Van Life in My First WINTER SNOW STORM (My Heater Broke and I'm Kinda Stuck) 

Hello everyone! I hope you enjoy the video! I appreciate your concern about paddling on the lake and hear you all, and I appreciate you looking out for my safety! 🩵 The lake was shallow and wade-able in all places but in the very middle, and from now on I’ll definitely stay in only shallow areas and have a life-vest to be cautious! Thank you!

The view across the lake was MAGICAL! Those snow covered trees warmed my heart!

Two things…Glad you got out to the highway! In this cooooooooooled weather, stay close to shore on your paddle board and wear a life jacket. Love to see you sooooo happy. Love your laughter!

I’m sorry you’re going through so much right now Maddie. But we’re all here to support you 💕 You are so strong. I really appreciate you posting all your videos over the last year you’re a huge inspiration and encouragement to me 😌

I love the sound of snow and the silence it makes after

This was a fantastic video!! Fun, beautiful, scary, all the elements. Thanks so much for sharing the “real world” of van life. Loved the cooking segment too! Better get that van checked to see why it cuts out on you. Look forward to the next one! PS the aerial views of that lake - wow!!!

only a few minutes in but already the cinematography has blown me away 😍👏🏻

As somebody who has been eager to start my van life journey for over a year now, I watch all the van life content I can get. I just wanted to say I appreciate your authenticity and sharing both the good and bad sides of van life. Love the video and can't wait to see your next adventure!

I'm glad that you were able to spend some time in such a beautiful snowy place like that. It seemed like you and Eliza were having a lot of fun in the snow. It seemed like Eliza wasn't the only one loving it lol. I really like seeing you and Eliza happy, laughing, and having fun like that. On a positive note, atleast you know what's wrong with your heater and you can fix it even though it breaking can be annoying as hell.

WoW, great video !! Good soup, good knife skills btw ! Loved the drone shot of that brave lone figure in the middle of a lake. Gorgeous winter scenery. Hope your van gets fixed Maddie. I am so glad you had a good friend with you ! Enjoy the Airbnb and stay safe !💕🌷

