Please look into a Personal Locator beacon! Press one button and US or Canadian search and rescue will be on their way and have your GPS location. They aren't expensive and could save yours and Wilks lives.
Christopher knows. Small enough to carry in your pocket, works everywhere (sends signal to satellites, not cell towers), so simple you can train your dog to activate it. Don't leave civilization without it. (came here to add exactly this, then found your comment)
That's actually a good idea☺️... Especially once in Alaska... Alaska is amazing and maybe the most beautiful state you can visit in the U.S, It can be very unpredictable and dangerous if your not familiar with the state.. also easy to get lost their.. lots of people just disappear with out a trace in alaska every year
I absolutely agree. I have my SpotX which is cheap for only $20 a month subscription and will keep me safe and would definitely save my life if needed. My family and friends know where I'm at every 15 minutes.
I am 83, my wife 81; we had a rooftop tent like your 45 years ago here in Michigan. It was mounted on top of a Plymouth window van. Our two young teen boys slept inside on bunks and my wife and I slept on top in the tent. We had a 1 burner stove, a rustic potty system, and an ice required cooler. We loved many trips. Now, at our ages, we travel in a 40 ft diesel Class A motorhome... yes at our ages ... we have 137,000 miles on it. We are leaving MI July 20 for a 30+ day trip to Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. We will boondock in casino parking lots, stay in the yards of friends, state parks, and local rv parks.
Your channel is a new addition to my life. It is a glimpse into a life that is a marvel to me. I'm a father of two daughters roughly your age. I made some bad decisions when I was younger and now, if I ever want to retire with any security, I have to make up for those decisions. That means for the last couple decades I have worked a lot, especially these last few years since Covid. Life often feels empty and pointless if I'm being honest. Your videos remind me there is a world our there I've yet to see, and hopefully one day shall.
I know exactly what you mean. But getting out camping in a tent or a van is something to look forward to and can be cheap and easy. Gets you back in nature and calms the nerves and rebalances you. Can I ask what country you are in?
Know what you mean by empty and pointless. I'm almost retirement age, have no kids, wife passed away a few years ago. The thing about that is the life you had, your future plans etc, all that dies too. Spent some time trying to figure out what to do with myself. Divorced once, second wife died, I have no interest in marrying a third time. So for the last couple of years I've been rebuilding my old 4x4 truck and building a small offroad camper to tow behind it. Soon I'll sell the house and join the nomadic lifestyle. Always worked, never had time, a lot of things I've never seen. I prefer the remote areas, away from the endless bedlam of humanity, hence the extremely capable truck and camper. Seems much preferred to sitting around the house waiting on old age to take me.
Why wait for "one day" instead of starting now? Tomorrow's promised to no one. Besides, it's way cheaper to live in your car than most anything else. ☺️
@@aprildawnsunshine4326 lol. Because I'm old and I like my creature comforts a lot more now, especially after having worked decades to get to them. I may travel some day, but it will not be in the back of a truck or van. Still, the videos show me a side of life I didn't know could exist. It is just alien to me.
Watching the first aid section reminded me that my husband and I took a wilderness first aid class- called WFA a few years ago that was excellent. It’s a weekend class that’s about $200 but they also have one that’s 4 hours and $60 through REI. So much information on how to provide assistance in a wilderness emergency. We have a pocket sized reference book that helps refresh our memory that I use all the time. Gave me peace of mind that if we are ever in the middle of no where (especially when we were backpacking in Alaska) and things go sour, we can make a smart, educated decision. Anyway, highly recommend for anyone interested in more knowledge 🤘🏼
I fall in love with Odyssey a little more each time. I get it that having a fancy van is great but Odyssey is made for adventure! Can't wait to see what improvements you are making to her. See you on the next video! PS: Vilk is getting cuter. Is that possible? ❤️❤️❤️
If you have to, you can teach your dog to sleep in the truck while you sleep above. He will accept it as his space even though he will object and cry at first. Once he understands that that is where you want him to sleep, he will accept it.
Yup, no different from the humans sleeping in their bedroom while the dog(s) hold down the fort in the living room. My two dogs do a good job making sure the couch stays put, lol.
