When we watched this video a year ago, we dropped a pin for this Fort De Soto campground. Jump forward a year and we camped there. Pearl agreed about the showers but we are in a Class A and don't use the showerhouses. We loved this campground so much we will be returning.
We used to own a Leisure Travel Vans Unity and would stay at Fort Desoto often. The big draw of that campground isn’t the campground; it’s the beautiful beaches of Fort Desoto Park. The campground used to give us a day entry pass for the park.
True, not sure if you remember, but we actually did a video last year about Fort DeSoto and the beaches and the campground. We just didn’t “stay” at the campground last year. Pretty area.
Fort DeSoto is beautiful, although a little ruff when it comes to showers, but hey, it's the beach. I love it, I've camped there and Shell Island one year. So beautiful.
Agree, it really is! We did a video a year ago about the entire area including the campground. The bathroom was just the “Icing on the cake” for Michelle. We wanted to leave because we got lucky and we were able to get a spot where some friends were staying, plus it was free for us, being in our membership. It’s always hard to give details when we are rushing and in the moment. The bathroom was the least of our worries since we already have a bathroom. She just likes using the facilities if they are nice since it gives her more room than ours.
Surprised that you let the little mishap get you down.. it is all little stuff, learning lessons or an opportunity to be grateful it wasn't worse.. No one hurt.. sounds like a good day to me
My wife Debbie and I have been faithfully watching your videos for a good while and sure enjoy seeing the USA with y'all. We bought an Airstream 25 Globetrotter with the twin beds last April and have truly enjoyed camping in it. We hope to see you in TPA. Thanks for all of the fun!
Brian and Michelle, I have enjoyed watching your videos and dream of the days when I can have a van life. Michelle, I share your love for pie. Have you ever been to Betty’s Pies along the North Shore In Minnesota? Delicious! Brian, I really enjoy your sense of humor and you do a great job of editing the videos. Do you mind sharing what video editing software you use? Do you use Camtasia?
We have not been there before. We’ll have to add to our list! Thanks! Brian uses Final Cut Pro but says they all have very similar capabilities that allows you to use your own creativity.
Aww…I’m so sorry that you’re day ended on a bad note! Don’t be discouraged. It’s fixable and you guys are living the dream life of many! I’m sure a sunny day in Florida will brighten up your spirits! ❤😊
Just spent a couple of hours at Armature Works. Just got home. Thanks for the video and sorry about that accident. i see it kinda ruined it for you guys that day.
Ft Desoto is one of our favorite places to stay... But the bathrooms are very dated. I recall your drive thru video, but didn't know you had not stayed there before. Happy & Safe Travels.
Enjoyed watching your video, I live in Tampa (Land O Lakes). I giggled as your first stop in downtown Tampa by Channelside, I worked at that construction site and park where you guys did (when you found the Gingerbeard coffee). You got lucky even finding a parking place there. LOL What I can't believe is that you left Ft. Desoto due to the showers. That spot is gorgeous and so much to see and do. I get it if you wanted to join other friends who were close by, but Ft. Desoto is a great stay. (Lower your shower standards maybe, haha. I never thought they were bad.) Hope y'all had a great Christmas in Florida. It's fun seeing out of towners visit our place and hear what you thought. I agree with the other post, should have gotten a Cuban sandwich. Yummy! (You did a lot of typical visitor stuff, maybe missed some unique spots that are also great finds. Maybe next time.)
We noticed that, it was easy to see that we were lucky to get a parking spot there. Not many options around there, especially for our size. Again, we didn’t leave just because of the showers and we also did a video on Ft. DeSoto and the campground last year and thought the area was beautiful. That’s probably why not very many people made a comment about this video, because most of them probably seen that video also. Yes, we left the campground to be close to our friends and because it was free because it is in our membership. We just got lucky and a spot opened up. As far as the tail light…again, you’re seeing a clip of right after it happened and no…we did not let it “ruin our Christmas”. The van is not ours which made it worse at the time. We don’t know anyone that would just say “oh well” after damaging someone else’s vehicle, or even their own at that. It always makes us chuckle when people think they know you from a 20-30 minute edited video. 😂 Also, we miss a lot of places everywhere we go and just have to make choices of what we are going to film at the time. We only had a few hours that day to film what we did. It’s also about trying to show something different sometimes. Our weekends are our only time to film unless we film in the evenings while traveling, after working all day. As seen in a few of our videos, we occasionally do that while moving from state to state.
@@LivinRVision Gotcha, thanks for the clarification. I missed the part of it being a loner vehicle. That does stink having to return with damage. Happy trails.
Ft. DeSoto is great for those that like outdoor activities fishing, walking, biking, beach etc. The campground us geared for that. Boating is exceptional with a good ramp there. Beaches and views are spectacular. Too bad you missed it. Tampa is noted for its Cuban food. Don't miss it. For a nice dinner try the Columbia in Ybor City. The best Cuban sandwich is at Aguila Sandwich Shop on Hillsborough Avenue. Been rated top by several on the Food Network. 👍
We've all done it scraped the top left side of our camper because I forgot to look up. My wife was backing me in and neither of us caught a leaning sign post. Don't let it get ya down!
We LOVE the park too. We released a video about this entire park including the campground last year. We just didn’t stay in the campground at that time. The real reason why people have a hard time getting into the parks, is because people book the sites up to a year in advance. When someone cancels, it opens up the site and if you use the service that notifies you when a site becomes open, then you have yet another chance to book a site just like everyone else. There is your truth. 👍🏻
Exactly, how could it not bother someone, right? Especially if you damage someone else’s vehicle. If that doesn’t get a person down…something is wrong. We are grateful that it was minor. Things can always be worse.
That would be a rough end to the day, but it was only an accident. You guys had lots of integrity sharing that. Most would have not shared out of pride. Thank you for being honest youtubers. Even in negative circumstances can come great things! Hakuna Mata, my friends. The video was great and the tours were the best as always.
