Reality sets in on night two in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

[@IreneIronTravels]

💥 Happy 4th of July Everyone! 💙Subscribe - kzbin.info 💻 Website - ireneironfitness.com 💵 Store - www.amazon.com/shop/ireneironfitness 👫 ABOUT US➡ Hello! We are Aaron and Chris, a fulltime RV couple that lives and works in our Airstream Interstate Sprinter Van. We run an online fitness and nutrition coaching business (Irene Iron Fitness) while traveling all around the country. Follow along the journey with us! 🚐Read our Story: ireneironfitness.com/quitting-our-jobs-traveling-the-country/ 💪Shop Online Coaching Packages: ireneironfitness.com/online-fitness-and-nutrition-coaching-packages/ 🍎Browse IIF Healthy Recipes: ireneironfitness.com/healthyrecipes/ 🚌Airstream Ambassadors: www.airstream.com/blog/aaron-and-christine/ 💎IIF AFFILIATES: These are programs and products we use, love, and recommend! 👉Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/ireneironfitness 👉Rad Power Bikes bit.ly/3lbsaGM 👉Battle Born Batteries battlebornbatteries.com?afmc=2n 👉Undersun Resistance Bands: bit.ly/2RiP41C 💰 "IreneIron" for 10% off all kits, bundles,etc 👉Lebert Fitness: lebertfitness.com/?ref=IreneIronFitness 👉Thousand Trails: mbsy.co/DLw8W 💰 Save $100 👉Harvest Hosts: harvesthosts.refr.cc/ireneiron 💰 Save 15% "HHFRIENDS15" 👉MontKush:www.montkush.com/shop/ 💰 Use discount code "IreneIron" for 30% off 💎SOCIAL MEDIA 🎥KZbin (Subscribe!): kzbin.info 💻Website: ireneironfitness.com 📸Instagram: instagram.com/ireneironfitness/ 💙Facebook: facebook.com/ireneironfitness/ 🍁Pinterest: pin.it/cdyalputqukcq4 Irene Iron Fitness, All Rights Reserved *This channel is for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV experts and are not making recommendations. We share our experiences and thoughts but encourage you to do your own research. *All information including nutrition info, recipes, training programs, and supporting guidance are solely intended to provide assistance to you in your personal fitness and healthy eating efforts. The information is not intended as a substitute for consultations, evaluation or treatment by a medical professional and/or registered dietician or nutritionist. The information that we provide should not be construed as a substitute for medical advice nor can they be represented as a guarantee of improvement of specific conditions or weight loss. *This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel, allowing us to continue to make videos like this, but will not cost you anything extra. Thank you for your support!

[@valeriehancotte-galan4790]

Welcome to Tennessee, ya'll 😊

[@golfish8589]

I just found your KZbin page. I am also in/from Minnesota. If you want to get out of your comfort zone. A 7 day canoe trip in the Boundary Water Canoe Area. This will help you cut down on STUFF....everything you need must fit in a canoe. Also you will realize how exhausting it can be being outside 24/7.

[@eddyl3748]

What the fuck do you need a vacuum for? 💀💀💀😂😂💀 I'm sorry. 💀 But seriously, what's it for? The truck? Like dirt and stuff?

[@JustPeaceLoveAndKindness]

The pain of not having a real place to just plop down and relax plus the daily unpacking and packing of everything will make you appreciate your trailer SO much more!! Happy 4th of July!!

[@IreneIronTravels]

Very true! Happy 4th as well!

[@juliazentner681]

Yall are my new fav you tubers. It makes me laugh when Aaron is annoyed and Chris glosses over it and keeps on keeping on and then Aaron smiles.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Ahhhhh thanks! 😊🙏🏻

[@qhumberd]

So GSMNP is and will always be free to enter due to an agreement that funded the park when it was formed in the 1930s. Both North Carolina and Tennessee raised funds to purchase the land for the park, but it was not enough so it was matched by the Rockefeller family. At Newfound Gap is the memorial to the Rockefeller family. Since both states raised public funds to purchase the park, they required that the park be forever free to enter for the citizens of each state, which became anyone. Enjoyed your review and video

[@chrisdills5072]

it was because of the state of Tennessee not North Carolina - The reasons for free entry to the national park date back at least to the 1930s. The land that is today Great Smoky Mountains National Park was once privately owned. The states of Tennessee and North Carolina, as well as local communities, paid to construct Newfound Gap Road (US-441). When the state of Tennessee transferred ownership of Newfound Gap Road to the federal government, it stipulated that "no toll or license fee shall ever be imposed…" to travel the road. At that time, Newfound Gap Road was one of the major routes crossing the southern Appalachian Mountains. It's likely the state was concerned with maintaining free, easy interstate transportation for its citizens. North Carolina transferred its roads through abandonment, so no restrictions were imposed. Action by the Tennessee legislature would be required to lift this deed restriction if Great Smoky Mountains National Park ever wished to charge an entrance fee.

