set up for a few days of skiing. I'm personally not a fan of towing in the winter, for I'd hate to look in my driver's side mirror and watch my trailer trying to pass me. Because of that, my schedule needs to remain flexible to wait for dry road travel days.

[@dfberry]

A great "Happy Accident" ! I like the "vibe" around a ski area -- even in the summer. There's a different good vibe then. There's still an energy -- just a bit more "laid back". Like summer semester at a major university. More intimate, maybe. ... and the slopes and lifts are patiently waiting for the return of the skiers.

[@GrandAdventure]

That's a wonderful -- and very true -- observation, Dave. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@cpwatching5647]

Nice video!! Thanks for sharing. The little river paddle looks super nice.

[@GrandAdventure]

It was a wonderful paddle, CP. Thanks for watching!

[@EdenLawnServices]

I actually live just down the hill from McCall. Beautiful country!!!

[@GrandAdventure]

It most certainly is.

[@JarheadAndGingersJourney]

Love watching the kayaking. So peaceful and beautiful.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you! It was one of the most tranquil paddles we've done in a while.

[@louheindel8673]

Thanks again for a great inspirational video! Looks like you’ve been able to avoid the oppressive west heat and smoke!! 💪👍

[@GrandAdventure]

LOL! Wait until next week's video for the heat and smoke ... 😄 We appreciate your kind words, thank you.

[@brookeshaffer4377]

Great kayak area.Cool free concert.Think you scored on that spot👍Again thanks for yet another beautiful share🌟

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you, and thanks for watching as always, Brooke!

[@billdennis2993]

Thx GA for another informative and entertaining video of beautiful Idaho Happy Camping

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank YOU Bill, and same to you!

[@dennislinn9151]

Getting ready to leave the farm here in Indiana to head to Idaho Sunday. Thanks for all the videos of places to see.

[@GrandAdventure]

You're most welcome, Dennis, and safe travels to you and yours! Here's wishing you a wonderful trip.

[@johnnyallan3640]

Wow beautiful scenery!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Johnny!

[@cathymondone6092]

We really enjoy your videos!! Thanks can’t wait to get out there ourselves! 👍

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Cathy! We'll love to hear of your experiences once you do get out there yourselves.

[@erinroy8967]

Another beautiful video, thank you!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Erin! Glad to hear that you enjoyed it.

[@Franknank]

McCall is a nice area, but getting crowded. A little building here a little building there and pretty soon you don't have McCall anymore.

[@GrandAdventure]

That's so true of so many wonderful spots, Frank. Such is the way of "progress".

[@tomstephens2689]

Thank you for putting the time and effort into creating this video. My daughter lives in Meridian. We plan to visit her next month and then head north. First stop will be two nights in McCall. Then off to Coeur D'Alene for four nights. This video was a great way to get to know the area.

[@GrandAdventure]

Happy that we could provide the primer, Tom! Thanks so much for watching.

[@michaeltablet8577]

Wow! You always find beautiful places! Thanks again for making such entertaining and quality videos! The narration, videography and background music are always perfect! I watch a lot of travel channels on KZbin and yours are the best!

[@GrandAdventure]

So nice of you Michael, thank you very much! We're thrilled to count you as a Grand Adventurer.

[@RVingwithG]

WOW Buddy, Best video I have ever seen of the McCall area! Great job.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so much G!

[@mylibertyvan5650]

I love it when I watch your videos and can say, yes I’ve been there! I stayed in the National Forest right outside McCall and at a Boondockers Welcome at a farm. However, next time I will try that ski resort. Thanks for the tip! 🚐🥾😎

[@GrandAdventure]

Love it! We have to remember things like Boondockers Welcome, Harvest Hosts, Hipcamp, etc. more often. Thanks for the reminder.

[@gorrdd]

Marc, Looking forward to another paddle adventure. Beautiful country based upon this image... Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

It's a gorgeous part of Idaho, and very popular with Idahoans for good reason.

[@georgecarpenter4126]

Marc - another good educational video. McCall seems to be a nice place to spend some time. The paddling was great also...especially the scenery ! Can't wait to see what Oregon has to offer. Stay safe.

