Hi Carolyn, I completely agree with everything you've said! I would like to share my perspective...I think there are trade offs. The sticks and bricks life offers so much comfort, you don't have to think about water, gas, propane, dumping and filling tanks, where you're going to stay, where you're going to get the things you need. But you do sacrifice your freedom, its not so easy to get out and explore and be close to nature when you are tied to a property. The things we own also own us. I wanted to be free to explore and enjoy nature. And the trade off for me is that it is a bit more of a daily challenge to always be looking for the next place to stay; the next place to get gas, groceries, propane, water; the next place to dump tanks, do laundry, etc. What to do when something breaks or you have a dental emergency (yes, that just happened). But I'm free...I'm not tied to my house, I've seen so much and there is still so much to see, everyday is a new adventure and that keeps life interesting. So I really do think there are trade offs. I have more thoughts on this but I don't want to go too long, maybe I need to make a video response. Love you Carolyn!
This was beyond inspiring. And maddening at the same time! I plan on full timing but I must take care of debts first. I’ve 2 more years or so. Argh stop being so inspiring! I can’t wait to get my class C and live, EVERYWHERE! ;) You escaped The Bay Area, so wil I!!! Thank you for the inspiration!
I live off 764$ a month and I just celebrated my 1st year on the road. I started in a Dodge caravan and now in 78 Dodge Delta. I should have did this years ago. It is hard? No. Is it stressful? No. A job an bills are hard. This is just a different life. I have to budget of course but I had to budget when I was living the (so called)"normal" life. Some days are good days and some are not so good as in the other life. I now have the freedom of choice each day not the same daily grind. ........ I love your answer to all the questions. Just how I feel about this life. Keep up the good common sense videos.
You are such an inspiration -- I, too, am not a planner and you constantly show me that those of us who fly by the seat of our pants can make this kind of life work. About a year ago, I decided to figure out how to live like this. I put my house on the market in August and got an offer last week. I will live with my sister and brother-in-law for the next three years until I retire (early) from teaching and hit the road. Looking forward to following you and learning more as I move toward a life on the road! Thanks!
Thank you lady. You have been such an inspiration to me. I just retired. Bought a class c in May and I have been living in it to make sure this is what I want, AND. IT IS TOTALLY WHAT I WANT. I wish you all best, because the best it yet to come. “It is amazing to realize that all accomplish far more than they realize, which ironically, is often the things we so needlessly worried about”. (Paraphrased from tut.com). Seems to fit.
I believe you hit the nail on the head, "We have too much time on our hands, and we're bored." I think that's the cause of the majority of our society's problems. BTW, I recently domiciled in Florida. As a full-timer, it made the most sense for me. I referenced your video when you became a Nevada resident. Thanks for the info, and keep 'em coming.
1. Is it hard? Hell no! I just spent a week outside of Flagstaff. 8 miles out of town. I ran into town twice for supplies. Beautiful pine forest 8 miles from the things you need...sounds good to me. 2. Where to Go? I was in Utah initially. My niece broke down on her cross country trip. I drove 10 hours to Flagstaff in case she needed to be towed. I ended up staying for a week. 3. Gas is cheaper than rent. Nuff said. I've been full timing for two years now and, my goals now are completely different than when I started. So, Jay from Mallrats "DO IT, DOUG!"
Brilliant video, agree with so much you talk about, just wish I could live the same life you currently do, but not possible now. Enjoying watching you and others living your lives, all of you showing us your fantastic country and scenery. You look marvellous, the life obviously agrees with you, safe travels Carolyn.
👍 Others have said it already, and you're pretty much saying, different strokes for different folks. What works for you and you like, others may not. What's hard and/or bothersome for some, may not be for others. So many personalities, folks need to figure out what makes them tick, what do they like, etc. What may be boring for some won't be for others. What's scary for some isn't for others, etc. Your sharing helps many see what works for you. It's a great starter for people to see how things can work out, but they have to remember the success for you is based on how you make decisions based on your likes, dislikes, your perspectives, what you are willing to do/not do, your life-philosophies. And, I think many of us who follow you have similar perspectives as you. Thanks for this sharing.
