Seeing the Big Meadows "tenement" made my heart skip a beat. We did a few family vacations there when I was a kid. It's basically a roadside motel in a lovely location, but I have the fondest memories. :) The deer around there don't give a hoot about humans. They are so habituated to tourists that as long as you don't try to touch them or run straight at them, they just ignore you. I love that, except when they decide to act as a roadblock. That happened a lot in the Big Meadows area. Ah, good times. Thanks for the trip down memory lane :)
Thanks for the comment. Ya, That's probably a better description. I'm sure it is still a great experience for many people. All the people who visit each year can[t be wrong !
I believe we were camping there that same weekend. Lots of rain. I agree with you the bathrooms have a lot to be desired in the big Meadows campground, other than that we love this campground. And of course the loop that you were on in my opinion is the best in the campground. Look forward to part two.
I don't like to sound like an old sissy, but I do like a clean bathroom!! I don't want to feel like I'll end up with bug bites where the bugs should not bite !!
Loved Big Meadows! Watch out for rattle snakes in the high grass. We got too close to one that was in the high grass while walking on the side of the road near the entrance. It gave us a warning rattle even though I could not see it. We had to move quick. We camped there in a pop-up camper where it poured rain for 4 days straight. Got pretty good at cards. It was before cell phones. The young bucks in the meadow may charge you if you get too close. The bathrooms were probably a little better then. Looking forward to parts 2 and 3!
Thanks! There were lots of deer, and the bucks were definitely brave. Not sure we saw any "young Bucks". Seems they all had at least 3 years worth of antler on their heads. We were looking for rattlers, probably to wet and cold.
Visited there 2 years ago when my nephew and I sectioned hiked during a government shutdown. It was free getting through the gate however, everything was closed to the public so we missed touring the buildings etc.... Love your video's however, usually watch them on TV through ROKU - so don't usually comment - but just wanted to say - don't worry about what people say and think - you can't stop that, even if you "did and said" EVERYTHING right - just be you! Which - looks like you you are just being you! haha! Loved your yellow getup suit! Covid-19 'plandemic' sucks - it made me smile!
I try to stay being me, but occasionally I get tired and frustrated, and then someone else comes out (maybe my Grandmother) AND IT GETS ME IN TROUBLE. So I will speak carefully and cheerfully!! HA ha ha! Have a great rest of the summer!
Bathroom tour: a lot of NY State campground have the same bug/spider issue. Shower house was nice. I've been to Big Meadows twice, made the hike to the falls once. Never camped there. Little bit of a ride from NC!
It was a longer trip than I thought, Virginia is a very long state. Yes, some of the ADK primitive bathrooms are pretty bad. But it is pretty rare in a National Park to be so dirty. Good to "see" you Bryan! Stay Safe
Beautiful! I love Shenandoah and the Parkway. I hiked Dark Hollow Falls years ago, it was awesome but the hike back up wasn't. But when I reached the top there was a patch of Pink Lady Slippers that made it all worth while. I so enjoy hiking along with you and Akela. Thank You!
THANK YOU BEEN A LONGTIME SINCE I'VE BEEN UP THERE LOT OF MEMORIES! GORGEOUS SCENERY ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU & THE PUP ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED !
It was after Sundown, but it was still pretty light. No need for the flashlght. Of Course your eyes adjust pretty well to the slow change. In the video you can see the headlights light up quite a lot!! But it was around 7:00-7:30, so still light that time of year.
That seems to be the case, and sometimes little local city or county parks are really nice. Often because they were estates donated to the local county with lots of cool facilities ! New York had a few of those I used to go to !
Rick have you ever talked about wet toilets/cassette toilets in pop up campers on a past video? I’m trying to do my research now for a future purchase maybe next year. Can’t gauge the “worth” of having one. Most folks on the forums I’ve read say they would opt to have one if they had to do over. Hard for me to assess. Cheers!
I have no experience with them. My view is they are a nightmare to keep clean, and they add a lot of moist and potential water damage inside the trailer. I had a cassette toilet the first year I had my trailer, and never once used it. If you really picky about where you sit your bum, then maybe its worth it. I can and do "go" anywhere, so never have seen the need !
The waterfalls were pretty. Is it just me or does it seem odd when they limit the number of restroom facilities that are open and then funnel more people through less space? Of course, this is being done at many places not just at this park. Not complaining. I know they have to do the best they can during Covid. I’m just Covid confused.