[@GrandAdventure]

Glad you enjoyed it, George! Thank you, and you and yours stay safe as well.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Now that is creative thinking for boondocking. I would love to do some MTB there, perfect. We are planning our next summer adventures so this area will be on the list. What have the temperatures been like there. McCall looks like a really busy summer resort area. The lakes looks like they have healthy water levels. Hopefully starlink will be a game changer for you, not being dependent on cell service when choosing your sites. Have you tried using the drone while paddling and having it track you, ;that would be some cool video. Awesome adventure, love the music choices. Larry

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks as always, Larry! The MTB there looks fantastic, although we didn't get to sample as we purposely left my Rocky Mountain sitting in storage this summer. Something had to give, and this year it was the bike. Temps were in the 80s during our stay despite the PNW heat wave, so it was perfect. It's admittedly a very popular and busy area in summer, due to its proximity to the Boise area, perfect for those folks to take a mountain weekend getaway. And yeah, come on Starlink! I'm supposed to get the equipment invite 3rd quarter 2021, and right now we're only 3 hours from SLC so I've got my fingers crossed. I've tried paddling and using the drone at the same time, and while I can assure you it's a royal PITA I'll surely try it again at some point. And once you get those 2022 plans finalized, be sure to let us know.

[@moretoliving2236]

Ooo. what beautiful kayaking! I like.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks MTL! It was so incredibly peaceful, paddling doesn't get much better than it was in that slough.

[@Gmar69]

Hey Marc, my wife and I live around Idaho Falls, and we visited McCall in the winter. We stayed at a local hotel for obvious reasons. We visited there because we've wanted to see a couple attractions only seen in the winter. The Ice Sculptures display and contest and the Sleigh Rides to see and feed the wild elk. Both were very enjoyable and highly recommended. Just in case you want to do a video in the winter next year.

[@GrandAdventure]

Cool tips Gerry, thank you!

[@normgibson6565]

CHEERS Marc! Great as always.

[@GrandAdventure]

Cheers to you and thank you as always, Norm!

[@TheSmokin419]

This is some good stuff!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you!

[@dmack6198]

Nice free camping find....awesome!

[@GrandAdventure]

We were very pleased by our week there, D.

[@melodyassaro]

I am so sorry I missed the premier. We love free camping and will have to add to our list. This place looks amazing.

[@GrandAdventure]

We're always happy to have you here, Melody, no matter when that occurs.

[@garymann5998]

Mcall looks like a neat place, great idea to find your camping place, your kayaking trip looked like fun, Travel safe.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks again, Gary, and same to you and yours!

[@diannemcdonnell4919]

Hi Marc. Enjoy your videos. It’s pronounced Wall-ow-wa with the emphasis on “ow”. Hope you enjoyed or are enjoying your stay there. One of our favorite spots.

[@GrandAdventure]

OK, add that one to the long list of names we've mispronounced. Thanks for the correction, Dianne!

[@scottadamson890]

That kayaking looked amazing, thanks for another great episode.

[@GrandAdventure]

It was wonderful, Scott. Thanks as always for watching!

[@marianfrances4959]

Always amazing! 👍😎🇨🇦🌲👌or is that awesome?

[@GrandAdventure]

Always appreciated, thank you Marian!

[@billleland957]

Nice job. I've haven't been there yet. My son is a new U.S.F.S. Forest Ranger in McCall, so needless to say McCall is on my to do list.

[@GrandAdventure]

Very cool, Bill! We're sure that you'll love your son's new post.

[@cheriwaller7598]

That was so much fun to watch a video of one of our favorite areas! We've been there many times. I can't wait until your next one, you are hitting another area that we've been to often. Oh, loved your ending!!!!

[@GrandAdventure]

Awesome! Thank you Cheri! Most folks click off during the closing comments, so it's fun to see who actually stuck around for that final clip.

[@timothycook2917]

Of course it was crazy crazy busy. It's kinda like paradise around McCall. Did you happen to look out your window and see the nature? 😁

[@GrandAdventure]

Two hours from Boise doesn't hurt, either. 😁 We loved it around there so much in 2017 that we had to return. Thanks for watching Timothy!

[@2CorgiMom]

Incredible video footage Marc. We so look forward to your videos each week, and this is one of your best! As I’ve said before, you outshine all the other RV channels. Love the music to your paddle toward the end. Credit??

[@GrandAdventure]

Wow, thanks Steph! Glad that you enjoyed it. That music track was "Much to Be Thankful For" by the artist Alsever Lake, licensed through Soundstripe.com.

[@2CorgiMom]

Thanks Marc. I hunted that artist down on iTunes. The music you choose truly enhances your videos. You and Patricia have great taste in music! Thank you ☺️

[@campingalan]

Good evening Marc! Another treat from the Grand Adventure channel!! Thank you very much for sharing this gem of a spot. Yes...I don't think we will be as tied to cell coverage as you are. It looks like some really great spots to explore there. The lakes look awesome! I put a google map tag on Roseberry too! I really enjoy exploring those historical towns. QUESTION: I couldn't really tell from the video clips, does Idaho look to have as much beetle kill as Colorado does? Looking forward to next week's video too! Oregon is the only state I haven't been to. Safe travels!!

