38 Year Old Van Drives 2,000 km!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- Our 38 year old van made it all the way to Southern Spain!!
It was a crazy drive and there were definitely a few spots when we were scared Ody might not make it (especially on the last hill up to the house!) Though I have to say the adventures with Ody continue in the next few videos because the first week in Spain was pretty harrowing, so get ready because coming up soon we have to learn how to get Ody out of a pretty sticky situation.
Question of the week: What part of the van build are you most excited for?
For me, I think I'm looking most forward to designing the exact layout once we get the insulation in and know what the exact dimensions will be, but I mean putting in the kitchen??? Creating a little drawing nook? The list really goes on and on and on at this point : ) because there is still so much to do!!!
#vanlife #oldmercedesvan
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Video Camera: Canon 5D3 with a Canon f4 24-105mm lens, and a Canon G7X
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Music Credits:
DJU - "SYF"
/ syf
brtrnd - "absent"
/ absent
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Keep in Touch with Us:
on / wildweroam
on / wildweroam
on / danaleeroberts
It's very very dark in the UK right now as well. Enjoy the light and relative warmth. I shall envy you from a few latitudes north :)
Thank you for watching Ade!! So happy to see familiar faces in the comments :) Definitely getting more and more sun here each day so fingers crossed sending you some in the UK soon - Dana
Honestly my favourite channel on TH-cam right now, watching you guys go on these adventures and tell us these stories in such a visually pleasing and enjoyable way is something really special
Hi Christopher, thanks so much for commenting! Glad you liked the recent stuff ; ) we're finally getting into the van build and editing those videos which is the content I've been looking forward to making ever since we started this channel! ---Lou
As of Wednesday 24 January at 0627 NZST this has 0 dislikes and I think that's incredibly deserved.
aww James thanks for marking this moment in time :) definitely won't stay that way as we always end up with a few dislikes, but who care about those anyway! We just love sharing our videos with people like you who enjoying coming along on the journey!!! - Dana
I´m very happy that you are here in Spain! I hope that you spend a great time here, Malaga is a beautiful province! If you have time, I recommend you to go to Cádiz, the beaches have something magical, the place is wonderful and I am from there! And If you want to know more about Andalucia, please, don´t hesitate to ask me, I will be glad of answering everything.
Answering the question of the week, I would say that I want to see the entire van building process, but the kitchen has me intrigued. I can´t wait to see the conversion!
Best wishes from Cádiz.
Hi Carlos, yes, we definitely would like to see Cádiz and have heard some truly wonderful stuff about that area! We haven't really figured out exactly what type of kitchen design we will build, so I'm actually quite interested in developing that part as well : ) ---Lou
I live in the Basque Country and I recognized the highway behind my house! What an incredible adventure! Enjoy!
Hi Leire! So cool that you live there, it was beautiful passing through and we can't wait to explore the whole area later this summer hopefully : ) ---Lou
Lmao I thought this said 38year old van driver and was unimpressed
hahhah funny how different one word can make a title :) thanks so much for watching!! - Dana
Hey guys, if you are aware of your van battery - unplug the music player, or at least switch it off, when you start the engine ;)
Great vlog, keep it up and greetings from Finland!
(that's the really dark place in winter time lol)
Hi Ian! Thanks for watching! We have a key for the battery so no power can leave the battery by accident and we really like having the radio turn on as a sign that the battery still has juice when we do connect it ; ) but when we redo the whole van the radio might get tossed since it hardly works! ---Lou
I stumbled across your channel because I was looking up how to develop film. I say it almost every video but I enjoy your videos so much. So cinematic and beautiful. I'm so invested in your lives now lol. I want to find a partner just so I can live a life like this, simple, adventurous, and happy.
Thanks so much Lorielle! Van life definitely seems more maneagable as a couple, though it does make the space twice as crowded ; ) but its been really really nice working as a team to try and overcome all the obstacles in our way! ---Lou
Inspirador como siempre! Espero estén disfrutando todo en este momento. Que buen lugar encontraron para trabajar sobre la van. Un abrazo a los dos!