Well, I think it is more about money than Virus. Its certainly cheaper to maintain less. They don't have to "Clean" as much, but instead of cleaning, they are just spraying chemicals. The Virus can't be spread on a clean dry surface, so spraying wetness everywhere isn't really helping. The Disinfectant Chemical are gone and Evaporated in 5-7 ,minutes, the water and wetness lasts for hours and hours. But we still had fun, just had to get away from the silliness.
@@outcast1763 Well, they are also saving some money, though maybe the extra theatrics is costing them the difference. But I work in "Reality HEalth" and most of what everyone is doing is pure theatrics. Distance Yes!, Mask in crowded areas, Yes! Wash your hands and don't touch your face Yes! But wear a mask alone in your car, or on a hiking trail alone?!? Mop and Clean the sidewalk with toxic disinfectants outside. Just theater!
@@outcast1763 I'm no fan of our "dramatizing media", but I do believe they just report what they see/are told. They act like 4 yr old who have to run home and tell mommy sissy kissed someone ! They make it much bigger than it is. The BBC has a nice even tone of factual news reports ! Stay Safe, Stay Happy!
Any way you can recommend a few campground places for me and my 9 year old daughter and poodle. I like the same places as you. Water to play in is a big bonus. We love to do hiking trails with creeks to cross. I live in Greensboro NC. And willing to drive 2 to 21/2 hours for a weekend trip.
Gosh, Have you ever been to Hanging Rock State Park, Plenty of water to play in, just no swimming that I remember. There is also Hagen Stone just over the county border in Guilford County. Stone Mountain To the North West is nice, but sometimes hard to get a reservation. And Up a bit further in Virginia there is The marvelous Greyson Highlands with Wild ponies that you can get close enough to pet. They had babies last spring. Let me know if they aren't what you were looking for.
@@GoingNoWhereFast I screen shot those that you said. I forgot about Stone mountain is there any water to play in at Stone mountain. Can't remember. Took her to hanging rock last year and she loved it. If there is anymore that you can remember let me know. I want her to enjoy the outdoors like I do. Also the dog has to be able to go too. Lol
Oh, you know what, A really nice place is Camp Creek State Park in West Virginia, its about 2.5hrs from you. Very nice, with very nice rivers/streams to play in and trails to hike.
@@GoingNoWhereFast oh ok. Awesome. That would work great in the summer when I have Fridays off. I will watch your play list too. Thank you so much. And the 9 year old didn't think RUclips people answer back. 😂 😂
Hi Rick always enjoy you videos, your easygoing friendly personality and Akela. I do find the bathroom tours boring. Shown on a lot of your vids seen one, see em all.You do this a lot. Not interesting in my opinion I would not risk a communal bathroom ATM. You might remember I am in Australia and can easily be 300 miles out camping from the nearest bathroom, gas station or shop. I have an Aliner with heated external shower so would use that .especially in a warm summer. Maybe a hole in the bush for a toilet. Watching out for snakes all the while! My constructive comment Rick. Love to see more Aliner, hikes, dog training, boondocking please. Thank you and stay safe.
Thanks Polly, yes I have heard the bathroom comments from both sides. People who boondock don't want to see them, people who tent camp at state parks want to see them. I try to make them under 30 seconds. Now I can add the "Timing Ticks" to the video showing you where they are and you can easier skip them. On the other hand, a Nice civilized shower is just camping luxury, campground or not....And some are much nicer than others. Thanks for watching, and look along the video line for the subject changes and you can skip them. Hope your fires are under control there, and the bush isn't too damaged. Take care.
@@GoingNoWhereFast Hi Rick , No fires. Our drought broke and we have had good rain the dams are full, paddocks green and the stock are fat.The wildflowers are abundant and trees showing green shoots. A lot of Caravan parks are closed due to Covid .I guess I am a committed boondocker. When I want to get away. I want to get away.I find you meet interesting people when you go off the beaten track. You need to be equipped, plenty of water, fuel and more than 1 spare tyre. I love dogs . A well trained dog can keep you out of trouble. I have a border collie. afraid of nothing. Shepherds are great too. Bush is damaged and we lost a lot of wildlife. Like koalas who cant move fast to avoid trouble. We just sent firefighters to California to help with the forest fires there. Love your vids but will FF through the bathroom and cranky camp manager bits from now on. hehe
Good to hear the land is healing. When our Yellowstone park was nearly obliterated by fire, it was really amazing how it came back so much "wilder". I definitely agree with "boondocking" is better. But the eastern US is pretty crowded and finding boondocking places away from the crowds isn't easy (especially in the south). I can't wait to be ale to travel 5-10hrs away where I can find more acceptable "free Space". Maybe even a deserted Hot Spring!! Thanks for all the info. We will chat again I'm sure!
