The end of our winter van life (jk, we’re just heading south) 🔅
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- Опубликовано: 23 авг 2024
- This week we said goodbye to our snowy winter van life, after getting stuck in a blizzard in colorado. Hello van life new mexico :) (White sands national park, Aguirre Springs Campground)
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Camera Gear:
I used my iphone 13 mini to film every single thing in this video.
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Van Stuff Links:
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I'm Mariah Alice, and I live the "solo female van life" with my dog, Finn. We've been on the road full time since June of 2020, and although our road has been met with what feels like a zillion ups and downs, we've finally gotten to the point where living in a van feels like home. Sometimes we're alone in the woods, sometimes we're alone in a desert, sometimes we're chasing snow or thunderstorms, sometimes we're trying to see all 50 states, and sometimes we're making weekly videos here on RUclips talking about our feelings, anxiety, loneliness, seasonal extreme sadness..... yeah. I don't know what I'm doing with my life. And that's okay. I think :)
My Patreon: / mariahalice
Business: oursimplelens@gmail.com
Although I do talk about the struggles of youtube towards the end of this video, I do want to reiterate how damn worth it all of it is, to be able to have these experiences, and to be able to share them, even when it's not easy. Nothing worth doing is easy. And nothing good comes without some bad. Okay hope everyone's well, these comments are making my morning :)
Hi Mariah,
I TOTALLY get how you can get down and the bad weather can affect your mental health, also how pressure/negativity can affect you regards RUclips.. I too get affected more during the winter months. I'm not off Grid yet, but hoping to perhaps sell up and buy a van to build out, travel for a bit, maybe some land off Grid here in England or Perhaps elsewhere abroad like your side of the ocean! It's great you can move to be where the nice weather is so for sure make the most of that! That's what I want to do for a year or two. But if that doesn't pan out then that's why southern Europe appeals possibly as it never really gets properly bad weather for long, not like here where it's dismal and cold ALOT! Especially right now hence why I can TOTALLY relate to how you were feeling!
Anyhow never apologise for being honest! I love the honesty of your videos! It shows the reality of van life that many channels do not show and so many people(me for instance) might take it up on the basis of the idillic lifestyle they see only to find out it's far from the dream life everyone on RUclips portrays.. so keep it real! I love it and I love your videos and channel!
Sorry for the essay got carried away lol 😅🤦🏻
Take care and make sure you do what's right for you! Sending best wishes & positive energy from London England 👍❤️💪😎🏴
It's great how you always find a way out of your predicaments, and despite whatever situation you come across, you somehow stay level-headed. I always look forward to your updates, and I hope you have a kick-ass new year!
Oh, and happy near year to Finn, too!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings and adventures with us. ❤️
It sounds like you need a week on the South Padre Island Beach. Park anywhere on the beach and just hang for a few days or couple weeks. You can also see the Mars rockets being built that you will probably have an opportunity to ride on in 20 or 30 years. I'll be six feet under so I am trying to talk someone into taking my place. Don't forget your kite as you can't hang on the beach without one. I left there last week to be at the RTR in Quartzsite. Safe travels.
It's not just the scenery that has me addicted to your channel.There are plenty of great "videographer" van lifer's out there, but you speak like a writer and a philosopher. Your wisdom is well beyond your years Mariah, and watching your quest to gain even more is so inspiring. I'm 64 and I sill haven't stopped! 🥰
It really is great .
ditto !!!
Mariah: my very first comment to you - actually, a suggestion... Don't ever mention the haters or negative commenters in your videos, you empower them and it makes them feel good about themselves. I think that you are doing very well at handling these uncalled-for comments. Stay strong - keep movin' !
I love how raw and authentic you are. There's no closure or happy end at the end of your videos, and it feels accessible and relatable! Keep doing what you're doing!
It’s cool how you can travel to different states and it’s completely different weather and scenery
These endings are just the cherry on top in every video, hillarious, and these moments are so real. Love it!
