Solo 4Runner camping for my birthday: mushroom hunting, pie iron cooking, coconut cake & visitors!

[@Roma-wr9co]

That crab patty looks delish!!!

[@Roma-wr9co]

I would have freaked with a skunk in my camp😮

[@ShoestringMartha]

LOL they're harmless as long as everyone stays calm -- which is hard to do when there are skunks around. 😂

[@sandratorchia4803]

This was fun to watch! Sweet Baby Jesus!

[@ShoestringMartha]

SBJ! Thanks for joining! 😂

[@jessys9868]

That crabcake looked absolutely fabulous. I’m going to do the same thing on my birthday as I also like to camp solo. I have to say, our state parks are way stricter, that guy would’ve been out faster than he could have packed his bags! The scenery was beautiful, but I am a mountain gal. Every place has their own specialty, their own beauty and their own appeal.

[@ShoestringMartha]

I feel like it's the best gift one can give to one's self 🎁

[@DanitaReynolds]

Haha! Gunther photobomb 19:40

[@ShoestringMartha]

Ever vigilant -- when it comes to food 😂

[@tannc1]

Happy belated birthday 🎂

[@gkaiama]

Hauoli la hanau! (HBD in Hawaiian) I love your videos and Gunther is the best camping buddy.

[@Sonya60andlearning]

What a birthday. 🎉

[@54bonkers]

A very happy belated birthday Martha!🎉 I am so enjoying your videos.

[@dmdavis4551]

Great Birthday Girl!

[@tjfm59]

will have to the horsy sauce recipe version. as crab cakes are about the only reason i have mayo(packet size) in the house. been messing with puff pastry shells this week. thaw them out then butterfly open. hotdogs yes, slice in half & butterfly also. 1/2 hot dog per shell. tonight was a fail. i think next is some chocolate as a filling.

[@tracker5849]

Ms Martha...I want to thank you so much. My days are filled with chaos and stress. I watch your videos repeatedly!! You never fail to bring me to beautiful..peaceful..quiet.. stress free places...the amazing food..I can't reach😢 LOL!!!! is a bonus. I so look forward to spending time in your camp. This old woman appreciates you n Gunther so very much. I even occasionally try some of your food. Today I made my first Monte Christo sandwich...in a fry pan outdoors..it was a mess..lol. think I soaked the bread to long then I over stuffed it and put a poached egg in center since it was breakfast....won't do that again😅....but mess or not it tasted good. It was FUN

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you so much - I love hearing that ❤️ And a sloppy runny yolk monte cristo sounds pretty dang good to me! 😋

[@lshaver1027]

Caroline Caravan said to check your videos.... so glad I did.... what a great way to spend your birthday, cheers to you.🐞 from Ladybug in Wash.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks and welcome aboard!

[@tracker5849]

He wanted coconut cake!!!! Coconut water..pineapple juice a bit of whipped cream for thickness and some Rum!! Makes a good "pina colada" wannabe drink

[@karlathompson9114]

Those crazy ballsy skunks! But you overcame quite well and just drank from the bottle......gutsy move.

[@caver6292]

Skunks are not fond of loud noises, clapping hands or banging pots and pans, bright lights also not their fave (they are, after all, nocturnal) He was likely looking for foodstuffs....we had a skunk come visit while we were actually there, all talking and eating...we all shined our lights and clapped hands and it decided that he didn't like obnoxious campers and departed...that crab cake looked delicious, loved the presentation too!!

[@ShoestringMartha]

I was worried I would scare them and they would spray me! 🤣

[@brianreay4104]

I appreciate the Skunk was no fun for you and Gunther but, sitting thousands of miles away in the UK ( which doesn’t have skunks), enjoying my first coffee of the day, it was amusing. Our campsites are less ‘rustic’ than those you use. We are almost never permitted fires. Even camping in vehicles under trees is rare. I especially enjoy your cooking / recipes.

[@ShoestringMartha]

I always love seeing wildlife when I'm camping - no matter how smelly! 😂 I think I'm probably a little spoiled by our outdoor resources, especially in the Western US, where everything is a lot more s p a c i o u s.

