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A few years ago, after a divorce, I found myself able to choose to live anywhere I wanted. I soon found the options became too much and just left me frozen in indecision. I made lists of pro's and con's yet I was so afraid of making the wrong decision. Then I found a quote, ( I do not remember the author)it said "there is no right decision, there is the decision you make, and then you make it right" That quote set me on the path to a cross country move. I moved right before the pandemic and have faced many challenges, but I have made this choice the right one for me. No matter what you choose you will be giving up things you love and gaining other things you love as much or more, just decide to make it the right choice for you, commit, go with it and correct any challenges along the way.
Such a well put statement Ms. Diane, no truer a statement than "home is where the heart is" coming from someone who let fear of the unknown, or a wrong move hold me back for most of my life, although I have tried not to pass that indecision trait on to my young son. Blessings to U and Urs Ma'am, I truely hope You get to Live Your Dream Every Single Day.👍
We all put up our own walls. If you are thinking about pivoting in a different direction then there must be a need that has to be filled. Go for it and have no regrets. If it doesn’t work out then at least you’ll have no regrets.
I agree. I bought Land 20 years ago. It's a love/hate relationship. I love having a home base with privacy and hate the amount of time it can take to keep the forest from trying to take it all back. Sometimes I get in the Van to get away from the maintenance for a bit but still would not have it any other way. Anything worthwhile in life requires some amount of work. Having a nimble Class B and also place to call home can be the best of both worlds for many.
I felt sad when you where driving away. One of my favorite videos you posted. I loved how you captured the wonderful sounds of the falling rain, the crickets, the birds and those windchimes. And when you where on that beautiful porch with your tea or coffee cup on the swing with the Adorable Lily it felt like you were home to me. So peaceful and tranquil. Your friends have a beautiful home with a gorgeous yard and land. Then you surprised us with a bath in a fabulous tub. What a happy ending for sure. Safe travels to you both. Until next time... Be well, be blessed 🧡
Amber, you are not alone. My wife and I follow a few different RVer's/Van Lifer's. I think it is the norm for most to want or have a place to hang their hat. Some place to call home. This video reminds me why my wife and I are taking our time in starting our new chapter in RV life. We will not sale any of our properties when we start our new chapter in life. We love your videos :)
Im so glad your taking your time. Pulling something changes how you travel and where you can go and how spontaneous you can be. I just quit pulling a 5th wheel and a Airstream. I went full time with a Cirrus 820 truck camper after putting a 3 bedroom house into storage. I got so tired of dragging something around. I am 66 yrs young and starting to look for a little piece of earth for a home base also. Yet, I know that if I own anything that it will need to be managed and I am sick of managing anything else right now. Aren't we sooo lucky to have such problems??? Thanks for the new recipe! I cant wait to make it!
Amber one thing I wasn't prepared for was running out of energy as I get older. I have worked since I was 14. I resigned a job as a tenured professor, moved across the country from the west coast to the east coast..I've had many challenges along the way. I live in a small southern town and exist on 1/3 of what I used to earn. Change is hard but things work out. As you age everything gets harder. I used to roll my eyes when my mom said that, but it's true. I've been a widow for 21 years so I know all about doing everything yourself. Keep the van but get a small cottage/tiny house for when you are too tired to be on the road.
When you first showed us the place, it just blew me away. But when I see the yard, I think of the mowing, the weed eating, the edging of the beds, the weeding of the beds etc. Then I see the logs and think termites or boring beetles. Then just everyday cleaning. I know they were really happy for you to step in for a while. 😃. But it was a beautiful and pastoral scene. Maybe they'll let you come back next year when they need another vacation. This could be an opportunity, you travel from state to state house-sitting for folks. That way you don't get too lonely for the comforts of home, but still be "Footloose".
Bob R 😊 Yeah I'm not about to trade in this simple life for a complicated one. I would want a property that I could manage on my own without to my maintenance. Also when I leave I don't want to hire anyone to take care of it. Maybe the desert!! lol. It's dirt. No watering or maintenance.
As a former western NYer of 28yrs, yes there are beautiful areas in WNY and Upstate NY. I had 11 acres. But with all that beauty comes brutal winters. Not just the snow, but the cold is the bone chilling type, a very wet type of cold. Keep that in mind as you decide.
And...let's not forget the bugs. Today I'm returning home to ABQ after 10 days out in the countryside of Western NY, near Letchworth State Park. OMG! The mosquitos, flies, gnats, bees! We couldn't even sit out on the porches. I've seen maybe 2 mosquitoes in 25 years at my home on ABQ.
@@desertbluecatnm LOL..yup, I lived 7 miles from Letchworth. At least you missed the deer fly season. As soon as you step out of your car you are swarmed and bitten. I don't miss that at all.
Here is my thoughts. Keep the van and buy yourself some land and a tiny home). I think you are closer to wanting a home base than to blow money on a new rig. I think having some land on both coasts would be the smart thing to do. You should explore PA around Lancaster its beautiful. Even if you just bought some land at least you could park the van there when you feel like parking yourself for a month or so. That would be my ideal life. I really love to travel but I also need a home base to feel grounded and secure.
love this episode !!! you are always so inspiring!!! your friends are lovely & they have great taste & their fur babies are so sweet!!! that log cabin is a perfect getaway from the world !!!
I'm in the process of trying to buy some land right now to build either a tiny home/cabin, or build a smaller size home. I'm looking at Colorado at elevation so the summers will be cool. Plus I love cold weather and snow, so that's another bonus. I'd then build out a van to travel around in for roughly 50% of the time. The permitting and building process is daunting though.
