Vanlife Gets Scary (he wouldn't leave) - Van Camping Manitoba Woods 

Thanks for watching everyone! We would love to know what you would do in this situation - we always want to be transparent and we LOVE van life, but this is a reality and being prepared makes you (and us) more equipped to deal with dangerous scenarios when/if they happen! Let us know in the comments and big love to everyone from all four of us!

Getting more realistic videos about van life is so important! Not just happy fantasy life but real van life!

I’m so sick and tired of men acting like assholes! As a married man and the father of three boys I’m proud to say my two remaining sons are respectful, loving men who treat their partners with love, respect, kindness and understanding! I’m glad you shared this experience, the reality of misogynistic behaviour seems to be even more prevalent as our world slips back into the 20th century and I hope that the men watching this can witness just how impactful their behaviour can be! I’m so sorry you’ve had this experience, I felt sick to my stomach watching you both share this and I’m sure you know that many men watching will feel as I do! Stay safe! Respect from Ontario! I’ll sub for sure! Rick

Vanlife full time for 5 years now. Ex-military. I’ve got a big dog and a gun. I woke up one night with someone climbing in my front seat. Situation resolved rather quickly. Sorry there are shitty folks out there. Btw. I heat lemon eucalyptus and peppermint oils in a diffuser in my van to keep the bugs at bay

Great decision to leave. Sometimes they lurk and come back. Anyone who does not listen and keeps walking towards barking dogs could be dangerous. I keep several items that double as weapons, including a heavy long distance lantern that I can blind someone with if necessary and a police siren. I also try to stay connected and had an app that sends automatic emergency signals to family/friends and local law enforcement. (will be looking for a new one.) Next trip, I will install my motion sensor lights on the side of my van, set to emergency flashing if something as tall as a human gets near the van at night.

My daughter is traveling nurse so she travels all over the country working at different hospitals or medical center so one day at her van this random guy try to hit on her but she refuses his advanced he didn't like it and decided to harass her but all girls carry and know how to change your attitude so after she warned him to leave she quickly revealed her glock and he willfully agree to leave her be

Just landed on your channel looks great. Here in the USA my wife and I are super alert/protected on the road being two women alone. We've lived the van life. Back then we had just our Aussie. Sorry, love him and he would die for us but it wasn't enough for me to go back on the road. We recently picked up a new trailer and a new puppy. Our Doberman is full grown now. He's 95 pounds, and he's ready to roll. I don't think I would try to stop him from eating a man who stopped to yell at my wife. I'd say, do your thing boy. If that didn't work, my unfriendly male stranger would then meet Mr. Smith & Wesson. I'm done playing ladies, I'm done playing. After a young female couple was murdered in Utah at Moab national park that was it for us. Around the world we are under attack and here in the states it's real bad. We are done playing around. I'm a combat veteran and I'm done playing with these guys.

Yup. My partner and I were snoozing at a quiet rest stop on Vancouver Island. We were the only car there when a car came in and did controlled skids and donuts directly at our vehicle...laying down a lot of rubber. It then went and idled a little way away for a minute and then started again. We eventually started up and slowly drove past them when they parked a second time. One of us took footage of some of these dangerously close skids while the other hopped into the driver seat. We called the RCMP when we were safely on the highway. There was a recorded message inviting us to leave a message. No one ever called us back. It was truly scary.

You did the right thing in sharing that scary story No matter where you go you can bet your going to come across WACOS Being Im a 68 year old female Ive had my share And now I have 2 firearms A baseball bat just wont cut it anymore So sad but true I wish the 4 of you nothing but safe and fun travels GOD BLESS

He was probably creeping and watched you shower. No matter how remote you think you are I would never be showering out in the open, invest in a pop up shower tent and watch out for each other x

Personally, I'm very glad you shared this part of your story! I'm a single female vanlifer. Any and all tips are welcomed!! We never know in these days who's who! I'm glad your dogs knew it wasn't a good situation and happy you are both safe!❤

Thank you for sharing about the stranger. It is something that needs to be understood that us women deal with.

I have just subscribed from London UK. Mostly because of your gorgeous doggies but saying that, I am glad you are safe and OK. It drives me mad, having 2 daughters of my own, that women can't live free anymore! much love x

The problem with parking in the middle of no where , in a spot that most likely locals are VERY aware of ( that it's remote, and people often seek out remote while traveling) , it can be very risky. So glad you are OK!!!

