Why I like sleeping in rest areas? Traveling North of Vancouver Island/ Solo female traveler

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  • Опубликовано: 9 сен 2024
  • Waking up at a rest area beside the ocean and traveling North on Vancouver Island and making home for the night at another rest area.
    Merch & stickers: thecatladyvan.c...
    WEBSITE: thecatladyvan.com
    Everything inside my van: thecatladyvan.c...
    Patreon: / thecatladyvan
    Paypal: paypal.me/thecatladyvan
    Business inquires: emi@thecatladyvan.com
    Music I use: www.epidemicso...
    Please note the above links are affiliate links so Kelly and I get a small commission at no cost to you when you shop through one of the links. I will never promote something that I don't like or use in my daily life. Thank you so much for the support!!
    Thank you for watching! Please like, subscribe and share!
    Hi my name is Emi. My #vanlife story starts in September 2018. After a long-term relationship that I was trying for more than a year to rebuild, I decided it was time to end this toxic relationship once for all. This is where I decided to move away from this man that I was still in love with. I put all my belongings inside my SUV (GMC Jimmy) and moved six hours from where I was living. I didn’t know where I would sleep, didn’t know where I would work but I knew I needed to make a drastic move. At that time, I told myself I will only sleep in my car for a month while looking for a place to rent. What I didn’t know is that one month became another month and another month. In the end, I end up sleeping in my car for a full year. Even if people will consider this the lowers time of my life, this experience was the best thing I couldn’t have done with my life. I took that year to focus on myself, decide what I wanted, and most importantly what I didn’t want. That year made me also realize that for so long, I was chasing the wrong dreams. I was chasing what society wanted me to be: to have a big house, a steady job, kids, get married… None of those dreams was making me happy. In September 2019, while I was actively looking for a van, I received a phone call that someone had found my cat (Kelly). After, trying for hours with no success to communicate with my ex-boyfriend (who was taking care of her), I decided to drive the six hours to go pick her up. Without going into too much detail, it turns out he wasn’t able to take care of her anymore. So I brought her in a cat kennel for a couple of days until I found a van we both could live in. I put all the savings that I had accumulated while living in my car and bought my van (a 2011 Ford Econoline that I end up adding a hightop) In the beginning, It wasn’t so glamour. My cat and I were sleeping on a mattress on the floor of the van. We both had to adjust. Now, my cat loves this lifestyle as much as I do; she looks at the window while I’m driving and she loves exploring new places. Since then, my cat Kelly and I are have been living full-time in my self convert van.

Комментарии • 222

  • @janettebarr6538
    @janettebarr6538 2 года назад +7

    Hi Emi a RUclips channel I watch you might enjoy it’s called 1bike 1world, it’s about a Scottish guy named Dean he is cycling the world with his cat her name is Nala he rescued her in one of the countries he was cycling through she is so like Kitty, I just love cats they are so loving take care stay safe 💕💕

  • @bigbadjohn2543
    @bigbadjohn2543 2 года назад +31

    I'm not sure about anyone else, but I'm always looking forward to see what you cook up to eat.

    • @amyfu2047
      @amyfu2047 2 года назад

      Her meals always look delicious!

  • @TheRedBanner
    @TheRedBanner 2 года назад +6

    I'm not cat person myself, but I think you have given Kelly a great life with all the nature walks in so many different places. She gets to flex those natural instincts outside while so many other cats are relegated to the indoors forever.

  • @BlackDogDesigns
    @BlackDogDesigns 2 года назад +26

    I’m so glad Kelly is doing well and that you have a nice warm toasty heater now.

  • @jackie7916
    @jackie7916 2 года назад +61

    So happy to see her feeling good. Makes me feel good knowing you have that nice heater. Stay safe.

    • @markfletcher9190
      @markfletcher9190 2 года назад +2

      Mark F from Austin Texas have a happy thanksgiving and a merry Christmas and happy new year love you videos

  • @sharonoldham4374
    @sharonoldham4374 2 года назад +4

    Dinner looked good. Glad you have your heater since it's suppose to snow ❄. Have a good evening . See you next video.

  • @retired6247
    @retired6247 2 года назад +15

    Velcro has worked for 2 years, don't change!! 29 degrees f. In Boston this morning.take care.

  • @michellereeder2989
    @michellereeder2989 2 года назад +4

    15:40 Kitty saying please move all this stuff out of my way 🐱😂

  • @kathyrobert9859
    @kathyrobert9859 2 года назад +7

    Thank you for sharing your daily life… you make my day! So glad you have the heater for the snow coming soon !