If she is going to keep that rooftop tent then she should change it so she can get in and out of the tent and into truck by a roof hatch somekind of modified sunroof opening , that way if a bear attacks her camp at night she can drop down into the safer truck insides.
First order of retreavability is my main thing when it comes to my truck, my workshop/garage, and protection. I'm glad the first guy with the med kit said that.
Drinking water left in the sun won't hurt you, but expert says, we should avoid persistent exposure to plastic containers left in the hot sun. Exposed to extreme heat plastic containers may ultimately become unsafe. Enjoy your journey Eva! 👍💛✌
Your Shepherd puppy is so awesome! He reminds me of my buddy, Cody, when he was a pup :) As someone who has driven from the East Coast to Alaska a few times, the biggest tip I recommend is to fill up on fuel almost every single chance you get, because on the Alaska Hwy, you will drive for hours without seeing any signs of civilization, which I loved, but it can be a little nerve racking if you start to run low on fuel. The drive up to Alaska is amazing though (especially traveling through the Canadian Rockies!) and you will love it. Have fun and stay safe!
Being brave is Eva’s brand but, with the risk of sounding like a grandma, going solo in Alaska, without any knowledge of the car or how to fix it, sounds a tad reckless rather than brave. I just hope she planned ahead her stops and everything .
Hey lady! Your videos always seem to keep me intrigued. I think it’s pretty cool that you just go where the wind takes you. Hi to little doggie! peace to you ✌️
just imagine in one year from now how many memories this beautiful girl with her amazing dog will have. thank you for sharing and my best wishes twords you two! you inspire me and many others. YOU BET!!!
Hey Eva, I hope you are checking for weather patterns in Alaska for the period of your tour. Also, try to consult people who have been thru the region, regarding animal migration routes, times of year, and especially bug repellants you may need to have along. Mosquitos and black flies will be active in many spots. Take along proper medication for bites (like that bee sting) to reduce itching and general discomfort. Vilk will need flea and tick preparations. Obviously you are thinking way ahead regarding the vehicle set up, but try to get all maintenance done now. Alaska is very remote. A breakdown up there can ruin your day. Wishing you smooth running all the way!
Would you go to Alaska alone ? Is it compulsory to do this or is it a safety issue ? Yet I never heard you tell her this ? Well since you know so much about it etc I'm just saying 🙂
The puppy is too young for the tick and flea treatments she will needs to consult with the vet not anyone online. Only one flea meds is safe for puppy not for tick.
The entire reason I started watching this channel was because I like seeing your solutions to everyday life. It shows that you can be comfortable without a house ^.^
The best reason to do it the way you have is that you learn as you go. You invested what you could and now that you have used Odyssey as much as you have, you KNOW what improvements matter and what changes are worth making. People that plunk down 150k without that knowledge may find that they don't like the rig or that the rig is not optimal for them, and regret the huge expense. At the very least, roughing it first allows you to learn what things are important so that if and when you spend 150k on a top-end rig, it will be better spent on what will please you.
Be very very careful about keeping your dog on a leash in the vehicle. I know of three instances where the dog got to jumping around and wound up hanging himself in the vehicle while the owner was out. Two of those dogs were small toy poodles that wound up slipping through the steering wheel and was suspended in the air. Too short a leash can cause a problem, but then, so can a leash that is too long, as it gives more opportunities to get tangled up in something. If you have to do that, you may want to loosen his collar enough so that he can slip out of it if he gets tangled. Knowing that he can slip out of his collar, he might do it deliberately as a means to escape, but, that's where his training comes into play. Once he learns that escaping his collar is not exceptable to you, he will behave himself eventually. German Shepherds are very smart dogs. Sometime they are smart enough to play dumb and pretend that they don't know what you want them to do, don't let him get away with it.
👀 anything else bad that could happen ? What about the dog getting stuck on the cooker or microwave then it'll be hotdog rite ? I bet you know of that happening too ha? 👀
Mike Glover is one of the most amazing humans I’ve ever heard of. He was a guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier, pretty sure he went to Ranger school at some point, was a green beret, a CIA contractor, and ran missions with CAG(delta force) but can’t remember if he was in one of the squadrons or attached to one at some point. Either way he’s one of the gnarliest humans of all time. Oh yeah he also is the CEO of Fieldcraft Survival, a RU-vidr, and a podcaster. I’m sure I probably left some stuff out too.
