Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound: Wandering Nomad, by Cody Frances www.epidemicso... Wind Storm 5 www.epidemicso... Baptized and Buried, by Will Harrison www.epidemicso...
I wish I could do this. I am 71 and I own a wonderful 21 year old horse. Shiloh is my number one concern so I have to stay put where I am. If not for my life with her I would hit the road for sure. I commend you for your courage and sense of adventure. I am with you in spirit.
Hi, happy I found you. !! Every thing you showed about your kitchen made so much sense ! Not complicated. ❤ At couple of months from 80, no cash to buy a small RV , Health issues are a problems. Do not take me wrong. I am Very Blessed. Safe , clean place to live . Close to medical facilities !! Have always been an out door lover. Beach, mountains....Alaska has my heart ❤. So much here in lower 48. Therefore I know I am going to love seeing your travels 💕 Be safe Jan ! Nice to meet you 😊!! Blessings 🙏
Nice to meet another Janet. 👋 I encourage you to still enjoy the outdoors. I've seen so many majestic views in 4 months of traveling. Now I'm beginning to realize that the most magnificent scenes in nature are the ever changing ⛅️ clouds above us wherever we are.
@Janet Turner Your comment made me think of something … I also follow “weretheRussos”. Last (or prev?) summer they took Mom Russo on a van trip. This year (right now) they are taking Mom and her sister on a shortish trip to CA wine country. They are doing a mix of van/hotel for Mom and Aunt, but day tripping in the van (toilet facilities :) ). I know it wouldn’t work for everyone, but what if there was a way to match people safely for short trips. I wouldn’t want company all of the time, but I can see that there are some short trips that might be fun to share. Just thinking …
@@theroadhome_Liz_Summers I agree with the matching for short trips to show someone else how to enjoy life on the road. It would help people who don't know what they want for a vehicle, or can't afford one right now. I want to see the country I was born in. I've worked my 60 plus years and gave back to the state and government. Now, I want to travel, but money issues prevent it. I always have another bill popping up that take the rest of my money, and then I have to start again. Love your idea though.
Hello Jan and fellow road trippers, explorers, and house viewing road trippers. Thank you for the conversations, ideas, tips. I enjoy your videos. Simple, easy to comprehend, and I can feel your words. I am a 66 year old Ottawa, Canada explorer. My first Van Road Trip/House was back in 1973 with a 1966 Dodge Cargo Van. Guess what I drive today….a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan. Smiles, I love it. I started with the basics. A cooler, a camping mat, clothes and food. I have been tuning it better with each trip. I totally get your tag “Butterfly Tracks”, I love it.
Butterflies are free to fly. Fly away, bye bye. That is exactly what you are doing. Flying free..... So nice. As an older woman I am so proud of you! I'll be there soon...
In preparation for your time in the redwoods, you might enjoy Richard Powers Overstory novel. It’s inspirational and genius, and is centered on trees of all kinds but redwoods are the central stars. Won Pulitzer in 2019 and well deserved.
Take your time with it when you start. It’s not like popular reads and even more satisfying. It took me time to feel the feels of, now it’s top of my list.
I did my bucket list item of The Redwoods in 2008. My new bucket list is to drive the length of the Mississippi and learn about it, but don't know when yet. My no build kitchen is similar to yours. I combined my spices into sweet and savory. I originally put them in in those magnetic spice jars and but it didn't work out, too much moisture, now I have them in little glass jars. It is like doing a 3D puzzle fitting all the kitchen stuff in their drawers.
I could easily listen to your soft calm voice talking about your journey twenty four seven. Your beautiful blue eyes are mesmerizing. I often have to start your pod casts over because I lose my concentration getting loss in them! lol I wish you the best dear lady, sincerely.