U know, I have a Naco Thousand trails membership...just not where I want to be...I love big dogs, "THEY DO NOT" There went all thoes thousands of dollars....
I feel that your lifestyle is the way to go. I’m still looking forward to doing it. Just getting plans into place. I’m retired and living on SS. Paying rent is a drag and it keeps going up. Who needs that?!? I want to be the captain of my ship and direct it to wherever I choose. Being a gypsy is for me. Unloading unnecessary stuff is a priority now. Thank you so much for all of your guidance!👍💕
Right i live in a small RV haven't traveld much yet but I'm in a campground i still have all the comforts of home just with less stuff who needs it. I'm still living cheaper than before I'm actually thinking about a van easier to travel & I'll still have all my needs i just don't need much.
Hi Carolyn! Just passed our 4 month full-timing anniversary (lol) and can't imagine going back to staying in one place! A thought: I wonder if by "hard" some people mean more from an emotional aspect -- disconnecting from their friends/neighborhood/etc. While I have many friends whom I love, the circumstances of my life kept me pretty isolated over the past 10-15 years, so I didn't see those folks nearly as much as I would have liked. One of my goals is to *consciously, deliberately* interact with those I love on a more regular basis. FB keeps us in touch on a surface level; my quest is to finally take the Skype/FaceTime/whatever plunge so my friends & I can have a glass of wine "together" over the interwebs. As always, you ROCK! :-)
Hi Carolyn! 🙋 You look good today, must be the colder weather! 😄 Your 're kinda of goffee too! You warm my heart !Please take care of yourself & Capone ! Esther from New York
Dan Frentzel , absolutely! Actually, my husband has been a work-from-home telecommuter for almost 20 years, so our challenge continues to be getting time away from each other!
I SO relate to the being tethered to a hamster wheel. I found a book about “chotchky”- sentimental clutter. I realize now that I was paying rent to make it seem I am a responsible person, worthy and reliable. I filled it with chotchky to feather it and I had to keep buying more chotchky to keep me feeling ok about staying in a house. I’m in the middle of selling everything except the essentials to equip a truck bed camper. I’ve never felt so in control of my life! I do feel that it will be a learning curve to adjust to that much freedom. Thanks for posting!
such great info for newbies. It so gives me peace of mind when people ask me "where are you going?" I don't know when my house will sell, so it could be months before I get an rv. Depending on the time of year is which way I will head, but I don't want an itinerary. I want to actually go park and "become one" with my rv and learn how it all works and feels before I think of any places I want to see. I have loved learning the ins and outs from many nomads who tell all sides of the lifestyle and paint a REAL picture of how it all works. I also love that you say it isn't "vacation." I plan on starting a new lifestyle which will be more relaxed and enjoy it more. Of course I want to see some sites along the way, but even that isn't going to be spelled out in some grand plan. Thanks again for all your great insights.
RVing keep it rolling long ...oh geesh. Sorry to hear that. Been out of work for 4 mths today...officially stress free! Lol. Been living solo for 20 yrs... I might just have it down by now. ;o)
@@allentowngal4769 yeah I'd say & that's what i figured out if you're doing this for peace well leave it behind too. Glad you are at peace you'll enjoy this much more. Are you from Allentown PA? as in your name my sister lives there
Another great video... I agree with every word, life has become too easy for so many, not in the financial sense but in the thinking life, and no body is teach our kids how to do the tough stuff....
Growing a garden is where it's at! It is a gamble every day ! Who needs Vegas when you plant a garden! 😄💚🌹 Carry on Carolyn ! Enjoying your adventure ! Denali was fogged in when we went to Alaska. Especially enjoying that !
