A Bad Day in Alaska | Winter Van Life

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

We absolutely loved seeing Miss Ember being featured in this one. Sorry about the drone. ❄️ probably confused it. Have you replaced it yet? If I bought another one I'd seriously look at the Skydio 2. Bummed for you.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

You, Lynn, and Maggie have been our inspiration. We miss your guys deeply. We will be searching for the perfect replacement drone. Hope you are enjoying Florida and wish we were sharing the warmth! Thank you for sharing all of your videos and keeping us warm . Big hugs and much love to the best friends anyone could ask for.

[@nurifit5179]

Best music I have ever heard in a YT video. All of your vids!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much for the feedback. We really appreciate it!

[@dbeskan]

And starring Ember, the red fox Lab!!! 👏 👏 Again, great intro, and glad you changed to your logo. Also, perfect music throughout! You gals/guy rock! 😊

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We always appreciate your feedback! Thank you for always joining our adventures! Ember is such a princess!

[@briangreen9677]

Love the video, as always. The additional compilation footage with the music background is great for setting the scene and letting us see more of your great adventures. When it comes to the drone going down, that's just a reason to upgrade! Remember that adventure gear isn't to be shiny and pristine. It's a tool. It's to be used, otherwise it serves no purpose. This drone failed you because it lacks object avoidance tech. Getting a better one may be expensive, but it's what needs to be done in order to push yourselves forward. Also, thanks for talking about Ember. I wondered what kind of dog she is, and it's great that you gave us some insight into her breed and her mannerisms. I hope you enjoy snowy Alaska, and keep up the great work seeing setbacks only as chances to grow. You're doing a fantastic job. Don't let anyone tell you different!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Brian, We always enjoy hearing your words and often times it is just what we need to hear. Thank you for being there for / with us through our journey. We really appreciate every time you comment. Hope you are well.

[@floridahermit4874]

Ember segment was great! Another great job.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

She is our spoiled princess. Thank you for the feedback!

[@oneaday26]

Great video!!!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much for the feedback!

[@joannedeacon7490]

Always wanted to visit Alaska,we will one day, love watching xx

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much for the feedback! You will love it when you visit!

[@pkuptrkcub]

I think that black bird sabotages his drone. :-) Ember is adorable!!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Those crows have been terrorizing us all year. Thank you for the feedback!

[@pistaf618]

Great channel 😍😍

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much for the feedback! We appreciate hearing from you!

[@alohatvn]

Love your videos.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you for watching and stopping in and letting us know with your feedback.

[@vraymond108]

Love seeing Turnagain Arm again at low tide. Scenery down to Seward is awesome. Enjoy your series. We are from Kenai with a self built Sprinter but can’t ween ourselves from Warmer climes.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

That is awesome... Do you head up here often? Thank you so much for watching!

[@TheWilsonsOnWheels]

Ember is so adorable 🥰

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much for the feedback. She is a little princess!

[@RockingWithBrenda]

Love the info about Ember. Downs only make the highs higher. ( Lol a little play one words) Good luck finding a new drone. 🤗 ~Brenda~

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you Brenda. Hopefully Jim is able to find a new drone soon. I think he's waiting for the release of the new DJI. It's his greatest joy in making these videos, flying the drone and editing, since he doesn't talk as much as I do. Ember is our such a good dog. While Jim was getting over being mad at himself, I just went out and hung out with her. 😁

[@beachbum200009]

Ohhhh Noooo not the drone!!!!! Still a great video!!! :)

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much for the feedback. We will get a new drone soon!

[@terryburns8917]

I had never heard of the Fox Red before.So now I know of 5 colors. There is also a rare Gray color.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Yeah we have heard of the greyish / blueish ones... That would be an amazing one to get also! Thank you for the feedback!

[@simoncbroadley9577]

Good luck with the Drone Jim

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much. We will get a new one soon :)

[@dalepointer9312]

If I ain't got my coffee/ Things will go wrong/ If I ain't got my breakfast/ Baby, you're sleeping alone/

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

You just hit the nail on the head! So so Funny!

[@lindajoplin8054]

Not sure you will see this after 8 months, but...... Can you tell us about your house batteries? Where are they located? How many and what kind? How do you keep them charged in the short winter days in Alaska? Also, can you talk about how you heat the van? Thanks!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We have 3 100w AGM batteries located under the van at the moment. We are upgrading that soon (whenever the borders open). We had no issues with them throughout the winter at all. We have an ESPAR Diesel heater in the van which keeps it nice and toasty. Nice that we don’t need propane as it runs off our fuel. We are completely self contained which makes boondocking the only thing we really do until off season when campgrounds becomes free. Even then it is still boondocking but with a campsite 😂. Stay safe!

