A Van Life Nightmare...
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- I'm not sure if I'm cut out for this van life thing anymore... but on the bright side, Colorado is my favorite place ever.
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everything gets broken in time, never give up on things that get old. your art is beautiful ❤
The drawing/painting is beautiful. You look content and at peace sitting in the field of wildflowers.
Let me muse abit. You're still quite young and have just a few years of living as an independent adult, post college. What you described as the multiple challenges you've been experiencing unfortunately is normal life. At your age l was teaching, married with three children. Along that path was being appointed the math-science department chair. Everyone l was responsible for were older! From that vantage point l look into your far future post fulltime van life. You will accomplish many significant goals and aspirations. The enduring lessons will allow you leaving this world one day with contributions that will make the world a better place.
Along the way you'll face challenges like these and perhaps even harder. Van life experiences are preparing you...toughing you up to be ready to face that future head on. With that gritty strength you'll be prepared to be a roll model as you are now! Go getum Girl! Looking forward to more of your videos. 🤗
Your videos are medicine for my anxiety. They are so calming albeit obstacles you faced. Please keep on posting your videos. And thank you for existing. Sending you love 💗💗💗
Maddie, I felt your anxiety driving that bumpy road without 4WD and the van letting you know she needed rest (transmission light). But, you conquered and made your way back to that peaceful field of wild flowers...to share your talent of art. Keep doing what you're doing, for you inspire us! 🖋📒👍🌾🌼
Those shots in the beginning are just so beautiful. You’ve got a great eye for photography/videography. I have to admit I got side tracked watching for a second and looked back and thought, that’s the biggest joint I’ve ever seen 😂
LOL!! I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who thought that at first!! 😂😂
Maddie you are very very talented. Your drawing of the flower at the end of your video was breathtaking! I also wanted to express how blown away i am by the width and depth of your soul. You are a very intelligent human and your contribution to this world is beyond magnificent. Continue to make content but especially continue to pain, draw, and flower press your way through your travels!
Beautiful story telling, filming and sketch.
Those flowers were so beautiful. I’m eager to see the artwork you created from them. Glad you made it out safely from the bad road and van transmission problems. Sounds like you may need a take a break soon. Though summer will roll right into fall soon. You’re making memories with friends for now, so enjoy while you decide where to take a break. Hope you van gets a break in there too. Maybe time to visit family again? Take care and stay safe.
Wow, your artwork is incredible. So talented. Glad you persisted and made it through safely.
Looking into a Garmin Inreach / SpotX in case I get stuck on a remote road. Your drawing is lovely.
Thank you for showcasing bits of heaven Maddie! Your videos are always so therapeutic to me.
What an EPIC adventure you're on...that was a scary thing you experienced but you got through it...I personally prefer the beauty of Crested Butte...it looks like paradise with all the wildflowers...and your artwork is gorgeous!!! 💗💗💗
The traffic light at the beginning of the video... nice touch. The lights turn green, let's goooooo....
Your paintings are so beautiful. I love watching your process as well (: You've inspired me to go out and paint some wildflowers!
Dooo it🥰🌼
Colorado's forest and 4x4 roads are no joke. Dozens of people a year have to be rescued after getting themselves in way over their heads-in snowstorms, at altitude, on roads their vehicles can't handle, and so on. Know that you handled it intelligently and were wise to pay attention to what the van was telling you. Go slow, trust your gut, and don't be afraid to turn around. Be safe and thanks as always for sharing the journey!
As I commented a couple weeks ago welcome to heaven... IE Colorado! Glad you made it.
Yep, scary stuff for sure! You'll never forget that adventure! At least you weren't alone. Beautiful country and amazing artwork!
Beautiful painting, and yes, Colorado is definitely one of the 3 most magical places in the world for a plethera of reasons.
What are the other top two I wonder?
I am envious of your drawing/painting skills. With your talent, you would never get bored. That little marmot (?) was so cute! I think next spring my partner and I have to take our van to Colorado. Being seniors, we’ll do campgrounds and avoid that scary road 😂😂
Maddie: I'm 72yo and I've owned a dozen homes over the years. Every day something goes wrong. Life = Maintenance. That's why home owners take vacations. So take a vacation from van life even if it's just a week. Then assess.