Newly Updated Safety Suggestions: for Campers, Explorers, Travelers, I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living. Although, I just noticed your RU-vid channel, and other similar channels, displaying van living. I just wanted to remind everyone to Aware Be of your surroundings and Alert, I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc... People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living. I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself. Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this. I feel that you , and others RU-vidrs sharing this with your viewers will be very helpful. I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors. I shared this with several other travelers, as I watched their RU-vid channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others. Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety tips, and items that may help you, or others in your viewing audience. Although, you may have knowledge of this already, I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone. *Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle. You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage Do your research for the best fit for you Consider Carrying Several Extra portable cellphone phone chargers, and cables. Consider theses items: *Mini portable power charging station. I have also seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, that can be recharged from sunlight this may be very useful to have, to power your devices. *Invest in a Cellular signal booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost or amplify your cell signal and reception. Consider also the purchase of a WiFi signal booster to also boost your WiFi signal. Research to see what you prefer. *Very Inportant: Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location. There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating, or camping situations. *Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts, and location updates that can be sent to your family, and emergency first responders. Some can be synchronized with your smart watch or phone. There are some satellite SOS texting messaging, locator devices that will send messages with your phone even if there isn’t any cellular signal, or WiFi. With this device your can still text, and communicate with others in a emergency satellite transmission. Check online, for various emergency SOS products, some are small to fit in the palm of your hand. You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you. *Mini portable vehicle battery jumper charger *vehicle battery jumper cables *Vehicle Jumper cables *PLEASE BE AWARE* that in the *WINTER* *vehicle *Batteries fail* many times in very cold weather conditions. Vehicle batteries drain more often in the winter months. Please Keep a vehicle battery portable jumper pack, this is a device that can jumper or boost your vehicles battery yourself without another vehicle. If you have a older battery in your vehicle, Please have it tested or replace it, and consider the purchase a new vehicle battery with higher Cold Cranking Amps rating. Be Aware that Sometimes even a battery that is a few years old can fail in the Winter months, and extremely cold temperatures. Some alternatives to Winter Camping, Travelers, Explorers, etc, if you can find a Warmer Climate Location to stay during Extreme Winter months, or stay with family for a few weeks. Another alternative is renting somewhere although this can probably get expensive. What ever you decide Be Careful, Alert, Aware, Safe, and Informed... *Keep a Fire extinguisher handy *Smoke detectors, and Carbon monoxide detectors can be helpful Consider installing; *Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly. *Exterior vehicle mounted camera for the front, rear, and both sides of your vehicle. Some can be activated by motion, Including spotlights. *Interior vehicle cameras *Flashlights or pluggin spotlights *Portable spotlights, and lanterns Keep a few whistles around with you, and in your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console *Keep a Sound horn, for hiking this can service, as a deterrent, and a emergency signal alert for others. *A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, to communicate with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies, you can keep with you when hiking. Use your own discretion regarding the use carrying of any weapons. Don’t forget to bring Bear Spray Pepper spray Where is allowed Purchase a couple canisters just in case and keep it with you If you own a drone you can use it to survey your area for animals etc. However, Please Be Safe and Beware of your Surroundings. Stay Alert, and Be Safe even when stopping at Rest stops, Truck Stops, and conducting your various tasks. Keep in often contact with your family, friends etc. Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions. *VERY IMPORTANT* I would suggest *NOT* to travel to locations without internet, cellular service in the Winter, the reason is that weather conditions can change very quickly, and you absolutely DO NOT want have a vehicle break down, or malfunction, or emergency, and not have the availability to communicate, and contact your family, and or, emergency road assistance, or emergency services. PLEASE BE AWARE that in some extreme cold temperatures that vehicle fuel lines could Freeze and causing a vehicle to not start. Just in case Keep your gas tank filled, which helps prevent vehicle fuel lines from freezing. Keep gas or fuel line additive, or gas line antifreeze, that is rated to use okay for your vehicle. Check with your a certified mechanic and your vehicle owners manual, and or dealer repair facility to inquire what is best to prevent freezing gas tank and lines in extreme cold. *Safety is Paramount* *Your Life is Important* *You want to Live to Travel another Day* *So Be Safe* *Stay Alert* *Keep your vehicle gas filled* Don’t ride on fumes, or on Empty. Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle fuel or gas too close to Empty. Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time, and headache later on. Remember to keep up on routine maintenance, check your tires for wear, keep up with your fluids for your vehicle, like oil levels, antifreeze coolant, Please carry extra (oil)(washer fluid), (brake fluid), (antifreeze). You will need extra Winshield Washer fluid because of the ever changing Weather conditions, dustly roads, especially in slushy wet roads. Furthermore, you will need extra Windshield Washer Fluid, Because you will Be driving more often in dusty, dirty, windy, and varying weather conditions. Your windshield will gather dust and debris from long term driving. Also, Remember Because you are on the road riding for sometimes very long distances, and long periods of time, I would suggest investing in 2 sets of tires, and a spare, the extra set to rotate. Check the mileage ratings on your tires they all very. Conduct visual inspections of your tires often, check for damage, wearing, air pressure, etc Keep a pressure gauge to check your tires pressure and a tire pump. Electric, Portable tire pump. Keep towing insurance to Be Safe if you ever need it. It Doesn’t cost much try to get National coverage if available, or where you will be traveling. Keep Extra financing, and savings for any unexpected issues, vehicle repairs, and overnight stays, in a emergency or if you need to rest indoors. Keep Enjoying Yourself, Keep Enjoying the outdoors, and Nature Just..Please continue to Be Positive, Safe, and Alert.. Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All. God Bless You, and everyone Traveling, or living in their vehicles, Vans, RVs, etc. Please Be Safe..... God Be With You..... Author Advocate for Humanity, Jason Sandifer, Michigan, 11/15/2022, 11/18/2022

OMG, those rolls look heavenly!