Me again. In my younger years, I had a VW camper, so it was easier for me than in a Class C... but a lot of times I'd just go. Not look at a map. Just go. I'd let the van take me wherever. And it was fun because I'd often discover things I didn't know about. I'd enjoy observing topography, different habitats/biomes, and when ready to stop then look at a map to see where I was and where I might go to spend the night. And then see if there was anything specific that would be neat to see, historically, or whatever. And I met interesting people, "locals" along the way. I loved that time, and one day hope to be able to return to it. Some similarities to what you're experiencing now. 😄
Omgosh Carolyn only 20 min in and can I so relate to the hamster wheel life! You described me! LOL it's now raining and I'm watching YOU live life! Thanks so much to you and all the other youtubers who give hope and encouragement to us that are in the wings til we are able to break free! Our time is coming and I think your videos help save us from fearing too many things. ((Hugs)) to you and Capone! Thank you so much!
You hit the...well what ever that saying is, my memory leaves me sometimes. anyway life has it's hard moments anywhere, you don't have to be living in an RV to have crap happen. Great video and thank you for sharing
I think propane worries... if it is a real worried item, take a spare propane bottle with you( if you have the space for it of course) if one is empty, put the spare bottle and if you can buy again you fill up your bottle. I think if people say is it a hard life... they mean being in a small “home” with lack of space and on your own all the time. This is for me the reason to save up and go back to Europe in hopefully 8-10 years and then live in a class B for a nomad lifestyle till I get my pension and explore Europe! My dad and mom did this for 6 months a year and always off grid. My dad is really sick at the moment and have problems with his beginning forgetting everything, but when I asked him on the phone a few days ago about his travels with mom in Europe, about detailed things of a life in a class b, he was clear had to think but loved it that I wanted to go and do that. And he really is still not happy with me living 9000km away, but traveling thru Europe... he said directly... Mir, you really have to do that you are going to love it even more then your life on Curaçao now! So my goals for the future, safe up, buy a good RV for around 5000 euro’s and go.... oh yeah he even was a little bit sad because he sold his Hymer mobile home after his stroke 3 years ago for 2000 euro’s and he now said we should have kept it... but I said no it is okay.. I will manage and get it!!! I think I am made for being a nomad, or gypsy is what we call them mostly 😂😂😂
Read a book at a cabin in Sedona WORRY will not put a single dollar in your bank account it will not change what has happen and will not change whaT WILL HAPPEN Worry takes away thought and energy that would be better focused on solving the problem. You will never solve a problem by worrying about it. Those who worry about things they can t control Create there own punishment.
Don't ignore problems they will overwhelm you with debt and disease. Don't worry but do identify and seek solutions. My life with a new person was not working I was going into debt . I put on the brakes on spending $ and now I am saving half my income. I have to use logic to figure out what to do so I can be prepared for situations that are going to be upon me. For instance I own a 31 ft fifth wheel camper nice comfortable camper . I don't stay in it during the hot Louisiana summer I stay in a much smaller place that is way more affordable to control the climate. That is not worrying it is identifying a wealth wound and stopping the bleeding. Life is all about attitude avoiding people that would limit your beliefs or destroy your joy. I have limits on some things best summed up this way, the worse thing I can do for somebody that I care about is due for them that which they should do for themselves. Abraham Lincoln. In short don't over obligate in short don't allow for implied over obligation either. That is my problem I will allow people to imply an obligation upon me and I'm learning to stop that. It's good to help people but it's better to help them help themselves. And you can't help them if you yourself is in need of help so identify your problems be it health , financial , security whatever problems you may have you've got to identify them before you can solve them or manager way to live with them if they are chronic.
@@ExtraordinaryLiving Using a mouse and a cellphone . When I had my laptop I would run what I thought through word and I was easier to understand. Might reestablish my office again ?