1 Transmission probably overheated from driving in low gear for a long distance.
2 Replace your transmission filter (have mech do it) but don't change the fluid (see Scotty Kilmer check transmission fluid) and check level.
3 Install transmission fluid cooler (by mech).
4 Transmission should normally never overheat.
5 You did the right thing to stop and let it cool off. Could have even waited a little longer.
Maddie, you said send you a message on something or other?? I dont know what youre talking about. If you want to send a message just send it plain old email.
Doug
0:31 That shot is absolutely amazing.
Bear Lake Trail is my absolute favorite in RMNP.
Mads! That road sounds wild- I feel like it's so important for people (esp van lifer hopefuls) to hear all the challenges alongside all the blessings. Even though you only stayed there a night, I'm glad you made it. The drone footage is gorgeous! I'm sorry your van has been having so many struggles
You have had a series of bad luck with things breaking and I know that can be so disheartening but you fixed them! That’s wonderful! You art is breathtaking. I really love seeing flowers I have in my garden in a natural setting. I can understand some of them like columbine and brown eyed Susies (that’s what we call them) but Iris!! Even though they seem so sturdy it was amazing seeing them in the “wild”. Thank you!! ❤️
Maddie your paintings are absolutely gorgeous!! They reflect the journeys you take us on through nature with your videos.
Your artwork is stunning....just like you! A lovely video, filled with fun and dread. But you did it.
That flower drawing.. is marvelous! Real issue, mass print and sell !! Career !
Your video's are so refreshing.
What else to say....
Awesome 💚
Me agn...your transmission heat warning is critical. You were wise to pull over and let it cool down to a safer temp. High temperature trans fluid can break down damaging it. Replacing or rebuilding costs in excess of $4,000 and needs a specialty transmission shop. If are to continue and be in these beautiful but remote locations, then l'd suggest you have a trans shop install a small radiator that specifically cools its fluid. It might cost $2 or 300. But that's cheap compared to ruining the transmission or having to get a tow from way out of the beautiful 'no where's' you explore. 👍
My you're a good artist. When you mentioned your dog was glad to get out of that area where you had a rough road in, you're probably exactly right. Dogs have a way of knowing when your anxiety is high they feel it. I'm glad that in the end you were able to get back to where you wanted to go. Thank you for the video. Wishing you safe trouble-free travels.
As someone said, everything breaks. Also, those mountain roads turn to grease wihen wet, and I've had the weather change four times in a mile in Wyoming, more than once. Rain, sleet, snow, dry. Your tires must be fit for the terrain, so you learned something. Also, ascertain if you can have a transmission cooler installed, and what that would cost. I honestly don't know on a van.
That van is a commercial delivery van with a automated manual transmission and robust transmission oil cooling system. When I hear someone saying things are breaking, I am thinking they are skipping maintenance. Out there on the road you must be ok with scheduling and paying for services towards your van or you will pay dearly.
I so enjoy your videos. It feels like balm for my soul when I watch your adventures.
Colorado is beautiful and your artwork is too, always fun to watch your video’s ❤️
I lived in Aurora, Co. 4 yrs. in the 70's installing carpet, mostly in new condos in the mountains. Crested Butte was my favorite. I always had my dirt bike and fly rod along. My wife of 25 years pasted on 10 yrs. ago. She went to school in Montana before I knew her, and always talked about how much she loved the Rockies. My son and I spread her ashes in a meadow full of wild flowers next to a small lake above Grand Lake in R.M. Park. It was the most beautiful, and closest place to heaven we could find!
This is so beautiful. What an incredible place to be laid to rest. Thank you so much for sharing. Take care
The beauty of Colorado is amazing, huh? Your drawings are equally as nice! 4×4 is my goal for Vanlife but I wanted to try out my old Honda Odyssey first. Thank you for the video and maybe I will get to Crested Butte sometime in the future!
