2 Years On Our Land! 6 Years YouTubing 

After uploading this video, I became nervous that I mentioned how challenging I found motherhood, but didn't mention how much I love Reese! I recorded an extra clip to add in, then had the worst technology issues I've had in years. I've ended up leaving this video and hope I come across OK. And I mention Tributors, then realise the whole site is down and requires decent time by me to get it going again. Technology, bah!

I subscribed to your channel when it was focussed on caravanning. However, I've very much enjoyed seeing your progress on the land and watching your family grow. There is no doubt you love Reese very much and you shouldn't feel guilty about needing a little time to yourself. It's good news that you will now be able to produce a little more content and I very much look forward to seeing it. Best wishes to you and your family.

I began watching your caravan channel, and then got to enjoy watching your life growing and changing, as lives will. Postpartum anxiety is completely natural. It happened to my wife with both of our sons. I understand a little of what you may be experiencing. Include Reese in all of your activities. Both you and he will benefit from that connection. Both of my sons have told me how much being included in my passions has enriched their lives. Please give Reese a hug for me. My "babies" are 58,and 60, but I don't have any grandchildren.

You guys have done awesome in the last couple of years! Yay for Uncle Andrew!

I started travelling with caravan as a single dad with my daughter when she was four. The life saver is a portable dvd or a tablet in the back of the car on a headrest mount. It keeps them entertained. I also cook ahead and vacuum seal food to put in the microwave or a the air fryer. Both a life saver. Working from home as a single guy I know what you mean I feel I have stagnated also. It’s tough with children as how do you make changes safely! Keep it up x

I don’t watch your videos for caravanning, I don’t watch for off grid - I watch just because you are a courageous and intrepid person and it’s interesting to see how you make your way through life - wherever that may lead.

I started watching your videos when you were in Wales and have enjoyed them ever since.

You're doing a fantastic job as a mum. Huge learning curve having a baby in your life. Life revolves around the baby and you can lose your own identity for awhile. Love watching you guys go fulltime on the land but remember to have a break. I'm trying to decide when I can go on holiday and my little vege garden won't die lol your life has gone from moving around freely as a single lady to being a landowner with a family. Embrace the new. Life with keep changing. I'm still struggling with being on my own now the kids are all grown and gone. I need to find a purpose in life again. Nothing stays the same forever 🥰

Super honest love it K. Life has lows and highs, you can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf :)

Thanks for the update. I am a 66 yr old. And believe me life changes all the time. Me and my husband are just starting our caravan adventures. I am just learning as I go how to handle things. By the way my husband is blind so that adds a wee speed bump. Hopefully this summer you will get the chance to caravan. Oh yes Reese is cute. Give him a hug as often as possible they grow up quickly thanks Brian and Anna from Kawerau

Well done Karen. And high praise to you for how you have weathered the storms, however those look in your world. You been through and going through a lot in a couple of years. New lifestyle, your mum passing, and a baby and partner, it’s a lot. So trusting yourself to know when and what to do, especially when it’s been difficult, and then showing up here and sharing, thank you. Good on you for still dreaming and not wanting to stagnate as such. That’ll keep you rolling with the ouches and still living life well and going on adventures in life, however that looks for you and your family. and it’s cool how it opened up a lifestyle for your brother too. Reese is a well loved, gorgeous wee fella.

I will always watch you. Be encouraged your not alone on the mom front. 💕

Keep going, it can be tough at times but the rewards will be unbelievable that’s for sure. God bless all xx

Hi Karen, so good to see you again and I think going by how you look and how you sound now those dark days are behind you as summer is beginning for you .I've never thought anything other but that you were a perfect mum for Reese under perhaps not ideal circumstances but there is absolutely no doubt that both you and Hayden love Reese to bits..You may not see it but us viewers see big changes in every episode possibly because you condense a week into 20 minutes or so. That makes it even more exciting for us. We've seen Reese grow up from a babe in arms to a loveable inquisitive toddler who is exploring his world and loving everything in idyllic suurroundings.I'verecently revisited your interview of David on his boat and you haven't changed too much at all, you're still the adventurous young lady who loves exploring and doing new things. I have no doubt you Hayden and the adorable Reese will build over time a fabulous house and a full life many would be envious of. Lots of love to you all. Cheers from me and a Canada cooling fast XOXOXO

I lived off grid for about 15 years. It isn't easy and not cheap. I learned a lot about solar power and water systems. Made mistakes and stumbled into solutions. It isn't for everyone. I finally decided it was too much work and I am getting older which has begun to limit my physical capabilities. Good luck on your continued learning curve.