[@tracker5849]

Wow!! I can't even imagine your type camping in the UK.. Florida USA here.

[@tracker5849]

​@ShoestringMartha I've never had a skunk in camp...thank you camping gods!!!! But I had a huge fox..and bobcat come in. And what i thought in the dark a bear!! I stupidly left food out to cool in my camp chair. Fell asleep..dogs barked..I looked..oh S.... a bear...eating my food!!! I was in a flimsy tent. Next morning my Tupperware dish was chewed..my chair was turned over and sleeping on my carpet was my bear....A MASSIVE ROTTWEILLER!!!! LOL. I DEMANDED HE LEAVE AND AFTER A COUPLE GROWLS. HE strolled into the woods. Found out he belonged to the landowner down the road

[@ShoestringMartha]

@@tracker5849 🤣🤣🤣

[@roxanes43]

Noticing the big G has more pep in his step since the first video with him. You two make a great team 🤗

[@ShoestringMartha]

It’s true! He was pretty aloof and I think a bit sad, at first. But he has truly blossomed and now his silly little personality shines!

[@moscafroglover2127]

Yay!!!!!!! I was so hoping you would post a vid. Giddy with excitement that i am willing to extend my work break😏

[@ShoestringMartha]

Woo hoo! Editing was a rush-job, so I hope I didn't mess anything up too badly 🤞😂🤞

[@moscafroglover2127]

@@ShoestringMartha never anything less than perfect, I'm sure! Have a great day🌻

[@barbarajeanne8351]

Yay more recipes for my pie iron!!!

[@roadtriplover.]

HA! “Did you lay an egg?” Hahahahahah

[@lyndamclaughlin3593]

That made me laugh too!!!!

[@charlottewilson4680]

YUM. You make the best meals. I can taste the crab cake and the coconut cake.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks! I need to try that cake again, with a proper lid and without skunks 😅

[@sm3296]

So nice to see you and Gunther on the road again. What a lovely way to celebrate your special day. Love all the sounds, the little plop as you cast your rod, the cracks and pops from the fire, ice tinkling, and so hoping for you that it was loons out on the lake. Listening to them is just magical. Happy Birthday week!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! Some of my favorite sounds! I couldn’t identify any of the bird calls 😬 Around dawn there was a LOUD call, that I think, after some Googling, might have been a barn owl. 🦉

[@kriskabin]

A new camping vid from SM! Work has to wait while I swill coffee & watch a ballsy skunk raid her camp for tasty tidbits! 🎂🥳 Happy belated birthday 🎉.

[@ShoestringMartha]

LOL they must've smelled the cake! And thanks for the birthday wishes!

[@Amigoof]

Happy solo Birthday!! Here’s to many more spent in all your happy places!! 🍻

[@kclmt2010]

Happy Birthday and congratulations on 5000! Can’t wait to see the next one with an update on your camping buddies 🦨🎼

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Happy birthday 🎉🎁🎈🎂🎊, Gunther is a cutie pie 🥰

[@paulas_lens]

It's crazy, if you complained about the music YOU would be the "rude" one. Pisses me off, the selfish rudeness of others. It could have been worse, but grr. On a happier note. Happy birthday! Congrats on 6k! Thanks for sharing it with us. And thanks for reminding me to be kind to myself and get in some quality "alone in the nature time".

[@ShoestringMartha]

FACTS! At least it wasn't loud -- it was just an incessant loop of the same 10 songs. 😒

[@KristinaRice]

Lol every time I heard the squeak I thought you were trying to scare the skunk off with a squeaky toy lmao! 🤦🏻‍♀️ Happy birthday!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Haha! Didn't want to get demonetized by my potty mouth, and thank you!

[@tracker5849]

​@@ShoestringMarthait's ok..I was saying it for you here!!

[@luzsombra6712]

Happy birthday 🎂🔊🎼🎵 Thank you for sharing with us. I've been waiting for your video. Be safe! 💝

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you, I'll do my best! 🥰

[@lyndamclaughlin3593]

Fun video..Danielle Taylor, I have mentioned this a few times..SS has the perfect sweetness for voice overs.