Jan,I'm so enjoying your videos & scenery of your adventures. Mom was known as "The butterfly lady" in her community in Oklahoma. She dressed everyday wearing butterfly earrings & pins. Even had BUTTERFLY sheets & towels ! Lots of butterfly things in her home too. We Celebrated her Memorial with huge Butterfly mylar balloons instead of other floral arrangements. She would have loved knowing you. Blessings on your travels. 🦋🌈🎶💜
Hi, enjoyed your video so much. You are so correct " Butterflies do not fly in a straight line". Thanks for sharing this beautiful video. Sincerely, Shay's Ways
Just turned 70 and though currently on my 5 acre "farmette" I've been leaning towards plans for a van life for some time+. I've had an adventurer's spirit my whole life. Closing my bricks & sticks "curiosity shop" store mid 2021 (a Covid casualty basically) gave me the motivation I needed to solidify my next chapter! I'm ready to turn the page! Been working on my 2013 Sienna van. I've been doing it mostly on my own but discovered so many RU-vid channels were unbelievably helpful. Loads of great recommendations, safely tips and shopping ideas. So come Fall I hope to be on the road. Gonna head south first to visit a few folks first then cutting over to Route 10 and on my way to AZ. I plan to be there in January 2023.
@@verreal Well, I no longer have horses, alpaca or chickens so It's not so much of a farm setting anymore...just the buildings and house. Will be selling it eventually! There is a dairy steer in one of the fenced areas. My neighbor needed a place for him till he goes to market. He's been here nearly 2 years so he's my buddy now! LOL
Hello, Jan, I'm a new subscriber and am thoroughly enjoying your adventure. What made you decide to become a fulltime van lifer? I'm also 71 years old craving to be on the road, to live fulltime in a small RV but trepidatious to actually make the move. I admire your courage! Blessings dear butterfly lady.
I turned 70 in January Patty and will be moving into my 1994 Class B camper van on June 1. Like you I’ve long wanted to do this and although a little trepidatious, I’m going for it anyway, because if not now, then when? I hope you take a leap of faith like Jan did and like I will! 💛🌷
Hi Patty. I always wanted to be a travel writer when I retired. I guess that's part of what I'm doing. I also have a deep connection with the natural world. I want to live on the surface of the earth.
Over 200 homes were lost here, due to the recent fire. I hope you missed that. You saw the beauty if you were there prior to the fire. Prayers to those families and the town of Ruidoso.
We have a new 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
My husband and I do the tuna /chicken and pork packets, very convenient lunch! We mostly travel with non perishable food items. Thanks for the tour, you have such a relaxing voice.
Hi Jan! Is that a cute little Plymouth or what? I loved your re-organization and all your little goodies very informative. The place that you’re at is beautiful! You are going to love the redwoods. You have to get to Yosemite too. Being in California is such a wonderful thing to be able to get to the ocean the redwoods Yosemite in a couple hours in any direction. You’ll love it! Happy trails! Can’t wait for your next one. 💜🤟🏻😎
Thank you so much, Liz. 🙂 I guess I could spend a little more time in CA if go from ev charger to ev charger to cut back on gas. It's such a beautiful state 😍
Love riding on your shoulder. The scenery shots are gorgeous. Looking at your kitchen set up I have concluded that you are a master at efficient utilization of space. Good job fitting in all the things you need. Looking forward to your next adventure. Stay safe and keep smiling. Love following you. 🦋😍😁
Hi Jan my name is John L i I grew up in the southern New Mexico area Las Cruces Silver City Deming hatch to your C I'm familiar with all those places. I really enjoyed this video because it's home. I hope you enjoyed your stay here. You're very organized in your kitchen. When I tried camping I wasn't that organized.
I would have a tarp to set things on or a table. It's hard bending over or squatting to the ground. That's a good idea to clean out your van and reorganize. Also maybe check expiration dates
I also have a minivan and have started with camping on long weekends. I can't wait to take a longer trip! One thing I have been told is that is good to back into spaces, in case you want to leave quickly.
Oh, you are in a park, I thought you were at a campsite. I should wait till the end to comment :). You seem to be a very down to earth, positive person. I will subscribe!
Hi Jan love your video , I purchased a van so that I can get out more with my son whom has Autism , I have decorated it in butterflies . I’m looking at what others use in their vans , i needed a bathroom and a shower for him to use and clean him up when he has accidents . I feel very blessed . I too what to go to the redwood parks . I’ve been to a few I just love them.
Another tip I have for you and your friends buy the packets of mayo and miracle whip and ketchup and coffee creamer. They need no refrigeration. Especially if you are just making a sandwich. A big jar is good for salads. They also make a squeezeable miracle whip and mayo that doesn't take up much room in the cooler or fridge. They also make a squeeze jelly
Hi Deborah. I had to delete my reply since we want to keep the meetup safe. You can find the meetup information on facebook.com/groups/794347871824247/?ref=share
Hi. I just subscribed. I love your channel. I also liked your choice of music on the video. Thanks for showing some of the gadgets you use on your travels. The little cup water heater was pretty neat. Happy travels!
