CAMPERVAN ATTACKED WHILE WE SLEEP CAN WE EVER FEEL SAFE NOW?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
- Coming to the end of a quick visit to Arran we need to stop off on the way home. Search for site gives us a nice site near Manchester. What coul;d possibly go wrong. EVERYTHING!
00:00 Title
02:01 Discussion
06:01 Live film video at the time
10:36 Departure from the crime scene
12:36 Temporary repairs
20:43 Motorway
26:37 Getting light
28:29 Home
28:39 Review how we feel
44:30 End Titles
If you want to buy Jazz, Luna or Maya a treat follow this link 🐕
🟡 bmc.link/grahamhardd
Join our facebook Group
🔵 / 777535876650856
****************************************************************************************
We are registered as an Amazon Associate and will earn from qualifying purchases. Wizard in the wild will make a small commision if you purchase an item using our links below. Using our links will NOT cost you any more. Amazon will just pay us a small amount and this comes out of Jeff Bezos's pocket. Thanks Jeff ! This payment will be put towards making more content for you to enjoy and maintaining this channel. Thank you.
If you wish to purchase any item please click the links below.
Hytric hotpot amzn.to/3SUYOx4
Packing Cubes 6 Set amzn.to/3DerhZs
Dog Seat Belt for dogs in Car amzn.to/3sdc4BJ
Road Refresher Prestige Non Spill Pet Water Bowl amzn.to/3MSaf6C
KitchenCraft LNKETGRY Living kettle amzn.to/3eRDTMM
WENKO WK22866 handbasin-Mobile Hand Stainless Steel Shower Hose amzn.to/3Dm3bMw
Garmin GLO 2 GPS and GLONASS Receiver amzn.to/3MTQprs
Oxford OF41 Patriot Disc Lock-Extended amzn.to/3VPCbfq
*****************************************************************************************
Other music Filmora
OUR STORY SO FAR
We are Ellie and Graham.
We travel the UK in Merlin with our two little dogs, Maya and Luna.
We are Wizard in the Wild.
Our love of the great outdoors combined with Ellie’s post-cancer complications means our home on wheels with creature comforts is a perfect solution. A great way to explore nature on good days and a cosy little bolt-hole for the others.
We bought Merlin in 2021 after six years of travel in our motor home Merv.
Whilst we enjoyed our adventures in Merv, we wanted something smaller and more nimble, so we could explore those tucked away places off the beaten track. Hence Merlin.
Initially we only used campsites, but as time goes on we are going off-grid more regularly and really loving it.
The aim of the channel is to reveal the true beauty of nature whatever the weather! We also feel it’s important to show the reality of van life, and not just the good bits when the sun is shining.
Whatever the weather, our motto is to just get out in nature. It’s good for the soul!
Doesn’t it seem as though a spirit of violence has been unleashed worldwide over the past couple of years?? I am so sorry this happened to you. Prayers.
We are living in difficult times for sure with a whole new level of anger and aggression out there. Hoping that the vast majority who are kind and caring people will prevail. Safe travels x
Here in the States, the violence seems state-sanctioned to some extent.
there is a book out there called the biology of aggresion, written for nato, practiced on you
Yes
@@utubewillyman Let's cut to the chase ... the liberal run sh* holes bave become very dangerous cesspools.
Hi folks. I am a van lifer here in the U.S. and traveled across the nation from the East Coast to the West Coast. I have been fortunate to have positive experiences in my travels. There were a couple of places I stopped and planned to stay for the night but my "gut feeling" told me to move on. It's unfortunate there are assholes who want to destroy or steal property that belong to others out of jealousy or just to be mean. I am so sorry this happened to you and I fully understand hoe you feel being violated...especially In such a violent and destructive manner. Thank God you and your pets are safe. Don't let these assholes ruin your lives. Karma will repay them for their ignorance and stupidity. Continue to do what you love.
Thanks Alexander for your lovely message. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
I couldn't have said it any better. I am not a van lifer, but I wanted to share a similar message. I hope you can get back to the style of living after a time to reset your trust people again. I wish only the best life can bring to you.
@@Wizardinthewild hopefully this will never happen again but if anything does happen, God forbid, then I'd suggest calling the police before filming. Glad youre ok x
@@janetenold4803 thanks so much Janet. 🐶🐶🧙♂️🙏👍🚐
I happened to be scrolling RUclips and saw this video. I'm so sorry you both went through this horrible ordeal. How scary. Some people are just evil. You're both innocent and were out having a great time and using your channel to bring joy to so many people.
I'm grateful you both are okay. God Bless you and always keep you safe in Jesus Name Amen. May God also bless the people who helped you.
Thanks Ericka. Nice message. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
You're very welcome.
I noticed quite a few people happened to see your video. There truly are alot of caring people. You can tell by their encouraging comments.
It may take some time for you to get through this traumatic experience. God's protection, grace, peace, love, and healing be upon you both as you move forward.
Such a pity .you lose your trust in human nature sometimes seems to be no peace anywhere Thank God for good people ❤
It’s jealously maybe the are angry kids had it in for you because you have a nice van you have a lovely life but don’t give in Sorry for your experience
I'm absolutely disgusted that something like this can happen.
We have built a bed that goes across our front seats for our grandchildren. It gave me chills just thinking of the possible outcomes of this despicable act.
Glad you were both physically OK.
Keep safe ,keep doing what your doing .
Hi Paul Sue and Baloo it doesn’t bear thinking about does it? The vandals had no idea who was in the van or whether they would be hurt. We are getting over it gradually. Have managed a few off grids since. ( had a great time on Arran) Obviously we feel more anxious than we did but are hoping it will get easier in time. Thanks for watching ❤️👍
You can take solace in the fact that those dirtbags own nothing, never will & will lead miserable existences. They're probably wasting away in prison. Where they belong.
Thank goodness they did not wait for you to get out & attacked you….
In the end, our society cannot function without trust. We have to trust that the vast majority of our neighbours 'do unto others as they would have others do unto them'. Without trust, we are doomed. Obviously not "absolute trust" but reasonable trust that others don't wish us harm. It is for that reason that the hooligans who perpetrated this dastardly deed need to be hunted down and severely punished not simply in the hopes of modifying their future behaviour but also as a message to others in the hopes of discouraging such behaviour. All parents of kids still at home should take advantage of this incident to teach their children well.