[@CaravanCarolyn]

Can't wait for part 2! Happy birthday 🎂 🥳 🎉

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! Should be soon!

[@GiMom19]

HAPPY BELATED 🎂 🥰 So fun watching you cook with that pie iron. Coconut cake 😋 with pineapple Oh 😊 (maybe add shaved coconut) Thank goodness Gunther was already asleep when Stinky came by for a visit. My Yorkie would have tried to capture it and get sprayed 😂

[@ShoestringMartha]

I’m funny about coconut 😬 I love its flavor, but not its texture - unless it’s VERY toasted and crispy . Weird, I know 😆

[@tjfm59]

latest i heard on skunk smell removal. is since the spray is a oil. use baking soda on the smell first. dry rub it in, then go for a bath.

[@susandreyer9019]

Happy Birthday.

[@bessycorrales2259]

Happy Birthday and congrats? Yes, Hall & Oates trump the country music guy any day. Gunther is the best b-day camping companion.

[@breathedeep]

Dang the skunk and the neighbors!! Makes for unpleasantries but you are patient indeed. Happy birthday!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! At least 90% of the day was *fantastic* ☺️

[@kristiecox7350]

Well Happy Birthday!!! Hope you had a magnificent time.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you!!

[@roadtriplover.]

I just love Gunther.

[@kimnorris9445]

🎂Happy Birthday!! 🎉Thank you for sharing your day with us.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! 🤗

[@gloria5873]

Happy Birthday and congratulations on 5000 subscribers! I love your videos and your recipes and I love watching Gunther. You take very good care of him and I love it!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you so much!

[@skybluepink998]

You should write a pie iron cookbook!!!! Camping that included mushroom hunting , tarot--- a girl after my own heart. Happy birthday!! Can't wait for part 2.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Oh some form of cookbook is in the long-range plans! 😉

[@A-K_Rambler]

Adult Beverage Stipend! Happy Birthday!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Woo hoo! I might get corked wine instead of screwcap next time!

[@mcspin50]

Happy Birthday! It’s always exciting when a skunk shows up!😱 Congrats on 5,000 subscribers. Well deserved!

[@miamor33765]

Hello Martha, i want to ask you where did you get your shoes, i just noticed it,,,, another thing am hooked up with your videos i like your camping set up, am missing the rug and chuck box everything else ☑️

[@ShoestringMartha]

Glad you're enjoying them 😊 The shoes are big kids' water shoes, from Target. I don't recall the brand and there's no label. Maybe Cat & Jack?

[@miamor33765]

@@ShoestringMartha sweet, thanks for answering, i might see if I get any on clearance and you sure know what I was referring to .✌️😁

[@milesandhikes]

Happy Birthday!!! I llve it how you go out and make the best of it!

[@danielletaylor994]

You have such a pretty voice! I’m enjoying your videos.

[@carolineannie7223]

Happy birthday!!!! love your videos always look forward to seeing the next one.

[@lyndamclaughlin3593]

Yes, happy birthday!!!!

[@KristinaRice]

And I agree! A pie iron cook book would be awesome and sounds like fun! I have the Dash sandwich maker so I’ll have to try some of your recipes in that before I move on to things involving fire lol!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Yes they should totally work the same way! I have a Dash waffle maker, but haven't trotted it out yet, and I've been being stingy with the watts usage on the Ecoflow.

[@DianeDowneyYardFairy]

Happy birthday 🎊🎂🎁 so glad you got to do the things you love on your birthday with your lovely pup. I hope the neighbor thing turned out ok. Always looking forward to your next video. Big hugs

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! It did, and the next day (my actual birthday) was even better. 😊

[@2sweetcaroline]

Happy Birthday! So glad you and Gunther got to spend your birthday camping. I loved the mushroom hunting, Watching your creative camp cooking is always a treat. Your videos are so peaceful and relaxing to watch. Congrats on nearly 6,000 subscribers!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! I guess it just rolled over to 6k last night. Crazy!

[@2sweetcaroline]

@@ShoestringMartha I wish you continuing growth with your channel 🤩👍🏻

[@maydacardin1215]

Happy Birthday! Be safe! From Miami, Florida

[@stuwardw]

Great video thank you! I use the picture this app to identify plant life.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks for reminding me that, in preparation for this trip, I installed the MushroomID app. I tried it out on some of the photos, and it also suggested they might be funnel mushrooms. Ain't technology grand!

