WE BOUGHT OUR DREAM ABANDONED PROPERTY IN THE RAINFOREST! 

Goats will happily eat all that poison and brush for you, and chickens will help with bugs. Trust me, get your animals sooner then later and put them to work for you. You would be amazed at how fast some goats can clear land for you. You get free labor and they get a meal.

My dad passed away Last Monday morning at 2:30am. He NEVER missed one of y'all's shows so I just wanted to say thank you for being such an amazing apart of our life. I would listen every morning since he found y'all then he binged watched you two catch up and now I am watching you to get peace and remembering my father so I just wanted to thank you guys very much for being so amazing and let my family be a part of your journey

Guys , you are doing this the hard way. I am an old homesteader. get some premier one net fencing and a solar charger for it. Fence off an area and then put some goats in there. They will clear it all for you. Then put in some piggies and they will turn it over and prep it for replanting. Use livestock to do the clearing for you. and make goat milk and bacon along the way.

That is Adjuntas, beautiful piece of land. Welcome home

Food for thought, with you RV tires sitting on raw dirt with all of the rains your going to want to get those tires on support pads to bridge more ground area as your tires on raw dirt will sink, chalk each side tires front and back to keep the trailer from rolling, and jack the RV up to place plastic RV pads, block paver pads or 2x6's under the tires for extra support, you may need to add additional pads under the tires to make sure that your trailer sits level when lowered, make sure that the scissor trailer jacks are up while you are performing this task, also the support jacks on each end of the trailer are not meant to jack up the trailer they are only meant to support the trailer from rocking back in forth while your living in it, and help from movement when the wind blows. I have a 30 toy trailer with a 4500 watt generator, this powers the AC and hot water heater, lights ect... however the generator is loud and eats up gas, so alternative power options are a must, the gas electric frig will operate off propane. If you need RV help the National RV Training academy has a RU-vid channel that you can research everything RV to help with all of the things you need help with.

From the start of the video i kept thinking that the scenery reminded me so much of my beautiful island 🇵🇷! It was such a pleasure to hear her confirm it!! Que Viva Puerto Rico Coño!! 😊

First thing I’d be tempted to build is a pole shed large enough to cover the trailer along with an outdoor working, storage and lounge area. Maybe screen it in. Provides protection from the sun and rain as well as a place to install a lot of solar.

We're sailors, but we will keep watching because the two of you are so entertaining and so real.

Matt. Be careful in burning. Anything poisonous should not be burned and if so make sure you stay up wind. Family member learn the hard way about inhaling poison ivy.

Someone probably said this already. But the jacks aren’t meant to level the camper. They are for support only. You need leveling blocks under the tires to level it. Also, it’s a water heater. If the water was already hot, you wouldn’t need to heat it. 😅 your fridge and water heater should run off Electric or propane. Should be a switch on the fridge to select what option you want. Love the videos and looking forward to watching this series of your lives.

YOU TWO are the channel. Not the boat! Yall are great!

Hola, I am your Puerto Rican neighbor. We are renovating an abandoned coffee farm. I uncovered close to 100 coffee trees. We are above a steep canyon with a river and waterfalls too. Regarding the itching ,you probably got pica pica. It is a vine. We are half way done renovating but we now have chickens, guineas and peacocks.

I was kinda disapointed when you guys said you were giving up sailing but maybe this is better, i think i would probably watch anything you guys do. Matt is the mans man and Kristen is a really great wife!

Kudos Mat for wanting to clear it with hand tools and your machete, I used one for 25 years as a land surveyor. We also used a brush hook for the serious vines and pines here in Florida, swinging one for a couple of hours will give you a serious workout. Keep your blades sharp and be careful, they can bite you pretty hard. Congrats on your new adventure, looking forward to whatever you two have to share with us.

Watching two people living their dream is good for everyone’s soul. Congratulations guys!

As some others have mentioned I think building a proper pad for the camper would be very worth while. Those vines are going to grow back in a heart beat. Especially near and under the camper could become a real issue. In building a pad you can locate it further from the house to give you more room for rebuilding and properly level and support the camper. You are going to be in the camper for a long time make it the best you can.

