RV Trip To Alaska - Fun Days At Custer State Park

As we continue our RV trip to Alaska in our Winnebago Travato camper van we found ourselves at our first fun destination, Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota. We were greeted by Buffalo, had a visit to Mount Rushmore and got to meet our neighbor at our campsite, who happened to bring his guitar. That led to a sing-along session around the campfire. We’ve included a few of those songs at the end of this video since so many of you ask for more of that sort of thing.
We also learned that we need to somehow try to fit a guitar in the van so this can happen much more often.

[@michaelkurz9067]

I'm amazed that a hail storm will damage a vehicle, but a buffalo will not fill nothing from a hail storm: )

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I never even thought of that. I guess a buffalo is very well insulated. Thanks for giving us something to ponder and for watching.

[@marilynnarnold811]

What a treat the jam session was. Imagine finding this random guy and ending the day this way. Amazing!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was a great way to end the day. Meeting great people is one of the best things about traveling.

[@galpalsal]

Wow what a difference after you saw the buffalo! You both seemed so much happier! Great video and music!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Seeing wild life always makes us happy. We appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@herdfan697278]

Owen, this was one of the best videos that I have ever seen! The buffalo was by far the greatest closeup that I have witnessed anywhere! The musical ending really showcased some of your talents as a songwriter and musician. Keep up the great work! 👍🙏🏻👑

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much for the kind words.

[@reddozz]

Great video. Custer State Park is the best state park we ever visited in the 40 some states we have traveled to. All the music at the end was really nice.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We have to agree with you. It is one huge state park with so much to do and so many campgrounds within the park. Wow! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@auroranite]

Great geeta’h playing and singing! Owen nice ending to all these videos hearing you sing & play. Another fun show. Thank you both for sharing👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for the kind words. We are glad you are along with us. 👍

[@stephaniereed8869]

I really enjoyed Mt Rushmore and the parking was awesome!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Mt Rushmore was awesome. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@sandyfrankum6521]

That's what I love about you guys! Your exuberance for life! Thank you for the awesome video! Ha! Maggie likes those comforts of home. Lynn's um-um face cracked me up. I always have a big smile on my face when I watch your videos, from start to finish. So thanks for that! Loved the music at your campsite.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you! Owen:Do I really look like that when I make that face? 😂 We love hearing that our videos make you smile. That is so nice to hear.

[@sandyfrankum6521]

HA! Apparently she thinks so!!

[@denisgalindo7973]

Wow! You are very talented!! You should sing more often!!! That was awesome!!!!👏

[@denisgalindo7973]

Oh I forgot thank you for all that beautiful scenery!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Hey! Thank you for saying that! We bought a guitar yesterday so you may get your wish. :-)

[@denisgalindo7973]

Great! Can’t wait!!😊

[@michaelbecnel63]

Watching this video makes me think of the comment you made in one of the later Alaska videos………That it’s not just the destination but the journey!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It is all about the journey for sure.

[@FrederickRH1]

You made that Martin happy😊👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

❤️❤️😊 it made me happy. Great guitar. It would hate me if I kept it in our constantly changing environment of our van. But I bought a cheaper Luna Gypsy guitar yesterday that needed some love :-)

[@craigstensaas4900]

Yes, Owen Definitely owned me on musicianship, but I had fun getting to chat with Lynn and Owen, and never once thought of it as a competition...just line making music and enjoy good people's company...good luck on down the road you two! I hope we meet again.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Our son was really excited that you played a John Butler song and also said I was “rusty”. I’ve been part of music competitions and have never been a fan. Young guy vs. old guy. Didn’t think of it that way at all. Two new friends playing music together with me wishing I had my own guitar to play along. I really enjoyed your skills and voice. You will be 10 times better than me when you reach my age :-). Speaking of old guy.., who uses a flint stick to light a fire these days? 😂😂😂. You sure got up and gone early too. We didn’t get a chance to say goodbye so we’ll just say see you later here. Glad we met you. BTW I think we are going to buy a travel guitar today in Fairbanks. It was realty nice to let me play your Martin. Much love and respect. Owen, Lynn and Maggie

[@lynnpoteat2369]

It was a great evening listening to two musicians enjoying making music... no competition was intended. I do want to thank you for getting Owen interesting in playing again. We bought him a guitar today. I am truly greatful. We hope to see you again.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Hey brother! Bought a small Luna Gypsy yesterday and love it. Spent $300 so you owe me $150 since you got me started back. 😂 Glad you did

[@jillcarlson2076]

I was amazed just watching your video! Thank you! 🙏🥰

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thank you for watching.