The shot of you standing at the top of the dune with that beautiful sky stretching out forever.......AMAZING!!
Being warm is sometimes underestimated. The feeling of relaxation when you go from somewhere cold to somewhere warm, and feel the relaxing heat soak into your bones is extreme. Also, White Sands looks amazing.
P.S. You might want to check your affiliate links. The microphone one is dead.
I just noticed about the links... omw to fix them now lol
You just outed your pup 🐶 "He eats poop 💩 " lmao 🤣
Totally related to that fine line of total freedom to go anywhere and belonging nowhere. It's real but exhilarating ~ what keeps me going on adventures
I'm a 43 yr old and watching your videos gives me courage to start van life. Thank you so much for the videos :)
We're all simultaneously connected and alone, and tune into one or the other at any given time. I liked your bullet journal art. 13:20 - 13:23, a concise collection of squawks, very cool.
Your videos are very inspiring, me and my girlfriend traveled for a few years always chasing warm weather and glistening sunsets and not having a travel plan but for some reason we would always end up in the Florida Keys, so we bought a sailboat to live on and to help offset the high cost of living in the Keys. In a prior life we were both avid sailors so adjusting to a live aboard lifestyle came easy and we have no regrets. We occasionally sail to the Bahamas, but mainly just change zip codes along the Florida coast lines.
I have watched just about all your videos. I’m 30 years older than you; have traveled the world, raised 12 adopted children, run a nonprofit and yet I’m learning so much from you. Learning how to be more introspective about who I am and what I feel.
Thank you for your young wisdom and candor. Don’t ever change. ♥️
Thank you for sharing your traveling adventures as well as part of your life on the road. I always enjoy hearing about your escapades through the many states you drive and your awesome song selection as you do so. Keep up the awesome work and effort. It is much appreciated. Take care.
If you ever get over in Arizona there is the town of Quartzsite west of Phoenix on I10 near the California border. It's a Winter destination for RV people from the north. They have camping in town, but mostly outside of town. Some people camp in group areas and others in more isolated areas. The big draw is sunny warm days in a dry desert area with temps in the 60's! 🙂
Bob the white bearded Santa like guy has his annual RTR festival for all the vanlifers next week in Quartzsite
Binged watched all of your content and can't get enough! You're simply real & honest :) Keep up the incredible work and happy new year!
5:24 - Waking up to those two faces must feel like Heaven on Earth - two beautiful loving kindred souls with eyes and a smile that could like up the world. :)
Thanks for taking us along on your adventures and fighting the video burnout, it's a lot of work creating a decent video, and the work you put in shows. I love Monterey, specially pacific grove. I can totally relate to the things you talk about, I have been traveling the country in a converted mini van with solar and fridge. Many times it's a coin flip on where to go. Sometimes overwhelming aimlessness, and other times it's joy and freedom. Arizona is warm and lot's of blm land, especially all along the Colorado River, (west coast) of Arizona.
Amazing,strong,individual,talented,and learning about "self" and your spiritual journey is just awesome. Forget the haters,they are lurking around to test you and judge what they cannot or dare to dream to do.
Safe,happy travels and abundant blessings as you journey on 🤠🤩
You’ll fall in love with Oklahoma sunsets. They literally glow like gold
I can totally relate to what you were saying about how things start to collide into each other and the negativity starts to over shadow the positive enjoyment and then it starts self destructing and you have to jump out of that and find your way back to happiness!
I found your channel a couple weeks ago. I enjoy seeing your adventures. You’re a really cool person!
That was a rough snowy goodbye much better under the sun you were actually glowing and your right better safe than sorry.
Glad you headed south to warmer weather. Keeping a vehicle warm 24/7 in a cold climate is costly along with a lot of extra work. Glad you pulled through with a positive attitude and enjoyed some of the adventure. Make 2022 a good new year!