It was so nice to see Kristen run up and hug Matt and I really like how she's looking at him these days.

Still watching. Really liked the sailing version. I trying. May have been said already. Goats, goats, for goodness sake goats. Had about 1/2 acre to bush hog. Had to worry about hitting high areas, low stumps, large sticks and debris that can not see because of all the weeds. Rented some goats. They cleaned out good. These goats were weed eating machines.

Matt, welcome to the jungle. The first thing i learned dealing with the Costa Rica jungle is that it grows faster than you can keep up. If you aren't down to the dirt you are just cutting the grass. All those roots need to come out and you need a stone pad to set your camper on. Otherwise, all those plants will be delighted at the sunlight you allowed in and will try to swallow your camper. I see a lot of work, a skid steer wold be a blessing, and a lot of loads of rock and gravel to establish a beachhead against the jungle. Goats are a good idea after you actually get an are cleared (no roots, all the way down to bare dirt, then rock, then a leveled gravel pad, then camper. The best of luck to you. Don't be afraid to hire some Manuel Labor to help with the grunt work. Pura Vida.

Gosh...I have a farm in Puerto Rico and work and do agricultural research at the University. I see many videos about starting homesteads and in all of them always I say the same, it is not easy to do it in a tropical environment where the vains grow so rapitly. Thanks because finally I see that someone pass through the same as us when working agriculture in PR.

Y’all are living my dream. I’m a homesteader from the mountains of Virginia that has always dreamed of sailing away with my chickens to a tropical island somewhere. Happy for y’all🤙🏼

Really, really happy for you. You both look very enthusiastic and ready to deal with all the up and downs that an old property in the tropical mountains will bring. Do investigate the bushes though because there are bushes and trees that can give you a really nasty itching and burning rash. Love your stream. That is a major plus for you. If you can arrange a small gas water pump to pump water into a tank near your camper you could do so much. Can wait to see your next video. 👍

I know you have already don this but make sure you put cement blocks behind your rear wheels because of the rain you want to make sure your trailer starts sliding down the mountain! Also put cement under the corner jacks. Maybe your neighbor has a tractor with a brush hog in the back of the tractor that can help with the jungle removal. Best of luck!

I’m excited to continue watching your channel! I was born in Puerto Rico but raised my entire life in USA. Many blessings to you both and you picked a wonderful island to build your life!💯🥰❤️🌴🌊☔️☔️☔️

I am glad hard-working, honest people like you, moved to Puerto Rico. Bienvenido a mi tierra, mi tierra es tuya también!! I hope, someday we can meet and have a cerveza together.

Power is easy, a 6 to 7 k generator, your going to need it for power tool and the camper home. In the states I bought a Predator 8750 k gen for $600 and it runs every thing in my 2,000 sq ft home except the dryer and oven at home same time. It does run all 4 TV's, lights, central air/heat, microwave, stove, fridge, deep freezer, Internet, all the electric crap (phones, tablets, ect). Hope this helps you figure out what size.

Boy did your video bring back memories! I started out with 9 acres of heavily wooded jungle in the Carolinas and cleared the land and built a home. A year to build the house. Rule of thumb... figure 2-3x more $$$ and time than you initially think. As for clearing land... look into renting a bulldozer for a day (with an operator), it'll be money well spent and save you tons of time and headaches, compared to doing the clearing manually - especially if you eventually plan build a home foundation. We stayed in our RV during house build. It's amazing how small RV's get after awhile (I think they shrink!). :D One more thing... when it comes to manually clearing land, t-shirts and shorts will give way to long sleeve shirts and long pants.

I'm glad to hear you say that floating around on a boat made you soft (it;s the same in van life too). Like most sailing youtube channels, they have good times, clink glasses, enjoy wildlife of the ocean and have good times. Which is great for a while. But what do you have after 20 years, good memories? You are doing the right thing. You are building equity every day. You are creating a home. And after 20 years you will have something solid.

