A Solo Van Life Nightmare… Bed Bugs and Midnight Intruder 

This video currently has 154 views and I have 154 subscribers, can we keep those numbers aligned? Haha thank you everyone for the support

I'm a 76-year old guy who full-timed for over five years in two different small motor homes (with no tow vehicle) in my senior years and I'm now living in a house, but sorely miss the RV lifestyle. My HOA does not allow RVs to park in the complex and I'm just not willing to park one offsite. And, I'm hesitant to full-time at my current age. I enjoy living precariously through your videos, Dan. I'm composing this comment on my laptop as I watch RU-vid videos on my large screen TV and am not able to access the comments via that venue. I watch EVERY video to the end, but am unable to use the code words you request to indicate that. I have subscribed and I almost always (if I remember) give you a thumbs up for each video. I wish you the best of everything and hope you continue to supply us with true-to-life RV life experiences. Oh, I lived 32 years in CO and recognize many of the camping locations you have visited.

DOG!!! Great content! I’m so glad I stumbled upon yours and Cassie’s adventures! You were so chill about all those ticks and that person trying to break in! That would have definitely freaked me out! Looking forward to more of your adventures. Safe travels. 😊❤

Good job Dan. You handled the situation very well. I am preparing to hit the road for the first time and you showed the benefit of keeping your cool in such situations. I wish you the best and good luck.

Dog! I really loved this very honest vlog. So refreshing to see real life situations. Cassie is so cute and can’t wait to see more.

Thank you for showing this side of van life. And props to you for sticking things out. Hope the trip gets better for you and Cassie!!

Dog Really enjoyed this, sorry it was so rocky for you and Cassie. Take care and keep taking us along for the ride!

Dawg! Y'all went thru a lot! Hope life is better for you down the road. ❤

My first time to your channel. Your little dog is so adorable, sweet and sensitive. You’re a nice young guy, honestly, I’d be a little worried about you out there. Be extra careful, there really are many potential perils. Think like an old person, think of everything and don’t walk Cassie at night. Stay safe, always put safety FIRST. God bless you both.

If you don’t like the video you’ll be covered in ticks and have a home intruder🔫🕷️ *EDIT* I CANT BELIEVE how many of you are loving this video, I have been working very hard to make a bunch of similar style videos of the rest of our journey to and in Colorado! Check them out on the channel!! From a stealth camping in the ghetto video costing $2,000 to a chill day making pizza and playing video games in the mountains! Thank you everyone that’s watched, subscribed, liked and commented. You guys are making dreams come true!!🙏🏼🥲

You just popped up on my feed and I’ve subbed! Thank you for the video, I look fwd to watching more

Love watching you and Cassie. Wish I could go and do that…. Living a van life thru you! Great show. Luv you guys!!! Be safe

DAWG! Good thing you went ahead and got Cassie taken care of. Is there something you can take to prevent lime disease? That intruder was scary!!! Safe travels.

Dog. My first video of yours. Thank you so much for not being yet another vanlifer saying "things vanlifers don't talk about." Excellent video . I love that van and you are so good to Cassie. I am now going to check every part of my house for ticks.

That was scary having someone mess with the back door glad you had a safety device but happier you didn’t have to use it and glad pup is OK

Dog! Thank you for the honest share of your journey and keeping it real. Looking forward to your adventures and here's hoping for a happy turn of events for you! 🤗 Stay safe

Yup, watched the whole thing with gratitude that our travels never hit such a low spot, and admiration at how you just kept on coping. Hope things improved mightily after that 24 hour dump!

Dog! Hang in there! It sounds like you and Cassie are in for a trip! I also heard bugs and pollen are supposed to be awful this year. Enjoy your content! Looking forward to more!

Dog. LOL. Man, I feel your pain. REALLY hope you didn't actually have bedbugs, though. If you think ticks are bad, bedbugs are the worst possible nightmare you can imagine. Lived with my daughter for a little bit and she invited a skeevy-looking guy from CA to live with us, and he brought us bedbugs as a "housewarming gift". I'm absolutely POSITIVE that bedbugs will survive a nuclear war right along with cockroaches and Twinkees, because they are nearly impossible to get rid of, and can go an entire YEAR without eating. Probably more than you ever wanted to know about them. Sorry. But hope you and Cassie made it to Colorado okay.

