Facing My Fears in my Minivan Camper |Vanlife|

Fear can paralyze you, but overcoming it is possible. This was the scariest thing that's ever happened to me while camping in my minivan camper.
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Welcome to Minivan Camper Gal! I'm Kelly and I camp and travel in a Chrysler Pacifica Minivan, doing part-time van life. Here you will find van build videos, tips on the digital nomad lifestyle, general travel vlog videos, and more. I'm into minimalism, and I eat a mostly plant-based vegan diet. I'm still learning how to do vegan vanlife well! I have some great vegan camping recipes to share with you, but would love some suggestions, too! Sometimes I stealth camp in the city, but mostly I like to boondock. Join me and my camper van as we embark on all the car camping adventures!
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[@Tony-um2el]

That poor spider has been searching his whole life for a roommate 😂

[@hhawg1]

It could have been worse. You could have awakened in the middle of the night with him/ her walking across your face. 😊

[@thomasbeach7436]

I don't know if I could have remained as calm as you were. Good job!

[@StevefromOhio1972]

Hi Kelly, You handled that spider like a Boss! Good on you for not killing them, spiders do a lot of good. Steve.

[@edmcmackey6140]

The cup method…well done!

[@PioneerGrandma]

Fabulous video! Your dad is right - you are a warrior woman! Being vulnerable enough to show your fear, then how your handled it, and what you learned in the process - priceless! And that incredible SUNRISE! Icing on the cake! Thank you!

[@kelliesmith4068]

Oh Heebie Jeebie Creepy! The spider eyes! ACK! I was squeamish along with you! Dead or Alive, I was so glad you got rid of it! YAY!

[@PattyGurdy]

this was great 😅❤

[@janicerose1676]

So true....always love that quote from Eleanor Roosevelt

[@mythicalnomadadventure969]

You have the right attitude for vanlife. 👍. You'll be just fine 🙂 Rock on.

[@ianm5249]

Well done you😂 We have ginormous Huntsman spiders in Australia. I find a car vacuum cleaner is good for sucking them up. Then release them in morning, when I'm feeling brave.

[@Vanessa-ue3jh]

LOL LOL i almost peed my pants I laughed so hard had one on my towel after i washed my hair and I could not get away from it and you brought that all back to me lol//congrats on your bravery

[@steveclements5854]

Great scary video just in time for Halloween I watched it during a thunderstorm perfect the scenery and the commentary at the end very nice thanks again

[@serenityjewel]

I use to be terrified of spiders but I've done my own exposure therapy, joined spiderbros on Reddit, watched the cutest spider videos on TikTok, and put plastic spiders all around my house. Now I'm ok with spiders. When I see them, I look to see what kind it is. They're just kind of interesting and fascinating, especially after watching the Tik Tok videos and going to some reptile shows. It also helps that some of them are gorgeous. Thankfully, tarantulas for the most part, don't want you and aren't very venomous. And did you know with all their eyes they can't see worth freak? That being said, mad props to you.I could not go to sleep with one running around that tiny space either. You did great. I did laugh when you said "when your life is in danger" because your life wasn't in danger, at all, but the spiders life was in serious danger. Mad props to the spider for hopping on the ceiling when it was about to be crushed. Just goes to show, even spiders want to live.

[@pennysremedy]

Good job! I had a frog jump on my chest one night...scared the life out of me😂 but scared him even more!

[@able880]

That was really funny about the frog - I live in the deep South and tree frogs are all over the place along with spiders cock Roches and a abundance of cottonmouths

[@tharding2870]

Oh this was priceless. I started the clip expecting some bear to be rummaging through the food in her van . . . and find its about a spider. Not discounting what people are afraid of, as I am certain the fear is very real. Unexpected, but real. Good for you that you faced your fear and things worked out well for all concerned. 😉

[@okiejammer2736]

Glad you survived. 😮

[@gigilaroux762]

That episode of the Brady Bunch back in the day where they went to Hawaii and the tarantula got in Greg’s bed has scarred so many genXer psyches.

[@always.wondering.wandering]

I can't do spiders either, they freak me out. I keep a butterfly net in the van for mostly moths and large flys but I bet I could net a big spider/tarantula too. Good job facing your fear.

