FACING MY FEARS - SOLO FEMALE VAN LIFE - FIRST NIGHT ALONE

SOLO FEMALE VAN LIFE - In this weeks video its all about facing one of my biggest fears - THE DARK! As Nick is still out of action, I decided to take on van life alone in the wilderness. In all my years of travel and living in a van, I've never actually stayed alone and although a little bit embarrassing, I am afraid of the dark. So the challenge is on to see if I can overcome my fear as I go camping solo for 24 hours (with just one small doggie for company!) Thanks for watching.
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[@theexPAWers]

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[@1ords]

Not sure what the reply to my well done is?

[@margarettownsley9500]

@@1ords I can see whew I’ve been asked to mail back for a gift

[@dotm2218]

thank you for the code. i have ordered myself a set and looking forward to using it

[@dotm2218]

because i ordered from their official site i get a free 3 year warranty :-)

[@theexPAWers]

@@dotm2218 amazing! You’ll be very happy I’m sure. They are really great 👍 xx Thankyou xx

[@RobertRod818]

I'm a guy and I'm afraid of darkness, especially in the wilderness. You did great, and Dee looked like a protector, walking infront of you for the most part. Thanks for sharing your adventures in Spain.

[@theexPAWers]

Thanks so much for that, yeah Diz was great, he proper stepped up as the protector for sure xx

[@davebyrne2826]

Dave in Snowdonia here, I’m proud of you Sarah doing something that a lot of people wouldn’t do you can feel so vulnerable at times. We all have our own fears and facing them ourselves can give us a huge boost but the fear however irrational is real to us. I do envy you both, my wife Linda and I were so close and we travelled everywhere together and loved and cherished every moment we were with each other. Laughing and loving is the greatest gift two people can have. Since Linda passed away my life can be very lonely, it’s that companionship and sharing you miss so much. But I went to the Pyrenees last year and had fun and this year I’m returning but camping this time. I love your fondness for each other and although you are separate beings the pair of you are one. Seize the day Carpe Diem. Dave

[@theexPAWers]

Thanks for the message Dave. We’re sorry to hear about your Linda😢.. We’ll seize the day for sure.. Take care, we send you lots of love from the van here in Spain (very soon Portugal😉) xx

[@hgglass8905]

Such. Sad time. but wonderful you getting out there again hope you have a lovely time

[@claire7142]

From someone who does everything solo, I can totally relate to how you feel - all the pluses and minuses. The good thing about having a dog is that you do have another being to talk to, which does lessen the alone feeling somewhat. It was brave to admit it on camera but actually, you've proved you can do it and now you will probably be happy to do it again. Start small and build on that first experience xx Glad Nick's back is better.

[@theexPAWers]

Thanks so much Clare, yep I’m feeling pretty proud of myself! The best part was waking up in the morning and knowing I’d done it😁.. Nice to put yourself out of the comfort zone sometimes, makes you feel good xx

[@catherinerobinson3669]

You two are absolutely adorable! Great job facing your fears! Diz is obviously one great security dog! Be safe and well!

[@theexPAWers]

Thanks so much Catherine xx

[@rrichardson53]

I really enjoyed this!! Bravo spending the night alone with your “guard” dog 👏 I could never be a solo RV traveler as the nights would spook me as well- ‘would have to camp around other van people to feel safe. Glad that Nick’s back is better- stay cool 😎

[@theexPAWers]

Thankyou so much ❤️ x

[@cyndeeh]

Wow! Never seen you drive! Can't wait! Cool to see your vulnerable side Sara! Loved it as usual!

[@theexPAWers]

awwwww, Thankyou☺️☺️xx

[@coleensonnenfeld5519]

Good for you sarah i thought i heard something when you were walking too but dizzy was your alarm good for you hello from maine

[@samh1611]

I'm not too worried about the dark it's travelling on my own is the issue even though I'm 57. I'd love a camper and travel anywhere and everywhere. Well done Sarah and best wishes to Nick. X🐕🐕

[@theexPAWers]

Awwwww Thankyou Samantha, a lot of folk do travel solo, you’ll meet a lot of people doing it that way! Xx

[@leoniheff]

Your face when you heard that noise in the dark 😂 Crikey I laughed 😂 I'd be exactly the same. I can't hang my feet over the edges of the bed and I'm 64 !! 😂 We'll done Sarah. We're proud of you 👍

[@lakenovember4694]

Great vlog, well done Sarah, I'd have been freaked by those two huge dogs! We all have things that scare us, no matter what age we are. So glad you're back is on the mend, Nick, take care all of you 💚