Hey Dan - what a nightmare waking up like that in the middle of the night. Glad you made it outta there ok. Cassie is a gem! Dogs are the best company & I'm glad she's there with you. Just be super careful wherever you go! Subscribed ❤

Dog. When we were in California in 2021, we had someone try to break into our van as well! It's so sketchy when that happens! And the bed bugs, I watched cause it's literally our worst nightmare living in the van 😅 glad both of you are ok, and you made it to Colorado safely. We just subbed. Maybe we'll see you on the road!

Dog 🐶. Too bad about the ticks and the person that was trying to get into your van! Especially since you started off as the only ones out there! Enjoy the rest of your drive to CO 🌲💚 Cassie is such a cutie!! 🐶

Dog gone crazy night you two experienced! Cassy is beautiful and you take such good care of her. I’m impressed! Great travels ahead….

dog! First time watcher. Enjoyed and will continue to watch. Beautiful dog!! Stay safe!!

Cute dog Cassy. The universe isn’t trying to mess with you it’s telling you not to stay in Nebraska! Holy cow I’ve never seen so many or such huge ticks. I would have lost my mind!!! Enjoyed your video!

Dog. You've done good so far and it ain't easy. Embrace the challenges though since that's what keeps things interesting, builds memories and confidence with tests to your ingenuity and resolve.

This vid came up in my recommendations and I decided to click.. So glad I did! I was riveted from start to finish! ("Dog" - just so you know I watched right to the end.. 😁) Cassie is a great companion and you did a great film and editing job.. 👏👍 Looking forward to the next instalment.. New subscriber.. 🙋🏻‍♀️

Made to the end . Enjoyed all of it!

🐕 Dog! A very realistic look at how van life can be. You and Cassie remind me of my brother that passed away 5 months ago and his love of dogs. Really enjoyed this and those are my two worst fears, ticks and intruders. I was bitten by a tick years ago and was very sick for a long time. Intruders? Well, in Australia yr sort of limited as to what you can do and yr correct. I reckon l would have driven away. But good for you, you showed no fear. I will follow to see where life takes you and Cassie. She's awesome 😊 keep it real and chilled..... oh, l reckon every van should have a name and l reckon "Davan" ( ie, the van/Dan's van) is perfect. 😅

DOG!! I LIKED IT. LOVE how much you care about Cassy's comfort as much as your own.

Dog ... loved this , thanks for sharing and cassie is beautiful , happy trails x

You had me from the Dan's comp hat all the way to dawg. Looking forward to more

That sucks that people can't leave Van Lifers alone! Cute dog! Good luck on your way to Colorado!

Sounds like you’ve been busy and sorry you had some mishaps. Also, hope things are going better. Hope your shoulder is better too. Hugs and kisses from grandma Sandy, and.

DOG! Amazing vlog Dan, glad you and Cass were okay despite the bugs and the idiot trying to break in. Hope y'all made it to Colorado!!

DOG 🐕 I just found this vlog...& I don't know how you're staying positive! Anxious to watch another vlog (hopefully)...

***DOG***** very nice. Love seeing the ups and downs of your adventures

Dog 🐾♥️. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you and Cass safe and tickless travels.

Dog. McGregor Iowa here. Always awesome to find another NE Iowa channel. Your van is killer, good luck on the toad. 🍻

Dog. Wife and I planning on going on the road full time. I love that you keep it real and show the down sides of traveling as well. New subscriber!

Dog.. You guys got this. Rough start, but you'll always remember where you started. Best of luck to you and Adorable Cassie Stay safe. 🤗🙏❤

Cassie is beautiful. Looking forward to seeing her relax and hopefully not bad news at the Vet. The intruder trying to break into your van was scary. Could it have been a bear? Did Cassie alert you? Stay locked and loaded for sure. I hate ticks.