Wowser what a two years you have had, thank goodness, Reese started day school, your brother arrived for support. Move people definitely means more water and electricity. Glad it is all working out. Oh, and I am still here. I will be here for the next adventure with Reese. I am sure they will wonderful. Hayden has been a very busy person. Car breaking, shower and generator issues are troubling. Andrews solar will be wonderful. Well thank you for sharing, stay safe, happy and healthy, from Henrico County Virginia

I've been watching since the "Caravan Days" and am still watching happily. It's always good to be able to check in and see what's happening in your world -- caravanning or not. All the best!

Well, considering COVID, I think you have accomplished a lot! Looking forward to your completed home.

Looking forward to seeing you living in your house where everything is all together. It has been a challenging couple of years for you, first baby is hard no matter what, but harder being by yourself in the country.

As a tech I want to say that you can try to add the drive as a second one in order to access it where you are not booting from it. I just wish I could help with that. It is terrible when people lose such info on hard drives. When you do travel of course Reese will be quick to run around so watching for that would be stressful but I'm sure you can handle it. They are fast when they start walking and exploring at that age. I hope you get to do a couple of caravan trips that you love to enjoy. Thanks for all that you share. I hope Haiden's hand is healing well. Reese is such a cutie pie.

I enjoy your content Karen, you've had a lot going on and I appreciate your ongoing efforts. Being a mum is a big challenge and requires a lot of effort and attention. Your doing a good job and I can see that you love Reece, its great that he goes to day care and as you said he gets to mix with other kids and is socialised. Looking forward to ongoing content.

Been following you since the caravan days.. happy to see the channel evolve. Lovely to see what you are all making of your land.

I so enjoy your updates whether caravanning or living off grid. Life is certainly ups and downs rather than a straight line (that would be boring lol). Big ups to your brother! Brothers are awesome! Keep up the good work Karen I love your videos ❤️❤️

I think one of the draws to watching videos of folks who live a nomadic lifestyle and then transition to homesteading is the conservation of resources that you all have mastered through your journey. I live in the states and I am drawn to that lifestyle here. I believe it is global and that we are learning to live a different way as a means to sustain our planet. Thanks for sharing your experience so that we can all see that it is possible to thrive in a sustainable lifestyle.

Been following since before you visited the UK and stayed very close to me at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire. Love your channel and I think Reece is the same age as my Granddaughter so I love watching his progress too! Keep doing what your doing xx

Thank you for being honest about the struggles of motherhood. We love them so much it hurts but it’s also the biggest sacrifice of self. I LOVE your videos and hope you will continue them! I’ve been with you since the beginning and the off grid living is great! I’m in the U.S. so being able to see how you live and the beautiful landscape is so nice. I hope you keep it going.

I used to live in NZ so love watching your videos. All the references to NZ places, shops etc bring back such happy memories-even Bunnings and Mitre10!

Yes I also started watching your channel when it was about your caravanning life style, as you offered many good pointers for us new to caravanning. I've stayed with you, as we (wife and I) enjoy watching your like style changes and how you've overcome hardships to achieves your goals. You should all be all very proud of what you've achieved.

Of course you love Reese but a new baby is a game changer. And growth -don’t underestimate how much you have grown in the last year. I’ll bet you have grown more in the last year than in the last six put together. I love your channel. I’ve been tuned in since you stepped on David’s narrow boat it seems like eons ago.

Been watching your content for long time. Please be gentle with yourself ❤️ adapting to parenthood is hard. You are doing great! Caravanning content with a toddler perspective will be really interesting and entertaining 👌 🤗🚐

Well done so courageous of you to share openly and honestly. It will be so helpful to many young mums. You are an inspiration to many. Blessings Philippa Australia

Loved watching your caravanning, but also love watching your living off the land videos as well, like a progression of your life. I appreciate you sharing that, especially knowing how hard it is to get land or housing in NZ and seeing how you are building your life there. Will continue to watch in future as well.

