I work full time at a local hospital 24 years & counting in housekeeping & am a voluteer Firefighter third generation

I was the owner/operator of a machine shop. I had lathes, mills, automatic chuckers etc. I ran the machines and even learned how to repair my machines. And I was a single mom of 3!

I've been doing van life before there was a van life. Starting at age 30 I'm now 62. People used to call us rubber tramps. Anyway I'm really proud of you and your friends of the new generation, for realizing there's so much more too life than what people are willing to explore and except. May you all have a great beautiful life. Peace out.

We are in year 13 of the original 5 year plan we had to see the world at 6 knots from the cockpit of our gracefully aging 35 ft sailboat. Being a Nomad is not for everyone. And it is not an easy life. And it takes a committed partner. But the memories and challenges can’t be found anywhere but at sea, or on the road. We are mentally preparing to swallow the hook for good next year to go live in the woods. Closing in on 70 we need at least one more new adventure. Love your channel.

I was already happy at the beginning of the video, feeling the joy of watch your adventures, your discoveries, your friendships. But then you asked that question... The guy who said he moved into a vehicle because he had cancer. BECAUSE of the cancer, not inspite of it. You see... I'm 40yo, have cancer, going through chemo, had to move back to my parents house with no money, no car, nothing but my dogs. I truthfully thought it was the end of my dreams. That even if I survived the cancer, I would never be able to have my own house, my own car... But that guy gave me hope. You all give me so much hope! Thank you!

Loved the entire video, especially the end with the individual stories. I celebrated 18 years of sobriety last week.

What's something you wouldn't believe about me? I learned later in life how to actually live life. Watching this video reminds me of how much opportunity I have let slip past me to live life to the fullest, but I am glad to have learned it even at my age. I enjoy watching how you have learned it so much earlier than I did and seeing how that manifests itself in everything you do from day to day. I wish that I had started sooner and that I could tag along with you for a week to get that experience for myself. I'll just have to get it vicariously!

I'm an American opera composer and a student animation generalist. I can write on paper anything I hear, I can play on something anything written and I can write something for anyone else to play.

I’m 50 a mom of 3 grown kids , A grandma . I had my first at 19. I’ve been away by myself once in 30 years . Traveled a lot , but not alone . I would love a Rig to travel in for a while . I’ve never really learned self sufficiency. I’m an Aquarius and very independent, can do anything (almost) on my own . But it comes from a fight or flight space . I want to learn and grow into a healthy independence ✌🏽 Thank you ! This was AWSOME BTW . It’s amazing after just a quick clip of a person being raw and vulnerable , how quickly you can feel “ I LOVE THEM “!!!

There isn’t a whole lot of difference between what your generation is doing presently and the Woodstock generation. You are learning what it’s like to live together and separately. Forging a new and exciting path for yourselves. These types experiences repeat themselves over time. I applaud you for what you’re doing. In a world increasingly falling apart. Your experiences will be the tool to help bring us back together. There has to be a willingness for this to happen. Only time will tell.

Truly real decent good people , loving and supporting community , make life worth living in real joy , that's what counts , and that gotta stand for something good . Peace and love to you all brothers and sisters .

Lyss, one of , or maybe the best videos yet ❤️ Way back in the 70's Traveling in my 66' VW camper bus...( ( Top speed 52 mph) we all descended on a small town in Louisiana ... however the locals didn't like " our kind" so it was shut down...sad...but life went on 🙏 Prior to that ..I worked on nuclear submarines at Pearl harbor repair facility specialist in pipe fittings ...worked on the reactor vessel itself...miss van life...I really do ...Bless all you folks ❤️

I am 78 but look and am seriously twenty years young and after a life of searingly difficult karma, now live on top of a hill in Tuscany with cat, friends and a beautiful son in Rome. I love all of you guys.

The weirdest part is everyone walking around with cameras filming their lives and everyone around them. I mean I get it. But still a bit weird. Good video!