Amber just take your time on deciding. You will know when the time is right. You and Lilly look so cozy on the swing with the blanket. The guys home is beautiful.
We have a Ram Promaster also & just bought a 4x6 cargo trailer & it is a game changer. Matches the van & looks great. That would help you a lot. We now get to bring Derec's power wheelchair, generator, wood, trash storage, etc. Makes boondocking much easier for us. ~Tanya
Wow Amber, you are a pretty good mechanic. You did a great job on that step, even though it didn't go back together correctly. Please don't stop traveling. You are my Pathfinder for Scenic Highways. Stay Beautiful.
Yum! Crab apple jam. Haven't had any for years now . back in the 1980's. So good! I miss waking up to nature. Being surrounded by trees,animals, ect... Thanks for sharing this with us . . we put mothballs under our noble home to keep out field mice and bugs. Works great . never had problem as long as we kept the mothballs under the trailer. Don't know if I could leave again after staying some place like that . I miss it to much. Maybe one day i'll be able to go find my piece of ground to make mine again.
I agree that acting in the midst of conflicting thoughts and plans is definitely not the best timing. As I live in NJ, I can’t wait to get out when I can - job has me hostage and I need to keep my benefits. Options are also always good. It’s amazing that you can just let things rest until you feel confidence about “next steps”. On day and step at a time.
If you do some research I believe you will find that you can tow a much larger cargo trailer than you think. You should be able to have all the stuff you want and a studio/office in the trailer.
What the heck! The shower is great, the controlled temp is nice but DANG...those tomatoes would keep me there! They look SO-O-O-O delicious! And what a gorgeous setting! How did you get any work done? It oozes RELAX!!! I like the cargo van concept. The dinner prep sounds were fun. So often we forget how important listening to something as mundane as cooking is really a treat. Thanks for sharing.
I go through the same thoughts. I was doggie/house sitting for four weeks in August (and in a house for 6 weeks!) but in a more urban area (my home base) after I was ready to go! If I was in an area like this? I would be conflicted too! Thanks for sharing Amber. I love the song at the end, We are searching for "Home" 💖 Red
The cost would make it a no go for me: taxes, outdoor upkeep, indoor/outdoor home maintenance, etc. Would you hire someone to do all this or invest in a bunch of yard tools- mowers, trimmers, etc..? Not for me thanks! But I would love to housesit there for a couple of weeks! 😍
Since you are a tree person I would think a place like that would be awesome. I love the forest myself, I love to watch the animals that come out and relax or eat.
Plan to visit an area in all four seasons before deciding where you might like to "settle." Looks like a gorgeous place you are in currently, but they definitely get winter weather. Ask yourself whether you want the upkeep of such a place and if so, than have at it! Enjoy all the moments until you are ready to make a decision:)
It’s a tough gig, van life. There was a time when it was everywhere and I was enviously glued to the screen. But time has moved on and pandemics haven’t helped. I went to a coastal town in Queensland a few moths ago. The local council would check vans at about 6:30 am and if the engine was not hot they were fined $267A. I think the journey has finished before it even began for me. I think back to Rome 2019 when we passed vans parked in the street that were surrounded by rubbish. The life has been ruined by others who did not care. Keep safe, what ever you do will be right for you.
Thank you for posting this today. I am so sick of being home since Covid 2020. You help me travel through your videos. I also grew up on five acres I long for it. I like the idea of you having a travel trailer and truck as I dream of finding land to park mine one day. Home is where the hear is Cheers!
If you are thinking about living here in Upstate NY, make sure you come spend some time in January-February. We've had -22 temps several times in the last 5-10 years. You also have to really love shoveling snow! It is pretty though! lol
Getting a tiny house and some land sounds Awesome. My Dad bought Property in Missouri, 13 Acres He cleared the land and he put a Mobile Home there. It was Beautiful, The Black River nearby , Johnson - Shut Inns State Park and Elephant Rocks State Park are close so you can hike . Ozark Mountains and Missouri has cheaper gas prices. Give Lilley a hug from us . Amy & Buddy ❤
Such a beautiful rest from the van life. No doubt time and travel will provide the answers to you future. BTW your friends are awesome. You and Lily got some much needed rest.
I was thinking Amber, you have the ability to make choices and one of the choices would be to have your tiny home base and land as well as a suitable home on wheels that better meets your needs….sooner rather than later. I’m originally from NYC and spent many summers upstate…it is beautiful in the Spring and Autumn. Winters can be snowy and cold…summers can be hot and humid. That said, if you can find your home base where you’d be happy and comfortable for 1/2 the year and then live on the road for 1/2 the year it could really work for you. I think you should go for it all🙏🏻❤️☺️
What a wonderful place to hang out & chill. I see you in a place with trees & grass & not the desert. Tiny home base would be awesome. Am sure you'll find what you're looking for in time. Take care Amber & Lily. ❤️🐕🌹
I feel this. I lived the van life for about two years. I was blessed enough last year to meet someone. We got a house out in the sticks with a nice piece of land. I love the peace of knowing I have a place to shower and sleep every night and it's nice not having to worry about people creeping.
Hi Amber! I completely understand feeling conflicted. I spent the day at the RV show in Utah looking at trailers. Trying to see if a smaller one would fit my needs and be affordable. I thought of you when I looked at the ones with floor space -- picturing myself doing yoga :) Take care and wishing you and little Lily all the best.