Muchas gracias Francisco! Es un lugar perfect para trabajar aunque hay algunos problems grandes--estamos en una finca y nadie viene para darnos paquetes asi que no es posible comprar cosas online para Ody! ---Lou
when i see your vlogs, i feel so much positivity i feel like everything is possible when you want to follow your dreams
it's so amazing, i'm very happy for you guys
Thanks so much for the kind words Priscila! We've both been trying super hard to always stay positive and enjoy all the moments, even the really challenging ones ; ) Meditation has been huge in that regard, because it makes everything a little more maneagable! --Lou
Gald you guys made it safety! Hope his back heals soon!
Thanks Jason, it was a pretty massive drive for our old van, but the back is feeling way way better so thats a huge relief ; ) ---Lou
This is so cool!
I used to live in Spain, I miss it! I really hope you enjoy your time! :)
Thanks Jarod! Dana and I met in Barcelona 7 years ago, so its been really special being back in Spain, though down here it feels like a totally different country! ---Lou
7 years! Wow! Spain is truly magical!
I AM EXCITED TO SEE WHERE YOUR BAN ADVENTURES WILL TAKE YOU!!!
Thanks!!! It feels surreal that the moment we've been working towards for so long is finally here : ) Just trying to take it all in and enjoy ever day! ---Lou
¡Pasadlo genial en Málaga! Es uno de los lugares más bonitos de España y sin duda habéis encontrado un sitio increíble ;)
Muchas gracias Pablo : ) las vistas aquí son increíbles! ---Lou
I nearly teared out of bliss within the first few seconds! Glad you guys were safe and missed the storm.. funny how things play out either by luck or universe or whatever it may be that your laptop broke at just a time. The bad ain't always that bad! What a lovely little apartment!!!
Hi Melinda : ) It really is funny, we were so bummed when our macbook crashed and we had to wipe the hard drive completely since its really not that old and apple really should make products that actually last, but when we missed that storm and didn't have to spend a night on top of a mountain in the snow it felt like it all worked out somehow : ) --Lou
UGH tell me about it! I've been wanting to switch from Apple to another company for a while now! The games must end! But once they've got ya sucked in with a phone, laptop, etc its almost inconvenient again to get out.
How did you guys find that cottage in Spain? Airbnb or did you reach out to locals somehow?
that is one of the cutest houses I've ever seen!! love it guys!
Thanks Josh! It is cute for sure, but also a bit rugged, tough thankfully all the problems have been sorted (overflowing toilet, clogged sink, cracked fireplace leaking smoke) so we are up and running now! ---Lou
That's house looks awesome. I wanna go and take pictures of it. Lovely
Hi Ed! It really is a lovely little cottage and is quite photogenic if not fully function--during our first week the toilet overflowed into the room, the sink got clogged, and the fireplace leaked clouds of smoke into the cabin from a crack in the way, but we're slowing dealing with the problems and getting sorted ; ) ---Lou
I always love the style and vibe of your guys video. You guys are inspiring!
very inspiring video !
Thanks! Really glad that trip is behind us though, that was an exhausting drive! ---Lou
Waiting for next video soooo much, this place where you live now is super cute!
Already editing it now : ) Its a short tour of the old van before we tear it all out! ---Lou
My day is made
Thanks so much for watching Michael! Can't wait to share more van videos soon : ) ---Lou
Please adopt me.
awww you are too cute Joanna :) We are all one big family here!!! - Dana
Epic!
Hi Keala, great to hear from you again : ) The van build has begun, the cottage we're in has a working toilet and sink and fireplace after a week of getting things fixed, and now all we need to do is get going on the build! We're currently waiting for paperwork from a garbage dump here where we want to throw away the modly insulation and a lot of the other stuff from the old van that we won't be able to repurpose for the new build, funny how you need paperwork here to dispose of garbage ; ) ---Lou
your video are so inspired. i want to buy a van and leave
So so happy to hear you connected with the video :) Can't wait to transport you even more once we actually get on the road and start traveling! - Dana
Love it
Such a tiny, cozy beautiful house. I am glad you guys made it safe. :) As always, great video!
It really is the perfect place for us right now Ji Yeon!! Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment :) we really appreciate it! - Dana
Ody really is a tough guy!
Im sooo excited for the next videos!