I dont think i would want my grandchildren sleeping in that position. Maybe ok on a proper site. Easy pickings. 😢
It was kinda of dangerous going outside to check out what happened. There could have been someone hiding out ready to attack. So glad your both safe.
Nancy. Yeah adrenaline does do that. Wasn’t my best move. Luckily the bullying cowards were well up the road in their car. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Yes. How unprepared they were. You should always rehearse such occurrences. And how do you go to any new place without being fully prepared for crime these days?
Can you put a motion sensor on your exterior lights? And a blinking red light on each side of the van...that will let hoodlums know they are being filmed, add cameras and a way to save events.
Once the windows are broken inside or outside is the same thing. This is the reason tool's are needed for self protection . Older people need better tools.
@@c.m.303 Defeating the bleeding obvious, mush. Think, before ya open ya trap !!
Rather than letting this make you feel afraid you should feel empowered by it, your worst fear happened and you dealt with it. You dealt with the situation calmly and practically, you didn't collapse into helpless hysterics,got yourselves home and the damage has been fixed. You are strong and capable people and you proved to yourselves that you can deal with a frightening situation and come out intact. There is nothing left to fear now.
Thank you. An interesting view in things. I hadn’t thought about it like that. Very helpful. We were on autopilot somewhat but yes we copped with it 💪 thanks for your support.
🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
So why is my comment not showing up? Did it offend you
@@kenj.8897 not sure KenJ. We haven’t deleted or held any comment from you. When did you post it approximately?
Think of how many times this didn't happen, it may never happen again, but if it does you will both handle it like trooper's , never let others stop you doing what you want (for every bad person, there are millions of good)
@@parsnip7349 thank you. Very true. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Being attacked is horrible and random and senseless. I had a similar experience years ago with my apartment being broken into. Even more upsetting than the items being taken, was the thought of these burglars rummaging through my personal stuff and space. It really shakes your confidence for sure. Thanks for sharing your experience.
That’s terrible Lana. So sorry to hear that. Awful story. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Yes, this type of thing can happen anywhere.
In Ausie we have a tape we call it 100mph tape it’s grey and it’s good
Back to your camping keep doing it you need to be parked up before it dark and maybe get a dog one that barks
I’m 61. When I was in my 50s I was able to retire. I purchased a camper van and solo toured all round the USA through a Summer and an Autumn. I enjoyed my travels, met some very nice people, saw some incredible sights. But I did experience a few uncomfortable and/or disturbing situations. I just decided the risk wasn’t worth it to me so I got rid of my camper.
I’m so sorry this has happened to you. Be safe and contented!
Thanks for your lovely message. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
The same happened to us on our way through France to Calais. We stopped at a service station in the middle of the night and after an hour my wife woke me as she could hear rustling outside. They tried the doors, the lockers and even when we opened the curtains and shouted they were still there waiting for us to get out. I jumped into the drivers seat and pedalled it over the kerbs and away. When it's just the two of you in the middle of the night it is terrifying. We will only stay on proper sites now and never, ever stop over in a car park or service station. Just glad you're all ok and I think you were very brave getting out in the dark to inspect the damage.
Hi Antony. Your experience sounds terrifying and has clearly affected how you travel now. You know how scary it feels. To be honest we thought a tree had hit the van as the vandals threw 3 bricks at the same time making one horrendous bang. So Graham went out to look. Don’t know how we will feel if we ever go off grid again. Will certainly look carefully at our security and parking strategy! Safe travels x
I know it's not legal in some countries but I carry a handgun... Refuse to be a victim!
Oh, my. Please, folks be careful. Very scary. God bless you, all who travel.
NEVER GO Anywhere WITHOUT a gun. If they broke in what would you have done? At least you would have had a fighting Chance
I am glad you guys are okay and got away safely. I hope that you will always be safe on your travels.
I've never seen your channel before but it popped up on my feed. I'm so sorry this happened to you. I hope it won't put you off carrying on with your journeys and exploration. You've helpfully reminded me and others to be cautious always, everywhere. I send you my best wishes.
Thanks very much for your message. It’s sad isn’t it 😩. We are looking at CCTV and motion sensor lights. Also we will not park at this type of place again. Thanks for your support it really does help us. Take care yourself. 🐶🐶🚐🙏🧙♂️
@@Wizardinthewild I have not watched you before either. You popped up on my post also. I will go back and look at some of your better days.
@@gracierose3076 thank you so much for your support. Brilliant that you want to follow our happier days too It means the world ❤️🙏
12/10/22...THIS HAPPENS EVERYWHERE NOW B/C PPL HAVE NO RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER!
AND FEWER POLICE + VERY LIBERAL DAs + judges....
GOD BLESS YOU! GLAD YOU WERE NOT HARMED or KILLED or VAN JACKED or ROBBED!
My husband and I were considering investing in a camper, but after seeing all these stories over the past year I don’t think we’re quite well enough to take the risk. I’m sorry this happened but glad you weren’t harmed.
Oh Rebekah, I hope it doesn’t put you off. These things are extremely rare. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Don't let your dreams be stopped by the risk. That is Luke avoiding driving because there are so many car accidents that happen. Sure there is a risk to encountering filth but van life is very rewarding and the freedom is something I cab only dream of. I plan to build a proper camper van oneday and live in it full time. Choosing the right location is important. Dark areas are a danger. Lit up areas like hardware store car parks will usually be safer.
I have traveled by motorhome for 35 plus years.
My only unease has been in the UK, never disturb.
Oh please.ive been on the road alone for 30 years.stay home
Don’t let this keep you from your plans.
This is my first video of yours that came up in my feed. I feel so terrible for what happened to the both of you. If you have loved traveling before this, don't let who ever did this to you take that away from you. Be happy and enjoy each other and make more memories together.
So nice Pam. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Glad your ok, we never wild camp now, we just can’t sleep anymore. The campsite fees and regulations are well worth it in our opinion.
Beginning to look that way to us as well Bob. Thanks for your thoughts🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Agreed but issue has been magnified by greedy Motorway Service Station owners with their 2 hour stop rule..then fines and costly parking charges therefore preventing decent folk from parking for say 6-8 hours overnight with generally increased safety...