[@cyber_sal]

You two inspire me! Love to see how you are courageously taking on this new truck camping adventure and working through all of the challenges as a team! Stay safe and stay AWESOME!!! 🙌🏻

[@lonestar227]

I'll take an RV any day. More pro's than con's. You can still enjoy the great outdoors and still have your own bathroom. You can go explore and not worry about your spot being taken. You have a place to go for inclement weather and still have your comforts of home. Enjoy your tent!

[@michaelbowie6599]

Try the slide out drawers for the bed of the truck. We love them and makes loading and unloading so much easier for us.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Those would be pretty cool for sure. We'll have to look into that!

[@shimadajapan]

This candid, authentic chat you are having with each other is heartwarming, and perhaps my favorite video that I’ve seen of yours (and they are all wonderful!). Thanks for modeling beautiful communication styles:-)

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

I like the vibe of sitting in on a conversation over a meal like you did in this video. I've never spent more than a month in my rooftop tent but I spent a night each week in a hotel. it did a lot for refreshing my mind; hot shower, air conditioning, big bed, etc. I was curious about the free national parks too after my first visit to Great Basin NP. I guess most of the money comes from congress and corporate donations (lots out outdoor brands, but even like Coke and BMW are big donors to the NPF). The park where you buy your annual National Parks Pass also gets a kickback, so I always make sure to buy mine for the year at free or less-popular NPS locations.

[@IreneIronTravels]

A hotel stay once in a while makes sense! We're breaking up our stints with friends and family...... working out so far! And great way to support the NP's!

[@FreedomToRoam86]

This year with the severe Pacific NW and Wyoming heat, I did stay in a hotel about every 2 weeks, too. Gave me a chance to edit some video, wash clothes, and get showers two days in a row. But then I was hungry to camp again.

[@mikefarrell5996]

I think the beauty of it is...you know the weak spots, the hard parts to come, so you will deal with it. You both seemed well suited for this. Inspiring!

[@kenrice]

I have 35 plus videos and this is the first time I am see Aaron behind the wheel driving :)

[@IreneIronTravels]

😂 True! People must think I don't have a drivers license!😀

[@tomfromnorthcarolina1491]

We got our Pleasure-way Lexor in early March and went on a whole bunch of smaller trips to get that class B vibe going. We've adopted many of the tools and techniques that you've suggested and boy did they help. We use a Blackstone griddle, pack using zip lock bags rather than fixed size. We just returned from a 5 week trip from North Carolina to Glacier national Park and we had a blast. But we have to acknowledge that the trip was much easier and more enjoyable by adopting lots of the tips you've passed along over the last two years. Even something as simple as cutting up food and zipping it up at the food store made our days easier. So thank you again. We are already planning our next RV trip through Texas to New Mexico and the balloon fiesta and then on to Arizona and Colorado. I hope you get your trailer soon. The dealer lots are looking awfully empty.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Hey guys! 👋 Glad to hear you are enjoying your new class B! It means a lot to hear you enjoyed our vids and it helped in your trip! Maybe even helped pass the time while you waited. Have fun this summer!! We are enjoying the tent and truck so far and will be ready for the new RV in a month or two!

[@sbayles]

And moose are much bigger, have a long narrow head, and paddle antlers. I think I would hate having to pack up everything every day would get old really quickly but the tent is cool. Thanks for the response. I had to add that when we went to Clingman's Dome we went all the way to the top to find that the observation area was roped off - closed for repairs! It was sad for us old, non-hiker people but still a nice view.

[@IreneIronTravels]

We haven't seen one yet! Can't wait...but not too close!

[@H2Dwoat]

Hi, the look of trepidation on Aaron’s face when you said ‘I’m sure there will be days when I’ll be a monster’ 😂.