Such beautiful scenery with you on the lake on your paddleboard, surrounded by snow covered trees. Just gorgeous.

Ahh, cooking with Maddie -- save some soup for me! Miso is the best. Hard to believe there was so much snow, so near, so early. Here in the lowlands I didn't see a bit of it. Hopefully there will be some eventually, because the kids next door build a whole family of snow people.

It's incredible how snow transforms the landscape, and mood. A beautiful video!!! Nice job!

I just think that from the great smile on your face that you had just as much fun as your pup in the snow. And your laughter was cool also. Funny that I'm on the other side of the mountain from you. Anyway you and your pup and friend have a great wonderful time and the very best of life to you all. Peace out.

I have watched you and Alexandra for around the same amount of time and I really have liked both of your guys' vibes. Alexandra seems like such a kind, positive friend. I'm glad you didn't have to go through that on your own!!

Maddie, first of all great videos, thank you. And how special to have a companion rv'r assistant. A few tips that may help when in sand, mud, snow and ice. You can air down your drive tires (15-9psi) and all four for maximum traction. You will want to air back up when out of danger. A kinetic tow rope with attachments is another resourceful and handy tool to have on hand. Good luck Maddie.

This seems like a version of Beauty and the Beast. The beast is the van and heater issues and you and Eliza are the two lovely ladies. Such a great friend to help and pull you out of the snow. Thanks for the beautiful video and breathtaking views. It looks like you have some vehicle decisions to make. Stay safe my friend.

Your kitchen is my favorite part of your Van Build. The wooden counter-top looks great with your choice of range. Together they are both popping on camera.

I really enjoy this one! I’m sure the heater and other nuisances are really hard sometimes, but keep doing what you do for as long as you can. You have a perspective many of us lose in the shuffle of living a “normal” life. If I’m mildly inconvenienced it throws off my whole day. I have little tolerance or grit (and not a lot of appreciation for my comforts on the day to day basis. Keeping that wildness gives you so much more ability, I think, to enjoy everything that’s right and that’s pretty special. ❤

The snow melting would make it harder to drive out not easier. Glad you’re having a good time with a friend.

As a chef, that is absolutely the correct way to cut an onion, but it has nothing to do with release of lacrimators that make you tear up. The best way to limit the release of lacrimators is to slice pole-to-pole and use a VERY sharp knife to minimize the cell destruction.

Winter Wonderland! Good to see Eliza having fun with the snow. With Winter knocking at the door, ya better head south. Enjoy! 😎

Great video as usual. View of the water surrounded by snow filled trees is beautiful! 💖

awww Maddie I'm sorry for all your van struggles lately! but the way you persevere is so inspiring 🫶 also those drone shots of you on the paddle board are insane!! so beautiful

Alexanda has one of the best rigs mechanically speaking. That Toyota 4.7 engine is one of the most reliable motors ever made. they have been known to hit 500k to a million miles. Its 4x4 is great, i still prefer jeeps and land rover multi terrain system but overall reliability, you cant beat a Toyota. That same engine is found in older 4runners,sequoias,Lx and land cruisers. its very robust. Good thing Maddie dint have a Rear wheel drive, it would have been disaster getting out of there. Thank you so much Maddie for bringing us along. The drone footage was amazing and the overall editing of your videos is wonderful.

Lovely content. Glad your departure ended well. Thanks for sharing.

Soup and spaghetti sauce / marinara is another great place to hide tempeh. I love it also..just sautéed with EVO and s n p. (Maybe tamari sauce). (Not vegan here, but used to be:)

I swear you make breakdowns and adverse situations seem calm and pleasant.

Fantastic video! Great capture of the scenery! Things will turnaround with your van! Perseverance and laughing it off as things can always be worse! So, actually things are good beautiful soul! 🙏🤙❤️

This was a really good video! The snow, although inconvenient, made such beautiful shots. I especially loved the one where Eliza sat down by the waterside when you were paddle boarding :) The cooking was really interesting to watch too. Thank you for sharing this with us :)

Thanks for taking us along on the adventure! 😀

How I envy the environment which can see and touch you in person, dear Maddie!!! God bless you all, forever and ever!!!