[@theexPAWers]

Thankyou so much ❤️ x

[@markholmes1346]

Great job Sara, confronting your fears and overcoming them and staying all night! Nice job on videoing and editing! Glad to see Nick & Charlie come check on ya! See ya next week guys! ✌🏼❤️🙏🏼

[@theexPAWers]

Thankyou so much Mark❤️ x

[@desireeanders1447]

hi sahra, dont worry beeing afraid in he dark,im 71 yrs old and sill scared in the dark, so no reason o be embaresed..so glad to see nick back,i missed you Guys

[@susanyates4233]

Well done Sarah, especially taking Dizzie out for his last walk! Some years ago we were camping just off Bodmin Moor, and it was pitch black outside the van. I took Angel out on her own, and was not too happy. You have made a brilliant job of the video. Hope Nick and Charlie are back to full health soon.

[@theexPAWers]

Thanks Susan. It was a little scary not going to lie but proud of myself for facing my fears! Xxx

[@juneenver9854]

76 years old and i am frightened of the dark,so well done you

[@theexPAWers]

Thanks June, it wasn’t easy but proud of myself! Hope you have a great weekend xx

[@carolinecaiger6717]

Loved this vlog, Sara! I can relate :) Also happy to see the return of Nick and Charlie.

[@theexPAWers]

❤️♥️Thankyou xxx

[@katrionaturner-thomson7706]

Good on you Sarah, so important to push your boundaries and be independent. Loved the video, but of course we missed Nick. Lots of love to you all x

[@theexPAWers]

Thanks so much.. I probably could do it if I had too, but in the meantime I’ll stick with the rest of my boys! 🥰

[@lynnwilliams4006]

Please be careful when parking on dry grass and brush. Last summer in Arizona a new van life couple lost every they owned doing just that. The hot underside of their van started a fire so fast everything was destroyed including the van. Take care and be safe.

[@whisperingranch582]

Sarah, you did awesomely well for your first night on your own. Be proud of yourself. ❤ You did it! next time will be even easier. And your first own video is super too. Believe in yourself, you are awesome and can do anything you want to! Hugs to Charlie and Nick, hope they both have recuperated well.✌

[@theexPAWers]

awwwww, Thankyou so much Eva☺️☺️xx

[@terpentine]

The bush with pink flowers is called Oleander 🌸

[@inekeroos9264]

The pink flowers are Oleander.... Your meal looks delicious. Wellvlogged Sarah!

[@billienomates1606]

You can just feel the chemistry when the 2 halves pair up again, so lovely.

[@theexPAWers]

☺️☺️xx

[@TheVintageSoul333]

Everybody is afraid of something at some point, I guess what is sad is if you let it keep you from doing something adventurous or something you want to do. However in your case you faced it straight away and you did it 💕

[@theexPAWers]

Thankyou so much ❤️ x

[@juliebrooke6099]

I think the pink flowering plants are oleanders. They look lovely.

[@psnchsky]

We need to see Nick do a solo night to see how brave he is lol. Nice to see the pack back together. 😁

[@theexPAWers]

Haha, Nick would be fine, he’s not scared of the dark at all, I would worry about him burning the van down though when cooking for himself 😂😂

[@lindahenderson2987]

Great success Sara…..see you have the guts you just don’t believe in yourself. That’s ok your fans are here for you.

[@margaretlewis177]

I know exactly what you mean. I have never spent any time alone without my husband of 62 years and then on platinum jubilee weekend we had been to a lovely family bbq but on our return home my husband suffered a catastrophic stroke. In the blink of an eye our life changed. He is still in hospital and I am living on my own. He is progressing now but it is very different.

[@theexPAWers]

Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear this Margaret.. Sending lots of love to you and your husband, hoping for a speedy recovery ♥️❤️

[@tracielatham8415]

Sarah, you do not need to apologize for being uneasy on your own. I think you were very brave! I don’t think I would have done it at all. My husband and I have been together since senior year of high school (almost 40 years!) so I am used to having him with me all the times especially on adventures! Glad Nick’s back is feeling better!

[@warmbreeze43]

I’m solo in the states. Me and my 2 dogs. Proud of you Sarah. Good vlog

[@mictheflash]

You did REALLY well. I know I would struggle being by myself. Also you did well making a decent meal, as personaly I don't eat much without my Mrs.

