In this episode I am remembering my very first time solo car camping (or technically camping at all in any capacity EVER, if you don't count the trip I took as a kid in girl scouts or the one middle school field trip to Disney's Fort Wilderness) back at the very same campground I booked 2 years ago... Paynes Prarie Preserve State Park in Micanopy, Florida - a cute little historic town near Gainesville. To celebrate two full years of part time vanlife in my no build minivan camper, Terra, I'm also cooking at camp again. This time I'm trying out the TikTok sensation known as "Big Mac Tacos" or "Smash Burger Tacos". Have you seen this trend before? How will they turn out?? Come join me to commemorate two wonderful years of solo travel, boondocking, advantures, and car camping memories in this van camping vlog. Hope you enjoy!! ==== My Paynes Prairie video for those wanting more details on the park and campground ua-cam.com/video/zDOA_YPCrdo/v-deo.html ==== My setup details **As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it! Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used: Jackery 240 Power Station: amzn.to/3wIiHgX Jackery 1000 Power Station: amzn.to/3lzmMyP Bluetti EB70S Power Station (800W inverter with 716Wh): amzn.to/3nhu0ft Shower bag: amzn.to/39LSDtM collapsible tea kettle (700W): amzn.to/3XG5Rvd "C" table over bed: amzn.to/3Ki06AQ cup holder phone stand for watching TV: amzn.to/3Kk6veY disposable female urinals (Travel Jane): amzn.to/3EGHebl urinal/reusable no spill bottle: amzn.to/3Z3lWMM portable DVD player: amzn.to/3lLyZ70 string lights: amzn.to/3IxI3oW Luci Light inflatable solar lantern: amzn.to/3YXvJ6U set of mini cooking utensils: amzn.to/3IdBlTD Lunatec pressurized water bottle: amzn.to/3KBgXyX macrame fruit hammock/bag: amzn.to/3lOlwLT Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp: amzn.to/3lHxBCl cup holder inverter: amzn.to/41bpluz USB mini fan with reading light: amzn.to/3EhsDCE bamboo breakfast tray: amzn.to/3GiXM8Q Hot Logic Mini: amzn.to/3YD1YbV glass Pyrex container: amzn.to/40MXfog Dash Mini Maker Electric Griddle: amzn.to/413y6qF low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle: amzn.to/3YD96EV Aeropress coffee maker: amzn.to/3lLFKG5 handheld battery powered milk frother: amzn.to/3kat7DV mesh window screens: amzn.to/3GiXSxe magnetic window curtains: amzn.to/3G8TqAW Alpicool C20 12V car fridge: amzn.to/3MHL9X1 metal utility shelf: amzn.to/3wF2tXp trunk storage unit: amzn.to/3wBFNXY Insulated cooler bag: amzn.to/38FK6IG ergonomic gel memory foam seat cushion: amzn.to/3wBLNjg boot scraper: amzn.to/3z1eaJc side slot cup holders: amzn.to/3wC6IS0 hands free phone cup holder stand: amzn.to/3sTLHS1 hands free phone dash mount: amzn.to/3G8Uvsu LED flameless chargeable lantern: amzn.to/3lE8EVf USB LED light bulb: amzn.to/3yVudZc stained glass "rainbow" decals: - phases of the moon: amzn.to/3WBaxm9 - mandalas: amzn.to/3hJXlfF magic mesh screen doors: amzn.to/41OXq3x mosquito netting: amzn.to/44aPhrU Outdoor rug: amzn.to/3yuV5Pv Folding camp table (aluminum): amzn.to/37GGGF2 Coleman Camp Chair: amzn.to/3L52sQg CLAM Quickset Traveler 6x6ft screen shelter: amzn.to/3G48ql8 privacy panels for screen shelter: amzn.to/3FALXus solar weatherproof outdoor lanterns: amzn.to/3CH8cOC pee cloth: amzn.to/3XkQKJh picnic table and bench covers in bag: amzn.to/3p7CC9z spoon/fork/knife camp utensil 2-pack: amzn.to/3Xkgo0p macrame storage bag holder: amzn.to/469besp dehumidifier bags: amzn.to/3JoGslu
I'm 70 yrs old. I want to do what you are doing but I want to be fulltime. Being on a fixed SSI income and no other income, makes it difficult to save for a van because my rent takes 3 quarters of my income. But slowly but surely I am trying. While I still am healthy and able to van camp. Your videos bring me joy. God bless your journey! Thank you for your integrity dignity as I watch with my grandbabies. We have take little weekend trips in my 2004 SUV but I have arthritis so it's difficult to get in and out of it. You have such a sweet spirit and thank you for keeping it real. Some contents of other van dwellers try to glamorize and there are very real challenges to full timing it. Have fun and happy Van-aversary, God continue to keep you safe and full of more adventures.