[@GrandAdventure]

Always terrific to hear from you Alan, and thank you. Idaho doesn't seem to have the same level of pine beetle devastation as Colorado, at least not from our casual observations. Roseberry is a worthy diversion for an hour, and when you're not tied to cell those lakes north and northwest of McCall are gorgeous for camping. Come on Starlink!!

[@marvelousmarv-marvelousper4886]

Hi Marc, once again you have hit it out of the park with the footage. My favorite part was on the paddle, the reflection in the was so clear and vibrant that you can't help but relax. I look forward to your next episode.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks as always Marv! Glad you enjoyed it. That paddle was incredibly placid, the water was so startlingly clear and in most spots completely mirror-like, even though the breeze was blazing out on the lake.

[@geraldsouthard7092]

Hey Marc, we missed the beginning of the “Premier” showing of this weeks vlog, so caught a replay late yesterday. Your reports inspire us to boondock more. Our Class A won’t make it to all of the spots that you camp in…but heck, our Jeep will get us back there on day trips. Love your kayak footage. So very relaxing to watch a kayak glide across the water. Next best thing to actually doing it. Great job.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Gerald! Sure a Class A has some more limitations, but there are plenty of spots you can get into with that, too, including where we camped this week. We appreciate your kind words, and we're happy to have you along.

[@pamelakern2849]

I loved this adventure ❤ I enjoyed the beautiful scenery during the Kayak trip! The lakes are beautiful and the historic areas were fascinating. I am looking forward to next week 😊😊🤩🤩

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks so much Pamela!

[@rosaharris4327]

Luv the video! It’s beautiful there!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Rosa! It most certainly is.

[@Trishknowsbest]

Another great episode! Looks like a fun and quiet ski area also. Have you ever been around Borah Peak. Lost River Range. north of Arco. Great peaks and low people

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you! Heading up past Borah Peak and on to Challis is on our list of places we want to go, but we have yet to make it up there.

[@Trishknowsbest]

@@GrandAdventure gotta always have stuff on the list!! Cheers

[@spellmadam2947]

Love Idaho!

[@GrandAdventure]

So do we! Always great to hear from you, Spell Madam.

[@RVingwithG]

WOW I Love and Miss McCall, ID How was the smoke?

[@GrandAdventure]

Not too bad, G. Pretty much what you saw in the video. Next week's episode, though, is a different story.

[@glenschumannGlensWorkshop]

Thanks.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank YOU Glen!

[@mccarthy7566]

Ironic that this is the first video where I noticed you tie a loop around your GoPro on the kayak and coincidentally you put the blooper footage at the end. BTW, just how many Alta t-shirts are in you're wardrobe?!!? Brighton, Deer Valley and Park City must jealous! Just kidding. 😜😂 Keep the videos coming.

[@GrandAdventure]

LOL! Peter, I swear that 90% of my casual wardrobe has an Alta logo, starting with a "blue dot" passholder t-shirt for every one of the past 16 years that I've had an Alta season pass. Alta is my happy place, and I "wear it on my sleeve." 😉 Most folks click off during the closing comments, so it's fun to see who actually stuck around for that final clip. Glad that you liked that one.

[@daviscrt]

What a great idea, free camping, level parking lot out of the way,free concert, no rain? Thanks Don

[@GrandAdventure]

It wasn't what we were planning on, Don, but in the end it turned out to be a terrific solution.

[@wcrvadventures9489]

Beautiful area! Thanks for the tip on a sweet lot docking spot. At the very end, was that a mount failure or did you really flip? Lol

[@GrandAdventure]

😄 That was a mount failure. It's fun to see who stuck around to the end! I've flipped that 'yak precisely once in 12 years, and only because I did something really, really stupid. It's shockingly stable.

[@laughingram7287]

How far did you go up the slough? Looked like a great paddle. Thanks for sharing. Ram 👍🏼👍🏽

[@GrandAdventure]

Ram, we went upstream a couple of miles before turning back to ensure that Dale and Pat returned their rental boat on time.

[@adventuresofjandk]

Great video. You mention you work while traveling. Do you work a normal 8-5? Curious how you find decent connections traveling all the places that you do? Seems like it would be super stressful not knowing if you are going to have coverage

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you! Yes, it's a normal 8-5 and yes, that certainly adds to the stress. All we can do is make our best guess based on coverage maps, user reviews, cell tower maps, etc. and hope for the best. And always have a Plan B in our back pocket, too. We're just waiting for the call-up from Starlink, for that will be a game-changer for us.

[@adventuresofjandk]

@@GrandAdventure thanks for the response

[@waynehogue2499]

Hey Marc, couldn’t find that slough kayaking area. Where was that launching beach?