[@IreneIronTravels]

😂 So real! 😂

[@PsRohrbaugh]

I love you talking about how your class B was too small now that you're living in a tent 😁. Maybe the van was too comfortable and didn't force you outside enough...

[@IreneIronTravels]

So true! We were way too comfortable in the van. Loving getting outside more....... but no way could we do this long term!

[@bookooc5605]

@@IreneIronTravels Yeah, but being outside 24x7 gets old too....

[@RonBoger]

We LOVED Clingman's Dome! But you are right, the hike up is definitely a stretch. I asked my wife several times on the way up, "Are you trying to kill me?" Once we got up there, wow! What a view! We went at sunrise; no one there and just vast open quiet with smokey clouds hanging out and a bit of wind. Gorgeous!! Can't wait to go back someday with a new RV/TT. Thanks for bringing us along with you.

[@PsRohrbaugh]

8 minutes in, noticing a different narrative style. Liking it!

[@IreneIronTravels]

Glad your enjoying it Paul! This episode did feel different and we're just sharing the feelings as we go. It is such a different experience!

[@PsRohrbaugh]

@@IreneIronTravels Just finished the episode. Great as always! Have a happy fourth of July!

[@johnspencer6280]

Great video y'all. My wife and I tent camped at Cade's Cove for a week early in our marriage (late '80's). GSM NP is a magical place. There is a historic self guided road trail that is very interesting. The Cherokee Cultural Center in Cherokee is awesome. The interpretive hikes are great too. Two years ago we returned with the entire family (six kids now) and hiked the Allium trail to Leconte Lodge and spent two days there. This was a bucket list trip for us (and since we are old and fat now - it nearly killed us) but it was amazing!

[@777LadyVenus]

Being in harmony with nature, is great for your soul. I love how you two were outside eating and speaking to us authentically and honest about your experiences! Thank you and your very much appreciated for sharing your journey.... When I get out there ( as I am sitting here in my sticks & bricks) I will remember the inspiration you brought to my life...May the Force be with you and the 4th (lol)

[@katehutto6004]

I love your enthusiasm for your new way of camping. You will love having both a camper plus an overland setup for doing regular rv sites plus boondocking in beautiful sites that the camper can't go to. My husband and I had a large Tiffin motorhome plus an RPod that we pulled with a Jeep. It was great!

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thanks, it should be a good fit for us! Your setup sounded nice! 👌

[@stuarthoffman1668]

You two are inspiring.Don't worry. You two have the right attitudes to take these new challenges in stride.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thanks 😊 appreciate that!

[@ChrisGarby]

Its nice to see the honesty in your thoughts and being real. Explaining how your out of your comfort zone, you can see it in your faces actually. Understanding its a learning process and a new way to live and and you just figure it out as you go. Thats part of the adventure for anyone changing their lives and way of living. Im adjusting to living in a stationary travel trailer, unreal how much water I go through in a day or 2. Need to learn how to manage that way better so I can eventually boondock. Enjoy the journey. One suggestion is you can get a small gimbal depending on your camera to help stabilize your shots. Also as you head north, I.m in central PA, in a campground if you need to overnight somewhere for free, your more than welcome to park next to me and stay either in your tent or my trailer (fold out couch and dinette bed) hot water, bathroom etc. enjoy, I look forward to next weeks video.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it! It certainly is a transition and learning curve to RV living for sure. Thanks for the hospitality offer as well! We have made it back to the Midwest to visit friends and family for a bit and then we will be heading out West.

[@joycemoses2411]

You are doing great! It is an adventure that you will remember for the rest of your lives.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Yes! Thanks Joyce!

[@campingalan]

