Van Life | Falling in Love with the Road Again

Рет қаралды 76,612

2 жыл бұрын

Every year for the past four years, I’ve left the Pacific Northwest to chase warmer weather. This year, I considered renting a place for the winter and taking a break from the road. But it's nearly February and I still have no plans to stay in one place. Instead, I think I've fallen in love with the road all over again. Thanks for being here ♡
In this video: ‪@goingfarther_films‬ @everchanginghorizon @nathanielwise
1:01 this sucks
1:59 time to leave
2:35 alabama hills
3:49 this happens every year
4:57 welcome home
5:32 insane sunrise
7:31 take it easy
9:24 dusty roads
10:13 car camping and campfire
11:59 an unwelcome guest
Links to ALL my favorite photography, road life & camping essentials 🛒**ps I get a small kickback when you purchase using these links, thanks for your support :) christianschaffer.art/faq-gear
Come say hi over on Instagram ♡ / christianschaffer
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Hey :) I’m Christian Schaffer, and I’ve lived on the road full-time since May 2018. This journey began in 2013 when I left the corporate world to build my career as an outdoor adventure & travel photographer. As a semi-minimalist, I eventually decided to donate/sell most of my belongings and move into my 4x4 Nissan Xterra. After 14 months of SUV living and falling madly in love with the open road - I bought a van and hired a team to build it out. Van life enables me to experience and document the beauty of our natural world on a whole new level, all while having my home and office nearby. My hope is that by sharing my own personal highs and lows along this (sometimes) wild journey, you might be inspired to hit the road or spend more time outdoors. Maybe one day I'll see you out on that open road..
*My van is a 2019 Ram ProMaster 1500 High Roof, 136" WB with 36K miles* 🚐
#vanlife #offgrid #campervan

Пікірлер: 420

@conniehamilton1781 2 жыл бұрын

The pacing of your videos allows one to fully appreciate and slowly breathe in your exquisite talent of capturing the beauty of nature. Even the cadence and tone of your voice makes your visuals that much more enchanting, mesmerizing. You stand alone in this cadre of vlogging vanlifers. You bring so much more. Thank you for sharing with us. 💕

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you Connie 🥲💕

@smithsmith5290 2 жыл бұрын

💯 she’s a truly wonderful artist and talented photographer 🥰

@rondav3065 2 жыл бұрын

Christian, I have to agree with all these comments… the pacing and cadence is leaves just enough for us to enjoy each special moment. Nothing is super hyper or over amped. Just perfect. Thanks!

@jsutherland1043 2 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad others can express the thoughts I cannot. Connie, beautifully said and spot on. I always look forward to anything Christian posts...simply beautiful...in ALL respects.

@EnlightenMewithJoePena 2 жыл бұрын

Loved reading your comment, Connie. So well said.

@SFlaidlaw101 2 жыл бұрын

I've really begun to fall in love with your distinct style of filming the nature around you, and storytelling. It feels like we are two people just chilling with each other 💕❤️

@mathiassiebert1217 2 жыл бұрын

I am sorry to say, but you are three. I am also there ...

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

I love that 🥲 thanks Shifairah

@chrstein 2 жыл бұрын

Me four :)

@mathiassiebert1217 2 жыл бұрын

@@chrstein Hello Christoffer: Perhaps then you, Shifairah and me, we should buy us an own Van and follow Christian ... wow, I think she would go mad ... haha

@kasparsc 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Christian, your vlogs are among the best on YT. Being away from home for a long time myself, your videos always makes me feel just a little bit warmer at heart. Please never stop :) Kaspars

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

You are too kind 🥲🙏🏻 So happy you like them

@queeniepop2058 2 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you are feeling back at home on the road again! That one shot of you perched on the far edge of a cliff looking spot freaked me out! No shot is worth a fall! I know you are careful but I gotta say it anyway. BE CAREFUL!!!!! 💗 😙

@zeroceiling 2 жыл бұрын

I like the small minimalistic touches in your vids…not the least of which is the music….but also just the short little shot of the rustic planter of cacti along for the ride!

@SarahRotavera 2 жыл бұрын

I just discovered your channel a few weeks ago and have been working my way through all of your videos. You produce the most beautiful content. I like to watch a few episodes at night before bed and they are so calming, almost therapeutic for me. You are truly an artist behind the lens. You need to start a Patreon so we can support you to keep up the incredible work!

