I had a heart attack last September while camping. Drive to gas station. Ambulance took me in. Emergency stint installed. Cardiologist said no more camping....I just got back from a 3 week camping trip....I'd rather die living, camping and fishing. You go girl!
Rocky Mountain Huckleberry Chris, so glad you are ok. One thing I do now is when I move camp I go to google maps and drop a pin where I am and send a copy to my son. He always knows where I am in case I have problems and need emergency help.
Good for you sir! We all eventually reach that point where quality of life has to balance with quantity of life. I’ve had some serious health challenges in recent years and I cannot wait to get back out on the road.
Totally love this. Cheri is an absolute delight. She is so right about not staying trapped somewhere in old age. Love her energy and her quick witted style. Her van is designed perfectly to meet her needs. What a fantastic way to live ....doin it her way and livin her best life. Thanks for introducing us to this amazing lady. Safe journey as you pursue your adventure. 💖🦋🙏
I would test the waters in whatever you already own. I prefer our minivan to our full sized van. The full sized van can wear you out driving. It also doesn't get near the gas mileage.. but my Mother and husband do need to be able to stand up. For just me I'm taking the 2009 Jeep Patriot, but it really only has sleeping space for one and it has over 100,000 miles on it. Even if you just start out with day trips you will have new experiences and motivation. Best wishes on finding your perfect adventure vehicle.
San Dee Dobberstine, yes he did. That was during RTR in 2013. You have a good memory. Right after he did that I got really sick and it is a good thing that I was parked with my tribe. Katie two knives put me in her van and took me from Quartzsite to the Parker hospital and stayed with me for several days. Others took care of my dog and cleaned up my puke containers and watched my van. I love my van tribe.
She is the original OG of nomads. What a great little story to stumble across. Function and efficiency. Refreshing to see a no build. There are so many ways to do van life realistically. Refreshing to hear her story and thank you. Now I'm going to go find the clip of Tony in the movie. Great story. You go girl
Thank you Karen. I think I am too lazy to bother with a "buildout" but there were things that had to be done in HULK that I simply couldn't have done. My son put down carpet for me and did the electrical work hooking up a portable solar panel and installing all of the equipment and fuses and stuff that goes with it. And many many other things over the years. I am not sure how I could have done this without his support and help.
Just found you.(so glad)..I,m 73...solo female...for 3 years now...Just telling you....we need to meet...we have SO much in common...we even talk the same way. I,m in a short Skoolie And like you.....Nothing fancy...Luv ya
I appreciate how simple her home is, and that she doesn't have a bunch of electricity or Refrigeration. I also really appreciate that she's been doing it this simple way for so long. Thanks for reminding us how simple we can really be, and yet still be rewarded with the wonderful lifestyle of being on the road!
❤️❤️❤️ She states what a lot of older people feel. A feeling of rotting away after retirement! I too felt that and recently bought a motorhome ( van life wasn’t for me) and am workamping my retirement while seeing this beautiful country! I meet the most wonderful loving people and I get to see my children and grandchildren who are living all over this country. I hope I’m still RVing when I’m 77! God Bless her!!!!
Love Cheri for her common sense which unfortunately is uncommon! “If it makes the hairs of your arm or neck stand up … MOVE”… Holy cow, yes. It does not matter if you are a solo female, or a couple or whatever … if it feels “wrong”, MOVE.
I can completely relate with her. Even though I am not in a position to be a nomad, I would absolutely be doing what she is doing and living in my van, traveling. The world would be my living room and my van would be my sleeping quarters and place to weather out storms. Great interview! 😃🙌🏼💯
I was only at the RTR for the day and had to go back for work, but the time with Cherie was memorable and I cherish it. Great day! Tony was just as delightful in person, too. If you happen to meet Cherie, you will have a blast!
Look how great her rig has held up over 10 years, that’s really something to be proud of. I agree about living in a home or apartment, I tend to self isolate without even noticing, I enjoy being alone, but I also love people. Friendly introvert? My niece explained to me recently, she’s a freshman in college, that her social battery runs down quick, That’s it for me too. I really enjoyed listening to her talk about Nomadland and how Bob Wells helped her secure items in her van, thanks for sharing her with us!