Another fabulous video. I appreciate your honesty about the first year of being a mum, it is the hardest job ever but also the most rewarding too. Gosh, you've done so much in the two years you've been living on your own land. Thanks for sharing.

I love your channel and thanks for sharing your life with us!

I first started watching your channel when you were over here in the UK and you did a vlog with David on his canal boat. not sure how long ago that was. I wish you the best of luck an all your endeavours. Dave M.

I started watching to learn more about caravan life in NZ as we were starting our own caravan adventures. I have really enjoyed all your content and totally understand the juggle of family life and managing it all. It's been great fun to see everything evolving for you.

I have been watching you from day one it’s great to see how far you have gone in life no just caravanning but meetings Hayden and of course little baby Reece and off grid living you all doing a fantastic job I hope to see many more videos and I hope you and the family grow in health and wealth in the future good luck love .

So kind and generous of you to share so honestly. I am sure it helps many people. Courageous of you and well done. Any blessings to you all. Philippa Australia

I subbed because you're a cutie and even more so now that you're a mum. Stay strong! 🥰

I’ve watched all your videos and always look forward to the next one. Love your family and all your lifestyles. Enjoy everyday and keep going, you’re doing great.

Please take care, my darlings! I've been watching your channel since the beginning, and am so proud of what you've all achieved! And little Reece is truly wonderful! Well done!❤ All love and best wishes, Claire, Lucy the cat, and Tommi the rescue dog, Berlin 😘😘😘😘

Hi Karen just found you again. A caravan follower from UK. I will keep ducking in and out of your vlogs as I do like buildings so you cover that too.. not to mention the little one I have 2 grandsons and they bring so much joy, remember from the day they are born you are giving them the skills and love to grow up and away 😥,, that's life

Great summary of the last couple of years of your channel. Your channel is about your life, in all it’s forms, paths, setbacks and experiences and I much prefer channels like that as they are REAL and genuine! I sometimes worry too that my videos on my channel don’t focus on just one aspect of my life (caravanning) as I, like you, have so many more things going on in my life whilst living in a caravan. Sendings hugs from across the pond 🤗

Two years, that’s gone very quickly but you are getting there. Good luck to you all ❤

I’m glad you’re still up and running thank you 😎😎 pretty boy you should be proud

hello Karen hayden and Reece hope your all doing ok and OMG this brought some memories back as you know I have been following you for a number of years can't think how long but it's been a while lol and I'm shocked with how quick time has gone and can't believe you been there 2 years already my god time has gone nowhere but wow you have all done so much work and looks brilliant and can't wait to see the house and as you already know I love your vids and been following for so long and will follow into the future and also remember your loved by so many people and we are all hear for you well you all take care all the best love to you all. Jamie, Tina, Andrew, & Harvey (The Ellmers Adventures)x.

I think the off grid living, the dream of owning a wee piece of paradise, and the lifestyle of travelling and caravaning all go together really well. It has certainly been great following along the journey. Our wee girl is a few months younger than Reese so I've enjoyed having some ideas of the challenges and life stages we have ahead. You've done great realising that you were finding it hard, and getting help and support around you. Have you thought further about opening up an area of your land for followers and maybe NZMCA members to visit and stay for a small fee?

Karen, I so admire your tenacity, grit and determination to keep on keeping on...and your ability to smile even with things are tough. Thank you for sharing your journey with us people out here in RU-vid land. It really touched me to hear you speak of getting low when it feels like there is no going forward happening...I recently hit that roadblock and realised the same, so nice to know I'm not alone in needing this too. And from one mum to another...my gosh your an awesome mum! It's totally ok to take time out, we need to, to be the best mums we can be 😁 ❤️

you're doing great - you have 3 great guys (+plus little one) in your life and a lovely place to live. i'm sure you'll travel more in years to come- and look forward to watching... keep it up!

Keep at it Karen. The house build is something solid to look forward too. Roll on summer in NZ

First found your channel through David Johns and watched your trip around the uk, been with you ever since enjoy watching your progress

That was nice to see al that you have done Nice to see you her again Thanks!