[@jam8773]

I’m sorry, but I laughed so hard at this video! Thank you for a good laugh. I’m glad you made it through.

[@soundslikesweeney]

Gosh - that was a tough call huh (kill or ... be killed?!) ... but that you were able to work through it (and catch spidey) was amazing. I also keep my 'spider catcher cup' in my minivan too. So many places for those critters to hide for goodness sake! Here in Australia there are way too many poisonous creatures that being prepared for their appearance has to be one of ... mindfulness! ☺

[@kbtexas2142]

OMG, I relate to everything you said and were feeling, I am the same way! It's not that I like/enjoy roaches, mice, snakes, etc., but I HATE spiders! I intellectually know it's an irrational fear, but they're just so creepy. I would have had to spray down the entire van before I could get back in it again!

[@PaganVegas]

Kelly Vs The Spider! Best episode EVER!!

[@crazylife834]

Oh GOSH, I felt like I was right there in the van dealing with that spider myself all by self! HOLY MOLY! I 100% get you ... even with the fear of moving something while looking for the spider! I actually had to stop watching because it got to be too much for me. Imagine that, and I wasn't even there.! However, after one day, I did go back and watch the remaining of your video. I don't like spiders, period! But that was a monster! 😲 So, I get it. However, I would have killed it for producing so much fear in me. You did the better thing ... catch and release. Glad that's over with. Phewy!

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

That sunrise above the clouds was amazing, great job capturing such a stunning sunrise 😊

[@maxflaskamp]

That was a wolf spider they are harmless to humans you handled it just right young lady right on right on

[@Gwen3344]

Nice job of 'rescuing and releasing the spider(s)'. Not exactly the perspective you had in the moment of terror, I know, but in the end, that's exactly what happened. For sure, second chances and lessons learned are among Life's great rewards. Well done! Happy camping!

[@CarrieMtn]

Well done! Im super happy you shared during and after. Your attitude change shows maturity. It’s just a spider, he would rather eat mosquitos than bite you. Again, you have proven you are a bad a$$ woman!

[@sunnyrivers]

Yikes OMG I would’ve been so freaked by that huge spider! Well done👏🏼

[@michelleb3096]

I can totally feel that fear 😟

[@alisinwanderland]

I used to have the same fearful reaction to seeing a spider that size that you did, and if I am being honest...in such a small space that might still be my reaction. THANK YOU for sharing that story because that is also a situation I had not mentally prepared for in my van. There isn't even a cup accessible to me once the bed is folded out, so lesson for me is...always keep a cup nearby. Also you may not have seen him scamper out when you were in your van and you moved the fan, but do you see him in the video now between minute 2:00-2:10 taking a leisurely stroll to the corner? (Shiver...lol)

[@molliedoodleable]

great video .. I was cringing when you went to "kill" the spider but it flew onto the roof .. super fast .. very freaky .. but you won my heart by catching it in a can .. well done! I am a follower of you now :) .. and I loved the quote at the end. I was looking for a quote this morning for a freind just diagnosed with a second lump on her breast after surgery last year. I am going to send that to her. So thank you for the interesting show. Keep on keeping on.

[@outsidethelinessailing]

Hi kelly, just watched your Starlink video…then I watched so many more after. Great content, lots in common!

[@nunyabeezwacks1408]

@Kelly, not that I wouldn't feel similarly about the spider, but your voice is usually so well modulated and you're always even tempered, that it was a surprise to hear your mini freakout over the spider. It was a genuine out of character moment for you, and that gave me a case of the lolz. I'm glad to see that both the warrior woman and the critter survived. Thank you for sharing this with us and for giving me a good laugh. P.S. Vegetation is alive prior to being harvested, and they talk to each other. Just sayin'

[@jaymianderson9665]

Most of us avoid our fears at all costs. But you were able to get TWO practices to face this specific fear; and already, at attempt #2, it was easier. Meditation and witnessing our thoughts and emotions is very helpful. Thanks for the reminder ❤

[@carmenmartinez2882]