Hi, Shweetie. 👋 I think what you're saying is pretty common about self isolation, even without a pandemic. We get comfortable or lazy and just cocoon in our nest. (Mixed metafor) 🤔
What a POSITIVE and informative Lady she is So knowledgeable and so DELIGHTFULL Being Im 67 I can relate to everything she said Yes were senior citizens but we still can ENJOY life and have FUN
Wise woman ! So down to earth + inspiring! **Yes!!! travel while you can in a van, look at the trees look at the sky🌻☀️, support the thugs of drugs😁/like thrifts, and use your intuition… I hope to meet you in my travels one day. I’ll be in my gypsy mom Van and you can certainly hug my baby!
Hi Deb, I love all of your Facebook posts. Hope to see you again. Maybe we will be able to have real RTRs again now that covid seems to be getting better. I miss camping with Gary too.
hi, Cheri! Glad you enjoy FB, and we can keep in touch. I wonder about the future of RTR...It may have out-grown itself. The year I met you, it was a massive turnout. Maybe if it evolved into a regional type of get together, it would be more informative and not overwhelming. Any rate, it was great to see your van tour! Stay safe!!
You go girl !!!! I'm 54yrs old and would love to travel like you and see the beautiful world, I just don't have the courage. I live in Wales too where vans and petrol is very expensive. Take care, look forward to watching your travels. Xx
Cheri just goes to prove that van life is no different than house living...everyone has their own way to do it that suits their style. Some need perfection and take a ear to outfit their van. Cheri goes to Thugs off Drugs (great name!), picks up a couple of desks, and has an instant kitchen and bathroom! I sure hope she just keeps trucking ("vanning?") for as long as it suits her. Great lady! And the "hair on your arm alarm" is great advice for all of us, anywhere, all the time! Loved hanging out and listening to Cheri!
Love her. Very inspirational. Older people especially women become invisible but she offers an alternative lifestyle. You don't need a a van as large as hers. A very small car will do to start. Thanks Cheri.
This is one of the most refreshing van-life videos and even though Cheri and I are long time friends who met in 2009 on the road and appeared in both Without Bound and Nomad Land together, I’m not being biased. She is an extraordinary woman and my closest female nomadic friend with Randy Vinning being my closest nomadic male friend. We have all shared the trials and triumphs of living on the road and even though I am choosing to take a break from living on wheels during the ‘Age of Covid’ with the challenges it brought to navigating life on the road, my nomadic heart holds close the precious moments we each made momentous sharing them two-gether ‘Between the highway and the wind’. Cheri loved seeing the card I gave you many moons ago still pinned to your board in your van. Sending much love to you dear one.💕
Laurie, I just saw your comment. Yes! We have been really good friends for many years. Hope you are doing good. Would love to see you again. Many hugs to you!
Laurie, yes of course I still have the card you gave me and the heart shaped rock in the black velvet bag. Lisa, I also still have the little troll doll you gave me. She is hanging on the wall peeking out of the bag Laurie gave me.
I just found your channel. Yay!! I am 63 and been living in an RV being a nomad for about 20 years.the most hassles I have ever had have been from Law Enforcement. That's been really hard. I wonder if other nomads experience this? About 10 years ago after being on the road for so long I became extremely ill to the point of being basically disabled. So now I am parked on private property which is a very good feeling. I don't have to worry about being hassled and I am two blocks from the ocean in southern California. And to be honest it feels good to just kick back for a while and not be traveling. I have parks that I take my service dog to. He's the cutest little terrier and he runs and runs and we have a great time together. You know, I just love this interview and once you start getting wrapped up in doctors it can become very insidiously problematic. So I don't believe that I need to stay here to keep seeing doctors because there's only so much that they're going to do. so even though I could hit the road again in about I don't know 6 months or so I think I might just stay settled for a while as long as I'm in my RV. That's where I want to be because I always have my home with me, I can pick up and just take a drive. Thank you for having your Channel. I am blessed to have found it just now🚍❤️🌞
Same boat, exactly! Only I’ve been doing it for a relatively short 3yrs. In Ventura now in fact (but consider L.A./Hollywood my home). And yes, worst experience has been with the police. I had people lie about me to the police (to keep me away from their property, I have always parked legally and usu move every night)…. the police threatened to arrest me, it was really scary, because I’d done literally nothing and the police ended up searching everything…. just because I lived in a van and the other person lived in a house, they never even asked my side or if the accusation were true (that I had an unmarked gun!😂…. I look like Martha Stuart, I would have thought they’d give me SOME benefit of the doubt that I wasn’t a terrorist). Anyway, thanks, I can relate to everything you said, I don’t think any doctor is worth it so keeping my mind open.
