Now we're talking! A great week at Tomoka State Park in EKKO

When you're retired your schedule is so flexible it's sometimes hard to know what to do when. For us the seasons, particularly the weather, help make decisions for us. We love being outside and doing outside things so when it starts to get too cold to do that where we are we start heading further south... or further west. This time we follow 75-degree sunshine down to Ormond Beach, FL and camp at Tomoka State Park where we get out on the water paddling and fishing, ride our bike/scooter to town for a market and take in the sites, sounds and smells of being out in nature at a state park that's fairly priced, somewhat easy to get in to and reminds everyone who visits of what old timers call "Old Florida". Stick around until the end and we'll share what you need to know to decide if camping here is for you. We loved it and we're glad we get to share it with you.
If you want to skip around, here's the chapter listing:
00:00 - First stop on this trip Parksdale Farm For Shortcake
01:33 - Arriving After Hours At Tomoka State Park
02:53 - The advantages of having a tow car when you’re camping… Owen gets water toys ready… Lynn goes to provision
03:59 - Paddling at Tomoka can be a challenge but it’s worth it
06:20 - Owen’s thoughts on fishing… in new waters
07:12 - Paddling out to see Chief Tomoki at Tomoka State Park
08:55 - Paddling at Tomoka as the sun is setting is a treat
11:03 - Campfire Pizza in a cast iron skillet… with a trivet
15:25 - Biking is great at Tomoka… so is scootering
16:04 - Using lock feature of Hiboy Pro Max scooter… locking without a key
16:30 - Why Lynn chose a Townie eBike instead of a Wolff
19:53 - Ormond Beach Thursday Farmers Market
22:37 - Owen sings… at Tomoka’s campers sing-along
23:55 - What you need to know about camping at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach
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[@sandymichalski3515]

Thank you

[@grillinandchillinwithdeb]

Love Tamoka, enjoy and be safe

[@scan2822]

Love hearing you play guitar and sing. MORE MORE MORE

[@angelathoele5089]

Yes! Please more of Owen’s picking and grinning!

[@sandymichalski3515]

Yes Owen we love your music. Very talented. Keep singing

[@donbright721]

Love the music yes please more!

[@JohnWilliamson-oq2wo]

Love the inclusion of your music, Owen! More please!

[@mikefarrell5996]

Nice Sunday morning mellow video. We will have to try Tomoka.

[@ncwomanparker1708]

Another great park. Glad you guys are having fun!

[@jeannettemiller641]

Love the music Owen. Keep it up.

[@richardburguillos3118]

Wowza! Another great one! Owen, it was so special to hear you play and sing!!!! As long as YOU enjoy it, when YOU want, please share your musical joy. Thank you, all three of you… My tails a wagging.

[@terrybridges1657]

I love watching y’all! That pizza looked delicious and enjoyed Owens picking and singing!

[@lisawright9626]

Yes yes Owen share your God given talent!!

[@janetfolkerts5827]

I would love to hear more of Owen's music...Please continue to share your adventures, they are a highlight of my day...

[@dawnarmistead359]

Love love love seeing someone in their element! Owen, loved seeing you play and sing.. your aura was glowing 😊❤️

[@sharonwisinger5162]

Always enjoy your music Owen.

[@larryvincent2098]

Always enjoy your channel, beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere!! Thank you for sharing this with me!! As always BS & BK & BC

[@kevinsandells9933]

Awesome video. Would like to hear some more of Owen's talents. Stay safe.

[@vh6225]

Yes to Owen’s music - very good 👏👏👏

[@user-rp7zc1lv4t]

We enjoy your music Owen. More please!😊

[@texassky9706]

Of course we want to hear Owen play more! Good stuff :) Paddleboarding is so peaceful. Glad to see you engaging in so much activity. Thanks for sharing your adventure :) Scritches for Maggie.

[@judyfeldman5066]

I have had my Townie Go for 3 years and absolutely love it.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That is so good to hear. So far I really love mine.