Hello Chris and Aaron!! Thank you again for a great video! Boy...it sure does touch on some of the transitioning from a contained rig to, now, outside in the elements all of the time! Whew...lots to consider......water, weather, bugs, refrigeration for food, storage space, bathing, etc. I am looking forward to seeing your video on your electrical system install! I expect that it would shed some light on the basics of solar; mainly with regards to when the travel trailer arrives. Yes...I agree; I am envisioning it being more expensive for you two while you are on the east coast and more hostage to having to use campgrounds. Enjoy the water faucet access though!! I'm also looking forward to you two getting back out west. It will be great to have a patrol base that you can do backpacking trips from. A few of the areas here in CO that come to mind for when you are able are the Snowmass-Maroon Bells Wilderness area south of Aspen, the Weminuche Wilderness by us that is starts just south of Silverton, and the Flat Tops Wilderness that is north of I70 and west of Vail. Of course, there are tons more areas in the region; these are just a few. Minneapolis is still there for when you arrive! I was just in St Paul last week. I believe I'll be returning there in August, as well as September. Oh...I was just in Orange County as was able to run down to San Diego. While there, was able to test ride a Juiced ebike, as well as several of the Rads. I think any of those could work for us. I just need to get my wife to come on a trip there to do some test riding as her wrists bother her fairly easily on bikes. Safe travels....and Happy belated 4th to you two!

[@dawnhightman8557]

You need a truck slide in the back- it’ll save so much time being able to slide everything out and grab what you need and you don’t have won’t have to worry about the tent above. 😃

[@waylonwolf4908]

You got to rethink the tent over the bed. You can get pretty affordable trailers that you can tow with the tent on top, this allows full access to the truck bed and you can drive away without breaking camp. We had a roof top tent on our truck for one week.

[@JonSnow-bc6ro]

Lovely video. Um if you get a few more of the plastic totes use them for your loose gear. Duct tape the handle ends, duct tape a label marked dry, can, misc. etc easy to just yank 4 tires outs and there it all is. P/u a roll of 4 ply plastic & a 20x20 tarp. Plastic 1then tarp to cover your tent. Rain will get in your tent usually late at night. So tarp rt after you set up. Oh a small step ladder helps.

[@quintenputnam4578]

Good job guys!!! You'll get the hang of your new rig. Happy Trails...

[@traildogadventuresoffroad1245]

You can do this; we did 2 months back country offgrid ( no campgrounds at all, dispersed camping only) in our old Jeep XJ ( built out inside with a kitchen , hot water shower etc and a hardshell rooftop tent ) in a fair amount of comfort in some very remote places; staying in campgrounds with your set up should be even easier...

[@lizchilders4154]

For our picnic table cloth, we cut some elastic cord, tied little S hooks on the ends. Then we secure our tablecloth using those by wrapping under the table and joining ends on the table top. Works great. We also have bungee cords that as well fit and do the same job. No more fly away tablecloth. We use 4 for a perfect secure.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Great idea, thanks Liz!

[@kevinrobinson7336]

Finally some real camping enjoying the critters and bugs. Enjoy the clamping when you are old and need it.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thanks!😀

[@carolconnell9521]

Happy 4th! I tent camped with my 3 grand daughters (8, 6 and 3) - single grandma raising my 3 girls - around the Great Lakes packed up every morning and set up in the evenings. The worst was the color d (30s) and rain but we came home in one piece and bought a Motorhome the next year. Lots of good memories and more to come!

[@IreneIronTravels]

Happy 4th! That sounds like great memories you had with your grand daughters around the great lakes! 👍

[@MyPettawayLife]

You guys need to add a popup 4 person tent 🏕 & a popup shower tent & you can buy a shower setup. The popup will give you an area as a living room to sit & work & a base station when you drive off to explore. Plus it’s somewhere to be when it rains during the time when you not sleeping.💯

[@otgtooffthegridtrailoutdoo9836]

You can always choose a tent site with an RTT. The challenge sometimes with old Smoky Mountain campgrounds is that the parking is tight and it’s hard to set up the ladder. Just talked to a ranger a few weeks ago about this and his comment was, you are a tent but also an RV, choose any loop you like. Also, in NC state parks we mostly choose tent sites.

[@anthonysexton7324]

Your set up is really cool! I agree that it will force you out of your comfort zone, but hey that is what will make this adventure even more fun. I live in Kansas City Missouri and am so close to the Smokies that I now want to go. Have fun!

[@mikedean8061]

I love love love that area. From Cherokee over the mountain to Tennessee. It is a slow process with all the traffic. Hope you enjoyed your time there.

[@davidtaylor5600]

I grew up about an hour from the park, it’s free because the gift of land to make it a park required that it maintained free public access

[@hrsully1]

WOW so close to my home! When in Cherokee you were less than 25 miles from me. Love this area for hiking, camping and motorcycle riding. Wish I would have know where you stayed as I would have loved to come see you two. Even your last night stay would be close also.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Very cool, what a great area to live in! Beautiful!