Hiya!!! So I have been watching you for a month or two. I am getting ready to buy a school bus to convert hopefully starting later this month!! I am listening to this conversation about nomadic life being hard and I think I finally understand the question. You touched on it already. People may conceive nomad life is hard because you are an active participant in your life-as you say. Especially city dwellers have everything handed to them, don't think too much, here is what is now considered food which doesn't look like anything it was when it was alive. Living-rv life, nomadic lifestyle, homesteading, life as we were created to live- actively moving, grazing, foraging, enjoying the beauty of this planet- that is what being alive is all about.
Start light. Fill a need as you find you need it. I tried to prepare and purchase everything I needed in advance. Almost all was wasted space. In a very short time I found I wanted a different a toilet system and a different eating system than the “perfect” ones I had. Got exactly what I needed. Very fulfilling. Greatly reduced the unused gadget clutter. (The collecting/planning part before was fun though - maybe needed to go through the exercise.)
Hi Carolyn, been subbed for 18 months now and never cease to enjoy your videos. You may not like the organisational side of thjngs, but you are a wonderful motivational speaker. Your videos always make me feel happier, brighter and optimistic. Thank you for sharing always subbed and always watching! 💕🌈🌻🇬🇧🕊
Thank you. I truly needed what you have said. Your lifestyle has been a desire of mine for years.Being a single older women some fear creeps in yet fighting floods and hurricanes is worse. I appreciate your words. I shall pray for your safety.
I have been enjoying your travels for about a month now, I am addicted every day I tune in, and have got my daughter watching also. You cover everything I think that is what makes your site so interesting, Your life seems very full, you have it all and some. Love your dog, your drone and the music you use. Keep on RV ing
It seems like you've talked about all of this before. What I think is a disadvantage about living in a RV is the lack of human contact and deep relationships, not being able to have a garden, not being able to remain stable and appreciate the changes around you (like the seasonal changes) rather than constantly being the change.
When you said ‘I was not a participant in my life’ is great insight and I have felt the same. Yes, we are so bored. Since I was 4 years old I’ve had a fear of homeless that continues to this day but watching people doing the nomadic life quells some of that fear. Thank you for sharing.
I like the way that you explain things and you do not talk down to us. On another note when you was talking about how someone might be starting out and their dream might be to see all the national forests and all the national parks and the Grand Canyon and they decide oh all this traveling is so exhausting they just need to remember they have their home with them and if they can find a place where they want to stay for a week or so to recoup regroup and recharge they can do it that's what being a nomad is all about.
Wow, Dianna, sounds like you have a pet peeve against the "person" Carolyn, rather than her way of life. She's been honest all along that she's sharing HER experience and HER perspectives. Many of us follow her sharings because we can relate to what she's saying or find them interesting. Her way of life has been chosen by many people for a variety of reasons and perspectives. They are all interesting in their own way, own uniqueness. I hope that whatever your disagreement is, that you can understand many of us appreciate Carolyn's sharings. If you don't like what she shares, it makes me wonder why you are listening to her sharings. There are other folks you can follow on RU-vid that you may feel more in tune with.
@@diannabowen3868 talk about a "Debbie Downer", good grief, if you don't even like or agree with Carolyn then 'unsubscribe' sister, unsubscribe and move on!
Wow! This is such a great video. You really touched on a lot of great points. I will watch this a few more times. I really miss Matilda. Lol. She gave you many talking points. Lol. What a great teacher Matilda was. Lol. I love what you said about Nothing is written in Stone. Great point. Also live the life I want the way I want. Again you have given so much food for thought. Great advise and I always enjoy learning new things and being so inspired by you. Thank you my friend. Kiss to CAPONE. He needs a snack. Lol
Carolyn.....I have has “a” day. I’m pooped. I’m an artist, seamstress etc. I enjoy my artist friends, enjoy helping others where I can......but I’m very happy to,shut down. Thanks for talking to us tonight. It was interesting and all I had to do is listen and learn. Blessings.