[@suebraschio6763]

Omy gosh yes we want to hear more Owen music he's wonderful ❤️ I would love to have him sit in at our jams . Love your vids they are beautifully done and Maggie is such a joy Thank You 😊

[@johncooney654]

I look forward to every Sunday with you all. I'll be back at Tomoka for two weeks in April. I love the place; for that matter, I love Florida State Parks. I'll be at Gold Head Branch for two weeks in January. Keep up the great adventures.

[@MYJ61]

Owen looks so happy and in his element playing and singing. Would absolutely enjoy more of the musical stylings of Owen Poteat.

[@netbuysonline]

So happy you’re back on the road again. Singing around the campfire is a tradition with our friends. Owen singing makes him smile (& us too). Nice to see him perform again, like getting back on a bike again. Happy tails to being back. 🎶

[@barbaraw.3236]

Yes Owen, please continue to play guitar and sing. You have a wonderful talent that many of us wish we had. That song was awesome!👏👏👏you did look very happy too.

[@danplank2240]

Please include Owen's wonderful musical talent in future videos. We love to hear him sing!!

[@kateandjanasoutdooradventu3553]

Loved the music Owen!

[@wilderness_bound]

Owen you still have it ! Love Maggie getting her pizza crust !! So glad she found you two !!! 🐾

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Hopefully we can meet up with you again. Looks like you are seeing a lot of great wild life.

[@wilderness_bound]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle that would be nice. I will reach out when I get near.

[@lisawilson1556]

We only found your channel last year, but have back-tracked enough to have seen how talented Owen is. We would love to see and hear more of his music!

[@jjones5424]

What a great way to start my Sunday morning! I enjoyed the scenery and Owen is a man of many talents. I would enjoy his singing around your campfire every now and then. Just a thought??? 🤠

[@teresasprouse1097]

Love Owen,s singing ! Share more.

[@tngamble01]

Absolutely, we would love to hear more of Owen's music in the videos.

[@Kddickerson]

Mr. Owen you have a loving, soulful voice. Please consider sharing campfire serenades to Ms. Lynn & Maggie in future episodes ❤ a fan of your channel

[@TheCathyrogers]

What brand is your pedal boat? Love your videos!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It is a Hobie Lynx.

[@juanitasellshouses]

I have missed Owen's music in the videos!! Great video!

[@susanstrickland6774]

That's a really pretty park. One of our favorites. Keep fishing, you'll get one. Yum that pizza. Maggie looked real happy with her piece. 🙂👍

[@andreemorel2248]

Enjoyed watching Owen playing the guitar and singing.

[@willar7179]

Owen playing a singing live was such a treat! I enjoy his music when he puts it up as background to the videos, but he should never miss the chance to jam with fellow musicians for our entertainment. Go Owen!! You really can wail!

[@dennysisk1100]

Thanks for sharing and we need to hear More Owen singing.

[@stacyrector8515]

I've always loved when Owen uses his music in the videos! You totally need to add it when you can.

[@thomashaas3671]

I se your back in Florida nice video, great singing Owen. Looking like the weather is good We will be heading to Fla after Christmas for a 3 month stay at SP . We love stay at state parks like you do for the same reasons. Hope to see you down the road someday

[@charlenec.austin8831]

Bring back some cooking videos! Love those! Carolina blue bike! Good to see your “happy dance” Owen. Miss you guys!

[@user-pp8hr6yp4f]

Yes please more of Owen’s music- love it

[@karinjones4380]

I love Owens’s singing and guitar playing! He picks the best music from the oldies. He needs to share that God given talent and bring more joy into the world… it creates such a connection between people.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for your comment, and I could not agree more.

[@peggybancroft39]

Owen please let us hear more of your playing and singing talent. Merry Christmas you guys and thank you for sharing your trips with us

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Merry Christmas to you and thank you for following along.