You did the right thing by letting the van cool. Don't let a silly hill defeat you. Squash the fear and punch it ( the throttle ). A surfer goes towards the wave, not away from it. Courage defines us and makes us valuable. Good luck
Just noticed you hit 70,000 subscribers! Congrats!!! I think I started watching when you were just a wee lass with 30,000.
Love RMNP, it’s one of my favorite places in the world!
Really beautiful and honest creation Maddie, touches my heart in a way I cannot explain, there is an element of innocence that I can really see, in short I can say “truly amazing and beautiful “ Both you Maddie and Alli are wonderful “, thank you for sharing 🙏☺️🧡
Thank you 🌻💛
Looks like real peace & serenity! Your friend that is staying with you, could be your spiritual sister, you guys get along so well. Get some all -terrain tires for those back roads. Keep plenty of automotive fluids on hand in case. Maybe get yourself a c.b. radio for backup where there's no cell service. Make sure you have some kind of personal protection with you, bear spray, baseball bat, etc... Keep yourself safe. Also I Love your flower drawing, you should have them color copied, and sell them, they are beautiful. Enough sounding like a concerned dad, but if my daughter was out there, I would tell her the same. Take care, happy trails, and keep those friendships close! Looking forward to next video, and adventure.
Growing up is about learning to overcome obstacles and making way against headwinds.
Credit to you for everything you do.
If you can climb those rocks the rest is easy. Looking forward to more videos. Thanks
Colorado is beautiful, I can see why you love it. You are a talented artist, the iris's were exceptional.
You're an amazing painter I love it
You make me homesick for Colorado! Most of my life and the best part of it I lived there!
You are a very talented artist . I am glad you survived . Anything mehanical will break sooner or later , especialy vehicles . They are designed to wear out and not to last .Happy trails and stay safe .
You're such a talented artist, love those fields of wildflowers!
I appreciate and enjoy your excellent cinematography in the opening minute of this video. I hit the pause-button frequently, to linger on the various scenes.
I think my favourite might be at the 1:00 mark, with the tire-tracks of the rural road/driveway leading to those buildings in the distance.
Beautiful cinematic intro. Some of the shots with the editing made it seem more like a short film than a vlog. You are an artist in the classical sense. Thanks for sharing. I agree that something like inReach (11.95 a month) may give you peace of mind.
Your drawings are amazing. I also love Colorado. Estes park and the continental divide are so awesome. Great video.
Man! Wife had a conference in Broomfield so we went to ColoRADo in April 2022. I LOVED it there. I'm a photographer. So while she was busy, I went to Denver, didn't like it too much. Went to Boulder and LOVE it there. I spent most of my time in Boulder and the mountains. Now your video is making me miss Colorado even more. : (
You we're right by my home Nederland! I'm on Pearl often. Hope you loved it!
I live in Chicago now; but thanks for giving a shout-out to my home state! I miss it…….every single day.
I don’t know if you know this but if you’re going up a steep incline especially in hot weather be sure to put your transmission in 1st gear. I hope that helps.
Also, use a lower gear on steep downhills as engine braking to lessen wear on brakes.
Hi Maddie. I've been watching alll your videos. You have many layers and I love watching them unfold. You are my favorite!
Glad your story had a happier ending than the start. Go with your gut re: continuing van life for now. Also, your art is beautiful!
Have you ever seen a book “The Country Diary of An Edwardian Lady” by Edith Holden? You floral artwork reminds me of her’s. I’m happy everything worked out on that road and that you were able to take the time to relax and paint. Making art is so good for the soul. Take care
This is such a sweet compliment! I love that journal so much. Thank you! Take care
Your journey has been absolutely amazing. You are such an authentic individual and the simplicity and elegance with which you describe all the details of your travels are enchanting. There should be a movie made about you and Eliza. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world. That purple flower drew s exquisite!
I felt such a huge sense of relief for u guys …but y’all did it anyways!!! Beautiful drawings too ❤️
Beautiful artwork!! I’m 52 and desiring to do vanlife. I’ll have to work full time and venture on days off and vacation times. But I’m very excited for it.
Maddie, the next time your house overheats, turn the heat on high, open the windows and point the vents outwards. This will cool the car. Happy Trails!
That would cool the engine , not the transmission that was overheating ...