[@herdagriffin1220]

You guys should get a pop up tent to put over your cooking and sitting area.incase of some rainy days.so you wont be stuck getting out the tent.......I think you guys would be great for van life.

[@tracyk.8306]

What a beautiful place to camp! It's awkward a little but you'll get in your groove. Glad you have a clamshell for rainy day cooking! I also wondered how to book campgrounds with the RTT. Someone from county campground said "pop-up camper" or "truck camper" could be good descriptor of our setup. Some places did not allow our RTT in RV section, but there were also lots of places where you could park in the tent site. Often the site maps will help to see. Looking forward to your next adventure!

[@heatherhikes6880]

Also, East coast has the National Forests that offer free dispersed. I'd you head to Virginia, George Washington National Forest offers excellent dispersed spots. Dolly Sods in WVA is wonderful.

[@beeveedee9355]

What in the world will you do on rainy days? Looks like a lot of your stuff is packed loose. You should consider getting a bunch of plastic bins/totes that you can organize things in. It would be easier to pull out and then pack up quickly.

[@mcoop571]

We use a similar tent/truck combo. The top of the tonneau cover is a great place to store your table. The six foot model stores “open”, and you can secure it to the rack with big flexible cable ties. It’s kinda the first thing you need when you set up anyway, just a tip. New sub here!

[@heatherhikes6880]

Since you are keeping the tent for far back times, consider a 270 awning to give more space without having to retreat into the tent. We have one on our Mission Overland trailer and it is a game changer

[@IreneIronTravels]

Those do look like they would be nice. Thanks, we'll look into them!

[@heatherhikes6880]

@@IreneIronTravels you have the whole range of prices. We have the OVS nomadic 270 awning and it has accessory walls. For the price it is great being a mid range one

[@joanmcerlean7158]

Great video. Sharing your self-reflections on what you’re learning about yourselves through your journeying-good stuff. Thanks for sharing. You’re doing great embracing the tent-ing. No way would I tackle such, even back when I was your adventurous age.😎

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thanks Joan! We're having a good time learning through this process!

[@thewanderlees8089]

Hey! Just discovered your channel. We camp in our RTT too. Can I suggest you take one of your totes and arrange the kitchen items like a chuck box by turning it on its side? You can set it up on your truck bed with your tables and water on the side which will help you set up and break down faster. Look up camp kitchen box on YT for ideas. Good luck have fun!

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That’s a great SuperDuty and tent setup! We’re headed to that area in a few weeks.

[@larryvincent2098]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful scenery and enjoyable conversation of understanding of living in a tent truck . Challenges in life makes you stronger and smarter. BS & BK

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thank you very much for watching Larry, BS & BK!

[@janniejeanjellybean3803]

Happy 4th of July! 🧨 Wow! One of your best videos yet. Just love you guys. Take Care Safe Travels ~

[@IreneIronTravels]

Happy 4th JJ! 💥 Thank you as always for watching! Appreciate you!😀

[@FollowThomas]

Looks like you guys having a good time out there. Nice vlog 👍

[@NJ-Cathie]

How about white tail deer??? BTW: you can still get a lance camper and unload it when the trailer is built.

[@kenbarrett6466]

Those where Elk .. I have seen them in person ..

[@BrokenDreamsReborn]

Hey y'all, we are Shion and Matthew and just came across your channel! We love the Smokies and are also RVers! Thanks for sharing!

[@IreneIronTravels]

Hey 👋 guys, thanks for watching!

[@pedrofernandez8729]

2 observations as a long time follower, #1 I like the new narrative style you used in this video, you should stick to it and #2 Chris looks very pretty (more than usual) with her hair loose as opposed to her usual pony tail, I hope Aaron does not get upset that I said this.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thanks Pedro. Chris doesn't wear her hair down often because of the heat, but I'll let her know!

[@SlowTransitTimes]

I am glad the green vacuum is still around, because I bought one 😁💪💚

[@IreneIronTravels]

We use it all the time!!

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

If your hotspot has TS-9 ports, I think it like the one I had.... look at Netgear 65000450 MIMO antenna. Suction cup it to glass. Works well for me.

[@1marynewton]

Good job getting into your discomfort-nature will bring you in and teach you how to relax.

[@timwoody3835]

We love Smokemont campground. Peaceful and serene and so beautiful.