I am an extrovert in an introvert soul. I chose a path in healthcare and eventually became a NP in a University Hospital, my specialty is Nephrology and while I try to be polite and considerate of my colleagues I am known as a Mama Bear where my patients, family members, and ancillary staff ALWAYS know I am in their corner. When I get home on my days off all I need is my beloved 14.5 yo and 9 yo x2 fur babies to heal me. I enjoy my own company and long for my chance to enroll in nomadic life. I live in the desert and am happiest at the beach, OBX is my favorite place on in North America.......I have travelled / lived Mexico, GB, India, Nepal, China, Japan, Iceland, and Chile. Patagonia is my favorite place on the planet. Also I really dig this Vlog, have been following since you first adopted the most beautiful Rio!

I live through several van life people on KZfaq... but I own several radio stations in the Midwest.. I love all of your vlogs and trials and tribulations.. I'm always pulling for all of you

That was a good question to ask. It's infinite the kind of answers one is getting from it. For every soul doing this leap of faith about going 'nomad' there are numerous people who are thinking about it, others that are asking themselves how to exist differently than what is required of them. The way to escape is different for everyone :)

I randomly found this channel this morning, watched a couple episodes before work, and a couple once I got home. There’s something about your videos and yourself that’s just calming and wholesome. Wish you nothing but the best Alyssa…………

What would you not believe about me? I just about survived a major stroke in December 2021 and currently cannot drive due to the loss of use in my left arm. My van is parked up and waiting to travel . I am a prisoner in my own body and I am really struggling to find inner peace xxx Seeing you and Rio also makes me unbelievably happy. Thankyou so much for that 😍 xxx

Somthing you wouldn't believe about me 🤔? I was a commercial fisherman from the pacific northwest Astoria Oregon. I was on the fate hunter in one of the biggest storms to hit the Oregon coast. in 2007 crabbing..Crab pots we're stacked five high with a cap took white wash they looked like empty pop cans sliding across the deck...falling in to the ocean. Kelly Smotherman yells forget it!!! We back tack home..later that night I found that we we're vertical in sixty foot swell we had two Detroit diesels 671 as our main. I think I should be dead.. however im writing this 😶

Wow, that would be way too overwhelming for me. So many people and so many cameras!

You know what would make your home even more amazing than it already is, imagine if you continued the paint job on the front door, matching your sharp lines and colors, I think it would look sweet, I could do it for you for free if you swing threw St George, Utah also it's beautiful here the vistas are insane in my opinion especially around dusk-ish

Always beautiful....Life is a journey(like the nomad)taking us from one place to another, teaching us spiritually, mentally and physically until we reach the final destination which is Love where we can settle and remain for eternity....

I follow Maddie Taylor and you. It was so cool seeing you two talking to each other. I love Bend and their craft beer scene.

What a great group of people.You are fortunate to have met them

That the happiest I've ever been was after I got paralyzed from a dirtbike crash.

Looks like a blast!!! Awesome folks enjoying the moment!! Thank you for sharing ♥️

I used to be a pastor of a large non profit college house in NM, lost faith but still work hard at helping people anyway I can.

I'm a 69year old nomad. I think I'm just beginning. I started my adventure in 2020. I was in a Mercury Grand Marquis. I've been in Eastern Florida, staying in Thousand Trails Rv Parkes, public lands, controlled by the of water management districts around Florida. I wanted to leave Florida before me hurricane season, in North Carolina up into Green Mountain which is a Thousand Trails Park. From there I went out to Texas it's been a month out there. I only came back to Florida to renew my driver's license. That's all done if I ever get out of here again I may never come back. I did destroy my vehicle. A Grand Marquis is not a Jeep and if you drive it like one you will wear it out. That's what I did. I basically sold it for the cost of having it towed and now I'm waiting on picking up a new vehicle. This is a four-wheel drive Ford SUV. Proceed myself going out I-10 through Texas and into the West. From there I have no plan. About 2 months away I'm getting my new car so right now I'm stranded in a city called Wauchula in Florida. I watch the videos constantly of you and many others and I can't wait to get out there and be one of you for real. I wish you all luck and I know I'll need some good luck. Take care and I hope to see you real soon I really do!