Btw the drone footage you're taking is epic ❤️
Thank you for this video. My nerves could definitely not handle doing dangerous roads. I can’t even muster up the courage to do a road trip with my 2021 Honda CR-V even though it’s packed and converted to car camping. So far I just did several overnight trips at camp grounds. I want to just take off before the summer is over! But I just seem to find excuses. Maybe after Monday’s doctors appointment? Stay strong. You’re a lot stronger than most of us watching.
Such a beautiful place to camp and explore!!! Also your artwork is so beautiful. I love it!
just found your video. I enjoyed watching your beautiful video today. You did such a good job 👏 Thanks for sharing this wonderful channel with me
I really enjoyed this video. Roads can be a challenge, things will break, but remember the end result makes it all worthwhile. With that being said I've enjoyed getting to know you and your friends. I'm almost up to date on your fantastic videos. Looking forward to more.
Your channel is a joy to watch, you are very talented in front of and behind te camera. Your art is just fantastic, keep it up.
I love that Iris! So glad you made it back!
I live in Boulder and love the footage you took of Pearl Street - you captured the eclectic side! And it looks like you had lunch at Chautaqua - such a beautiful park! The Ram shop in Boulder is excellent - great service. You're within the 100,000 mile warranty so take it in and let them fix it for you:)
I like the scenery which is very interesting...very beautiful...the hills are very charming...
The green trees are very lush....
You are such a talented artist.
I usually like to wait to watch your videos in the evening when I'm done with my day, but when I saw the title of this one, I had to watch immediately! How scary that must have been! At one point though you asked "Was it worth it?" Absolutely! What amazing scenery and your videography and drone footage were simply gorgeous! I also loved when you said right before eating that yummy crepe "Je voudrais manger toute la crèpe, s'il vous plaît." Did you study French in school? I'm a retired high school French teacher so of course I picked up on that, mdr (= lol) Love to you, Elli and Eliza!
Have an awesome day ! Love to you too 🌼
Maddie you should look into publishing your drawings !! Have a great week !! 💯✌🏼❤️🙏🏻
Thank you for sharing your adventures with the internet people!!!
If your transmission over heats you should get the transmission fluid and filter replaced. Over heating your transmission burns the fluid and weakens it's ability to work properly. Also flushing your radiator is also recommended at the same time.
I watched it , three times by now, still , I can't rid myself from the notion that maddie Taylor is too good to be real.
Is she an idealistic figment of my imagination, a vision of wishful thinking?
She doesn't belong in the ordinary world.
Have you ever seen a princess living in a van?
She is killing me softly, with her words.
Do you know how to do basic vehicle maintenance like checking your engine oil, or transmission fluid if not you need to learn how to do these things
Engine oil
Transmission fluid
Tire pressures
Engine coolant
Fuel filters
Air filters
Power steering fluid
These are the basics you really need to know how to do, never trust others that say , it's all good you'll be just fine, put your own eyes on it confirm it yourself, your vehicle will last alot longer and it will give you a better peice of mind, I hope you'll take this advice, stay safe and bring on more videos
From an east coast nomad going on 5 years now 👍🇺🇲
Hiya Maddie. I have just found your channel. I love your calm narration. Your fur baby is gorgeous. Wow, those views on your trip. Gorgeous. Beautiful drone footage. Everything in life is not sun and rainbows. It is nice you are sharing the reality of your situation. Wow, definitely worth it. Gorgeous breathtaking. Love the flower field. I can totally understand why you wanted to return. Gorgeous painting. Beautiful video. New subscriber. Thank you for sharing. Have a great week.
Thank you for such a sweet comment and for sticking around!!! 🥰 welcome!!
Maybe it’s time for a summer (small) cabin in the mountains and vanlife in the winter?! It’s a good balance :)
Awesome! Excellent video! Thanks for sharing your adventure!
Beautiful wild iris illustration!!!