[@Flap999]

It’s cute they call them mountains. Alaska says “hold mah beer”. 😊 Seriously, the Smoky Mountains are wonderful. Clingmans Dome is touristy but a must see. Cades Cove is as well, a very serene and beautiful area with a rich history. Lake Rabun, a bit south and east of where you were has some great places to stop.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Looking forward to spending a few months in Alaska! Maybe next year!

[@LHeminway]

Looking back on watching you guys, I think you were totally excellent with living in your Airstream. But, we own one almost just like yours and while I love it, I do enjoy coming home to a house. You are to be commended. Don’t put yourself down. I could never do what you are doing. Proud of you both.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thanks Linda! We will always remember and love our time in the AI. Appreciate you! 😃

[@johnmurray9660]

Happy day after the 4th of July! Great video as always. Your visit to The Great Smokey Mountains National Park has inspired me to make that our first trip after retirement in June 2022. Enjoyed your table chat. To me, you two always appear "in control" even if you're out of your comfort zone a bit. The truck and tent set up is awesome, but it does seem like a lot of work every time you are on the go. A little camping time, family time, and in no time your new home will be ready for you and the next chapter. Enjoy, and be safe out there!

[@bruceclyne5254]

The final leg of your shakedown cruise should be the Boundary Waters during black fly season. That would be the acid test to your commitment. Be safe, wayfarers! Best wishes from Alabama. 🇺🇸

[@marmeedoll]

Time changes all things. When my mountain girl from the Smokies was very young a bear stole the family picnic lunch. Now there are elk in my lady's home range. NC side. She was a real mountain girl, clogging dancer, graduate of a tiny school. Her grandmother taught in a one room school. Her family used to trek from NC to a little town in SC for supplies twice a year. My wife's mother was on the last wolf hunt in NC. My wife's family reaches deep in the early part of the last century. It was a shock when we first saw each other, electric. It was like we both knew what was coming. 60 years married. There was no doubt. Now there are elk in the Smokies, which we have seen. I laid her to her rest up high above her glen so she could see heritage, her glen. Yes, she was a Scot as was I.

[@michaelkree]

You guys do such a great job editing - I really love the music that you fit to the feel of the local. Great job! Also, who is Irene?

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thank you, appreciate that! 🙏 Irene is Chris's middle name and gmas name. Christine Irene!

[@michaelkree]

@@IreneIronTravels I loved your tag line in some of your older videos.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thanks, we'll have to bring that back in some!

[@jesserevilla992]

The North East are small tight mountains, but lush greens hundreds of falls & creeks and these mountains create their own weather patterns. The History in these mountains date back through the 18 century since the West was still to be explored .

[@takemetothecampfire]

Enjoyed the video! We stayed in Cherokee, NC over Easter break. We then traveled to the other side of the park to Gatlinburg area, sadly before we started filming or travels. That park is beautiful, looking forward to the next video.

[@russellault2391]

awesome video the sights were great glad your getting the tent figured out

[@glamperjan]

You can get a tent site they don't care. I have a van and I get the feeling parks don't like vans either. You don't have to park on the pad. Just set your chairs there.

[@Spinalcell]

nice set up, we've got the same grill, love the small footprint and function. Might be time to throw up a RTT on our new Hemi 2500. Keep having fun

[@davidmurphree5012]

Great video, y’all are so real. I can certainly relate and I’m sure I will be watching

[@IreneIronTravels]

I appreciate that, thanks!

[@asadventures_moriicoddiwomple]

The Great Smoky Mountains NP is free because of the agreement made with the original owners of the land. Part of the agreement to turn over their land to the National Park was for the park service to keep it free for visitors. Friends of the Smokies is a supportive group that collects donations, and other funds come from the US NP Service and surrounding communities. It being the most visited NP does help to bring in funds. You had great weather for this video. For pronunciation tips, it's "O cone a luftee" and "Cling muns" Dome. 😉 We're loving your adventure in the rooftop tent.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thanks Tina! Appreciate that info....makes sense now! We did get really great weather and loved the area and campgrounds.

[@vanduezen3037]

Glad to see U guys still makin it. Having any problems with sites accepting your RV tent?

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thanks! No problems yet.... we just make sure to book RV spots or tent spots that don't require us to walk to.