Thank you so much, what a lovely and heartfelt comment, thank you for sharing! And thank you so much for being here & watching my videos - I appreciate it! I can't wait to hear about your advantures once you venture out 💚💚
Oh I love to hear that! I bet that would be a great park to volunteer at! I think you are right about the squirrel. I can usually tell when one is hollering at me, but when there are other sounds to distinguish between I still get fooled by those boogers!!
CONGRATULATIONS on your 2 year anniversary!!! It seems like you have come a long way. It is easy to see that you love what you are doing. Your videos are a pleasure to watch. 😊
Happy 2nd Vaniversary! The wildlife is so beautiful. thank you for reminding me why this is on of my favorite Fl State Parks. oh, and I am so making those smash burgers!
Your video was so relaxing and so beautiful, i wayched it 2x's. You said something that made me cry because you were talking straight to me because i am so scared to get out there fulltime for the same reasons you mentioned. God bless you.
💚💚💚 it is so understandable and natural to fear something new and unknown I feel. Once you actually do it - especially after a couple of tries - it starts to feel more normal and routine and comfortable! I know you can do it once you're ready!! And if you decide part time is a better fit for you at first, dont pressure yourself to be ready for full time right away, even if thats your goal...Hugs! 💕
Cute little tacos, only problem is i would need about 3 of those little mini presses as i could and would chow several of those things down faster than i can make them for sure!! lol. Could probably make four or so at a time with a regular foreman grill. Neat idea to smush the meat right on the tort and drop the lid, just may have to give that a go tonight! You could use ground lamb, and follow with the yogurt and feta cheese and what i call the greek salsa business, and wallah!! Gyros! Your friends surf and turf thing was appealing also, who doesn't love surf and turf! 😀
OMG I love your gyro idea!! I definitely plan on trying that variation in the future for sure, thank you! And you bring up a valid issue with the single serve cooking appliances... it's hard to wait while you finish cooking them all to eat them haha!!
I like watching your videos and especially like to watch them to help me relax. You have a calming presentation. Unlike Kym, she kind of puts me on the edge of my seat wondering what she is going to say or do next in her video, hahahaha. Don’t get me wrong, really enjoy watch her videos as well. 😂
Wow I had no idea there were wild bison in Florida, how cool is that! Hello from my homestead-homebase in northwest Florida. Happy camping! I will catch your other videos later. I subbed.
Hi whatcha up to hope all is well sending up prayers 4 healing and unspoken and 4 everyone and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels happy camping and happy day everyday in name of the Creator God and Yeshua /Jesus and the Holy Ghost in Heaven Amen much honor and respect keep walking tall always and keep on keeping on pushing forward one step at a time and cool video keep ur head up and like ur van set up cool and where did u get the blackberry lemonade also stay hydrated hugs and smile 🚌🌅🌌⛺🌄🏞🏖 👍👍💪🙂👍👍
Thank you so much! The blackberry lemonade is made by the Publix deli, and it's soooooo good! They make mango lemonade and raspberry lemonade as well, but the blackberry is my favorite!
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures u r welcome always and cool cool blackberry lemonade sounds yummy to the tummy lol blackberry is my fav too gotta try me some cool publix has it definitely gonna try me some soon hugs keep walking tall always 💪🙂
In this episode I am remembering my very first time solo car camping (or technically camping at all in any capacity EVER, if you don't count the trip I took as a kid in girl scouts or the one middle school field trip to Disney's Fort Wilderness) back at the very same campground I booked 2 years ago... Paynes Prarie Preserve State Park in Micanopy, Florida - a cute little historic town near Gainesville.
To celebrate two full years of part time vanlife in my no build minivan camper, Terra, I'm also cooking at camp again. This time I'm trying out the TikTok sensation known as "Big Mac Tacos" or "Smash Burger Tacos". Have you seen this trend before? How will they turn out??
Come join me to commemorate two wonderful years of solo travel, boondocking, advantures, and car camping memories in this van camping vlog. Hope you enjoy!!