Glad you made it to New Mexico! It's my home state and full of surprises and views. And LOTS of space. White Sands is gorgeous! Too bad you just drove through as there are so many outdoor things to do. Happy to see you enjoy that NM sun. :-) Northern NM has some views you wouldn't believe so look there when it warms up because we do get snow.
It's great to hear you are not letting the RUclips bully push you too much. Hold the line and enjoy your adventures. Don't let an algorithm dictate your life.
That sand is so light, it almost looks like snow, so beautiful!
Wow…. The truck that caused all that trouble didn’t stop to help! Well karmas got one more to take care of on the list… Great MacGyver move using the lid. I think a Swiss Army knife, shoelace, a belt and a paper clip would have helped… don’t know how, but it works for him. Glad you found your way to the sunny side. I swear, that first seen of walking bare foot on the sand…. I thought it was snow! Took a while for my mind to realize it was warm sand. Great seeing you and Fin happy and warm in the sun. Adventure on….
I enjoy the warm seasoned videos more than snow! I’m stuck in cold weather and snow at the moment so it’s nice to see something different
I found your channel a couple of weeks ago and I just wanted to say you have the most calming voice. I love to watch your videos because they are just calming to me and my soul.
I enjoy your videos as you have an authentic vibe and show the ups and downs as well. Also as someone who travels alone, what you said does hit home and hits right in the feelings.
I just discovered your videos five days ago. You remind me a lot of my youngest daughter. I am 53, mother of two married daughters and grandma of one almost 3 year old so I am at a very different season of life but I really enjoy your videos. I am also Christian so I am going to keep you in my prayer life for safety and other things. When you are my age you will look back at all of your videos and be extremely grateful that you made the choice to both travel freely and document your travels. Much love to you!
Every single vlog of yours is having worth to keep joy yourself in a simple way.
That’s Amazing
Keep it up to explore the nature
Wow, I'm impressed that you broke out the oscillating saw and had the confidence to cut into the cabinet and troubleshoot the plumbing !
I was so happy when you mentioned Anna, fingers crossed for a little reunion!! Glad you made it out of that snow, it looked to be a mess.
Hang in there girl. I’m sure the uncertainty of life is a difficult weight to carry but seeing it as a positive can be so freeing. Love your videos and always look forward to watching them when you post ❤️
I am a retired lady . You are a lovely young lady, sometimes you have to be your own light in this world. If you need something to make you feel better like flowers . Pick them up for you no one else. Keep going hug your sweet little dog and smile.
Cool update! So..... much warmer!!! 🌞 Awesome views of White Sands. Keep truckn'.... 🤙
Hi Mariah. Welcome to New Mexico and glad you experienced White Sands. During my van life, I hugged the Mexican border during the winter months, especially down around Yuma and Parker. There were no problems with being evicted in that area, they rely economically on snow birds. Even Phoenix area was warm, though a bit sketchy. One time, I did end up going to Denver to see my grandkids for Christmas and of course, ran into -20 degree weather and snow. I spent 24 hours there, keeping my Roadtrek (aka Phototrekker) running all the time with the heat full blast. Then I booked it back to AZ. Another winter I hung out in NC, GA and FL for the first part, then skirted along the Gulf of Mexico until winter subsided. By March I ventured back tot he Pacific coast and followed the warmth north as we got into April. Yup, winter does take a bit of planning, for sure.
If you ever find yourself just south of Albuquerque in the winter and need a place to stay, shower, eat, whatever, drop me a line and you are more than welcome here. Hope you get to make it back to see more of the beauty of the state. I notice you were in the four corners (Monument Valley), one of my favorite areas of the southwest.