I just love your game of what I like to call "Organizational Tetris". I play it all the time here at home in tight spots, and plan on transferring that strategy to my minivan as soon as I have saved up enough money to do something similar to what you're doing now.
I also have multiple cooking options in my van. I have a two burner Coleman propane stove, I have the gas one dual fuel stove, I have a little mini wood cookstove, I have a small charcoal grill, as well as a jet boil! I am only part time, I am a disabled senior in a 2010 wheelchair dodge grand caravan that has way Too much stuff in it. In no means am I a minimalist😂.
@@ButterflyTracks lol Unfortunately I was raised by grandparents and a great grandmother who survived the great depression and instilled in me a prepper mind set! I had planned on hitting the road March second when I turned 60 but October 2021 I got custody of my then seven-year-old grandson. So I am still only part time
Thank you for all of your wonderful videos! Heating elements can be sketchy, I have a metal immersion coil that came with a strong printed warning about avoiding electric shock by only immersing into liquids within non-conductive vessels, i.e. ceramic, glass, porcelain.
I'm sure you will travel to Oregon many campers are made here.im sure you have seen alot and experience many things on the road.the road is everybody oyster so enjoy it.
Jan, just found you. I'm enjoying your content. Thanks for letting me ride along with you. I admire your traveling spirit. I have a desire to do some adventuring myself, but there seems to be reasons that are holding me back. Anyway...much respect to you for getting put there & doing it. Keep after it, Jan!!
I'm so glad YT recommended your video. I plan to buy the same Bluetti and never noticed the wireless charger AND the flat top features. How perfect! Thanks.
I loved your "kitchen". I have two of those water heaters, one for a cup and a slightly larger one. I have had them since l was 22 and I'm now closing in on 76 - and they still work. I want to get a little toasted sandwich maker like yours as there's only me to cook for these days. Greetings from South Africa. PS - l suscribed.
Hey Jan thanks for sharing your video very calming live the music you play also I want to try those zip fizz's safe travels looking forward to next video!!❤️❤️❤️
The red car is a 49-51 Plymouth. We had one when I was very young. It carried most of my brothers, and sisters when traveling. There was 8 of us plus mom and dad that traveled in it.
I am enjoying your videos. I am from Las Cruces and travel to Ruidoso at least once a month- by the Casino Apache where you stayed. I must point out that you misspelled Las Cruces (your capture says Las Cruses). I admire your free spirit to get out there and travel. Happy travels!
I enjoy the beauty of this place by hiking. I have a van I built, Ford Transit Connect, but I rarely take it out of town- I'm too scare to go solo. Yet, I hike deep in the mountains sometimes hours into no-man land by myself- go figure! I may just hit the road one of these days. I am more afraid of human evil than I am of snakes and mountain lions, lol.
Thanks for the video. I live in Willits, Ca, The sign as you enter the south end of town says, Gateway to the Redwoods. That is if you come south to north on Hwy 101. If you drive up Hwy 1 from San Fransico you won't see it. However, you should come inland from Hwy 1 to Hwy 20 from Ft Bragg to Willits. The other roads to Branscomb and Leggitt are very windy.
hi MS Jan,I really enjoyed your video thank you so much for showing all them beautiful places you be into I know you're making great memories wish I was there with you😂
I seen my very first Road runner in Mexico in 2019 the first time we drove to Baja...oh i was so excited for i watched the bugs bunny show when i was a kid and it was my fav show....but most definatly not that big...lol...great video Jan!! Loving your journey!! 💚💚💚
I haven't seen many of your videos yet, but it was so nice to get inspiration from your kitchen. 👩🏻🍳I ordered the same bluetti last week (takes forever to be delivered); looking forward to getting it. Would prefer more power, but still need to lift it.🔋The ice maker looks cool(pun intended).❄️ Thank you for sharing. 🦋☮️💟
I am looking at power solutions … currently EcoFlow River Pro is top of my list for price and portability. If I stay with that thinking, I’ll buy the River Pro plus additional battery to allow me to run some things in my house as well.