I love watching your travels. So sorry for the incident. I know how it feels as I’ve had things happen to my school bus while driving. Definitely not fun… Watch your pans, I think I’m getting dizzy 🥴 15:30
Sorry to see someone damaged your beautiful van. The world is full of crazy sick and jealous people. Safe travel and keep the wonderful video diary of your travels coming.
I’m so sorry about the bump into the pole! Ouch! I did enjoy your video, BTW. I love campgrounds and parks for the nature, but I also love old architecture in cities! Now I have a reason to visit Tampa. I am missing Florida today.
Hi 👋 from New Mexico🌶️🌵....ouch dang...sorry that happened...Im sitting at home and hear a BIG bang..my son backed his horse trailer into my corner tail light and broke it...Ugh...What he says "Wow sorry Mom but your car completely stopped my truck your car is really built." Liked that coffee shop.
At Tampa RV Show Jan 19 my husb, he on scooter, knee injury, & I glad to see you both & tell you thank you for your awesome, excellent, wonderful travel scenes, both your voices sound nice telling history on your youtube videos with some joking with each other. I won't forget to pray for your safety on your trips.
Well as a local (Tampa Bay) you showed us some neat places to visit. You hit up some really good spots but that coffee shop, is a must see for me! I've been in the Federal Courthouse years ago, didn't know it was a hotel now! Armature Works is a beautiful place. Very cool tour except your little mishap. Hope the rest of your stay in Tampa Bay is uneventful. Safe travels.
I'm sorry that happened. At least it's just a tail light. My hubby clipped the driver's side front end cap of our 5th wheel with a tree branch...less than 3 months after purchase and while we didn't know that the insurance hadn't kicked in. I'll trade ya! I hope Christmas was still enjoyed with your friends!
Loved your show today. It makes the start of our weekend with a smile 😃! We lived in Tampa a long time ago, always wanted to go back and visit. So thank you for sharing. Maybe this year! Why not shower other than in the van when you can. Its OK. We use the shower in our van as a back-up & when boondocking. Sorry about the van mishap. Understand the feeling, not to take away from anyone else's bad times. God bless and stay safe.
Ft. Desoto is one of the gems of Florida. I love camping there with our boat. We anchor it next to our campsite and get up with the sun. Great fishing and beach access.
@torkintim8361 It truly is a beautiful place. We did a video about it about a year ago, including the campground, except we did not stay at the campground then. There were no sites open then. We enjoyed the pier watching the dolphins swim around us too.
Ft Desoto is amazing, yes bathrooms are older but cleaned daily. So much there to see and do such as dolphins, manatees, kayaking, the fort, museum, history galore, and gorgeous north beach. We were there for a week in December also, had an amazing time site 204. Have been going to Ft Desoto since I was a kid in the seventies. Maybe give it another try and stay in loop 3 on the water. Glad you are enjoying our area!😊 Stay warm!
We actually seen much of what you are talking about last year and have a video about it all, including the campground. This was the first time we actually camped there though.
I feel your pain. I backed against a pole that I couldn't see at all in my RV. Put the slightest dent in the corner. Dont have any idea how to fix it 🤬.
I think that Fort DeSoto Park looked beautiful. I don't think a shower would it cause me to leave a pretty location like that. The shower is there, you have water, get some soap, get in, get out. If you've ever boondocked needing to minimize water use, this would be most likely wonderful to actually have a shower.
😂 Maybe we didn’t explain as good as we should have, but we realized we could go to one of our membership parks. After we left Destin a spot opened up. and we had friends there. All Brian said was that he took a shower and knew I wouldn’t care for it. It doesn’t mean we/I wouldn’t deal with it as we have on numerous occasions through over 4 years of full time, even when we had the Class A & Airstream.
Well, that stinks, and upsetting when something like that happens. I hope you were able to find the bright side and had a Merry Christmas Day. It always feel better once a solution, fix, to the break or dent is arranged to get fixed. ☘🙏🍀
Oh, I'm so sorry for the bad things that happened. Hopefully this will be resolved soon. Your video was excellent. I enjoyed the Florida tours. It seems some camping facilities have less than clean facilities plus continue to charge higher rates. The first campground should have refunded ALL your money due to the dirty bathrooms. I hope your van has been repaired. Question, can you get security cameras that record your immediate area? Perhaps it would record the outside of your van?
Bummer, considering it's not your vehicle it sure makes it harder to shrug off. But it is easily fixed with our modern day telecommunications. Bet it also costs alot too. Blessing to you both, its definitely real life and we appreciate you sharing it.
Awe, geez, guys, don’t let that darn pole damage ruin your fun day! “Sh-t happens””!” Shrug 🤷♂️ it off. Look at the bright side of life, and the joy you are bringing to all of us ! 😊. ❤
Yeah we know, but still, nobody wants something like that to happen while using someone else’s vehicle, regardless of how much business you bring them.
Understand how you feel about the damage. I feel that way even when I do it to my own car(which I’ve done 😬). Glad it worked out. Hope you had a blessed holiday. Happy New Year! Looking forward to your 2023 adventures!
Oh no. That really is a shame. Just makes you feel sick in your stomach. Not that it can't be fixed but when it isn't your own vehicle it makes it worse. Hope things are better by now. Wish we could come by and see you at the show. Maybe next year or on the road.
Thanks guys, you just saved us some money. We did a second look at Fort De Soto and saw some very recent, very negative reviews about the showers and RATS . We were supposed to be there in two days, just canceled.
Thanks for another great video. I may listen to Christmas music in the car year round. Yesterday went to Tampa and ate at Fresh Kitchen on Howard. It’s 100% gluten free. The concept is like a chipotle. The food was delicious and had great flavors. Even my non GF husband liked his lunch.