Hi Beautiful, I always love watching your videos, your smile brightens my day. And something that you would believe about me in 2007 I was in a near death car accident I was in a coma for 10 days I could not walk for 2 yrs because of my injuries.

I love this video so much!! The community you’ve created- asking the questions of others and their authentic responses. It shows how comfortable you can be in your own vulnerability. Kudos Lissa 👏🏻👏🏻

Alyssa, you are in such good company with such great people!

Wow thank you for this video! I’m a widower at 65, 16 months, we considered this lifestyle before my wife died. Now it could be a nomad life for me alone…..such a community

Hi Aylass, From Las Vegas. I love watching your journey and it's so much fun seeing all of these beautiful places you are stopping at. You showing us your journey is like being right there with you. I didn't click on the notification last night so I had to do the replay instead of seeing premiere version of this video. You all look like you're having so much fun in these beautiful place as a group and just showing up as a community and I look forward to your next video. Thank you for taking us along with you to see all these wonderful places, that we all wish we could do but until then I'll watch through your eyes and hope everything stays just as grand as it has been so far. Stay safe and we'll see on the next video. Eric from Las Vegas.

What a fantastic journey. Thank you for sharing these unique stories of nomad life.

With this video you have really blossomed into an extraordinary storyteller, writer, videographer, liver of and communicator of life, as you see it. It feels you have come to expect a more positive outcome of life in general. To expect that things are always working out for you. This is wonderful to see. I applaud you! The narration over footage is excellent. Your sense of timing is superb. The musical accompaniment is judicious, inspiring and appropriate. Your volumes are also good. This is good enough to be on Netflix. Thanks for being you. And sharing it. :)

Quite honestly, I think many of these people are spiritual and live in the moment. I suspect many are starseeds who are here to help people ascend to a better place. I never felt like I fit in, but I bet I would fit in here. Much love to you and your community. 💝

Thank you for opening your story of life in a flash. This episode was tremendous looking at the mini lives and friends that you have made in this lifestyle. It’s always wonderful to me to see people like you intelligent caring and it looks like you love life. Stay safe out there

Thanks! For being vulnerable and sharing, enjoying your journey.

I loved the Q&A part at the end...really resonates. 💕

This was fantastic, Lyss! You guys are living life to the fullest! So much fun seeing you all enjoying each other's company and stories about your experiences with van life in your "Nomad culture". What a "dust bowl"!!! Celebrating Bart with a "Bartday" was exceptionally fun to watch.🤗 Thanks for sharing your awesome experience with us. Always looking forward to seeing your next video. Until then, safe travels and much love to you and Rio.💞

I'm glad you were able to make it to Decend. It looked like alot of fun.

Yet again another masterful and wholesome story. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

I'm a new subscriber and follow a few vanlifers. I'm considering it in the not too distant future. Your voice is life ASMR it's so soothing and calming. Bon voyage ❤️

THIS is why I love to travel and meet people. I believe we can learn something from everyone. Getting to know one another and respecting choices is amazing. About me: I worked for an engineering company and quit at 52 years old so I could travel. I haven't worked since and don't plan to. Prior to that I was in the military for 27 years! Looks like you met up with a very fun group of people! Hugs from Texas!

So good to see the amazing community. I'm an extreme introvert myself, saved from unemployment by being allowed to work from home for the past 14 years. I could work from anywhere but two things prevent me from van/bus-life: I'm mechanically inept, to a point where I can't change oil, and my wife can't work remote and after 27 years of marriage I don't want to leave her behind (I love her more than anything). Maybe someday. In the meantime, keep sharing your videos!

I’ve joined numerous nomadic channels on KZfaq and I really enjoy them all. Yours seem to be the most heartwarming. It’s personal without being revealing and very thought provoking. Thank you so much for opening up your life to us❤❤❤❤❤

This was an awesome video. You’re such an incredible story teller!

Keep up with the great vibes!!! Can't wait to see your next videos

Awesome video I really enjoyed it! I enjoy all your videos but it was nice to see you not being alone so much and you’re able to interact with others. I think the soul needs that!