Sweet video! Love the surroundings, different perspectives and introspection you're sharing with us. And all of your meals look absolutely delicious! XOXO
I'm so glad you are taking more time to figure out your future plans.... I keep hearing about the new RVs being made so badly due to being rushed & material shortages... So until all those problems get fixed... You already have a Solid Van... I still think to get a lift up seating & table & swivel both cab seats to open up your front ( room )... When you travel & fall in love with places... Make sure to keep checking on then during all 4 season's.... Another TH-camr just fell in love with a Gorgeous place on a big lake.... But come Winter - that's the place that All the surrounding States go to for Snowmobiling... Being they Get The Most Snow... Loves to Lilly...
Amber have you thought about buying an ambulance? It’s much bigger, more homelike once decorated. I understand how you feel about that beautiful cabin , but think of the upkeep of the land, taxes and insurance. I once lived on 5 acres, it was a constant fight with nature wiling to take over, snakes trying to sneak into my house, I finally gave up. Now I have something much smaller in a quiet area bordering a lovely pond.And I can park my converted van when I need a break. Van life is great and exciting but with challenges as you know and we all need a break , the convenience of a nicer bathroom , a washer and dryer. And as you said : “when we age”. I am there. I recently had surgery so I came back to have it and heal. But I’m ready to leave now for the open road. Going to freeze my buns in VT for the pleasure of the glorious foliage. See you on the road!
I am finally retired and have lived in AZ for 60+ years and I am escaping the desert! Came from Western NY and want the green and pines and not hot desert! Although the winters are nice! :) Arizona is getting very expensive too. Good luck with your decision!
Oh dang I watched the whole thing just now and you are talking about getting land and a tiny house LOL! I think that's a great idea because you can have the best of both worlds. Bodda bing. Bodda BOOM
The cargo trailer is an excellent choice to do asap. It's a minimal commitment which you can sell if you don't like it. Having that little trailer will give you something to channel your creative energy into as you make it your own. It is also my opinion from watching your videos for over a year now that you should buy your land in an area that has drastic season changes like the east coast. Watching the explosion of color in the fall and the awakening of the flowers in the spring is your wheel house. Buy your land and set up an RV pad with all the hook ups. Each season you can come back on work on a tiny cabin. Then leave it he while you adventure off like a snowbird. 😁 That's my two cents. Probably only worth a penny but hey.. I try to comment on all of your videos to bump up your ratings. 😁 Happy travels Btw.. that swing is epic! I'm going to miss it seeing y'all cuddled up on it.
What a beautiful and peaceful place you deserved a break and it's just what you needed, that would make me conflicted too. I'm conflicted about buying a gooseneck tiny house in NY parking in mobile home park til I figure out where I want to land. I am older than you haha but feel great. Family is here. Funny thing i met a woman and as we were talking she said I see you in Arizona or Oregon, she said she's a psychic. Wow I love the west ❤. Safe travels 🙏.
That is what I meant when I asked a question on a live chat if you would ever buy a house, it was more stable. In my rush it got sent and you commented before I could finish. You didn't understand where I was going. More stable in the meaning that you would have a home-base to come to as needed. Refresh, something like Covid again making it hard to find a safe place, etc. Land where you are can be expensive. Western part of the state closer to the boarder cheaper. Good luck in finding the right answer for you.
Snow ! Get south of I-10 before you'll need a 4WD. . How long do you want to keep your rig ? They salt the roads there ? Rust belt , you don't go looking for a classic car there.
Great thoughts & insights. You’ll know when it feels right. I thought of some land, tiny home or even park a Class B on land. TN & Ga have lots to buy on lake. However, to humid and I love cold weather. I would like to have home base in Va (land) due to family possibly. All this for me is at least 3 years down the road and consider my older pet situation at that time.
Hi Amber, I feel your angst. I have been through many transitions, as you have. I'm 59. I have learned a couple things so I won't do something drastic. If something just comes out of left field, set it on the back burner and let it simmer before making a commitment. If something resonates strongly that has been on my heart a long time, and I have peaceful feelings surrounding it, then take next steps. Lately, you have been looking to upgrade your unit to something roomier. It could feel like a small cabin depending on where you park it. 🤔 hmmm. It will be cool to see what you do next. Have a blessed day!
I can see where you really do have a conflict of what to do. But like you said you don't have to do anything until it feels right and all falls into place. Not everyone would have the option to have a home base but what a great idea for your latter years...retirement or not. I've thought about pulling something but I really don't want the extra hassle of it all but I could be surprised to find out that it's not any trouble at all. I'm just thankful you still travel and I can watch all your adventures. I'm not able to go out yet very far even though I just retired because of being a caregiver. I wish I could just bring her with me, my Mom she's 90, but it's just not an option, so keep on traveling so we can live our adventures through you. Blessings to you and just know everything for you will one day feel right and you will go for it. Teri
It certainly is a beautiful place and if your heart just keeps coming back to it he sure to visit it in the winter as well I happen to think it’s extremely beautiful in the winter but I get that now everybody agrees
I've been fully retired since August 2018. I will resume my semi nomadic lifestyle next year and keeping my current home as a Basecamp until we downsize. Now considering lifestyle in general. What exactly is retirement? Do you attempt to embrace the extreme multiple social constructs of what retirement is. Or. Do you do what's physically and spiritually right for YOU? Personally, I don't live according to the multiple sociocultural norms that's considered following expectations. Don't stress go with your "Amber's" flow.
You can always get property and have set up to fit van under. But have attached garage for laundry room and sitting area. That way you can sit for awhile. Keep it simple
You can do both. People do that all the time. The only adjustment I'd make is that you go with a trailer instead of a van and keep it small so you can pull with a healthy SUV. You'd still need transportation. And if you want to get away just pull to where you can relax for a change of scenery. So imagine, cabin+trailer. You'd have full redundancy. And if you want to go to the desert, you can do that knowing you can come back to terra firma whenever you want. Then you can do a 'This Old House' series!