On one of my recent trips I had to face my fears. I tent camp mostly solo with my dogs but at night they just want to go in the tent and that leaves me alone by the fire. This particular site requires off road with a 4x4 and I was completely alone in the mountains. Two nights I was faced with sounds that got me in high alert, mind you I’ve tent camped for 40+ years mostly in black bear country thus I don’t scare easily. I heard sounds around 10-11 PM, I made noise which usually scares bears away but the faint sounds were not going away, mind you I’m in mountain lion territory as well so I decided I had enough and just go to my tent to do some reading with the extra protection of my dogs (pit bull). Now I’m faced with the task of pouring water in the pit to make sure is dead (less light) go turn off my Coleman lantern hanging farther for extra light and walking back to my tent with just a headlamp and bear spray. I calmed myself down by talking to myself……lol. Made it to my tent etc. Not an easy task but I was fine and decided to stay another week. What was there? Possibly just deer but the mind can play tricks if you allow it to do so, yes, it could’ve been a more dangerous animal but it also could’ve been a fox, raccoon or deer. You have to face your fears and try to remain calm because panic obstructs good reactions if needed, not easy though. Thanks for the video. New subscriber here.

[@christinaelliott8565]

You and Eleanor Roosevelt understand...and I hope to reframe challenges as you and she have. Thanks.

[@adventurebythemile]

He was definitely watching you with his eyes wide open!

[@lynnef3297]

First this was a visually beautiful video! I'm not usually bothered by spiders but I would have had a hard time sleeping in the van with one that size. I'm so glad you were able to remove the spider without killing it. Good for you! I love the Eleanor Roosevelt quote, too.

[@musicalmarion]

Oh Kel he was a lovely creature, his little eyes... I nearly cried when he just sat on the path staring at you sadly after you dumped him out. I'm actually surprised you don't have to contend with more insects. You are right though, now you are better prepared as a result, we're all creatures on this planet and he wasn't doing anything wrong. I think you should go back to that place and try to find him haha !! Does anyone know what species it was? 🕷❤

[@holl3308]

The New Spider Woman! Coming to a theater near you! You did a great job with the catch and release!

[@ohizkimmie]

Ma'am 😅😅😅 You should have dropped it off further away from the van 😂😂😂😂

[@ajourney50]

My Mom uses two margarine containers to catch the spiders and put them outside, one container is a bit smaller than the other. She keeps them just for that purpose, she just scoops it up, and puts it outside. As a suggestion, you may want to keep some allergy pills in your first aid kit, just in case.

[@adventurebythemile]

I keep raid my backseat storage compartment and I suggest you get some to, lol he’s a biggin!!!!

[@joanndavis4843]

Well, there was a plot twist after all. You went in for the smash but landed up saving the spider for another day ( but a different one, same species weird enough). Only thing I would have done different after the capture is walk it far, far away to release it. Not in the same spot it probably jumped on board in the first place..., I'm just saying. As a side note when I was a kid I used to go through the neighborhood looking for the biggest spider around. Then run inside and ask,my mother for a big jar with a lid on it. After I put some holes (not too big), I retrace my steps and catch it everytime! It was a real test of my bravery I could show my friends. At night I'd lay in bed and imagine the president of the United States (won't say which one so as not to date myself), would hire me to catch all the biggest spiders at the white house! Hard to imagine I was that kind of kid compared to the non confrontational grown up I turned out to be now when I pass a big one, outside that is. But inside, it's on!! Either I'm sleeping in another room with the door shut, or staying up as late as it takes with the him or me attitude and determination to get back to sleep 💤 .

[@carls2622]

Kelly, there are more and bigger ones elsewhere in your van, you just didn't find them yet.

[@bodurango]

Wow MCG. Beautiful imagery and a great story. Thanks for capturing your learning/growth experience, and sharing it. Your content always has substance, and I appreciate the time you put into this project.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

You did it right. Just keep a cup handy and cover it as soon as you get it in. Then just take it outside. Just be glad you're not in south America 😂😂

[@agr8h2o]

Brava!!

[@z9ski690]

So who’s better Eleanor or FDR? They were both great. And your video skills are inspiring.

[@MiZDove1]

This one had me laughing out loud. Not at you, but when you hit him in the corner of the window and then screamed and jumped, that is me to a T. For some reason, I’m the dragon slayer of my household even though i have a perfectly good grandson bred for that sole purpose, yet it always falls on me to kill stray palmetto bugs that find their way in. Your reaction was identical to mine. I felt it. I would have done the same with a massive spider. You faced your fears and triumphed!

