The Storm I Didn’t See Coming
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 มิ.ย. 2024
- This is the story of how my nomadic lifestyle came to a sudden halt and my van came apart all at once :/
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0:00 summer thunderstorm in the mountains
02:00 before it all came apart
04:30 we’re on a boat
06:30 paddle-boarding on the clearest water
8:03 rock climbing and stuff, i love lake tahoe
9:30 the storm i didn’t see coming
11:30 somewhere in the sawtooth mountains, idaho
12:30 ignorance is bliss
14:30 something is very wrong
16:12 game over
18:10 the end of vanlife? idk anymore
In this video:
Cody & Victoria @codyandvictoria , Zack @life_reloaded, Christina @Christina.erny, Quin @everchanginghorizon, Jess @jess.wandering
Business Inquiries: info(at)christianschaffer.art
Website: christianschaffer.art/
Instagram: / christianschaffer
Twitter: / christianschafr
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Hey :) I’m Christian Schaffer, and I’ve lived on the road full-time since May 2018. This journey began in 2013 when I left the corporate world to build my career as an outdoor adventure & travel photographer. After 14 months of SUV living - I bought the van I now call home. Van life enables me to experience and document the beauty of our natural world, while also having my home and office nearby. My hope is that by sharing my own personal highs and lows along this (sometimes) wild journey, you might be inspired to hit the road or spend more time outdoors. Maybe one day I'll see you out on that open road 🚐
*My van is a 2019 Ram ProMaster 1500 High Roof, 136" WB with 52K miles*
#solofemale #vanlife #offgrid
MB012MK2Y9K2DLL
Is anyone else immensely grateful for her long, cinematic and breathtaking intros?
Visual storytelling transportation encapsulated
🥲🙏🏻
Grateful and inspired
Seriously - I make TH-cam videos about my life on the road and feel like I'm constantly learning from the way Christian tells her story. Just always inspired by her visuals and how much space she allows for her story without a lot of talking or direct narrative - it's beautiful.
YES! Everything is indeed, so breathtaking! These are my precious moments of awesome wonder!
Nah. She needs more training - in Australia😉
Christian - my mom passed away earlier this week. You’re soulful, beautiful images of nature bring me comfort. You will get through this as I will get through the death of my mom, please keep doing what you’re doing. You give us all hope.
Cinematography is ON POINT! You're like the Roger Deakins of vanlifers.
It's not a rebuild, it's a rebirth!
Every event in our life has a purpose. The water issue might be challenging to fix, but it's only temporary. If we maintain a positive attitude, something good will come from this situation!
100% yes. There is a valuable lesson in every experience without exception. It's how you frame the experience which matters most. Good luck Christian 🙏
Anyone who believes only good things come from adversity is obviously living in a mass formation psycosis. I use the jewish experiences of hitler for my first example cause even a person in deep psycosis can understand all those touched by hitler did not have a happy ending.
Thanks Christian - that dramatic weather in the intro was some of your most powerful filming yet - even without your commentary - hard to out-perform a storm - nature is the greatest performer 😮
Thunderstorms are my favorite kind of weather ☺️
@@ChristianSchaffer
And in this storm ⛈️ you'll make it through just fine. I miss Tahoe. 👍
So sorry to hear of your leak prob. I’m sure that it’s overwhelming, especial as you discover the extent of the damage.
Be grateful for catching it when you did. Wishing you patience and clarity. 🙏
Fingers crossed 🤞🏻
((((Hug❤))))) sh1t happens
@@ChristianSchaffer keep us updated.
Oh no!!! Ugh plumbing. That's why I didn't do any plumbing in the truck house, I just use a 7 gallon jug that comes out easy to fill with water, and a sailboat style hand pump faucet. In the winter, I don't use the hand pump so there's nothing to freeze/explode. So sorry Christian, you'll get it repaired, just keep at it🖤
The tradition in Christian's videos It's like first and then watch..
haha 🥲🙏🏻
@@ChristianSchaffer. Your gift is undeniable. To see your van in the foreground and then the mountains or storm in the background, made me feel; we are so small physically in the world. Then to see you dancing on your own made me realize that joy can be boundless. Love seeing your joy. Keep it up please. You shall overcome
I do the same. 😊
Ditto… 😅
Ha. Me too
Christian! It was so great to hang with you in our little neck of the woods. 😊 It’s kind of nice that you don’t share your videos right away cause we got to relive these little moments! Good times! Sorry about the leak though - hope you get it sorted out quickly. Water in vans is no fun.