Amber ,maybe if you could rent a tiny home for a year in some quiet area in the states! That way you would know for sure if you want to have a home base to go too to relax and have time to reflect on your life situation. Love watching your videos! From New Brunswick Canada 🍁
So jealous of your lifestyle. It might not be prudent to change your rig at this time. Wait for the ‘Covid market’ to settle out. You might seriously consider towing a small cargo trailer and moving ‘stuff’ into it. E-bike, tools, outside items, anything not routinely used. Carry only routinely used items in the van but have easy access to everything. This will give you the feeling of more space and, as you mentioned, give you something to hold camping sites. You have frustrating issues with the van that need repair, but you pay to repair them now or you pay when you sell the van for less. Things break and need repair, even in sticks and bricks. Love Lily and how well trained she is. I know this sounds pragmatic, but just my 2 cents. ☺️🐕
Trust your gut. Nothing says you have to stay in a van or even stay on the road. I don't think I would be able to full-time RV for more than a year at a time. I plan on starting out very part-time in the Spring and slowly adding to it. I see the benefits of a small, modest home in a beautiful setting like the Catskills as well as a more mobile option. Let us know what you decide. We are along for the ride... or the stop :)
I watched further. For a long-term plan.. a home to grow old in... consider proximity to family or friends your age or younger. Will you have peers? Will you have younger relatives who can check in on you time to time? I think people underestimate the dependence we all have on each other, especially as we age.
I think if you get land near these friends, you can have the space you want and still travel. The TH-camrs I follow who bought land has really interesting content because you see how they like to live and they share growing their vegetables, fixing up their space, their taste in lifestyle, etc, etc. more interesting content IMHO. There is just so many vistas you can look at when van dwellers film.
I am about to start to watch this and just going by the title ,I'm. thinking you should get a tiny home ,build it the way you want on the land you want and you can still keep your van and travel because the bills would be cheap with a tiny home! BRILLIANT! if I do say so myself ....LOL! In all seriousness though I do have a shuttle bus that I want to travel in and follow the weather as soon as I retire.. And I was thinking about renting my little house out as an Airbnb while I'm traveling. I know that can could get a little tricky but I don't know ...I think this is just food for thought... Why not have the best of both worlds?
Just found your channel. Loved contemplating this with you. So here is my 60 y.o. unsolicited 2 cents. Set up your little home base while you've this youth and strength. I say this not as someone who feels worn. I am a nurse, and a cyclist with an active 6y.o. dog. BUT. I can really tell the difference between my 50 y.o. self and my 60 y.o. self. ( P.S. get flat terrain and be relatively close to good health-care and grocery 👍)
Definitely the majority of us would get tired of traveling non-stop. You and Lilly do need a homebase. Problem is Catskills has horrid winters & the desert of areas like Phoenix way too hot during the summers. Maybe San Diego would be ideal, neither extremes.
Hola,eres tan autosuficiente…y más en este estilo de Vida hay que saber de todo es impresionante como eres…haz enseñado que se puede …hay altas y bajas..pero sigues Adelante esa Resilencia…..muy épica …es Admirable …Cuídese…Mucho…
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A few years ago, after a divorce, I found myself able to choose to live anywhere I wanted. I soon found the options became too much and just left me frozen in indecision. I made lists of pro's and con's yet I was so afraid of making the wrong decision. Then I found a quote, ( I do not remember the author)it said "there is no right decision, there is the decision you make, and then you make it right" That quote set me on the path to a cross country move. I moved right before the pandemic and have faced many challenges, but I have made this choice the right one for me. No matter what you choose you will be giving up things you love and gaining other things you love as much or more, just decide to make it the right choice for you, commit, go with it and correct any challenges along the way.
Diane Neff Thank you very much! 😊🙏 Oh I love that quote!!!!
Great advice.
Such a well put statement Ms. Diane, no truer a statement than "home is where the heart is" coming from someone who let fear of the unknown, or a wrong move hold me back for most of my life, although I have tried not to pass that indecision trait on to my young son. Blessings to U and Urs Ma'am, I truely hope You get to Live Your Dream Every Single Day.👍
I shared the last of your thoughts with quotation marks. On my heart that someone on my friends list is waiting for this❤️
We all put up our own walls. If you are thinking about pivoting in a different direction then there must be a need that has to be filled. Go for it and have no regrets. If it doesn’t work out then at least you’ll have no regrets.
I’ve always said if you’re not sure then it’s not time to make your decision. It will come to you when it’s time. Have a great day Amber and Lily!
So what you need will show up at the right time. The place you're staying is beautiful however it looks like a lot of work to make it that way.
I agree. I bought Land 20 years ago. It's a love/hate relationship. I love having a home base with privacy and hate the amount of time it can take to keep the forest from trying to take it all back. Sometimes I get in the Van to get away from the maintenance for a bit but still would not have it any other way. Anything worthwhile in life requires some amount of work. Having a nimble Class B and also place to call home can be the best of both worlds for many.
I felt sad when you where driving away. One of my favorite videos you posted. I loved how you captured the wonderful sounds of the falling rain, the crickets, the birds and those windchimes.
And when you where on that beautiful porch with your tea or coffee cup on the swing with the Adorable Lily it felt like you were home to me. So peaceful and tranquil. Your friends have a beautiful home with a gorgeous yard and land.
Then you surprised us with a bath in a fabulous tub. What a happy ending for sure.
Safe travels to you both.
Until next time...