Great video. Sorry about the broken tail light and ding. At least no one was hurt. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and are off to a wonderful New Year. I was wondering, after driving the Gretch for quite a while now, which would you rather have? Do you miss your other campers? What are yours and Michelle's pros and cons with the Gretch other than the bathroom? Do you see yourselves continuing to full time in the Gretch indefinitely? Which Gretch do you like better your first or second one and why? Thank you. I look forward to watching more of your videos. I really enjoy them and appreciate you bringing us along (sharing them with us). 🙂 Safe Travels!
Sorry to hear what happened at the end. 🙃🙃🥺 Insurance will take care of that guys! You have a wonderful life with health and happiness! Stay positive. 🙏🙌❤️🙌👍 on to your next adventure!
It's never a good time for an incident like this but it certainly could have been worse. So sorry for your luck. Tomorrow will be a better day. We enjoyed the first 95% of your video.
Oh well, it’s only a tail light ! I live one hundred miles north of Tampa ! Neat things to look at but I avoid Tampa ! I avoid big cities everywhere! Thanks for sharing your travels! 👍😁
Good morning. Are you planning to attend the Grech Owner Meetup at the Tampa RV show today? Love to meet you folks. I want to ask you how you route your Starlink Cables! Safe Travels!
@@LivinRVision super nice to meet you today. The turnout shows you that you guys rock and are superstars. I still want to pick your brain on your Starlink cabling, but maybe that will have to wait until your world calms down and we can grab that beer we owe ya! Safe travels!!
Very nice to meet you too! We don’t use our Starlink much, only if our other hotspots are not working good enough. We have the Starlink for RVs and we have it on pause until we “need” to use it. As far as the cable, we just run it out one of the doors and close the door just enough to latch. Works fine that way. If the Class B was ours, then we would maybe do something different.
👉🚐👍🫤I did that once in my Class A, difference being it was a telephone pole! 😮 Changed the bumper to a L shape. Everyone was waving at us, I just thought they were waving 👋 Goodbye! 😢 S-T happen’s! Have a Blessed Weekend! 👊
Whats up guys John and Linda sollazzo new york we are in wildwood Florida hope to see you guys at the Tampa show we will be in Florida till March keep in touch
One of my favorite parks is actually in St. Pete and actually a KOA. Nice waterfront spots and great beaches down the street and bathrooms that are spotless. Downtown Tampa is great. Park by the Stadium and take the trolley, one of our favorite day trips for easy in and out of a major safe downtown. The nicer RV Resorts are on the South Side. As much time the forgotten coast trip takes, it is one of our favorite until just before Mexico Beach, then head north from there.
Always enjoy your vidios but the last 2 of the Gulf Shores area were especially interesting to my wife & I as we will be visiting that area this Sept. That tail light should be an easy fix. Keep bringing all the great experiences you share with us as we travel thru you guys. We are caring for an aging parent now but travel when other family can help out.
Except for the lady earlier in the comments that had the issue with the rats and then a raccoon that jumped in her daughters car. 😂 😂 We like it there too, this was the just the first time we stayed there. We have a video of the whole park and this campground from last year and talked about how nice it is. Check it out sometime. 👍🏻😊🤓
We ate BBQ there at Crawfordville, too! It was 2 years ago. We gave it a 7 out of 10 at best. Just down the road from there is a place you would have LOVED! Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Tarzan filmed a few times there. Boat ride was one of the most amazing! The hotel is original beautiful! If you get a chance.... check it out! Fort DeSoto is one of our favorites! Ride the boat over to the island! Loved it! Hope we can get in there again! Mike and Kathy Bonham
Sorry this happened to the Van. When your teenagers (adult kids now) were learning to drive now you know how they would have felt if this would have happened to them driving your vehicle. It’s the last thing you want to happen. Hope by now when this video is released you two are feeling better and the Van is repaired. You two are both such good drivers and always so careful.
Luckily that never happened back then. Your point is exactly why we are so shocked a few people can’t seem to understand why we were so upset at the time. Lol I mean, seriously?! It’s not our vehicle. Some are probably just saying these things just to try too stir the pot of course and others may not even realize that it is not our van because they haven’t watched our previous videos. Just love how some speak without knowing. 😂
We are on our way to the Tampa show and stopped in Navarre to visit our son and we saw this place the Doughnut Hole in Destin. They say they make fresh key lime pie all day. We picked up two slices and if you have not been there I will let you know how it tastes.
Michelle’s hair stylist she went to there in Destin told her about that place, so we went and they were closed. She was so bummed. Awesome! Will you be at one of our Meet & Greets? Either Thurs 1-3p or Sat 1-3p. Hope we see you there! 🧡😊🤓
Well, I ate my slice and the best I can do is 5 out of 10. The Donut Hole is nice inside and I have heard that th donuts are good but that will be for another time.
Sorry Brian and Michelle/Pie Lady we will miss you at the show. My husband looked at all the RVs he was interested in so we are going back up to the pan handle to spend time with our son. If you get to California let's meet up.
It was pretty good. After a little over 4 years on the road full time now, we have a very few mishaps like that, but this one was with someone else’s RV. All is in the past now and Grech was very understanding about it. All is well. 👍🏻😊🤓
Just because of what we said, the Encore park is free and we didn’t have to pay. They are typically full this time of the year, so we got lucky when we checked online.
That's nuthin',,,, I backed into the side of my van with my new car damaging the right rear bumper and quarter panel, two days later I backed up at the new storage unit place and discovered they placed the protection posts for the code pad a foot further out than the pad and damaged the left rear bumper & quarter panel,,,,, Rather than fix either side I just gave up, but I can park my "new" car anywhere now and not worry aboout a thing as far as any new damage cause I got it first!!
Ugh, so sorry that happened. One thing we always have to remember is, it could always be worse. For us it was just frustrating damaging someone else’s vehicle.