[@NigelJohnTuckert900]

I'm a big bloke in my sixties, I've never liked being out in the dark, and torches make it worse. You're braver than me. Well done mun. ❤️ All the best Nick 👍👍

[@sussudioharvey9458]

Sarah you should be happy that you faced your anxieties and tried this. Very proud. I’ve been solo camping pretty much for over three decades. You are not alone in your fears. Especially among women. I think we are socially conditioned a bit with this to be honest. I have talked to a lot of women afraid to take that first step. One of the big things I do at night is tell them to go out and look up. When they see a sky free of light pollution and filled with stars a sense of self overcomes most of them . We are made of Stardust.

[@listonflanders7458]

Everybody is scared of something. Worms and kites for me. You did great xxx

[@jacquelinemusters2111]

I am also scared in the dark. Your not alone. You are very brave. ❤❤

[@theexPAWers]

Thankyou so much Jacqueline ❤️ x

[@Dutcharmytent]

I was really surprised watching this video without Nick.I never realised how much you relied on him helping. I can understand how he would worry about you watching this video. Fear is something we create ourselves. The secret is to camp near other campers.

[@diannemorgan3541]

I hate the dark .i think you are braver than me. Im petrifying would never have the nerve to do it. Well done sara.x

[@mickb1971b]

Strong lady total respect

[@lindagoodwin3641]

I am the same, l think you are really brave . Hope Nick is better soon

[@carolinewoods4085]

Well done ....you did a great job ....but good to see you all back together too x

[@marycorcoran245]

aww it was lovely to see nick and Charlie visit you.

[@theexPAWers]

😁😁

[@tinahardy9361]

Do not even joke about splitting up. Girl, I am so proud of you staying by yourself. You can do it. And I know it must get lonely. Good to see Dizzie and Charlie!! Stay safe see ya in the next one.

[@letsbefrank6269]

Hi, those pink flowered shrubs are Oleander, they are poisonous, extremely toxic, but they smell nice! 😃

[@angelapatience5996]

Be proud of yourself Sarah, well done. It is scary in the dark in unfamiliar surroundings, especially when you’re used to being with your pack . I love all your videos guys, you and Nick have such a great outlook on life and of course Dizzy and Charlie bring a smile to my face every time 😊 🐾. Keep up the good work, looking forward to your upcoming adventures 👍🏻

[@theexPAWers]

Thankyou so much Angela❤️ x

[@nicoleprobst4618]

Some weeks ago, I got alone on a camping trip for the first time. I was nervous, but it got suprisingly well. But I was on a campsite with other campers. Being alone in the wilderness, I know, that I could not enjoy that. I'm very glad, that I can go with my husband on wild camping trips.

[@only-vans]

Tip-4-Free(tm) when driving on a road like that , let your tyre pressures down to 18psi. Easier to drive, less punishment on your vehicle. reinflate them to the correct tyre pressures when you get back to black top. Hope that helps for the future. That tip would have most likely helped in the past too.

[@mattlawless1821]

I’m not scared of the dark but In the woods near my house in the dark when the crows make there sound it always makes the hair on my neck stand up! Nothing wrong with being scared it makes you sharp! 😂🤣

[@mattlawless1821]

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 mate this ain’t tinder! 🤦‍♂️🍉🖕🏿

[@francescarossi6084]

Well done Sara! ! you did it! you can be super proud of yourself !!! and I am proud of you too!

[@elisabethe8055]

Good girl! You did it! I know the feeling. Camping in a tent in the middle of the night for the first time in the woods when you know bears and wolf roam in the area makes you sleep with one eye open and the whole body on high alert.. Then in the early morning, before sunrise, you go out feel the air, making coffee.. It is the best feeling ever! Freedom! Still after years doing it, it is still a akvard feeling, but the morning arrives with relief.. You did good! Tell us how you feel!

[@daseteam]

A big thumbs up, Sarah!

[@londonjacks8371]

Those bushes are Oleander, beautiful but toxic for dogs so be careful. You did good Sarah 👍

[@katiesimmonds4873]

We have a Jackery that we've used at home, along with a generator, at home, during power outages. It's been awesome keeping some things powered when the generator was off!

[@Yvette_za]

Aaaah , give those boys some good grub Sarah . They can’t cope without you . 😜

[@lindagoodwin3641]

I’m the same you are braver than l would be , hope Nick is better soon

[@jacquie313]

Don't you worry Sarah about being scared lots of people are scared of something and it's nothing to feel ashamed about, good on you for having a go on your own your are braver than you know, take care 👍

[@janebrooking5232]

Frankie off Grid, as I expect you know, are living in Portugal and I am sure they would welcome a visit and share their experiences with you. They are renovating a barn and setting up the garden.