Ya, my resistance to National parks is their poor attitude to canines. I think they should just fine people who don't pick up after them and make a little money! Just like people leave the campsites trashed and they don't do anything to them. Ban them and fine them !!
Rick, I agree with your political comment: I think in 2020, we should vote out the DUMMY. And FOX "NEWS" and all right-wing media should be banned or we will never be united or well informed.
I'm not sure I would call him a Dummy, he apparently know how to become President, but anyway, I love your channel! Do you think I could get Akela to ride in a Kayak with me !??
@@GoingNoWhereFast I paddle my canoe with Akela. He's a great dog, grew up w/g. shepherds and they are almost as smart as schnoodles! ha!! My poor Roxy past 2 months ago and miss her dearly. Love your channel and have been a subscriber for years. I have a 13' Casita and a 8' Range Runner teardrop camper I use for my camping. Your lucky to be in NC, I'm moving up to Hartford TN in a few years; love them mountains!
![4 Essential Stops in SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0B0253qAcPs/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for all the detail about the wayside and camp ground. It helps me plan our trip this summer.
Your very welcome. That is the idea. Come back often as you need to!
Seeing the Big Meadows "tenement" made my heart skip a beat. We did a few family vacations there when I was a kid. It's basically a roadside motel in a lovely location, but I have the fondest memories. :) The deer around there don't give a hoot about humans. They are so habituated to tourists that as long as you don't try to touch them or run straight at them, they just ignore you. I love that, except when they decide to act as a roadblock. That happened a lot in the Big Meadows area. Ah, good times. Thanks for the trip down memory lane :)
Thanks for the comment. Ya, That's probably a better description. I'm sure it is still a great experience for many people. All the people who visit each year can[t be wrong !
Thank you for the detailed video. This is the only video I found showing the showers (with the bugs lol), store, etc
Ya, I try to be thorough in my reviews. If you go, hope you enjoy!!
Keep em comin' !
Thanks, We will !
Another great trip that I got to take! lol blessings and stay safe
I hope I'm not tiring you out too much... LOL
Hello Rick, the falls sure are cool! You're so funny. lol
Hey, thanks. I have a great time, sometime I guess it seeps into the video!! LOL
I spent seven nights with my Aliner Expedition in Big Meadows in October of 18. Loved it! Keep up with the videos!
Thanks for the comment! We had a great time, even with the little issues as a result of the COVID guidance, it was still a great time.
I believe we were camping there that same weekend. Lots of rain. I agree with you the bathrooms have a lot to be desired in the big Meadows campground, other than that we love this campground. And of course the loop that you were on in my opinion is the best in the campground. Look forward to part two.
It was a good weekend! Thanks for the comment !
Bug forest fire...hilarious🤓🤓🤓🤓. The bathrooms did leave alot to be desired.
I don't like to sound like an old sissy, but I do like a clean bathroom!! I don't want to feel like I'll end up with bug bites where the bugs should not bite !!
Hopefully traveling will get easier in the future. Eventually ill get down that way.
Its not too bad at the moment. Construction season is just ramping back up though! I bet that will last all year this year !
Loved Big Meadows! Watch out for rattle snakes in the high grass. We got too close to one that was in the high grass while walking on the side of the road near the entrance. It gave us a warning rattle even though I could not see it. We had to move quick. We camped there in a pop-up camper where it poured rain for 4 days straight. Got pretty good at cards. It was before cell phones. The young bucks in the meadow may charge you if you get too close. The bathrooms were probably a little better then. Looking forward to parts 2 and 3!
Thanks! There were lots of deer, and the bucks were definitely brave. Not sure we saw any "young Bucks". Seems they all had at least 3 years worth of antler on their heads. We were looking for rattlers, probably to wet and cold.
Visited there 2 years ago when my nephew and I sectioned hiked during a government shutdown. It was free getting through the gate however, everything was closed to the public so we missed touring the buildings etc.... Love your video's however, usually watch them on TV through ROKU - so don't usually comment - but just wanted to say - don't worry about what people say and think - you can't stop that, even if you "did and said" EVERYTHING right - just be you! Which - looks like you you are just being you! haha! Loved your yellow getup suit! Covid-19 'plandemic' sucks - it made me smile!
I try to stay being me, but occasionally I get tired and frustrated, and then someone else comes out (maybe my Grandmother) AND IT GETS ME IN TROUBLE. So I will speak carefully and cheerfully!! HA ha ha! Have a great rest of the summer!