====
My Paynes Prairie video for those wanting more details on the park and campground
ua-cam.com/video/zDOA_YPCrdo/v-deo.html
====
My setup details
**As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it!
Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used:
Jackery 240 Power Station:
amzn.to/3wIiHgX
Jackery 1000 Power Station:
amzn.to/3lzmMyP
Bluetti EB70S Power Station
(800W inverter with 716Wh):
amzn.to/3nhu0ft
Shower bag:
amzn.to/39LSDtM
collapsible tea kettle (700W):
amzn.to/3XG5Rvd
"C" table over bed:
amzn.to/3Ki06AQ
cup holder phone stand for watching TV:
amzn.to/3Kk6veY
disposable female urinals (Travel Jane):
amzn.to/3EGHebl
urinal/reusable no spill bottle:
amzn.to/3Z3lWMM
portable DVD player:
amzn.to/3lLyZ70
string lights:
amzn.to/3IxI3oW
Luci Light inflatable solar lantern:
amzn.to/3YXvJ6U
set of mini cooking utensils:
amzn.to/3IdBlTD
Lunatec pressurized water bottle:
amzn.to/3KBgXyX
macrame fruit hammock/bag:
amzn.to/3lOlwLT
Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp:
amzn.to/3lHxBCl
cup holder inverter:
amzn.to/41bpluz
USB mini fan with reading light:
amzn.to/3EhsDCE
bamboo breakfast tray:
amzn.to/3GiXM8Q
Hot Logic Mini:
amzn.to/3YD1YbV
glass Pyrex container:
amzn.to/40MXfog
Dash Mini Maker Electric Griddle:
amzn.to/413y6qF
low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle:
amzn.to/3YD96EV
Aeropress coffee maker:
amzn.to/3lLFKG5
handheld battery powered milk frother:
amzn.to/3kat7DV
mesh window screens:
amzn.to/3GiXSxe
magnetic window curtains:
amzn.to/3G8TqAW
Alpicool C20 12V car fridge:
amzn.to/3MHL9X1
metal utility shelf:
amzn.to/3wF2tXp
trunk storage unit:
amzn.to/3wBFNXY
Insulated cooler bag:
amzn.to/38FK6IG
ergonomic gel memory foam seat cushion:
amzn.to/3wBLNjg
boot scraper:
amzn.to/3z1eaJc
side slot cup holders:
amzn.to/3wC6IS0
hands free phone cup holder stand:
amzn.to/3sTLHS1
hands free phone dash mount:
amzn.to/3G8Uvsu
LED flameless chargeable lantern:
amzn.to/3lE8EVf
USB LED light bulb:
amzn.to/3yVudZc
stained glass "rainbow" decals:
- phases of the moon:
amzn.to/3WBaxm9
- mandalas:
amzn.to/3hJXlfF
magic mesh screen doors:
amzn.to/41OXq3x
mosquito netting:
amzn.to/44aPhrU
Outdoor rug:
amzn.to/3yuV5Pv
Folding camp table (aluminum):
amzn.to/37GGGF2
Coleman Camp Chair:
amzn.to/3L52sQg
CLAM Quickset Traveler 6x6ft screen
shelter:
amzn.to/3G48ql8
privacy panels for screen shelter:
amzn.to/3FALXus
solar weatherproof outdoor lanterns:
amzn.to/3CH8cOC
pee cloth:
amzn.to/3XkQKJh
picnic table and bench covers in bag:
amzn.to/3p7CC9z
spoon/fork/knife camp utensil 2-pack:
amzn.to/3Xkgo0p
macrame storage bag holder:
amzn.to/469besp
dehumidifier bags:
amzn.to/3JoGslu
I'm 70 yrs old. I want to do what you are doing but I want to be fulltime. Being on a fixed SSI income and no other income, makes it difficult to save for a van because my rent takes 3 quarters of my income. But slowly but surely I am trying. While I still am healthy and able to van camp. Your videos bring me joy. God bless your journey! Thank you for your integrity dignity as I watch with my grandbabies. We have take little weekend trips in my 2004 SUV but I have arthritis so it's difficult to get in and out of it. You have such a sweet spirit and thank you for keeping it real. Some contents of other van dwellers try to glamorize and there are very real challenges to full timing it. Have fun and happy Van-aversary, God continue to keep you safe and full of more adventures.
Thank you so much, what a lovely and heartfelt comment, thank you for sharing! And thank you so much for being here & watching my videos - I appreciate it! I can't wait to hear about your advantures once you venture out 💚💚
Happy Vanniversary!! Over the last 2 years you have not only learned a lot, but you have taught us a lot, as well. Camp on!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! Happy you're along for the journey!
I was told there are only 7 employees at Paynes. And 300+ volunteers. I just love that. People stepping up.
Oh I love to hear that! I bet that would be a great park to volunteer at! I think you are right about the squirrel. I can usually tell when one is hollering at me, but when there are other sounds to distinguish between I still get fooled by those boogers!!
