The secret to living well and longer is: eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure. - Tibetian proverb. You have a beautiful soul Christian : )

“Introvert” doesn’t mean not relating or not wanting to relate to others. Introverts are actually highly relational, but we are highly selective and need lots of “non-relational” time in order to process, be authentic, and thoughtful when we are relating.

Love the videos. I'll tell you a secret. This last year has been challenging for all of us. Even with a home it's not enjoyable being by yourself most of the time. I was beginning to think "Van Life" was skittles and rainbows day after day. Your honesty is greatly appreciated!

You can tell this reality has been dragging on when us introverts start thinking we need to socialize more...

You are so articulate. Makes your videos enjoyable.

Exactly why I have decided to put an end to my travels, move back into my house, get a job and settle for a bit. Everything has a time and I have totally enjoyed my travels over the past 3 years, but now is just not the time to travel. Wishing you all the best with whatever you decide to do..

Your honesty is much appreciated!

Thank You so much for all you do. We all feel the pain of the lock down. Please know you are helping so many people get though this with your fantastic videos. Also your fantastic personality. Thank You!!!!!

For what it's worth. Viewed a recent video build of a camper your size. He built a small shower stall behind the driver seat. The ingenious part was the filter system for the shower and sink. It had 7 inline, high quality filters attached, to the point where he could run the sink and shower continuously all day long if he wanted, and never run out of water. It looped the water, under pressure, out of the water tank, through the shower and sink, through the system, and back to the tank. The water was pristine all the time. With a second set of filters, you could possibly go one year before you needed to buy more filters, depending on how many showers you took. Bio-degradable, organic soap was a must for this system. Keeping a healthy supply of filters on hand in the camper would be the smart move. You are clearly a hard working gal with income. A remodel might be your answer to the problem.

Your stories, like this one, are open, honest and inspirational. So very well done. And, yes, I have no difficulty believing that you live in the van - being clean, organized and practical is a hallmark of all that you do. Kudos to you !

Great attitude, keep enjoying the beautiful moments of each day. Life can surely be a struggle, but making the awesome life you want for yourself and following your Spirit is what makes life most Enjoyable. Thanks for all the beautiful travel videos Christian !

We all go through seasons in our lives but for many of us, we are either not sensitive enough to know when it’s time to transition or we are too afraid to do so. As for myself, I have not lived to my full potential because of fear. In many ways I find that I live vicariously through you and a few other “van life” KZfaqrs. It sounds like it may be time for you to take a little hiatus from van life but only your own heart can tell you. You’re intelligent and articulate, I bet you could write a book about why you took up van life and why you stopped, I’d read it. Whatever you decide, I’m sure your decision will be wise. Thanks for being so open and honest with your KZfaq audience, it takes your videos up to a whole new level. Take care!

Thank you for your honesty!! I’m moving into my van in a couple months and these are all things I’ve been wondering

Findig your own way is what counts. Life changes every day on our beautiful planet. As long as we "are able to do" what feels right its good. Thanks for good vibes!

It's really important people know that van life is not what they see on Instagram. That should be common sense, but I've watched videos on people that jumped into van life solely on the Instagram hype. Videos like this are important so people know it comes with a lot of challenges.

Living on the road part time is a good balance. Personally the nomadic life feels healing to me. I enjoy the silence of being invisible.

I’ll keep this in mind that I need a full shower when I buy my very first van. 🚿

This is my first view of your channel. I just want to say that you express yourself extremely well - which is so refreshing to me. I also so appreciate your honesty. Happy and Safe travels.

First, I appreciate you being transparent ! I enjoy your videos and they get me thinking about what I need to take into consideration for when I get an RV in the future. One point you brought up was about having a "home base", a place to go back to. I have gone back and forth on that almost daily ! Keep us updated on that please. Keep up the great videos !

Thanks for sharing your experience. I feel like honesty is so refreshing. Vanlifers tend to romanticize their lifestyle in order to distance themselves from their own doubts and/ or convince others to join the club. Truth is there isn't such a thing as a perfect lifestyle, whether you live in a van or in a house. There are pros, cons and doubts. It's part of life.

You are so beautiful!!! Just saying!!! Thanks for being honest in your journey. It makes you authentic. Enjoy your journey! Thanks for letting us tag along.

Thanks for being so open and frank about how it has been going for you during pandemic times! In the process you touched on some things I wanted to understand and some other things I hadn't even thought about. Again, THANK YOU!