A vanbuild vid WildWeRoam-Style will be awesome
Thanks Josh! We are super impressed with Ody so far, he is a champ! As you'll see in the next few videos, he has overcome quite a lot : ) The vanbuild has hit a few snags---apparently you need a permit here to dispose of trash at the dump--but we are working through it all : ) ---Lou
Congratulations on making it there. Love that area of Spain, I go there for some winter training on the bike. If you can get around and explore while the van is being worked on I would recommend Ronda and taking in Grazalema. "Smurf town" is nearby too!
Oooooo, just checked out smurf town, very funny! That's a bit away and up a few massive hills which Ody might not like, but I would love to check it out if we have time. Thanks so much for the recommedations Terence : ) ----Lou
I adore this video! Spain looks so magical! I love the mountains and that little house is so sweet and so simple for a simple, humble, but abundant life!!!
Thanks Mila! Yeah, your totally right, its very very simple and rustic, but it all feels so peaceful and life feels really clear and focused which has us both super inspired to work hard and enjoy the process! ---Lou
"...and I feel the warm air rising over the hill, the palm trees rustling, the winds sweeping over the water, a wave rolls up onto the beach; and like that, it's gone."
Thanks! I thought I responded to this one already but maybe it didn't go through : ) VO writing used to be such a chore but lately we've found it quite fun! ---Lou
Hi. Where did you stay in Spain
I was legit so proud every time Ody started, and I'm so excited to see what you do with the van build!!
Hahaha, you and me both : ) There were a few really cold starts but its a little warmer where we are now so thats a relief! ---Lou
Didn't realize that I was holding my breath for the entire trip until you arrived! Proud of Ody--when you are that old with that many miles under your hood, long trips can be scary. Not sure what I expected but the view from your house is so pretty. So excited to see you build out your new home!!!!!!!!
Hi Patty : ) You and me both, that was an intense drive! John's advice about over-revving the engine has been super helpful because now I don't get so nervous hauling the van up the crazy steep hills around here, but there were a couple hills on the highway where we were doing 20 miles per hour, which is wayyy too slow to feel comfortable on the highway! ---Lou
What a lovely little house! Amazing that you made it this far with the van :) be safe and enjoy your stay! Hope Lou feels better soon! Byebye! X
Thanks for the well wishes ; ) the back is already feeling way way better, but it was kinda scary when it hurt to breath the first few days because I've been looking forward to this van build for over a year now and then at the last minute it almost fell apart, but its all good now! ---Lou
You people give me so much hope. P.S. Try yoga for back pain by Adriene, Lou. Get better soon!
ahh you know us too well Adi!!! We have done that routine a few times since arriving. Adriene is a magician I swear :) - Dana
Wild We Roam So sweet! Thought you'd enjoy her practice. She definitely is a magician. Be well!
go lou! go dana!
PS: you gotta take some film shots of the area where you live! I'd love to see that!
Thanks Jarod! Only problem is there are zero photography stores around here and we no longer have our developing kit so it'd be tough to get those developed! ---Lou
Oh, shucks! I'm sure a little video/digital photography tour of the area would be just as amazing. :) Good luck on the van build-out!
Soon you will say forget the van lets rent a Yacht and go club med! Woot
Hahaha, yeah, hopefully not tooo soon, but that is in fact our long term dream ; ) ---Lou
looks like a great adventure ! we did quite the same, but with 7 friends ahah
Hahahah, well at least you had a lot of different drivers right ; ) ---Lou
Had a busy day, finally watching the video!! Great as always ❤️
Thanks so much for stopping in Lexis, so glad you liked this one : ) ---Lou
So excited for you guys' new adventures!!
Thank you so much Fiona for joining us :) Feel so lucky to be able to connect with so many people through these videos! - Dana
That house looks ancient! So lucky!
Hi James, it IS ancient! And that means faulty plumbing, overflowing toilets, and all sorts of other little things which have finally been sorted, but yeah, its also super super beautiful and the views around here make for amazing timelapses ; ) ---Lou
I recently read a lot of research on back pain and if you just hang from those wooden beams then it will do your back a load of good! Love your videos
Thanks Wul! I love doing back stretches like that, only problem is these beams aren't weight bearing! I was doing that stretch and then the owner came in and warned me that the beams might break... so now I just use them without putting too much weight on them. The back is already wayyyyy better, but I was pretty nervous for a few days when it hurt to breath! ---Lou
Aw no! Fair enough, definitely better to avoid the whole house collapsing! I'm sure you'll be able to find some trees with branches that'll do the same thing anyway!
hey you're in Spain so near where I live. Great news. Hope you have the time of your lifes. Love Santos
Thanks! Yeah, its beautiful down here, though I have to say I was hoping it would be a little warmer ; ) ---Lou
Don't worry. At the end of February the weather gets much better.