  • @kellihoppe9336
    @kellihoppe9336 2 года назад +4

    Enjoy your travels and give Kelly a hug from Kelli (me). Love your show as always.

  • @popeye8843
    @popeye8843 2 года назад +4

    Hi Em! Just sent you a note via website asking how/where to mail you a special gift! Stay safe & warm news says bad weather coming your way next few days. Keep watch!

  • @meandmysunshine1
    @meandmysunshine1 2 года назад +18

    You are always smiling! That is nice to see.
    It was nice to see Kitty taking a walk!
    She is looking good!

  • @clarindalovesjesus
    @clarindalovesjesus 2 года назад +19

    Kelly is so cute. Glad she’s doing well. Your food always looks so good. ❤️

  • @cat3crazy
    @cat3crazy 2 года назад +41

    Kelly really seemed to like the walk. Nice to have sunshine after all that rain. I'm glad that you have the heater. I can understand why you went so long without one but now you can enjoy the cold days in comfort. I don't know if you like to read, but my ideal winter day is to curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea, a book and the cats. 🐈 🐈‍⬛ ☕ ❤ 📚

  • @moirabardin9030
    @moirabardin9030 2 года назад +34

    its nice to see you and kitty
    going out for a walk, and it makes a change its not raining. your home looks nice and cosy .
    stay safe.

  • @touristiqueducanada346
    @touristiqueducanada346 2 года назад +3

    I run my winter tires all year round and seem to work well in sand of Mexico 🤪 think I was the only one in Baja Mexico with snow tires .

  • @gingw7333
    @gingw7333 2 года назад +18

    Sunshine, beautiful scenery, a walk on the beach and good food. What more could a person want? Thanks for sharing.

  • @jacjac0102
    @jacjac0102 2 года назад +8

    Your meal looked delicious Emi. Stay warm! 👍🏾

  • @olbird7647
    @olbird7647 2 года назад +21

    Good idea to make use of your mum's sewing machine when you can for any upgrades you may do. If you do change up your window coverings to be more thermal and/or decorative you can still make use of the current ones as backing. 😊

    • @audreythomas1124
      @audreythomas1124 2 года назад +4

      I was thinking the same things…lol

    • @ThecatladyVAN
      @ThecatladyVAN  2 года назад +7

      Yes if I change them they will be will thermal fabric. Those were made with thrift store table cloth.

    • @olbird7647
      @olbird7647 2 года назад +6

      @@ThecatladyVAN good re-purposing! I've turned sheets into curtains before and I can remember my mum making my younger sister and I matching frocks out of curtains 😬😂

    • @christinamann3640
      @christinamann3640 2 года назад +2

      I’m thinking layers are good. Outside dark layer to black out the windows, thermal mylar(?) to retain heat, and something decorative on the inside.

  • @rhondamarshall7039
    @rhondamarshall7039 2 года назад +6

    Lovely spot at the beach, pleased you were able to get some fresh air and sunshine.

  • @74dartman13
    @74dartman13 2 года назад +10

    No matter if I just ate, I always get hungry when you cook. It looks so delicious!👍🙂

  • @davidcox2264
    @davidcox2264 2 года назад +8

    It always pretty there. Safe travels Emi and Kelly.😍

  • @terrapintravels3829
    @terrapintravels3829 2 года назад +12

    Yum, your meal looks so good! Looks like you got your heater just in time!.🦋

  • @rudfil
    @rudfil 2 года назад +4

    I wish we had warm weather and scenery like BC here in Ontario so I can Van life also.

  • @kellihoppe9336
    @kellihoppe9336 2 года назад +3

    The snow clouds are gorgeous.

  • @angelashea963
    @angelashea963 2 года назад +4

    Love the sound of the ocean

  • @loracleveland4045
    @loracleveland4045 2 года назад +2

    Glad you have the heater to keep you and kitty warm

  • @kennethmaskell8522
    @kennethmaskell8522 2 года назад +12

    Love the ocean such a healing place to be!

  • @peggymartinez5350
    @peggymartinez5350 2 года назад +9

    Emi, thank you and Kelly for sharing your journey.

  • @Sandpost371
    @Sandpost371 2 года назад +5

    Very beautiful scenery!

  • @RescueDogTreats
    @RescueDogTreats 2 года назад +4

    Kelly’s going to LOVE the heat!

  • @patriciaince6953
    @patriciaince6953 2 года назад +3

    I love watching your videos but being an old worry wort I do worry about you and Kelly when you are parked over night all on your own. Stay safe my lovely.

  • @jsmith7898
    @jsmith7898 2 года назад +4

    Stay warm! And, Stay Safe!