DOG! I so admire you for following your dream - there was a time I really wanted to do that too. Be well my boy - enjoy your travels and thanks for sharing!! ❤

Dog! Nice van! Great video! Cassie is a beautiful pup! Enjoy your adventures and safe travels

Dog. I enjoyed this, and Cassie is obviously a special dog - and you're a great dog dad! Looking forward to following your adventures!

Classy the Dog is beautiful , so sorry you had a bad beginning. Prayers for better, safe travels.

Dog. I liked the speed of your voice. It was a fun video. Sorry you had to go through all that crazy stuff with the bugs and someone trying to break in your van. All the best in Colorado. Cute dog. Yeah, the mustache was a good shave.

(dog) - Well, at least you're getting all the crappy stuff out of the way for a smoother sailing journey in the coming months. Keep your head up!

Cassy is freaking awesome. DOG Looking forward to more.

Dog! I love your honest approach. It's interesting to see another side to van life.

Dog! Thanks for sharing, looking forward to more videos from you and Adorable Cassie!!!

Cassy is such a sweet baby girl, I hope she's doing better

Dog + Dan = Danimal. I have a van in New Mexico and was planning on traveling but some health issues are holding me back. Anyone reading, do it while you're young 🌎✌️🙂 Tomic

Dog! I enjoyed and can't wait to watch the update ones. Newly subscribed

I love how Cassie talks to you!!!! So cute. She loves you. You two were made for each other. I love my dogs too. I’m gonna watch all your videos. Seen bout 4 so far

DOG - I'm about to embark on something where ticks will probably be present so thanks for the reminder of tick prevention to be added to my list. Sorry that you guys copped it they are awful things. 😖

dog. I had a similar experience (with the would be intruder) but with more vehicles parked nearby. I could hear them drive off, so I also decided to salvage what sleep I could. Yikes. Poor pupper. Ticks are no joke.

So sorry to hear about the rough start. Thinking of you and ‘Dog’. X

Just found your channel and enjoyed it. Love your dog. Can’t wait to watch some of your other videos. God bless, stay safe. DOG

Dog! Tick! Crazy! Cool van! Safe journey! ✌️☮️

Dog! Thanks for sharing. Shame about the ticks and thief trying to get into your van. Stay safe.

Loved your videos. Cassie is a great very well behaved dog. Good luck with your trip.

Dog - Thank you for sharing, hope Cassy is ok, and you get rid of the bugs. Enjoyed watching this.😊

Dog! Hopefully, you both can get out of there soon to avoid those darn ticks. Safe travels

Dog wow what a rough start. Hope things turn around quickly for you. I got woke up this morning by a homeless man banging on my door wanting to know if I had a smoke lol

Dog! Dude what a first night, hopefully things get smoother for you both 😊

dog...😊Enjoyed this... sucked about getting ticks and some nimrod trying to break in, but glad you all ended up okay!! First time coming across you and your channel....I subbed so I could see more about your's and Cassie's travels!!

Get the Raid Bed Bug foam.. spray in all you nooks & crannies. Put a bead of this foam all around your mattress. When dry it's not toxic to you (supposedly) but kills ALL BUGS for about 5 weeks. Be VERY careful no to breath it in when spraying though or you'll notice your little fingers spasming (This happened to me the time I had to deal with BedBugs) Mmn.. I just noticed you have a dog. Keep it AWAY from this stuff.. so YOUR CALL - Happy trails

Cassie is such a cutie pie! You might need to park in a safer spot next time. But other than that, great video. Safe travels.

Dog. Hey I watched you for the first time👍🏾 I really enjoyed you and Cassie so I subscribed. Looking forward to following you!

Awesome video!

Dog 👍😊 stay positive it will be worth it Thanks for sharing and safe travels

(dog) - I enjoyed the video. Fun to see the bad side of van life too versus just the exaggerated positive side, which seems pretty common on social media.

Dog! Wow, what a video! Keep 'em coming. Pretty cool companion ya got there! She's a darling.