[@roadtriplover.]

While it’s true you never know who your neighbors will be in a state park, they are generally in some of the most beautiful places. Happy Birthday to you! I’m glad you were able to get out with your good buddy, Gunther to celebrate. 😁🎊🎉🎂

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! I guess I should say, that over the past year, I've *mostly *stayed in state park and National Forest campgrounds, and this is the first time I've ever encountered a bad egg. So statistically, that's pretty good.

[@roadtriplover.]

@@ShoestringMartha Definitely!

[@mikesmith1550]

Happy B'day and thanks for sharing. C'ya in the woods someday.

[@ChristineD8093]

Happy Birthday!…..waiting for part deux! I get to vicariously drink through you. Love your videos and am inspired to experiment with different food stuffs. Just bought me a pie iron too

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you and congrats on the pie iron -- you'll have a lot of fun (and good food) with it!

[@Myyt6908]

Happy Birthday! Skunks were brazen. Love watching your videos, very relaxing and always fun to see what you are going to make to eat and drink.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks so much!

[@peggyforcellini4220]

Happy Birthday! Love your videos plus hope we meet on the road one day. You drink, enjoy food, and do tarot… Love all those activities!! Have fun

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! Well, I *try* to do tarot, at least 😄

[@jeniferokeywsu]

Yay! Been looking forward to the video. Guess your potatoes the other day energized you enough to get er done! Congrats on the birthday, camera, and subs. You celebrated with some excitement that’s for sure. Toss up with state parks and having sites close together with music and potentially belligerent people. The skunk!!! Looking forward to part two. Thanks for taking us along on your birthday trip.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks, as always, for joining! 🥰

[@paulavaden5139]

Happy Birthday! Glad to see you took yourself camping. A bit of a bummer it was clouded by the muttering beer dude.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! Yeah, lame. At least those types seem to be the minority. 😌

[@1ace2]

Happy Birthday K! Been camping all summer bc of you!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you and good for you! 👏👏👏

[@NilDreams]

Hi, new subscriber here! I just watched your suv camping tour on Tristan’s KZbin channel SUVRving. I was instantly interested as I also have a 4Runner that I’ve converted for camping. Looking forward to your videos.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Welcome aboard, Yoter fam!

[@barbarajeanne8351]

Happy Birthday!

[@ChilledOut]

Is there anything you can’t cook in a pie oven??? Must get me one of those 🙌🏽 happy birthday Martha

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! Just about anything you want crispy on the outside could probably go in one 😄

[@philippeperreault2604]

Happy Birthday! I love your channel!

[@ShoestringMartha]

You are so kind, thank you!

[@anitasimmons3599]

Congratulations on 5,000 subscribers. Happy belated birthday, too. What a wonderful camping experience. I worked in heavy construction management/ inspection, and found the Gateway Safety Mages. They are bi-focal and come in sun glasses as well as clear and yellow for fog. I love that they are inexpensive and I can order them at Amazon. I found an metal plate or a cast iron griddle works good for a lid on a pan or frying pan. Thank you for taking us along.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you!!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thanks for the tips! I'll look for those glasses, and I love the idea of using something that has another purpose as a lid -- because multitaskers rule. 😀

[@conniewaite1371]

Happy birthday! Mine is sept 9th,I will be 69.going to the fair! Actually there are4 this month! Congrats on the big 5000! You deserve more.the pup looks so happy

[@ShoestringMartha]

🥰 Happy birthday to you as well! 🥳

[@conniewaite1371]

@@ShoestringMartha thank you!

[@conniewaite1371]

My sis in law has the Same birthday!

[@lindahopson5003]

How sad that it was your birthday adventure and first the skunk but the bad neighbors just made it worse. Hope all turns out well in part 2. Happy Birthday ... the cake looked yummy.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Grateful that at least most of the day was a pleasure! 😄 The next day is my actual birthday anyhoo, and it was even better.

[@mia-y1908]

Happy belated birthday!