Can’t wait to catch you guys on the road 😉 Miss ya!!
The things that you captured through the lens before your discovery of the disaster was exceptionally beautiful. You will solve the problem definitely. Maybe you already did. At least I hope so. Small obstacle, but I understand that the van being your house, it's like some plumbing under my apartment floor was leaking and I would have to forcefully remodel the whole house. It's not nice, but that's life with ups and downs. The important thing is that you are healthy, and you have the means to overcome this. I loved the video! Be safe!
Aye, the van is gutted 🙃😬
All luck and Love ❤❤❤ keep strong !!!
Christian : Part and parcel of vanlifers always something you never expected to go wrong goes wrong and usually m,iles from anywhere so fixing it is a nightmare but you found the problem and now its a matter of rebuilding. Which of course is a cost you never considered but eventful as it is - its part of a van lifers on going situation. Thanks for having the courage to show us.
Couldn’t imagine not sharing it, my van is currently gutted 😭 would be quite hard to hide haha
These are the moments that enhance my solitary life
Thank you lady!
Glad you like them ☺️
Your passion, creativity and imagination comes through with each vlog. Thank you for what you do.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I'm glad I went ahead and buckled up before I watched this Christian. I've been on roller coasters with fewer ups and downs. I was humbled by the power and grandeur of mother nature. I was then shown the beauty of Tahoe and how good this winter was for the lakes health. You warned us in the last video about the trials coming up, and I was still unprepared for the extent of the damage. I love you. Stay safe.❤🙏
It’s becoming quite the adventure 😅🙃
This beautiful film was like a rollercoaster !!!
Right from the start it captures me into thinking so many different things of what is to come!!
It was so climatic .
The numerous thoughts and emotions that you most likely were feeling during this experience must have been so tough.
But you handled it so beautifully, strong and relentless.
Like a Champ.
You are a true warrior and fighter beautiful soul.
Happy Birthday.
Trevor
❤️💪🏾🤗🌹🙏🏾🥰
That water was so amazing, the boat looked like it was floating on air at times! Good luck with your van! “To be tested is good. The challenged life may be the best therapist.” - Gail Sheehy
“ all of life is one giant therapy session” - me 😂
What a bummer for you, but sending you positive vibes so it gets resolved quickly. I love your van home , and it was the inspiration for our van build. Fantastic storm scenes. Thanks Christian.
🙏🏻🙏🏻
@@ChristianSchaffer me🤞😻👍three❣
Honestly, I think that the footage (prior to the van/water issue) is your absolute best. It’s hard to transition to the heartbreak and frustration that is your van/home after having watched such extraordinary art. I hope that your van is in a better place now.
Thank you 🥲🙏🏻 Determined to figure something out
This is so much to handle. We appreciate you sharing the highs and the utmost lows in your incredible videos. Having your home be ripped apart is devastating. I hope you find the resources you need to rebuild or the partners to help you. You are good people Christian. May good fortune come your way.
thank you Dana 🥲🤍
I’m slowly (glacially) planning an ultra light van. No wood. No wiring. 5 gallon water jug(s). Manual pump. Double doodie bags. 3 gallon solar shower. This info very much helped me think about the “flooring” which is my biggest conundrum. Can’t wait for Part 2. Sending prayers for great outcomes.
Yes they go way overboard on the TH-cam prim o builds. A modular build where everything can be removed in 30 minutes is best. A floor with removable foam floor pads and then throw rugs has worked for me for years and years. On can even use the removable $$cork floor pads.
I was surprised to see the wood strapping against the metal with no barrier. Depending on where you roam, disparate materials like wood on metal can create these problems on their own. I don't know enough about contemporary materials, but looking at something like Schluter products might send you in the right direction. And keep in mind anyway to move things out of the envelope (venting, drainage, wiring) is away for things to get in to the envelope. Good luck with the build!
