I like to go directly to the source when I can. I call ahead at Walmart, Cracker Barrel, or Loves & Flying J. Or I go in & speak to a manager or anyone who can give me permission to use their lot. Thx for showing viewers the real van life. I believe things happen for a reason & U just proved that. I’m learning that things happen for Us not to Us.
You're right about campfire smoke being not quite so bad. The smoke from large wildfires that burn buildings and vehicles are way worse. They often contain heavy metals, such as arsenic, and other hazardous materials, asbestos, etc. If you can see it, it's time to mask up, but not with a hospital mask. Use an N95 type mask, double layered and close fitting to keep out tiny particulates. Air quality at street level is at its worst in the early morning hours, when no breeze and cooler temps settle and condense the smog. Use the "recirculate" feature on your car air conditioning, and replace the air filter f it gets too dirty 🤗
The guard in Eugene Oregon followed me to my bus while I walked, pushing my cart full of groceries. They allowed me to put away my groceries, but it was unnerving for sure.
Some security are nothing but Karen's. I always go inside and ask management, then security can circle me all they wish at that point. in fact, I would encourage it, for you will be very safe with them around you all night......Heehee. Above all, Always do what your gut tells you to do for your safety. Hope you have a wonderful day and can't wait to see this huge museum. Be Blessed!
Yes Oregon got hit really bad with wildfires again. Difference between campfire and forest fire is not as much wood burning at the same time along with under brush.
In a forest fire there are a lot of plants & green wood that you wouldn't have in a camp fire. That may cause different types of breathing isdyes...maybe.
There are actually millions of spots you could park for one night. Trouble is, it's nearly impossible to figure out if anyone is going to bother you. I only know where I can park in my local area, because I know the area well. But other people wouldn't and probably not even try to park in those spots.
I have tried air purifiers before, but in the van itself it doesn’t really work out for me very well because there’s so much additional stuff going on and I have such a small space
I was made aware by a police officer that in some areas if you put up your window covers if it is a no camping area or they do not allow people to stay in their vehicles that they have the right to ticket you even if you’re not inside. Also, the police officer told me in certain areas of the country if you are away from your vehicle and you indicate that you have window covers that you are more likely to have break-ins statistically. So I try really hard not to do those things as a result because I do not want to have to pay a ticket just to keep my cab a couple degrees cooler lol
I have had some luck at auto parts stores Most of the time they have huge parking lots . Ask first don't just assume ! Seaside Oregon dont try to parking lot park
I am assuming it had to do with something that might have happened and so they felt like they had to be more aggressive. That’s the only thing that made sense.
What are you using to find spots ? If you use google maps you can put in a stop for parking and it will give you public parking that is 24 hour. I have had no problems using that. I have had parking at park and ride , Lowes, Walmart, A small airport, a gas station.& a community center. You just don't always get a name of a place but just directions to a place, so far they have been ok.
With all the homeless camps that have been establishing themselves in the Walmart parking lots, they have pretty much ruined it for everyone. Where I am, they have established homeless camps with farm animals. They have had fires and explosions in the parking lots as well. Plus they literally stay and never leave until kicked out.
It turned out OK… Now, knowing that there is a truckstop that is a safe place to stay if I want to return, I will make sure that I keep that in mind. Also, there are some areas on the outer portion of this region that were closer to the area that if the world was not on fire, I definitely would’ve checked out.
❓ Question I've RVd and even van camped for decades but I've never done 2 week or more road trips in a van. The cost of a ninja cooler and electric fridge freezer are about the same... Only I would need to buy yet another power station if I want to use electric. What do you honestly recommend? If you hadn't received your electric fridges on review, do you think you would have purchased one or just made do with a cooler?
I actually purchased a fridge before I was ever sent one. I started out with a cooler and found it to be highly problematic when traveling through especially warmer temperatures overtime. I just got annoyed by it and so I would definitely recommend a refrigerator hands-down.
The security guard has nothing to do but harass people. This looks like he enjoys it and has found his calling. Sorry you had to experience it. You’re such a conscientious camper.
I know the sir job but at the same time if someone’s already told you that they are leaving at that point, maybe give them the time to actually leave. I clearly was not going to stick around, but they must’ve had some kind of incident where they had problems or something.
I have done dark hair before I don’t really like it on my hair hair because my hair is so fine it just kind of looks mousy. Typically whenever you see me with darker hair it’s always going to be a wig. I need the texture and dimension in order for it to work and my hair unfortunately just does not have that.
