Feels GREAT to Winter Camp at John Pennecamp State Park In Our EKKO

[@charleslslaton2167]

Thanks for continuing to share your knowledge of the Keys. Still looking forward to seeing you all.

[@AnnMaynard-fu9qd]

It must be difficult not feeling well while on the road. I’m glad you both recovered and didn’t have to go home. Lynn is a real trooper. Another lovely and peaceful video. I so look forward to the videos of your adventures. Big hugs to sweet Maggie.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It is hard being sick when there’s so many great things to do. I hate missing out.

[@susanstrickland6774]

Awe darn it, no fun getting sick. I'm glad you both were able to knock it out and enjoy yourselves. Neat Bote, nice it's so stable. I was hoping you would catch a fish for dinner. 🙂👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Owen would have loved to catch a fish for dinner 😆.

[@LisaRobison-yb1kw]

Glad you guys felt well enough to enjoy your time at JP! The mangroves reminded me of the bayou at St. Pete KOA!😊

[@tombicek4077]

I'm sorry to hear about Lynn, and I'm glad you are both doing better. Interesting places in Florida. Great video as always.

[@FromShetoMe]

Sweet looking Bote!

[@OG785]

Greetings. That fruit stand looks fantastic. I subscribe to many channels and don't keep up on all of them but I do always make sure to watch you guys. You warm me up as I watch from frozen Canada.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you! Your comment means a lot,

[@larryvincent2098]

Hey beautiful spot I see !! As always enjoy your channel!! Life is good !! Fishing fishing lol glad you have that boat !!As always BS & BK & BC !!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Fishing is one of Owen’s favorite things.

[@multiplemyeloma65]

I think I saw you guys leaving the Everglades today. I live here and brought my nephews out there for the day. Not too many Ekkos out there. Made my day. I hope you are both feeling better.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I don’t think that was us. We have been at Ft Desoto for the 8 days. We did drive through the Everglades to get here.

[@multiplemyeloma65]

Darn, oh well. Some day. Keep up the great content.

[@paulrogers5639]

I absolutely love your adventures together. I'm looking forward to going to all of these places with my wife one day. No rush but 8 years to go for us

[@rollinwiththedavises1938]

I first learned about General Delivery when I thought I might hike the Appalachian Trail. Hikers have been receiving care packages that way for a very long time. If for one minute you think you might regret not writing that new book you should write the new book. I let other things get in the way of hiking the trail and I regret not at least trying to write that book.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the wise advice. I’ve always been very intrigued by hiking the Appalachian Trail.

[@southerngirlyall6497]

I visited JPSP in January for the day. Wasn't able to get a campsite but did walk through the campground.

[@pattyk8594]

Looks like it was a great time on the water with the boat and Maggie! :o)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Being on the water is one of our favorite things to do.

[@sherriweber7105]

So sorry to hear that Lynn was sick and then you got sick too! But glad you both ended up getting better. Glad ended up hiking and going out on your kayak. Maggie looked so cute in the kayak. She looked like she was looking for fish. Looked like a nice park. Hope you enjoy your weekend and week. See you all soon!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It’s hard for either one of us to not get out and enjoy things even if we don’t feel well.

[@sherriweber7105]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle I’m so glad you are better. I love you both! 🤗😘

[@grillinandchillinwithdeb]

Glad you are feeling better, loved your video and was waiting for Maggie to jump in for the duck. Enjoy

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Maggie is always quick to jump in. I have to have a quicker hand🤣

[@jholcomb9532]

Mmm, Robert Is Here! Love that place! 🍉🍈🍍🍌🍓🥤

[@ladikmk]

Pennekamp is a wonderful Park to visit in FL. I had my PADI scuba certification dives there quite a few years ago. The reef is absolutely beautiful; at least it was then and I sure hope it still is. Just as a note - there are salt water crocs in and around Pennekamp, and they love the mangroves because food is abundant for them there. So glad you're both feeling better now. Hugs for sweet Maggie too.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the warning, we have never seen any crocs there and thought it was safe for Maggie to go with us.

[@michaelbecnel63]

Great park and weather. Love the new kayak....Happy Trails 🐕

[@robertparry3476]

Another great video, Owen. Because of your videos and advice on Campnab, we (Bob, Laura and four legged Wookie ) are in the keys camping at Curry Hammock, then Bahia Honda and finishing at John Pennecamp next weekend. We also stopped and met Robert at Robert is Here for some yummy milkshakes and might have to stop on our way up to Anastasia and get some Cuban sandwiches for the road. Glad you and Lynn are feeling better and not have to head home so soon.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That is so awesome… I’m glad you were able to stay at all three state parks. Have fun!

[@annettemills3840]

Love your videos. We are going to put fishing on the list of things to do. We are going to try your camp ground.