[@davidzimmer2694]

Wow, I think Mount Rushmore got upstaged by the talent. I've always known your musical background, but that was outstanding. Thank you for sharing just one more beautiful thing on this channel, your voice.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Aaaah what nice words to say. Thank you!!!!

[@CanadaFree.6014]

Great singing Owen! Lol. Lynn your breakfast looked delicious :D

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was delicious 😋 (this is Owen) :-)

[@thomashanlon9091]

Another great video. It is a shame you missed feeding the wild mules in Custer State Park.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

So much to do in that state park. Wow! Maybe best time. We will be back.

[@benata51]

Very Talented 👍👏👏

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for making us smile.

[@jkhouse183]

Love the singing!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you. I wish I could get Owen to sing more. I’ll keep working on it.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Beautiful scenery! You out sung the young guy! Amazing video! Love watching Lynn enjoy your cooking! Safe travels!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Love “eating” Lynn’s cooling 😂 Thank you for the nice comment and for always being part of the journey here.

[@madonnaballard3008]

I'm so glad you liked our state!! I'm from South Dakota!! I've moved around some, but I always come back to South Dakota! I hope you found us friendly and I hope you come back some time!! LOVED the music at the end of the video!! Take Care!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We loved South Dakota and we will definitely be back. There were so many things we didn’t get to see. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@krissto22]

Wow, very entertaining! Loved it!!👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks so much.

[@awilli1010]

Just awesome. What else can be said.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@rogerstrand4903]

Glad we found you guys we plan on Alaska 2020 enjoy your videos you guys are real

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you! You will love Alaska next year! Such a special place!

[@22rawraw]

Owen! So good! I’d love to sit around a campfire, listening to you sing! You two are the best!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you! Means a lot to us to hear that.

[@stephaniereed8869]

You're GOOD! Love it!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for watching.

[@deborahschaub2925]

Took me 60 years to learn to SLOW DOWN and ENJOY this wonderful creation that GOD YAHWEH has given us. If ya retired and even if “you have an agenda; God has HIS. Where you;re going will always be there.....waiting on you to get there. You’ll get there on time enjoying it should ya learn to SLOW down :). Drove from Florida to Fairbanks Alaska back in 1995 via Wisconsin over to Great Falls Montana up through Alberta Canada up on the ALCAN. Drove back in 1999 to North Dakota to UpState New York and back to North Dakota. That trip back was over 8400 miles. Unfortunately we HAD a timeline with him being in the military at the time. I dont anymore since being a widow for the last 14+ years. Only until this last year in 2019 did I finally learn to RELAX and ENJOY !!!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Sounds like you quite the road trip. Thank you for sharing your very wise words. Sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. We continue to learn to slow down and just enjoy the moment. God bless and have a great week.

[@BillSprague]

Think about investing in a Garmin Overlander GPS system. You can input your rig’s dimensions and Garmin will alert you to problems ahead. They’re not cheap at $699.00 but, if it takes the stress out of your ride, it’s worth it. I travel solo, so I’ll be getting one.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you. Let me know how you like having yours. I will add it to our list. We appreciate you.

[@bigdog30736]

We are enjoying your videos.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Glad you like them! Heading to Alaska?

[@Miss7971]

Nice to see you singing and playing. I guess you left your guitar at home? 💕

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you!

[@ralphfeldes9052]

Go Owen!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks, we appreciate you watching.

[@Meyersci]

The landscapes at Custer SP are some of my favorites!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It quickly became one our favorites too. Thanks for watching.