[@clairecooper197]

Well done for facing your fears Sarah. I’m very proud of you. ❤️❤️

[@margarettownsley9500]

Amazing Sara your a brave lady

[@joannemagee4059]

I'm scared of the dark too. Appreciate you're authenticity .

[@suecameron3124]

Sara, it is funny how on our own we are a 'chicken' but with another person have so much confidence...a problem shared , you two just bounce off each other and you can see you just sort of blend into one, when nick and Charlie arrived it was like a happy ending on a film...it is so lovely to be involved in your seemingly free life style, you do give me great pleasure, thank you both.

[@huckyduck]

Loved it... it was great to see Nick and Charlie show up at the end. Put a big smile on my face. 😄

[@captaindave47]

Great video it was funny seeing you scared of the dark, you are a big girl😂but you managed it. Well done,I watch a few female van life channels and enjoy them, it was good to see Nick appear at the end, you are great together.

[@julessimpkins7401]

Well done Sarah you nailed it. Lovely moment at the end when dizzy saw Nick and Charlie xx

[@theexPAWers]

Thanks Jules♥️❤️

[@sandrabutcher1961]

Well done on your 1st solo adventure

[@traceye2388]

Hi Sarah, I never ever had a problem with the dark or night time, until I lost my husband in December 2021, now it's a very different story, I kind of sleep with one eye open as I absolutely hate being on my own at night in the house, we have been together for 38 years, he was 56 when he passed, so now I watch all my favourite youtubers at night to get me through or films, in the hope I would fall asleep or meditate, anyway sorry for waffling on, well done Sarah for giving it a go, loving the vids, keep them coming, please can you give Dizzy and Charlie a hug from me please, stay safe , look after yourselves x👏😘👍

[@christianvancara8255]

Lots of us live alone & holiday Alone... We need to get out & explore.... Good on ya Sarah.. Time by ourself is quite Liberating... So sorry to hear that you are affraid of the dark... You have been So brave & I hope Nick heals soon,a good rest will do him good... Take care in the Heat,I myself thrive in the Shade🤗😊😘

[@daralen4232]

Liked spending time with you Sara but we did miss Nick. Thanks for sharing.

[@rockingredpoppy9119]

The pink bushes are called Oleander. They are toxic if eaten by animals. Dogs aren't usually interested in them, but I did place an outdoor guinea pig hutch too close one of the bushes once, lesson learned, lost one of my guinea pigs because it was able to reach and chew on the leaves. 👍

[@dianebaker5243]

You was brilliant doing that on your own and Dizzy. Lovely video thanks for sharing 👍🥰🐕

[@theexPAWers]

Thanks Diane xx

[@eppityrrell8236]

Fair play to you Sarah...great to see you driving I'm sure the doggies don't know what's going on hope Nick gets better soon good job 💕✨

[@theexPAWers]

😁😁

[@martinahackstock1917]

Very good! Thanks!

[@royrichardson7178]

Just watched your video well done

[@mandywaterton]

You done very well.

[@andreabalderstone4272]

You did a great job Sarah but you definitely looked relieved when Nick & Charlie turned up ☀️😎

[@projectportugal]

Great video again, don't forget our offer, we have plenty of room for you❤️

[@janeingram7331]

Michelangelo once said "When you are alone you see it all, but when you are with someone else you only see half." I've been to Europe 82 X from the US. About 65 X I was alone and preferred it. I met more people, I did what I wanted when I wanted. I ate when I felt like it. The freedom an flexibility was and is what I prefer. I have never been scared of traveling by car or getting lost. So, it just depends on what you are used to.

[@annesia3794]

A little time alone is good every once in a while, congratulations on facing your fear, you did great it's really nice to see Nick is feeling much better. This was great thanks for sharing.

[@christinemckay5949]

Well done Sarah! xx

[@harriethunter8910]

Well done Sarah. Loved the video. Nice to see Nick pop in to say Hello. See you next time.

[@moonshayde]

The pink bushy plant is Plumeria or Frangipani. The sap is extremely poisonous for doggies so keep Dizzee way from them!!

[@philadams964]

The pink flower is an Oleander shrub, well done you for camping out on your own.

[@rayriti]

Loved it, you and dizzy were wonderful on your adventure in facing your fear. Cute pups that came to visit and the lizard 🦎 was precious. Always love watching you guys videos, can't wait for the next one. 😀

[@theexPAWers]

❤️♥️

[@patcoburn1960]

Well done on facing your fears. Have to say you are an expert putting out the awning on your own. 👏

[@rosewindman3802]

Glad Nick is better, the best part of the vlog is when Nick and Charlie showed up, love it, also loved the lizard, those big dogs were a bit scary.