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you Sarah 🤍 I’ve been thinking about starting a Patreon, just brainstorming what kind of added value I could provide on a platform like that. It’s really encouraging to hear that you’d support it ☺️🙏🏻

@awkwarddog88 2 жыл бұрын

I’m a newbie to your channel too, and agree completely. Honestly, I’m a patron for a few other creators and I rarely go check out their extra stuff specifically for members. I’m just grateful to have the avenue to throw down some support for them. I don’t think it needs to be transactional “content for support” kind of thing. We want to support you because what you are providing makes us feel things and already adds value to our day to day. So thank you 😊

@aerosjerry2315 2 жыл бұрын

I can so relate to the simple ecstacy of a heater in the van, takes me back to my days snuggled up next to the heater on my boat in Sausalito with the weather raging outside, nothing quite like it. Stunning work Christian.

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

It feels like a little hideaway from the world - reminds me of building forts when I was a kid 🤓

@user-cd3pd8de6p 4 ай бұрын

WOW ! Christain.... I've this twice now....Your so talented ! You have such an eye, no knack for capturing beauty.... and such appropriate musical accompaniment ! I so enjoy your work ! You just can't walk away from watching one of your vids without feeling so good and refreshed.... Thank you thank you ❤ D.

@colinbrowne8022 2 жыл бұрын

your stories are like a good dose of vitamins ...Thanks

@lawrencegraziose9093 11 ай бұрын

I, too, am in the Church of Beauty fed by many years of backpacking. I'm an artist & totally love love love your aesthetic sensibility, and how it pervades all you to do. I also totally admire how you have integrated your livelihood with what you love. You follow your "Bliss" realizing your Dharma! A major challenge in this day & age. LIFE AS ART. I recently saw how some Nomads are using curtains/wall hangings printed with scenic nature photos. Only the quality is "kitch." It does serve to give some visual relief from a chaotic, cramped space or serve the feel of a window to our beloved wilderness. Fabrics so easily transform a space, turning a bed rooms into a temple or create a window where there is none. Soooo it would be so cool to have available some quality fabric printed with your stunning photos! Fabric is much more adaptable to move, carry, & hang rather than a rigid framed piece. The feeling of a wilderness scene on a wall is such a relief for those of us nature lovers stuck in towns & cities.

@PeteCalandra 2 жыл бұрын

Really love the stories you tell, the visual images you capture but most of all, the pacing of your videos. For an oldster like me, it’s refreshing. lol . Thank you.

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Happy that you like them 🥲🙏🏻

@shannonpuckett6604 2 жыл бұрын

You’re living the life I long for!! Thanks for sharing so I can live this through you! I love seeing videos in what a typical day in the van life is- showering, getting ready and all. I also enjoy the beautiful landscapes you capture. Just incredible!!!

@_portis 2 жыл бұрын

always so nice to see a new upload. I'm in Canada, on an island, during a pandemic (stage 4 here still). It's really raining and cold, but had a snow melt overnight. It's nice to see you this morning, parked oceanside, with the side door wide open.... and through sandy mountainous vistas. wish!!

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Hopefully warm weather is on the way 🤞🏻 How long is the current lockdown for?

@_portis 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChristianSchaffer warm weather is a long way off where I am haha. Many people here usually fly south for some relief in non-pandemic years. I think the stages here and mostly influenced by the number of available ICU beds. You're quite the videographer btw, great flow, how you mix in live action with scenic views.. love the fire scene at the end, . Great little way for many to start a weekend morning :) Cheers

@sevenhells1022 2 жыл бұрын

The spider at the end was truly funny. Loved that you put it in a glass and dumped it outside. They don't come back in. I put a glass over the spiders I get inside, slide a postcard between them and the surface they are on and then gently place them on the ground outside. I always feel that life is precious regardless of form. And, we may be that spider one day. Another fantastic vid!

@kna3577 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for loading this video, I love your unchained freedom! there are a lot of snowbirds in places like AZ, NM, TX and other southern states. You are living a dream that I wish I had.

@EnlightenMewithJoePena 2 жыл бұрын

Watching with a cup of coffee on a Sunday morning. Calm voice, near silent meal making, picturesque vistas, Sublime.

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

I’m so honored to be part of your Sunday 🥲🙏🏻

@justindodge7147 2 жыл бұрын

Love the sunsets and all the beautiful scenes you've captured! Very happy to see ya on the road again!😊

@DinoEvangelista 2 жыл бұрын

Love that landscape! Such an amazing video, as always! Can't wait for the next one!

@teddeonarine6281 2 жыл бұрын

10 thumbs up for this vid, love every minute of it. Love the hair. Welcome back Nate.