Thanks for the update! Glad that you are doing well physically, but I understand the other frustrations you are going thru that go along with the pandemic. The outside video shots are awesome! Your home is your home. Keep it the way you want your home to be. Hang in there and stay safe!

Another great video. Yes , very true... I tell people all the time, vanlife is not all rainbows and butterflies lol but I still won't change it for a fulltime shower in a house. It's not difficult for me because I like my distance from people hahaha 🤣 Safe travels... 🚐

Your van layout and natural white color is probably my favorite of all that I've seen 🙏

I really appreciated your candid, honest and personal assessments of the pros and cons of living freely in the time of COVID. You really made me think about what’s really important in life. Thank you!

I enjoy hearing you talk openly about this. Thanks for sharing it and I look forward to your future life’s journey.

Hang in there! Buying land and building my own house on that land has been a dream of mine too. Hopefully we’ll manage to make that happen soon! ❤️👍🏻

Can totally relate with the expression "Natural social distancing"

your honesty made me subscribe. Thank you for keeping it real! I wish you the best for your continued travels.

Thank you Beautiful!!! I Love and appreciate your sharing, openness, honesty and vulnerabilities. I really love how very open and real that you are and how you show and tell us all. Hugs ❤️🤗🙏🏾🌹

Your hair 💖💖

Feel ya, last year living in a van has been very weird. I've too asked myself if it's really what i want to continue with or just build some house up and start living a more normal life again, more then ever before. I'm not their though yet, for some reason i now want to live on a sailboat and start a whole new adventure, but definetly no shame having a safe place somehwere after years of living on the road, that's badass enough already to look back with pride on those memories. Just do what your heart tells you and makes you happy!

Thanks for the honesty. I am considering van life in the future, and an honest account of life on the road, especially from a female perspective is highly valuable, and much appreciated.

Thank You for your great videos, they are very enjoyable to watch, informative, and I feel there is a sense of calming to them. Thanks for sharing your life on the road.

Life is so hard and un predictable for everyone, enjoy what you can while you can. Life as we know it is gone. At least you can move your home when situations get hard.

Sure, you may be easily distracted and a bit OCD, but you are living a life that can only be imagined by most people. Besides, being neat is a virtue, right? Two thumbs up from me! Keep going!

Hang in there kiddo. I'm a new fan and as many of your subscribers i appreciate your honesty and spirit. Whatever you do I'll continue following/subscribing. You do GREAT work!

I appreciate your honesty and candor with this. I was at least a year out for van life, and then seeing how some of the old reliables: gyms, coffee shops, libraries, makes me wonder. I’ve also been very concerned about the congestion of people on public lands and worrying about how we’re not taking care of it. I’d hate to see restrictions on public land, but I can also see where that may come to be. Also, more and more cities and towns are restricting van life and people sleeping in their cars, and I hope that van life doesn’t become more and more restrictive and outlawed. I wish you well on your journeys! I love your videos and photography!

2:50 I used to live in Mill Valley a million years ago when it was affordable. One of the most beautiful places on earth. 🌎

it’s good to have choices! Don’t let the COVID get you down. Stay free!!!

This is applicable to my daily life, the circumstances of having unknown future due to pandemic. But still continuing to live my life, being optimistic i think and positivity lets me go further. I hope to see you soon when i go to america to personally see how you do living in a van. Been watching your videos since your first vlog, godbless. Stay safe

I am planning on doing van life when I retire. I have just started watching your videos as well as other Channels to try to get a mental picture as to what it will be like. Thank you for your honesty about your situation!

I have started looking into the van life exactly because of the lock down in California: everything is closed and normal routine is just not possible. Van gives you freedom to live where is the best at the time, not being tied to lockdowns or even more ordinary things like weather or seasons. Something to consider if you are to settle down in the pandemic... Maybe you could just retrofit a shower in the van and increase your autonomy with this - that would be cheaper and less of a change than buying a house :)

in my opinion worst thing about single travel is lonelyness , offcourse u have internet to get in touch with friends and family but it s not same thing as seeing them in person , for a while its ok but in time .........

The fact that you are still traveling shows you are hardcore into the van life. I wouldn’t feel bad for having second thoughts, it is a tough time to be traveling and in a van right now.

Thanks for the update Christian. It is very timely as I'm right in the middle of deciding how to approach my anticipated van journey. I just noticed your Amazon link so I'll start using it.

I'm on my way to Arizona from the midwest now, I just started van life a few days ago, so I doubt I'll have anything to compare it to, but thank you for mentally preping me for what the lifestyle is going to be like once I get there.