Christian, so sorry about the water leak! Even with all that trouble, still makes me wanna van life. Thanks, your posts always offer creativity, beauty, peace, and knowledge, love it.
always an adventure, that’s for sure 🚐🤓
Your videos always bring a smile, but I am really sorry that you are having trouble with the van. The thing is though, it could just as easily be happening with a house, probably on a larger, more expensive level! Hang in there, it is very obvious you are smart and capable of taking care of yourself. I love your work, and we all need to see the Schaffer dance in the middle of nowhere to perk us up! Stay safe wherever you are!
Thanks Darrell ☺️🙏🏻
You seem perfect. Your life seems perfect. It's oddly satisfying to me to see that not everything goes perfectly. But then again maybe it does because it afforded you the opportunity to go to Norway. Perrrrrfect.
There are travel/Van blogs and then their is artistic heaven.this is beautiful❤
Be careful when working around that mold. It can make you really sick. On the flip side, your cinematography is really top tier and second to none. I can't say enough about the high quality of your work ❤❤❤❤❤. David.......
Holy Fu*k! That open sequence was epic! Glad you found the issue, I'm sure it's been extremely stressful. Can't wait to see the new build. Did you say 'spirits out' at the end? 😅
I think I said “this all needs to be ripped out” 😅
@@ChristianSchaffer Well...that certainly makes a lot more sense hahaha.
Haha, I thought she said that too! If you watch it on subtitles, it shows "spirits out" but she said ripped out.
I’m sorry about the leak. I know you’ll work it all out!
Thank you for sharing the photos of the storm and adventures. Stunning photography! Sending good vibes your way!
I’m sorry things came apart so swiftly. But rebuilding is always easier than you think and quicker than the first build. If you can save the cabinetry, replace the floor and than reinstall the cabinets you’ll be on the road again before you know it. And you are fortunate to have friends to help and provide emotional support during the rebuild. I wish you good fortune and await further adventures.
Geez, Christian....so sorry. I'm sure most of your followers (definitely me) feel a sense of pain as well since so many of us have been with you on your journeys over the years, and have watched you cook, work, or just relax inside your van, almost always with spectacular views out the windows. Your design and decor of the interior is very soothing, so this issue was difficult to watch. And if misery loves company, I'm sure you have plenty of company with this as well. We look forward to the renovation and future videos! All the best with the fix!
You never disappoint. I am so sorry to hear about the trouble with the van. It served you for so long. I absolutely LOVED all the footage of the Sierras! You were in my stomping ground! And Tahoe!!! MARVELOUS! I cannot wait for the next episode! For better or worse, it's beautiful story.
I’m sorry you are going through this! 😢 I’m glad you were somewhere with tools available and figured out the leaking. The photography and video footage is amazing as always!
Thank you!
So so sorry to hear about your water issues causing all that damage. Having had a home that flooded twice I understand the absolute frustration and upheaval something like this causes. I wish you the best of luck with the repairs and know we’re all hopeful that you’ll be back on the road soon!
Love your dancing in the mystery of mother nature beautiful soul.
❤️🤗🌹🙏🏾
So sorry you are going through this! Keep positive and get it fixed. It’s clear your van is very important to your life and content and we look forward to your videos!!!!!
Thanks Nicole 🤍
Geez what a terrible surprise. I hope all goes well, and that you come out of this hardship stronger, like all those before! The intro was amazing, the sound and video quality, and the choice of scenes used, really pulled me in. I don't know if it was by design, or just the title alone, but I really got anxious the further it went. Looking forward to the next chapter
Maybe you were feeling what I was feeling when filming all of this…happy to be in nature but with an underlying anxiety about all that pooling water. Was a relief to finally pull up those floorboards, even though it meant destroying the van 😳
Sorry to hear about the water damage to your home, it’s a good thing you were able to track down the cause, and now you can problem solve the issue. That’s the important part, some traditional home owners may never be able to completely solve some of their problems, all they can do is to bandaid it. Look at it as a positive, this might be a good opportunity to upgrade your interior with new furnishings and different flooring.