@rich1184 2 жыл бұрын

your life is filled with adventure and peaceful times . I sometimes find myself drifting away with you in these videos. Stay safe and thanks for sharing

@malenabowker563 2 жыл бұрын

I adore your videos! You are so inspiring, and I love your point of view and following along with your journey. Thank you for sharing, and happy trails!

@imperfectadventure 2 жыл бұрын

Another absolutely stunning set of beautiful shots and voiceover. Love the way you tell your story in such a soothing manner.💚

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

thanks for the love 🙏🏻

@amberwilson8154 2 жыл бұрын

I'm certain Mr. Spider was so impressed with your kindness that if he had family in there, he made sure they followed him out to the wilderness. Thanks for your awesome vids!

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

I sure hope so 😅

@ariellesoullighting4309 2 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

@raymonddimuzio3339 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for another amazing video. I love when you just show us the beauty of your surroundings and let us meditate on view.

@SoundArtMagic 2 жыл бұрын

such a beautiful video. i’m so inspired and can’t wait to get on the road more to field record. thanks for sharing your journey and happy travels!

@dorkladytravels 2 жыл бұрын

Oh my goodness, these videos are so beautifully shot with stories well-told, truly an inspiration!

@smithsmith5290 2 жыл бұрын

Another incredible vlog! I love the rich, golden, otherworldly footage of the landscapes combined with the quiet comfort of everyday life interspersed throughout. Thank you so much for sharing your travels and your work on YT Christian! It’s truly a pleasure!🥰

@roadsweride_pt 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Chris, you always manage to give me a sense of peace and tranquility in all your videos… I just love it! Keep up this good vibes in your work. Sending a big hug from Portugal 🇵🇹

@MatteaCarson 2 жыл бұрын

I love love love this video, so many dreamy scenes! I honestly can’t wait to see your sand dune adventures. Those textures and colours are everything. Enjoy 💕

@mitchl6341 2 жыл бұрын

As always, I enjoyed your video. Absolutely beautiful scenery, you capture the sunset/sunrise so well. I really hope to see it all with my own eyes some day but until then I’m thankful to see it with yours. Btw, the spider out roll was really amusing.

@Brenda-gv3cc 2 жыл бұрын

It makes a person want to be there, the way you captivate everything, really beautiful 🤩

@jasonbull4759 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Christian, your videos are so inspirational, your living the dream, the van life looks soo firkin awesome, please don't stop uploading your amazing videos they make my day 👌😊

@cskvision 2 жыл бұрын

Spectacular Christian. This brings back many memories doing summer van road trips all over the western states in the 90s as a kid

@MariahAlice 2 жыл бұрын

I had to wait to watch this video until I was somewhere beautiful, because I knew all I'd want to do after watching is run straight back to those hills lol. Also: the voiceover style suits you so well

@btdpi 2 жыл бұрын

Your videos are some of the best produced and shot on KZfaq. So awesome!

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Too kind 🥲🙏🏻

@goingfarther_films 2 жыл бұрын

Such an awesome vid Christian! Those conditions in the hills looked epic. See ya on the road again soon!

@meagangassler6722 2 жыл бұрын

I so enjoy your videos! You are honest and have a wonderful eye for the beauty in nature!

@ontheroadwithralph1530 2 жыл бұрын

Seriously, Nathaniel needs to start a campground cooking channel. And I chuckled when you talked about places where artist/photographers are often attracted, as you surveyed the Badlands from Font's Point.

@alex_spence1 2 жыл бұрын

Every video gets better and better. The shots are cleaner and the colors pop. Huge fan of your work! Keep it up!

@corinalrose 2 жыл бұрын

So good! Thank you for being you 💗

@cellistefly 2 жыл бұрын

Very calming and settling to enjoy this episode. Thank you Christian! : )

@Parkitloveit 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for making me smile and relax while watching your beautiful videos ❤️ I wish you all the best and good luck 🍀

@jameslee9868 2 жыл бұрын

I watch your videos now everytime you upload and i only first found your channel a few weeks ago. Your story telling is amazing and your video is inspiring me to sharpen my cinematography skills! Love the video!

@pascalblanchet4881 2 жыл бұрын

I thoroughly enjoy you videos. I love the scenic pictures you take. Keep them coming.

@TheJennflip 2 жыл бұрын

Somebody is having a great time,gorgeous to boot!!! Good luck in all your endeavors!!!!!

@DavidMartin369 2 жыл бұрын

Looooooove the Alabama Hills and that shot of the van driving down the iconic road. So inspiring!