We have been living in our motorhome for almost two years. If we could afford a home we would consider that now. But we can't. In the last two years we have seen a massive increase in van life and off grid camping. We have also seen increased aversion and hostility too by people and councils. I read one councillor calling us a scourge that contribute nothing and pay for nothing! This fuels peoples mis- understandings. We have been, because we are working there, on a camp site since Feb and this month we have off so we are now having nights off grid. We have noticed a much increased hostility to our parking off grid.We do have four cameras fitted but still every park up that we always used before has become less safe. Six, or nine months ago we could guarantee we were the only people parked up, now we vie with two or three others. We have been hassled by locals young and elderly. I understand why locals are getting annoyed in part. There are too many vans looking to park for free. We cannot afford camp sites ordinarily with living in it but this increase in van life and the hatred of it by communities is putting us all at risk. As for comfort insurance you were lucky. They wont even insure us if we park on the road!! So I am glad you got something out of them! They made my blood boil! I am sorry you went through this but I am hearing more and more incidents and it seems we are wanted off the road. They want their freedoms but don't want others to have theirs. You are right to be cautious now. Its not for the faint of heart this life style.
Hi Lizzy. Sorry to hear that parking has become harder for you. It’s sad if your lifestyle is causing so much more stress than it did before. And Through no fault of your own. We’ve noticed that we are seldom alone even when we park at this time of year. Scotland seems better than some other places. We always make a point of spending money in the local community when we park up by way of a thank you. Let’s hope that it all calms down again. Not holding our breath. Safe travels xx
If you look at whats been going on in the last few years, we've all been encouraged to hate each other by both the govt and the news media, all split into small groups by silly differences, we argue amongst ourselves and never look at the root cause of the issues we all share, and now energy prices are going mental and the cost of living has gone through the roof, is it coincidence or planned?
@@Wizardinthewild Scotland sounds a bettre bet for the moment then. When you get problems you may need to inform the local police, local councils and I would contact the local MP and further to that you may want to let the Government know about the issues you face by letter.
I don't see why anyone should care if you've found a way to live cheaper and not stealing or exploiting anyone. I do think a reason a lot of hostility has become more common is that bad people are also living in vans, cars, tents RVs and throw trash around, steal, etc. Some people who camp have also learned the passive aggressive trick of being bad neighbors so people move off and leave them to have a place to themselves.
@@collinsfriend1 You make a good point, one that leads me to a more depressing thought....... It's practically illegal to live off grid in this country, you couldn't just disappear onto a patch of land and generate your own electricity (for example), why is this? well I think if they let enough people do it, then others might follow, and the system of govt that we live with NEEDS compliance, it needs us to buy homes, pay our utility bills, pay our council tax etc.
You're both so homey and lovely, it's like listening to an Aunt and Uncle telling stories of their adventures. I'm sorry this one was a bad experience, safe travels and thanks for the content.
Thanks Amor. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. All the best from uncle Graham 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
I'm hearing stories like this more and more - and a lot of them are coming from the UK. I don't know if it's just my limited exposure to such things, but I am not hearing nearly as many stories coming from the US. I'm an ex-pat living in California, and it worries me greatly that England seems to be getting more and more violent. I am so sorry this happened to you. It sounded like they were going for a break in and scarpered when they heard you stir.
Hi. Thanks for taking the time to comment. We don’t really know if there’s a big trend towards this kind of thing in the UK. There are certainly many more campervans on the road here now, so I guess that could be behind any increase. There are also owners of vans who take liberties about where they park and how they leave a place. So maybe a motive there to dissuade people parking up. Pleased it doesn’t appear as bad where you are. Safe travels 😊👍
American thieves have to consider the possibility they may get shot...
Sorry you had to go through this. In general, in the UK, vans have always been a target as scumbags try to steal tools. A lot of vanlifers are using converted vans that still look like trade vans, so that might explain a rise. In Europe, many people are against travellers, and they are going to the scary level of setting fire to vans as well as mobile homes. The difference across Europe is the number of sites you can stay on for about 5 euros a night, shower blocks, water, and waste disposal points. When I camp now, I only stop at sites.
Well the uk is getting worse … so it is no suprise to me..
We haven’t guns in the uk,so bullying is endemic…youd end up with a hole in the head in the US..
Sorry to hear about your attack! I live in a little condo and last summer someone threw a big rock through my kitchen window and they did it to others in my area. Plus cars get broken into as well. So it doesn't matter if it's your hone on wheels or a sticks and brick, dumb people are everywhere. Please don't let this stop you from living your dream because I think it was just a random act of violence.
Hi Faith. Sorry to hear about what happened to you. It must have been so scary. Thanks too for your kind comments. We really appreciate them. We think it was random vandalism too. They probably didn’t want us in “their” carpark! Hoping it won’t spoil things for us going forward. Safe travels x
@@Couplescience thanks kathleen
It can be difficult for the younger gen to understand that as we age we can feel less confident at being able to protect ourselves and our environment. I am glad things worked out. Keep safe out there.
Thank you Karla. I agree with you completely. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
I don’t understand why the police weren’t called?
@@elizabethapfelbaum1240 when it was reported to the police they did 2 things. Firstly they confirmed that they couldn’t proceed with investigating the crime as there wasn’t enough evidence. Secondly that they wouldn’t routinely attend for this sort of crime. I hope that helps your understanding. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Don t really see what age has got to do with it x
@@coolkitty2075 ...and that comment just proves the original point exactly.
If you can, invest in cameras to insert in your van to take surveillance around your van when your parked and sleeping or even if your away from your van for a period of time. I am glad that the two of you are alright and there is nothing you did to cause this. It's the people that live in this world that do not respect nor value people, places, and property! Continue to thrive and be safe! ❤️🤗🥰
Thanks for your lovely message Terri. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
So sorry you had to go through this. What's scary is that people are buying land to camp on so they can leave city life, yet their storage cabinets, barns, etc. that they set up get broken into. At least you were able to bail and not look back. I can't even fathom why the vandals did this. Seems like anyone who has anything going for them is a potential target.
Yes it can be a bad scene these days if you park in a bad place which we did. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
This is my first time looking at your channel. I am so sorry this has happened to you. You seem like very wonderful people. The pups 🐶 are just adorable. Please Do Not allow this horrible experience keep you from enjoying yourselves and enjoying the camping experience. You are strong and have dealt with it properly. Stay safe and many prayers 🙏
What a lovely message. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Just found you all. I see this occurred 3 months ago, happy to hear no one was injured. Some people cannot let other people be happy and are just miserable human beings. Listening to your voice shake, broke my heart. Bless you both. Seems you found some beautiful souls along the way to soften the blow a bit. Good you both have each other as well.