When you drive Hwy 82 it puts you into the Halls of the Mountain King. Park anywhere , get out and start wondering. You'll feel the mountains and valleys embrace you like no other place does. Soo many trails and soo many destinations to hike to. And if you find yourself atop Independance Pass at 2am WHOA ! the galaxies and nebulas and of course the Milky Way will astound you. Even i-70 from Georgetown to Glenwood never disappoints as you have already seen . Yet to come down out of those great hills can be a welcome change albeit for a short time. Boulder is a beautiful town, I lived there in the late 80s thru the 90s but has changed greatly over the past 20 years. Sadly more buildings goining up blocking the once epic views of the Flatirons from Pearl st and surrounding streets. The people have changed as well and many more moving in. I still love Boulder for its setting and mountains ( not the people anymore ) but there are still other places to go . per your vehicle if it does not have a trans cooler installed it would be wise to get one. It definitely adds years to the life of the transmission. Also if its hot out and you are going uphill, especially slowly, for a long stretch its not uncommon for engine and trans to get hot.
Those shots in the beginning are just so beautiful. You' ve got a great eye for photgraphy/videography. I have to admit l got side rracked watchiq for a second...
I got stuck with no chance to get out because of a little rain. Nearly rolled the truck but ended up in a livable condition for the next 2 days. We had provisions so I wasn’t concerned for that. I walked out about 3 miles and the great people of SD came to my rescue and I was out within 30 minutes of reaching a main road. I hope you continue on with your travels. Your art has improved with details and colors. When one finds a their sweet spot they should stay as long as they can and soak it all up. 😻🤗
I love your drawing at the end! Very talented! The places you went to were beautiful, and I understand about getting stuck and losing your car, home and such. Beautiful video 💕
Looking at the absolutely stunning mountains, I’d say 100% worth it. But considering you could only stay one night, idk, you tell me! I’m sorry to hear so many things have been going wrong with your van recently. It sounds like maybe you could benefit from a couple weeks off from vanlife; if time and funds permit, maybe you could fly out to a friend who fills your cup and spend some time relaxing. I know your friend Anna recently did this and it seemed to really help her. At the end of the day, you can only do what’s right for you. I hope your van gives you some time without issues after all this.
Your flower drawing was beautiful by the way. :)
I must admit that it surprised me that you feel like you had enough of the van life. At the same time, you are being constantly challenged by the state of your dear van. I understand. Do what you feel best, Maddie. Gorgeous, gorgeous video, as usual! I adore forest so much. I wish you and Eliza well. 💕
Hi Maddie, were you in D drive when tranny overheated? If so, I recommend using manual mode first, second gear on any forest road. D is set up to maximize mileage, so it up-shifts when RPMs increase. When you slow for bumps and potholes your heavy van lugs the engine and transmission causing overheating. Also, all terrain tires are worth the investment when you can. Happy travels ))
It's an automated manual transmission.
Maddie, you are a true artist! Your painting of that Columbine is stunning!!!
Stunning view! Be careful and take care❣️
Maddie , after your transmission problem i would suggest you have the transmission/ gearbox flushed , with new oil and filter .
It is so easy to relate to everything you are saying. I enjoy your videos. I love how you relate to your van like its a person(van turns 90) I do the same thing. I, too, can relate to the fear of car/van issues. Have you considered taking automotive classes at a local community college? It might give you some peace of mind. Also, your art is gorgeous!
such great cinematography! love all the drone footage.
The thumbnail got me to click I was almost positive that is the canyon near Gunnison and Montrose by blue Mesa! It appears by the video it is. Awesome spot.
Always appreciate honesty.
What a treat this morning to find a new video posted! Thank you for this adventure.
what a great interesting intro! I'm enjoying the rich visuals but i was quite taken with the writing intro, rivers and streams.....well done
Wow! You paint very beautiful!
Your artwork is so beautiful and love your vlogs,don’t give up,have fun and safe travels 👍💖
If your transmission fluid is go, you might want to get your trans cooler looked at if it has one. Be safe. Maybe it's a sign for a second build. Maybe a small bus build? And your right I think Colorado has some of the most scenic highways.
Hey maddie..I’ve never seen real mountains! All I’ve ever wanted to do is see snow on a mountain..maybe one day. Stay safe and keep on finding beautiful places to visit! Love to you and your gorgeous fur baby xx❤️🌷