@@irisgreene4175 hi Iris. Thank you so much for putting out the energy to write me such an awesome reply. Yes my home base if you want to call it that, I don't have a home but I'm in LA county. But I noticed anywhere in southern California the police are brutal to motorhomers. I hear you loud and clear about being threatened because I've been threatened. I have a service dog and they literally said that they were going to chop up my service dog and throw him in the bushes. I also had seven squad cars surround my motorhome in a park because somebody had called and said I was homicidal. The abuse that time was horrific. And no they don't care about your side of the story, it's all about power and they know that nothing will happen to them no matter what they do. It really really made traveling the only sour part of the whole thing. It was as if I was a targeted individual. And I don't know if you know what that means. I did a lot of camp hosting and I had to deal with a lot of Superintendent Rangers which are higher in rank than any Police Sergeant. And boy have I had them come down on me when I would stick up for myself. I'm really glad you shared what you had to share with me. Where are you going right now? I'm just curious where your travels are taking you. Anyways I could go on and on I would love to talk to you in person, over the phone anything because I can tell you have been so far the only person who has admitted that law enforcement can put a big damper on living a so-called free adventurous life. Take care and have a sweet evening.
Yes. I don't understand the need to make one's van into a mini house. I could live with a bed, totes full of stuff, water, and minimum food storage/cooking. It's not a house. I don't want a house. I would want to live uncomplicated as I can-----with my buddies (pooches). Haha. But I could not live without my internet/phone.
I am not being argumentative … different view point and maybe some things to think about - your comment made me think and better understand what I might choose. AND for perspective, I am downsizing from a 33 foot Motorhome with all mod cons :). And I do intend to make whatever I get into a mini-house. Partly because some of the house things are important to me: toilet, shower, ability to cook inside and hopefully oven … researching options for bread baking if oven not an option. Aside from my personal preference, though, is that although it would seem that things are less complicated with fewer house like features, there is complication in: finding shower/bathroom, cooking in inclement weather … potentially other aspects of living that would require finding whatever. As a solo RVr with dogs and cat for 16 years (a few stints of long term travel living), my experience is that even with a self contained RV, there are still a LOT of living decisions that must be made daily-weekly-monthly and I believe the number and frequency of decisions goes up with less house systems, i.e. more complicated living, not less. And I am speaking more about long term travel/full timing vs short camping trips.
My dad used to say"You don't own a house! A house owns you"! He was right about that! LOL! Keep it simple! I have never trusted banks! They want everyone to own property! Then the bank owns you!!!!! 😂🤣😂🤣
She was a long haul trucker! Didn't see that one coming! I could live in that van. I have traveled and lived in a pickup truck and slide in camper in the past. It was so much fun. The people you meet are the best.
Finally! I was searching for this kind of video. And a woman who used to work long haul who loves the sounds of trucks. In essence, she was giving the message of: JUST DO IT. Although I would not be confident about all the drilling and anchoring furniture in place. But help can be found with a little bit of money. The part about listening to to your gut goes for any situation be it in a van or on the street. Thank-you Cheri.