That sure is a picturesque place where you stayed, made even more so with the snow on the ground. Great video.

Once again, you have made an OUTSTANDING video! I love the way you filmed the snowy landscape and the glassy lake! The cinnamon roll scenery was also quite inspirational, so I've just added some to my grocery list. 😄

Beautiful shots from the lake and supping. Like a fairytale. And what a sweetie is Eliza🐕💕. So loyal. Waiting for you.

So glad you were able to get to the highway. Thank God for a very good friend who helped you through this. Have a warm stay in the B&B (and they will allow Eliza to stay with you) Take care. Be safe.

Beautiful! Loved how you totally meta'd that editing bit hehe Eliza is truly a star! I love how happy she looks now. She has come so far from when you first got her, she just seems so content with you and has come out of her shell heaps ❤ Also hope you invest in some chains for your wheels soon 😁 Thanks again for an awesome video!

Hi Just came across your vid and may I say 😊you are awesome upbeat and so so brave 😍cudos to Alex for staying with you and getting you out 👏🏽👏🏽great vid, scenery, girl time and girl power. Hope you both enjoyed your respite in the cabin ❤

Thank u for sharing ur blizzard journey,Maddie...Be safe & Happy travels💙💖💙

The views are absolutely beautiful!! I love the snow especially fresh snow ❄️

Gr8 video you knocked it out of the park, so positive and beautiful thx.

What a beautiful place. Loved it

I finally got to watch this masterpiece of a video ❄️ the drone shots of the lake and forest are magical ! And I loved the clip with Eliza running around in the snow 🥺❤️

Friends are wonderful!

i love the asmr aspect of this new video!! so calming! also this whole video is so good and peaceful and blue... such a good vibe

Been following you for awhile and realized I wasnt subbed! I could have sworn I was so thats weird! Another great video such beautiful scenery also! You and Alex (been subbed the her awhile to) seem to have lots in common and she is great to travel with sometimes for safety too. I watch a ton of Van life videos because one day I will build my own to travel but as of now I take care of my Mom who had 2 strokes in July after already being partially disabled!! So its been rough but I now have her watching all you guys and she said to tell you that "you are a very beautiful young lady and she really loves your van and videos"!! So safe travels out there and thank you for sharing!

Gorgeous scenery!!

Beautiful footage :) Maybe tell your van you love it and fawn over it :) Sounds granola and woo woo I know but it works.... things happen no matter in a house or van... it will pass :)

This has been on of you best videos and one where tou actually looked to be happy. Thank you for sharing your adventures with the snow. From Henrico County Virginia

Beautiful Snow ❤

So happy to see you got out and have a friend to spend the next day and recharge 🩵

So entertaining to see the other side of this collab!

Loved the footage on the paddle board

This is my first video I have watched of you and it was so wonderful I can’t wait to watch more!!!!

Wow, the lake shots were glorious!!! I hope you get your transmission issues resolved soon.

I have the same van as you and have driven in the snow many times. Just take it slow! You can do this. The lake was beautiful and watching Eliza made me smile. Thanks for sharing!

How you f9ind the calmest day to record that completely still drone shot - *chef's kiss The world stops for you. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK !!!

눈내리는 겨울날 산속에서 캠핑이라니.. 낭만적인 캠핑이네요 제가 해보고싶었던 겨울캠핑입니다. 멋져요😊

I remember having a Labrador, and playing with him every winter in the snow after work. He would run as fast as he could, and just slide and dive into / through the snow ! That was 31 years ago, now i have no dog, and dislike snow because of how dangerous it is for us old people. So, enjoy it while you can, its wonderful when you are young :)

Beautiful scenery

Can’t thankyou enough for bringing smile to our face even though we are at the pick of hardship❤

What an amazing journey ❤

YAYYYY FOR SNOW😍 As your RU-vid friend I must caution you on being on the water fully clothed. And considering the water temps,, you may not make it back if you fell over. I’ve been around and in cold water most of my life. People die. Please think it over dear friend 💙

Such beautiful photography at the lake A plus

The snow made your life more complicated, but that is largely compensated by the incredible scenery. The drone pictures of your paddle board ride on the lake were incredibly spectacular. You might not agree with me, but I hope for more snow adventures in the future 🥶

Even before the bloops, I was going to tell you how absolutely beautiful Eliza is and it was a joy to see her frolic in the snow! I hope you have recovered and that you are headed for warmer places.