My god, you need to know that it was good to have two of you there, he sounds like a real creeper, and definitely not safe. He kept driving away and returning, signs he was not safe.

I'm glad you have dogs who barked.

You guys have a vacuum……. that’s what I use at night when I have mosquitoes. I turn all the lights off except one and the mosquitoes will go to that one light and then you just vacuum them all up.👍😎

You’ll know if he comes back… your wonderful dogs will alert you!! Stay safe and have a better trip ladies!! 😍😍

I'm terribly sorry that happened to you but, those stories need to be told too. Safe travels

I think following your gut feeling is the best way to go and leaving the place was a good way to go.

It is VERY important to show the bad situations too! I am happy that you both are safe! Thank you for this.

Good morning ladies. Hope your travels have been nothing but wonderful. I have a couple more tips I thought I would share, and maybe you could pass along to others. If you use an ice chest, or your frig gets sunlight we bought the silver insulation that you put on windows, and cut it to fit around the ice chest. Then take velcro that is sticky on one side and glue it to the insulation where it over laps around the chest. After that, cut a piece to reach from just below the lid in the back to just over the lid in the front and add velcro there. That way it is sealed all the way around. The velcro on the front allows you to still use the chest. As long as you keep it from direct sunlight it will keep ice for days this way. I also bought a large heavy weight piece of canvas and stitched an emergency (reflective space blanket) to the canvas, then put snaps on it and screwed snaps into the outside frame around the windshield. When you put this on it will cut the heat about 20 degrees. You have to stop the sun from hitting the glass to keep the temps down. This also works on all windows. You will be amazed how much of a difference there will be. Also holds heat in when it is cold. Stay safe.

Recommend > whether it's true or not Consider to clarify you're NOT alone and point in the van and also in the forest, but also advise them THEY are ALREADY on broadcast Audio/Video to your show on youtube. Dang, that 'male dominance', creepy driving around, entering your camp, approaching against your warning, against your dog(s)..., really hate to see that guy and you're not commenting, but I hope you got him and his vehicle on video. Because likely NOT first time and he'll keep-up until it's expensive legal wound to him. And may Rangers already have reports? know him ?

Moab, Utah had an unpleasant case a couple of years ago concerning a female couple , who were disperse camping and didn’t follow their instinct (or maybe didn’t have time )…I am a female solo Van Nomad, I am very aware when I’m off in the bush , as I’m sure you both are..Safety and security are Always a good topic to keep us on our toes.

Thanks for sharing. I think ya'll did the right thing.

I’m glad you told the story about the guy. We need to know the truth about what happens out there. I am just wanting to get on the road in a van myself and I want to know how well to equip myself for protecting myself.

There have been a lot of theses stories lately (men scaring or harassing vanlife women). We women have to be very mindful and have protection, whether it be dogs or something else. Hope the rest of your trip is better!

Just found your channel. Don't know if you are from Canada or just traveling there but, the feeling you had while that guy was walking towards you.... That, mostly, helpless feeling... That is why we have the second amendment in the US. It's not because we love our guns or deer hunting. It's because our right to self-defense is endowed by our creator. I've had that feeling that y'all experienced. Where the other person had every ounce of control over me and there was nothing I could do. I will not feel that way again.

Loving the music you added to the vid. 😊

OMG ! Stay safe ! ....lemons cut in half with cloves in them help keep bugs away .......

Always trust instincts, and even more dogs instincts. Always get a license plate and description and share with friends, the driving backwards and approaching over limits, glad you all have protection in van and dogs are one of them, unfortunately we don't want our pups in threatening situations, but they will protect those they love.

Just found you ,,you're both(and sweet pips) Great...I,m solo 75 female,in my 18ft Skoolie, for 5 years now....only one semi scarey encounter,,,which I handled.So,we go Onwards...stay happy n safe

Belated welcome to Manitoba 🇨🇦

Good luck ladies. Enjoy your travels and thank you for sharing ❤

Just found your site, looks interesting. I lived in a Motor home for five years and traveled around the U.S. Have camped just about everyway from on the ground, picnic tables, cars, trucks, trailers, motor home, and now have an older van. Living in Tucson, Az at present. Rarely leave the state for travel anymore, health issues. But it doesn't stop me from wandering. I have a couple dogs, Datson is 16yrs, Harlee is 3yrs. Mostly Harlee with me, Datson is getting to old for walks and getting in and out of van. I look forward to seeing more of your content. Stay safe and travel far. P.S. Nice to see a couple traveling together and being truthful about it.

