In 1986 Jude and I went around Australia on a zero plan take it as it comes working holiday. We had a HK Holden , a 10 person tent and a 2 person tent. We still smile to this day that we actually did it when most friends thought we were certifiable mad. Lots of ups and downs but absolutely loved the 2 years . Enjoy and be brave and determined. You’ll grow unbelievably. ❤
Oh wow! That sounds like an incredible journey. Sounds like the best kind of madness! Thanks for connecting and sharing your story. Feeling that growth already and loving it.
Cool video. I'm 61, in Melbourne for the last 29 years. Before that I lived in the country, was pretty wild, riding motorbike, road and off road, bush walking, and rock climbing. I grew up around the Grampians and lived my life to the full and a bit reckless. I'm older now, some what broken physically, but I don't let that stop me. I still ride motorbike, mostly commuting in the city, sometimes on a 36 year old motorbike with a sidecar. I'm a Consulting Engineer, and looking forward to retiring in 9 years time and getting back to the country.
Wow! That all sounds so amazing and what a lucky place to grow up. Very much looking forward to being in the Grampians area and all the exploring to do there. All the best as you make your journey into retirement and back into the country!
Thank you for this Jessi! I look forward to seeing more of your adventures. I’m an old fart who likes to think outside the box and I’m intending to live the van life again. I did it for about a year in the late 90s and before that jumped into my old ute and travelled half the country with no plan. I’ve often gone to other states to just see what I find. We know when it’s time!
I love to hear it! No plan is the best kind of plan in my opinion. Challenging, exciting and a good way to bring about a real sense of freedom. I'm definitely loving the days where we just drive for the pure sake of seeing what we can find. Hope you're reunited with van life soon :)
Thank you for sharing Jessi - I’ve had many journeys both social and landscape during my many decades of breathing oxygen - it’s worth taking the risk and discovering what your creative leanings reveal as you develop away from a normal life - I retired early with financial security for life with a property base allowing me to pursue my passion for solo bicycle touring taking me as far south as Invercargill NZ and north coasts of Norway - now house sitting for a dear friend in Canberra so I can reflect for the month - having a partner that adores you is wonderful and very important for your expression and obvious personal security - van life is schizophrenic but with the enjoyment that comes with it and baby steps are OK.
That all sounds so wonderful and solo bicycle touring sounds like an incredible feat! I'm glad it brought you so much joy and freedom (and hopefully continues to!). Thanks for connecting and giving the reassurance that the feelings I have through this adjustment period are totally okay!
My acting teacher at drama school used to always say ‘Life is long.’ So completely agree with you! Can’t wait to see how the journey unfolds and what changes happen within yourself. It can’t be easy living in such a small space but I think it’s so important to not be confined by societal expectations of what we ‘should’ be doing! ❤
@@jessiwandering Someone said "Inch by inch life's a cinch, yard by yard life is hard". When it gets hard, slow down and think it out. Some call it prayer, some meditation, I think it's just referencing your situation in relation to Nature and circumstances to take the next step with confidence. The dream is the path so take your time 'slow poke' and dream it into reality. The deeper you dream with a focus on what is possible the richer the result, be it a day or a painting. Eat well, rest, entertain your spirit, celebrate, repeat. You speak well, you've got this.😃
hey this is great. I was thinking this is probably going to be pretentious fake video van life like the stuff that always gets advertised on youtube with sexualised thumbnails and yoga poses. My guess was that you were sick of work life and felt suffocated. Seems I was right! and I am glad you are doing this for yourself. New magic in your life!
Thanks so much ☺️ I’m feeling proud to have taken a side step to mix up life a bit. Hope to always stay true to myself while making these little videos! Plus you’d probably think it some kind of comedy act of I tried to do yoga on camera! Thanks for connecting.
Great video! I’m literally going through the the same thing right now! Mid way through selling everything I own to move into a tiny caravan and gallivant around for a while. So happy to see other creators out here doing their thing! 🥰
Yay @@CandidlyLiz ! Enjoy the journey through all its ups and downs 💞 Love hearing the stories of people who have also just decided to let go of their things in the place of new adventures! Also loving your vlogs - new sub here and glad to connect ✨
@@jessiwandering aww! I’ve subbed you too! Can’t wait to see what we get up to! Chuffed to connect with you also 🥰 challenging yet exciting times ahead 🚙
Such good reflections Jess. I enjoy the depth that you bring to the journey which most people don’t. All the best with your channel. I’m sure over time it will explode with followers. Looking forward to the next video. Any way back to my coffee as I wait for sunrise at rainbow beach qld.