Just loved Cheri - what a treasure she is - 77 , pragmatic and realistic. Like her, I’d rather die living my way than being cooped up in some abode because society expects me to. If I’m capable like Cheri at her age, there’s no “burden”. She’s self sufficient and self aware. I’m loving hearing these lifetime stories and the courage of these women to finally find themselves and getting out there no matter how they approach van living. Creating a familiar community with all walks of life, sharing experiences and still willing to learn as they adventure. Remarkable people 👏🏻. It say’s to me me how liberating we feel - like colouring outside the lines is ok. If our life can become about valuable and enriching connections and experiences then why not go for it. It’s fine to be conventional and it’s also just as fine not to be an adherent to it too as long as how you’re going about your life doesn’t impact others negatively. Do it for as long as you can. As one of the guests said in a previous post how anxious she felt she almost turned her car around and gave up but knew if she didn’t get past her feelings of anxiety and just give it go how would she then feel?
@@ButterflyTracks thank you so much Jan for taking the time to respond. I’ve had a long road to discovering what was important to me. I was very much unintentionally living life by other’s expectations , was oblivious to my needs and yet would experience intense emotional responses not realising their source for the first 30 odd years of my life. It was when I fell pregnant that I knew I needed to really get my s**t together - so for a number of years did some challenging work on myself. The last decade until today. I’ve probably had some of the most challenging times as more mature adult dealing with divorce, co parenting, career, all that comes with change of life, Lockdown fatigue and being anxious about getting Covid (as have upper respiratory issues most of my life) then getting Covid (when I returned to my work place) followed by post Covid Pneumonia which put me in hospital and where I discovered I was chronically anaemic- further tests revealed two major health concerns one of them being colon cancer, the other a really large hiatus hernia that had to be operated on asap otherwise it could have twisted my stomach (fatal outcome). Our health is our most important valuable asset(includes emotional, spiritual, mental and physical) So whilst I was progressing pretty well with my emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing my physical wellbeing had not been as optimal as could have been - clearly. I was also quite focused on raising my (now adult) daughter and making a living - juggling quite a lot - as we women tend to do. In the past six months and two major operations later: one for my colon (thankfully had the cancerous region removed successfully without further treatment required) and am just recovering from the hernia op requiring four complex procedures to put things right- phew- (massively grateful for the support and much needed rest - been a very humbling experience ) Looking to 2023, a much physically healthier version of me. This has all spurred me on to keep to my initial focus on how I choose to live my life (especially on the other side of 50 - am 54 now) and part of this will be to pick back up my passion for adventures in my mini campervan and instead of weekends here and there, occasional holidays and festivals, to start to kit my SUV out properly for longer excursions/adventures hoping to go full time nomad. Having significant health scares the first thing that came to my mind was “time” omg I need more quality time for family and friends and my unrealised personal dreams… I wasn’t ready to leave this planet just yet… and surprisingly work wasn’t even in my radar! It is so true when terminally ill people talk about what they wish they had more of or regret - it’s time. We take time for granted - well I admit I did. Living life my way in genuine simplicity, meeting more of my needs in a healthier way, in exploring life in my adventures , discovering what I’m really capable of, being more present that deepens my relationships, connecting with others that is enhancing, and being of service (however that takes shape) - this is what I know will deeply enrich me and others around me. I’m sorry I didn’t mean to go on so much lol 😂, My main point is that I realised how fear has paralysed me in certain ways for not going after what I really wanted and believe my health issues is tied into this - manifested it physically. I’m not my health issues … I’m not fearful of death (that’s inevitable) as much as I’ve realise I’ve been fearful of really living. Well I’ve sure as heck received a good kick up the proverbial butt. Quit being a silk worm (it has it’s purpose of course) and become the Butterfly 🦋 So that when I’m 81 or 91 (to borrow your future self speak) I can say - Yeah, I have lived my life as intentionally well as I had hoped to and I’m good to go. Hope all that long winded waffle makes sense?!
13 years?? You’re awesome that’s even before I watch the video. She is so full of life. It’s not the lifestyle that is causing health problems, it’s aging. Docs do tend to be judgmental.