@ArielleShipe 2 жыл бұрын

All your meals look SO good! Always love watching your adventures, Christian! You are such an amazing storyteller

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Aw thanks love, I miss you! Hope I get to see you sometime this year ❤️

@davidshaw577 2 жыл бұрын

You have a great way of capturing the beauty in our planet in an immersive and genuine manner. I always feel de-stressed after watching your content, thank you !

@caromurray6152 2 жыл бұрын

Love all the scenery, especially those in the desert. Love the outback here in Australia; the bluest of skies, reddest earth & the white of the ghost gums-magical.😊

@JosephPuplava 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice choreography and soft-spoken words. Your voice is so charming and I can listen to this all day. Great job putting the video together. 👍

@highervibeshealth75 2 жыл бұрын

Gorgeous scenery and storytelling as always! I’m from So Cal and my husband and I have spent so much time in Big Sur and love that area. And we’re in the PNW in WA now so I love seeing all your stuff up here too… and all over really 💖

@justinberrell240 2 жыл бұрын

One of the most underrated channels on KZfaq. Christian you have such a great eye and your storytelling pace is spot on.

@kennethkawamitsu5048 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome Video ☺️ Thank you for taking the time to shoot, edit and post! So refreshing seeing such amazing views of the outdoors.

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kenneth 🙏🏻

@Hereandnow3 2 жыл бұрын

Entirely…what the people say! You do speak to heart and show how there is no separation of nature and being. Love your work. Thanks for sharing with all of us. 💕💝

@nigelyeates8789 2 жыл бұрын

Superb and breathtaking collection of images and memories made Christian. The Alabama Hills look other worldly. Inspiring. I thought I was the only one who emptied the pepper grinder on my food :)

@northcoastoutdoorchannel 2 жыл бұрын

Such a beautiful sunrise! Fantastic job capturing it, Nathaniel and yourself are very talented!

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the love 🥲🙏🏻

@cindygarnett8118 2 жыл бұрын

I stop whatever I am doing to watch as soon as I see a new video from you has uploaded. Thanks for the great content. So relaxing and inspirational.

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Aw that makes me so happy 🥲🙏🏻 thank you

@ririlan2137 2 жыл бұрын

Just glad to see you back :))

@bannerpage 2 жыл бұрын

Was so looking forward to this one

@rajat74778 2 жыл бұрын

I always admire your personality and ability to show the things you wanted to show . It’s wonderful really . You love for travel, nature , music it shows everything. I never miss any of your episode in fact some of the episode i watched 2/3 times I hope and wish god give you the strength to keep doing what you do . Cheers and love ❤️

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

That makes me so happy 🥲🙏🏻 thanks for the support

@jamesstephens6941 2 жыл бұрын

Always nice to hear and see you. I’m excited to see and hear how New Mexico turned out. Cold this time of year. Please say hello to Nita if you see her. Peace from Ofie Toby.

@cocochanel9291 2 жыл бұрын

I miss my life on the road. I swear there must be some gypsy in my DNA or a penchant for exploration of nature. Thanks for taking us along. from a friend stuck in the snow north of the border !

@jojokaleido 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful shots! It looked like another world! 😍

@Banagal 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing the beautiful scenes with your photos and videography. This was like having desert for breakfast!

@TonyGouge 2 жыл бұрын

Always enjoy seeing a video from you drop. And this one was a treat. You have such a good eye for photography and videography.

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Tony 🥲🙏🏻

@RETIRE2024 2 жыл бұрын

Always love the videos you have a great eye for scenery. THANK YOU

@moses777exodus 2 жыл бұрын

Your videos are so relaxing to watch after a long and hectic day. Watching the guys cook dinner, while you chopped firewood was delightful :) Maybe some bug repellent in your linen storage might help. Thanks for sharing your adventures and best wishes always.

@Dsgn7 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely breathtaking skies!

@1MrBanff 2 жыл бұрын

Jealous! I plan on doing this one day. Life on the road, taking photos and making videos of wildlife and nature. Living in the moment and slowing down. Meeting new people, checking out new places, ect Keep up the great work !

@ikigu 2 жыл бұрын

Chef's kiss, as always. Can't wait for the next one.

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

🥲🙏🏻

@NoOverhead 2 жыл бұрын

Great video!!! Absolutely KILLED those landscape shots!