[@vince8705]

Sing sing sing 🎶 😊

[@donaldtharp]

A great video! Loved caring Owen play again. Especially My girl. You should have a travel guitar in that Ekko at all times. Never know when you might take a notion to jam out!

[@dougblalock5175]

That is a beautiful park. Mosquitoes almost ate us alive there last April but for anyone who reads this just take your bug juice and enjoy a cool state park. Tried that ice cream shop you mentioned before and it was amazing. Thanks guys and Godspeed.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@garnettsailor1605]

Love Owen's music!

[@careymeek9450]

It was such a peaceful and heartwarming experience to watch this. The float on the Tomoka, you"re ride, campfire pizza, Maggie stealing the show and Owen definitely impressing all on stage and in the audience were simple joys that just filled me up. Yes, Owen, more around a campfire or as background music would be delightful. I would love it if you had a cd you could offer in your store. Thank you Owen and Lynn (and Maggie!) for sharing.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for your sweet comment…

[@jimsherry7050]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE....play more. It gives us old vets a big smile. Your awesome!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you!

[@bevbender3587]

Love Owen’s 🎶

[@jerlynhill4074]

Good morning, I have been missing you guys, I am so glad to see you all, hope you all will have great Christmas holidays 🎄

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Merry Christmas to you!

[@christinaputney659]

Woo Hoo! Loved hearing Owen play and sing. That was great! Ya'll look like you're having a good time. It's weird not seeing Lynn next to you in the car but I''m sure having the car for errands is nice. Enjoy and Merry Christmas🎅

[@sherriweber7105]

Hi Owen and Lynn! Great video! Loved that pizza and Owen doing the happy dance. I miss him doing that. Lyn love your bike too! And glad Owen loves his scooter. Cute seeing Maggie enjoying that pizza. I love Owens singing and songs he writes. Please have him continue on with it in the videos. Hope you have a great week and have a great and Merry Christmas! 🎁🎄

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you Sherri, We hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed Holiday season.

[@pamelamargroff5836]

Very nice video......have a Merry Christmas!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Merry Christmas to you!

[@bertkelly7650]

Owen gettin' down! Happy holidays!

[@annettehunter2480]

You betcha more music love you guys

[@johndagricola]

Owen, I remember your last gig…I really had a great time listening. Then you got that Luna as sort of a travel guitar…but you played in one video and not again. It was exciting to see you back at it in this video!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You’ve been with us for awhile… thank you! Hopefully i can get Owen to play more.

[@pamtodd6586]

Yes please, we'd love to hear Owen and his music included.

[@donnarego608]

Owenize us some sounds!!! Please!!!!😂❤😊

[@RoadsofLife]

Lovin' that singing voice! Time for a new album, don't ya think? Be seeing you!

[@DragonflightAdventures1]

Been looking at a Townie so glad to hear you like it. Oh, yeah definitely liked the music. Thanks for sharing!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I love the Townie, I think a lot the reason is it’s so much lighter than the Rad, which makes it so much more comfortable for me to ride. You should go test ride one.

[@vickief.dreamin]

Sing Owen. Sing. Loud and joyful. Would love to hear more. You have a talent and if you enjoy it, U do u. Go for it.

[@norm4907]

Thanks for sharing guys, I’m in Sarasota so might go east and check it out.

[@laurieknollhoff7427]

Let’s both get them to Sarasota!! We live there too!!

[@ellenwilliams2111]

Yes, we would love to have Owen's music included in your videos

[@lcdemack]

Fantastic episode you two. Loved this. Sorry the fishing didn't turn out better. I hope you don't mind me saying so, but a year ago (?) or so when I first watched a few of your videos, I was Luke warm on your channel. Today tho, I can't say enough about how much I love you two and your mellow, sweetly paced episodes with the mix of van life info. You have completely changed my feelings on your channel with lots of hard but wonderful video work and I am here for the long haul. Anyway, you two are beautiful people and I hope we cross paths some day, but until then I'm going to toss in a few bucks for some nice beverages for a sweet sunset. Happy Trails from San Diego.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for your comment, it means so much and appreciate you sticking around.