So blown by Maddie Taylor's statement! I am a wannabe Vanlifer and I have had a schoolbus that I couldn't ever live in. I got it in Winter all full of junq and for years I just stored stuff in it. I spent all my money on making my 1999 Honda Odyssey ready for Vanlife all Spring and Summer. My Ex borrowed it Saturday night and hit an Elk with it on Sunday morning. We had agreed that I would become the new owner of his 1999 Denali if anything happened to my Van. So I start over with a GMC 1999 Denali. I am going to pick up my moving pace and flee ASAP before something else. happens. Thanks for the motivating video.

Such a joyful video. I thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end. And I loved the end where you asked a few of them to describe something about themselves that people wouldn't know. This was such a wonderful way to see just how diverse the group was which was something you mentioned early in the video. I found myself wishing the whole thing was longer. Really great.

Loved that you were able to be with people that do the same thing you do n enjoy the love theses people show.it just makes me so happy to see people getting together like this n truly enjoying themselves.huggs.till your next video

Awesome video, Lyss! Be proud of how far you've come!

Glad to see your taking some time to have fun

I hitched on the road in my teen years, saw some folk living in buses and vans. Always wanted to live that life, but being civilized and working a job took over. You and the others are doing what I should have done at your age, but did not feel empowered to do so. thankfully I get to live that dream through all of you. Keep strong in self, smiles for miles...

That looks like a crazy time. So much fun. It reminds me of something skydivers call a Boogie. Divers would come from all over the world to participate. During the day, non-stop skydiving. At night, a great big party, every night! The entire airport was full of RVs and tents. So, happy birthday to Bart. His was the 28th, mine was the 25th. Let's hear it for the August kids.

you guys are amazing, love seeing your adventurers. this was so great to see. thank you for sharing.

What an awesome experience for you. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for more.

Every glimpse into the unknown, strengthens the soul’s resilience. Bravo Lady!! You are so inspiring and heartfelt.

This episode was more fun to watch than expected, kudos to the growing channel & fun nomad life. Great to see the positive evolution of you.

That’s a great video. Van life got ups and downs but you got community with they’re own van life’s. That makes it special. Love it 😎😎😎🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️

This is an amazing video, you expressed everything perfectly. So reassuring at the end of the video, everyone went through their own struggle or something that inspired them. We were so glad to have met you guys at Descend, Literally forever changed my perspective!

Great video.... You did such a good job explaining what it means to live the Nomad life from the perspective of so many different people.

Something you wouldn't believe about me... I have lived in my van for over two years now and have been to afraid to leave my state! 🥺 Although I have let go of caring what others think of me (besides those I care for), I am so fearful of never fitting in anywhere and feel this is my place (with the nomads 💕) so if I were to not fit in.... well, I'd b devastated!! Great vid btw!! You are extremely insightful!!! ✌🏼🧡

Would you believe that I enjoy watching video's about a woman and her very personable dog travelling the highways and byways of the US. Finding family wherever she goes. From the High lone to the deserts of the Southwest. Visually engaging and a little narrative prose. and occasionally some poetry. Solo sometime but rarely alone.

First I am glad you interviewed Maddie Taylor. You 2 are my favorite van-lifers KZfaqrs. You would not believe I have been an Episcopal Priest for 43 years. Almost chucked it all 25 years ago. But I found a new calling as intentional interim. I help Episcopal parishes transition between settled pastors. So I have somewhat of a nomadic identity. 11 churches in those 25 years. I say hello and help them along and say good bye Also you wouldn’t know interfaith and humanistic agnosticism relationships are important to me too

This is probably my favorite video of yours. You speak a ton of truth and that is refreshing. To the very cool guy from BasicallyNomads… Just watching this video and watching everyone gather together was making me feel exactly how you feel. I have that exact anxiety just watching the video. I am full-time in a travel trailer and really long for that kind of community gathering and friendship. Thank you for being honest and sharing your anxiety. You also, are not alone.

Wow. So nice to know you have friends that you can hang out with. That's a huge group.