The most free spirit on TH-cam. And you radiate strength bravery and determination. Onward and up.
Appreciate you 🥲🙏🏻
Loving these cinematic opening of videos. The beauty of nature , selection of shots and sound design is exquisite. So good to see Blue's here as well. 😊 And hope things work out with van soon. :))
Cody and Victoria are the best ☺️🙌🏻
Your videos always make my weekend: such a lovely mix of artistry, scope, inner reflection and music :)
Can't wait to see what comes of this mishap -- might even present opportunities that might not have otherwise offered themselves!
Also intrigued by your seeming collab with a new company, they'll be lucky to have you!
Hoping for a silver lining 🤞🏻
I know there is so little comfort to offer at a time like this - when so much is falling apart and changing, but remember that you are the journey. YOU are the journey, and the journey continues. Always. Feel our love and appreciation of your unique talent and spirit. You bring us so much, and we are here for you. ❣
I'm sorry about the leak and damage! Thanks for sharing such beautiful footage!
Good morning Christian, 🌞 I'm so sorry this has happened to your home. My bricks and mortar home flooded last year (lost half my stuff and major renos), I understand the worry, frustration and overall weariness. Sending you fortifying hugs to help you through your rebuild. 🤗 I hope you find a silver-lining within this current storm cloud. Mine was, that sped up my timeline to start my own version of vanlife by three years with the hubby 😊
Thank you for this stunning video. How you still managed to produced art during this chaos is amazing. Wishing you an inexpensive and creative solution to your current situation. 🤗🇨🇦
So sorry that you’re going through this. Sending vibes of strength and calmness. You’ve got this! Keep us posted.
Wow, amazing! From stormy clouds to rainbows then lakes and mountains. Your video is pure powerful poetry and I had to watch it several times with smiles and tears. JUST SO Beautiful! Thank you for sharing and sorry about your van and the leaks. This too shall pass and you'll be on your way again for more gorgeous scenes and landscapes. Be safe, we love you!💖🙏🏼🐾
You are a truly amazing artist/videographer. Thank you for sharing your gifts. I hope your home rebuild works out for the best.
Ok Kristen, After that opening and footage on Lake Tahoe, I was blown away with the beauty and tranquility of the scene. Sorry to hear about your water problem and extent of damage done. Am glad you located the source of the problem and have a plan to repair and rebuild.
Looking forward to part 2. Hope you recover and rest easy. ❤️
You will get through this Christian. You are a resilient trooper. Thank you for the video.
Your cinematography is sublime, as is your selection of audio (track you selected to accompany the brewing storm was superb). Im pretty sure you will nail the problem with the water issue.
Thank you so much for your work 🙏🤍
Excellent video again! So heart-wrenching to hear and see the floor issues. Hope you can get the floor fixed. Stay safe!
Love love love those cloud sequences! So sorry to hear about your issues with the van. But you'll get through it!
Beautiful video and sorry about the leak. Hope the rebuild goes as smoothly as possible!
You have a way of making even problems look beautiful. I’m so sorry about the disaster in your van. Anxious to see what happens next. Wishing you the best!
Beautiful beginning. You have the gift for great images. Sorry to see your mold problem. All the best on the repairs.
Love your seemingly positive response to such a messed up issue. Good luck fixing and many thanks again, for making such amazing content for all of us ❤
hopeful for a silver lining 😅🤞🏻
You are very talented, these videos are sooo good, all the best with your renos...I. certain it will come back better than ever!
Just watched your story - so sorry for the turmoil you have been forced into. Was really struck by the contrast between the stunning the waters where you were swimming and paddling, and the horrors of the leak in your home. Really hope that you’ve found the time and peace to fix the problems and move forward again, where ever that may be.
Wow! I’m so glad you had a place to stay in the mean time of rebuilding. Sending so much grace and love 💞
More great shots. Each shot is thoughtful and looks like a painting. The nuances of color are very pleasing to the eye...I'm coming back for more (the storm is superb!) 🤩
So beautiful cinematography, whishes all the best with the van reconstruction.
Hi Christian I can see that your Van Life will come to end by this year and wish you all the best and I have loved watching your beautiful videos .
