THE WEEK OF TWO’S… 2 GREAT CAMPGROUNDS, 2 GRIDDLES, A HIKE AND BIKE!

[@frankwright1503]

Darn! I watched your video of Rodman today with mixed emotions. Rodman is a great campground and was considered a secret spot for local Floridians to camp. Your comment about how it may be easy to get a site will likely change with this video. Unfortunately, this is the dichotomy between the enjoyment of discovery of new places and loss of some of our local lesser known spots. As a Floridian who has lived here for more than 50 plus years we are very proud of our state parks but unfortunately we never get to stay there due to crowding and an inefficient reservation system. Glad you enjoyed Rodman, we are booked in the site next to yours in a couple months and look forward the peace and quiet that area provides. We also enjoyed your bike ride which we have done a number of times. It does get really gnarly in certain parts especially if there has been some rain.

[@CCandGG]

As a Florida Native, I agree it’s really hard to get into our own state parks even when you plan a year in advance. The new Florida State Park Reservation system is not nearly as good as the reserve America site. That being said, I just booked our first retirement rv trip out west, booking about 15 state, federal/national park stays and most required me to be on the ready to press my mouse on the minute of the booking opening window date and time. This really showed me just how busy it is all over our beautiful country. I live close by to Tomoka, Rodman and Lake Griffin. Honestly, I have passed them over when I have seen openings pop up. Thank you Lynn and Owen for showing me what was right in front of my face- three beautiful parks!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Rodman was a great secret and I can say it’s at the top of favorites list. I don’t think enough people watch us to hurt your secret but thank you for saying that. You should be proud of your state parks because they are awesome. Thank you so much for your comment.

[@djb13601]

"Life just don't get no better than rolling in the grass on a sunny day in Florida." -- Maggie Poteat Gotta love that dog. She's more assertive than I've seen her in past videos, telling you she was hungry and that she was none too pleased with you guys leaving her alone too long. LOL! Hope "the girls" and "the boys" have recuperated and are rested and ready for the next adventure.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That is a good Maggie quote. She does get vocal sometimes and we love it when she does. The boys and girls have recuperated from that very bumpy bike ride. Thanks fore watching.

[@arlenekorth2253]

He sings, he composes, he navagates, he dances, and can he ever griddle! Owen does it all. Your videos just keep getting better and better! I love how Lynn is relaxing more and more in front of the camera and showing more of her fun side. Your a great combo and then you add Maggie into the mix and youve got the perfect blend. Thanks for all the work you put into your videos. I dont miss a one! Happy tails.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

What a awesome comment… thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much your comment means to us both. Made us both smile.

[@doreengardner5755]

Great way to get thru the winter blahs! WATCH THIS VIDEO💖💖🌹🌹!!! Love it when you take us along. "You can't go wrong if you put butter on it". Thanks the truth Bro!!! Is it happy dance worthy? Yes, this whole video was happy dance worthy!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much for the awesome comment. We appreciate you following along.

[@lorileblanc3469]

Well guys it was a pleasure meeting the three of you at Oscar Scherer this past weekend. We have been subscribers for just about a year and watch your posts regularly. You are as down to earth and personal in person as you are in your videos. Safe travels to Big Bend and hopefully our paths will cross again in the future. Owen, Lori says you should write a cook book David and Lori LeBlanc In the Basecamp.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was great meeting you guys also. We absolutely loved your Basecamp… got us thinking. We really appreciate your kind comment and it means a lot that you think we are the same in person as we are in our videos.

[@pattyk8594]

What a treat to see two “Griddle Me This”! I enjoy watching you make that sizzle noise happen when it’s cooking :o)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks, glad you enjoy the “griddle me this” segments.

[@dianejimenez8327]

FUN ..FUN..FUN..🤗 PICTURES ..GREAT..👍 FOOD ..YUM ..YUM..😁 JUST BEAUTIFUL .. ESPECIALLY YOU THREE.. GREAT.. VIDEO !!! Thanks 😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thank you for watching!

[@theresacorral4508]

I'm famous! Happy dance on KZbin. It was wonderful meeting y'all. Safe travel and I hope we meet up again.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was great meeting you too, you were such a trooper… thanks for doing your happy dance.