Something you would not believe about me? I did not read my first book cover to cover until I was 38 years old. After being labeled with a learning disability at a very young age I developed a belief that i could not read. So I had given up on books as a source of information. I turned to learning what I could from hands on experience and spoken words. Now I am finding out that reading was never the issue, it was simple the subject matter of the books that were presented to me. The books are now starting to pile up, with titles like " Think and Grow Rich" "The Science of Getting Rich" and" The Four Agreements" I am finally starting to figure out who I am and where I fit in. Thanks again for your content. All the time and effort you put into sharing your experiences is appreciated. Also I would like to invite you to look up the definition of the word "Rich".

Great video. You made the best Descend 22 video I have seen yet. I am 59 and saving to get on the road again. I took a long hiatus when I had my son in 99. One thing people don't know about me is I do all my own repairs...like on everything from vehicles to appliances. From installing a tranny in a parking lot and replumbed a house. If it's broken, I will fix it. Again, best Descend 2022 video yet. 🧘🙏🏻🌎☮️ Daily

How fun. What a wonderful group of people ♥️

Refreshing to see such honesty and introspection. It is truly inspirational to follow your journey of self discovery. You demonstrate extraordinary bravery, both in sharing your inner thoughts, and in your solo travel. Thanks for showing us some amazing country too.

This vlog was so much fun. Thanks for taking us along on your trip with all your friends.

I knew this was going to be good Lyss - just did not expect it to be this good! First time in a long time that courtesy of yourself/KZfaq a gathering of many folks for sake of just getting together and enjoying time with one another. No crap about politics; nationality; rich vs. poor; tall short, fat, skinny or any other such garbage as their is to much of today. It also made me jealous and gets me to start having different ideas about many things. Everyone truly really cared deeply about everyone else 100%+! All appear to have had a really good time and good clean fun so to speak. You mention about all the folks that gathered being "on the fringe of society"? I disagree as this more of how it was years past and should be again in the sense of folks caring about others around them and no being judgemental about nothing as well as making assumptions about others i.e. "judging a book by it's cover" without opening the book and getting the whole story/all the facts. From the amount of folks who gathered there and the fact that the nomad community is a growing community and becoming more "main stream" all the time - goes with tiny house living whether it be physical home that is stationary or in this case - folks whose homes are 100% mobile. I will add in that I personally believe any home 1000" sq. ft of smaller is by my definition either tiny home or small home as to many believe that a small home is say 2500' to 3000' sq ft which is nuts! That just looked like so so much fun. What would you not believe about me? Your question. The fact that I am a believer in giving people 3 chances (& sometimes more) to provide proof to me they are not jerks so to speak. When I meet anyone I do not have some predetermined assumption of them - let them show who they really are i.e. everyone starts the same until they have provided proof to the contrary @ least 3 times or more. Something I learned long ago going to a college that had students, instructors, etc. from 91 different countries. What would I not believe about you Lyss? Something not in your videos......🤔 Totally awesome episode - completely hands down! 🤗🤗🤗 Take Care; Stay well and stay safe always! Looking forward to the next video you post as always.... 🙂🙂🙂

Outstanding awesome beautiful strong and brilliant community I say with my eyes full of tears of joy. Maybe I’ll see you all there one day. Thank you so much for sharing this video. One love🤟🔥

I loved every second of this! It was so amazing meeting you at bend!

Really nice, refreshing, restructuring jump from showing a unique/normal social gathering surface level environment to give a bit of deepness and trascendence with your final question. I felt strongly identified with the first interviewed. Ie: at the beginning of the meeting, I was wondering if I would be able to feel at ease with all these fellow nomads!. Gotta be about what it is called our "interpersonal intelligence", whether if we have it developed or we nurture it, it would make us more socially inclined, or quite the opposite? Or maybe none of the opposites, and as always, there's a fluctuation of the energy of all through us, and we would like to integrate all of it slowly, like creating wine, or cheese. It takes time, and we gotta take care of what goes inside!!!

Always look forward to your videos and really enjoy watching what you do. Something you wouldn’t believe about me, I live with depression since my wife left me, gave up working as I can’t cope with that reality anymore. I started my channel about 18 months ago, it keeps me sane and prevents me from allowing my depression to take everything from me

This is some heavy fun and great content! Thanks for sharing! you're a natural report/journalist and great story teller!