"i'm like a squirrel" LMFAOOOOOOOO MEEEEE (10:30)

I love your sincere honesty. Sometimes we all need to vent. Take a deep breath, and you will figure it out. I have enjoyed seeing your travels and learning about van life. When you get to be my age, 67, you will look back on this time in your life with the fondest of memories and No regrets for embarking on a wonderful, fulfilling, and inspiring journey. Good luck, stay safe, and healthy. Looking forward to more posts. When I watch you and others like you, I get to travel with you! 🚐 😊 and I am happy.

Always a treat to see you post a video. Love your content. Keep them coming ❤️

appreciate the honest breakdown. Keep it up! What a strong person you are. I respect that powering through and the lifestyle

get a $40 shower from amazon. you drop the pump (2.5" wide) into the water bucket (I use collapsible)...you can heat water on stove top too

You should think of getting a home as the start of a new chapter in your life, don't think of it as giving up. You can still get out and about with your van for weeks and then have a place to go back to that gives you a feeling of security and allows you to rejuvenate for your next trip. I still think most of this year will pretty much the same as last year, so maybe the time to realize your dream of owning a piece of land is at hand. Looking forward to your next video. Keep well and be safe.

Found your channel yesterday. Thanks for the perspectives. I similarly travel western states, but not full time. You mentioned five challenges and I have suggestions for most of them. 1) Covid has affected your travels - many closed facilities, and crowds at the ones which are open. The good news is things have finally started opening up in full. The bad news is that the pandemic has led to a permanent shift in people's desire to get outdoors and stay for longer periods. My sense is the main solution is avoid the more popular sites altogether until the off-season, or at a minimum, during midweek. For example, the eastern high Sierra has far fewer crowds around mid October. Crowds are way down, it is still early for snows of any real substance to have accumulated, the nights may often be below freezing, but the days are usually pleasantly sunny and warm. 2) Awkward alternatives for showering - You mentioned solar showers. Once you adjust to the art of showering with just 2 to 4 gallons, it is an easy solution. A propane stove can heat the water on cloudy days. Swing both van doors open 90 degrees, string a shower curtain between them, place the solar bag on the roof or buy a small electric pump, or place the water in a tube which can be pressurized with compressed air, and place a rubber door matt on the ground. DONE! This arrangement need not obviously resemble a shower and if an environmentally friendly soap is used, it is an effective solution without increasing a waste disposal issue. The main requisite is carrying more water to each campsite. 3) Awkward alternatives for waste disposal - This is a learning curve for me too. Of the videos I've seen, the one which allows for the longest times between disposals are the composting toilets. Rather than pay for expensive composting toilets, I've seen people improvise with 5 gallon buckets. The main principle is that #1 and #2 are kept separate. #1 is dumped near the campsite and is no more impactful than a dog doing its thing. #2 falls into a drying medium, which is kitty litter or something similar. The kitty litter coats #2, minimizes odors and dries out #2. After a short while, #2 'chunks' can be scooped out from the bulk of litter, sealed in a plastic bag, and either deposited in a pit toilet (minus the bag) or deposited (bag inclusive) into a trash barrel/dumpster. This approach tremendously reduces both the volume and the weight of what needs to be disposed. 4 Laundry - Your standards may vary. But, just soaking clothes in hot water does a good job of removing sweat, body odor. I have a small bucket for this purpose and typically select clothes where a little dirt coloring is decently masked (off white, tan, etc.) 5) Business complications - I have no suggestions of my own. But you may enjoy viewing a KZfaq channel labeled 'Homemade Wanderlust' The woman (Dixie) has complete what is known as the 'Triple Crown'. This signifies that she has through hiked/backpacked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and then the Continental Divide trail. Each one takes months of contiguous hiking. They collectively constitute about 6000 miles of hiking. She would periodically intersect with small towns where she would send/receive packages. Dixie was resourceful at arranging for non standard drop-off locations. I think you'd also like her many high quality videos. If you enjoy her channel here are two more, each with many high quality outdoor videos: MyOwnFrontier - Substantial (up to 10 day), often off trail hiking in mostly American parks and wildernesses, very useful primers on the sights, trailheads, trails, and sights Iohan Gueorguiev - See the World - hard core - over years, has mountain biked from the Arctic, all the way down to Chile and Argentina - superb videos, stories, perspective, music

Thanks for being so real!! 😊 Another video!! Yahhh 😍 Yes, a home does increase productivity!! 😊 You look so amazing!! 😍 Be more awesome and continue to chase your dream!! 😍 Good to see more videos!! Keep at it!! 😊

You could make a shower for the van, there’s so many options.