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you so much 😀

[@darthraiderVt]

Happy Birthday to the APIP...."Arizona Pie Iron Princess" !! (I may share the same day...09/07/19??)

[@ShoestringMartha]

Mine's a little sooner than yours, but happy birthday to you! 🥳

[@tracker5849]

Love the title

[@charlesruelas3962]

Happy Birthday and yes, that music would drive me Nutz!! I recently found your channel and find it peaceful. Gunther/SP? is the most perfect dog I have ever seen! I prefer to disperse camp as well, but the security of campgrounds and their restrooms and showers are a nice break. I rotate depending where I am at and access. I just purchased my second 4Runner, 2022 TRD Off Road Premium, similar to yours. I am curious to the lift kit you have. What and and how high if that's not asking too much? Thanks. I think it's perfect, I am not that worried about load, at least at the moment. Thank you, happy camping

[@ShoestringMartha]

Thank you! I really scored with Gunther. It's hard to believe we're like, his 4th family. I did like having a nice, clean, reserved spot, with all the amenities. I didn't want to have to fuss with my bathroom and such, and that was achieved. But yeah, the risk you run is having a bad neighbor. Congrats on the new 4Runner! I bought mine used, and it was already modded, so I don't have the specs on it. I would *guess* it's a 3" lift, no idea who made it. 😬

[@charlesruelas3962]

@@ShoestringMartha Thank you, its my forever going across country vehicle. I thought maybe you would know on the lift. You are a person of many skill sets, Woodworking and all the tools you have to build the platforms for your truck, a cook and a foodie as well. I am going to utilize your bed build with a little reinforcements (I am heavier) for my vehicle. Like you, I did not want to remove the back seats nor do I want to not be able to sit up. Not sure how your channel came across. Glad it did. I lived in Korea for 2 years and watched some of the Korean camping KZbinrs, it was great. Be safe. I have had a bad camping neighbor as well. Police were called on him. It's a rarity but happens.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Well I'm glad you're here, best of luck with your build, and stay safe out there! That 4Runner will serve you well, and for a very long time. 😀

[@BalancedHuman]

I went solo car camping for my bday too! (With my dogs 🙂). HBD and congrats on 6,000! 🥳💚 (Had to edit 5,000 to 6,000 after seeing your comments 😂). Ps I keep meaning to ask: what’s the iron cat plate you put over your stove to cook on? Is it to protect your pans?

[@ShoestringMartha]

Perfect way to celebrate, amirite? 😉 It's a trivet! My small pan and tiny pot can get pretty tippy on that stove. The trivet just helps stabilize them.

[@BalancedHuman]

@@ShoestringMartha yes, youarerite! 😍🌲 Ahh- a trivet. Thanks! I was all over Google searching “camp stove iron plate burner protector thingy”. 😂🙏🏼

[@nancymcneill872]

At least the skunk encounter was with you and not Gunther. Could have been waaay worse.

[@ShoestringMartha]

Oh yes! He's LOVES meeting cats, so I can only imagine him charging those "cats" to meet them 😱

[@tracker5849]

​@@ShoestringMartha😮😊

[@jaskeda]

You are right, no music on camp pls

[@brianreay4104]

I put my radio on and walk to the edge of my pitch. If I can hear it, I turn it down. Provided you keep the volume down, no foul. ( I like to listen to plays, I have a collection of them as MP3 files my radio can play.) If neighbours arrive, I politely speak to them and say just tell me if my radio disturbs you.

[@tracker5849]

I would have called ranger and had him pay a visit and tell them to keep the concert on their lot!!

[@marizee5615]

Happy Birthday! Sorry you had to put up with country music guy. 👎 And I've been meaning to ask you: How the heck do you stay so thin with all the yummy eating and drinking that you do???? I'm truly jealous.

[@ShoestringMartha]

LOL! While I tend to "blow it out" while I'm camping, at home, I eat pretty modestly, drink very little, and exercise a few times a week. It's a good thing I only camp once a month! 😂

[@elaineconner5429]

Why can't we listen to nature? You're camping. Right? Nature is everywhere. Oh well.

[@jenlb78]

Happy Birthday!