[@MrWeusi]

Thats a very nice site! I stayed there about a year ago..

[@misslindalou6479]

I appreciate the opportunity to encourage Owen to share his music with us. Every time you've used music that's not him, I've missed his.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We appreciate your encouragement.

[@katehutto6004]

Yes, more Owen on guitar! Coupd you please show how you set up the cast iron for making pizza-a “trivet”?

[@DWM_Overland]

We love to hear Owen sing and play. We first saw him in your Alaska series and even downloaded some of his music. Please keep playing in your videos

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you!

[@LI-FLKayakFisherman]

Great park, had a pod of dolphins swim under our kayaks and shadowed us for about 2 miles couple years back. Also decent fishing in January.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

There is nothing better than dolphins swimming with you. Sounds awesome.

[@myvantirement9073]

Yes, please do include Owen's music!! When I first started watching you, Owen would include some of his music and I loved it!!!

[@gracegarden1]

I don't have to tell you I like Owen's music 'cause you know I've purchased some, but for all the people reading this, and to encourage Owen to make a joyful noise, I will say: YES, Owen, Sing!! Love you guys! Peace and Prayers, (and Merry Christmas!!)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much Grace for your comment. We hope you have a Merry and Blessed Christmas.

[@raybetts3795]

Great hearing Owen play and sing again. Music was how I met Owen. He was competing in the Piedmont Blues event at Zion in Greensboro. I went up and introduced myself to him in the parking lot. Been quite a few years ago.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That was a few years back for sure. I hope you are still playing.

[@raybetts3795]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle yep, still playing. A friend and I have a duo called Old Dogs New Tricks.

[@JohnKimbler]

23:20 you can tell, by the look on the guy's face to the left, that Owen is killing it!

[@lawrencecanright2541]

Thumbs up on the music Owen!

[@geraldetzold]

One of our favorite campgrounds in Florida too. Won't make it there this year, decided to try out a few different ones this winter. Love your videos and commentary.

[@Carmencita1464]

Wow Owen keep playing and you have a beautiful voice too!!! Maggie is my girl so precious 🥰🥰🥰. Lynn you have mastered that paddle board like a pro . Merry Christmas to you guys 🎄🎄🎄🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you! Merry Christmas to you!

[@anthonymarcello5653]

Owen is a very talented musician!! Watched all of his "one man band" videos....amazing! And it's evident he still got it. Dust your guitar off Owen. God Bless....

[@user-gh8sl7iu3y]

Publix, always to the rescue!

[@David-jo4gt]

Very relaxing video and anytime we get to hear you sing is a treat. We are thinking about a check out run to Tomoka in the spring before the bugs. Is the pizza insert from Lodge? Thank you for all the work y'all do. Happy tails and safe travels

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes, the insert trivet is from lodge. It’s on our Amazon page if you are interested. Https://www.amazon.com/shop/VanTrekkingLifestyle

[@galpalsal]

You guys have found your Fountain of Youth. You both look younger and healthier! Those Florida state parks are your happy places. Loved hearing and watching you entertain, Owen. It would be GREAT to surprise us every once in a while.

[@TomPappyHillman]

YES, more Owen music!

[@sharonfrommann6516]

Dang ,Owen you sound great on that guitar. Please play some songs on your videos, I did not realize you played. You sound great!!!!!!

[@dremein]

Yes more music!

[@sportynat8702]

More Owen music please! It was wonderful!

[@ladikmk]

"Old Florida" vibes are just the best. That's my favourite part of Florida - when you can find a place that's more laid back and not filled with millions of tourists and snowbirds. Looks like you enjoyed a very relaxing trip and the weather looked so great while you were there. Lynn, I love that new bike of yours. What model did you get? The 7D Electric? Owen, I always enjoy your music - especially when songs of yours are played during the video. I'm surprised you don't pull out the guitar and serenade your girls by the campfire. Speaking of campfire - going to check out that trivet you talked about for the Lodge skillet. Hope you're all well. Hugs for sweet Maggie!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The trivet is in our Amazon store, here’s a link if you are interested www.amazon.com/shop/VanTrekkingLifestyle . I love, love, love my new bike… you are correct it is a Townie Electra 7D. I am so amazed at how different a light weight bike feels.