  • @PattyShops.
    @PattyShops. 2 года назад +9

    Yum that food looks delicious. Happy Sunday to you and kitty... I always look forward to your video's.

  • @denisehager4969
    @denisehager4969 2 года назад +8

    Love the sound of the waves. Peaceful

  • @jeanstrait2904
    @jeanstrait2904 2 года назад +8

    I love the early morning beach soynds and sea gulls. Enjoy your day and be safe. Mama Jean in South Texas.

  • @peggymartinez5350
    @peggymartinez5350 2 года назад +9

    Your meals are healthy and always sound drlicious.

  • @geraldineross5168
    @geraldineross5168 2 года назад +1

    Look at Kitty’s cute white paws so sweet! Look at the beautiful bald Eagles, amazing.

  • @jaymore1178
    @jaymore1178 2 года назад +4

    Beautiful view! I love the (wet) coast.

  • @lindatheodorou9827
    @lindatheodorou9827 2 года назад +17

    I love your video's Emi. Kelly looks like she is doing well, that's always good news. Take care and be safe!

  • @lis59827
    @lis59827 2 года назад +2

    Hi. Amazon sells magnetic window covers for sprinter vans like yours.

  • @caronadams4486
    @caronadams4486 2 года назад +8

    I have a small dog (always leashed) and unleashed dogs have attacked my dog several times...makes me so mad!!!

  • @jimbrown4180
    @jimbrown4180 2 года назад +2

    Thanks again have a blessed week

  • @tinahardy9361
    @tinahardy9361 2 года назад +27

    You and Kelly make my day. Safe travels and see ya in the next one.

  • @sylviagarcia6880
    @sylviagarcia6880 2 года назад +2

    I believe Kelly understands everything you say to her! ♥️🐈‍⬛🌻

  • @darettablack3794
    @darettablack3794 2 года назад +6

    Nice video and if it’s not broke don’t fix it ♥️, I think that’s what they say 🤗? I’ve often wondered if you ever made comfort food,you answered my question about it 😁. How happy you must be feeling knowing you and kitty are going to be warm and cozy when the temperatures drop. Enjoy your warm life and stay safe 🥰……..💞😊💞

  • @ellegraham8559
    @ellegraham8559 2 года назад +3

    I have used the same on windows in my kitchen area but the condensation from just living inside, and I now realized from the kettle, is making the velcro stuck to the window fall off!! How you've kept yours on is amazing to me!!

  • @livingsimplytosimplylive6817
    @livingsimplytosimplylive6817 2 года назад +1

    Your meal looked so delicious

  • @ruthgergits7699
    @ruthgergits7699 2 года назад +12

    Just bought a van. Love your suggestions. Glad you got your heater. I hope to have my build out done by April. My brother is helping me. I am not putting solar but will use power banks. Hugs for you and kitty.

    • @missusjasus
      @missusjasus 2 года назад

      The power bank is the expensive part of having solar. Solar panels, controller are relatively cheap.

  • @sheilabartlett6044
    @sheilabartlett6044 2 года назад +4

    I love to see kitty walk on the wood on the beach, she is a lucky girl! So glad you have your heater. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us, I love the scenery so Beautiful!

  • @elizabethalderman3495
    @elizabethalderman3495 2 года назад +20

    Super happy you and Kelly have a working heater.🔥The scenery in BC is gorgeous. I'm totally looking into rice pasta here after seeing your delicious meal. Yum 🤤

    • @christinamann3640
      @christinamann3640 2 года назад +2

      I have celiac and lots of experience with rice pasta. Cooking it is tricky, as there is a short window between hard and totally mushy.

  • @lindaspenard3298
    @lindaspenard3298 2 года назад +6

    How is Kelly doing with the new meds? Have you ever made pad Thai? Super easy. Can be made with tofu and jar sauce. The president choice from superstore is so yummy. And Rosewall provincial park is a great walk! It's on the old island highway. Enjoy and have a great day.

  • @lady-gemini.852
    @lady-gemini.852 2 года назад +4

    Hiii, Amy your food looks healthy and appetizing will love to see you sit and eat out a plate, that will look comfortable. and tnk god kitty is doing fine, he looks good.

  • @patricialewis-payton7114
    @patricialewis-payton7114 2 года назад +2

    Hey lady, thanks 🙏 for sharing for video. Stay safe. 😍😍😍😍😍.