I have had to deal with a few of those Karen security guards myself at Walmart before!! The wirst one was in Michigan, after making an Appt for a oil change the next morning, I shopped spent over $200 and the security lady had called a tow truck on me, I ended up calling management and he was nice enough to come out to parking lot, and told the guard I had his permission to stay the night because they were not able to change the oil till morning, and even talked to the tow truck guy who showed up!! He then told me to drive around by the shop and stay there, I did and he came out and put a Walmart parking permit in my window!! 3 times in the middle of the night I was wakened up by security saying I needed to leave and I had to get out explain and show them thatt management had given me permission!! But more and more Walmarts are going to "No overnight parking", because of multiple reasons!! And now I'm hearing some of the truck stops are now charging a fee to park overnight, even to the commercial vans, of which I have paid a couple -few times because I needed to be in that area for a delivery or pickup!! Thanks for sharing ❤
Yes, unfortunately, because a lot of people have broken the rules or overstayed their welcomes. A lot of places are turning to these kind of new rules. And I completely understand why because this is their business. However, the bigger picture should be that people should not take advantage of these places and should instead do the right thing. In your particular instance, yes if you already had permission, they should’ve just left you alone, but I think communication sometimes breaks down also.
If it is private security, I would go into the store and report them for abuse of authority. And then I would go to the local police station and report them for harassment. One warning with you telling them you are moving on, fine. Job done. A second time or more while you already told them you are looking for another place to go jumps right to harassment. This is especially so because they probably *do* know where there is legal overnight (free or not) parking nearby.
I’m glad you found a place that you felt more comfortable and safe.
I like to go directly to the source when I can. I call ahead at Walmart, Cracker Barrel, or Loves & Flying J. Or I go in & speak to a manager or anyone who can give me permission to use their lot. Thx for showing viewers the real van life. I believe things happen for a reason & U just proved that. I’m learning that things happen for Us not to Us.
You're right about campfire smoke being not quite so bad. The smoke from large wildfires that burn buildings and vehicles are way worse. They often contain heavy metals, such as arsenic, and other hazardous materials, asbestos, etc. If you can see it, it's time to mask up, but not with a hospital mask. Use an N95 type mask, double layered and close fitting to keep out tiny particulates. Air quality at street level is at its worst in the early morning hours, when no breeze and cooler temps settle and condense the smog. Use the "recirculate" feature on your car air conditioning, and replace the air filter f it gets too dirty 🤗
The guard in Eugene Oregon followed me to my bus while I walked, pushing my cart full of groceries. They allowed me to put away my groceries, but it was unnerving for sure.
I would have gone right back in and demanded a refund.
@@joannefullerOr at least complained about their attitude...
I would have complained to management that is harassment!
@@joannefuller agreed. I would have returned every single item because i can be petty af. disgusting way to treat customers
Some security are nothing but Karen's. I always go inside and ask management, then security can circle me all they wish at that point. in fact, I would encourage it, for you will be very safe with them around you all night......Heehee. Above all, Always do what your gut tells you to do for your safety. Hope you have a wonderful day and can't wait to see this huge museum. Be Blessed!
I’ll be glad to see you and Riley adventure again. You might need an inhaler just for smoke days. Sometimes once in a blue moon I have to use one. ❤
You can always pay to shower at Flying j's too. You DON'T have to bring your own towels as they supply them. they are usually clean .
Yes Oregon got hit really bad with wildfires again. Difference between campfire and forest fire is not as much wood burning at the same time along with under brush.
I shop less and less at WM. Trying to stop completely. Beginning to highly dislike them....
Sadly, in a lot of areas, it’s not realistic to not shop at Walmart at least occasionally. Some areas that is the only option
That is exactly what they want - you shop and then move on.
In a forest fire there are a lot of plants & green wood that you wouldn't have in a camp fire. That may cause different types of breathing isdyes...maybe.
There are actually millions of spots you could park for one night. Trouble is, it's nearly impossible to figure out if anyone is going to bother you. I only know where I can park in my local area, because I know the area well. But other people wouldn't and probably not even try to park in those spots.
Beware of paypal scammers
You are a lovely lady...air purifiers do help... maybe you might wish to try one, I'm case makes you feel better.
I have tried air purifiers before, but in the van itself it doesn’t really work out for me very well because there’s so much additional stuff going on and I have such a small space
I insulate by drive compartment windows when I know I'm going inside. Keeps it cooler inside and hides things in the front people might want to steal.