Thank you Amy. It was a shocker at the time. Sone people accused us of staging it. Don’t think we are that good at acting. 😩. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Suran wrap in the future for anyone who needs a quick fix for window. It works. Literally wrap around the windows in circular without cutting all the way down. Keeping the tails on the inside. Tightly wrap. Two ply down. You can still see just distorted a little.
Hi Melissa thank you so much ❤️guess what we carry with us now! It’s not just for sandwiches 😉safe travels x😊❤️
So sorry about your disruption of your feeling of safety. It goes to show that one is not safe ANYWHERE!
I was burglarized in my own home and don’t really feel safe anywhere.
All the best to you whatever you decide to do.
Pam that’s awful. Makes this crime seem far less significant 😩. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
I'm getting asb atm and window smashed in my house so not nice..
Soo much violence and crime atm
That must gave been terrifying to have that happen, especially late at night! I live in America and this kind of thing happens all the time here. Many people have also vanished or been murdered while camping as well. Stay safe!
OMG that sounds horrendous. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
How awful totally shocking that people have done this. Really hope you can pick yourselves up when you are ready as i know how much you enjoy your trips. Thinking of you ❤ xx
Thank you Jenni. Really appreciate your kind comments. We are ok physically thank goodness and the van can be repaired. May take us a bit longer to feel safe. But we will get there xx
I’m so glad y’all were not physically hurt!!! Prayers for healing from the fear it left in your hearts.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️
Thanks Tammy. Yes at least we were not hurt. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Las Vegas, Nevada here I am so sorry this happened to you! I hope you are able to continue what you love. 🙏🏼
Hi JHM. Thank you so much. We will get there Safe travels x
Sorry for what happened. Glad you are ok. First clip I see from you, what wonderful people and what a lovely couple you are! Prayers from germany.
Martin thank you for your lovely message. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Having just found your youtube channel, i was very saddened to hear of the problems you had. I wish you both well, and hope that you can continue wild camping eventually. Its so sad what some people do to others. All the best and take good care.
Hi Craig. Thanks for your comments. We are not exactly sure what we are going to do but we will start with safer things and see how we go. Maybe pub stops or CL’s. Thanks so much for your support 🐶🐶🧙♂️🚐🙏
Thank you for posting.
Keep on being awesome 🙌
Thank you Monster. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Hi Folks. Just heard about you from a "Life is too short" video comment. Good to meet you fellow adventurers! So sorry to hear of your attack. We are of a similar age and travel in our campervan in New Zealand. We used to wild camp most nights but had a couple of bad experiences that has changed our park up choices. We have heard dodgy sounding vehicles cruise by us, in the small hours once too often. One night at about 2am we heard gunshots not too far away ..and phoned the police. We now spend most nights in less risky places, like Motorcamps, NZMCA parks and Popular DOC campgrounds. We still do wild camp sometimes.. but it is now more worrying than before. This is so disappointing for us because we love camping wild and getting close to nature in NZ. The sad reality is, that a just a very few immature damaged people spoil this beautiful world for the rest of us. We are not sure if we should take these experiences as a warning and be more cautious.. or be brave and not let a very few limit us so much. We empathize with you and look forward to watching more of your videos! Cheers, Cliff.
Hi Cliff. Really pleased you got to hear about us via Life is too Short. They are great adventurers. You pose a question that we we are also asking ourselves. Do we continue doing what we most love ( with a degree of anxiety) or do we play it safe and park on camp sites? Since the incident with the van we have done a combination of things. Pub stops, camp sites, aires and off grid. We think we will also do a combination going forward. In areas we don’t know we will probably use sites. In places where we feel safe, like Scotland we will probably go off grid. It would be sad not to do the thing we most love ( being off grid) but feel that we must now proceed with caution and take a balanced view if we can. Have just completed another trip to Arran. So there will be more films from there in the future. So pleased you are enjoying the vlogs. Safe travels 👍😊
So glad you're both safe, all my love all my hopes to you both and stay strong x
Thanks for your kind thoughts John. We are doing OK. We are all physically safe and that’s the main thing. X
What an awful thing to happen to such a lovely couple.
I sincerely hope that you both get over it very soon. Don't let them win.
Please consider coming to France in Merlin where you'll experience wonderful welcoming Aires de Camping Car in safety.
Sounds really tempting right now I can tell you! We often hear how good France is for camping. We are hoping to make it to Europe at some point in the future. Fingers crossed. 🤞Safe travels x
So sorry that happened! It's hard to understand why people do that to others. Glad you both are fine. Hang in there and let us know what happens next.