Eva you are a natural! I love how you handled the bee sting. If it was moi I'd be screaming and doing a complete Donald Duck melt-down, but you just went on :-). As always you are informative and inspiring, and funny with your gentle insights. My goodness nice to wake up on a Monday morning and watch your tour. I bet there are so many lining up to go on their great adventure - they can't, at least we can enjoy yours vicariously. By the way I love how you handle your puppy - and the environment. Always sustainable content. Big thanks from moi.
When I saw that cabin in the woods, I thought it was Brooke Whipple 's cabin she built. ( Girl In The Woods) Same colors and shape. And the side is clear and opens up. Looking forward to seeing your next video with the updates on Odyssey. Safe travels to you both 🧡
I tought the exact same thing of the cabin. I follow Girl In The Woods also. Was wondering myself if she just hired it from Brooke Whipple. But she has the cabin near a water stream and i just saw another episode of Girl In the Woods and its not the cabin from Brooke. Maybe this cabin is made after the one Brooke made?
Hello Eva, your videos are very inspiring and informative. I love your dog and admire all you do. You are one amazing woman. Thanks for sharing your journeys with all of us
if I lived alone, it wouldn't be a problem for me at all, I go on trips around Europe quite often alone or with my son and I enjoy it a lot. Greetings from the Czech republic
Eva. Truly Odyssey for keeps. Really anything in todays times with tech, etc with some cost effective modifications beyond what you may have already planned you can expand or improve living conditions some more. I do have some ideas. Brad.
I adore the tour 🤩 I would love to get a van or something it looks so fun being able to go everywhere. Eva is so brave as always. By the way the doggie is adorable 🐶🧡 Good vibes guys ✌🏽 PS. That instructor looks hot 🥵 🤭🫣
Eva. When I saw this video my first thought was, "She's already done a walkthrough of her Odyssey." But... I watched anyway, and it was a great video. You are an inspiration!
Aww the puppy problems 😂 I remember when I first got my puppy it was a full time job making sure he is not being naughty. It's soooo much easier once they are out of the puppy stage ❤️ I don't think I could live in such a tiny space, I would need at least a van but your set up is really efficient and impressive ❤️ Love your videos and your pup!
The bit with the lead. The command you need is Drop. Some people use Give but drop is better. If the dog is real smart teach both, drop on the floor, or give in the hand.
Well, this has been a great video! I'm just getting ready to drive from Toronto to Vancouver in my 2009 Nissan Rogue to see my daughter. Definitely NOT the amazing set up that you or Expedition Overland have, but I too intend to enjoy the journey. And you've definitely given me a couple of things to think about and better prepare for. Thank you! I really admire you for living your best life, and I must say that both you and Vik are absolutely adorable! Thanks for being so inspiring. Keep on truckin'!
Nice set-up! Everything is a personal choice so if it works for you then great. The only thing I think you should consider (if you haven't already) When you get into colder temperatures your outside water tap could freeze and crack. You will want to be able to drain the outside line.
Hello from Michigan. My Photo is not me but of my younger brother. I have enjoyed watching your journey through our country. I saw the bee sting at 4:50 and thought I'd share a remedy for next time. If you can get your hands on a bit of tobacco and mix it with a small amount of your own saliva and apply it to the sting, it will draw out the (venom?) and stop the itching. I know, sounds gross but works amazing! Safe travels!
Thank you Eva! You are a very brave girl! That does not stop me from praying for you. Alaska is pretty challenging. I recommend you watching other van lifers, who has made that trip. 💕🙏
Great video as always much love from Michigan.... a bit of constructive criticism your dog doesn't need carabiners at all let him roam free like American used to be.. I love your journeys watched all of them. You are living the dream! Safe travels 🙏
Vilk is awesome. How you have no air-conditioning in Odyssey amazes me. My question would be: have you ever considered using your roof solar panel to power a ref and/or your other devices?