Be well, be blessed 🧡
Amber, you are not alone. My wife and I follow a few different RVer's/Van Lifer's. I think it is the norm for most to want or have a place to hang their hat. Some place to call home. This video reminds me why my wife and I are taking our time in starting our new chapter in RV life. We will not sale any of our properties when we start our new chapter in life. We love your videos :)
Im so glad your taking your time. Pulling something changes how you travel and where you can go and how spontaneous you can be. I just quit pulling a 5th wheel and a Airstream. I went full time with a Cirrus 820 truck camper after putting a 3 bedroom house into storage. I got so tired of dragging something around. I am 66 yrs young and starting to look for a little piece of earth for a home base also. Yet, I know that if I own anything that it will need to be managed and I am sick of managing anything else right now. Aren't we sooo lucky to have such problems??? Thanks for the new recipe! I cant wait to make it!
Amber one thing I wasn't prepared for was running out of energy as I get older. I have worked since I was 14. I resigned a job as a tenured professor, moved across the country from the west coast to the east coast..I've had many challenges along the way. I live in a small southern town and exist on 1/3 of what I used to
earn. Change is hard but things work out. As you age everything gets harder. I used to roll my eyes when my mom said that, but it's true. I've been a widow for 21 years so I know all about doing everything yourself. Keep the van but get a small cottage/tiny house for when you are too tired to be on the road.
When you first showed us the place, it just blew me away. But when I see the yard, I think of the mowing, the weed eating, the edging of the beds, the weeding of the beds etc. Then I see the logs and think termites or boring beetles. Then just everyday cleaning. I know they were really happy for you to step in for a while. 😃. But it was a beautiful and pastoral scene. Maybe they'll let you come back next year when they need another vacation. This could be an opportunity, you travel from state to state house-sitting for folks. That way you don't get too lonely for the comforts of home, but still be "Footloose".
Bob R 😊 Yeah I'm not about to trade in this simple life for a complicated one. I would want a property that I could manage on my own without to my maintenance. Also when I leave I don't want to hire anyone to take care of it. Maybe the desert!! lol. It's dirt. No watering or maintenance.
As a former western NYer of 28yrs, yes there are beautiful areas in WNY and Upstate NY. I had 11 acres. But with all that beauty comes brutal winters. Not just the snow, but the cold is the bone chilling type, a very wet type of cold. Keep that in mind as you decide.
And...let's not forget the bugs. Today I'm returning home to ABQ after 10 days out in the countryside of Western NY, near Letchworth State Park. OMG! The mosquitos, flies, gnats, bees! We couldn't even sit out on the porches. I've seen maybe 2 mosquitoes in 25 years at my home on ABQ.
@@desertbluecatnm
LOL..yup, I lived 7 miles from Letchworth. At least you missed the deer fly season. As soon as you step out of your car you are swarmed and bitten. I don't miss that at all.
Here is my thoughts. Keep the van and buy yourself some land and a tiny home). I think you are closer to wanting a home base than to blow money on a new rig. I think having some land on both coasts would be the smart thing to do. You should explore PA around Lancaster its beautiful. Even if you just bought some land at least you could park the van there when you feel like parking yourself for a month or so. That would be my ideal life. I really love to travel but I also need a home base to feel grounded and secure.
Amen to that, sister
Yep , land
love this episode !!! you are always so inspiring!!! your friends are lovely & they have great taste & their fur babies are so sweet!!! that log cabin is a perfect getaway from the world !!!
You are so kind
Such a beautiful setting you’ve had for your respite from your travels; so peaceful.
What a beautiful episode, Amber. Your thoughts, your calming voice, and the glorious surroundings were amazing.
Ah, the damn step! Owning a tricked out van has made me appreciate SIMPLICITY! I am with you & love your magnet solution!!
I'm in the process of trying to buy some land right now to build either a tiny home/cabin, or build a smaller size home. I'm looking at Colorado at elevation so the summers will be cool. Plus I love cold weather and snow, so that's another bonus. I'd then build out a van to travel around in for roughly 50% of the time. The permitting and building process is daunting though.
That sounds like a great plan!! I thought of doing something similar as well.
Consider checking out Chateau Chaparral in Nathrop and CORA in Fair Play.
Amber just take your time on deciding. You will know when the time is right. You and Lilly look so cozy on the swing with the blanket. The guys home is beautiful.
We have a Ram Promaster also & just bought a 4x6 cargo trailer & it is a game changer. Matches the van & looks great. That would help you a lot. We now get to bring Derec's power wheelchair, generator, wood, trash storage, etc. Makes boondocking much easier for us. ~Tanya
That place is unbelievably beautiful.
Wow Amber, you are a pretty good mechanic. You did a great job on that step, even though it didn't go back together correctly. Please don't stop traveling. You are my Pathfinder for Scenic Highways. Stay Beautiful.
Thanks, you too!
I'm not stopping btw. lol NEVER!
It’s beautiful there. Nice work fixing the step.
Yum! Crab apple jam. Haven't had any for years now . back in the 1980's. So good! I miss waking up to nature. Being surrounded by trees,animals, ect... Thanks for sharing this with us . . we put mothballs under our noble home to keep out field mice and bugs. Works great . never had problem as long as we kept the mothballs under the trailer. Don't know if I could leave again after staying some place like that . I miss it to much. Maybe one day i'll be able to go find my piece of ground to make mine again.
I agree that acting in the midst of conflicting thoughts and plans is definitely not the best timing. As I live in NJ, I can’t wait to get out when I can - job has me hostage and I need to keep my benefits. Options are also always good. It’s amazing that you can just let things rest until you feel confidence about “next steps”. On day and step at a time.