[@greygooseadventures5212]

Another great video!!!! Rodman is steeped in Florida history and we have lived it. Next time we are together, I will tell you a story about Senator George Kirkpatrick and the Rodman dam. As always we so enjoyed the blog and you got a prized site at Rodman. Miss you guys.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Can’t wait for the history lesson. We did get a prized site at Rodman and loved every minute of it, even if it was a little chilly. We love you guys.

[@kathigee]

As much as I love RV/Van livin' and traveling.. I think I like your "griddle-me's' the best... mouth-watering! Glad you had such a relaxing time and enjoyed it too much to work! Happy Travels!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much, I’m glad you like the griddle section. We appreciate your comment.

[@galpalsal]

Lots of things to report on this video! First, Lynn, I know you loved seeing that tree! Owen, that steak "appetizer" requires a cigarette after it! Wow, that looked decadent! That bike ride looked awesome but very bumpy - hope both the girls and boys survived. Great music - Gator Lane is a toe tapper! See you next week!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for your report, it always good to hear what stands out. We appreciate your support.

[@larryvincent2098]

What a enjoyable video . The music was terrific. The adventure was interesting. The scenery was so beautiful. Park beside the water was a bonus to hear it running . Thank you for sharing this wonderful video and making the time to record it. Thank you 😊 BS & BK

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much for your review of the video, it’s nice to hear the things you like. We appreciate you following along.

[@michaelbecnel63]

Those 2 griddle me this had me doing the happy dance. Yall should put together a Best of Florida for RVers....another awesome episode Happy Trails

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the suggestion, there are so many of the Florida parks that we haven’t been to yet I’m not sure we could do it justice, but we may give it a try for the ones we have visited.

[@peteacevedo3411]

That second campsite was awesome a river view spot. Florida at 30 wow cold good thing you brought a cold weather jacket. Happy Tails love the song.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We been to Florida for several years so we have leaned to bring warmer clothes. There nothing better than being able to see the water from your campsite, in our opinion.

[@annmoore6562]

Those meals you produce on that Blackstone Griddle look amazing.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

They both tasted pretty amazing too. Thanks for watching.

[@marciagainey5155]

I laughed at the end when you were pulling out of your campsite. I was thinking of The Clampetts looking at the back of your van. Things hanging off and bungeed to the frame. The Clampetts should have it so good, eh? Anyhow, glad you had a fun experience exploring the campgrounds of Florida. Our Blackstone griddle is not in use currently. However, we got a nice buy at a thrift store - an electric Masterbuilt Smoker (a mini size) that we’ve enjoyed using in the backyard. I might have even done a happy dance. 😉 It was a bargain at $50.00 and looked like it had never been used! So smoked ribs, cream cheese, chicken - even hot dogs taste great after a few minutes in that thing. Have safe travels and we’ll be looking forward to your next postcard from the road!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That smoker sounds great, but I’m not going to mention it to Owen… it will just be one more thing on the back of the van 😂,

[@FollowThomas]

Griffin State Park is great and that Oak tree is huge. I'm planning to go there very soon. 👍🙂

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We loved that park and the tree. Thanks so much for watching.

[@anneholz8228]

Really enjoying your music, Owen! Glad to see your visit at Rodman. We have never camped there, but I’ll put it on our list. We have camped at Salt Springs which is just about 15 miles south of Rodman on Rt 19. It’s a federal site which we can recommend. If you are in the area again we recommend breakfast or lunch at the Square Meal in Salt Springs Plaza. Open from 7 to 2 every day.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the suggestions, we will put them on our list.

[@dennysisk1100]

Wish we could be in Florida too, This time of year definitely a good place to be. The food on the grill looked good. Is the light was pretty, Is definitely a good price on a campsite. Camping next to the water is definitely cool.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Camping next to the water is our favorite even if it was a little cold. We appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@CanadaFree.6014]

We just left Rodman Campground Saturday. We were in site 64. Beautiful views but it was full. Neighbor next to us kept his fire going to 2am in the morning meaning we couldn't open our windows or turn on our fan and it was hot! There was also a controlled burn in the forest nearby so smoke was thick for the entire first day. Almost checked back out but thankfully it cleared by the following morning. Bass boats wizzed through there 7am most mornings on their way to a fishing tournament lol.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Wow, you had a totally different experience than we did. I think we only saw one boat that was just drifting and fishing. The controlled burn doesn’t sound like much fun either. So sorry.