Eva, You have been warned by Mike Glover that in Alaska, you have to be prepared to be your own first responder. That advice also applies to most of the other remote locations you are driving. Maciej from Autoplejada has shown you what can happen to a vehicle when it has a fire. Not only are you cooking every day in and near Odyssey with open flames, you also have plenty of add-on electrical wiring and equipment that could start a fire. Plus, as original vehicle wiring ages, the wiring insulation becomes brittle. The bottom line is that a vehicle fire is probably the second most probable hazard to Odyessy after the hazard from a collision. The difference between Odyssey burning to the ground and only needing minor repairs in the event of a fire is whether or not you can bring a fire extinguisher to put out the fire in the first few minutes before the fire spreads. With a fire extinguisher present, almost all vehicle fires can be stopped before they become large and catastrophic. Although any fire extinguisher, however small, is better than no fire extinguisher, you will want something in the 4A-60BC category. A fire extinguisher of that size will be able to put out almost all vehicle fires in the early stages as long as the engine is not running so the fuel pump is shut off. Here is a link to one such common 4A-60BC extinguisher: www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/us/products/fire-safety/fire-extinguishers/for-business/466204/ They are not small but also not unmanageably huge at 19 inches long with a diameter of about 5 inches. Remember to roughly once a week remove the extinguisher from its mounting bracket and turn it upside down and right side up a few times to prevent the dry chemical extinguishing powder from settling into the bottom of the extinguisher. Other than that, just confirm the pressure inside the extinguisher stays good by reading the dial, and you will be prepared should the worst happen. While discussing hazards, because you sleep in your Defender with the engine sometimes running for heat or air conditioning, you should have a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector inside the vehicle so you get warned of any smoke and do not succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning while unconscious. Places like Montana and Alaska are snow country, and carbon monoxide can end up inside a running vehicle if snow drifts under the vehicle channeling carbon monoxide from the vehicle's tailpipe back into the interior of the vehicle. Here is a link to some combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/us/products/fire-safety/combination-smoke-co-alarms/ Good luck with your adventures and happy travels!
Hi Eva, as someone who used to travel and camp a lot with dogs, some of which that would chew through leads in a single bite, the solution we found to letting the dogs(s) have some freedom was a short roller(retracting)-lead on a pulley connected to a rope or paracord. stretch the rope/paracord from the car to a suitable tree at suitable height so the dog don't reach it, the pulley run along the rope with the roller lead secured to the pulley. Little chance of snagging and minimal chance of chewing on the lead whilst still allowing great freedom.
What works with me is connecting a 20 foot chain to my dog (a boxer). I just let her drag it everywhere. It slows her down and it can vet caught in things so it makes her stop if she runs off. I have been using that method for over 20 years.
@@THE-SLAUGHTERHOUSE. This. You have a smart breed that can be trained to be very loyal. I would walk my puppy without a leash but when she disobeyed, barked at neighbor dogs behind fences, etc.. she was walked with a leash next time. Multiple walks a day and they get the picture very quickly! I can be fishing as people with dogs walk behind me passing through, and as long as they don't approach me, she stays still, quiet but remains watchful. That is what you want!
Eva,...easier said than done,but your puppy will be able to climb a ladder very soon with some patients,you will have to carry at first...personally I would not get rid/convert the top of odyssey Your dog will adapt to you👍🇬🇧
Welcome back! Great video, as usual. Addressing the first part of your video.... looking into people's homes, from the street, AS YOU WALK BY (LOL), is not unusual at all. Anyone that says they don't, isn't being honest. Also, thank you for the tour of your "home". It's very cool. I spent a month in Florida, living out of my Kia Niro. I figured out a number of things during that trip, to make my journey more enjoyable. First, I had way too much damn stuff!! Ha ha. Too many clothes, too large of a cooler. A suitcase! Ugh. Also, I watched someone with a Niro completely remove a lot of the "plastic" in the back around the spare tire wheel well and removed the rear and front passenger seats. Suddenly, it's a ton of space for one person. Lots of tupperware (plastic lid containers) helped me keep organized and takes up way less space than baskets and more secure (lids)/visible to see what's inside. I look forward to your next video! Have fun. For your info, I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Be SAFE out there! Hi to Vilk! So cute!! Sorry to see you got stung! Darn!
There was a couple of hatter videos that I will not watch... you keep exploring and hopefully you find nothing but great experiences along your path 🙏.