That sucks, wish it was only the lens. Tail swing is bear. So the first hit was an act of vandalism? I say that because you said the hehicle next to you didn't move?
That is so hard to pick just three! Many of the National Parks are at top of the list...Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Redwoods & Sequoias, Grand Canyon, Zion. The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is a must-see as well as Niagara Falls, Mackinac Island, the Florida Keys. Way too many to pick just three!
@@LivinRVision I’ll start by working down this first list. A retrospective at different points (re-edit your footage) might be very welcomed. Maybe hold some public talks in Iowa.
I totally disagree. We have camped at Fort DeSoto many times years ago. We always thought of it as the cadillac of campgrounds at that time. Maybe it has gone down Anyway I still enjoy your videos You can see seabirds, the tide go down and up, the sunset. Great nature sounds.
Agree, we like the campground and park, but the bathrooms really need some attention. We did a video last year about the entire state park and even the campground, but we didn’t stay there at that time.
Hi, we love your videos! So sorry about the mishap. 😕 We have a Coachmen Beyond and wanted your opinion on your duvalays. Since you have had them for awhile now, do you still like them? Are they difficult to maintain? Would you buy them again or get something different? Thanks so much.
We really like them for our setup. When washing them they can be a little bit of a pain to put the pad and duvet portion back in them, but they are MUCH better than using sheets and trying to keep them on the bed and comfortable.since we leave our beds apart similar to two twins, we would definitely go with them again.
Seriously, come on now🙂 I really hope you didn't let that ruin your Christmas. Accidents happen! You are a great driver, but you are human. Thanks for another great video.
Too bad you didn’t like fort alDeSoto, I know what Michelle means about bathrooms my wife, the same way, but hey, we use our RV bathroom why don’t you use yours? Anyway fort Desoto and surrounding areas spectacular we want to go back!
We do use ours, and we have always “occasionally” used the campgrounds as well even with our Class A and Airstream at times. It’s not always just about not liking your own bathroom. We did a video last year about this same area. We liked it too. Check it out sometime. We just never stayed at the campground before, just drive through and included it in that same video.
When we watched this video a year ago, we dropped a pin for this Fort De Soto campground. Jump forward a year and we camped there. Pearl agreed about the showers but we are in a Class A and don't use the showerhouses. We loved this campground so much we will be returning.
We used to own a Leisure Travel Vans Unity and would stay at Fort Desoto often. The big draw of that campground isn’t the campground; it’s the beautiful beaches of Fort Desoto Park. The campground used to give us a day entry pass for the park.
True, not sure if you remember, but we actually did a video last year about Fort DeSoto and the beaches and the campground. We just didn’t “stay” at the campground last year. Pretty area.
@@LivinRVision I haven’t been following you that long. I need to binge watch all of your past videos.
Bumps and scrapes will happen. Don't sweat the small stuff. Drive safe and have fun. Enjoy the pie.
It would of been much easier to not sweat if it was our vehicle and not someone else’s…
Sorry about the damage but glad it wasn't intentional. I'm so excited to see you guys this weekend in Tampa!!!
Enjoyed my morning with you both, stay happy,focused and healthy thanks for Saturday morning with you
Fort DeSoto is beautiful, although a little ruff when it comes to showers, but hey, it's the beach. I love it, I've camped there and Shell Island one year. So beautiful.
Agree, it really is! We did a video a year ago about the entire area including the campground. The bathroom was just the “Icing on the cake” for Michelle. We wanted to leave because we got lucky and we were able to get a spot where some friends were staying, plus it was free for us, being in our membership. It’s always hard to give details when we are rushing and in the moment. The bathroom was the least of our worries since we already have a bathroom. She just likes using the facilities if they are nice since it gives her more room than ours.
Ahhhh….like that first cup of coffee in the morning, it’s the weekend and LivinRVision is back! All is right with the world!
Surprised that you let the little mishap get you down.. it is all little stuff, learning lessons or an opportunity to be grateful it wasn't worse..
No one hurt.. sounds like a good day to me
What made it worse is the fact that it is not our van…
My wife Debbie and I have been faithfully watching your videos for a good while and sure enjoy seeing the USA with y'all. We bought an Airstream 25 Globetrotter with the twin beds last April and have truly enjoyed camping in it. We hope to see you in TPA. Thanks for all of the fun!
Brian and Michelle, I have enjoyed watching your videos and dream of the days when I can have a van life.
Michelle, I share your love for pie. Have you ever been to Betty’s Pies along the North Shore In Minnesota? Delicious!
Brian, I really enjoy your sense of humor and you do a great job of editing the videos. Do you mind sharing what video editing software you use? Do you use Camtasia?
We have not been there before. We’ll have to add to our list! Thanks!
Brian uses Final Cut Pro but says they all have very similar capabilities that allows you to use your own creativity.
Aww…I’m so sorry that you’re day ended on a bad note! Don’t be discouraged. It’s fixable and you guys are living the dream life of many! I’m sure a sunny day in Florida will brighten up your spirits! ❤😊
🧡😊🤓
My favourite was the theatre, it was wonderful
Just spent a couple of hours at Armature Works. Just got home. Thanks for the video and sorry about that accident. i see it kinda ruined it for you guys that day.
Ft Desoto is one of our favorite places to stay... But the bathrooms are very dated. I recall your drive thru video, but didn't know you had not stayed there before.
Happy & Safe Travels.
Enjoyed watching your video, I live in Tampa (Land O Lakes). I giggled as your first stop in downtown Tampa by Channelside, I worked at that construction site and park where you guys did (when you found the Gingerbeard coffee). You got lucky even finding a parking place there. LOL
What I can't believe is that you left Ft. Desoto due to the showers. That spot is gorgeous and so much to see and do. I get it if you wanted to join other friends who were close by, but Ft. Desoto is a great stay. (Lower your shower standards maybe, haha. I never thought they were bad.)