  • @hughtempleton8640
    @hughtempleton8640 2 года назад +3

    Snow ❄️ I think that Canada gets as I say real snow . In Scotland we don't get so much now when I was a child we used to make snow men . Your heater will be great now 😃

  • @tejasnaikpopkar6671
    @tejasnaikpopkar6671 2 года назад +2

    Super duper awsome vedio and scenic views

  • @lisamerriweather6144
    @lisamerriweather6144 2 года назад +2

    Stay Safe , Enjoy your night God Bless ! 🌺🦋🌺🦋

  • @RonSeesAmerica
    @RonSeesAmerica 2 года назад +11

    Glad Kelly is feelng better! And, may I say, been a sub since the beginning and never fail to smile when I'm on your page! Thanks!

  • @brendablystone9615
    @brendablystone9615 2 года назад +1

    Hi to yu and kitty awesome place there its nice that the 🌞🌄 is out have a great day enjoy your video i really like your van

  • @d0nproffitt216
    @d0nproffitt216 2 года назад +1

    When l'm feeling sad you and kitty make the blues go away and l have a peaceful easy feeling come over me 🤗🐈

  • @bernedicte5860
    @bernedicte5860 2 года назад +1

    you can sew in place a magnet. hide them in the hem. but not sure the snaps would last

    • @missusjasus
      @missusjasus 2 года назад

      Magnets don't work for me very well. Working on another approach to making insulated window covers as I write.

  • @donaldgreer2391
    @donaldgreer2391 2 года назад +1

    Makes me feel good for you to have a heater also. You are so content with lagom. The simple pleasures of life. Yet experiencing many different things leisurely. Good to see uplifting people such as yourself that radiates onto others such as myself. Wishing you another pleasant day of your travels. Many of us thank you for what you are doing.

  • @SouthCanadian
    @SouthCanadian 2 года назад +3

    I like that jacket you wore at the beginning of this video. Looks nice on you.

  • @garycordle5295
    @garycordle5295 2 года назад +1

    Emi the magnets works really good, Im glad your staying warm im it looks like you and Kelly are enjoying yourselves, stay safe.

  • @rona-husky9019
    @rona-husky9019 2 года назад +1

    Just sew magnets into window covers and they will attach to metal frame around the windows , without making any attachment on window , magnetism 👍😎cheers

  • @luckylucy1859
    @luckylucy1859 2 года назад +5

    Congrats on your sub count. It’s really gone up. Kudos!

    • @MilesCobbett
      @MilesCobbett 2 года назад

      I just found her channel and subscribed :) Miles Cobbett. Fairbanks Alaska

  • @contactjoy4140
    @contactjoy4140 2 года назад +1

    When I'm preparing a meal wherein I'm going to mix it all together, I season the noodle water and cook the veggies with the noodles so it becomes a 1 pot meal.
    Less to clean up and the flavors blend deliciously.

  • @lin7284
    @lin7284 2 года назад +4

    I have those snap fastenings for my van curtains. But also use some heavy duty suckers on my thermal/black-out window covers, which I have used also on some of my blackout curtains before too; which stuck to some parts of my van body initially when was first starting out

  • @jeanstrait2904
    @jeanstrait2904 2 года назад +1

    BTW, kitty looks hapoy and well.

  • @rosalindd1386
    @rosalindd1386 2 года назад +5

    You keep so busy & have many talents ! Kelly looks so happy & cozy ! Thank you for sharing everything with us !

  • @lynnavas5203
    @lynnavas5203 2 года назад +3

    I love your 🐈 so cute 🐈🐈🐈

  • @rfederer3698
    @rfederer3698 2 года назад

    Yes it's emi and Kelly. Hi from Liverpool UK. Beautiful BC. KEEP ROCKIN !!!!!!!

  • @insanity6829
    @insanity6829 2 года назад +2

    Pretty soon all the gang will be on west coast, eh? Jeff coming your way as well.........I think Joseph out there as well?? Love Kitty Kelly...... have 2 of my own in house babies . ALways look forward to seeing you, congrats on the growing subs too !!!
    18 degrees is comfortable? lol I would be in a snow suit! LOL

  • @jeanne4771
    @jeanne4771 2 года назад +1

    Get some sweet chili sauce, it goes great in all stirfry.stir-fry. Kelly looks great. Hope she has not had anymore seizures.

  • @tonibauldree7862
    @tonibauldree7862 2 года назад +5

    I’m so glad you have a heater now. You will enjoy that so much, kitty will too. I just picked up some moisture control package/box like thing, because last time we were out, windows fogged up on the inside while sleeping. Don’t know if you’ll have that problem with your heated temperature this winter. I’ll see how it works next time out. We have both an en- trailer and also use our suv for traveling.

  • @norasteel1776
    @norasteel1776 2 года назад +2

    Hi Emi, as always, it's good to see you and your routine. Your kitty is too cute~ Take care and thank you so much for making my evening.