[@michelgariepy2521]

gorgeous images, great music with great people, wath do you want more? oh, and even if I'm looking at the video at 9h AM the food makes me hungry!!! take care.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much for your comment, it is appreciated.

[@joycemoses2411]

Loved the campground reviews! Owen, you are making us all so hungry!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I guess the cooking segment is doing it’s job… Thanks for watching.

[@lisarobison3395]

Good morning! Thanks for showing Griffin Lake State Park. We needed to find something close to The Villages now that the place we stayed at last year is full. 😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It is hard to find places for sure. Lake Griffin was awesome. Thanks for watching.

[@gracegarden1]

Carol Koniecki 0 seconds ago Did they play Reveille in the morning? Loved the Florida views! (and you guys!) I have to confess I find myself saying "oal" outloud like Owen says it, every time I use oil. My lifestyle is solo - sometimes too... you guys feel like friends...Thanks. Peace & Prayers

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

They played reveille every evening at dusk and it was awesome, we both loved it. O’no Owen’s rubbing off on you too. Thanks so much for watching.

[@robertparry3476]

Another wonderful video. Thanks for letting me “come along”

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you and we appreciate you “coming along” with us.

[@meritaraleigh5920]

The campsites looked great, did you ever see any gators or bears ?? And yeppy the old bottle of Ibuprofen becomes our best friend, lol !!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We never did see any gators or bears at either campground and yes the ibuprofen did help.

[@ncwomanparker1708]

My goodness it's never gonna get warm in Florida it seems like. NC its cold as heck here. The food looked awesome as usual, gonna have to try both of them out. I put those 2 campgrounds on my bucket list of Florida. Safe travels you guys!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We had a couple of warm days but nothing like in the past, but I don’t feel like we should complain because it’s so much better than being at home. Thanks so much for following along.

[@juanitasellshouses]

That steak on the baguette looked awesome! Can't wait to try it!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks, the combination was great on the baguette.

[@nancyskean6425]

Lynn and Owen, another great video! Loved the two campgrounds you showed us. My kind of camping. I will put them on my list! 👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much, we appreciate you watching.

[@mikeo.750]

Another great adventure! Happy Tails 😊

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you, we appreciate you watching.

[@thomashaas3671]

Yes your correct its a little cool Not as bad as back home in Maine this morning 4 below. We are not far away here in Florida and it went from 3 days in the 80 to now 50 and a little rain BUT WE WILL TAKE IT I don't have to shovel

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I know we shouldn’t complain about the cold, it could be so much worse. I agree about not having to shovel.

[@susanstrickland6774]

Nice. Been to both of those places many times. Son lives on Lk Griffin. Rodman is a relaxing park. I'm glad you rode the bikes, definitely get bounced around. Yes, last week was a cold one. Pakatka is a nice town to walk. Beautiful park on the St Johns, city murals. Maggie would like walking in Ravine Gardens. We hope you're heading to Paynes Prairie, think you will like it. Neat song. Enjoyed. 😊👍

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I hate we didn’t drive into town, we will definitely do that next time, it sounds great. We didn’t go to Paynes Prairie this time, but we’ve been there before and it is beautiful.

[@vince8705]

Welcome to our backyard, live down the road in the Villages..

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You have a beautiful back yard. Thanks for watching.

[@lustraveller717]

Beautiful campsite! My son in law was in the Army and when I visited, I loved to hear them play taps at day's end. Safe travels.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Hearing someone playing taps a dusk was just the icing on the cake. We both love it. Thanks so much for watching.

[@sherriweber7105]

Wow! What a nice park sad no cell site. Nice you met a couple and watched a movie with them. Nice walking rails and Maggie loved it. It’s cute when she hangs out the window of the van while you’re driving. Glad you did griddle me this two times. Both meals looked good. They tasted good through my phone. And smelled good too. Great song by Owen. Great composer and singer. Love you both and have a great night and see you soon!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks Sherri for the comment. It’s always good to hear your reaction to the videos. Glad the griddle meals tasted good through the phone.

[@raybetts3795]

Really enjoyed the video, food, music and adventures. My wife’s aunt lives on the St Johns River, not far from where y’all were, in Georgetown.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks so much for your kind comment. Sounds like you visit your wife’s aunt, it a beautiful place.

[@michaelfitzgerald7694]

ON ON!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That’s the plan.