Jimmy and Natalie have just put out a vlog where they visited White Sands National park. Small world eh. Their green Skoolie stands out where ever they go🚌. Here's wishing you and Finn good mental health 👍😁🐾💞
Just found your YT Channel today and I binge watch your videos before going to bed. It's currently 2:01 PM right now and I have a night shift. I love watching camping in a winter vids then suddenly I prompt to your channel. So glad! I found your YT Chan. You're so good in editing, it's very relaxing and calming vlogs. Keep it up. May the Lord keep you always. Bless your heart. ❤
Philippines
Girl. You just scooted past soooo many bumps in the road like it was nothing 😮 like, oh yeah got stuck, fixed my fan, traveled across the country, got sick, had a knock at my door. And you just act like it's all cool, who are you?? I love you❤️
I found you from a snow video and went back to watch from the start, you have such a refreshing type of content that's been really soothing the last few days. I think you're wonderful and I'm glad you chose to do youtube, the balance of introspection and adventure is a great mix.
Hope you had a good new year and are doing well out there! I haven't been able to keep up with your content with college starting back up but I love catching snippets of you travelling around living the life and vlogging it
Good luck with this new semester!! I’m sorta jealous of everyone going back to school haha
@@MariahAlice Haha thank you! I just got off of a 3 week long winter break so it's almost a daily routine shock to have to do so much again
Home is where your Heart is.......Your lliving a great life.....dont fret or be depressed ever.....
where ever you are
you will be.....
stop planning for a while and
just be in the 🎁
it doesnt matter, just search the area your in,
feel its energy and embrace it.
why put stress on yourself..
learn the history and share it with us..
believe in your decisions, even if they are wrong sometimes,
thats the ticket to knowledge and growth, then becomes
experience then history.. your past..
so leave glitter ✨✨ ✨ ✨wherever you go........
and dance as you walk. why????
because you can..
great to see you and thanks for the video catch-up..
much 💜 from Australia 🌸🙏💙
When nowhere is home - everywhere is home. Welcome home wherever you are.
If you need snow head to Cloudcroft/Lincoln National Forest. You can always head back to Las Cruces if you need to warm up. The Perma Tracks, slot canyon, Dripping Springs and the west side of the Organ Mountains (free camping) where it's warm(er). You get the best of both worlds and they're only an hour and a half apart. I like how real and relatable you are.
One of the many things I like about you is, you are real.....you aren't sugar coating everything. I simply like you. Maybe in another blog I'll explain a little more. You are a nice person...and real...and I like your doggie as well!
Good grounding Connecting to the earth is essential for your well-being. Definitely Walking around in the sand and the sun in your face definitely helps with your mood ..
Monterey and your former neighbor city, Carmel are stunning places. Good for you embracing adventure and exploration.
You mentioned in the snow video about oil change and brakes. If you are passing through the Las Vegas area and need light mechanical work and/or storage, let me know.
I've got the rear caliper tool for pushing the piston back in to install the pads.
Also, as an owner of many Transits for work, keep a spare throttle body and learn the steps to sync a new one to the computer. Only a few tools needed and very easy to change.
Also, don't let anybody mess with the transmission fluid. 150k mile service intervals. Then it is an expensive service of dropping the subframe to remove transmission pan and replace the filter.
Transmission flushes will flush the particles back into the system and possibly cause premature transmission failure. Don't let anybody touch the transmission that does not follow the factory service manual for interval and specific job requirements.
Lastly, keep an eye on the driveshaft damper at the transmission output. Those break and cause serious damage.
P.S.- If you need ideas of places to visit around NV, DVNP, UT, and CA East, let me know. In 24 years of living in the area there is always something more to see.
I’m in Maine being very unproductive… spending more time in the van than outside… simply passing time waiting for something…. What I don’t know… why I don’t head south I don’t know…. So tempted to turn the key and get out of here. Enjoying your video’s
of all the "van life" vids out there...this one is one of two most real imo. GJ girl!
Watching the effects of seasonal depression hit you when you get to snow and go away when you hit the sun is amazing!!
I love your videos, your dog is sweet, you are sweet and really strong. Thank you so much!!!
I continually look forward to your videos. So good! Keep them rolling, Mariah!