Wow, so happy you guys are safe! I just found your channel thanks to this story… it pisses me off to realize that in 2024, we are still not safe as women. You guys handled it great and so did the puppies! Only blue skies ahead!

Please lets not get too carried away. There is no demonstration of ill intent from the stranger. Furthermore, if you indeed felt threatened then you surely would not have elected to nonetheless stay the night at that location. Im from manitoba. Its a very friendly and safe place. Kindly note that almost the entire province is composed of crown land.

I have recently been following a single Norwegian girl on her motorbike travelling solo from Norway to Nepal. She is in Saudi Arabia at the moment and you might find it hard to believe but since hearing your scary story, unbelievable though it may seem I think she is more safe in Saudi than the US. Traditionally Saudi’s welcome all strangers, she camps and also stays in free accommodation on the way. It was definitely the correct move to tell your story. Sad to say but maybe your outside showering is what turned this prick on. In Saudi they have very strict police, emergency tel numbers, so far she says she feels very safe.

Thank you for telling us. Yoursmart & brave. Good job doggies!

I am sorry, I do not have any pics. If I did it wouldn't help, I am kind of behind on smarts when it comes to electronics and don't know how to send pics. You can make the pvc the length of your van, or run more than one. A shower head with the on/ off slide workers great. Hope this is something that helps you. We always got wet, shampooed and shut the water off and soaped everything else, and rinse once. Saved a lot of water. I am enjoying about 110o these days, how is your weather? Stay safe

Be safe ladies.

Canadian born living in the USA This is exactly what I'll be doing hopefully by fall Possibly looking for a travelling partner No funny business Male or female friends So two bed situation I just don't want to travel alone Not afraid at all but too many wackos Lock and load Thank you for sharing ladies Amazing miss Canada beautiful country ❤

New sub, and I am enjoying your video and your puppers. It's sad we have to be on such high alert and as you cannot carry in Canada, Bear spray is an option but wasp spray may be a better one. Bear spray is pepper spray and once you shoot it off, unless you are with the wind the spray back can affect you and your dogs as well. Keep alert and stay safe.

I live in Australia there has been several people losing there lives .Take great care,always have car keys with you not left in ignition great you have dogs,thank you for sharing your story 😮😢😮

I did van life in canada and I was stalked on a trail.I had two dogs and the guy would not stop.So I whipped out my phone and called my friend who was an r c m p officer and put her on speakerphone. I literally had to tell the guy to leave and go away and then he left and he was waiting for me in the parking lot. Luckily I was still on the phone with my friend. Some guys are f****** creeps.Don't go alone ladies.

Thank you for this story! I love to travel and now I find myself alone. I’m contemplating a trip from Alaska to the lower states ( I love Canada) in a few years. I agree with the wasp spray idea?. Safe travels , ladies!

God I hate creepers! - opportunistic creepers. Thank god for dogs! ❤ nice van 😊 happy to see it turned out ok.

Just watched all your videos from the beginning and really loved all of 'em😃😁 plus wowza, you're both very inspiring ppl!!!!😃😀 One's a Olympic champion and one is a music teacher/singer and amazing artist soon to be tattooist 🤗 you's are both so creative and you's make an amazing team 💪💪👍 and obviously LOVE your adorable kota and cleo.....tooooo much cuteness 😍 lovedxseeing Kota as a tiny, wee puppy awwww!!!! 🥰 loved you's making lots of friends at the vanlife pride get together, looked like a fun time🤗😊 I'm so glad you's are all okay after that wee scare with that guy!!!! Stay safe guys and can't wait til the next video 🙂 ✌️❤ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Morning ladies. I haven't seen the top of your van, but I you are using a bucket for your shower. When we camped in our truck with a canopy on it we mounted a 4" pvc pipe with a vent cap on top, and a hose connection on the back end. Hook a hose to the end and open vent to fill with water, close vent until ready to shower. Water heated by the sun, crack the vent and hook up the hose and you have hot water to shower. Drop a bar of soap in an old nylon and tie it where you are going to shower- never falls, and never dirty. Enjoy your days

Born and bred in Manitoba and 10 years in The Pas… mosquitoes are monsters and millions of horse flies, deer flies, etc…

It's good to know these things there's one in 10 chance meetings with people like that ,but there out there.