Leveling camper - don’t level via the corner stabilizer stands - jack up the frame near the wheels/suspension. Use chocks against the camper wheels to prevent it moving (don’t rely on corner stands). Find an ugly neighbor teenager/s to help with manual labor 😁

You guys are freaking amazing! Go for your dreams and who cares what anyone says. It's your life to live! I give you both the utmost credit for pursuing your dreams. Good luck to both of you of you in all of your future endeavors. My boyfriend and I love watching your videos. You both make us laugh. Live your dreams! Go get it! We love you guys!

No poison ivy in my island but be careful of any milky liquid from plants, usually cause skin rashes and short term blindness. For the rash, you can use aloe plant (sabila in spanish). And you can also keep a bucket of soapy water (using baby shampoo) and another with clean water to quickly rinse off when it itches

Hey! I just found your channel! This is like watching us when we moved here to Puerto Rico full time 10+ years ago and fighting back the vines lol. We started with just a bow saw and quickly graduated to a chainsaw too! Now we have our little farm mostly under control, but we work at it every day especially in the summer. Good luck on your move. You can watch some of our videos if you want to see a little of our homestead and also our adventures out and about in Puerto Rico. Bienvenidos!

Use the water to generate power

First off, CONGRATULATIONS! I know y'all are all about doing it yourself and figuring it out along the way, but if when you get to construction/building and might want / could use experienced volunteer I'd love to come down and lend a hand. Figure it's the least I can do for y'all keeping me inspired as I work through a more long term plan to live a life similar to what I've watched you live the past years.

You should really think about getting a JCB diger in and releveling and clearing the land, and useing a tractor and a rotovater. At the same time puting down a liner and gravle to make a proper parking area. Also making a beautiful lawn. This will help you see more clearly what you have and make things much easier for futur building and projects on your property. Good luck the place has so much to offer, it will be your little paradise homestead.

I’m really excited for you both. From one adventure to the next. I think we should reinvent our lives and move onto the next chapter. At almost 60, I can truly look back at many of mine. Life is a journey and we are all on one!

I started watching for the boat adventures, but I quickly fell in love with you as a couple. So I am in it for the long hall! Sea or land!

Can I suggest wrapping the bottom of your camper with a tarp To stop any plant growth underneath, i love your journey and have followed you from the beginning. good look guys, x

Oh wow so you are now full time Puerto Ricans i knew it i could see Matt loves our Island 🇵🇷🇵🇷 Bienvenidos a Borinquén and thank you for loving our island

I just found your channel today and I'm really excited to check out all of your other stuff. I have a 30 ft camper I live in. I switched all of my light fixtures over to LED for a 12 volt system. I no longer trip any breakers. I bought them off Amazon for a decent price and the light my place up like never before. You can get some nice looking replacements. I live in a very hot climate. I got tired of my air con tripping all of the time because it was over heating. I've just purchased all of the things I need to put liquid rubber roof on and window film to insulate my windows. It's all making a huge difference in my power bill and has helped the inside stay cooler in the Summer and it's supposed to help keep it warmer in the Winter. Not quite there for the Winter testing yet. Maybe you can find some products like these to help you out. Good luck. Take care.

The jungle as we call it on the islands can be hard to deal with. The weed eater tool you are using is called a bushcutter. We tame the jungle by cutting the jungle down to the ground put grass down around the house and keep the jungle back

You guys never cease to amaze me. You bumble thru life with half a plan...carrying it off thru hard work and bullheadedness. The rebuild on dead dolphin you did was painfully marvelous...many times I had to say what th' hell are you doing it that way for....you pulled it off thru hard work. It turned out really nice. Now on to the next chapter. I have no doubt that you will succeed here too.

In an RV the water heater and fridge should be able to run off electric or propane. So y’all can switch those to propane to save on the electric

With all the rain you could buy a 1000 gal tank and set up a tarp to catch rain and fill it for off grid water. Direct power would be cheaper than solar and batteries

You guys have probably already thought of it but just in case. Get some screw anchors and heavy duty ratchet/storm straps to make sure some hurricane doesn't try to turn your trailer into a kite.