[@milesgentry850]

SORRY JIM..ABOUT YOUR DRONE..STILL VIDEOS ARE GREAT..EMBER IS THE THE BOMB..GET THAT DRONE FIXED BROTHER..CANT WAIT FOR MORE VIDEOS!❤👍🙏

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much! We will get a new one soon :) . Ember is the little princess!

[@downbytheriver501]

I was so hoping to hear a distant "F*CK!" in the background after you said,"I think he crashed his drone..." That would've been some bittersweet comedy amidst an unfortunate time.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We edited the bad words ;p . Thank you for the feedback :)

[@downbytheriver501]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska no...I was hoping to hear him say it. Itd be so appropriate for the circumstances. I'm no prude ;-)

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

@@downbytheriver501 HAHA. He is a veteran, so you know he is full of colorful language ;p

[@lovek2us]

Hi guys. Love your videos. I will be heading up there within the year and I am so excited. Every time I watch one of your videos I have to get my paper and pen out so I can take notes on what you're sharing. I'll have my pup too and I know that it will be a lot of fun having her along. I am new to your channel in the last several months, so I would like to know, and only if you have already shared this info, do you live in Alaska? What town? Do you live F/T in your RV or just during the winter? Whatever you want to share will be great, I don't want to intrude into your personal life. Anyway, love you guys and Ember. Be Safe and Enjoy your Travels

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We do work full time in Anchorage and have a home base to return to while working. We spend as much time offgrid as possible, are nearing retirement and then we will be on the road full time. Both of us grew up here in Alaska, Jim is from Anchorage (spent a few years in Fairbanks when he was a toddler) and Cynthia is from North Pole (transplant to Anchorage). We also teach part time at a college and have a couple of rental properties that we own. You are not intruding at all. Great questions. Ember was born in Alaska also!

[@hanshasse7820]

Hallo Jim u. deine Frau und Ember. Wunderschönes Video von eurer Hund Ember 🐕 ist wirklich herrlich auch von ihm eurer ständiger zuverlässiger Begleiter ein Video gemacht habt 🤙👌 wir hatten auch immer einen Hund gehabt, wenn er an Alterschwäche gestorben ist, haben wir sofort einen neuen Hund ,wir brauchten immer einen treuen ständigen Begleiter, der für uns immer da war und wir für Ihnen. ☝👍👌🐕 Jim es wunderbar wenn deine Frau alles so liebevoll erzählt, was Ihr beide so erlebt auf eure Reise 🤙👍🙏❤💐 Jim! Wir haben eine bitte an Dich, bitte richte deinen Übersetzer aus, ganz lieben herzlichen Dank, dass er für uns Doris und Hans alles so wunderbar alles in Deutsch übersetzt für uns 🤙👌 Auch ihn wünschen wir ein schönes angehnehms Weihnachtsfest 🎄💫🌠☃️ 💐❤ Vielen Dank für eure Video von Alaska 🇺🇸🇩🇪 Doris und Hans 💫🌠🎄

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Vielen Dank an Doris und Hans für diese freundlichen Worte. Wir schätzen es, dass ihr Teil der Reise mit uns seid und dass es euch so gut gefällt. Wir hatten auch immer Hunde. Vor Ember hatten wir einen schwarzen Labrador Retriever namens Annie. Wir hoffen, es geht euch beiden gut.

[@ShermanKenB]

One of your videos showed you window covers in the cab. Who makes them?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Our shades that we use in the summer come stock with the van. We don't use them in the winter because they trap condensation.

[@LivingTheRVLocaLife]

holy cow 2.99??? for a avacado??? you get hangry too huh lol i definitely feel for you guys for some reason our drone just took off and we couldn't find it we are in the middle of the desert omg beautiful here :)safe travels my friends sorry bout the drone

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

The drone had a mind of its own. I hope you guys are having a blast down there. We hope to do quartzite at some point. Yeah food can be pretty expensive up here.

[@SportActivist]

For the def tank freezing problem, here in canada I've seen some trucks using a DEF insulated tank cover since it gets to -30 and 40 often. I've never asked if it works but I'd imagine it does or why leave it on :p

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you for the feedback. Yes that is our plan. A lot of the big rigs up here do that also. We are trying to get it insulated :)

[@CIA-Hole.]