Thank you so much for your kind words - they really do mean a lot! Enjoy Rainbow Beach! We were there last week and had an absolutely fabulous time exploring the area. Carlo Sandblow was pretty amazing!
@@jessiwandering You'll find me on the beach, or carving up the pathways on my Electric Skateboard... somewhere between Brunswick Heads and Coolum Beach. ⛱️
I can so relate to some of this I live in an inner city apartment in Melbourne, in a well-paying job, have a decent amount of money saved up (don’t own a house yet) but thinking about taking a career break. I might do some travel, sign up to a gym, read a book, stop and smell the air, spend some time with the folks….who knows Love your comment about life being short but “it’s also pretty long” and we should try and make the most of it.
Love to hear the stories of others going through a similar thing. For what it’s worth when I told others in my life (including the workplace) about taking a career break, the response was overwhelmingly positive. I have good faith that you would receive the same if it’s what you decided to do ☺️ Obviously here to advocate for filling your life with as many different things as possible; creating space to appreciate it all!
good move. i was priced out of australia, simply couldnt afford to keep living there, so moved to asia. hope you can keep putting up with the hardships of vanlife, if you can, you will escape the hampster wheel, the matrix of an unfair system designed to keep you poor, fed bullshit, and kept in the dark.
I feel that... the cost of any lifestyle in Australia seems to hurt at the moment... As we get more used to living on the road we are getting better at keeping costs low though. Absolutely here for escaping that darn hamster wheel!
I could tell you all sorts of things, but it's Dawn🌞and my Goats and I have to go and clear more cats claw along the creek, I use the swords, they follow and eat.
@@jessiwandering yeah long time to ago like before 2017 I'm pretty sure. It was during a night market event. It was when it wasn't every weekend. I can't believe Im seeing you on my feed
We’re testing it out post marriage and so far so good 😂 I definitely feel lucky that Rohan and I were both in the same mental place to share this journey together.
The aspirations, reflections and reasons why I personally wanted to start van life mentioned in this video are my own, but I am very lucky to be travelling with my wonderful husband. He has his own unique set of reasons and goals that hopefully I'll get him to share on camera someday soon!
That is somewhat a part of it. I struggle with coming to terms with the prospect of locking myself into some kind of terrible debt for a shoebox apartment in the city, and felt more drawn to try out an alternate way of living - even though I'm quite literally living out of an even smaller shoebox now! But the ever changing scenery makes it feel like I've got a whole lot more space and freedom to explore.
I agree life is long ! We tend to forget the first 15 years of life 😂 we only really think of life as 20-50. Before 20 we don’t have much freedom and after 50, I think people think life is all downhill ! Life is very long and we should break out of the mould and live life on our own terms. Can you see van life as sustainable in the long term ? 😊🫶🏻
I’m so glad this resonates with you because most people don’t get it haha! There are a lot of days (hopefully) that spread out before us and I’ve always planned to fill them with as many different things as possible! Jack of all trades; master of none 😅 but in the best way! I’d like to figure a way to make it sustainable longer term. Ultimately for me it will come down to money… For now we are living off savings and still working on figuring out avenues for keep ourselves on the road for as long as possible. But here’s hoping! 🫶🌻
In 1986 Jude and I went around Australia on a zero plan take it as it comes working holiday. We had a HK Holden , a 10 person tent and a 2 person tent. We still smile to this day that we actually did it when most friends thought we were certifiable mad. Lots of ups and downs but absolutely loved the 2 years . Enjoy and be brave and determined. You’ll grow unbelievably. ❤
Oh wow! That sounds like an incredible journey. Sounds like the best kind of madness! Thanks for connecting and sharing your story. Feeling that growth already and loving it.
I just bought a van and planning to travel around. I like seeing all your trips, it's making me realize how many cool spots there are.
That's so exciting!! Wishing you all the best with your own expedition and see you out there!
I love the line “thinking outside the box, by living in a box…”.
Cool video. I'm 61, in Melbourne for the last 29 years. Before that I lived in the country, was pretty wild, riding motorbike, road and off road, bush walking, and rock climbing. I grew up around the Grampians and lived my life to the full and a bit reckless. I'm older now, some what broken physically, but I don't let that stop me. I still ride motorbike, mostly commuting in the city, sometimes on a 36 year old motorbike with a sidecar. I'm a Consulting Engineer, and looking forward to retiring in 9 years time and getting back to the country.