Cheri... This is the second time I've watched a video about you. I just have to say I love your energy and don't think I'm weird but I think my soul knows your soul! The first video was inspiring because I believe that is how I would do my no-build build. Anyway I just wanted you to know I enjoyed watching the second video and thanks for being an inspiration to a fellow Missourin::)).... Not sure when I'll do this but I will!
Great job, Cheri! I have no hairs-stand-up-on-my-neck type of natural defense. My flawed psyche trusts everybody and has gotten me into trouble. I applaud you for being a great mom. Being welcome at your kids' homes as a happy place is a treasure that doesn't happen by accident.
I love her spunk & vigor! I am always drawn to the no builds & she gave great ideas for using those desks & building 3 stands with a piece of plywood on top for her bed. Ingenious!
I think traveling in a caravan would be safer and more fun in this cold world. Looking out for each other, less likely to be ambushed. The only way I would even consider. Be safe...
@@ButterflyTracks Since the pandemic this world has changed tremdously for the worse. Don't get me wrong I'm definitely a very happy person in my small circle. ☺
It was great to see Cheri again, she looks great! I saw her in Without Bound with Bob a couple of years ago, and it's great to see she's flourishing....
I remember her from Without Bound…. go back and watch it every once in awhile… confirms the insanity of this rat race and why folks check out As someone said.. she is an OG OG is a slang term for someone who’s incredibly exceptional, authentic, or “old-school.” OG has come to be a hip way of referring or showing respect to someone who’s an expert in any facet of life. She’s truly an OG, good to see her again. 77 years young and full of life. My mom is 92 and healthy my as can be but all she does is complain.
We have a Facebook group for women who are interested in traveling and camping. It's for women only. A safe place to exchange information about nomad adventures, caravans and meetups. Butterfly Tribe Women Who Camp 💙 🦋 💙 facebook.com/groups/794347871824247/?ref=share
Love this lady,Cheri!!! Very inspiring!! Isn't it funny how people "feel sorry " for us!!! I'm 63 in October ,lived in boats for 17yrs,Im now doing "vanlife" since last September! Love it!! Thank you for sharing,hope to meet you on the road somewhere!!
This was excellent video for seniors who can't or don't want to do a lot of building or have all the "fancy" stuff. And addressing how she picks spots for the night and feeling safe was good for newbies worried about that. Such a personality, and basic advice. Lovely home with all her needs. I appreciate your doing this your.
Hello, oh my gosh I really enjoyed this episode of your experiences. Thankyou for sharing. We are grey nomads in our van and love living on the road. Hope many newbies see this video, this woman’s views are so very true to our life style. Now you have a fabulous week and stay safe. Love from your Aussie nomad friends ❤️🤗😊
Love how fluid our lives are that this is allowed to happen🤗🙌💚💚💚 Love this and love her van life story🤗💚🙌 fantastic! .that's the size of van I would be going for...defiantly I van see me in this when I get older for sure🤗💚
This is awesome, bare simple lifestyle. I've been seeing way too many vans with the latest, nicest, highest tech. This is simple, creative and make it do, showing to many of us that simple can still be done, one doesn't need all the luxury and expensive stuff.
Carol, the expensive luxury stuff would be wonderful but most of us are on limited income and I would rather put my money into the gas tank so I can go places and build memories. Would like it if the price of gas went back down though. Hulk only gets 11 mpg. LAUGHING
What an inspiration you are!! I've trucked across this big beautiful country 4.5 million miles and have enjoyed many many places that few have ever seen or visited.... I'm retired now and wanting to go see what I drove by all those years!! I think I will!!!
SAMMICHES! LOL My partner and I only camp, not live but we just use a cooler too. I put the ice in ziploc bags and that seems to work. One on the bottom and one on the side. I'm told dollar tree has ice, but we found dollar general had ice for $2. Lasts at least 3 days for us.
This is the van life spirit and mentality, I know because I feel the exact same way. I can't imagine ever living in sticks and bricks again. I'm just drifting along like a tumbleweed, and I wouldn't have it any other way
@@ButterflyTracksunfortunately, no but I do enjoy watching videos about vanners, car camping or anything with outdoor freedom. I find bushcraft vids can be useful to our way of life, especially when, where and how they cook. I've gotten a lot of recipes from watching bushcraft vids as well learning some different ways to cook.