If you'll be heading further west, you should contact Amanda Zito. (As The Magpie Flies-on you tube) She's a motorcycle adventurer (like your friend Noraley) based in Portland. She can help streamline your setup, because she does what you do, but on a motorcycle!
Thank you Eva, I am sure it's not easy at times and takes trust to do what you do and live the way you live, so I just wanted to say thank you, and I appreciate who you seem to be as a person, and all that you do, and the wisdom you share every once in a while.
So glad you're enjoying America I know a bunch of people don't like us due to the news and we do have a bunch of crime some places that's anywhere in the world it's what you make it that's why everyone wants to have freedom 👍 the country is the best place ever the city gives me anxiety i love being in the woods
The first aid stuff was great advice. I'm a wilderness first responder for search and rescue in Canada. Getting my WFR training was probably the most fun I've had as an adult. You should certainly look into getting yourself trained up in wilderness first aid and survival. Self rescue is always a good start to a bad situation 😅
@@jondoe7936 I am not sure why she should not go to Alaska alone. I think the main concern is just using common sense and traveling smartly, recognizing that she is alone and making adjustments to her decisions. Might mean being more limited in what can be done than if with another person, but it still can be an adventure. 🙂
Of course she should go to Alaska alone, she meets people everywhere she goes. Life is short. Explore. Take risks. She has thousands of people watching, she knows how to network and she checks in with her people. A Garmin inReach device and maybe even a radio + licence could be life saving in a bad situation though.
Enjoy watching your videos. Not trying to be paranoid,but please,please,please get a ground stake for your dogs leash. I saw people vacationing once and they left their dog leash wrapped to the trailer hitch. I yelled screamed and finally got their attention as they took off,and I’m sure I saved the little dogs life. It haunt’s me to this day. I am quite sure you take care of your fur baby very well. But the people whose dog I saved were very nice people too they just forgot,and that’s all it took. Again I really enjoy watching your videos.
I have been watching your videos for a couple of years now and now that I am caught up, I have been branching out and watching other solo travel RU-vidrs living in Vans or camping full time etc. The difference is simply you - your style and attitude are infections so don't worry too much about what you are doing in your future and rest assured your success (as far as my family is concerned) is due to who you are. Best wishes and good luck in Alaska !!!
Are you still planning to go to Alaska? It's better to go in summer time than other seasons. What is your plan after your visa expires in US? We wish best of luck!
That looks like "The Girl In The Woods" A-frame. Love her channel as well. As far as Odyssey, why not cut the roof and add the canvas so that it opens like a $150000 Overlander? I'm sure that's possible. Can't wait to see what you do next.
I noticed that too about the A-frame, and even wondered if that was where Eva is! But then I don't think the "Girl in the Woods" lives in the Montana area. I think she lives in Michigan? But yep, she built one just like that! So cool.
I think Odessey is awesome, and probably suits you. Vilk is probably developing separation anxiety which there is probably nothing you can do about. You are all he knows and trusts. It is time to train him to warn and protect you, as it doesn't come as naturally as you might think, although German Shepard is a great stock. Dogs have an uncanny ability to detect ("sniff out") malice, but it does take some training to develop and control for both you and Vilk. You don't want him to rip face on anyone who approaches you, but you want to be able to command his protective behaviors from shielding, to menacing, to corporal behavior. The best trained dogs are taught to flank and pace an aggressor (combined with a powerful growl this is far more intimidating than a stationary posture) not just stand next to or in front of their owner. There are varying signals that dogs will give from happy or inattentive (generally safe) agitated (doesn't trust) aggressive (feels danger), up to attack (threatened or startled), as much as training will aid and develop Vilk you, as well' need to understand his signals. Somewhere along the way you might want to meet up with a professional trainer. Avoid anthropomorphizing him, animals are wonderful and deserving of our love, but their instincts are very different from ours. The pig's ear is a great training aid, teach him that it is for chewing on, and you are not. I love your video, thanks a lot.
Hi Eva ,God bless you. And I wouldn't trade Odyssey for no other vehicle. Remember you have a diesel motor and a manual transmission that never quit 😉 👌.