I think it all has to do with 1. Personal Funds 2. Learning all the ins and outs 3. If you love to travel and explore. For me, its been hard only because I had to sink so much of my money into everything. It was I had too and I want too just when you have to do it quickly it's hard, driving my Class A RV is easy but dealing with other personal problems turn small problems into just another problem to my list. But I think once you get yourself stable its easier and freer than being stuck in one place. When you move into Full-time RVing you free yourself, but get a good extended warranty so you have a place to stay when you get repairs. I am about to get an oil change and I've heard it cost $200.00, get yourself a National Job or Start your own Mobile Business so you can make money.
I just had my oil changed in my class c at my local mechanic and he charged me $70. Dont take it to an RV place. Take it to a regular mechanic if you can. RV places are rip offs for everything.
Hi there! Just wanted to let you know that your RVing vidoe(s) always is an inspirational for us to watch at all times. And we want to thank you at most for your hard work documenting your real life being as a full time in RV lifestyle... We do as matter of fact like it, and hoping to be one someday when we're ready. Once again, thank you for sharing your real video(s) about RV life. Take care, have fun to the fullest, and be safe. Cheers! ! !
Good morning friendly, I just wanted to give you a compliment. I think that since you’ve been traveling up to Alaska that you look so much more calm, and I love your natural hair with the salt and pepper coming through. You are so much more relaxed. Do you think you’ll go back to Alaska again? It seems to really suit you :-) and if not Alaska perhaps it’s the cold climate that agrees with you 👍 be safe, hug your pup and have an awesome day.
6 months now in my 23 foot RV love it! Best life at 68 should of started earlier thriller I decided “ I can do this” & did !! hugs to you Carolyn your beautiful
#236 Good Morning, Carolyn. I think you are a type of person who likes to teach and give lectures. The educational information that you present is good and wise. When I'm on the road, I worry about my "RV Base Camp---The House". And when I'm at RV Base Camp, I'm eager to get back on the road! Onward Bound!
Carolyn I love your videos and I had to comment about the people that don’t have the means to retire comfortably. I have worked in the restaurant industry all my life. No pension no 401 k nothing but my social retirement benefits.Getting older I have started thinking about retirement. Finding you and Bob Wells and others I have started planning on this life style. I love the freedom aspect and living rent free is such an inspiring thought. You and others have given me a path to retirement. Thank you for the inspiration, knowledge and entertainment you provide. Live free David
I keep a Mr Buddy and a canister of propane as a backup for my rig’s propane tank. That way I don’t have to worry about running out. Fear is the root of the ‘hard life’. By always having a backup you don’t have to worry so much.
This was a great video. I just realized that one phase of living an rv life can be vastly different from the next phase.... may sound simple thing to know, but, I've been trying to pick the perfect rv that fits all my scenarios. I don't have to do all that "planning"!!!! I can choose based on the phase I'm in NOW. From a somewhat anal/ocd subscriber, thanks Ms Rose. You just helped me, and I'm sure many others, tremendously!!!
"When there is a Will, There is a Way." Old English Proverb When someone said - "If you had a million dollars What would you do?" This led to living my dream life. Hope you find a way to live your dream.
Great video Carolyn! You are keeping it real. It’s about weighing the options and deciding what is best for you. It does vary depending on the individual. Continued good travels to you and Capone in beautiful Alaska. Because that’s where you are living now. I appreciate that you share your story. It’s very brave of you. I really enjoy your videos. Take care.
My husband and I made pretty good money, and we lived in Louisiana and the cost of living is pretty low. We still paid 1k for a crappy apt. I'm so glad we chose this life and I hope we see you on the road Carolyn, you're definitely our kind of ppl. 😁
Just got my 60 day notice from the "management". Only lived here 15 years (560 sq. ft and 1420 a month) Over 200,000$ to the owner cash money. Complained about the black mold "flowering" in my bathroom and asked for a more secure mailbox that could not be opened with a toothbrush.Once when my friend passed this last March, after repeated requests for repair of his sink, they never fixed it even when it was draining onto his front porch, but when we were cleaning it up ready to turn in his keys, they came in and ripped the sink out before his daughter gave them the final keys and that set me off to call them disrespectful pussies, that's the real reason I'm being sent packing. I've watched you for quite a while Carolyn, and always wondered......WOOF WOOF & Prayers WOOF
Great video Carolyn. Our problems follow us no matter what type of life we chose to live. Being a nomad living in my 2017 Toyota RAV4 Fulltime. I like living in a mobile bedroom as I make income transforming my vehicle so I can take passengers on rides. Thank you for sharing as I love your videos.