Gorgeous scenery!! I really like how honest you are about your feelings, struggles, and how you deal with them. Keep doing what you want to do!! Love your little dog, so cute!!
I enjoy watching your videos! I hope you care less about the haters because there are so many of us whose day gets a little better by experiencing van life vicariously. :))
The Organ mountains and White Sands. I'm so happy you get to experience them.
Great video. I absolutely love your cinematography. Gets better and better. Take care and be safe.
Cool you like New Mexico. My sister has traveled the world and lived all over the country, and she insists that New Mexico -- around Santa Fe -- was/is her favorite place to be and live. It sounds like you're "leveling up" your knowledge about what places and doing a lot of self discovery... like going from reading/learning about places to experiencing them and finding out what you truly like. Each time gaining the courage to venture a little further our and try something you haven't tried before. I imagine there's a significant drop-off at some point where people who do the van life thing for a while decide they've seen or done everything... and then a small percentage that stick it out and eventually break through to some advanced levels... knowing where the best (and worse) of everything is. Enjoy your vlogs and thanks for sharing. And "hello" from California. :)
Oh my goodness, I laughed my ass off, when you hid behind the rock and said “peek a boo”! Keep being you ! Much love and gratitude
Follow the weather!! When its too cold - go to where its warmer, when its too hot - go to where its cooler. Your home is on wheels, so you have absolute freedome! Weather apps are your friend!
Glad you survived Monument Valley ordeal. Sounded like the most uncomfortable time for you, while on the road. On a lighter note: Very much liked, (again), the snow on the ground when you were outside walking in the vast, (appearing on the video as possibly far and wide), open area. Snow coverage that city folk do not see, (snow without building obstructions). (Similar feeling received when viewing the sky illuminated with stars, while being away from the city light interference). Best travels wished.
Somehow proud to watch you repair our plumbing!
Your independence is so soothing and inspiring to watch, even when you find yourself in sticky situations. Thanks for sharing your journey with us :)
Excellent video!. I live in the southwest and it is nice to know, when I miss snow in the winter, I can drive a few hours north and be in it. I think you made the right decision of heading south when you grew tired of the snow and cold. If you miss it and grow tired of the heat, you can always head north again. I look forward to seeing your future adventures in the southwest and have fun!.
Yuma AZ is a great place for warmth in the Winter!!!
wow 500k views on your winter video, you weren't kidding! you're always sincere and i'm absolutely here for it :)
That sucks that you get hateful comments. I just recently came across your channel and I have really enjoyed it. Take care of yourself out there, and don't forget to enjoy your adventures.
lol moments, "peekaboo" and the the fake fire! omg I love watching you so much girl! I have had several **hides-from-people** moments myself and it feels so good to see I am not the only weirdo out here
I love that the last line in this video was he eats poop
I liked your fire.
“I’m nuts!” Haha same.
Haha! “He eats poop.” My two little dogs eat poop too. I’m just glad they don’t roll in it! 😂 I came across your channel a couple weeks ago and have really been enjoying your videos. I envy you. 💜
I was just watching some of your videos from last year when I got the notification. Good timing, I needed this.
Your bangs are really cute at this length btw.
Thank you!! I’m trying to figure out how I feel about different lengths lol.
Nico 🤗😍🌹
I follow a lot of VanLifers & u are a smart capable woman take care & stay safe Mariah now that u have defrosted in the sun!! PS your doggie is so cute! 🤗🇦🇺🌻🌞
Hi 👋 Mariah, I'm Rana. I'm a new subscriber and I have to tell you how relaxing and comforting and enlightening your videos are. If I had a time machine, I would go back to my early 20s and make different decisions, including choosing a nomadic life like yours over a toxic relationship. I'm 39 with 2 kids, I could never live on a bus now, but thanks to your videos, I get to enjoy the van life through your eyes. Thank you for sharing and stay safe out there.
having a dog in my life brings all the warmth and sunshine that i need.
i just wish they lived as long as we do.