If you do some research I believe you will find that you can tow a much larger cargo trailer than you think. You should be able to have all the stuff you want and a studio/office in the trailer.
Heavier means harder on the transmission, though... I think she's smart to keep it as small as possible.
What the heck! The shower is great, the controlled temp is nice but DANG...those tomatoes would keep me there! They look SO-O-O-O delicious! And what a gorgeous setting! How did you get any work done? It oozes RELAX!!! I like the cargo van concept. The dinner prep sounds were fun. So often we forget how important listening to something as mundane as cooking is really a treat. Thanks for sharing.
I go through the same thoughts. I was doggie/house sitting for four weeks in August (and in a house for 6 weeks!) but in a more urban area (my home base) after I was ready to go! If I was in an area like this? I would be conflicted too! Thanks for sharing Amber. I love the song at the end, We are searching for "Home" 💖 Red
The cost would make it a no go for me: taxes, outdoor upkeep, indoor/outdoor home maintenance, etc. Would you hire someone to do all this or invest in a bunch of yard tools- mowers, trimmers, etc..? Not for me thanks! But I would love to housesit there for a couple of weeks! 😍
I was thinking alot of mtc. for 10 acres. One storm and lots of tree limbs to pu.
Since you are a tree person I would think a place like that would be awesome. I love the forest myself, I love to watch the animals that come out and relax or eat.
This setting looks SO beautiful! 😍
Plan to visit an area in all four seasons before deciding where you might like to "settle." Looks like a gorgeous place you are in currently, but they definitely get winter weather. Ask yourself whether you want the upkeep of such a place and if so, than have at it! Enjoy all the moments until you are ready to make a decision:)
It’s a tough gig, van life. There was a time when it was everywhere and I was enviously glued to the screen. But time has moved on and pandemics haven’t helped. I went to a coastal town in Queensland a few moths ago. The local council would check vans at about 6:30 am and if the engine was not hot they were fined $267A. I think the journey has finished before it even began for me. I think back to Rome 2019 when we passed vans parked in the street that were surrounded by rubbish. The life has been ruined by others who did not care. Keep safe, what ever you do will be right for you.
I can see why you love it there. Beauty and peace. Safe travels!
Looks amazing there... That would be hard to leave ....safe travels.
Thank you for posting this today. I am so sick of being home since Covid 2020. You help me travel through your videos. I also grew up on five acres I long for it. I like the idea of you having a travel trailer and truck as I dream of finding land to park mine one day. Home is where the hear is Cheers!
If you are thinking about living here in Upstate NY, make sure you come spend some time in January-February. We've had -22 temps several times in the last 5-10 years. You also have to really love shoveling snow! It is pretty though! lol
Getting a tiny house and some land sounds Awesome. My Dad bought Property in Missouri, 13 Acres He cleared the land and he put a Mobile Home there. It was Beautiful, The Black River nearby , Johnson - Shut Inns State Park and Elephant Rocks State Park are close so you can hike . Ozark Mountains and Missouri has cheaper gas prices. Give Lilley a hug from us . Amy & Buddy ❤
Check out TN… a lot of great tiny homes and communities there… and mtns, but no snow!
Such a beautiful rest from the van life. No doubt time and travel will provide the answers to you future. BTW your friends are awesome. You and Lily got some much needed rest.
I was thinking Amber, you have the ability to make choices and one of the choices would be to have your tiny home base and land as well as a suitable home on wheels that better meets your needs….sooner rather than later. I’m originally from NYC and spent many summers upstate…it is beautiful in the Spring and Autumn. Winters can be snowy and cold…summers can be hot and humid. That said, if you can find your home base where you’d be happy and comfortable for 1/2 the year and then live on the road for 1/2 the year it could really work for you. I think you should go for it all🙏🏻❤️☺️
Have fun and take care and take it easy and enjoy it
What a wonderful place to hang out & chill. I see you in a place with trees & grass & not the desert. Tiny home base would be awesome. Am sure you'll find what you're looking for in time. Take care Amber & Lily. ❤️🐕🌹
I feel this. I lived the van life for about two years. I was blessed enough last year to meet someone. We got a house out in the sticks with a nice piece of land. I love the peace of knowing I have a place to shower and sleep every night and it's nice not having to worry about people creeping.
Hi Amber! I completely understand feeling conflicted. I spent the day at the RV show in Utah looking at trailers. Trying to see if a smaller one would fit my needs and be affordable. I thought of you when I looked at the ones with floor space -- picturing myself doing yoga :) Take care and wishing you and little Lily all the best.
Sweet video! Love the surroundings, different perspectives and introspection you're sharing with us. And all of your meals look absolutely delicious! XOXO
I'm so glad you are taking more time to figure out your future plans....
I keep hearing about the new RVs being made so badly due to being rushed & material shortages...
So until all those problems get fixed...
You already have a Solid Van...
I still think to get a lift up seating & table & swivel both cab seats to open up your front ( room )...
When you travel & fall in love with places...
Make sure to keep checking on then during all 4 season's....
Another TH-camr just fell in love with a Gorgeous place on a big lake....
But come Winter - that's the place that All the surrounding States go to for Snowmobiling...
Being they Get The Most Snow...
Loves to Lilly...
So soothing with the wind chimes and all of the green! You’ll know when you see it! You are such an inspiration! The tub looked amazing!!