Hope y'all had a great Christmas in Florida.
It's fun seeing out of towners visit our place and hear what you thought. I agree with the other post, should have gotten a Cuban sandwich. Yummy!
(You did a lot of typical visitor stuff, maybe missed some unique spots that are also great finds. Maybe next time.)
We noticed that, it was easy to see that we were lucky to get a parking spot there. Not many options around there, especially for our size.
Again, we didn’t leave just because of the showers and we also did a video on Ft. DeSoto and the campground last year and thought the area was beautiful. That’s probably why not very many people made a comment about this video, because most of them probably seen that video also. Yes, we left the campground to be close to our friends and because it was free because it is in our membership. We just got lucky and a spot opened up.
As far as the tail light…again, you’re seeing a clip of right after it happened and no…we did not let it “ruin our Christmas”. The van is not ours which made it worse at the time. We don’t know anyone that would just say “oh well” after damaging someone else’s vehicle, or even their own at that.
It always makes us chuckle when people think they know you from a 20-30 minute edited video. 😂
Also, we miss a lot of places everywhere we go and just have to make choices of what we are going to film at the time. We only had a few hours that day to film what we did. It’s also about trying to show something different sometimes. Our weekends are our only time to film unless we film in the evenings while traveling, after working all day. As seen in a few of our videos, we occasionally do that while moving from state to state.
@@LivinRVision
Gotcha, thanks for the clarification. I missed the part of it being a loner vehicle. That does stink having to return with damage.
Happy trails.
Ft. DeSoto is great for those that like outdoor activities fishing, walking, biking, beach etc. The campground us geared for that. Boating is exceptional with a good ramp there. Beaches and views are spectacular. Too bad you missed it.
Tampa is noted for its Cuban food. Don't miss it. For a nice dinner try the Columbia in Ybor City.
The best Cuban sandwich is at Aguila Sandwich Shop on Hillsborough Avenue. Been rated top by several on the Food Network. 👍
Thank you for sharing another awesome video. Charleston SC 1/14/2023 cold weekend here with a low of 30
We've all done it scraped the top left side of our camper because I forgot to look up. My wife was backing me in and neither of us caught a leaning sign post. Don't let it get ya down!
This is why locals can’t get into Ft Desoto - people book and either don’t show or leave. Ft Desoto is great- wonderful wildlife, beaches, etc.
We LOVE the park too. We released a video about this entire park including the campground last year. We just didn’t stay in the campground at that time.
The real reason why people have a hard time getting into the parks, is because people book the sites up to a year in advance. When someone cancels, it opens up the site and if you use the service that notifies you when a site becomes open, then you have yet another chance to book a site just like everyone else. There is your truth. 👍🏻
Thanks for showing that "things" happen. If it didn't bother us when something happens, I guess we better check our pulse!
Exactly, how could it not bother someone, right? Especially if you damage someone else’s vehicle. If that doesn’t get a person down…something is wrong. We are grateful that it was minor. Things can always be worse.
@@LivinRVision For Sure!!
That would be a rough end to the day, but it was only an accident. You guys had lots of integrity sharing that. Most would have not shared out of pride. Thank you for being honest youtubers. Even in negative circumstances can come great things! Hakuna Mata, my friends. The video was great and the tours were the best as always.
I love watching your travels. So sorry for the incident. I know how it feels as I’ve had things happen to my school bus while driving. Definitely not fun…
Watch your pans, I think I’m getting dizzy 🥴 15:30
Tanks for the tour! Great video!
Sorry to see someone damaged your beautiful van. The world is full of crazy sick and jealous people. Safe travel and keep the wonderful video diary of your travels coming.
again great production value! Thank you! My sister lives just outside of Tampa, it's a great city!
I’m so sorry about the bump into the pole! Ouch! I did enjoy your video, BTW. I love campgrounds and parks for the nature, but I also love old architecture in cities! Now I have a reason to visit Tampa. I am missing Florida today.
Hi 👋 from New Mexico🌶️🌵....ouch dang...sorry that happened...Im sitting at home and hear a BIG bang..my son backed his horse trailer into my corner tail light and broke it...Ugh...What he says "Wow sorry Mom but your car completely stopped my truck your car is really built." Liked that coffee shop.
At Tampa RV Show Jan 19 my husb, he on scooter, knee injury, & I glad to see you both & tell you thank you for your awesome, excellent, wonderful travel scenes, both your voices sound nice telling history on your youtube videos with some joking with each other. I won't forget to pray for your safety on your trips.
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I'm sorry y'all had problems. Praying that they were fixed quickly. Have a good time in Tampa! I wish we could be there! (Jane) ❤🙏
Well as a local (Tampa Bay) you showed us some neat places to visit. You hit up some really good spots but that coffee shop, is a must see for me! I've been in the Federal Courthouse years ago, didn't know it was a hotel now! Armature Works is a beautiful place. Very cool tour except your little mishap. Hope the rest of your stay in Tampa Bay is uneventful. Safe travels.
Sorry about the dings, but thanks for taking us with you.
I'm sorry that happened.
At least it's just a tail light.
My hubby clipped the driver's side front end cap of our 5th wheel with a tree branch...less than 3 months after purchase and while we didn't know that the insurance hadn't kicked in.
I'll trade ya!
I hope Christmas was still enjoyed with your friends!
Loved your show today. It makes the start of our weekend with a smile 😃! We lived in Tampa a long time ago, always wanted to go back and visit. So thank you for sharing. Maybe this year!
Why not shower other than in the van when you can. Its OK. We use the shower in our van as a back-up & when boondocking. Sorry about the van mishap. Understand the feeling, not to take away from anyone else's bad times. God bless and stay safe.
I can’t believe you left beautiful Ft. Desoto for that other place.
In case you missed it, it was because we had friends staying at another park that was in our membership that normally was full but we got in.