[@casterman3]

Great Videos. Keep them coming. Btw if you ever pass through Eufaula, AL. Make sure to get doughnuts from the doughnut king. They are one of the best in the country. Cheers.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the suggestion. We both love doughnuts.

[@suefletcher6688]

After watching this video last year, we pulled into Lake Griffin State Park today. Off to find the oak tree this afternoon.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Fun, I hope you enjoyed the oak tree.

[@suefletcher6688]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle We talked about you while at the tree! :) We did a nice paddle leaving from the park launch. We saw two alligators swimming and many birds. Nice little park. We'll go back.

[@joeyeubanks5965]

Another entertaining video. As always. Keep ‘em coming.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you, we appreciate you watching.

[@Tbone376]

If you are ever in south central PA Raystown Lake area is beautiful.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks so much for the suggestion we will put in on our list. We appreciate you watching.

[@Carmencita1464]

My perfect campground water view and nice bike trails. Love watching your cooking as always perfect 👍🏻. Maggie always enjoys her walking too. Happy trails guys 🥰🥰🥰

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was our prefect campground too. Thanks so much for watching.

[@NatureAndOther]

Another great video ! Great place to camp, wonderful food and so enjoyable to see a lot of The lovely Maggie

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you so much we appreciate you watching.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Loved the music! Yum!!!! the food looked soo good. Mike was drooling over the crostini steak appetizers/meal! We're going to have to try those! The Tylenol after that ride was a good idea! There at the end, I thought the drone was going straight into the van!😳😘Have a great week, sweet friends! Love you guys so much! See you later!Jane in SC❤🙏

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Good eye on the drone, Owen did hit the van 😳. The steak crostini with the little tomatoes were great. Thanks so much for your support every week. Much Love!

[@kls906]

I really love the griddle recipes!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Glad you like them!

[@barrywythe6621]

If you enjoyed Lake Griffin put Silver Springs Park on your places to stay.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thanks for the suggestion we will put it on our list.

[@sanddollar-ray9125]

Great video, thank for sharing God Bless

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

You are so welcome and thank you for watching.

[@richardcoyle2635]

Great video. We hope to get down to Florida next winter.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

There are some really great SP to visit in Florida.

[@sistersheri6327]

Thanks for showing us the Rodman campground. Do they have showers? I have been looking at all the state parks to go to in the future. I live close to Orlando. I like to plan out and see the campground ahead of time. It is too cold at nite for me right now though. I'm making plans for the spring.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Yes, Rodman has showers, that are very clean. It has been quite cold this winter in Florida good idea to wait until spring. Thanks for watching.

[@judystreich7333]

Great road trip happening, let the journey continue!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Thank you, we appreciate you watching.

[@debralunsford1068]

I have been looking all afternoon for the Asian steak bites marinade made with the ingredients Olin mentioned…….No luck. Can you give me a link? Always love your videos and griddle recipes! Hope to see y’all on the road one day.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The marinade has: 1 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 1 tbl of garlic, 1 1/2 tsp sriracha, 2 tbl honey, 6 tbl oil. We use about a 1 1/2 of steak. Sometimes we have to change the ingredients based on what we have on hand. It is a very good meal. Thanks for watching.

[@kchonie2500]

Where is the dispersed site you found after they wouldn't let Maggie into the Alexandria Rec area? Love your vids!!!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It was in the Ocala National forest. Thanks so much for watching.

[@timmartin4952]

A great video as always. Do you have the ingredient list for your steak marinade for the spicey Asian steak bites please? Thanks for taking us along!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The marinade has: 1 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 1 tbl of garlic, 1 1/2 tsp sriracha, 2 tbl honey, 6 tbl oil. We use about a 1 1/2 of steak. Sometimes we have to change the ingredients based on what we have on hand. It was very tasty. Thanks for watching.

[@BillSprague]

I’m with you, Lynn. “Are we still in Florida?” You guys looked pretty bundled up and I was wondering how cold it was. Thanks for introducing us to lovely Ocala NF. Bouncy is why I’m getting an e-trike with full suspension. That Steak Christinie looks wonderful. Makes you wanna’ run to tell someone how good it is. Was there a military post nearby or was someone serenading you? I didn’t catch that. Once again, Thank!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

It got down in the 30 overnight, it seems cold for Florida. Someone in the campground was serenading us with taps and they were excellent. Thanks so much for watching.