[@pd8505]

Bravery is never absent of fear. Well done. I wish a podcast would "effectively" address the issue of preventing insects and mice from coming into vehicle interiors. Peppermint oils and ceiling cups don't seem effective enough.

[@joanndavis4843]

OMGosh! Kelly I just started your video and I paused because I can't watch! I know it's a living thing, but that spider would have been history first time I'd lay eyes on it with any kind of shoe, or book nearby! But you gotta be quick girlfriend. Don't know how this is going to turn out, a real nail biter I'd say. Guess it's either you'll be the Victor or a night in a nearby hotel. Wish you all the luck!

[@TechieButterflySinger]

Ohhhh my lord spiders UGHHHHHH NOOOOOOO you are my hero goddess warrior. You continue to impress the HELL OUT of ME!! 💪💪💪💯💯💯 yeeeees re the comfort zone.

[@FiftiesForward]

Ugh went to comments first there goes the plot .. but I'll still watch Lol

[@zaga7651]

good job.

[@johnbornschein5525]

Wow u have a pet !

[@groovershowmydog]

I hate this video but I keep watching. I would die if this happened to me. OMG. I can't handle it. I'm only half way into the video. Oh thank God he's out of there. Thanks for scaring the hell out of me

[@annsayger5842]

I'm sorry you had to experience that moment. Wherever your adventures take you I don't recommend the southwest. Stay safe.

[@1-SmallStep]

OH. MY. GAWD.

[@deb3407]

This spider i can deal with - a empty glass & a something to slide under to trap it. Then put that stuff outside. I once was tent camping & realized I was in the path of a tarantula migration - thousands of them walking down the road. I moved out quickly. So--- dont camp near Angels Camp, Ca during the tarantula migrations (2 times ayear) Ive been spider bit, but survived.

[@marie-christinebaudelle3796]

When I want to catch a fly, I use my red light. Flies don’t see red light, I wonder if spiders are also blind to red light… if so it would be easier to catch and release them elsewhere. If they see the red light, I’d rather spray them than be bitten.

[@gypsylizzy8893]

I can relate....spiders terrify 😨 me

[@danielportilloarevalo6228]

Ho vaya susto amiga....a nosotros también se nos metió una araña pequeña y no la pudimos encontrar a la mañana siguiente mi esposa tenía muchos piquetes en las piernas y la espalda.... afortunadamente parecían piquetes de sancudos y no tuvo ninguna molestia....te recomiendo un veneno en espray.... saludos desde Chihuahua México 😊

[@FiftiesForward]

Your spider friend must have been an alien omg that is a freaky one 😢

[@adamkwiatkowski4107]

It's quite an experience. Maybe there's product that repels all these.

[@lukejantzik3786]

take a vaccume cleaner works very fast lol

[@robynshore7942]

PHEW! But....Sorry but Ive just added insect spray to my list of I NEED....

[@landy531]

You need a pet snake to eat the spider 😅

[@newtuber4freedom43]

What if it was a scorpion?

[@douglashoward5738]

Facing your fear of spiders was a great accomplishment! Mark it off your list😊

[@aaroningram9741]

Do u leave windows cracked when u sleep? I live in a minivan and bought a co2 monitor and found out my co2 levels were extremely high with the windows closed. I've been sleeping like this for years and never knew it. I found out I have to crack at least 2 windows a couple inches to keep the levels in the high end of the healthy range. It's gonna be a bummer this winter to leave them cracked all the time. I recently found out I have low red bloodcell count and am wondering if it's caused by my high exposure to co2 for years.

[@sidneyabbott5991]

I bet if the bear or the cougar was in your van, you’d be afraid

[@Ballygirl886]

My worst nightmare.

[@Amigoof]

Wasp spray!

[@adventurebythemile]

Wolf spider???

[@Bum_Hip]

😬😱😳

[@richardhewett7677]

😂

[@Wijkkie]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@joelogger88]

That is not a tarantula. It's not a black widow or brown recluse so it's harmless. I used to let big tarantulas crawl on my face to freak people out. Very docile creatures.

[@Scrambler85]

Portable VACUUM CLEANER 😂😂😂

[@piperlong544]

Spiders are the worse. I almost DIED from a Brown Recluse Spider bite. I am deathly afraid of spiders.