Ahhhhh, I was hoping that was the case, my mom said the same thing but were up in the mountains not on the coast so its quite a bit cooler here... ---Lou
i've never been this early so.. i just leave this here
Hahahah, congrats! What time zone are you in? Were experimenting with different upload times ; ) ---Lou
Please guy... Send me a PM when you're in Paris ! It could be so fun. I cycled from Avignon to Barcelona during the storm, it was rough... (Depending on the moment of the year, I can host you.)
aww too bad we missed you, Jean-Acier! Paris is one of our favorite cities in Europe :) Also, that sounds like an incredible cycle trip - tough during the moment, but I'm sure you have good memories of it now! - Dana
This video is just beautiful, as usual. I just loved the footage of France in the snow. Can't wait to see more of your life in Spain! xx
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment Kasia :) We really couldn't believe the snow and thank goodness we weren't trapped on the highway with all those other people!! - Dana
Your videos are amazing. I always feel so good when I watch them. You are incredibly talented!
Thank you so much for this comment Petra :) It means the world to us that we could bring some positivity into your day :) - Dana
Nice house after a long drive.
I couldn't agree more Alex!! Even though we had a few problems our first week ... toilet broke, sink broke and fireplace too :/ well actually it was all really broken before we got here because apparently the renter before us was really hard on the place. Luckily though it's all in working order now and it is getting sunnier and sunnier each day here!! Turning into a real creative paradise for us :) - Dana
Congrats guys! I mean, stuff 38 yo works pretty well. A bit lazy but We are made from good quality. Haha its fun that oldie is as oldie as I am! My "teenager" car-boy is 15yo haha.
Glad you made it and hope Lou is fine after so much driving in tuff conditions! A better road to there is by the coast (Barcelona, Valencia, etc.....) but it is a way more expensive travel, as roads are not free.
Hey Dani!! Thanks for joining on the journey as we made it to Spain : ) 38 definitely isn't old for people, but for a van you can really feel how different it is from modern day cars when its trying to go up hills!! As for the road fees we definitely learned that the hard way driving through France - so expensive! - Dana
Hey Dana, it was my pleasure on a busy office rutine almost monday day xD
I hope (it looks like that by watching the series on IG and over here) you are having fun, a part of some fixing :-P
True! , its a pile of years for a van, but it's a cool van and it makes you take it easier, right? I mean, it might be a different way to set your mind for your trips. Nevertheless I am happy that you have an old merc van wich looks cool and runs!
We, my family, usually go on a 1000kms trip to France (close to Paris) as my grandma born and raised in Galicia, moved to work there like 50 years ago or so and never came back xD
We do always go by car. It is a 8 to 10h journey, not even close to yours, but is tirying!
Yes tolls at France are very expensive. They also are here on the mediterranean coast unfortunatelly.(i believe Valencia - Barcelona is like 45€ just for 400kms!)
I hope you are having the Sunshine you were catching, and having lots of fun ;)
so lovely to hear this story!! and yes we are falling completely in love with Ody and all his quirks :) he might be old but he is beautiful and we can't wait to re-do the inside so it is the perfect place for us to explore and make so so many videos about the process! - Dana
Nice :D
I knew I was missing something! And this is "oh man! so glad you skipped that winter nightmare" on the A16! I've seen it on tv, people got stucked for like 10h or plus hours there and even some workers at the emergency numbers were very rude to the poor people trapped there. So I am really glad you could skip that nightmare!
Awsome 😍
Thank you for watching Danial!! Hope you're having a great week so far :) - Dana
welcome back in europe!
Thanks so much Rob!! It feels so good to be back :) - Dana
and straght to spain haha! weather here in the netherlands is shit.. hope to see you in the summer here with the converted mercedes