[@OverlandCitrus]

Great video guys glad to see you are feeling better now stay safe & enjoy FL our van is down same thing happen to you in Canada our auxiliary alternator caught fire and froze up but it happen in our drive way TG

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Good luck getting your van fixed. Glad you were not on a trip.

[@twobusyliving6641]

Another great video. Thanks!

[@SpenSir]

DISNEY WORLD was our loved Vacation spot since 1971? Going to the keys hopefully when my Rubber Tramp is ready . I'll drop a 🌹 rose in her memory

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Disney is always very special for us too. Hope things are going well well with your Rubber Tramp.

[@lisabritt4284]

Thanks for another great video! I haven’t commented in a while, but I still watch every single one lol. Hey Lynn, would you mind saying where you got the cute camo cap? It looks comfy 🌺🌲😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much for continuing to watch. My camo cap is so old I have no idea where I got it, it is my favorite and super comfy. It is made by Colombia.

[@kathrynsummers2607]

Do you have a lync to your boat? Or the name brand? I just found in your Amazon store thanks!!

[@geraldetzold]

Sorry to hear that Lynn was sick. That is a bummer in any size RV. Sounds like you like the Zeppelin. I think that it could work for us because of the high seats and not having to bend the bad knees as much to get in and out - more like on and off. It looks like it would be very comfortable and the stability is a real plus. Guess we will have to figure out what we don't take with us to have room for it though. Thanks again for a great update on your travels. Safe travels.

[@geraldetzold]

Also, heard your comment on going to the trawler fest. Great Looping plans??? Check our blog at gletzold.blogspot.com/.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The Bote does take a lot of room, but I think we’ll always try to make room for it. It is very easy to get on and off.

[@geraldetzold]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle I hope so, we bought one this week. Couldn't pass up the 25% veterans discount. Heading north next week, hoping we will see some decent weather to try out the Bote.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I totally understand the thought process of figuring out what you want to take. We really like the water so I think we will always try to bring the Zeppelin if there’s a chance of getting on the water.

[@geraldetzold]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle It will come in handy for you on the Great Loop as well!

[@mikemanjo2458]

Hey, such a cool place. I'm glad y'all are better. Very cool Bote. Do you worry at all about it getting punctured in the mangroves? Love to all 3 from SC! ❤🙏🐾Jane

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The Bote is really durable so we don’t worry about it getting punctured. We’ve had two Bote paddle boards that we have taken in worse places and they are still going strong. So that also makes us more comfortable.

[@mikemanjo2458]

​@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Y'all take care of each other! ❤❤❤

[@richardbaker8887]

Owen you had a folding kayak and now a blow up kayak. Which do you like more? The kayaking through the mangroves looked beautiful.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We like the inflatable kayak better. It tracks way better, it’s easier to fish from and Maggie is more comfortable.

[@anngwynn3111]

Love your videos! How do you manage to get in to so many Florida state parks? Do you use an app?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We use both Campnab and Wandering labs. They have worked well for us.

[@rmpenning7541]

Hi, again with a question. I’ve tried searching previous posts for the name of your newest e-bike, Lynn, but couldn’t find it. Please help me out…? Thanks!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The bike is an Electra Townie Go step thru. Here’s a link to their website electra.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/electra-bikes/electra-e-bikes/townie-go/townie-go-7d-step-thru/p/35273/. A lot of bike shops carry them so I would advise to go test one out. I still love mine.

[@rmpenning7541]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Thanks so much for your reply! I hope you, Owen, and Maggie are enjoying a little more “We-3” private time! 😉 A wise decision. Life is too short always seeing it thru a camera lens or staring into a computer screen! Numbers 6:24-26 🙏🏻

[@Lannie1948]

Is that a copy of your licence plate on the back of your bike cover? Hope you’re feeling better now. Great video.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was but the rain got to it. We need to make a better copy,

[@Kelleena1on1]

Love your videos thanks for making them are u still frustrated with your vehicle or happy ?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We are mostly happy with the Ekko. I don’t want to jink it be we haven’t had any issues on this trip.

[@swansodi]

This has nothing to do with this video, I will say I enjoyed it... My question is, what video did you record that showed you putting lithium batteries into your Travato. I can't seem to remember. I am considering buying a Travato and would love that up grade. Yes, I am a long time follower, love your videos.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We did upgrade our batteries but man, it's been a long time ago and things have really changed in the battery/lithium/inverter area. My advice then I think still stands... unless you're willing to add a 2nd alternator and upgrade your inverter from the smaller 1000-watt inverter to at least a 2000 or maybe even a 3000-watt inverter... I'm not sure it's worth it. We were able to do a lot of boon docking with just the AGM batteries and the generator. If you can find a deal on a GL or a KL that package is the best and well worth the extra money... in our opinion of course.