As a born and raised Vermonter I am no stranger to the cold. As I've gotten older I appreciate what little bit of warm weather we get in the Northeast. Truly a blessing and you are absolutely right about the sun putting a smile on your face. Your vids are a breath of fresh air. It's like your hanging out with all of us when you talk to us subs. Keep rocking it and stay safe🤙
SNOW IS RAD!!!! LOLOL... ITS THE CHALLENGE THAT MAKES IT FUN FOR ME. YA DONE GOOD, BUT NOW THATS HOW YOU LEARN THE SEASONS OF SURVIVAL IN THE BOONDOCKING LIFE.
There isn’t much better in this world than a New Mexico sunset. I miss them so.
Did you ever replace your brake pads? Don’t forget! Stay safe!👍❤️
After 28 years traveling the world in the military we settled in NM and I have never felt more at home. Look at the Trail of the Ancients Scenic Byway - plenty to see and low key
I just found your video and applaud you for your courage to explore these wonderful spots! Thank you for sharing your journeys ❤
I love New Mexico. I discovered it 45 years ago when I was a young man, and have never got tired of seeing it.
In your videos youre so reserved and calm, your videos are almost as a calming podcast to sleep to. ON the other hand i think that judging by the bloopers youre a hilarious person. Love your videos keep it up!
Definitely a very happy face once you went south 🚐
Your reaction to warm weather and the sun is exactly how I feel living in Canada after a long winter. It's why Canadians "go so hard" in the summer, we don't want to waste any of it.
You are so sweet, sincere, and real. Good luck with your mental health journey. I hope you keep chasing those sunsets because it also brings me supreme joy! 💕 I say keep letting your light shine ✨ you are the culmination of all your life experiences. You are unique and interesting. Honor that light in you by continuing doing things that bring you joy 🤩 subsequently bringing us joy.. a beautiful circle oh what perfect geometry 📐 🌺
I can not understand the fascination with snow. Once, when we lived in Spain, I was persuaded to drive the four hours from our home on the coast, up to the snow at Granada. I spent approximately three minutes outside at the top if the Sierra Nevada, before heading down again for another four hour drive.
If I lived in the US, I am sure I would just migrate south every winter.
And anyway, I have a Dalmatian and she is not partial to rain or snow or cold, so, that's two of us.
Keep the videos coming and stay warm!
I love White Sands National Park. I live about 1.5 hrs away and go all the time to clear my head. Whenever you are in the area again, consider going into Cloudcroft, NM or Ruidoso, NM. You will find amazing sceneries there
I think the reoccurring theme of being an adult is "I never end up doing what I thought I was going to be doing."
You go girl. Your energy is contagious and your solitude makes me wish for more blissful days like the ones I watch you experience on this alien like platform we call RUclips😊😊
Im listening to Braving Wilderness by Brene Brown and what your saying about home reminds me of a Maya Angelou quote: "You are only free when you realize you belong no place-you belong every place-no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great."
White Sands is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been! Beautiful footage 💗
Live as much of life in the moment that you can without forgetting to eat, shower, defrost the pipes, etc. Nicely done as always!
Live your life Mariah. Your home is the road. Don’t let the little things like a busted pipe get you down. Brick and mortar homes have a ton more issues.
3:06 “no way in he-yall” ☺️
I LOVE how one of your doggos ears is floppy lol it’s so cute!
Never worry about views on RUclips our channel never grew..we used RUclips to document our adventures on the road . Only a few folks go viral, enjoy your journey ,live life every day like tomorrow is never promised . Safe travels!
I'm 54yrs old and will be retiring soon - the idea of doing a van conversion or even just a simple lil travel trailer has become more appealing to me. I do know rving in cold climates is real challenge. Appreciate your videos and your honesty in sharing your thoughts - Happy Trails to you young lady - thanks for posting. :)
Correct do what feels right and were youll be the happiest at.Great series.