Bathroom tour: a lot of NY State campground have the same bug/spider issue. Shower house was nice. I've been to Big Meadows twice, made the hike to the falls once. Never camped there. Little bit of a ride from NC!
It was a longer trip than I thought, Virginia is a very long state. Yes, some of the ADK primitive bathrooms are pretty bad. But it is pretty rare in a National Park to be so dirty. Good to "see" you Bryan! Stay Safe
Luv your videos! Helps really appreciate nature (:
Thanks, We try to keep as much "nature" it is as we can find ! Thanks for the comment .
Beautiful! I love Shenandoah and the Parkway. I hiked Dark Hollow Falls years ago, it was awesome but the hike back up wasn't. But when I reached the top there was a patch of Pink Lady Slippers that made it all worth while. I so enjoy hiking along with you and Akela. Thank You!
What an Awesome reward Joyce! Must have been during June?? Thanks for sharing !
THANK YOU BEEN A LONGTIME SINCE I'VE BEEN UP THERE LOT OF MEMORIES! GORGEOUS SCENERY ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU & THE PUP ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED !
Good to hear from you david, You stay safe too. Thanks for stopping by !
Loved the waterfall Did you have to walk out in the dark or did you make it back before dark?
It was after Sundown, but it was still pretty light. No need for the flashlght. Of Course your eyes adjust pretty well to the slow change. In the video you can see the headlights light up quite a lot!! But it was around 7:00-7:30, so still light that time of year.
Yeah I think state and smaller federal parks are nicer than most national parks.
That seems to be the case, and sometimes little local city or county parks are really nice. Often because they were estates donated to the local county with lots of cool facilities ! New York had a few of those I used to go to !
Rick have you ever talked about wet toilets/cassette toilets in pop up campers on a past video? I’m trying to do my research now for a future purchase maybe next year. Can’t gauge the “worth” of having one. Most folks on the forums I’ve read say they would opt to have one if they had to do over. Hard for me to assess. Cheers!
I have no experience with them. My view is they are a nightmare to keep clean, and they add a lot of moist and potential water damage inside the trailer. I had a cassette toilet the first year I had my trailer, and never once used it. If you really picky about where you sit your bum, then maybe its worth it. I can and do "go" anywhere, so never have seen the need !
is that smoke from forrest fires
No, that's just heavy fog or low lying clouds, but its why they call them the "Smokey Mountains".
The waterfalls were pretty. Is it just me or does it seem odd when they limit the number of restroom facilities that are open and then funnel more people through less space? Of course, this is being done at many places not just at this park. Not complaining. I know they have to do the best they can during Covid. I’m just Covid confused.
Well, I think it is more about money than Virus. Its certainly cheaper to maintain less. They don't have to "Clean" as much, but instead of cleaning, they are just spraying chemicals. The Virus can't be spread on a clean dry surface, so spraying wetness everywhere isn't really helping. The Disinfectant Chemical are gone and Evaporated in 5-7 ,minutes, the water and wetness lasts for hours and hours. But we still had fun, just had to get away from the silliness.
@@GoingNoWhereFast Actually i think they are just going through the motions, so people wont panic and to avoid lawsuits later on down the road.
@@outcast1763 Well, they are also saving some money, though maybe the extra theatrics is costing them the difference. But I work in "Reality HEalth" and most of what everyone is doing is pure theatrics. Distance Yes!, Mask in crowded areas, Yes! Wash your hands and don't touch your face Yes! But wear a mask alone in your car, or on a hiking trail alone?!? Mop and Clean the sidewalk with toxic disinfectants outside. Just theater!
@@GoingNoWhereFast Thats what sells newspapers , and keeps newscasters in a job . Thanks for the reply
@@outcast1763 I'm no fan of our "dramatizing media", but I do believe they just report what they see/are told. They act like 4 yr old who have to run home and tell mommy sissy kissed someone ! They make it much bigger than it is. The BBC has a nice even tone of factual news reports ! Stay Safe, Stay Happy!
Any way you can recommend a few campground places for me and my 9 year old daughter and poodle. I like the same places as you. Water to play in is a big bonus. We love to do hiking trails with creeks to cross. I live in Greensboro NC. And willing to drive 2 to 21/2 hours for a weekend trip.
Gosh, Have you ever been to Hanging Rock State Park, Plenty of water to play in, just no swimming that I remember. There is also Hagen Stone just over the county border in Guilford County. Stone Mountain To the North West is nice, but sometimes hard to get a reservation. And Up a bit further in Virginia there is The marvelous Greyson Highlands with Wild ponies that you can get close enough to pet. They had babies last spring. Let me know if they aren't what you were looking for.