Oh noooo! I'm so sorry about the water leak in your van. It's a much bigger deal when it's your home that has to be basically completely ripped out and re-built. This was an absolutely stunning video. Wonderful job editing and capturing nature 💚
Can't tell you how much I appreciate your work - I make TH-cam videos in a similar spirit as yours about my life on the road and I'm neck deep editing right now feeling stuck --- honestly how you create such a beautiful story without a lot of talking and narrative is really powerful and, long story short, exactly what I needed to see. Also, shit, I'm sorry that things are falling apart with the van...and I also know that when things like this happen, they have a way of setting us on the right course even if on the outset it's a breaking apart and a mess. So here's to the universe having our back in non-linear and mysterious ways! We're all here supporting you from afar! Keep going - sending 💛💛💛
Wow, Christian! Movement of the clouds is magical. Thanks for sharing! ❤
What you choose to film and how you capture it is pretty incredible. You are so talented! Thank you for sharing it with us.
I love the mountains! And I love a good mountain storm! You are, without a doubt, my favorite van person. Good luck with your repairs. Hugs from Texas!
I'm so sorry about this! You've got this though stay positive as hard as it might be. It's part of a new beginning for you and I'm excited to see what's on the other side.
Amazing cinematography, Christian! I feel your water problem pain. So sorry for any stress it has caused. I know you'll overcome it. Peace and best wishes🙏🏽✌🏽
Thank you 🥲🙏🏻
Love the new format you are using. Incredibly sorry to hear about your troubles with your home. Just grateful you have friends that are there to help you out by loaning their tools and provide support. Best of luck, you are in our prayers.
So sorry about your new challenges. Hopefully things will get better. I just tuned into your youtube videos and they are amazing.
In such awe of your cinematography skills and the stories you tell with them.
Wowzer. My wife & I send well wishes your way and hope the re-build is going well. She and I have had two vans professionally built over the years to our specs. One of the things we requested that was non-negotiable was to have no built-in plumbing. Sounds sort of Walton Cabin-ish, but the one we currently own, and lived in full time for over two years, has a 1-gallon Rotopax on a custom stand, being filled with a whale gusher foot pump getting water from three 5-gallon jerry cans. Sink waste then goes down into a 2-gallon Rotopax that we have a couple empties to swap with. The simplicity for us works perfectly.
Oh no!! That sucks!!!!! I'm sorry that happened to your van. Good luck with the rebuild!!!!!
Beautiful shots of Lake Tahoe and Stanley, etc. Thanks for taking the time to share them with all of us. Sucks about the van but at least you're not having to tear into it in winter. All that mold will wreak havoc on your health if you let it go on for too long. Now you can open everything up and dry it all out completely. Hope you're back on the road soon.
Oh no! That’s so much work. I have to say, I’m relieved it was something that can be fixed… I was so worried something happened to you while you were rock climbing. My heart was beating so fast and I was holding my breath!! The beginning of this video is probably my favorite footage I’ve seen from you.
So many colors, shapes, moods, feelings...
I loved them all❣️ *_WoW_*
I live on s 47 year old sailing yacht for 35 years. Water damage is part of my life. Life sucks sometimes. But we rebuild it and then years later rebuild it again. Life goes on.
OMG! That opening shot / shots were amazing ❤❤❤❤❤ Yay rain dancer!!!
You are such a master artist. The silence and composition pull emotions right out of my soul. Thank you for all of it.
you are too kind 🥹🙏🏻
I know what you were thinking 20:04. "Where's my camera...." Where can I stop. Composition, composition....
Beautiful moving video and shots at sunset. Keep on. Don't let plumbing slow you down. We need your art!!!
Thank you for another powerful video, hoping you can find a way through the issues 🙏
The storm footage is so mesmerizing, might be my favorite video ever. Can't wait to see how you refit the van.
Hoping for the best 😬🤞🏻
Thank you for another beautiful video. I LOVE the thunderstorm opening. I'm was very sorry to see what you discovered in your van. I hope it is fixed and you are back on the road by now.