Listen to one's spidey senses! Always. Manitoba is beautiful ...but buggy!! 👍😎🇨🇦🦟🦟🦟🦟🦟🦟

Sorry you had to deal with that situation. I would be freaked out as well. As a Manitoban, please come back again. You likely drove past where I live, Brandon.

I'm glad nothing more happened with that unwelcome visitor. Good puppies.... ❤❤❤. Yes, it's important to share the bad situations too, otherwise ppl don't get the full and true story of your travels. Stay safe and hopefully big free.....

That coffee looks so good

I never will understand why the human creep thinks they have the right to keep coming onto peoples space their island their tent, their house, their yard their boat and any other spot where we live and think it’s all right for them to do so just leave us the hell alone. sorry you guys went through that. That’s one reason. I don’t go out there and do anything as a 67-year-old disabled person to defend myself. I don’t have a I feel your pain, ladies and I have a great build.❤

Stay safe out there.

Love the van 🎉

Ya'll did a really nice job with your van! Much love from the coast of Maine 🤙

You guys are sooo dang cute, all 4 of you! Happy travels 🐾 Be safe 🤍

So glad you are safe, that scares me because My wife and I will not have dogs but I will have Bear Spray, and mace. Be safe you two.

I just discovered your channel. I’m now subscribed and will back up and start your videos from the beginning. 😊 But wow, scary situation. I’m glad you’re both safe. I do want to say that this is the first van I’ve seen with kennels built in under the bed. Genius! Only people who kennel train their dogs know how important this is!

❤😊ladys nice to see you again please keep safe glad you have your dog's hope to see more of you soon

It is good to tell of the not so great happenings. In the world today we need to let people know all is not perfect.. so glad you have the dogs

Ladies try Thermacell for those mosquitos. It's always scary when someone has to act threatening. Please be safe take care...

not sure why your video popped up today - am definitely a bricks and mortar gal - don’t even drive anymore - but as a single young senior with obvious disabling health concerns I try to be aware of my circumstances - you don’t have to be out on crown land in the prairies to be concerned these days - am two hrs west of Toronto and after living quietly for 26 yrs where I am - met a private security guard going floor to floor in our bldg this past week - asked him if I should be worried and he shook his head - but as he walked down the hall - he said “just be aware” - gads - then your video - double gads - sorry for what you went thru - glad you have each other and your dogs - lots of good caring useful comments (glad the trolls seem to have kept away) - stay aware stay safe (no mosquitoes on the ninth floor north - just Pharoah ants - so nothing I can add) - enjoy this great country of ours 🇨🇦🙏

Glad you stood your ground. I agree about listening to your animals. I had a man not listen and my dog bit him while she was on a cable on my property. His response, " I can't believe your dog bit me!" My reply, " I told u 3xs and you didn't listen." She didn't break the skin but left a bruise and her teeth marks. I worried he would try to have her removed by animal control but he didn't. He died of a heart attack a week later. That part was sad.

Am new to your channel & am very happy to keep watching! ~Enjoy each other & your life Journey! 🎉❤

That was my thought: bear spray. It can be used for more than just bears. Machete is good to have as well.

Always tell when somethings feels off try to capture him on cam just in case

Great video! Just found your page and I’m subscribing immediately! 💜 your dogs are too cute, and I’m so glad they were ready to protect you! I have a pitty mix and she is the same way. I’d rather her act crazy than to look like an easy target.

Come to BC! They gassed the shit out of this place in the '60's, so we have no bugs but we do have bears. Many bears! Bring bear spray. Lots of bear spray. (works on men too) Good & Bad right? Such is life. Stay safe sisters, xo

This is what stops me from doing van life. As a single woman, I'd be doing this alone with my cat LOL. We're allowed to have pew pews here, and I know how to handle them, but I would hate to have to use one. *sigh* If only strange men would know that it's SCARY when they approach us

Your nacho bowls are actually a staple dinner for us 😂

Never wrong when you listen to your gut! Thanks for sharing the bad and ugly side too.