Wow! That all sounds so amazing and what a lucky place to grow up. Very much looking forward to being in the Grampians area and all the exploring to do there. All the best as you make your journey into retirement and back into the country!
Thank you for this Jessi! I look forward to seeing more of your adventures. I’m an old fart who likes to think outside the box and I’m intending to live the van life again. I did it for about a year in the late 90s and before that jumped into my old ute and travelled half the country with no plan. I’ve often gone to other states to just see what I find. We know when it’s time!
I love to hear it! No plan is the best kind of plan in my opinion. Challenging, exciting and a good way to bring about a real sense of freedom. I'm definitely loving the days where we just drive for the pure sake of seeing what we can find. Hope you're reunited with van life soon :)
Thank you for sharing Jessi - I’ve had many journeys both social and landscape during my many decades of breathing oxygen - it’s worth taking the risk and discovering what your creative leanings reveal as you develop away from a normal life - I retired early with financial security for life with a property base allowing me to pursue my passion for solo bicycle touring taking me as far south as Invercargill NZ and north coasts of Norway - now house sitting for a dear friend in Canberra so I can reflect for the month - having a partner that adores you is wonderful and very important for your expression and obvious personal security - van life is schizophrenic but with the enjoyment that comes with it and baby steps are OK.
That all sounds so wonderful and solo bicycle touring sounds like an incredible feat! I'm glad it brought you so much joy and freedom (and hopefully continues to!). Thanks for connecting and giving the reassurance that the feelings I have through this adjustment period are totally okay!
So glad to see a new vlog up ✔️☺️🫶🏻
My acting teacher at drama school used to always say ‘Life is long.’ So completely agree with you! Can’t wait to see how the journey unfolds and what changes happen within yourself. It can’t be easy living in such a small space but I think it’s so important to not be confined by societal expectations of what we ‘should’ be doing! ❤
I love hearing I’m not completely alone on this 😂 Every day these days is a growth moment so I’m also looking forward to the change! X
@@jessiwandering Someone said "Inch by inch life's a cinch, yard by yard life is hard". When it gets hard, slow down and think it out. Some call it prayer, some meditation, I think it's just referencing your situation in relation to Nature and circumstances to take the next step with confidence. The dream is the path so take your time 'slow poke' and dream it into reality. The deeper you dream with a focus on what is possible the richer the result, be it a day or a painting. Eat well, rest, entertain your spirit, celebrate, repeat. You speak well, you've got this.😃
hey this is great. I was thinking this is probably going to be pretentious fake video van life like the stuff that always gets advertised on youtube with sexualised thumbnails and yoga poses. My guess was that you were sick of work life and felt suffocated. Seems I was right! and I am glad you are doing this for yourself. New magic in your life!
Thanks so much ☺️ I’m feeling proud to have taken a side step to mix up life a bit. Hope to always stay true to myself while making these little videos! Plus you’d probably think it some kind of comedy act of I tried to do yoga on camera! Thanks for connecting.
Great video! I’m literally going through the the same thing right now! Mid way through selling everything I own to move into a tiny caravan and gallivant around for a while. So happy to see other creators out here doing their thing! 🥰
Yay @@CandidlyLiz ! Enjoy the journey through all its ups and downs 💞 Love hearing the stories of people who have also just decided to let go of their things in the place of new adventures! Also loving your vlogs - new sub here and glad to connect ✨
@@jessiwandering aww! I’ve subbed you too! Can’t wait to see what we get up to! Chuffed to connect with you also 🥰 challenging yet exciting times ahead 🚙
I share your feelings for Bowenville. Grew up on the farm there and went to primary school there. Was good to see your footage
How beautiful! LOVED the area and this camping spot. Was exceptionally hard to leave!
Such good reflections Jess. I enjoy the depth that you bring to the journey which most people don’t. All the best with your channel. I’m sure over time it will explode with followers. Looking forward to the next video. Any way back to my coffee as I wait for sunrise at rainbow beach qld.
Thank you so much for your kind words - they really do mean a lot! Enjoy Rainbow Beach! We were there last week and had an absolutely fabulous time exploring the area. Carlo Sandblow was pretty amazing!
@@jessiwandering Carlo is amazing. This is our local beach.
Oh I am so jealous then! What a top spot to live!
From that quick glimpse, your art looks beautiful! Looking forward to checking out your online store.