[@wideglide6723]

What great times we live in. I can sit in my daughter’s den in Texas and watch and listen to you guys play and singing around the campfire. Is this a great country or what!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Or WHAT!!! Yes it is!!! Glad you got to watch and listen and we were part of your day! Enjoy your family time!

[@WhoaNellieRVAdventures]

You could do youtube live with your music.Way cool.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you sweet friend. Not sure about that but it’s good to hear.

[@zambonimusic]

Mein God, I love so much to hear you singing and play. Never stopped!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you our sweet friend! We love hearing you too. We have a shard love of music and words and I love that bond.

[@timmartin4952]

Wow, what a beautiful voice Owen! Please sing more and more often! I wish I could travel with you all!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Well you kind of do travel with us. If you’re ever near us come camp beside us. :-). We’d love that too. Thanks for nice comment.

[@maureentweedly]

Terrific video....loved the closeup of the buffalo. I could smell breakfast cooking...my favourite meal on the road.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you! That buffalo was just 10-15 feet away from us just walking and eating. It was so cool how the water just ran off his back too.

[@hdlowrider5413]

Lots of smiles and laughin like little kids🤣. That is wonderful. What a beautiful video. What a great country we live in. Wow. Thanks for the concert. You are pretty good for an older fella. WHAT IT MEANS👍👍👍👍👍! Made my morning. Thank you.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

What It Means is really special to us. It’s how we live our lives, seeing the food in everyone and the beauty around us. We are so glad you’re part of this journey with us.

[@ftkinsella]

Wow that was amazing. Love the wildlife and the music you used in this video. It’s not always about the destination, it’s the trip you most enjoy. Cheers!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It is the journey we enjoy. And the people we get to know along the way. And the time we get to spend together. Cheers our friend.

[@spellmadam2947]

We really loved this video. It made us smile a lot. Especially that part about being easy to please. That is the best spirit to have when traveling. It's the simple things that matter most. The music was a great finale. What a treat. Thanks for sharing.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That is so sweet for you to say. Thank you! We have learned that nice people are everywhere you go and beauty is always around us if we just sit still and look. Thanks for always being so connected to us. It really means a lot to us.

[@sharonfrommann6516]

Enjoyed the music and the views are wonderful. Have a great vacation

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you. We try to not think of it as a vacation though since for most of the year we actually live in the van. We’d wear ourselves out for sure if it was a vacation. We try to have a few “vacation” days per week though where we see the sites around us. Thank you for always being a nice part of our journey in the van. It makes us smile to hear from you every time.

[@debz8340]

Love the video and all of the music. Reran the video just to listen. Save travels and smiles from Ohio.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That is so nice to hear. Thank you for making us smile not just this morning but as part of every video we release. You’re a great part of this channel and we really love having you along with us.

[@sheilaqualls3148]

Great video as always! Those wild buffalo were really cool! I would be scared though too that close. Those are very large animals! Mount Rushmore is definitely on my bucket list. Great music Owen...but I think that I have to say Lynn’s Yum yum face was the best part! I literally burst out laughing so hard I was almost crying! My wife wanted to know what the heck I was laughing about. 😂😂

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We were in van when we filmed the buffalo or we would have been scared. Lynn’s yum yum face is an imitation of Owen. I’m glad we made you laugh.

[@lorenenoe4472]

Awesome video as always, photos great, buffalo moving around just amazing. Glad Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore good side trips, you never know what you'll see in Alaska proper so making the trip there count is very important. Wish I were a stow-away, let me know if Maggie needs a retired nanny. Really appreciate you folks! Be safe.🐕🐾🐾🌲 Jam session in evening...Music cool and happy times...you can play that 🎸

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Maggie would love a nanny ❤️. We really try to make the most of every week of a trio. This one is so long we felt like we would need a break from driving and we are glad we did it. Custer State Park is a true gem. You know you kind of do stow away with us. We can’t remember a video we’ve released when your very nice comments didn’t make us smile about that memory. But if we are ever near you make sure you come and sit around the campfire with us. 👌

[@djc7447]

Wow Mount Rushmore hope to get there some day thanks for sharing we’re the buffalo roam lol

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You need to get there. Amazing site to see. Crazy Horse monument will be even more. It is many times bigger. Cool to see it being cleared too.