What your doing doesn’t change who you are and that’s why I love watching you guys! Love the love you two have for each other and I’m fully invested in this new journey. Good luck you two!

Suggest you wear long pants while working on the land, be careful with the abayarde ants (little fire ants that live in the trees around coffee plantations)... i use vicks vaporub around the neck, and get a dog for the rats... welcome to Puerto Rico!! 🇵🇷 ❤

Are you following in the footsteps of Robin Lee Graham? He sailed “The Dove” around the world. A 16 year old in a very small sailboat (at least at the start). He wrote the book “The Dove” about his sailing adventure. Perhaps the equivalent of You-Tube reporting in his era. When he returned, he moved to Montana or Colorado (don’t remember for certain) and Homesteaded for his next journey. Great story, much like your own, that many followed along with and they themselves lived out vicariously. Occasionally, enviously too I would imagine. Anyway, hope it works out well. New adventures, new trials & new learning from those trials. God Bless.

Save hours and hours of time by cutting the vines then letting them die before trying to pull them out of the trees you're trying to save. Much easier to pull them out when they're not alive

We are in Florida. We grow Lemon Grass (for tea) Moringa for medicin and everything in between, Sweet Potato, Cactus, Papaya, Basil, Bannanas, Pinapple. We tried other stuff, but these are the most successful.

Put a tarp over the van roof to prevent it deteriorating so quickly out in the weather.

Matty, a couple of other things. If you’re going to keep the slide outs out permanently you need to brace them to take the weight off of them so they don’t get stuck and cause some damage. Also, put some bugs screens over the heater exhaust, bugs will set up household in there quick.

The world is full of choices with sailing vids etc. I choose to follow you because of you both. Follow the dreams and keep the vids coming.

I’m excited to be on this adventure with you. This looks like a beautiful piece of land and it’s nice you have already started meeting neighbors. On the boat you worked hard and endured several hardships and now you look like a ton of weight has been lifted off your shoulders. I predict this will be an infinitely happier and therefore more successful channel and you two look more in love than I’ve ever seen over the time I’ve watched your channel. ⛵️🏚️🏡Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Put a lock on your hitch so no one can come along and steal your R/V while you are away. That happens a lot in Florida and other states. I would also install a strong fence & a locking gate across the front of your property that faces the road with well placed highly visible signs that say "No Trespassing". Good fences make good neighbors. 😊

I'm impressed with your hard work and can do spirit. The camper should serve you well. I hope you have a propane hot water heater and refrigerator. It is important that you level the unit for them to work properly. My best wishes for both of you!

I give you guys a lot of credit. That's a lot to take on. You're going to need some heavier brush hog or similar, I think. There are probably all kinds of poisonous vines. Brazilian pepper plants, etc. Glad to see you're wearing gloves. If you're going to burn the brush, do it where you are not breathing in the smoke. Above all , enjoy the hell out of your first place.

Iam hooked already man , cant wait too see how this devilops . oh just a wee tip , when starting a chansaw DONT do what you did to start it you can pull the cord right out doing that way , set it on the ground , hold the machine down , put youre foot in the handel where the trigger is and gently pull the cord while applying downword pressure to the handel . it will be secure , and you wont stand a chance of tearing youre leg up with the chain , i hope my explaination is clear . i use these tools every day as i am a landscape gardener . TOOLS ARE YOURE FRIENDS IF USED CORRECTLY , and youre enemy if used badly , NUMBER ONE RULE WITH THESE TOOLS IS SAFETY FIRST ALWAYS . they take no prisnoners .....

I believe “GrandpaCarlsailinganddiving” is good advice. As a farmer, I can tell you, you will learn more from watching animals than you realize. Goats for sure will provide both milk and meat. Chickens are great bug eaters. Just start small. Like a pair of goats and several chickens. The fence idea is spot on. Good luck you two. Love watching your adventures.