Thank you so much! Too kind! Working hard to set up a platform and keeping my practice alive as much as I can 💞
Omg your artwork is gorgeous! I'll definitely check out your store :) Sending hugs and support from Sydney 🎉✨
Thank you so much! Still working on putting myself out there when it comes to my art so your support means a whole lot!!
enjoying your great videos thanks for posting
Thanks so much for watching!
Having lived in a Van, throughout different parts of my 58 years, Van life slows down the sometimes fast flowing years..Welcome to the Aussie Road.
I'm feeling that already and absolutely loving it! Would love to hear your own travel stories too!
@@jessiwanderingIn response to hearing about my travels. .. How much time do you have ...?
Lots. 😍
Haha I love that!
@@jessiwandering You'll find me on the beach, or carving up the pathways on my Electric Skateboard... somewhere between Brunswick Heads and Coolum Beach. ⛱️
I can so relate to some of this
I live in an inner city apartment in Melbourne, in a well-paying job, have a decent amount of money saved up (don’t own a house yet) but thinking about taking a career break.
I might do some travel, sign up to a gym, read a book, stop and smell the air, spend some time with the folks….who knows
Love your comment about life being short but “it’s also pretty long” and we should try and make the most of it.
Love to hear the stories of others going through a similar thing.
For what it’s worth when I told others in my life (including the workplace) about taking a career break, the response was overwhelmingly positive. I have good faith that you would receive the same if it’s what you decided to do ☺️ Obviously here to advocate for filling your life with as many different things as possible; creating space to appreciate it all!
good move. i was priced out of australia, simply couldnt afford to keep living there, so moved to asia. hope you can keep putting up with the hardships of vanlife, if you can, you will escape the hampster wheel, the matrix of an unfair system designed to keep you poor, fed bullshit, and kept in the dark.
I feel that... the cost of any lifestyle in Australia seems to hurt at the moment... As we get more used to living on the road we are getting better at keeping costs low though. Absolutely here for escaping that darn hamster wheel!
Your parents did a really great job 🙂👍
I think so too!
awww show us your paintings !
I could tell you all sorts of things, but it's Dawn🌞and my Goats and I have to go and clear more cats claw along the creek, I use the swords, they follow and eat.
Sounds like a beautiful way to spend the day
Lean mountain biking!
Oh I would love to do that! 🙌
This is wild but I remember meeting you years and years ago in china town lol
Wow! That’s incredible. Would have been years and years. Hi again! 👋
@@jessiwandering yeah long time to ago like before 2017 I'm pretty sure. It was during a night market event. It was when it wasn't every weekend. I can't believe Im seeing you on my feed
before marriage everyone should live in their car
We’re testing it out post marriage and so far so good 😂 I definitely feel lucky that Rohan and I were both in the same mental place to share this journey together.
...and then a spider came down and sat beside her ...and bit her ... but who could blame it ..... obviously had a taste for class ladies.
😂
Is it we or I?
The aspirations, reflections and reasons why I personally wanted to start van life mentioned in this video are my own, but I am very lucky to be travelling with my wonderful husband. He has his own unique set of reasons and goals that hopefully I'll get him to share on camera someday soon!
Is it because you cannot afford a real home in Australia with a male person attached?
That is somewhat a part of it. I struggle with coming to terms with the prospect of locking myself into some kind of terrible debt for a shoebox apartment in the city, and felt more drawn to try out an alternate way of living - even though I'm quite literally living out of an even smaller shoebox now! But the ever changing scenery makes it feel like I've got a whole lot more space and freedom to explore.
@1:34 for all "intents and purposes" fyi.
Hahah thanks 😂 picked up on that one after I’d already published! Whoops, guess we’re only human!
Maybe she meant intensive purposes
I agree life is long ! We tend to forget the first 15 years of life 😂 we only really think of life as 20-50. Before 20 we don’t have much freedom and after 50, I think people think life is all downhill ! Life is very long and we should break out of the mould and live life on our own terms. Can you see van life as sustainable in the long term ? 😊🫶🏻
I’m so glad this resonates with you because most people don’t get it haha! There are a lot of days (hopefully) that spread out before us and I’ve always planned to fill them with as many different things as possible! Jack of all trades; master of none 😅 but in the best way! I’d like to figure a way to make it sustainable longer term. Ultimately for me it will come down to money… For now we are living off savings and still working on figuring out avenues for keep ourselves on the road for as long as possible. But here’s hoping! 🫶🌻
Believe me when I tell you that life after 50 is anything but downhill. Stay fit and healthy and your best years can definitely be in front of you.
And you and Tracy are the shining example of that! I can only hope to have half as much fun as you guys do all the time!