I’m new to your channel and loving it! Finally a channel with different and fun music! I’m so envious, how do you afford this life style?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We both have careers that we have been working in for a long time. We are getting close to retiring and we also teach college part time. Welcome to the adventure! :)

[@CIA-Hole.]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska Thanks for the answer! I happened across your campfire Q&A after I asked the question. I was curious because in so many videos it seems people are out living in these awesome vans free of life's cares and worries.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Ekim Onamor unless you are independently wealthy, everyone has some source of income. Impossible to do this for any length of time without working. Expenses add up. Many people have opportunities to work remotely.

[@jayreider2295]

Labs are always puppies!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

super playful all the time! Doesn't know when to stop most of the time. Thank you for the feedback!

[@Happycamper1998]

Heading your way in mid May (Anchorage, Seward , and Whittier)what type of weather should we expect?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

You will have pretty good weather in May. 50-60 during the day 40's at night. Very few mosquitos at that point :) .

[@carlyndolphin]

Sorry to hear about the drone. Do you think if you had a FWD Sprinter you would have still been able to do this trip? I’m on the verge of buying a new van as I’ve just sold my old one

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

This road can be done with a FWD vehicle in the winter. It has some icy patches and and deep snow. I'd highly recommend winter, or studded tires without 4WD. We took on some other parts where 4 WD was a must. Hopefully we will get a new drone soon. That's Jims greatest joy in making these videos. 😂

[@alejandrayong5411]

I came across your channel and subscribed. I’m a dog lover,but I have a question, don’t you use a coat on Ember since she’s short hair? I’m looking forward to visit Alaska again. Thank you for sharing.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We tried putting a coat on her once and she refused to move. We may try again but she does fairly well for short stints with her boots. If we go longer outside the van then we would want to consider a coat or vest of some sort.

[@alphatruckhouse8223]

Dogs are for the most part pack animals , there is always an Alpha , and the rankings follow after. My Hybrid wolf of 17yrs , had ranked all of our family of 4 plus the bird and 2 cats. All part of the pack , anything introduced outside of that established pack was challenged. ~peace~

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

So true. Jim and I both grew up with Labs and Golden Retrievers. We recently lost one of our Golden's to cancer and I said "I'm never getting another dog again". It hurts so deeply each time. But then....I came across the "Blue Bay Shepherd" and fell in love. But because dogs are pack animals and there is always an Alpha, I know deep down it wouldn't be a good decision to add to our pack. I can dream about them, but I don't think we have the lifestyle right now and it would disrupt our pack. Ember is an amazing dog and she owns us. Some of our subs have asked about her smell (she doesn't smell) and why we don't put booties on her or a coat all the time. That's because she rules us, she tells us what she needs. Thank you for watching Andrew, and thank you for understanding what I was pointing out. I AM the other woman. :)

[@xrpxtrariceplease2811]

How is your car insulation? Much better now with the wool ?

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

There is a huge difference with the wool. We can feel the difference in the areas we have not added the insulation to yet. Not only with warmth but sound dampening as well. Thank you for watching!

[@streetport13b]

Why did you go with that Van versus a 170 inch

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

We like the smaller size for the agility and the maneuverability. We like spending a lot of time in out of the way places where a smaller rig comes in handy. We like the parking etc also. For us, it is the perfect amount of space. Great Question!

[@streetport13b]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska Thanks for the reply. Safe travels

[@Rehanshahzad]

Sorry for the drone ..

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

It happens. We learned a good lesson for sure. Since then we've upgraded 😁 Thanks for watching! :)

[@Rehanshahzad]

@@WingsandWheelsAlaska yess you are right we learn every single day

[@terrimccain9697]

Sorry drone down

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you for watching Terri! We always look forward to hearing from you! We hope to replace it soon. Hope you are well.

[@TobyCostaRica]

$3/per avocado!!!

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Prices are crazy up here during the winter :)

[@leecorleone]

like your content, but less facetime (i get it you're hot but still) and more scenery.

[@chaddunn4165]

Michael Lee agreed she’s hot. 😁. I have a feeling they lost some footage in the video??!! Nice job guys. I like how you keep changing things up.

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you so much Michael. We had to change the entire course of the video when the drone went down. We had a totally different plan but sometimes things don't go as planned :)

[@WingsandWheelsAlaska]

Thank you Chad, Yes we had to change up the course of the video. Jim needed some Quiet time :)