You are amazing!! I’ll be 61 in several weeks and I so want to do what you’re doing. Thank you for the video and encouraging others to live this lifestyle, get out, see the world, and meet fun and happy people. Many thanks! Happy trails ❤️
Hi Sherry. I know what you mean. 🙂 I keep meeting wonderful women on the road. I think you'll like Cindy's attitude too. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WZgV0sPSEBY.html
I worked at a campground, most people don’t know that many elderly people chose camping because they cannot afford their medications. They sell everything they own and buy a suitable camper, van, RV. Some came to our campground to die. They picked a nice spot, continued treatments. Life was just simple. Then guess what happened, they came back the next season and the next. Every year, they didn’t die. There’s something about not being tied to earthly goods. Not being tied down at all.
I love the desk, they do the job perfectly. Rather than buying ice I think I'd be tempted to buy a bag of frozen fruit that I could eat once it had defrosted!
Lovely lady. In Australia, you would be called a grey nomad. It’s a huge group of people who have decided to travel around Australia and see the amazing sights than sit at home waiting for the end. Where I live its nickname is “ God’s Waiting Room “ and like you, I would rather travel around in my van than sit wasting away. You go Girl 🎉🎉🎉
Within a couple of minutes of watching I knew that I should subscribe, and I particularly liked the name of your channel. The 'No Build, Build' is something that is so simple, inexpensive and quick to do that virtually everybody can set out trying this method to see how their preferences for their vehicle interior develop over time. Plastic drawer towers, storage crates with lids, a stove and kitchen gear, and a folding camping chair, table and bed can equip one's vehicle for very little outlay, whilst providing the means to live comfortably inside and outside of your vehicle. There has never been a better time to consider travel cabin life, with vehicle reliability at an all time high, and the immeasurable resources and benefits of the Internet available economically! Living expenses can be pared down without affecting one's quality of life, and mobile living isn't one of loneliness and isolation, unless that is your preference.
Just love this little sweetheart!! Such a fabulously fun personality! So fun making new friendships along the way… God bless all of our nomad girls! ❤️
I really loved this video. Wonderful lady. Love her personality and life philosophy. I am 68 and am stationary in an RV. When I retired the first time (at 65) I planned on getting a van or retired ambulance and hit the road. Then, my adult daughter , and her 2 doggies, moved in with me after she lost her job. So, I am now working at Publix as a cashier-part time. Then, I come home and hang out with my 3 little doggies and her 2 medium sized doggies. My wanderlust is watching these videos. I first found Bob Wells. I learn things all the time from each of the videos. My goal is to pay off my car in November 2023. I also paying off my debts. I am not going to wait much longer. In 2024 I want to buy a van or ambulance and go see nature with my little doggies. I don’t want to sit and rot inside this Rv. I can’t pull it because it is 32’ and my car is a Mitsubishi Mirage. lol ( VERY small car). You all inspire me. Looking forward to , one day, being a part of these caravans in person. Until then, safe travels to you all
I love your spirit, I hope one day I get to meet you and just hang out sometime, I am a future nomad, currently taking care of my parents who are very elderly and half many health problems, so when the good Lord takes them away, I am so thankful that I do get to take care of them, and I have been able to set myself up to where I can be with them in their time of need, but most importantly I get to spend time with them, you can’t put a price on that. I will be full-time Enjoy all of your journeys, but it always be safe and full of adventure. Take care for now. Linda Luiacono future nomad.
Love her! Every word she said, also! Pray she will enjoy her nomad life for many more years! Want to hear lots more wisdom from her! Thank you Butterfly!
I love the old time vandwellers. I miss how vandwelling use to be - when people just threw milk crates in the back of their vans, put plywood over it, and showed off their build. 😂 It was a lot simpler back then and the simplicity is what I adore about the lifestyle. Guess that's why I primarily follow people who live in a minivan, SUV, or car. I like roughing it as long as I have all the necessary comforts.