Ft. Desoto is one of the gems of Florida. I love camping there with our boat. We anchor it next to our campsite and get up with the sun. Great fishing and beach access.
@torkintim8361 It truly is a beautiful place. We did a video about it about a year ago, including the campground, except we did not stay at the campground then. There were no sites open then. We enjoyed the pier watching the dolphins swim around us too.
Bless your heart. Hope it didn’t totally ruin your Christmas.
Sorry about the mishap, but I hope you had a great Christmas regardless of the tail light. Happy New Year and safe travels!!!!!
Ft Desoto is amazing, yes bathrooms are older but cleaned daily. So much there to see and do such as dolphins, manatees, kayaking, the fort, museum, history galore, and gorgeous north beach. We were there for a week in December also, had an amazing time site 204. Have been going to Ft Desoto since I was a kid in the seventies. Maybe give it another try and stay in loop 3 on the water. Glad you are enjoying our area!😊 Stay warm!
We actually seen much of what you are talking about last year and have a video about it all, including the campground. This was the first time we actually camped there though.
We'll be going to gulf shores this Sept. Is that a good time of year to see the wildlife ?
I feel your pain. I backed against a pole that I couldn't see at all in my RV. Put the slightest dent in the corner. Dont have any idea how to fix it 🤬.
Ugh so sorry that happened.
I think that Fort DeSoto Park looked beautiful. I don't think a shower would it cause me to leave a pretty location like that. The shower is there, you have water, get some soap, get in, get out. If you've ever boondocked needing to minimize water use, this would be most likely wonderful to actually have a shower.
😂 Maybe we didn’t explain as good as we should have, but we realized we could go to one of our membership parks. After we left Destin a spot opened up. and we had friends there. All Brian said was that he took a shower and knew I wouldn’t care for it. It doesn’t mean we/I wouldn’t deal with it as we have on numerous occasions through over 4 years of full time, even when we had the Class A & Airstream.
Well, that stinks, and upsetting when something like that happens. I hope you were able to find the bright side and had a Merry Christmas Day. It always feel better once a solution, fix, to the break or dent is arranged to get fixed. ☘🙏🍀
Oh, I'm so sorry for the bad things that happened. Hopefully this will be resolved soon. Your video was excellent. I enjoyed the Florida tours. It seems some camping facilities have less than clean facilities plus continue to charge higher rates. The first campground should have refunded ALL your money due to the dirty bathrooms. I hope your van has been repaired. Question, can you get security cameras that record your immediate area? Perhaps it would record the outside of your van?
There are aftermarket security cameras that you can have installed.
Bummer, considering it's not your vehicle it sure makes it harder to shrug off. But it is easily fixed with our modern day telecommunications. Bet it also costs alot too. Blessing to you both, its definitely real life and we appreciate you sharing it.
Wow. I grew up in Tampa and remember when the Armature Works did armature work.
Oh msn, sorry about the mishap. We always have to be aware of the tail swing. Hope things get better for you guys.
Awe, geez, guys, don’t let that darn pole damage ruin your fun day! “Sh-t happens””!” Shrug 🤷♂️ it off. Look at the bright side of life, and the joy you are bringing to all of us ! 😊. ❤
Thanks Jolene. It would of been easier to shrug off if it was our vehicle though. All is in the past now. 👍🏻🧡😊🤓
@@LivinRVision They have to expect there will be damages to their loaned vehicles. You are too hard on yourselves! Don’t worry 😉! 👍💜
Yeah we know, but still, nobody wants something like that to happen while using someone else’s vehicle, regardless of how much business you bring them.
Understand how you feel about the damage. I feel that way even when I do it to my own car(which I’ve done 😬). Glad it worked out. Hope you had a blessed holiday. Happy New Year! Looking forward to your 2023 adventures!
“Do you want me to drive so you can get video/pictures of the coast or beach?” These words have NEVER been said by my wife. 😊
Same here 😂
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Haha! I would if we weren’t pulling a trailer!
I’ve been in Tampa all my life and even I learned something new. Thanks for coveting my city.
All looks like a easy fix. Great video👍
Oh no. That really is a shame. Just makes you feel sick in your stomach. Not that it can't be fixed but when it isn't your own vehicle it makes it worse. Hope things are better by now. Wish we could come by and see you at the show. Maybe next year or on the road.
Thanks guys, you just saved us some money. We did a second look at Fort De Soto and saw some very recent, very negative reviews about the showers and RATS . We were supposed to be there in two days, just canceled.
It sounds like it depends on what area and site you get whether people love or dislike it there. We’ve heard many love it.
Thanks for another great video. I may listen to Christmas music in the car year round. Yesterday went to Tampa and ate at Fresh Kitchen on Howard. It’s 100% gluten free. The concept is like a chipotle. The food was delicious and had great flavors. Even my non GF husband liked his lunch.
Thanks for the suggestion! 🧡
Great video. Sorry about the broken tail light and ding. At least no one was hurt. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and are off to a wonderful New Year. I was wondering, after driving the Gretch for quite a while now, which would you rather have? Do you miss your other campers? What are yours and Michelle's pros and cons with the Gretch other than the bathroom? Do you see yourselves continuing to full time in the Gretch indefinitely? Which Gretch do you like better your first or second one and why? Thank you. I look forward to watching more of your videos. I really enjoy them and appreciate you bringing us along (sharing them with us). 🙂 Safe Travels!
Thank you. We actually talked about this in another video about this subject a while back. All the details are in that video.
Dang! Hope you can get it fixed soon. Enjoyed the sights of Tampa
Sorry to hear what happened at the end. 🙃🙃🥺 Insurance will take care of that guys! You have a wonderful life with health and happiness! Stay positive. 🙏🙌❤️🙌👍 on to your next adventure!
love the mercantile ... lots of unique eateries all together
It's never a good time for an incident like this but it certainly could have been worse. So sorry for your luck. Tomorrow will be a better day. We enjoyed the first 95% of your video.