I use one of those cheap tennis zappers for in the van and it works a treat! But that was an insane amt of mosquitoes omg. Tics, mosquitos = all i ever hear about Manitoba lol. AND you got a bonus random freakster---> time to go! 😬

sorry that happened to you both. please pick up 3 bear spray bottles. one for each door pocket and maybe by the sliding door or somewhere easy reach. if it stops a bear it will stop a man. dont tell anyone you got it tho or for its use other then bears. hope you went to a near bye RCMP detachment and made a incident report for the record. this way the RCMP are aware and can keep a lookout. also they might tell the local natural resource officer too about it. praise the dogs and give em extra treats,

Thanks for sharing the story ... I've been using a french press for 30 years and have never needed to let it sit and percolate ... I press right after pouring and stirring and have robust, yummy coffee every time.

Its crown land so you cant tell people to leave, you can ask,nice pick of destinations, tickland set in 1960, manitoba sux

On the third warning that is when you turn the dogs loose..

This is why we won't travel where you can't carry. Stay safe.

Really enjoyed your video. Glad you got out safely. Situations can change so quickly..you can never be too careful. Along with everything else in Los Angeles..we have coyotes in some areas…not great when you have chihuahuas!

Keep safe

Lovely video glad your safe😊

Stay safe, can never be too careful!!

Ladies,yall got to be locked and loaded!! I'm a southern girl, and nobody is gonna scare me!!

Think it’s important to be transparent about these unpleasant and scary aspects of Van Life. Always listen to your Dogs and don’t neglect listening to your instincts. Stay Safe.

❤❤❤

Good to hear you have protection. That’s a necessity.

In the early 1900's, women were using hat pins as self defense. We have always needed to defend ourselves. I am so frustrated with this situation. I am a 62 year old woman and I am becoming enraged with the amount of danger that women have to navigate. I suppose a lot of this has to do with the exposure from the internet. We are better informed and are able to share our experiences globally. I'm sorry this happened to you. It shouldn't have to be something we should prepare for. The aftermath of situations like this linger and do affect you, even when you are able to escape without incident.

I'm vanlifing in SK (my home) for the summer...if you plan on spending any time here let me know and I can give you some good spots, provide a shower, or laundry!

You need doggy snacks try rosemary or laavender spray keeps away mosquitoes also coffee and close mix add wick then melted candle wax let cool and light they haye the smell hope these solutions help.

The drive from Calgary to Vancouver will blow your mind (& maybe your brakes??) I AM so excited for U4!!!! The air is good... Just breathe~~~~

God Bless you both n the dog's, they are Handsome Dogs, stay safe n bless y'all's, from Honolulu Hawaii, Much Love n Respect to Y'all's

That little shower setup is pretty cool, you weren't lieing about the pressure.

I'm glad you kept safe. No man would be afraid of my small dogs, even though they would bite in that situation. This is the part of nomadic life that scares every woman, but it is a reality. There are, unfortunately. Many young nomadic ladies on RU-vid who are not smart or prepared. I hope this is a good reminder to those who believe the world is a safe place. Our choices and preparedness are what make our worlds safe. Thank you for sharing.

Yes tell this story. I don’t think people tell enough cautionary tales. Predators look for easy victims while he’s talking to you he is gathering intel. There are solar motion detection lights. Stick some magnets on them and stick it to your van, remove them when u drive. Drop hints that u have a safety plan in place, maybe you should talk about having one. Don’t leave anything outside ur van u are not willing to drive off in an emergency. Things can be replaced not people. He/they could come back. Glad u do have knives and bear spray. You are looking for time to getaway. I have multiple flashlights/rechargeble. Headlamp too. We shouldn’t have to be careful like this but unfortunately and realistically evil exists. Glad you are safe.

I once pulled over to sleep in the algonquin Mountains just as i was drifting off i seen a fashlight in the woods coming at me ! I jumped up half asleep and lucky got myself out of there it had no house anywhere scary moment

Holy. I have a husky too and it does take a lot for them to act like that. I've only seen mine do that once when very threatened. He was definitely up to no good!

So many cool lil lake spots in Manitoba. I was just at Oak Lake Dam. Stay Safe, Have Fun! (the tics suck. I suggest YH16w)