Looks like so much fun!!!!!!!! What a great community! 😎☀️☮️👍

I so envy you younger folk. My wife and I started living a bit of the mobile life when we bought an older RV this year. While far from living fulltime in the rig, I am a remote worker/digital nomad who has had "itchy feet" (wanderlust) since my youth. I traveled extensively before meeting my wife and settling down for 25 years, but now we are starting to get out there more in our RV. The reason I so envy you guys is that you have created a community of like minded young nomads. Such community spirit didn't exist when I was your age, and I somehow feel that I missed the boat (so to speak), and that time has relegated me to the "old folks club". I would love to experience gatherings like this, but at damn near 60' I think I would feel "out of place"; at least it looked, from your video, that this is definitely a younger person gathering. Besides, I don't have a cool skoolie conversion, just a your run of the mill, boring 17 year old motorhome. ;-)

That I worked in our National Radio and Television and the last programme was screening live calls before going to 'air'. My career was varied and lasted for 43 years. Over the past 4 years I fell upon the videos of Van Lifers and wondered if I was meant to live this way instead of the route I took. The safe financial route. Great video & good narration. Hugs to you.🍀💚🍀💚🍀

I have been watching as many videos of this lifestyle and how to build a bus- my life took a turn 3 years ago that I never thought was possible and it left me alone and lost- I thought having a house of my own would help me find my way-😮 nope that was not the answer- I have always wanted a skoolie but I always thought that the cost was out of my reach- so I gave up on the dream- well I turned 57 this year and I have made the decision to live my dream and build my dream bus- my lease is up June 1 - so I have started selling everything that has been weighing me down and I am looking for the perfect bus… I am beyond excited to start working on the journey of living my life fully….. thank you for being my inspiration to live life again…

Wow! So enjoyed all :) especially your creates, eg with Bart day and the question at the end and so on. Continue truckin' :)

Ive been chasing some kind of spiritual attainment and/or experience for 30 in one way or another. Now I realise that everything I was searching for is inside me. There is no-one to become, nowhere to go and nothing to do. “Just breathe and don’t resist, everything else is taken care of” is kind of my mantra. Appearances will continue to arise, good and bad and I’m ok with all of it. I’ve found peace to some degree. That “daring” attitude that once was turned outward is now turned inwards towards real freedom.

Have a safe weekend! Love your travel video stories. 💜

Loved the interviews at the end. Great stuff!

Gotta love these videos that you create. Always full of life and surprises with every adventure. Just watched a video from Leave Her Wild and Jaylena, Isaac and Ember were also at Descend on Bend. Always love watching your videos, Alyssa. You never know where life will take you next. Descend on Bend was certainly a surprise. I'm happy that you had such a great time seeing friends and all there.

I know there a lot more Nomads out there, but goodness, I did not expect to see this many vans in one location. So cool, if you guys have figured it out, and truly enjoy living as Nomads, if it means complete freedom, happiness, and independence.

Cool gathering Alyssa, I love it!

Perfectly said, great friends and a good time

Hi I just started watching you 3 days ago. LOL Your snowfall in the mountains of CO Then you came here to Utah. I first wanted to tell you How wonderful you are. I am 52 and I feel similar to the way you feel. Always remember You are a fantastic person! Just Be You!!

This was a really great Video!!! Looked like an awesome time in Bend. Which already is an awesome town. Stay safe, Keep dancing 💃

That's my hometown! I left three weeks ago to bicycle 3000 miles through washington, BC, montana, Idaho and oregon. So glad you got to experience that meetup, I'll have to go there next year!

Looking forward to seeing you again

I love that you have a full size stove in your van!

I LOVE YUR VIDS... THEY MAKE MY HEART WARM. THANK YOU. SUPER STOKED YA GOT TO BE WITH YUR PEEPS. I KNOW THAT FEELING WHEN I GET TO GO TO BONNEVILLE SPEEDWEEK EACH YEAR.

I loved everything about this video!!!!💜

Looks like a fantastic get together. I follow Maddie as well, great to know you know each other. Safe journeys.