Oh well, it’s only a tail light ! I live one hundred miles north of Tampa ! Neat things to look at but I avoid Tampa ! I avoid big cities everywhere! Thanks for sharing your travels! 👍😁
Good morning. Are you planning to attend the Grech Owner Meetup at the Tampa RV show today? Love to meet you folks. I want to ask you how you route your Starlink Cables! Safe Travels!
We will be at the Grech tent area for the Meet & Greet from 1-3p but not the Owners Luncheon. We hope to see you at the Meet & Greet!😊🤓
@@LivinRVision super nice to meet you today. The turnout shows you that you guys rock and are superstars. I still want to pick your brain on your Starlink cabling, but maybe that will have to wait until your world calms down and we can grab that beer we owe ya! Safe travels!!
Very nice to meet you too! We don’t use our Starlink much, only if our other hotspots are not working good enough. We have the Starlink for RVs and we have it on pause until we “need” to use it. As far as the cable, we just run it out one of the doors and close the door just enough to latch. Works fine that way. If the Class B was ours, then we would maybe do something different.
👉🚐👍🫤I did that once in my Class A, difference being it was a telephone pole! 😮 Changed the bumper to a L shape. Everyone was waving at us, I just thought they were waving 👋 Goodbye! 😢 S-T happen’s! Have a Blessed Weekend! 👊
Oooooooo love that theater 🎭 ❤
Whats up guys John and Linda sollazzo new york we are in wildwood Florida hope to see you guys at the Tampa show we will be in Florida till March keep in touch
Hope to see you guys at one of our Meet & Greets… Thursday or Saturday 1-3p at GrechRV booth!
We like Christmas music as well. From the day after Thanksgiving till the day after Christmas The Joy FM at 88.1 is the only station we listen to.
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We listen to the Fish FM 104.1 , Vancouver/Portland, for Christmas music from thanksgiving to Christmas.
One of my favorite parks is actually in St. Pete and actually a KOA. Nice waterfront spots and great beaches down the street and bathrooms that are spotless. Downtown Tampa is great. Park by the Stadium and take the trolley, one of our favorite day trips for easy in and out of a major safe downtown. The nicer RV Resorts are on the South Side. As much time the forgotten coast trip takes, it is one of our favorite until just before Mexico Beach, then head north from there.
Always enjoy your vidios but the last 2 of the Gulf Shores area were especially interesting to my wife & I as we will be visiting that area this Sept. That tail light should be an easy fix. Keep bringing all the great experiences you share with us as we travel thru you guys. We are caring for an aging parent now but travel when other family can help out.
Get some touch up paint and order a tail light.. it will be ok! You two have each other
Everyone loves Ft Desoto, especially if you get a waterfront site
Except for the lady earlier in the comments that had the issue with the rats and then a raccoon that jumped in her daughters car. 😂 😂
We like it there too, this was the just the first time we stayed there. We have a video of the whole park and this campground from last year and talked about how nice it is. Check it out sometime. 👍🏻😊🤓
Thanks for sharing, first indecent looks like vandalism? Why didn’t you use your shower in the van? Keep up the great work!!
Yes the first incident occurred while we were at that coffee shop. We did end up showering in the van but just didn’t mention it.
We ate BBQ there at Crawfordville, too! It was 2 years ago. We gave it a 7 out of 10 at best.
Just down the road from there is a place you would have LOVED! Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Tarzan filmed a few times there. Boat ride was one of the most amazing! The hotel is original beautiful! If you get a chance.... check it out!
Fort DeSoto is one of our favorites! Ride the boat over to the island! Loved it! Hope we can get in there again!
Mike and Kathy Bonham
Try downtown Lakeland. Mojo Federal or The Joinery much nicer than Tampa. Crowds are better. Harry’s is also top notch.
Thanks for the suggestions!! 👍🏻
Agree on Harry's (Cajun, Creole)!👍
While you're in the Tampa area check out the Columbia restaurant in the Ybor City location. Hope to see you at the Super Show.
Thanks for the suggestion. 👍🏻 We plan to only be at our Meet & Greets on Thurs & Sat from 1-3p. We hope to get the chance to meet you!
Brian, you do such a great job editing and overlaying music…
Thank you! 🧡
Bummer about the tail light! Good news is you did get to see your friends Pat & Carol 😁
Yes we did!! 🧡😊🤓
Sorry this happened to the Van. When your teenagers (adult kids now) were learning to drive now you know how they would have felt if this would have happened to them driving your vehicle. It’s the last thing you want to happen. Hope by now when this video is released you two are feeling better and the Van is repaired. You two are both such good drivers and always so careful.
Luckily that never happened back then. Your point is exactly why we are so shocked a few people can’t seem to understand why we were so upset at the time. Lol I mean, seriously?!
It’s not our vehicle. Some are probably just saying these things just to try too stir the pot of course and others may not even realize that it is not our van because they haven’t watched our previous videos. Just love how some speak without knowing. 😂
We are on our way to the Tampa show and stopped in Navarre to visit our son and we saw this place the Doughnut Hole in Destin. They say they make fresh key lime pie all day. We picked up two slices and if you have not been there I will let you know how it tastes.
Michelle’s hair stylist she went to there in Destin told her about that place, so we went and they were closed. She was so bummed.
Awesome! Will you be at one of our Meet & Greets? Either Thurs 1-3p or Sat 1-3p. Hope we see you there! 🧡😊🤓
Well, I ate my slice and the best I can do is 5 out of 10. The Donut Hole is nice inside and I have heard that th donuts are good but that will be for another time.
We will hopefully see you on Thursday.
Sorry Brian and Michelle/Pie Lady we will miss you at the show. My husband looked at all the RVs he was interested in so we are going back up to the pan handle to spend time with our son. If you get to California let's meet up.