@@GoingNoWhereFast I screen shot those that you said. I forgot about Stone mountain is there any water to play in at Stone mountain. Can't remember. Took her to hanging rock last year and she loved it. If there is anymore that you can remember let me know. I want her to enjoy the outdoors like I do. Also the dog has to be able to go too. Lol
If you look through my Playlists, there is one for "Campground Reviews". It covers everyplace I've been in the last 4 years.
Oh, you know what, A really nice place is Camp Creek State Park in West Virginia, its about 2.5hrs from you. Very nice, with very nice rivers/streams to play in and trails to hike.
@@GoingNoWhereFast oh ok. Awesome. That would work great in the summer when I have Fridays off. I will watch your play list too. Thank you so much. And the 9 year old didn't think RUclips people answer back. 😂 😂
Hi Rick always enjoy you videos, your easygoing friendly personality and Akela.
I do find the bathroom tours boring. Shown on a lot of your vids seen one, see em all.You do this a lot. Not interesting in my opinion I would not risk a communal bathroom ATM.
You might remember I am in Australia and can easily be 300 miles out camping from the nearest bathroom, gas station or shop.
I have an Aliner with heated external shower so would use that .especially in a warm summer. Maybe a hole in the bush for a toilet. Watching out for snakes all the while!
My constructive comment Rick. Love to see more Aliner, hikes, dog training, boondocking please.
Thank you and stay safe.
Thanks Polly, yes I have heard the bathroom comments from both sides. People who boondock don't want to see them, people who tent camp at state parks want to see them. I try to make them under 30 seconds. Now I can add the "Timing Ticks" to the video showing you where they are and you can easier skip them. On the other hand, a Nice civilized shower is just camping luxury, campground or not....And some are much nicer than others. Thanks for watching, and look along the video line for the subject changes and you can skip them. Hope your fires are under control there, and the bush isn't too damaged. Take care.
@@GoingNoWhereFast Hi Rick , No fires. Our drought broke and we have had good rain the dams are full, paddocks green and the stock are fat.The wildflowers are abundant and trees showing green shoots.
A lot of Caravan parks are closed due to Covid .I guess I am a committed boondocker. When I want to get away. I want to get away.I find you meet interesting people when you go off the beaten track. You need to be equipped, plenty of water, fuel and more than 1 spare tyre.
I love dogs . A well trained dog can keep you out of trouble. I have a border collie. afraid of nothing. Shepherds are great too.
Bush is damaged and we lost a lot of wildlife. Like koalas who cant move fast to avoid trouble. We just sent firefighters to California to help with the forest fires there.
Love your vids but will FF through the bathroom and cranky camp manager bits from now on. hehe
Good to hear the land is healing. When our Yellowstone park was nearly obliterated by fire, it was really amazing how it came back so much "wilder". I definitely agree with "boondocking" is better. But the eastern US is pretty crowded and finding boondocking places away from the crowds isn't easy (especially in the south). I can't wait to be ale to travel 5-10hrs away where I can find more acceptable "free Space". Maybe even a deserted Hot Spring!! Thanks for all the info. We will chat again I'm sure!
Rick you should have your mask on when in front of your computer as it may have a virus.
I'm trying to give it a virus! I'm working on training Akela to wear his, but he eats it !!
No dogs allowed = BS. Can't leave my boy behind, don't care how great the hike/view is.
Ya, my resistance to National parks is their poor attitude to canines. I think they should just fine people who don't pick up after them and make a little money! Just like people leave the campsites trashed and they don't do anything to them. Ban them and fine them !!
Rick, I agree with your political comment: I think in 2020, we should vote out the DUMMY. And FOX "NEWS" and all right-wing media should be banned or we will never be united or well informed.
I'm not sure I would call him a Dummy, he apparently know how to become President, but anyway, I love your channel! Do you think I could get Akela to ride in a Kayak with me !??
@@GoingNoWhereFast I paddle my canoe with Akela. He's a great dog, grew up w/g. shepherds and they are almost as smart as schnoodles! ha!! My poor Roxy past 2 months ago and miss her dearly. Love your channel and have been a subscriber for years. I have a 13' Casita and a 8' Range Runner teardrop camper I use for my camping. Your lucky to be in NC, I'm moving up to Hartford TN in a few years; love them mountains!
@@johnnyb395 Well drop me a note if you go anywhere interesting. We can have a beer around a campfire together.