Air-conditioning 13,000 to 15,000 btu's. You will need at least 3200 watts to run it efficiently! More then that to start it unless you install a soft start. Good luck. I just got done spending 8 years living in a camper. There is a lot to learn along the way. Looking forward to watching. Stay safe.

This is going to be cool, you guys are doing what you want to do! The people who have been with you will stay with you. I am one of them!

My husband and I did nearly the same thing a decade ago! It was brutal and rewarding! It revolutionized our lives! Wish y’all all the best! Get land while you can it’s always a good idea to have some home base!

That Creek was deceptive in size till Matt was shown!

Born and raised in PR. Enjoyed the Army in '99, and now live in NC. Matt is funny is the real deal. Looking forward meeting you guys.

Too cool! Best wishes on the new adventure! Suggestion- heavy duty weedeater with a grass-gator metal blade head. Ask me how I know... Cheers from Guam! 🇬🇺

I have to say, at first, the thought of you not being on the boat was a turnoff. BUT, after watching THIS video!?! I'm hooked!! Just like when you started your boat renos!! I'm looking forward to your next one!! GREAT JOB, GUYS!!!!!

Hi Guy's, if you don't want to go the way of the Maya civilization, invest in a DZ mower. Think Mangoes, pineapple 🍍, 🥑 as soon as possible. A couple of orange and lime trees for your own consumption. Also a couple of papaya trees ( with lime and sugar it's a treat). If you have a stream and need water pumped, think of a ramp pump you don't need electricity. I remember a ramp pump made in England out of steel that work for months before you needed to change a five dollar part. In Spanish I believe it's called an "Ariete". It was used to pump water to a big tank at an even higher level than the house. Not to say it's fascinating to not use electricity or fuel. Some people have made them out of PVC parts, but they don't last, they can be noisy so an enclosure (brick, cement) is a good idea.

We have been watching you all for over a year. Loved the sailing but love the homesteading even more! We can relate more with the homesteading. The wife and kids and I love your all's personalities. We watch you guys every Sunday after church. All the way from Kansas. We pray for your future and hope its super blessed. Keep the awesome content coming and ignore the people who are throwing a hissy fit. God bless.

You two could do a full time bingo channel, I’d still watch it!!! You guys do you. 0:45

Matt and Kristen, I think we are almost neighbors... I live on Roag 109, way on the west side of our beautiful island, so, Welcome Home!!! Bienvenidos!!! ...and I will watch you on the boat, in a van, the RV, or wherever you let us watch!!!!

We all know that when Uncle Matty saw those mirrors in the Bedroom wall, that was the one.😅

Good Luck,you arrive the Paradise 🤙

where is Bear?

By the looks of the stream that you showed you have a good chance of getting a small home built water turbine generator plant working pretty successfully. All you need is enough power to pull lights and computers in the beginning and you can always add more later when/if needed. Good luck

Congratulations guys. It’s quite a culture shock and i hope you guys can take up the challenge. Blessings on all your endeavors. You have been quite inspirational as cruisers and I will miss your adventures. I will still keep an eye on your channel.

Hmmm... Fascinating. Potable water, power, septic tank, field lines, box garden. Write a daily journal. It will come in handy for many good things in the future. It's about to get very interesting. Good luck!

How much land do you guys own? Can you please fly the drone and give us an aerial view of your property boundary.

That creek has sooo much potential. Maybe in the future dam it up slightly to create a larger swimming hole with a patio. It's probably too late, but check and see if your weed eater has a sawblade attachment that you can order. I have one on my Stihl weed eater and DANG you can cut some serious undergrowth VERY quickly and you're not having to bend over swinging a chainsaw.

Try to keep vegetation or trees on the slope or plant tings you want. It will prevent erosion.

9 Months of adventure on land and 3 months sailing is a win-win for me. We get to the best of both worlds. I feel like I am actually living your adventure with you guys. This is great. Keep up the good work. The land is coming on just fine.