Thank you. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Glad you're okay and no one was hurt other than tthe damage to your van. Thankfully you were relatively close to home. I just saw a video from the other day where another person had their van attacked while he was asleep. The company who his insurance company told him to contact for the repair had to order the replacement window so they fitted with a piece of thick plexiglass which made it safe for them to legally drive and use their camper van because you couldn't tell it wasn't a regular car window. It made me think that it might be wise to have thinner pieces of plexiglass cut to fit each window on the inside of the van which would prevent the glass from breaking or at least keep any glass from getting inside the van if something ever broke the window again. You could attach weather stripping on the edge of each piece of plexiglass to make it secure while in place. I would attach tabs on the bottom edge that would help you remove it when necessary I would add some security cameras around the outside of the van that have the ability to film/let you see with night vision 360 degrees around the van. I have heard of some that are triggered by motion sensors. Another safety tip is to have more lights mounted to the outside of the van similar to the one above the sliding door which you can turn on with the press of a button or are triggered by motion sensors just like the cameras because it will not only scare off the person or people who are trying to break in or damage the van and possibly record what they look like and what their vehicle looked like and even better a license plate number which would help the police track them down. If you don't have a security system on your van I would highly suggest you have one installed asap. All of these things would help you to feel safe again. Many of the vehicle security systems trigger the car horn or another sound to go off whenever it system is triggered. You can also trigger it to go off by pressing a button on your key fob which would also help scare off whoever is trying to break in or damage the van. Other things to think about keeping in the van or with you while out exploring are: A tazzer, an air gun (fog horn) pepper spray and or bear spray. Always park facing the exit for wherever you are parked so that you can drive off immediately if needed because you never know what they might do if confronted. My parents took of us children camping each summer. It didn't matter if you were a newborn (the youngest baby was around 2 months old the first time they went camping. As the years went on eventually there were7 children and a dog in the family van. My parents had a tent trailer that had a queen sized bed on top of the trailer and they had a zip on extension room where the children slept on camping cots that you could stack like bunkbeds and we each had a sleeping bag. The baby slept in a portable crib and the next youngest slept on a cot in the room with our parents to make it easier to care for them if needed during the night. There were 2 large locking storage compartments on each side of the trailer which allowed them to pack everything we would need on our month long camping trips. Dad had reconfigured a boat refrigerator so that it could run off of an extremely large extra battery he added to the family vehicle that charged it while the car was on and it would run the refrigerator for up to a week without the car running. Eventually Dad upgraded to a popup camper trailer that slept 8 and had a fresh water tank, A sink, stove, heater, fan, small dorm size refrigerator and more. The sides on the bottom were metal covered with a fiberglass skin and the top was fiberglass panels that folded in and laid flat underneath the roof when packed up. There were 2 Queen beds that slid out on either end and had supports that got inserted into some slots under the bed and on the end of the trailer. It had many windows that had bug screens to allow fresh air in and kept out any bad weather. Because we camped in bear country we didn't eat or cook any food in the camper. Which was fine because we had a really good setup for cooking and cleaning up by the picnic table and campfire/grill. We had a series of canopies that we setup which kept us dry should it rain or any other bad weather situations. We could easily move from the tent or camper to the picnic table and our camp kitchen without getting wet and muddy which was amazing with the number of people on the various trips. Very different time from now. We created some amazing memories that we still talk about when we get together.
Aw bless you for taking the time to write this reply ❤️. Your camping experiences sound absolutely incredible! You really thought your adventures through so carefully and what lovely memories to treasure forever. As we are in the uk many of the things you use to defend yourself are illegal here. But we do now have cameras with bright lights on. We leave the van facing the exit and ready to drive and we do have a pretty decent alarm system. Luckily no bears here so it’s safe to cook in our camper 😉Sure we will get back to normal in time. Safe travels to you 😊👍🧙♀️
Feel really sorry for you both what a horrible thing to go through. I hope you can both get over it and can carry on doing what you love.
Thanks so much Nick and Chez. The overwhelming support in comments has been amazing and very helpful. Slowly we are beginning to feel a little better about it. We are not going to rush but hopefully we can return to something close to normal. 🙏🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️ xx
My first time watching! So sorry to hear! …omg! This has been a good education for me, as a widow, and contemplating van life! Thank you! Real eye opener, as there are angry, desperate souls rampant, everywhere, more so then ever! Be safe! Love your doggies!
Sorry if we put you off Susan. Glad you like our doggies. Not particularly good guard dogs though 🐶🐶🧙♂️🙏🚐
@@Wizardinthewild no worries…you did not put me off! I already realized driving a van these days alone, is not a good idea! I am in the U.S. ….So stay safe! Best to be not too much off the grid …unless in a large parking area? 🌿🙏
@@susancarol4735 difficult to say where is safe to be honest. But good luck with your travels and stay safe xx
I’m so sorry this happened. There are some really mean people in our world. Don’t let this discourage you from your adventures.
Thank you Ruby. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Screens on your windows guys. Plus no offence, but you come across as too nice and easy targets for thugs. 😮 please take extra precautions, the world has gone where we felt safe. And they complained about Enid Blyton being inappropriate. 😢😢😢. Safe travels, Louise Australia 🇦🇺.
Oh my!!! My husband and I love van traveling and have one coming up. 😢 He has done it longer than me. Your video still gives me pause. I do love your doggies, and I'm so glad they or yourselves did not get hurt!
Hello and thanks for your kind comment. All we can say, is carry on doing what you love. We did find it hard to get past this at first, and we are grateful that none of us were hurt. But we are getting back to parking up in the wild. Hope you get to enjoy some of our later videos as they show how we are moving on from this and the steps we’ve taken to feel safe. Look after yourselves too. 😊👍🚐
So sorry to hear of your bad experience. Glad you are ok. My Wife and I no longer wild camp as we have heard of other incidents like yours. We try to find cl s and sites near beauty spots and old railway walks. The camper stays on site and we get peace of mind when we return. There is also security at night.We still think the small loss of freedom is a small price to pay for safety.Try to holiday differently and you may find that you like it that way.Enjoy yourselves in future.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We hadn’t heard of any cases of this until now. Totally get the peace of mind by being on a site. We have only recently ( past 2 years) gone off grid. We had a caravan and MH before and always stayed on sites. Think we may be doing more of that in future though it’s hard to know for sure right now. Safe travels x
Glad you didn’t get injured. I wouldn’t Park anywhere but a large campground because of something like this happening. Be safe!
@@warren9815 thanks Warren. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
@@warren9815 We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
I live in France and the UK is a different world to me. You could not pay me to take my camping car there, Sorry. Come to France what you save on camp site fees it will pay for the crossing. All the best to you guys. thank you for sharing.
That’s not a bad shout actually. It is something we have been thinking about. We were of the opinion there is much to see in the uk which is true. This location was just a transit stop. Which we wish we hadn’t used. Thanks fir your message. 🐶🐶🚐🙏🧙♂️
It can happen anywhere in france too unfortunately. Idiots know no boundaries. Grrrrrr
Your video popped up on my feed. Am so sorry I cant imagine how scary that was. So happy you got eachother 💓. We are living in strange times and now I will only go to known sites with my family. Dont stop your adventures I think its important now for us to be extra vigilant and practise situational awareness no matter where we are vehicle or not. ❤️
Thank you Devine. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Something similar has recently happened to me, not whilst travelling but at home. I disturbed someone breaking into my garage and was hit in the face with a crowbar causing multiple fractures. This will have a lasting effect on my whole family so please be careful if you go outside if this happens to you.