One quick tip while interacting with your dog; Dogs do not understand negatives, so command in positives. Tell him to do something instead of not to do something. "let go" instead of "don't bite", "Bring me the dish" instead of "don't take the dish"
Get yourself a satellite phone, you can use it for your entire adventure, all over the globe. The bears may leave you alone in Alaska, but beware of the moose. More people in Alaska are injured by moose than by bears each year. Perhaps because people do not expect the moose to be a threat to them, or perhaps because an irritated moose is dangerous as hell. Get yourself an inReach radio, and an Iridium satellite phone. Look into satellite phones, not all work all over Alaska, but a few do have complete coverage. Also I think that a old fashion Citizens Band radio (also known as CB radio) would be wise for you, and it I think that you would find it extremely enjoyable and it would add more to your stories. Truckers have used CB radios for decades. You can check road conditions ahead of you with a CB radio, and talk to others on the road as you drive the same stretch of road. Driving through the USA with a CB radio is much more enjoyable than driving without a CB radio. It would be something new for you, and I think you would find it useful.
Eva Hello, as the owner/parent of male black Labs from puppyhood to adult please consider a few observations I have learned over the years. First off, that little guy you got there is basically like a teething child right now. He needs rawhide bones, rubbery plastic chew bones, and last but not least pig ears. Yes, you heard me. Sold already cooked up in a bag at the pet store or maybe Walmart. Perhaps throw in some large dog biscuits as well. Your shoes, ice ax, leash etc. will be thankful. Love your vlog. p.s. Wrote my message before seeing your puppy munching on the pig ear at the end of your video...lol
That puppy will be the best thing to happen to you. He's a good well behaved dog, great breed and good choice. I had a dog like him that I rescued. He'll be a puppy for 2 years. Each human year is 7 years to him. Love is the best way to train him. He'll test your patience. Then one day he will always be at your side protecting you. Your best trusted friend. You won't need a leash. That was my experience. Hope the same for you.
I bought a trooper for 500 bucks that was squirting oil out the side of it and after about 10 months and maybe 5-8K it’s now lifted, locked, with compressor fridge rack snorkel and all that jazz. There is something to be said about doing it yourself. I have massive respect for anyone that builds their own off-roader. Well done, it’s a ton of work
Small small advice, don't use the word ’no’, instead ’ah ah’ as we people use no a lot in our conversation. :) learnt it the hard way, plus our dog reacts better to ah ah
Eva, my name is Greg and I am now 70 and my passion was travel and climbing all over the world. Last two years developed a couple neurological diseases , so pretty much instantly grounded. But , I have taken to RU-vid to watch people doing and going places that always gave me meaning and love for the wild. So far, your expeditions have lifted me back in time and brought me joyful thoughts again. Couple things ( hope you read your comments ): in this episode I was surprised you ran into and met Mike. Mike was one of my son’s mentors during his college age years. If you have not learned of Mike’s background you should consider meeting him again and taking him out for dinner and a beer. Mike is truly, on a different level, an American hero. We all are in debt for individuals like him that sacrificed so much for us all. Next, I know WY, MT etc are so beautiful, I know them all like the back of my hand, BUT if you want wilderness and beauty and isolation like no other , in the 48 States, spend a summer exploring Idaho. Nothing like it. Lastly, safe travels and enjoy and explore all you can in your youth. It gets harder as you age and things catch up. Thank you for sharing your journey. God speed !
Hi - very impressive - just one question - is there any photos or video of your diesel heater install ? where did you end up putting it? who did the work?
Eva your dog will be huge! I had a German Shepard he was much smaller as a puppy but with 2 years weight 60 kg. There will not be enough place in the car for you and vilk.
Have you been in Scandinavia ? After Alaska take roads to Canadas eastcoast and the boat to Iceland and then to Shetland . Norway next and then Sweden and Finland . And then the Baltic countries down to Poland . What do you think ? Good luck whith everything ! KM
Omg Expedition Overland! I started watching overlanders on RU-vid because of Clay's videos. Went with them (meaning I watched the video series lol) to South America. I felt like I was with them the entire time. Their rigs are 💜
I dig that truck, pretty sweet. Love the "do it yourself" interior... you guys did a great job. It's the way to go, otherwise it would be too expensive.