If that stream is yours you have all the electrical power you need. Build for Hurricaine resistance.

So impressed!! Kristen is blessed to have a huge hunk of a man as her fiance❤ loved watching this glorious new begining! My heart is swelling at this team work and gorgeous paradise you have to call your own! Sending all my happy vibes and love to you both❤❤

Switching gears is part of the adventure!

If you at all close to San Sebastián, there is a farmers market every Friday that would be worth going to. Early in the morning they auction animals and around 8 a lot of stalls setup like a flea market selling a lot of plants, animals and equipment. We go every chance we get just for fun but setting up a homestead it would be really useful

I'm with you guys.

Kristen your hilarious and Matt you have such a kind heart I've said this before. I'm so excited for the both of you. ❤❤

So, How much land do you have? and first off, make sure you level that RV via the freezer compartment of the refridgerator. Heat-absorption refrigeration requires level operation when it's not in motion. You can/will destroy it otherwise VERY QUICKLY! Do you have any proof of how this property has been impacted by hurricane's in the past? Jus'say'n, This property was abandoned for a reason. Questions? Is there power at the projec sitet? 100 amp service or 200 amp service ? City water and utilities at the sight? Septic tank or sewar system? If you're talking about a long term stay in the RV, you're going to need to make sure to put pest control on the ground, otherwise you'll have unwanted visitors. Your truck would have died trying to pull that trailer. Location looks OK,

From experience, be aware that ants will find their way up the jack stands and the wheels or whatever and get inside the travel trailer van. If they set up home in the wall cavities , it’s hard to get rid of them. You might want to sprinkle ant repellent everywhere under the van

My wife and i have been doing the same thing in Oklahoma in the mountains. Its hard work but its most definitely worth it

Loved the sailing. This is equally awesome. I travelled with my wife (when we were younger) for many years. Swags, tents, camp trailer, caravan. Spending time with your best mate is hard to beat. All the best guys, can't wait to see how this turns out.

How much land do y’all have?

Did RVing for years. The Air conditioner is the biggest electric load. AND the start up of the AC is the biggest issue. Look into a soft star conversion for your AC it will allow you to get away with a smaller generator as it will reduce your startup load demand. Good luck!

To avoid rodents in your camper, get 100% peppermint oil. Put on cotton balls and distribute throughout the camper and basement compartments. Repeat every month. Otherwise mice etc will come in.

I have enjoyed your videos for the past couple of years. You have inspired me to start my own RU-vid channel (No Dog Licks). Looking at your new endeavors and the resources just below the back yard drop-off, two things come to mind. A water generator to power up the home. If you have a good potable water spring (tested drinkable) or just need a source of water at the homestead (garden), then a hydraulic ram pump. Keep up the adventure and best of luck.

if little house walls are still solid...convert to a barn

Concerning septic systems. Glad you are looking to see where pipes go and you will probably have to check out the tank/have it pumped out. Pray that you have a 2 tank/2 chambered system with a leach field and no just a cesspool single bottomless tank. If you find that you need a new set up, consider a grey water (showers and sinks) system for plant watering and a black water (toilets) system. The grey water can just be a series of 55 gal blue plastic drums that you can pump from. For black water -a 2 chamber concrete tank connected to a distribution box then pipes going into the leach field. I prefer the ARC chambers and their ease of installation for the leach field vs, the perforated pipe with mesh on top and tons of gravel underneath, if your site's soil conditions allow.

One more thing the supports on each corner of the RV are not leveling jacks they are support jacks, to level the unit you need a hydraulic jack and cement blocks under the frame of the RV, you need to talk to your sales person he will explain it better than I can in this note let me know if you need assistance.

We hope you don't totally give up the boat, but this channel has ALWAYS been more about you two. God bless and good luck with the land preparations and as long as you want to post videos we'll keep watching!

Good to see Ol Uncle Maddy putting his cowboy boots to good use. Good job guys keep up the good work.

Hi I've watch you for a long time. I'm your patron John Gillispie's Mom . What brave and awesome undertKing ❤❤❤