Many blessings for your courage and honesty, very helpful to many. Philippa Australia

Good on your K You have done so well so far, Stay positive no matter what happens

Your land is so beautiful, and Reese has grown so much, he is so cute : ) (from Wairarapa NZ)

Karen I have been watching you for years and your content has and is always interesting. Life changes and its exciting when you head down an unknown path but you have done brilliantly. Parenting is the hardest job give yourself a huge pat on the back for getting through the first year with isolation, covid and finding what works best for you. Yay for preschool, little man will learn so much through intereaction with his peers. Bring on the next 12 months!

You are still good to watch Karen. I have enjoyed watching this catch up well done you

Hi Kay. Lovely to here this summary1❤🌄👍

I think you have hit the nail on the head about what You Tube allow us to veiw. I have noticed this on Narrowboaters U K

So glad you are back,

Fantastic video 📹 👏 👌 👍 😀 🙌 🙌

A very honest self appraisal Karen, well done. I'm sure other new mothers will find your talk on here to be very beneficial for them also. In hindsight i often wonder how Mum managed with 7 of us in Westport during the late 40s and into the 50s and 60s. Phew! Bob and Lina. LH.

love watching you 😍

Your videos are always interesting - created by the honesty and integrity not just the content IMO. (BTW - it seems Adventures with Rosie may be progressing to lifestyle vlogs too :)

TRAV’K,,,,,HELLO, yes time flies,EVERYTIME I look @ your weather, darn, you got so much rain this year, as time goes ask ,to try to figure out about how much kw your homestead will take, reason is so that I cal look into a slow speed generator with a 4 pole generator,rather than those like 1 already failed, but they do cost more, but will run forever.HALOWEEN HERE TODAY, BUT WILL RAIN THIS EVENING here, into TUESDAY afternoon, how is the finger, no infection,I hope ! stay well, and GOD BLESS YOU ALL !;;;;;;🇳🇿🇳🇿🇺🇸🇺🇸

It's good to see you all looking so well. Heading into winter in the UK and about to go into bird lockdown due to avian flu 😮‍💨 how's the situation over there?

Yes Karen I am still watching you.

Good job K

the notion of going somewhere

❤️

When we look across the surrounding land there aren’t a super lot of trees. Knowing that where we live there are often little micro-climates caused by the terrain I’m wondering whether your difficulty growing green stuff for privacy is connected to trying to grow plants/trees that may be ‘ok’ for your general climate but suffer because of the SPECIFIC location you’re at. I would look at the vegetation growing in nearby areas exactly like those you are wanting to plant. Momma Nature will always win in disputes with her.

Thanks

Hey Karen, I’ve been watching since the early caravanning days and I go looking for updates often. Can you tell me if you get paid more if we watch an entire commercial rather than hitting skip? Happy to watch all the way through if there’s a kickback for you. Thanks for the update!😊

We have had problems with disk drives as well. My solution is to buy brand name disk drives like Seagate and they typically have a 2 year warranty. At the end of 2 years, I buy another and move the data over to the new drive. The reason became clear to me when we had a Seagate disk drive die after about 16 months. I contacted them to see if they could retrieve the data from the disk. It was a 5 Terabyte drive. They indicated that due to being under warranty, they would not charge for the retrieval or attempted retrieval and that they would replace the drive also for free. The new drive arrived and about 5 weeks later, I got an update that the retrieval was successful and that they were sending the data to me on another smaller form factor 5 TB drive. Win, win, win. Verify the warranty on your new drive when you get it. I didn't know that Seagate did that. I was expecting to pay for the data retrieval when I asked for it.

❤️👍

cool

Aah, life as you know it Karen... and so it goes on ☺️

Be polite say hello and goodbye kay,your were so polite in the uk with dave,how's Hyden.

Hey K, which one is best caravan park in north shore?.I remembered you mentioned about that before. Please let me know. Thank you.

Salem hello je suis un algérien bonne chance enchallah

I’m just curious. Are you a public speaker of some kind, you seem good at it. Maybe a lawyer

: )

Aww lovely video the world is going down hill rapidly escalating utility crisis relight on by greedy globalists world wide we have it big time in uk , it will get easier with Reece trust me I’m 59 time flies by with children I found singing to mine always put them to sleep stroking the forehead in the middle soothes a baby child. I hope your in by Xmas with the house as bad weather is darn nuisance. Tc Angie