I admire you. I would just find a safe and convenient place and stay for the rest of my life. I would not have the strength or motivation to move on from place to place. Well done!
Hi Jan, you have a beautiful THOW. My Dad would have lost his mind if he saw that antique car. My Promaster 2500 isn't ready to hit the road quite yet, but I'm working on it. I'm disabled so it's taking me a little longer than I would have liked. I'd love to meet you.
Hi again Jan! ☺️ I'm back to catching up on your travel vlog series. Go...vanlifer... I bought some if the same/similar food/meat packets. Haven't tried the nutrients items yet. But I haven't made it out on the road yet. Still saving for the van repairs. It'll happen one day. 🙏 I also have some small appliances to PA k when the time comes. A panini cooker, airfryer, and small crockpot, for when camping overnight. I considered an ice maker but wasn't sure if I wanted to bring one. Until I get a power station and solar panels those would require electric hook up w heavy duty extension cord(s). Which would be ok at a park shelter, an equipped campsite, at families if I could set up a table in their garage. What I don't have yet is a butane/propane grill/cooker or a jet book. But since I'm not there yet those can wait. So it will be charcoal grill and charcoal and maybe the jet boil, until I get the solar, power station, and fuel grill much later. I like your kitchen system organization. Knowing where each and every item is is important. Thanks for sharing the cleaning and cleaning product tips. Enjoy your week ahead.
Hi Cheryl. You don't need the ice maker if you have a 12v frig or even a good cooler. Let me save you some headaches, do not buy a Bluetti solar generator. 😒 No customer service., etc. Sounds like you are really making progress. 🙂 I'm in the process of securing my food better against rodents with plastic containers instead of bags.
@@ButterflyTracks thanks Jan. I know an ice machine isn't a true necessity and the better ones are somewhat expensive. I have a pretty good 30 qt., stays cool 3 days, Igloo cooler. A 31 soft-bag with telescoping handle n wheels, And an assortment of smaller thermal n lunch bags for medication, makeup, ... I wouldn't get a refrigerator/freezer or ice cube maker unless I might actually be living out of my van. They can be noisy. I would run it while I was outside of the van, because it would grate on my nerves a lot probably. 😆
Well aren't you just a breath of fresh air. I've viewed 3 of your videos now and have really enjoyed them. I don't know your 🦋 story as to why you're living this way, but hopefully you have a video that explains why. I love that you are. It's bed time for me now, but I'll hit the subscribe button and check back real soon. Aloha for now ~~ 🌺
Thank you, Careese.🙂 Welcome to the Butterfly Tribe 💙 🦋 💙 I chose to live life to the fullest so I escaped a recliner to seek beauty and adventure in nature. Because I can. 🦋
@@ButterflyTracks That's wonderful. My husband and I were planning on doing the same until I became disabled. Got to the point of needing a scooter or wheelchair ♿️. That changed our retirement plans in a awfully sad way. Luckily we live in a marina on in Eastern Honolulu, so life's pretty good, but miss not RV-ing. If they made affordable RV's (under 200k) with accessibility ♿️, we may have done it. I've looked a lot and it's slim pickins' to find a decent RV. Aloha for now. 🌺
new subscriber here I want to say that you have an awesome channel and I truly enjoy "traveling" America with you. You always have good info and beautiful scenery. I can't travel at the present for personal reasons but I hope to be able to do so in the near future. Thank you for all that you do (a big howdy from Texas)
Hi Jan, my name is Joyce. We met at the Vanettes meetup in Ocala. I will be leaving Florida midMay. Heading up the Blue Ridge Parkway then to Philadelphia/NJ shore area. Hanging with family until after July 4th. Heading through New York, Niagara Falls. Back to Pittsburgh, DaytinOH, Chicago hanging with friends all the while. Hoping to travel around Michigan and the lakes up there. Then I’m heading west also doing the perimeter but opposite way than you. I’ll keep up here with you and hope we can meet up along the way. Happy traveling 😁✌🏽
Hi Joyce! 👋 Yes, for sure, let's meet-up. ❤️ Maybe my videos will be helpful since you're coming this way and I like to show free camp spots in interesting places. Stay on touch.