[@ncdean62]

Well dang Owen. You have many talents. South Dakota is one of my favorite areas. Not uncommon for snow to be around well into June. Safe travels...

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It is one of our favorite places too. Wow! Thank you for the nice comment and for always being part of the journey here.

[@1tpmg]

Holy smokes ! Pickin-and-grinnin at its finest 🏆

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you. Glad you watched.

[@pamelahaukaas964]

Fantastic video, you really need to get a guitar and end all the videos with a few songs!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Fast forward 2 weeks until yesterday and we did get a guitar. It’s been a fun addition to the van so far. Thank you for the sweet suggestion.

[@Revtraveler]

I'm more of a Southern Gospel Music fan but I have to say, excellent singing and playing! Enjoy your videos

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for such nice words. We appreciate you watching and commenting. I love all kinds and styles of music and we are glad it made you smile.

[@timmartin4952]

“Sphincter muscle tightening experience”. Lol, laugh my sphincter off! Btw, have you used “rain x” for those rainy days ? I like it and find it very helpful. Thanks again for taking us along. Great everything!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Rain X is greet. Expensive but great. :-). I wish there was a Bug X 😂. We find ourselves peeping between bugs a lot now as we drive. That windshield is just never clean. Bugs me. 😂

[@traceymardon8161]

We're enjoying watching your trip! If by chance you head home through Central Alberta, you can see more buffalo at Elk Island Provincial Park not too far from Edmonton. Funny tip, when you get to Canada the bacon is called back bacon. We got the little Coleman FoldnGo and are happy with it as it fits under the bench seat with a cover bag but love the size of yours. Cheers!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you for the great suggestion of Elk Island. That grill kind of caught on fire yesterday. Long story. All is well. It’s still usable but your grill would be better.

[@traceymardon8161]

You're welcome about Elk Island! Holy smokes, catching on fire is not good. Sure glad all is good now. We liked some of the other grills but the Fold'nGo was the only one that would fit under the bed and it worked well. We also got the little version of the Outdoor Fire bowl and adapted it with a low pressure hose. It also has a bag and so far we've put it on the bathroom floor because we intend to use it on trips closer to home. Maybe one day we'll figure out how to put our Thule box on. Thanks for taking us to Writing on Stone, it's on our list for a trip across Canada in the next few years. @@VANTREKKINGlifestyle

[@tlogan5950]

Time for a Van Trekking CD! Just Googled you and saw all your recording

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Maybe again some day. Now we are enjoying this lifestyle so much. But I did buy a travel guitar so I can do more of that for fun and in videos.

[@customgtrs]

I bet that dude was shocked when you started pickin....lol

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

He seemed to be for sure. :-). Sure wish you made a travel guitar. :-)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

BTW we found a cool music store in Fairbanks and went to buy a travel guitar yesterday, like I need another guitar 😂, ended up buying a little Luna Gypsy. If it hates the weather changes we are not out too much money and it plays good. Could you make a super thin, small one? :-)

[@mandimandi6359]

bello

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you!

[@BillByrd74]

Was that hail? Also, you should have gone over and slapped that buffalo on the posterior!😉😉😉

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You can slap the buffalo. 😂 I’ll just look at him from a distance. 😂😂 Yes that was hail. Lots of it. 2-3 inches on the road as we came back from Rushmore. Wow!

[@BillByrd74]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@deborahschaub2925]

Carrying an extra 20 gallons of water is 162 pounds added to the gross vehicle weight ..... this is an FYI found on google.....

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That is a lot of weight, but it’s hard not to feel up with water when you can. Thanks for sharing.

[@swansodi]

Bison, they are Bison... just saying.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yeah we know now. So what’s the difference? I need to know. :-)