Amber have you thought about buying an ambulance? It’s much bigger, more homelike once decorated. I understand how you feel about that beautiful cabin , but think of the upkeep of the land, taxes and insurance. I once lived on 5 acres, it was a constant fight with nature wiling to take over, snakes trying to sneak into my house, I finally gave up. Now I have something much smaller in a quiet area bordering a lovely pond.And I can park my converted van when I need a break. Van life is great and exciting but with challenges as you know and we all need a break , the convenience of a nicer bathroom , a washer and dryer. And as you said : “when we age”. I am there. I recently had surgery so I came back to have it and heal. But I’m ready to leave now for the open road. Going to freeze my buns in VT for the pleasure of the glorious foliage. See you on the road!
That place is so beautiful!! Sounds like you've got some good ideas floating around...You'll know when the time is right 👍💞🙏
I am finally retired and have lived in AZ for 60+ years and I am escaping the desert! Came from Western NY and want the green and pines and not hot desert! Although the winters are nice! :) Arizona is getting very expensive too. Good luck with your decision!
Hi Amber! Thank you for sharing.
That was a beautiful place to be for awhile.
Take a look at the Winnebago Ekko. Truly new and different. You could keep the parts if life that are working and get the changes you seek.
Right now it’s a sellers market. I say keep traveling and something will come to you when you aren’t even looking. I love your blogs. 😊❤️
What a beautiful place!
Oh dang I watched the whole thing just now and you are talking about getting land and a tiny house LOL! I think that's a great idea because you can have the best of both worlds.
Bodda bing. Bodda BOOM
Those darn steps drive us crazy too. We have a neodymium magnet permanently attached to the broken passenger side step.
Ugh you too huh???
Oh I meant to say bravo 👍 on the camera work during the cooking segment. Looking good.
Upstate NY is beautiful. That is one state I thoroughly enjoyed. Taxes are a little high, but so are other states. I ❤️ 'upstate' New York.
Beautiful place!!
The cargo trailer is an excellent choice to do asap. It's a minimal commitment which you can sell if you don't like it. Having that little trailer will give you something to channel your creative energy into as you make it your own. It is also my opinion from watching your videos for over a year now that you should buy your land in an area that has drastic season changes like the east coast. Watching the explosion of color in the fall and the awakening of the flowers in the spring is your wheel house. Buy your land and set up an RV pad with all the hook ups. Each season you can come back on work on a tiny cabin. Then leave it he while you adventure off like a snowbird. 😁 That's my two cents. Probably only worth a penny but hey.. I try to comment on all of your videos to bump up your ratings. 😁
Happy travels
Btw.. that swing is epic! I'm going to miss it seeing y'all cuddled up on it.
What a beautiful and peaceful place you deserved a break and it's just what you needed, that would make me conflicted too. I'm conflicted about buying a gooseneck tiny house in NY parking in mobile home park til I figure out where I want to land. I am older than you haha but feel great. Family is here. Funny thing i met a woman and as we were talking she said I see you in Arizona or Oregon, she said she's a psychic. Wow I love the west ❤. Safe travels 🙏.
I'm 52, my job is unstable but I'd love to get some land somewhere and start over. I'm in the same boat as you and very conflicted in my brain.
Beautiful editing today.
That is what I meant when I asked a question on a live chat if you would ever buy a house, it was more stable. In my rush it got sent and you commented before I could finish. You didn't understand where I was going. More stable in the meaning that you would have a home-base to come to as needed. Refresh, something like Covid again making it hard to find a safe place, etc. Land where you are can be expensive. Western part of the state closer to the boarder cheaper. Good luck in finding the right answer for you.
The Catskills are beautiful. I travel that way weekly.
😢 Such a bitter sweet ending to this video. May God bless you & give you direction in these rough times 🙏✌🌎💞
I appreciate that, thank you!
Snow ! Get south of I-10 before you'll need a 4WD. . How long do you want to keep your rig ? They salt the roads there ? Rust belt , you don't go looking for a classic car there.
Just keep in mind the winters are tough in upper new York and New England, I always miss New England in the fall. I get tired of year round desert .
Great thoughts & insights. You’ll know when it feels right.
I thought of some land, tiny home or even park a Class B on land. TN & Ga have lots to buy on lake. However, to humid and I love cold weather. I would like to have home base in Va (land) due to family possibly. All this for me is at least 3 years down the road and consider my older pet situation at that time.
Hi Amber, I feel your angst. I have been through many transitions, as you have. I'm 59. I have learned a couple things so I won't do something drastic. If something just comes out of left field, set it on the back burner and let it simmer before making a commitment. If something resonates strongly that has been on my heart a long time, and I have peaceful feelings surrounding it, then take next steps. Lately, you have been looking to upgrade your unit to something roomier. It could feel like a small cabin depending on where you park it. 🤔 hmmm. It will be cool to see what you do next. Have a blessed day!
Very hard to maintain 10 acres!!! Revisit NY in 3 months and see if you feel the same! Thankfully, you have time to decide...
I’m not buying in NY lol. I love the feel just need to find my place that I can maintain by myself.
What a Great place to Housesit!
Amber it would be wise to buy land for now as it won't be affordable later ..you never lose with land
I can see where you really do have a conflict of what to do. But like you said you don't have to do anything until it feels right and all falls into place. Not everyone would have the option to have a home base but what a great idea for your latter years...retirement or not. I've thought about pulling something but I really don't want the extra hassle of it all but I could be surprised to find out that it's not any trouble at all. I'm just thankful you still travel and I can watch all your adventures. I'm not able to go out yet very far even though I just retired because of being a caregiver. I wish I could just bring her with me, my Mom she's 90, but it's just not an option, so keep on traveling so we can live our adventures through you. Blessings to you and just know everything for you will one day feel right and you will go for it. Teri
That's the kind of home I would want.