[@joehawaii5788]

Chris was looking " Radiant " for a few seconds with Her Hair flowing down !!! Your "Not" ready yet ! But when you are I can make your new outdoor life way more relaxing and stress free, with setup a " Breeze" You will be able to pull over and cook Hot meal any time you wish !! Your setup for weekend camping now.

[@shelleymcquillin7329]

Loving watching your channel grow!! ❤ Definitely hitting your stride. Another fantastic video

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thanks so much Shelley, appreciate you watching!!

[@PsRohrbaugh]

I believe you have a 1000w inverter? A 700-800w microwave will run on it just fine. They're small and cheap. Can even warm up food / drink while driving if you set it up right.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Yeah that would totally work!

[@MidlifeRovers]

We struggle with what to select when reserving campsites too. The bummer is RV sites normally have more amenities than we need like water and/or electric. (We are a truck and RTT too).

[@vidguy007]

Same issue here I don’t need nor want anything which makes my choice of avoiding campsites much easier

[@vacationmode6286]

Awesome prep space with pic nic table!!

[@brianhoffies4846]

Look at getting a slide out bed for the truck. Be sure to measure your totes as you lose some height. It will make packing & unpacking 1000 times easier.

[@gillianhatko]

What are your plans for when it rains? We just finished some car camping with lots of rain. It made everything, including getting into our tent (when wearing soaking wet clothes) much more difficult. We used a bug shelter tent, and the roof kept some of the rain off, but only when we were under it.

[@Mudbug2000]

Thanks that was great! Yep takes a little while to get on ‘auto’ with a new system. Trials & tribulations will make you grateful when you get to your goal. Almost there! (Me too:) lol Children?; were finding out they have legs.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Yes, absolutely Mary! Did you get your van yet?

[@Mudbug2000]

@@IreneIronTravels not yet but within 30-60 days:)

[@IreneIronTravels]

Yeah!!!!! 🤗🤗

[@sabrinak6863]

Hey guys! My hubby and I have been watching your journey for a while now and enjoy it very much. Congratulations on this next phase of the adventure! It's wonderful how you guys embrace the unknown with so much enthusiasm and come out that much richer on the other side. We always look forward to seeing how things unfold as we learn from your experiences. We are planning on getting an RV and are looking forward to applying some of the lessons watched. On another note, we saw on this video that you have a fridge stored on the floor of your back seat. Wondered what the brand was and if you recommend it. Thank you both for sharing.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Hey Sabrina, thanks for watching! So exciting you guys are planning on getting an RV and will have some fun times! The fridge in this video is a Bouge RV 40 liter that they sent to us for testing. amzn.to/3yAULvh We have had it for about 3 weeks now and it is working out pretty good for a less expensive electric cooler option. We also plan to test out a Dometic cooler as well, which we already know is also built with a more premium shell and compressor, but is a higher price point. amzn.to/2SUwoJQ The Dometic is a bigger interior cooling space with only a slight bigger exterior foot print and extra space is always welcome for us. I will say.... we really love having an electric cooler in the truck!

[@sabrinak6863]

@@IreneIronTravels Thanks so much for all the info, you guys. We just bought the Bouge! Hopefully, you'll get the credit through Amazon. Happy travels!

[@IreneIronTravels]

Oh great! You'll enjoy having it! It's been working great for us, but we're going to try the larger Dometic. Enjoy!

[@sabrinak6863]

@@IreneIronTravels Yes, for your situation, the larger one makes a lot of sense. Perhaps in some upcoming episode you'll mention how it is working for you and hubby and I will smile extra big. LOL! Enjoy!

[@IreneIronTravels]

Good Morning Sabrina, I just realized that Amazon only has the larger 53qt and the one we have is the smaller 42 qt. We did just get a discount code from the manufacture as well if you want to return the Amazon and get the smaller one. Sorry! And thanks! www.bougerv.com/products/42quart-40l-portable-car-refrigerator-bougerv Code for 15% off ---- IreneTravels15

[@Pinky121971]

Hey, You made it. Cant wait to check out the Videos.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Hope you enjoy!

[@michaelcannon9806]

Happy 4th, great video and great to see you in the outdoors again, beware of the monster!

[@IreneIronTravels]

😂 thanks! You too!

[@tedwalford7615]

Happy Independence Day! (And there you are, out there independently exercising your independence, enjoying our God-given freedoms. Love it!

[@IreneIronTravels]

Yes! Thank you and same to you!