[@GrandAdventure]

Wayne, the launch is here and you paddle north into the slough: maps.app.goo.gl/8Uj6UjSXRviQiFYr6

[@gorrdd]

Marc, What happened at the very end... you were doing great, then all of a sudden you flipped! That was one of the most beautiful inlets you have kayaked. Really nice scenery. Doesn't get much better than that... You looked liked you were really enjoying yourself this week. Are you in Wallowa, OR now? I looked at the map and it's not to far from Payette, ID. I hope the smoke isn't too bad for you. Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

Actually the kayak remained upright, Gord. It was the suction cup GoPro mount that failed. I keep a tether on it for just such an event, so it ended up getting pulled along underwater by the momentum of the boat. Most folks click off during the closing comments, so it's fun to see who actually stuck around for that final clip. We spent last week in Joseph, OR at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains, and we're now along the Snake River northwest of Boise. Unfortunately we got positively inundated with smoke while we were in Joseph, obscuring visibility to a mile or less so our footage from the Wallowas is very disappointing to us, to say the least. Things have now cleared out here along the Snake, at least for now.

[@gorrdd]

@@GrandAdventure Sounds like you will be scrapping most of that footage except for enough to give people an idea of the situation. Which means that you will likely be doing double time this week in order to prepare for next week's presentation. Thanks for explaining the flip. Mr first thoughts were, "I hope he didn't hit his head underwater. That was the fastest flip I have ever seen." I was expecting to see you face under there struggling to get out and to the surface... but there was nothing but murky river water. Poor Marc... adios amigos, Hiho Sliver, away! Well... your back and you didn't even get wet! How is that possible?:^) What aspect ratio are you using on your GoPro? It doesn't seem like you are using super wide angle. At least I don't tend to see bent and extremely bowed trees at the sides of the frame. Perhaps you are diligent to edit those out. For me, those distortions kind of ruin the impression of reality and realism in the video presentation. Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

@@gorrdd nah, we're using the footage anyway. It's not what I wanted, but it sure shows how smoky the scenery can get. We just spent more time shooting close shots and less time doing panoramic vistas. As for the GoPro, I too hate those super-wide shots. Not only can you get distorted verticals, but anything in the background looks inordinately far away, too. We tend to go with the narrowest FOV that still captures everything that we want to.

[@gorrdd]

@@GrandAdventure Thanks Marc... I appreciate your explanations. What does GoPro specifically call that narrow field of view setting? That would be good to know for future reference. I gather the DJI Mini hand held that you use, doesn't do that. Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

@@gorrdd The GoPro field of view setting is called medium. Wide is still not too bad, but super view s way too wide in my opinion. You are correct, the DJI osmo pocket does not have an adjustable field of view but does have digital zoom capability.

[@daveb.8692]

What else can I do on a cold winter day besides start planning summer vacations?

[@GrandAdventure]

Sounds like a good plan to us.

[@VARider1]

Was planning on going to Cascade Lake on Sunday, then I read the health warning from Idaho CDH of cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom in the lake. Will need to pass on this trip.

[@GrandAdventure]

😥 That's an issue in many bodies of water across the West, especially the more shallow ones like Cascade as they get so much warmer.

[@Khatoon170]

How are you doing master Marc ilove to share your trips even if it’s virtually it’s impossible for us to travel to very far countries even before global pandemic i visited Egypt and Syria when iwas teenager with my parents thank god internet and KZbin channels making us as tourists around world in 24 hours or university students I gathered main points about places you visited briefly here it’s McCall Idaho is resort town on western edge of valley county Idaho named after founder Tom McCall it’s situated on southern shore of payette lake near center of payette national forest settled 1889 incorporated as town 1911 its originally logging community whose last sawmill closed in1977 it’s now all season tourist destinations for outdoor recreation it’s known for winter carnival. Extended winters one of highest average snowfalls in state it’s known for snowmobiling alpine Nordic back country skiing

[@GrandAdventure]

We love to have you travel with us, Khatoon! It's always wonderful to hear from you, and to see your re research.

[@2012escapee1]

Working online complicates things.

[@GrandAdventure]

It does, but somebody's gotta pay the bills.

[@2012escapee1]

@@GrandAdventure You're telling me? Ha!

[@999montanaguy]

Why do you have background music? Why is your background music louder than the dialogue? Get rid of the stupid music.

[@GrandAdventure]

We respectfully disagree, unless you enjoy the sound of diesel engines, passing motorcycles, screaming kids and the like. We have no control over background noise, and that's what you'd be listening to if we went only with the ambient sounds picked up by our cameras.

[@999montanaguy]

@@GrandAdventure I hate all background music. I like natural but it’s your video. Your music over powers the dialogue.

[@JStompinado]

Ive removed Patagonia from my affiliated marketing......you should too. They are political faudsters

[@GrandAdventure]

We actually don't have an affiliate relationship with Patagucci.