Are you a member of the Tribe? We have a Facebook group for women only that is very supportive and full of information. We have women only meetups and caravans. I hope you can join us. 💙🦋💙 To keep us all safe, we like to see a little about you in your profile. There are also a couple of simple questions. 😊 Butterfly Tribe Women who Camp: facebook.com/groups/794347871824247/?ref=share
Do you have your picture and a little about you on your Facebook page? We just try to keep it women only for safety when we talk about where we are. There are a couple of friendly questions and agree to the rules, be kind, etc. Does that help?
@@ButterflyTracks hmmm…. Probably not. I’m quite private. Let’s see….I’m 64 year old woman, haha fairly butch looking but all woman. I own a 200 acre farm in Bonfield, Ontario, pretty much a hermit. But have been wanting to do the van thing for a couple years now. Especially when the northern winter rolls in! I no longer farm. Fully retired. Just me and Tony. Haha. My dog and constant companion. I thought I joined butterfly tracks but now see it is butterfly tracks women who camp? When I searched fb it is only one that came up. Sorry…..major techtard. As for photo I will see if any on fb. Probably fishing or camping. Haha
65 and slow transitioning into my Kia suv. Raised 2 baby child sons into self supporting men. Worked with sick inmates inside infirmary. Now caring for my 86 y/o homebound mum with dementia. I'm so ready for the nomad lifestyle. You inspire me to keep going, in all areas of my life. I love your home! ✌ but help! I have too many clothes! Any suggestions?
Hi Katherine. 👋 I have struggled with clothes too..It's hard because if you travel much, weather can change quickly especially changing elevations. You need a variety for weather but not too many of each. Layers help like throw a jacket on if it gets cooler and try to keep it clean instead of having a bunch of bulky sweatshirts. Also go ahead and take too much and donate it along the way if you decide you don't need it.
I enjoy your videos, editing and story time so much, I sure hope I see you down the road some time. There is an even usually late September, early October called Lolapalooza held by Lost In Land Again here on RU-vid, it’s a wonderful time with wonderful attendees located in Texas. 🌺🌸🌺
Hello, Jan. Found you by accident and enjoy your travels. I, too, like to travel on my own. I presently live in Alabama, where I take short trips whenever I can. I started in the '70's and stayed out 2 yrs living in a 1965 Chevy van. Went back to Va and worked to make money for more trips, albeit much shorter. My goal back then, I'm 74 now, was to travel thru all 50 states. I have four to go, three up on the Canadian border, the other Alaska. Due to covid, my last trip was to visit relatives in Maine in Oct 2019. I meandered up thru several states, intentionally staying away from interstates. Was gone 10 days and had a great time. One of my favorite stops was the Red Caboose Motel in Amish country. Mainly because it was so unusual to stay in a caboose; the other because it was time for a hot shower. It's time for another trip! Hope to run into you some day...safe travels.
Hey Jan, I’m very impresssd. I am 65 and don’t have the energy to all that driving. So I will just follow along with you. I am curious. So the dogs sleep up front. And you have a bed in there? I watch several utubers that live the van life. But they are couples. You are my hero. Be safe!
Thank you, E Wing. 👋 I'm so glad to have you with me on my adventures. The girls sleep in the front seat and my bed is in the back. Here's my first video that tells more about us. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Dn9vcMDMF4U.html
Hi Julia. 👋 my favorite is quiche: any combination of egg, cheese and onion, roasted red pepper, sometimes cream cheese. Careful not over cook so it doesn't get rubbery. Also almost anything you'd put in a crackpot.
That was a helpful video, Jan. Thank you. I am wondering how you get hot water in the car. I'm trying to figure out how to make hot water to wash my face in the morning and evening. Do you use the Bluetti for making hot water?
Hi,y name Errin I'm 54 and about to hit the road in my Honda fit . I'm coming out of Wyoming and headed to Cody wy and follow the road to new Mexico. I hope we run into each other! Been following your channel and learned a lot thank you for your videos!
Hi Carol. No, I didn't check in. I was only there one night so I didn't ask about showers. The food was good but I need my money more than the slot machines do. 😏
Nice video. Some great views you shared. Organizing - good thing to so now and then. May I ask where you got the white cabinet you have the 2 bins in? I am looking for something like that. Thanks for another very nice video and continues safe travels. Looking forward. The ice maker!!! I have one also that will go with me once I get the chance to take off for a trip.