So sorry we’re going to miss you guys! Glad you had the chance to see what you wanted though. Hope to see you when we are back in CA! 🧡😊🤓
GOOD thing your sponsor has a few extra tail lights 😉. Stuff happens. Merry Christmas a few weeks late.
They buy the Mercedes in. I’ll, not the parts, so we had to get one from Mercedes. Hope you had a very Merry Christmas! 🎄
I understand how you both feel about the damage but you can't let it ruin an entire weekend. These things happen & it's what insurance is for.
Right. We only showed our reaction right then and there at the moment. We didn’t let it ruin our weekend. Grech was very understanding.
How was the food at Graze?? It looked really good! Look at it this way, if that little pole is the only ding you get a long the way, it’ll be fine 😁
It was pretty good. After a little over 4 years on the road full time now, we have a very few mishaps like that, but this one was with someone else’s RV. All is in the past now and Grech was very understanding about it. All is well. 👍🏻😊🤓
So sorry, hate that too
But you two ate still very Blessed and Loved much
Gosh guys, so sorry this happened to you. I hope you can get it worked out without a big hassle and I hope it didn't ruin you guys' Christmas.
Thanks! All is good and Grech was VERY understanding. 👍🏻🧡😊🤓
@@LivinRVision That's great news. I thought they would be.
Sorry 😢 You are both still lived greatly! 🖖🏻😘👍🏻🙏🏻
Was there another reason why you left early other than the bathrooms? Planning to go there in the fall.
Just because of what we said, the Encore park is free and we didn’t have to pay. They are typically full this time of the year, so we got lucky when we checked online.
This too shall pass!
At the Cracker Barrel , You guys were literally less than 3 miles from my BW spot in Panama City!
That's nuthin',,,,
I backed into the side of my van with my new car damaging the right rear bumper and quarter panel, two days later I backed up at the new storage unit place and discovered they placed the protection posts for the code pad a foot further out than the pad and damaged the left rear bumper & quarter panel,,,,,
Rather than fix either side I just gave up, but I can park my "new" car anywhere now and not worry aboout a thing as far as any new damage cause I got it first!!
Ugh, so sorry that happened. One thing we always have to remember is, it could always be worse. For us it was just frustrating damaging someone else’s vehicle.
Sorry about that parking incident.
If it's any consolation I loved the country music song around the 5 minute plus mark Brian but know that sick in the stomach feeling
That sucks, wish it was only the lens. Tail swing is bear. So the first hit was an act of vandalism? I say that because you said the hehicle next to you didn't move?
Yes, the first one occurred while we were at that coffee shop.
A question after all your travels: What are your top three must-see, bucket-list, wow-oh-wow destinations in the US?
That is so hard to pick just three! Many of the National Parks are at top of the list...Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Redwoods & Sequoias, Grand Canyon, Zion. The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is a must-see as well as Niagara Falls, Mackinac Island, the Florida Keys. Way too many to pick just three!
@@LivinRVision I’ll start by working down this first list. A retrospective at different points (re-edit your footage) might be very welcomed. Maybe hold some public talks in Iowa.
This is one of your best videos...except for the pole incident.
That’s what insurance takes care of, still blessed with life!!
Yep, thanks…
I totally disagree. We have camped at Fort DeSoto many times years ago. We always thought of it as the cadillac of campgrounds at that time. Maybe it has gone down Anyway I still enjoy your videos You can see seabirds, the tide go down and up, the sunset. Great nature sounds.
Agree, we like the campground and park, but the bathrooms really need some attention. We did a video last year about the entire state park and even the campground, but we didn’t stay there at that time.
Hi, we love your videos! So sorry about the mishap. 😕 We have a Coachmen Beyond and wanted your opinion on your duvalays. Since you have had them for awhile now, do you still like them? Are they difficult to maintain? Would you buy them again or get something different? Thanks so much.
We really like them for our setup. When washing them they can be a little bit of a pain to put the pad and duvet portion back in them, but they are MUCH better than using sheets and trying to keep them on the bed and comfortable.since we leave our beds apart similar to two twins, we would definitely go with them again.
Seriously, come on now🙂 I really hope you didn't let that ruin your Christmas. Accidents happen! You are a great driver, but you are human. Thanks for another great video.
It always makes it worse when the vehicle is not yours. :(
Bummer, would the bicycle rack of taken the hit on the post, had it been on?
No, the side of the van still would hit first before it would of reached the bikes when pulling forward like we did.
Okay, nevermind about the Doughnut hole in Destin Fl. I would only give their key lime pie a 5 out of 10.
Oh, thanks for the heads up. Michelle feels better that it was closed now lol
It’s called war wounds. Just remember, this is a blurb in you wonderful journey!
Mishap aside how did you like the Grech and it’s lithium system?
We have been loving it. We have quite a few videos where we talk about it and show quite a bit.
You guys headed to 2023 Florida Tampa RV show
Yes, we are having a Meet & Greet there on Thurs & Sat from 1-3p located at the Grech RV booth outside. We hope to see you there!
@@LivinRVision I'm home watching with my husband RV show in Ohio it's raining outside
Too bad you didn’t like fort alDeSoto, I know what Michelle means about bathrooms my wife, the same way, but hey, we use our RV bathroom why don’t you use yours? Anyway fort Desoto and surrounding areas spectacular we want to go back!
We do use ours, and we have always “occasionally” used the campgrounds as well even with our Class A and Airstream at times. It’s not always just about not liking your own bathroom.
We did a video last year about this same area. We liked it too. Check it out sometime. We just never stayed at the campground before, just drive through and included it in that same video.
😔People can be such jerks, and you know he was watching 🤬 The construction site has cameras I would check !!
That's the reason you pay a lot of money for insurance it happens but you will get it fixed 🏝🏝
Yes, but when you do something like that to someone else’s vehicle, it really gets to you…at least it did us.