[@kenneyg100]

Great vlog, thank you Sarah. Those bushes with the pink flowers are oleanders. Gorgeous but poisonous x

[@logothaironsides2942]

Brave! I have never camped alone and never even driven our VW . Glad nick's back is mended and lil charlie is chipper again.

[@roslinney4285]

Well done Sarah

[@natalielee4091]

Great blog Sarah 👏💪🦸‍♀️ those pink bushes are Oleander x

[@tlafleur8433]

Imo, being afraid of the dark is not to be ashamed of. Harmful, dangerous thing lurk in the dark. Fear is a good thing as long as it's rational.

[@beverlyredmond1160]

I love u Sara u really make me smile and laugh. We are with u in spirit. U got this hug dizzie

[@theexPAWers]

♥️❤️

[@JeanReinhardtWriter]

Well done Sara. I'm not afraid of the dark in my own home and garden but I would feel exactly the same as you away from my own familiar environment. I don't think I could have done what you did.

[@kerela9]

I think you did amazingly.

[@jedward1411]

Wearing a bright head torch will attract unwanted attention. Much better to adjust your eyes to the dark. Takes about 30 mins. As soon as your eyes see bright light again, takes another 30 mins to adjust, unless you keep one eye closed. Obviously have your flash light on you, to shine into an intruders eyes. Carry a weapon with you at all times, when you're alone.

[@CAT-ig4fj]

I’m the same, I’m terrified of the dark, Always have been. You should be proud of yourself 👏🏼.

[@IAmMomhousekeeperinhartfordct]

I wish you both a long life journey together, may nature and universe bless you for ever and ever.

[@vetworker]

Sarah there is no shame in being scared of the dark. I live in the middle of nowhere and when it’s dark it is pitch black. I’m used to the dark now at mine but a couple of years ago I did a solo long distance walk which involved the first mile walking through a forest in the dark, my little legs were moving very fast. Loved the video and you did a fantastic job of editing. Must say I much prefer to see all four of you though. Looking forward to seeing your videos on Portugal. 😊😊😊😊😊

[@christinetomlinson4132]

Well done Sarah I too am afraid of the dark and I’m a retired police office 🤪 you will always have your guard dogs to protect you and shower you with love 🥰🐶 can’t wait for you to come to Castelo Branco xx

[@dianebillington850]

Well done Sara…at least you can be confident that if ever it was necessary you can drive the van and cope okay. ( particularly with your weapons arsenal 😂) I think it’s the wildlife that is scary in the dark I’d probably strap a light on the dog too 😳….likely any noises would be from things scurrying off not coming to you! Good idea alcohol free that would be me too…wanting to keep my wits sharp and be able to drive off if I had to, especially for a first try solo. I’d probably leave a pair of worn mens giant size sandals at the door step too 😲Love watching you two, lovely chilled vibe you have and really enjoyed this vlog too…I’m going to go and watch all the old videos on the channel to catch up on your past travels. Take care of yourselves/each other xxx Great to see Charlie’s looking loads better xx

[@shelaghjackson9577]

Brave gal! I travel solo sometimes, but not camping or in a van. I don’t like the dark either!😱 Good boy Dizzie , for protecting Sarah!👍🙂

[@gillosborne9516]

Don’t worry Sarah. Being scared of the dark is an evolutionary imperative. Your very old ancestors were scared of the dark because it was sensible to be so. They stayed alive because of the fear. Sabre tooth cats, bears and various man eaters outside that cave. It’s good to have a dog too, at least one with a more fierce bark than Dizee. I’m like you with directions too, no idea, no instinct. I get lost in car parks. I think you did really well all in all. Great to have Nick back though.

[@bevtrue6937]

The pink flowers are Oleander. (English at least) I have a giant red and another white one in my yard (in FL; in USA). Wow so strange for Nick to be missing!! 😞 Looks like the avocados are well protected by barbed wire. 😞 I once was startled at least. Was camping in a campground but alone for a distance. Was reading by lantern then all of a sudden a raccoon started moving around RIGHT under my chair. I sure jumped. I didn't know he was there. Can't be scared....you have us. Just use a flashlight. We will protect you. Naw!! We missed Nick, even if we did ok with Sara.

[@theexPAWers]

For sure! Thanks so much for watching Bev, sending love and have a great weekend 😁

[@suefisher1077]

You did well on your own