CONGRATULATIONS on your 2 year anniversary!!! It seems like you have come a long way. It is easy to see that you love what you are doing. Your videos are a pleasure to watch. 😊
Thank you so much Anna, thankful your support and positivity along my journey!! 💚
Happy 2 year vaniversary!!!🎉🎉🎉. The smashburgers looked delicious!!!!
Thanks so much! They were really tasty!
thanks for sharing very beautiful.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!!
Happy 2nd Vaniversary! The wildlife is so beautiful. thank you for reminding me why this is on of my favorite Fl State Parks. oh, and I am so making those smash burgers!
They were so yummy - definitely recommend! And I know what you mean, it really is a special place...one of my favorite Florida State Parks for sure!
Your video was so relaxing and so beautiful, i wayched it 2x's. You said something that made me cry because you were talking straight to me because i am so scared to get out there fulltime for the same reasons you mentioned. God bless you.
💚💚💚 it is so understandable and natural to fear something new and unknown I feel. Once you actually do it - especially after a couple of tries - it starts to feel more normal and routine and comfortable! I know you can do it once you're ready!! And if you decide part time is a better fit for you at first, dont pressure yourself to be ready for full time right away, even if thats your goal...Hugs! 💕
Happy Vaniversary 🎉🎉 Here's to many more 🤗👍 that does look good 😋 It's nice you and Kym could camp together ❤️ Stay safe Have fun
Thank you so much!!
Happy 2 years!!
Thank you!!!
Happy 2nd Advan-ersary! 🥳
Thank you!!
Great video.
Thank you so much! 💚
Congrats on your 2 year mark of adVANtures! Be safe.
Thank you!!
I love this place! I would love to see the bison too! You and Kym are my favorite UA-camrs! Yay south east U.S.! Representin! ✌🏼👍🏼🤟🏼
Thank you so much Erica! TEAM Southeast!!! 💚
Cute little tacos, only problem is i would need about 3 of those little mini presses as i could and would chow several of those things down faster than i can make them for sure!! lol. Could probably make four or so at a time with a regular foreman grill. Neat idea to smush the meat right on the tort and drop the lid, just may have to give that a go tonight! You could use ground lamb, and follow with the yogurt and feta cheese and what i call the greek salsa business, and wallah!! Gyros!
Your friends surf and turf thing was appealing also, who doesn't love surf and turf! 😀
OMG I love your gyro idea!! I definitely plan on trying that variation in the future for sure, thank you! And you bring up a valid issue with the single serve cooking appliances... it's hard to wait while you finish cooking them all to eat them haha!!
Happy anniversary fellow car camper😊😊. Best wishes to many more. I’m Just past a year but looking forward to many more camping trips.
Thank you so much - cheers to more adventures for us both!!
I like watching your videos and especially like to watch them to help me relax. You have a calming presentation. Unlike Kym, she kind of puts me on the edge of my seat wondering what she is going to say or do next in her video, hahahaha. Don’t get me wrong, really enjoy watch her videos as well. 😂
Thank you!! And lol, that's one of the things that makes camping with Kym so fun haha!!
Wow I had no idea there were wild bison in Florida, how cool is that! Hello from my homestead-homebase in northwest Florida. Happy camping! I will catch your other videos later. I subbed.
Hi, and welcome!! Thank you! (Yes, so neat to come across them out there!!)
I think it was a squirrel calling.
That was a funny looking longneck chicken…Wonder how they are barbecued ??? Just kidding have fun stay safe.
Lol!
What are you videoing with? Phone?
Yes, I film my videos with my Samsung Galaxy S22 (except for my wildlife shots, which are with my Canon 90D)
Hi whatcha up to hope all is well sending up prayers 4 healing and unspoken and 4 everyone and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels happy camping and happy day everyday in name of the Creator God and Yeshua /Jesus and the Holy Ghost in Heaven Amen much honor and respect keep walking tall always and keep on keeping on pushing forward one step at a time and cool video keep ur head up and like ur van set up cool and where did u get the blackberry lemonade also stay hydrated hugs and smile
🚌🌅🌌⛺🌄🏞🏖
👍👍💪🙂👍👍
Thank you so much! The blackberry lemonade is made by the Publix deli, and it's soooooo good! They make mango lemonade and raspberry lemonade as well, but the blackberry is my favorite!
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures u r welcome always and cool cool blackberry lemonade sounds yummy to the tummy lol blackberry is my fav too gotta try me some cool publix has it definitely gonna try me some soon hugs keep walking tall always
💪🙂