I was made aware by a police officer that in some areas if you put up your window covers if it is a no camping area or they do not allow people to stay in their vehicles that they have the right to ticket you even if you’re not inside. Also, the police officer told me in certain areas of the country if you are away from your vehicle and you indicate that you have window covers that you are more likely to have break-ins statistically. So I try really hard not to do those things as a result because I do not want to have to pay a ticket just to keep my cab a couple degrees cooler lol
I have had some luck at auto parts stores
Most of the time they have huge parking lots . Ask first don't just assume !
Seaside Oregon dont try to parking lot park
Security guard had a chip on their shoulder
I am assuming it had to do with something that might have happened and so they felt like they had to be more aggressive. That’s the only thing that made sense.
That was a crap load of antlers, tho....
Peace, Love & Safety.
(Curious to know what kind of van you have?)
What are you using to find spots ? If you use google maps you can put in a stop for parking and it will give you public parking that is 24 hour.
I have had no problems using that. I have had parking at park and ride , Lowes, Walmart, A small airport, a gas station.& a community center.
You just don't always get a name of a place but just directions to a place, so far they have been ok.
With all the homeless camps that have been establishing themselves in the Walmart parking lots, they have pretty much ruined it for everyone. Where I am, they have established homeless camps with farm animals. They have had fires and explosions in the parking lots as well. Plus they literally stay and never leave until kicked out.
By the way, pretty area, too bad it is such a pain in the butt for visiting...😢
It turned out OK… Now, knowing that there is a truckstop that is a safe place to stay if I want to return, I will make sure that I keep that in mind. Also, there are some areas on the outer portion of this region that were closer to the area that if the world was not on fire, I definitely would’ve checked out.
❓ Question
I've RVd and even van camped for decades but I've never done 2 week or more road trips in a van. The cost of a ninja cooler and electric fridge freezer are about the same... Only I would need to buy yet another power station if I want to use electric. What do you honestly recommend? If you hadn't received your electric fridges on review, do you think you would have purchased one or just made do with a cooler?
I actually purchased a fridge before I was ever sent one. I started out with a cooler and found it to be highly problematic when traveling through especially warmer temperatures overtime. I just got annoyed by it and so I would definitely recommend a refrigerator hands-down.
The security guard has nothing to do but harass people. This looks like he enjoys it and has found his calling. Sorry you had to experience it. You’re such a conscientious camper.
I know the sir job but at the same time if someone’s already told you that they are leaving at that point, maybe give them the time to actually leave. I clearly was not going to stick around, but they must’ve had some kind of incident where they had problems or something.
What a rude security guard 😡. Wow the sun looks so Kool 👍
Curiosity question? Would you ever consider, dark/light streaking your hair? I keep imagining it that way...tee hee hee =:^)
I have done dark hair before I don’t really like it on my hair hair because my hair is so fine it just kind of looks mousy. Typically whenever you see me with darker hair it’s always going to be a wig. I need the texture and dimension in order for it to work and my hair unfortunately just does not have that.
I have had to deal with a few of those Karen security guards myself at Walmart before!! The wirst one was in Michigan, after making an Appt for a oil change the next morning, I shopped spent over $200 and the security lady had called a tow truck on me, I ended up calling management and he was nice enough to come out to parking lot, and told the guard I had his permission to stay the night because they were not able to change the oil till morning, and even talked to the tow truck guy who showed up!! He then told me to drive around by the shop and stay there, I did and he came out and put a Walmart parking permit in my window!! 3 times in the middle of the night I was wakened up by security saying I needed to leave and I had to get out explain and show them thatt management had given me permission!! But more and more Walmarts are going to "No overnight parking", because of multiple reasons!!
And now I'm hearing some of the truck stops are now charging a fee to park overnight, even to the commercial vans, of which I have paid a couple -few times because I needed to be in that area for a delivery or pickup!!
Thanks for sharing ❤
Yes, unfortunately, because a lot of people have broken the rules or overstayed their welcomes. A lot of places are turning to these kind of new rules. And I completely understand why because this is their business. However, the bigger picture should be that people should not take advantage of these places and should instead do the right thing. In your particular instance, yes if you already had permission, they should’ve just left you alone, but I think communication sometimes breaks down also.
Maybe it was the self-importance of having lights on top of their car....js
If it is private security, I would go into the store and report them for abuse of authority.
And then I would go to the local police station and report them for harassment.
One warning with you telling them you are moving on, fine. Job done.
A second time or more while you already told them you are looking for another place to go jumps right to harassment.
This is especially so because they probably *do* know where there is legal overnight (free or not) parking nearby.