Your van and fur baby are gorgeous. Missing snow so much, living in the UK. /the Swede 😊

Cool place maddie and your dog. be safe

Beautiful place

Always have two of everything. 🔥🔥

Absolutely a winter ... Splendor! The aerial photography is so magnificently beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and your fur-baby! 🐶Safe and Happy Travels! ⛰🏔🗻🏞🛣*Vandie Van 🚐 Wings 🦋*

I love watching YOU together with your friend

I feel so lucky to have found your channel, this was a really great video for me. I love the snow and just don’t ever get to see enough!

Good job teylor❤

You made it!!! 🙌 Love watching you guys! Say hi to your helpful friend as well ❤

Soo beautiful 🥰❤

What a place to be, it’s beautiful.

Awesome!!! I’m planning a winter overnight in my Humvee and actually testing and prepping the heater right now as that’s my concern of losing heat.

Hi Maddie just found your channel through Alex. Im sorry you've had so many problems. Im glad you were with Alex. She's a sweetheart. I woke up this morning and my van wouldn't start. No sound at all as I pushed the button.😢 I have power so its probably the starter. Love your channel. Donna

Nice video! you could put some bf Goodrich ko2 tires many van lifers add them, nite and day difference for traction and durability. They ride good on pavement too. Also might consider a Garmin in reach ( like hikers use) if your were to get into trouble in remote areas in the van or hiking, paddleboarding they are satellite based and you can text what kind of help you need they will have your coordinates from the device. Stay safe and as per usual...have fun!

I’m glad you got out safely. It is so beautiful with a blanket of snow on the land and trees. If you head back towards Santa Cruz and you want to stop by a small family winery … come to Macchia. I will treat you and Alexandria to some wine. I actually follow you both. Safe travels.

Even in a automatic 2 wheel drive when going up hills shift down to low gear. It pulls better. Never hit breaks, back to low gear. Or some read 1 2. I have them but I'm not use to driving my SUV in winter. Gas reasons! So I'm better in low. 😂 Glad I came across your video. Fun and beautiful. True winter wonderland 🌬❄❄❄

So beautiful

Beautiful Video ❤

😍 How breathtaking is that drone footage of you on the water?! Stunning!

Great video!❤

Now that I'm plus 50, I love nature but from a place I can be cozy and not have to worry about it. Love your videos!

Another beautifully filmed vlog. Epic opening with the drone footage, paddling, and quote. Bravo!

Gorgeous, beautiful and full of life. Congratulations on what you are doing. Good luck in the future.

Nice open with the paddling and the John Muir quote. Enjoy the snow, Maddie, and remember to be here now.

Love you Maddie.

Great Video! Thanks for sharing! Great drone footage and your footage on your paddle board was nice!

This video was so beautiful!!!! Snow is so cozy and cold 🤧♥️

That snowy lake took my breathe away. Don’t worry- I’ll be staying warm. SoCal will still be in the 80s this week :/ wishing I was in that winder wonderland!

Great video! But geez, Maddie I was low key freaking out when you were paddle boarding!! Sorry about your heater. Why is it so satisfying to hear and watch someone chopping vegetables? And yes, beautiful Eliza is the star! ❤

I’m super pumped you both made it out and did not freeze to death and sorry your heater dropped the ball

Ugh....that is just my hell, right there. I despise cold, and even more so the snow. You're a better person than I am.

Thank you for sharing is Beautiful