Get a few “Crud Cloth” shower in a bag. They are great in a jam.

Thanks for the update video... doing what keeps you and your adhd happy is the best. Saddened that you may not visit NC anytime but hey do what keeps you happy girl! Look forward to your next...

Great video, I was on the road in the van life for about 5 months and it was truly amazing and I realized how much I love the west coast, but for sure I rather have a nice place to live and have the van life whenever I feel like it.

I like your attitude and how you share your feelings and your thoughts. The shower and compost toilet would have been a better option, especially in this times. You don't depend on anybody. Would it be too dificult to add to your build?

This is why my van is going to have a proper show and toilet

Your channel is actually making me lean towards getting a van more and more. I'm glad I found your channel!

I can say that 2020 was the first year I decided to live on my own without roommates. This was pre-pandemic when I moved in to my apartment, so I can definitely feel you on the community aspect. Even having an anchor point during this time sucks with how little contact I've had with other people. I thought about getting in to the van life thing, but I have a puppy and don't think it would be good for him if I don't have myself ready for the vet in case of emergencies. You deciding to get a permanent place is a good thing, but doesn't mean you'll stop traveling. Just keep up the good content.

"the walls were really thin...." / "there were other things...I won't go into detail...." / yeah we get it ;-)

Hey, Have you seen any of Pippi Peterson's RV vids? She was from AZ also.

I TRULY appreciate this. I am seriously considering hoping in my car and just driving into nature. More motivated to do so now because of everything going on. Thank you for the honesty of what it is like to be on the road in the midst of shutdowns. This is helpful beyond words :)

Youve inspired me to pick up my guitar Ive been lookin at for a lot of yrs, LOVE that story!! Your eye, videos , vibe are very cool 😊🙏

I love the nature scenes you put in this video. It’s sounds like you’ve been very successful with van living. 2.5 years is a lot. I don’t view it as you’re giving up. Just sayin

Try Florida, completely open.

You have touched on every aspect of van life and it's not always easy or enjoyable. Life is regulated by weather and income, but it certainly has its good side, it's freedom aspect. I found that having a small, inexpensive unit to go back to when life gets too difficult on the road, or when I need a daily shower or some regular company is a must. When I need the scenery to stop moving. Even my dog likes going home for a bit, but then loves to get on the road again. It's always great to leave and always great to go home again. Having this option certainly take the edge off all the negatives, as you know you have a place to go to if need be, a base if and when you want to just stop struggling with daily life.

I thoroughly enjoy your videos! Your photography is awesome & you are articulate & honest.

You know there’s a spare room for you in Washington 😉

Do not buy land in California! You will definitely regret it.

I just discovered your KZfaq channel, and I'm enjoying your videos. Back in 1976 my wife and I converted a Dodge van into a camper, and we spent a full year traveling around the U.S. and Canada visiting every national park and monument that we could. It was the best year of our lives. Sadly, my wife passed away a year ago. Watching your videos has brought back a lot of wonderful memories of our time together on the road. I have given some thought to selling or getting rid of most of what I have, buying a camper van and hitting the road again. But then reality sets in, and I realize that I'm too old, and those days are gone for me. But I will continue to watch your videos, and live vicariously through your adventures. I wish you all the best.

Great video Christian! Thanks for sharing some insight into how's it been on the road these last few months.

Love the video as always. Question though Is there really a pandemic going on in CA? My brothers friend went to several hospitals in CA and NY and he said they were all empty. I thinks he's actually working on a documentary about how it's all a big lie. I think He's asking for trouble

As an adhd EXTROvert, humans are destructive, I get what you are saying though ! Keep moving forward great upload ! If you ever want to sell your van ?

Appreciate the candidness of this! I’ve been desperate to rent a van and escape the lock down, but the grass is always greener! Thank you, stay safe!

I think you are so cool girl! You are totally inspiring me. I think your honesty is awesome. It is so nice when people share their real feelings about road life. Hope you are doing well!

Your sharing is real and I hear you loud and clear. I met a guy who works out of his van it’s a fully functional Coffee and Tea shop (uncle_ricos_van). The best Matcha Green tea (the Mod). Awesome vibe. I’m a cabinet guy, I work out of my van in the field..in the middle of a remodel..it is crazy times..you’re not throwing in the towel....Pandemic and Financial crisis is challenging for sure! Chad, myself and you are blessed to still have work in this fallout!!!