After watching your videos for months I decided I had to see the country for myself. I bought a large truck and I am in week 1 of 3 for my second road trip this summer living out of it. I hope to be out west for 6 weeks for the winter holiday season. Thank you again for the inspiration that has led to experiences I would not have gotten without your videos.
Hi Christian!
Beautiful footage of the water and the unexpected storm!
So sorry for your Van issue. Can imagine you needed a break (previous post..). The both of you formed such a great pair. I know you will pick up the pieces and move on 💪.
Stay save and enjoy Norge..
You’re one of the best content creators I follow. So sorry for the van issues you are having. I pray that you can get back to your journey ASAP. Just know that you have a whole community that has your back. Stay positive and stay safe ❤
Thanks Eric 🥲🙏🏻
Such a gifted visual story-teller. I truly hope you get this sorted Christian. It would be so sad to see you lose it.
Bedankt, I can't get enough of your adventures, and you keep it exciting!
thank you Roald 🥲🙏🏻
Obstacles and setbacks are tests of our fortitude, commitment and desire (among other things) and I think you have those in droves. When you've completed this endeavor and have revitalized your home, I think you'll be so full of joy and satisfaction at overcoming this test that your being will soar for a time and you will experience a sort of renaissance. And you will fall in love all over again with your phenominal mobile lifestyle and will face new adventures with a greater inner strength and belief in self. I for one, cannot wait to experience that along with you, via your amazing vanlife videos.
Hey, you got this! One day at a time .. Thanks for being real, and thanks for sharing. We need it. Best to you!
"the storm i didn't see coming"... I have never been so anxious watching a TH-cam video after that! Too many thoughts to share about what you have gone through, but... you are an amazing storyteller!
Beautiful video with oh such a sad ending; I feel for you going throgh such upheaval and uncertainty just now. Best wishes x
This video was like a movie that was so amazing at the beginning, (my fave you've ever done) so much happiness and joy. You looked very happy, then the end is a tearjerker sad ending.
I hope you rebuild and film it all. It's just one more chapter. It's crappy one, but still a chapter in your adventure that I hope you share. I wish I could offer more support than that right now. Please accept my virtual hug and know this too shall pass.
Thanks for the good vibes 🥲
I hope your van repairs go smoothly. 🙏
Thank you for another inspirational video! Tahoe was my favorite place growing up!
PS. So smart to pay attention to moldy smells. Maybe saved your health.
such a beautiful area ☺️
Thank you for another wonderful video…and so glad you discovered the source of the leak! Cheers to your re-build! Not fun…but perhaps a new creation! You are a remarkable artist!
Ugh, we just had a water leak issue on our sprinter van this summer! Thankfully it was a one-time deal and we found the problem after our trip. A part between our tank and filter malfunctioned so it has to be replaced. We stopped at the grocery store and I ran in to get a few things while my husband went to get gas. When I walked to the gas pump, water was pouring out of the slider and under the van! We have a 20 gal tank and he said he put about 15 gallons in it. We drove to a hill so we could drain the water tank and headed to our campground. What a pain. I hope our subfloor didn’t get damaged too much. I was worried about a mold problem, too. I’m glad you found your leak and hope it’s an easy fix. Good luck with the rebuild 🙏🏼
Wow, I'm sorry you're dealing with this. You're definitely a trooper and I love how you know what to do yourself in a very capable manner. It'll get rebuilt and you can continue your exciting journey. A bump in the road which won't last forever
Great video, especially the OPENING! Wow! I’ve watched enough “nomad” videos to understand the devastating fear of losing both your car AND your home at the same time. We can’t always be the initiator of Change and it always feels awful when we aren’t. I think this will turn out to be the transition you needed. Your talent will carry you through this.
I hope you’re right 🥲🙏🏻
I was really worried about how this video would end. I'm just glad you are ok!
So very sorry to see what happened but grateful you found the source. ALSO - Epic visuals and by far my most favorite episode. Well done Christian!
thank you 🥲🙏🏻
I love waking up and seeing one of your videos is ready for viewing, ty for the gift :)
Appreciate you Bryan 🥲🙏🏻
What a beautiful video around what I’m sure is actually an incredibly difficult time! Thank you for sharing and fingers crossed for the rebuild 🤞