Oh my goodness that’s awful. Hope you’ve made a good recovery. I was really worried when Graham went out to be honest. We’ve now got cameras on the van. Hoping they will deter vandals and thieves. Thanks. Take care
Goes to show regardless the home, there's always a chance... I'm sorry😢
Glad you are well and hope you have many great adventures in the future❤
Thank you Gary. 🤞 we will get there. Safe travels x
I am so shocked at what you have both been through, a very scary moment no doubt. I hope you make the right decision for both of you regarding the future, and I would love to see you continue your travels. There are some evil people out there who try to intimidate us and rule our lives. But life is for living! please make the most of it. Take care. Bazza
Thanks so much for your kind words Bazza. We certainly did feel intimidated! But you are right. We can’t let people like them destroy what is so precious . Our freedom. Otherwise they win don’t they?
So sorry you went through that, Lord knows it could have been much worse. Thankfully you are both okay. Stay well.
That’s the truth Edward. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Stumbled across your site as considering getting a van. Thank you for highlighting this. I’m so sorry to hear this happened to you. Give yourself time to recover and do try to use a quiet CL site just to give you back your confidence. Wishing you many more fun and safe travels 🫶🏻
Hi Margot. Thanks for watching (and finding) our channel. Only so sorry that it was because of this incident. Hope it hasn’t put you off getting your van. We have made lots of happier vlogs which may inspire you to realise your dream. We are taking things easy but are getting back into it. Can’t let them beat us can we? Keep in touch. Safe travels 😊❤️
Just come across your channel...totally shocked and devastated for you both ...hope your confidence in wild camping restores
Thanks David. Glad you found our channel but sorry to shock you 😩. Messages such as yours are definitely helping us. We are overwhelmed by the support we have had by lovely people like you. It does help us. 🙏. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️ xx
This was clearly horrific. You are very blessed to have each other. I drove a 28 foot camper van for a couple years in England and Ireland...sometimes alone with a little dog, and sometimes with my young teenage sons
I had to battle fear a lot and in the end I sold it. Am tempted at 65 to buy again but these scary moments really give pause for thought ♡
Hi Angie. Your adventures in your camper with your little dog and children sound incredible. and how amazing that you did it even though you were scared. ❤️ there are quite a few solo travellers out there. Some stick to sites which may be a bit safer. What happened to us is mercifully quite rare. Really hope you can go for it if it’s what you dream about. Maybe get a bigger dog to share your travels with? Safe travels x
@@Wizardinthewild i now have an Irish Red Setter who barks loudly but would likely lick an intruder to death
I was camping alone in a field by a lake for a week to do some writing and de stress
I noticed I had been being observed by some shady looking characters
I prayed with all my heart to God when I could not sleep one night for fear
I felt a still, small voice say Look out of the window
I saw I literally saw an angel probably 22 foot tall standing guard
And God reminded me again, Fear Not ♡
Both of you need to be so kind to yourselves, surround yourself with close friends and family that love you. If necessary seek a good therapist to help you through this terrible ordeal. I can only imagine how difficult this must be. Take care.
Thanks so much Jamie. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
So sorry for the difficulties. I am new here and subscribing in order to support you two. Best wishes for feeling better soon.
Hi Julie. Thank you for your support for our channel. It’s this kind of support that really helps us. Especially when faced with a challenge such as this! Must admit that at the time we wondered if it was all worth it. Hope you enjoy some of our (much happier) vlogs 😊x
My mom used to like the idea of having their cottage be more remote and away from neighbors... However, once she was on her own and aging... she began to realize the downside of being isolated.
There is generally some safety in numbers.
There will ALWAYS be those who go to the dark side... but clearly there are more good & helpful people out there than bad.
Thank you for your thoughts. We are certainly having to reconsider what we do. The support on here had been amazing. Take care 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
When my mum lived alone in an isolated area the threat to her security came from the psychological threat of the local pheasant shoot. They surrounded the house, far too close for the law with regards to guns. They even stood shooting on a public footpath. My mother wound up with chipped glass on a window as a result of gunshot. Inebriated violent bullies come in all shapes and sizes.
@@annwestcott3752 Blimey that was scary for her. 🐶🐶🚐🙏🧙♂️
What a horrible thing to happen. As Daivid said below, wrong place, wrong time and not your fault in any way. These things just take time and hopefully in time this week will be a distant memory in amongst all the other lovely trips. Thank you for being strong enough to share this. Stay strong.
Hi Chris. Thanks for your kind comment. Really hope you are right. It does change things. But really hope we can eventually get back out there and enjoy our camper as we once did. X
Ellie, Graham, Maya and Luna I'm really sorry that happened to you. I'm so happy that none of you have gotten injured. I hoping you all got home safely, and you will not let that scare you against traveling again. I want to thank you for a lesson learned to be more careful in picking a place and your surroundings as I do want to go fulltime traveling in my van with my cat Kitty and my dog Xena. I wish you all the best with safety and happiness in whatever you decide to do.
Shinita we did get home ok thanks. Pleased to hear you are going to travel with a fig and a cat 👍We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Oh my, I’m so sorry this happened to you. It’s very helpful to talk it out like you’re doing. For now, fix the van, install motion sensors/lights on the outside, and give yourself time to heal. Good luck putting this behind you. Greetings from California, USA.
Hi Janet in California. Thank you. It’s a balancing act between talking it out and getting past it. We’ve ordered some extra security. So made a start. 👍safe travels x
It is awful that people cannot just live their lives and nobody bother them, so sad this happened. I swear people are turning into evil sociopaths by the day, the world is getting crazier, good luck, take care and God Bless❤️❤️🙏🙏✝️🌹
Sadly Marion I think you are right. Messages like this are helping us. I suspect that in future we will be more careful about where we park. Also looking at motion sensor lights and CCTV. Thanks again. Take care 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Oh my word what a thing to happen, main thing is you are all safe and well and back home after what must have been a very testing and tiring journey. I know you will take time to consider your options and hopefully it doesn't affect your ability to find those happy places around the country. Merlin will soon be back to A1 pristine condition. So nice that so many people helped in different ways too. Take time to reflect and take care
Thanks so much Tim. The overwhelming support from people is humbling. Already we are beginning to feel better about what we do in the future. It was a stark contrast to chuckling about sheep rubbing themselves on Merlin to what happened on this night. You are right Merlin should soon be back to normal and that helps. CL’s and pub stops seem a good way forward right now. Which is good considering a few days back selling Merlin was a serious thought. We won’t rush though. All the best to you and Rachel and Poppy. You guys stay safe and take care to. 🙏🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️
I am very sorry this has happend. Thank you for sharing this video. I wish you safe travels for the future.