[@RoadsofLife]

Perfect timing for this video... we just got notification that Ford has released VINs for the Transits, so theoretically, vans should be at Embassy RV by April and we are 6th in the build order. Who knows... we may be travelin' by June!! The Griddle Me Those segments (there were two, so it's plural!!) inspired me to take a peak at Blackstone griddles... there's a 17" one, with or without cover, so not sure which would be best. Probably won't buy it until we see how we travel in the RV though. I was wondering why the van was so cold... was the heater not working or did you just have it way too low for the night and it got cold? Be seeing you (and who knows... maybe for real one of these days!!)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

That is great news. I know you are getting excited. We like the cover for the Blackstone because we store it on the outside, even if you store it inside I think I would prefer a cover. The reason it was so cold in the van is because we didn’t turn the heat on at night when we sleep because we like it cooler, maybe not that cold. The heater works great by the way. It would be great to see you on the road one day real soon.

[@crystalnorris6086]

Can you give the recipe for the marinade? Sounds and looks soooo good!

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The marinade has: 1 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 1 tbl of garlic, 1 1/2 tsp sriracha, 2 tbl honey, 6 tbl oil. We use about a 1 1/2 of steak. Sometimes we have to change the ingredients based on what we have on hand. It is a very good meal. Thanks for watching.

[@debbiesockrider9698]

Love your videos...living vicariously thru you... great grilling segments. Wondering what those plates are that you used to serve from... look stainless steel but white bottoms? hoping they are insulated some how. Thanks.... also can't remember your air fryer brand.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The plates are made by Hydro Flask, I bought them at local outdoor store in our home town. However, they do have them on Amazon which are twice as much as I bought them for so you may want to shop around. They are stainless steel with a grey bottom, but they do have different colors. They are great for eating from your lap which we do a lot. The only down fall is they are getting scratch up from knife usage, but that’s ok with us too. The air fryer is a Instant vortex mini, it’s working out great but it is very small. thanks for watching.

[@debbiesockrider9698]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle Thanks so much for the Info... Happy Tails...

[@stacydoyle7808]

Ok. Very intrigued by your insulated dinner plates. What kind are they and where did you get them?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The plates are Hydro Flask Outdoor Kitchen plates. I got them at a small outdoor place in our home town. They do have them on amazon for twice as much as I paid for them. I do really like them because they are insulated and very sturdy which we like since we eat from our laps a lot. They are getting scratched up from knife cups though, the only down side.

[@SK-zx5nf]

As always, Love your videos! You made us so hungry with the steak crostinis we almost went out in the middle of an ice/snow storm to get some steak and baguettes so we could make our own! Have a question for you: we need to take an unplanned trip cross country for a family emergency. It will be 3 adults and 1 cat in our Travato 59K. Any tips for sleeping arrangement for the 3rd person?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Our grand daughter flew to Alaska and traveled with us for two weeks. We took one of the mattress topper the smaller bed and she slept in the floor with her head close to the step. We would lay the topper back on the bed during the day. They also have inflated beds that go across the front seats.

[@goldenfalcon21]

Another great video. It’s so nice to see that there are places to go with a pet. We have been concerned about taking our 2 puppies when we retire. Question for you. Where did you get your dinner plates? I really like the look of them? Do you guys like them? Happy travels. Looking forward to next weeks video.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

The plates are Hydro Flask Outdoor Kitchen plates. I got them at a small outdoor place in our home town. They do have them on amazon for twice as much as I paid for them. I do really like them because they are insulated and very sturdy which we like since we eat from our laps a lot. They are getting scratched up from knife cups.

[@FromShetoMe]

LOL. Maggie was grounding you for being out past curfew.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

She does that from time to time, but she always seems pretty forgiving. Thanks for watching.

[@robertb2468]

I don't understand. On Saturdays is it half full of half empty? :)

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

I don’t understand either… one in the same?

[@patrickmchargue7122]

So how far in advance do you schedule your campground stays? Any application that you use to do this?

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We booked the Florida campsites about 2 weeks in advance. We use FloridaStateParks.org to reserve them. Thanks for watching.

[@patrickmchargue7122]

@@VANTREKKINGlifestyle And the next episode I watched talked about Harvest Host. Good timing.

[@googull271]

Now I'm hungry.

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

Sorry about that. Thanks so much for watching.