It certainly is a beautiful place and if your heart just keeps coming back to it he sure to visit it in the winter as well I happen to think it’s extremely beautiful in the winter but I get that now everybody agrees
I feel ya!
I would buy some acreage and put a little house on it you still have your van to travel when you want to
I've been fully retired since August 2018. I will resume my semi nomadic lifestyle next year and keeping my current home as a Basecamp until we downsize. Now considering lifestyle in general. What exactly is retirement? Do you attempt to embrace the extreme multiple social constructs of what retirement is. Or. Do you do what's physically and spiritually right for YOU? Personally, I don't live according to the multiple sociocultural norms that's considered following expectations. Don't stress go with your "Amber's" flow.
You can always get property and have set up to fit van under. But have attached garage for laundry room and sitting area. That way you can sit for awhile. Keep it simple
That's a great idea!
That’s a lot of lawn to mow. Think about that when you’re old. Also the isolation may not be so appealing in 10 years. Just things to consider.
You can do both. People do that all the time. The only adjustment I'd make is that you go with a trailer instead of a van and keep it small so you can pull with a healthy SUV. You'd still need transportation. And if you want to get away just pull to where you can relax for a change of scenery. So imagine, cabin+trailer. You'd have full redundancy. And if you want to go to the desert, you can do that knowing you can come back to terra firma whenever you want. Then you can do a 'This Old House' series!
Lol I love your ideas here. Haha
Amber ,maybe if you could rent a tiny home for a year in some quiet area in the states! That way you would know for sure if you want to have a home base to go too to relax and have time to reflect on your life situation.
Love watching your videos!
From New Brunswick Canada 🍁
I’m looking at that now actually. Airbnb’s have a lot to choose from as well.
I love that area. It snows in winter tho so it's cold❄then.
Yeah, but the Winter there....if you choose that location, or anywhere up north, you might have to be a "snowbird" and head south for the winter.
So jealous of your lifestyle. It might not be prudent to change your rig at this time. Wait for the ‘Covid market’ to settle out. You might seriously consider towing a small cargo trailer and moving ‘stuff’ into it. E-bike, tools, outside items, anything not routinely used. Carry only routinely used items in the van but have easy access to everything. This will give you the feeling of more space and, as you mentioned, give you something to hold camping sites. You have frustrating issues with the van that need repair, but you pay to repair them now or you pay when you sell the van for less. Things break and need repair, even in sticks and bricks. Love Lily and how well trained she is. I know this sounds pragmatic, but just my 2 cents. ☺️🐕
moving stuff into a cargo van might free up space in the van to put a bigger refrigerator and renovate the van the way you want it
Trust your gut. Nothing says you have to stay in a van or even stay on the road. I don't think I would be able to full-time RV for more than a year at a time. I plan on starting out very part-time in the Spring and slowly adding to it. I see the benefits of a small, modest home in a beautiful setting like the Catskills as well as a more mobile option. Let us know what you decide. We are along for the ride... or the stop :)
I watched further. For a long-term plan.. a home to grow old in... consider proximity to family or friends your age or younger. Will you have peers? Will you have younger relatives who can check in on you time to time? I think people underestimate the dependence we all have on each other, especially as we age.
You look so comfortable, there-at Peace!☕🌄🌲🍲
When the time is right you will know,maybe once you out on the road again things will fall in place and you will get your answers. Stay safe ❤
Whatever you pick, can be changed. Just follow your heart. ❤️
I think if you get land near these friends, you can have the space you want and still travel. The TH-camrs I follow who bought land has really interesting content because you see how they like to live and they share growing their vegetables, fixing up their space, their taste in lifestyle, etc, etc. more interesting content IMHO. There is just so many vistas you can look at when van dwellers film.
I am about to start to watch this and just going by the title ,I'm. thinking you should get a tiny home ,build it the way you want on the land you want and you can still keep your van and travel because the bills would be cheap with a tiny home!
BRILLIANT! if I do say so myself ....LOL!
In all seriousness though I do have a shuttle bus that I want to travel in and follow the weather as soon as I retire.. And I was thinking about renting my little house out as an Airbnb while I'm traveling.
I know that can could get a little tricky but I don't know ...I think this is just food for thought... Why not have the best of both worlds?
And here my husband and I are turning 60 and are just looking to start traveling in our "retirement"
That orange frying pan is nice, what brand is that please?😊
I figured that might happen with the step… putting back together always tough…🙏🙏🙏 just use a step stool… we use one with ours…
Just found your channel. Loved contemplating this with you. So here is my 60 y.o. unsolicited 2 cents. Set up your little home base while you've this youth and strength. I say this not as someone who feels worn. I am a nurse, and a cyclist with an active 6y.o. dog. BUT. I can really tell the difference between my 50 y.o. self and my 60 y.o. self. ( P.S. get flat terrain and be relatively close to good health-care and grocery 👍)
Definitely the majority of us would get tired of traveling non-stop. You and Lilly do need a homebase. Problem is Catskills has horrid winters & the desert of areas like Phoenix way too hot during the summers. Maybe San Diego would be ideal, neither extremes.
Bonnie Son San Diego is amazing but very pricey
@@maitildamcintyre9344
That's true but as one ages one can't tolerate the extreme heat or winters.
Hola,eres tan autosuficiente…y más en este estilo de Vida hay que saber de todo es impresionante como eres…haz enseñado que se puede …hay altas y bajas..pero sigues Adelante esa Resilencia…..muy épica …es Admirable …Cuídese…Mucho…
Anaida Ramirez 😊
City Life is worth running away from ...Country Life is worth running toward. JMHO. ☺️💚❤️🌹🙋🏼♀️