Thanks Carrie for your kind comments. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Thank you. We are getting there. Have done a couple more vlogs since. Trying to get back to some kind of normal. Safe travels xx
So sorry to read this , just found you in my feed, we wild camp a lot and have never experienced anything like that must have been so frightening! Glad your safe and well and you keep doing what you love x. Awful scenario glad you were helped at the time, gives us all food for thought !
Sorry replying to your comments in the wrong order. 🙏. Yes we had a lot of help that night. Looking forward to watching yours. 🐶🐶🙏🧙♂️🚐
I am sorry to hear of your bad experience, I hope it doesnt put you off totally. All the very best to you both.
Thanks Nick. Think it will be a matter of working out what is our new normal in the van x
So sorry this happened to you 😢
That park up is side on to a couple of rough areas.
Like you said we always try and get to a park up in daylight as you get a feeling good or bad. If we move on in the dark we tend to go back to places we know.
Hope this doesn't put you off. It could have been anyone of us who like to do park ups.
Bless all the nice people trying to help though. Bad people balanced with good people 💜x
Thanks Ste and Suz. We should have investigated that area better. We didn’t know that. Comments like yours are helping us to come to terms with this. No doubt we will modify how we camp going forward. Appreciate your message 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
I'm am so sorry you had to go through that. God Bless!
Thanks Bonnie. Bless you ❤️🙏
So very sad this happened to you two. Praying you get past this and can continue to enjoy your blessed lives you two have together.
Aww thank you Bettye. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
I hope that you will get to do more travels as I have just disordered your channel with this video. I am glad you are all safe and I hope you will always be safe. Random acts of violence can happen anywhere because of people's decisions to do wrong. Know where you are at and do what you can to be safe. Please don't let these guys win. It may take you a bit to even go on a trip, but I do believe that you should.
Hi Beth we do plan to get back out there with added security. Off grid May take a little longer though. Hope you enjoy the channel and thanks for watching. Safe travels x
Sorry to hear what happened guys :(. It’s the very first video I’ve seen of yours and it came with that terrible incident. I hope you two are holding up strong 💪 those who are responsible are nothing more then scum bags making others lives miserable. Stay strong, chin up don’t let these fools get you down, take care - John
Thanks very much John. I hope it doesn’t put you off our video’s. We are looking at CCTV and motion sensor lights. Also we will not park at this type of place again. Thanks for your support it really does help us. Take care yourself. 🐶🐶🚐🙏🧙♂️
@@Wizardinthewild What the cowards did was increase your subscriptions..I just subscribed 🌺
@@funkysouldancer1 well thanks for that. I hope you enjoy watching the back catalogue. I think we have improved over the time we have been doing it. 🙏🐶🐶🧙♂️🚐
Hi, I know this is old now and you have got past this, but it came up on my feed today and after watching would like to say what a lovely couple you seem and much respect for not letting this stop you doing what you love. You earned a new subscriber 😊
Thanks Dave. Your comments are lovely and thank you for making them. If you watch sone of our later stuff you will see we are getting back to normal. We are about to start our latest Arran series where we truly get back to Wild Camping. 👍🐶🐶🧙♂️🙏🚐
Outstanding actions on your painful experience. I've never watched this site before, but I'm with you now. I hope you will continue your ventures.
Hi Stanley. Pretty scary at the time but we will get there. Thank you for subscribing too. Safe travels x
Sorry you had to experience this. Don’t let it put you off, you have already proven you can overcome challenges life throws at you xx
Thanks Tracey. You are right. Think it will take a bit of time though x
Sadly a sign of the times and it will only get worse. Devastating for you both, I don’t think wild camping is worth the risk anymore, invest in the lighting etc as you obviously will, and when the shock subsides make a plan. I think long dark nights are for campsites, but only you can decide. Take care xx
I think you are right. Lights all round and modify where we Stay. Not going to use car parks like that again. Thanks for your support 🐶🐶🧙♂️🚐🙏
Watching your channel from Oahu, Hawaii. Aloha! Peace and serenity. Your tranquility has been disturbed but you have come through it stronger. We are going to travel across the USA in a few months and your channel has reminded us to be aware.
Thank you both. Good luck with your journey. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Glad you're all okay. And never mind the over sharing bits considering the situation you've just experienced. Godspeed on future travels.
Thanks Roxane. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
So sorry to hear about your incident. There are some mindless people out there, most of their actions come from jealousy. Don’t let these people stop what you love doing. Give it some time. I wish you both well. Barry
Thank you Barry. We are overwhelmed by the absolutely wonderful messages. It is helping for sure and slowly we are beginning to feel better about. Can almost feel we may have the strength to carry in in some form. So thank you 🙏. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️xx
I’m sorry you experienced this. People just have no moral code. Unkindness, theft, selfishness…..it’s so awful. Get an alarm system, you can set off to scare people away. Hugs to you both.
Thank you. Good advice. We have an alarm for when we leave the van and will now up our game with more cameras etc. safe travels x
I feel for you both. You work, save up and buy nice things and things like this happen. I do hope that you both can move forward and put it all behind you
Thanks very much 🙏. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
I hope you give yourself time. It sounds so random. Yes teens for sure. Prayers you get past it, and get back to your favorite way of travel. Love from California.
Thank you Jill. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Pleased that you’re both safe, this is happening far too often this is why I will never wild camp .
Thank you Peter. It’s making us consider what we do for sure. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Has never happened to us in 20years BUT we always stay on sites ....Mostly the 2 majors. I have friends who wild camp and have never had problems but I always felt safe sleeping and leaving the van on a site. This is horrible we all love our vans and seeing them attacked for no reason is very unsettling.
Thanks Walkabout. I think this sort of attack is mercifully quite rare. It’s been helpful hearing that the wider area where we stayed has its issues even though the car park looked ok. If we ever go off grid again it will be in very remote places where vandals can’t be bothered to go. Safe travels x
Aww😢 I’m sorry this happened to you! I wish you all the best! 🍀
Thank you. Kind of you to take the time to message. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
So sorry for you both. Hearing your story made my blood boil. Its great how you both handled a horrible situation. Stay strong and best of luck to you.
Thank Ross. It wasn’t easy at the time. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
If you give up, the thugs have won! It is healing to talk about bad experiences. Take time to recover and then, hit the road. My prayers are with you. Please keep the channel going. You are lovely people.