[@kriscostello2082]

That Bote does seem awesome 😊. My trouble isn’t sitting or standing in it, it’s going from sitting to standing! Any tricks or tips to make it easier on these old knees? Love your videos ❤

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I grabbed Lynn by the ponytail and they helped me get up every time. No The the trick is spreading your feet why did you comfortably in the boat and then I do grab the back of the seat Lynn is sitting in, but I'll let her know I'm getting ready to do that first. it does take a little bit of practice but soon you'll be able to do it. The really good thing about the seats for the BOTE they sit pretty high so you don't have to stand up from such a low position.

[@tommywaits4197]

Do you find it better with the smaller r v or one 30 or 32 ft

[@OhioTravelswithKris]

Greetings from chilly ohio. You should check out st Simon's Island in Georgia

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We’ve been to St Simon’s and love it there.

[@OhioTravelswithKris]

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle me too . Visited there in 2017 after one of the hurricanes.

[@controller2152]

What are your thoughts on your DJI Action 4? I purchased their gimbal Osmo Mobile 6 and love it. Do u think a newbie need it? I want to document my AK Revel trip. BTW… I’m stoked on my Bluetooth cooler/ AC189T purchase too. It’s a game changer and I want to thank you again for the video on it. Cheers. 💥💥💥🤙🤙🍺🍺🍺🚐🚐🚐

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We are loving the Action 4. Great pic quality. Turns on fast. And it's waterproof. For us that's the real thing it solves for us. Taking it out in the water and out in the rain and never worrying about it. And it's not $1,500 like our iPhones so we feel better about using it instead a lot more. If we drop it it probably will survive. If not we are not out that much $$ and our phone... just the camera. Glad you like the fridge and power. It is a game changer.

[@juanitasellshouses]

Owen...a couple questions... 1) Did you transition from the bike to the scooter because it's better for your back? 2) I see you're now using a blow up paddle boat instead of the two foldup ones. Is that due to more comfortable seating? Or so you can be together in one boat? Also, for several years now, I've been able to hold off a full-blown cold or flu by drinking a cup of warm water with the fizzy airborne, the moment I feel a little "off." You might try it. Especially while camping! Loved the video!

[@meadowbrookguideservice8359]

Always enjoy your videos. Thank you so much for sharing/teaching us all kinds of great things. I have some questions and would love some advice from two pros. We have a travel trailer. My husband is a fishing guide here in Maine. We head to the Keys every April for family time prior to his busy season. The first 3 years we brought the travel trailer and rented a boat once in the Keys. The last 3 years we towed the boat down and rented a house...which is actually cheaper to rent a house than rent a small no frills boat. I really miss having our home on wheels and am interested in purchasing a small class c. We have college 2 age boys that like to join us so a class b, I think, would be too small. There is a small Coachman Freedom Class C. Do you have any suggestions for Brands that have worked for you? Love your BOTE. Thanks again for sharing your adventures. PS. What is your underwater camera on a stick that you used in this video?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Sorry it’s took me so long to respond. We really don’t have any brands that we are overly fond of. Just make sure whatever you get can pull your boat. The camera we use is a DJI Action 4. We hope you have a great trip to the keys. We would be very interested to hear what you decided to do.

[@timmartin4952]

Great video as always! Did you use the activ 4 for the underwater footage? Glad to hear you both are feeling better.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you Tim for the nice words. Yes, the underwater footage was from the DJI Action 4. The footage was crisp and the best part was it still worked when I pulled it out of the water. 😂

[@timmartin4952]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle still working would be a bonus, lol.

[@lasauto]

What kind of bike cover that you guys are using that has built in license plate holder ?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Here's a link to the cover in our Amazon store: www.amazon.com/dp/B07RNPS8CM?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzvantrekk-20&creativeASIN=B07RNPS8CM&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.18Z0B46LNTGD4&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_m_asin We really like that feature, but what we really like even more is the fact that it covers it from the bottom and all the way around so that no rain or dirt gets on the bikes when we're rolling down the road.

[@vh6225]

Great Video Owen and Lynn, glad that you are both feeling better. Question: what scooter do you use? Looking to get one for our vanlife trips too. Thanks Viv aka @hillbillyhortons

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We actually have 3 scooters. The one with the best reputation is Varla. But... the one that comes with me for many reasons is the Hiboy Pro Max. There's a link to it in our Amazon store: www.amazon.com/shop/VanTrekkingLifestyle

[@vh6225]

Thank you!@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle

[@pamdanko1078]

Are you considering doing the Great Loop?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It's something we're talking about and considering. We're not sure yet. We waffle between doing something this different than RVing and continuing to RV to the places we haven't been here in North America. It does look like it would be something fun to do though.

[@jdmather5755]

I’ve been going to Pennecamp for 50 years. Always took a snorkel or diving boat trip out to the reef. Last time it was too cold so we took the glass bottom boat. Biggest disappointment ever. Folks, pass on the glass bottom boat and take a snorkel trip instead.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the advice. We were disappointed that we didn’t get to snorkel this time, but since we weren’t feeling well we didn’t want to spread our germs.