Yikes! I was bored so I went to the internet and found this. Good video, Carolyn. There's a learning curve to RV life, but it's short and after it's over, you really do start to come alive. Thanks for your thoughts.
I enjoy the simplicity of my life on the road when I get in my van and travel or put on a back pack and spend some time in the back country. I like going back to the basics. I carry up to 15 gals of water depending on where I'm going and for how long, I have propane canisters for the camp stove, showers? Lots of public places available, and if I'm away from such civilization I have a garden sprayer, If I'm far out and isolated, no problem stripping down in nature. On the road, I dress as soon as I'm up, unlike at home, My bed is made up into the sitting area again, unlike at home, dishes are cleaned immediately and quickly while at home they pile up. Everything is put into order---essential in a small cozy space of 45 sq '. Plans? I make them but seldom follow them. Yes, at home I get bored though not often, but on my travels I'm never bored. I exercise at home but the weight doesn't fall, but apparently I'm more active on the road, climbing in and out of the van, multiple walks per day instead of one good walk as I do in the morning. This last trip I was under the weather health wise half of the trip, but that didn't stop the fun. I could easily transition to full time. I'm an artist and many of my travels are to paint. It's such a beautiful world. For folk thinking of the nomad life I would recommend trial trips before relinquishing the stick and bricks and job life entirely. Find out if it's for you. If it is go for it.
I would think the mechanical issues are very stressful, not knowing where or when something will break. The expense of it. the examples of living in a home and having repairs doesn't compare since those are rare but a RV can break anywhere or anytime.
Found and subscribed to your chanel. Love your energy and enthusiasm. You are so honest with your story. Great video! It's so refreshing to see someone so strong as you. Love from Holland X.
yep just going out and doing your own thing on your own time is really stressful and hard. i cant wait to get out on the road and only have to answer to myself. i am so tired of the hard work having to deal with people and their systems, that it just isnt good for anyones health. get out and get healthy and be happy doing and being you, its so peaceful and relaxing to be freed.
One of your best videos. And I've watched the majority of them. The hamster wheel analogy got me. That is exactly how I described my life up until a year ago. Now I have found myself a remote job, I purchased a travel trailer a few months ago and I am planning to lease my house out and hit the road. Thanks for the inspiration.
i would never have considered traveling around in a RV with all the comforts of home and, like you said Carolyn, that you "Do what you want when you want"...that that would be considered a "hard" or "rough" life at all. It's life, like you said, and things happen occasionally but not really in a new RV (thank goodness). I would think that trying to make the mortgage or rent in a not-so-great job all day every day with maybe a not-so-great boss would be much, much, MUCH more stressful, and not "boring" at all. I think you medicated yourself because you were not happy with your life, Carolyn. I'm glad you are now; you look great with that gray hair style. Thank you for taking us with you to the places you go...yea, I heard the birds too...very nice. God bless.
I think people think it's a hard life because they just can't grasp that it's such a huge adjustment and different from societal Norm that it must be hard it must be uncomfortable .. So there can't possibly be something nice and beneficial to this... Just my opinion
Hello, well gosh everything you said made so much sense.....That is why hubby and I have chosen to go on the road. We are older and we decided to get out of our arm chairs before we die...OH YAY love Life below Zero, have watched twice now.....We are in Australia and love our country.......Sending you love and hugs
I don't like to plan & and I don't like details either. I love spontaneity. I love freedom. I love doing something at that special time, when my heart is ready, willing & would love the very thought of it.