[@robertparry3476]

Great looking park and we will have to add to our bucket list. Our pup Wookie loved the video part of Maggie chowing down the pizza by the fire. Loved hearing and seeing Owen on the guitar

[@FromShetoMe]

Couldn’t believe my eyes. Owen playing guitar! Wouldn’t do it for us. May Sioux City Sue in our future? Love Lynne’s new bike. John’s worried about Owen on the scooter…

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I’m worried about Owen on that scooter too, but he loves it.

[@charlesterrell2507]

Yes daddy more pizza please.Good job pizza looks delicious keep up the good videos

[@laurieknollhoff7427]

Yes more music please. And please drop by Sarasota so we can meet. My husband’s a guitar player and we travel in a Revel.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

If we get back down to Florida we’ll reach out.

[@OverlandCitrus]

Howdy Owen, Lin & Maggie great video been over that way many times nice area, funny we ate lunch one time at that same Chicken Salad Chick LOL stay safe guys Merry Christmas

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Merry Christmas to you!

[@jlg0077]

If I was as talented as Owen I would be singing and playing all the time, we would love to hear more of Owen.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I tell him that all the time. Thank you for commenting.

[@charlenec.austin8831]

Oh, and definitely play more music Owen!!!!!

[@mikemanjo2458]

Hey sweet friends! So glad to see you on this rainy morning! I loved the trip to Tomoka! The bike/scooter ride was so fun! What a great time to have the Thursday night music at the campground! It was so good to see Owen play and hear him sing! I LOVE when y'all include his music. (More, please!!!!) Are y'all towing the white car now? Did you worry at all about alligators when you were paddle boarding? Have a great week! Hoping to meet you along the way in 2024! Merry Christmas!!!! ❤🙏🎄🐾Jane in SC

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We drove our Subaru because we thought we were staying in one place for 3 months, it’s not towable. So we ended up driving separate everywhere, not ideal. We have never seen an alligator at Tomoka, I’m sure they are there, but we have found if you leave them alone they don’t bother you. I am more careful when there may alligators in the water so I will sit down if there’s a chance I’ll fall in. We hope you have a Happy and Blessed Christmas!

[@mikemanjo2458]

@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Good to know! I don't want to see and episode about you fighting a gator! I hope y'all have one of your best Christmases yet. Covid finally caught up with Mike week before last along with the Flu type A. He's feeling better now, but decided to share Covid with me. We'll be having a quiet weekend as a result. I'm feeling better today and will finish my meds Sunday morning. I hope y'all bypass Covid, the flu and any type of RSV. Much love to all 3!♥️🙏Jane

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I’m so sorry you will be sick over the holidays… I hope you both feel better soon. Much love!

[@sandymichalski3515]

Owen please share the pizza trivet. Because we need to make a great pizza too. Yum

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The trivet is in our Amazon store, here’s the link if you are interested www.amazon.com/shop/VanTrekkingLifestyle. Make sure your pan is hot before you put your pizza in.

[@michele2017promastertravel]

Just a thought on the pizza, if you put the CI lid on the grill for a while and heat it up then put it back on the pan with pizza, it'll brown on top. But looks amazing anyway.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the suggestion, we thought about that afterwards and will do it next time for sure. .

[@user-xo8hg1fo3f]

What an unexpected treat to be able to see, and hear Owen play! Loved it, and would love for you to include more of Owen singing in your videos. Congratulations Lynn on your new bike. Looks like a perfect option for you! Seeing these videos makes me so eager to get to Florida. Can’t wait to meet up.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Hope to see you soon. We hope you have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!