@brontewiener6558 2 жыл бұрын

Captivated. Thank you for everything you share

@butcherknife59knife46 2 жыл бұрын

Crazy!! Lady I was thinking of you today. I was catching up on some of my KZfaq channels and it’s late but I said heck ya and poured a glass of Liberty Creek Cab and watched your display of Art! LOL Glad to hear your safely back and doing your thing for work. Getting outside with your travels in your van. Thanks again for taking US along! Stay safe and warm till next time . Around Bend Oregon out ! Spring is just around the corner

@drewsimms 2 жыл бұрын

Catching up on your videos! Makes me really want to get back to alabama hills!

@Darkest_Soul_187 2 жыл бұрын

What I like about this channel is that you're not desperate to put out these videos like a lot of KZfaqrs out there. You only release them when you have something interesting to say/show. I hope it stays that way🙂

@ariellesoullighting4309 2 жыл бұрын

I agree with all the compliments about your pacing, photography, editing, music choices, voice overs. And most of them are much more eloquent than I could be. However, I'm pretty sure that all the comments help your channel so....

@davemerrill1477 2 жыл бұрын

Another amazing video, I just love your pictures and storytelling. You even got in some One Wheel. I keep pushing to get my van build completed so I can visit some of these amazing places.

@DK-et6lm 2 жыл бұрын

Another lovely Sunday morning upload. I’m so jealous of your lifestyle.

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 🥲🙏🏻

@markj10 2 жыл бұрын

Agree wholeheartedly about your statement with “something very comforting about being on the road”

@donnawarmouth9329 2 жыл бұрын

Wow!!! Stunning 🤩

@bluetexas001 2 жыл бұрын

this is beyond incredible. I'm speechless.

@montana1951 2 жыл бұрын

Another fine video. Not only is Your video & photography excellent but Your use & choice of music is superb. Wayne...

@JM-pu1iv 2 жыл бұрын

Christian! So great to see you back on the road. Just a loving note: Please be careful standing on those cliffs with huge drops below. Want you to be safe! It is the mother in me. Thank you for your gorgeous videos.

@xavier11963 2 жыл бұрын

MERCI MERCI MERCI 😊 it's such a great pleasure to see your view of nature ! I never imagine Alabama so gorgeous ! It's always a pleasure to follow your adventure so original, humain,simple and never, never never boring 🤗

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching ☺️🙏🏻

@johnsimpson8198 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful video Christian, so many Epic shots,,stay safe girl!

@ronweed2030 2 жыл бұрын

The desert is awesome. It is like the skeletal structure of landscape. Once filled with water, and plants, now reduced to the underpinnings. Even though an amateur photographer - with some low budget side work in my past - I have photo opp envy. Now to get serious: you noted that shooting sunrise at that one location in the chilly air - then to get inside the toasty van and ...get a large coffee - was heaven. Yes this is one of "the" major signs of a caffeine junkie 😁. Symptoms include poor tennis playing, road wander lust, and KZfaq-ing 😄. Okay - actually being serious - good video. Though I noticed this in the first video of yours that randomly popped into my feed - which I kept ignoring at first - typical - but obviously eventually watched -- it is interesting to see there are several people living this way and coming together to aid each other and share time whilst adventuring. Impossible not to root for you guys.

@robinnshaw 2 жыл бұрын

amazing the way you put this all together !

@vancrosby794 2 жыл бұрын

Hey! Welcome back! Spiders are cute----they eat a lot of bad things; however you are in Black Widow country but they are reclusive very black and have very tuff webs---not to worry you're on the move too much so have fun!

@Beyondthebreakers 2 жыл бұрын

those sceneries are just stunning

@moe_1886 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! What beautiful landscapes you've taken us to Christian! Stunning! Thank you! As for the spider... I probably would have burnt the van down!! 🤣😂

@saraparker6894 2 жыл бұрын

Breathtaking shots ❤️

@andreasheehan2677 2 жыл бұрын

I do not get nearly as excited for other people’s videos as I do for yours. You are so talented! I never miss a video!

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Wow thank you 🥲💕

@_joannahans 2 жыл бұрын

I grew up in the desert and seeing you in the sierras was just too beautiful and nostalgic. Miss the mountains so much 💛

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

It’s such a beautiful place 💕

@dschroeder3763 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video and photos!!!!!!!!!!

@user-yb8xq4us8g 2 жыл бұрын

Loved it. 🧡

@florinamanole3823 2 жыл бұрын

You and your content are therapy for me😍🥰

@ChristianSchaffer 2 жыл бұрын

Love that ☺️ thanks for watching

@joeblow1942 2 жыл бұрын

It’s Monday night and I’m enjoying your video while urban stealth “camping” on the coast in a nice quiet residential neighborhood in north San Diego county to tue sounds of waves breaking in the background. Life is good. Thank you.