[@TheLightHouseLady]

When will your new RV be ready to pickup?

[@IreneIronTravels]

Should be end of August or September!

[@davidoverman785]

I live here in Murphy which is 15 mins to the reservation born an raised here

[@larryclark6212]

I have family living down in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. 😎

[@MojaveNarrows]

Why do you have an F-350 if you don’t have a trailer to haul??

[@knelson9978]

What is "cooking in a clam"? Haven't heard of that. Please help.

[@IreneIronTravels]

That is just the brand of a screen tent we have for protection from the wind and rain. Clam outdoors screen tents! Thanks!

[@jasonlinda8891]

Beautiful place. On my bucket list. How long till you get your new RV?

[@IreneIronTravels]

Yes, great park! Hopefully it's built next month and we see it at the end of the month or beginning of Sept.

[@davidoverman785]

Hope yall enjoyed our beautiful mountains 👍

[@Frankwrite]

Grinding oatmeal for a breakfast smoothie is a good idea. Can you buy it ground or do you have to grind it yourself?

[@IreneIronTravels]

We do usually grind it ourselves with a food processor, but Chris did just find it pre ground in the store recently!

[@40gritgarage67]

Need a break from tent life.... We got and Air BnB along the Blue Ridge Parkway.... Mile post 268

[@bearnature4519]

I love the Smokies beautiful part of the country, Have a happy 4th of July. I hope all of your adventures are full of excitement, and beauty.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Thanks 😊 you too! 💥

[@donslick8464]

How long do you have to wait for your new Outdoors RV? And what dealer did you buy it from?

[@IreneIronTravels]

Hopefully August or September...... but we'll see as we get closer. The 22fqs run starts late this month. We bought from Holiday RV in Colorado.

[@donslick8464]

@@IreneIronTravels my wife and I just picked up our 24krs last week, the first one we had is like the one you are getting. You will love it!!

[@IreneIronTravels]

Oh, nice thanks! 👌 We are getting excited for it! We did really like the extra room of the 24 models, but thought we should keep it as small as we can. Congrats on your new ORV!

[@cripplecreekfarm1234]

It will never be easy with a tent .Rv - van is the only way to go We done all of them

[@HSTWXMAN]

Can't use Walmart or Cracker Barrel (on the east coast) because you are a tent?

[@IreneIronTravels]

We can't use them anywhere because we are in a tent. If the allow overnights at all you should be in a RV. Alot of people sleep in their car as well there.

[@HSTWXMAN]

@@IreneIronTravels rgr, understand now. Seems like it would be good for you all to have a bed slide in the bed of your truck so you could pull all your stuff out from under the tent. Just a thought.

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

Have you looked into iOverlander? Boondockers Welcome?

[@IreneIronTravels]

We know a few people that really like both of those but we haven't used either. We pretty much stick to Campendium and hipcamp now.

[@h.b.4058]

I know you all are already deeper into your trip, so maybe you've figured this out, but as you'll continue to use the truck tent maybe this will help. I got some clear stackable drawers from the Container Store when I first got my camper. They fit in the closet perfectly, and held all the daily use kitchen/cleaning things, and one drawer for dried goods. They just stay put and are easy to use in the camper, but if I want to do some outdoor cooking, they are super easy to pop out and onto a table, acting sort of like a "chuck box". While my camper is getting renovated, they have also been great to just stack in the backseat of the car facing out, where I can leave them, or again, pop them out on the table. No rummaging and resorting totes each day, just a quick in or out of the car. It has been a time/organizational brain saver. The other option would be to get a legit chuck box. More expensive, but cool. Digging through totes every day gets tedious quickly. Have fun traveling!

[@IreneIronTravels]

That's a great idea! We are still working through some of the org, and finally made it back to MN where we can drop off a few things to make some extra room. But, we still have to bring almost everything with us for the new RV. Thanks for the ideas!

[@h.b.4058]

@@IreneIronTravels my pleasure! Glad you're getting some family time!!

[@mikemichaud5186]

I believe that log bridge you crossed in Smokemont was a scene location in the movie “Dirty Dancing”.

[@IreneIronTravels]

Oh wow.... cool!

[@FEARNoMore]

Chris, your camera work is fine. I didn't get vertigo once. lol Hope you both had a great Illegal fireworks, BBQ & Independence day.😄