Dawg! Good luck in your new life.

hey Dan - just found your video and watched all of it. You are living a brave interesting life. Is great to have a 4-feet-friend with you on the way. Dogs truely are man's best friend. You should really be more carefull tho with the ticks. Having a dog sleep on your bed can cause serious problems. How can you get that many tocks on you, if not through Cassie sleeping on there with you? You can not take such risks budd. Ticks are a serious problem! They can get you Lyme's Disease and ruin your life and even cause a life threatening disease! You should have changed your bed immediately and clean up the entire rig. If you go out in the wild, you need to check Cassie each time before getting back in the van so you can be sure she has no ticks!!! Having an intruder at the door at night can be quite scary. Even with a dog inside. I hope you have some pepperspray or so on board. I would, in your case, have driven off immediately. You don't need that kidn of shit. Hope you make more videos, and will check if you have a roomtour of the van - am always curious how people make their home on wheels! :-) Stay safe budd, and take gppd care of yourself. Kind greetings - JAson

Dog Casey, What a sweetheart! I hope the rest of your journey goes smoother, what a crazy start!

I love your honesty about your first trip back. I see alot of van people saying how great things are in the van world but we know that's not true. I never thought about the tick problem and I have a dog. I bet now you triple check every time you get back in the van. Oh what a sweet dog you have what is the breed. I did watch to the end and I really liked it. Thankyou stay say.. From Shropshire England

DOG!! 🩷🐾💲💲💲 Just found your channel, love your video, subscribed. Glad you guys are safe- that was scary when the prowler tried to break in. Yikes. And the ticks (shudder) Anyway I’m looking forward to more videos.

Dog. Cassie has a sweet face. Fuggin ticks, man

Dog ! And thanks for being smart enough to carry a safety device!!! It breaks my heart so many van lifers don't! Especially the solo females !!! And that's heart breakingly stupid!!! Because people don't understand that it can save ur life. U were supposed to be in a safe camping spot u found online!!!

Dog! You’re a brave soul going out there into the unknown! Glad you have Cassie to keep you company! Try to stay high vibe after this and all will be well. Stay safe! ❤

"DOG" This was my first time here. You popped up on my feed and now I'm hooked. Going to watch some other videos to get caught up 😂. Hopefully your adventure will get better soon. Once you get all the kinks worked out it should be smooth sailin

Dog! I can't believe you said fiddle f*** 😂👏🏼 that's one of my sayings, I never hear anybody else ever say… We have something in common 😅That and I tried the camper life for two years, it was rough… I have an apartment I've been in for two years but I'm gonna go back to it again, I miss it! Safe travels!

Dog 🐕 good video. Will be looking forward to seeing the rest of your journey

I just subscribed. Love Cassie. N ur very good bringing us along feel like I’m with u. I’m 77 I may not ever be able to go like I was befr. It helps going along

Fiddlef**ing --I learned a new word. Gonna work that into my next conversation. Ticks are no joke. I hope you get to fully clean out the van!

So sorry you’ve had so many problems. I love your DOG!!

Dawg..Cassie's gorgeous..huggs..stay safe n happy travels✌️💜😊

Dog!!!! Now you have 5.7k followers. I can’t wait to watch your journey.

Dog! Glad you were ok. I am Looking forward to seeing how the rest of your trip went.

Dog (: hopefully you and Cassie were able to recover from this rough start. Ticks are the worst - people disrespecting your sleep and trying to rob you, also not cool at all! Good luck on the road , you two!

Dog; a nerve-wracking trip, but you did well. Someone trying to break in would keep me up, too. Keep the video coming. You keep it real.

I respect what you do. I can't live the van life at my age, but I enjoy your adventures. Stay safe.

🐶really feel for you dude !!! Bed bugs and ticks ?!?? What a nightmare !! Very terrifying to have someone try to break in too😳😳….

Dog … thank you for real content …van …home …apt … life happens .. take care & safe travels..❣️

Dog. What a rough start. Good luck on your travels!

Dog ! Great Video Brother, First time I have seen your Channel. I pray Casey is doing well 🙏🏻 ❤️

Dog. Watched all the way to the end. Hate those tick. Stay safe you two. Sending positive vibes your way.

Dog....Great Video. I have just found you and will continue to follow. Best of Luck.