Thanks Henna. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
My heart goes out for you both really sad hope you can find away past this we was thinking of doing off grid as we are newbies to motorhomeing certainly makes you think twice just glad you both and dogs are ok
Thank you Ian. We have subsequently started Wildcamping again. That attack was last November and we are moving on from it. We are about to publish our latest trip of visiting the Isle of Arran again where we do further wild camps. Thanks again for your kind message Ian. 🐶🐶🙏🚐🧙♂️
So sorry to hear about the attack. How awful. Sending much love ❤❤❤
Thanks you very much. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
@@Wizardinthewild will definitely check out your recommendations. Hope the attack doesn't change things too much for you x
So sorry this happened to you. Hope now all is better. You cannot help to wonder why someone would do this. Just so happy you two are O.K.
Crazy Linda isn’t it. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Horrified to see this guys, glad you are all okay. Remember if you get knocked down, it’s nature to get back up again and you will! Give yourself time and take baby steps. You will get back to doing what you love in Merlin. Take care both of you 💕
Aw bless you. Thank you. Hope we will get back to normal in time. It certainly shakes you. Safe travels x
So sorry that you’ve both gone through this, it’s awful. This is why we have not managed to wildcamp yet, I wouldn’t sleep as I’m a worrier at the best of times. Hope it doesn’t put you off doing what you enjoy.
Thanks Kevin. I think we will also be worriers now. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
So glad you were both alright. New subscriber here. You both inspire me so much..keep it up and stay safe please. Bless you both❤
Thank you. I hope you enjoy the back catalog. Welcome aboard. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Sorry you went thru that. It's a beautiful van. Try to be positive pray for inner peace. GOD BLESS
Thanks for your kind words Carol. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
I feel so sorry for you both and admire you for being able to keep it together after such an ordeal. It just shows that as human beings you are at the opposite end of the scale compared to the cowardly low lifes who did this to you x
Thanks so much John. Comments such as yours are most definitely beginning to help us. We both are saying how much help the comments are to us. Makes us feel stronger. There are a lot of really lovely people such as yourself out there. Thank you 🙏. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️ xx
That is scary. Nighttime is rife with criminals, vandalism and theft is part of the reality of our lives. Just goes to show how brazen they are attacking when there is someone in it They seem to be driving around with bricks Maybe worth parking near the exit so you can get out quickly. When it is raining you wouldn't expect them to be out doing this but clearly they don't care what weather it is, drugs and gangs are part of UK life now, hope reported to police. Criminals would know where the park ups are. It is very traumatising to have this happen.
Yeah I think you nailed the story. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Indeed. There needs to be more kindness. God bless you both. I am so glad that you are safe. X
Thank you Jo. God bless 🙏❤️
Your video popped up in my feed. So sorry this happened. I imagine you would have the same feelings that I had when my house was robbed.Only you were present when it happened.You feel so violated and scared. It takes awhile to get over it enough to feel safe again. Blessings and safe travels .
Thanks Paula. These things are always very scary aren’t they? Hope you are ok after what happened to you. We are getting there slowly with it all as you will see in our latest vlogs. Do take care and stay safe x
I’m glad you’re safe. I would have been afraid to step out of van.
Susan. Adrenaline did that. Not my wisest move. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
So happy that you're all ok. You might want to set up cameras and motion sensor lights all around the van to help with your security. Blessings always
Thanks Elaine. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. We are putting out updates on our RUclips channel Wizard in the Wild if you want to know the latest. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
I really feel for you guys.
The place this happened is just up the road from me and it is a lovely area.
Take time to get over this and don’t make any rash decisions that you may later regret.
Hi Bobmob. Thanks for watching and commenting. It looked to be a really nice area. Infact we have been back since the vandalism and both agreed we would park there again if this hadn’t happened as there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the car park.
Here’s the link showing our thoughts after the event when we went back.
ruclips.net/video/fmXzGfuxsWA/видео.htmlsi=-_-GIvE4mldiAW1Z
Safe travels 👍😊
Glad you are ok. First time seeing your site. As my husband and I are seniors now we have been thinking about traveling some but the way things are going we are having second thoughts. Terribly sad is it not
Aww don’t let it put you off. It’s quite rare. We appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍. Comments like this are helping to make us feel better. We will no doubt modify where we camp in the future. We will also make modifications to Merlin to help protect us better. Thanks again for commenting. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
So sorry to hear that this has happened but relieved to hear that you’re all ok. Please don’t let these ne’erdowells deter you from using your van - you’ve had so many lovely adventures and I’m sure many more ahead.
Thanks so much Hilary. Support from people like yourselves has been overwhelming. We are beginning to feel a little better about it all. 🐶🐶🚐🧙♂️🙏
Your strength is in each other and you hit the issue head on. So proud of you both and so sorry some absolute idiots tried to spoil your enjoyment of Merlin and wild camping in general. Big hugs to you both. X
Aw bless you Kim. Thank you. Yes. I think it helped us by getting straight back in Merlin and driving home. Plan to take it all steady and see where we get to. Safe travels x
@@Wizardinthewild you two too. Xx
So,sorry to hear this has happened to you! It would be very frightening to go through something like that. And I’m sure you are hesitant to know what to do next.
Good luck to you it will take time but I’m sure you will make that decision and you will know when that is. 💕🇨🇦
Hi Norma. Thanks for your very kind comments♥️We are gradually getting back to normal and have put measures in place to make us feel safer. Hope you will get to see our subsequent vlogs on our channel which show how we are getting past this. Greetings to Canada 🇨🇦 and safe travels 😊👍🚐
Like many people, this is the first time one of your videos popped up on my feed and I listened with concern about the events that happened and I am sorry all the way from Australia to hear of them. I then went to your very first video on your channel and listened to all of the reasons why you took on this lifestyle and perhaps the best advice I can give you is to re-watch it again yourselves for inspiration about why you chose to do what you have been doing. You must never let them win and you must continue to M.E.R.L.I.N for all of the original reasons you said. Keep seeking the magic. Keep being you.
Aw bless you. In our hearts we know why we do what we do. Goodness knows we’ve talked about it so much since all of this. Anxiety has changed what we saw as an adventure before all this happened. We still love the van, but need to test the water a lot more to hopefully regain what we had when travelling. Safe travel x