  • @11silver-bullets
    @11silver-bullets 2 года назад +1

    Set of tire chains will help . For as long as I can remember Vancouver it usally snows a few days, then melts then freezes . That week of snow shuts this city down.
    It's those days tire chains are needed or if on a forestry road . FSRs tend to be slushy in the day but soon freeze up starting in the afternoon turing those FSRs into frozen toboggan runs . Believe me . I shot down one in my Suzuki Sidekick bouncing of snow banks and bushes , trees , zero brakes or traction . Got awarded the Gold medal in stupidy that year .

  • @dixxebell
    @dixxebell 2 года назад +4

    I like your build because it is not cluttered, everything is put away, that makes it very pleasant. I used the snaps on my curtain, and the part that goes on the wood you can get the type that a screw goes in the center and it screws in place...and the other side you hammer it together with a little "die" it sits in the top and bottom hammer together. You can get them in Walmart craft area...

  • @heleenquartel1145
    @heleenquartel1145 2 года назад +1

    For hanging your curtains you could use tourniquets. They are used in boats and cheap.

  • @jwray6150
    @jwray6150 2 года назад +2

    Canada's so pretty I really want to make a trip there. Your cat looks sweet , and dinner looked delicious and healthy. Stay safe and warm ❄🌨☃️

  • @TheTravelLifeMama
    @TheTravelLifeMama 2 года назад +2

    Love watching other solo female travellers!!

  • @marthalidam9139
    @marthalidam9139 2 года назад +3

    Im always waiting for your videos. Thanks for your hard work. Lovely kitty kelly. 🥰

  • @ignorethis68
    @ignorethis68 2 года назад +3

    ...N l C E!!!

  • @whereswendy8544
    @whereswendy8544 2 года назад +1

    Getting pretty chilly now. Hope we get some sun that lasts.

  • @kimsaggio5637
    @kimsaggio5637 2 года назад +2

    OMG! The sound of the waves… Incredible 💕 Love seeing how comfortable Kelly is with her leash, gives her a safe environment to explore with you. Emi, you should really consider doing a van/travel cooking show, your food always looks amazing. Especially with your ditch oven..

  • @terry362
    @terry362 2 года назад +1

    Stay safe and warm! 💛🇬🇧💛

  • @beckygrice5685
    @beckygrice5685 2 года назад +2

    Yeah your channel is growing.

  • @tyeseboone4962
    @tyeseboone4962 2 года назад +2

    Love your video. Hi Kelly 🐈😁❤️

  • @risingsun49
    @risingsun49 2 года назад +1

    I really like your heater and he hooked it up this is inspiring

  • @chrismeyers5963
    @chrismeyers5963 2 года назад +1

    Love the fact all my favorite vanlifers are posting vids on my birthday lmao, awesome vid :-)

  • @liammcweeney1674
    @liammcweeney1674 2 года назад +3

    Great video emi hope you are well

  • @teresitap5778
    @teresitap5778 2 года назад +3

    Omg sis, your meals always look amazing. I thought of you when I saw a vegan shepherd's pie- can't wait to try it. Be well friends! 💗

  • @toddbartel6300
    @toddbartel6300 2 года назад +1

    That dish looked good too

  • @wanderingoutyonder
    @wanderingoutyonder 2 года назад +2

    Safe travels! Looks like yet another lovely adventure!

  • @risingsun49
    @risingsun49 2 года назад +1

    It's snowing early in America too and cold too early. Would be nice if people get together and buy land for people who live in Vans and RVs. This is what I want to do I'm going to move into a van or RV and buy land so I have a permanent place to park .

  • @Lock-Vlog
    @Lock-Vlog 2 года назад

    I'm watching marathons the cat lady journey

  • @kimipardoe1650
    @kimipardoe1650 2 года назад +1

    Kia ora from New Zealand lots of great tips shared the reason for parking with possible ice/snow, love your meals quick healthy and yummy......so glad you have your heater!

  • @trevorpat-lifeontherun
    @trevorpat-lifeontherun 2 года назад

    First cold night with the heater.👍

  • @suzannedubois2388
    @suzannedubois2388 2 года назад +2

    I enjoy how relaxed Kelly is. The morning sun was beautiful. I love the smell of chamomile tea. What a nice evening ritual. It makes me want to find an evening tea for the winter. Thank you for the video.

  • @cathyluscko3788
    @cathyluscko3788 2 года назад +1

    Your such a nice lady and I love kitty cat, I also wanted to let you know that I made the same dinner u did and it was good!!! I loved it!! I like your cooking videos I learned a lot from you, thank you Catherine