I really appreciate you talking about having ADHD and running a business at the same time!!! I could listen to strategies for dealing with both of those things all day. Not feeling like I'm tied down to a 9-5 job and being able to cut expenses are some of the reasons van life attracts me so much. I sometimes worry I'm just trading one kind of pressure for a different kind of pressure though, or that I'm just not cut out to run a business because I'm so dysfunctional (ADHD again, along with perhaps some other things). It's really cool to listen to you talk about how you're managing- you really seem to have yourself put together, which I find really inspiring! So thanks ^-^

Honesty is always a good idea, also it gives people an idea that it is sometimes hard. Life is not all 🌈 and some people think that going on the road is just an escape not a lifestyle. So thank you for keeping it real 😀

Whatever u do... We r always with u ❤️❤️❤️💯

OMG. Crazy what you are still having to cope with over there. Makes me appreciate even more the freedoms we have here in Australia.

Hi. Just discovered your videos and am loving them. Listening to this in June 2023- it’s bananas what they put us through during Covid. Can’t imagine van life at that time… I live in Washington and will be keeping my home here but so excited to get on the road and explore west of the Rockies too. Blessings ❤

I love the production values of your channel. Keep up the good work!

Go for it, follow your heart. Dreams evolve and that is good

You being you makes the world a better place. Not that you possess superhuman abilities (though you might) but compared to so much negative vibe on the psychic airwaves you are an inspirational +1 for the human community.

Same goal, same state, similar issues. I have no doubt you'll get there first, you seem pretty awesome!

I just started watching your videos today, and I am just loving your content!

Thanks for your transparency on the good the challenging and all the factors that go into van life Your candidness really makes this useful Your photography is always amazing

I feel ya on people thinking your weird about how clean you are. I think they are weird when things are not orderly. one of the reasons i follow you is because of your cleanliness and the photo shots are beautiful. Stay true to yourself, your doing great.

I have a teardrop and like off grid and one way I found for a hot/warm shower taking very little space when packed up is using privacy tent and a gallon/2 gallon pump spray container. I used the weed type sprayer with a kitchen spray and hose nozzle setup. I heat water and add to the cold water to get the temp I want then shower in the tent, it works well , not same as home but gets the job done and feels great. Several videos basically cut the hose where the garden spray handle is get a adapter cut the kitchen spray hose connection of and connect both hose. you wind up with 5-6 ft hose. I also use this setup to rinse dishes etc off. Your videos are great! Mike of PA

Its funny that you mentioned it. I tell people that I’ve been practicing social distancing for years. Something to consider as you look for land other than climate is seasonal visitors. I’ve been some places that are pretty awesome in the off season that are just overrun in a busy season. Then the residents are left to pick up the pieces. I know it will always be the same place but if you find a place with natural water the wildlife will frequent it more often for photo ops. You’ve probably thought of these but trying to help with things to consider. Also, don’t let adjusting make you feel like you are giving up. The world has changed since you started and you are simply smart enough to adapt. Actually i think its a little badass that you have been able to roll with the punches. Thank you for the video and good luck.

I would not underestimate the power of past feelings coming up around lack of choice around showering, parking, coffee shops and libraries. Love your videos. Be gentle with yourself.

I am a new subscriber to your channel and I really appreciate your honesty. I just want to say... there is absolutely nothing wrong with checking in to an air b&b once in a while, especially given the current situation. love and peace from the UK ❤️

I know exactly what you mean about getting distracted. I sometimes feel like I should lock my self in a closet to concentrate on whatever I need to get done.

A raw, heartfelt moment of soul-baring candor. Took me quietly by surprise. I think you should prospect deeper in this vein. You're eloquent, perspicacious, even trenchant at times - despite the fact that you ostensibly don't want to be "too" negative for fear of losing (not me) your burgeoning fan base. I think you'd be surprised how much your fans appreciate your brand of honesty. I see a humorously poignant dissertation on loneliness in your future and I, for one, would tune into that one. The more you drift into the personal, the more you explore those geologic layers of the road life experience the more you endear yourself to all of your viewers.

Thank you for your genuine sharing. Hang in there, Christian! It is a tough time in so many different aspects for most of us. The thought that it is all temporary really helps. When I had surgery someone gave me dry shampoo, I wonder if that would help you... Cheers!