FIRST DAYS OF VAN LIFE! [Turkey Run and Shades State Parks, Indiana]

[@itsolen]

awesome video, keep em coming!!!

[@VHS_GIS]

You crack me up!!!!

[@Kari-bb3rm]

I've been to Shades 😎 once and Tukey Run many times!! Beautiful parks! I love them.

[@karahjo231]

I cried laughing at the match scene. The parallel of your panic and then you being so calm has me laughing so hard my side hurts.😂 I'm not even kidding you, this was so funny it helped my soul.❤ thank you for including that!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Glad you liked that!!

[@TheAngie2920]

You’re adorable and so funny! Excited to watch your adventures!

[@amyjones-lonestarhoosier2029]

Love both of those parks so much!!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

They were awesome! Such gems!

[@jetv1471]

You started out in Indiana and look where you are now all these years later !❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Tattiepoo1]

What a beautiful place

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It truly was! I rewatched this recently, and I miss those places! And warm weather, haha

[@norys90]

Great adventure

[@Debrajoy]

This makes me miss it so much, I want to go back to my van! Most people just don't get it! Too bad for them!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah, I love it too!! To each their own though!

[@markie3394]

Indianapolis here!! I’m sure we’ve passed on trail or road! It’s shades for me. Love your van set up and am wondering how did you secure your tapestry to the ceiling? Godspeed on the AT!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh that's awesome!! We probably did! For the tapestry, it's these things called upholstery pins. They look like clear thumbtacks but with a corkscrew pin. I think I found them at a Joann Fabrics (craft store) or Lowe's!

[@SewCool-Ideas]

I can’t believe how you been growing up from this video to the present! 🎉❤

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It's hard to believe that was less than 2 years ago! It feels like 5 years!

[@fakenews7438]

I have the same van and I have the same idea this makes me so happy that I'm not the only one that wants to do this

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh good! Yeah, it’s a great vehicle to live in! I even made a video with 7 reasons why it’s perfect to live in, here’s the link if you wanna get even more excited about living in a Sienna! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep3do6pplq95jqs

[@jennifercocharan4526]

It feels like home. I believe we can sense our future paths.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

And what a great home it was!

[@liningtheclouds]

Van upgrades look great ❤ the roof star map.

[@starsshinerosie1058]

Heya yep same w me- When I first got a camp stove (switch from Campfire cooking) camp stove still in the box when I went camping!! 😂 😆

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Haha nice! I’m more of a campfire cook too!

[@budget-adventure]

what a beautiful location. thank you for sharing with us

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@susanmaguire9009]

Hi. Messaged you earlier about wanting to learn how to actually find your way around in a new town. Where to visit, where to stay, etc. I understand a bit better as I watch you first videos. You replied to me this morning thanks. I’ll keep watching all of your vids.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yay, glad they could help! I try to put in as much info as I can!

[@langer6969]

Turkey Run state park was suggested to me when I was visiting Natural Bridge in Kentucky and TRSP did not disappoint! I spent 3 days there hiking all trails and really enjoyed my time there! Holy crap, just saw the date of the upload... I was there a week after you on June 1st 2021 :P

[@starsshinerosie1058]

Oooh chilling, love the 1st night at Walmart, whatever works!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I wasn’t expecting Indiana to have a lot of free camping, so this was about what I expected!

[@catherinelittlebear9863]

In the last 24 hours, you become one of my very favorite channels. Hello, new friend!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh hell yeah!! Thank you so much! I’m so excited to have you on board! 🎉

[@larryhunter8245]

Going back and getting caught up. Great video. Not too bad for your first night!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh thanks!!

[@tracyd7432]

Live and learn ...all with a smile

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yes ma’am! Every misstep is an opportunity to grow!

[@chrisstellers3419]

Suggestion: bring a glass to drink your beer out of. Releases the carbonation and aromas also bringing out more of the flavors. Also less bloating. I’ll keep my eye out for that one.. Good show !!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I’ve been thinking about that, but I’d probably break it. I do have a plastic cup I drink beer out of but I usually don’t film that because it’s not a clear cup and it just doesn’t look very good

[@primrozie]

When I was young I hiked parks and mountains. I used a tent for sleeping. I miss those days.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh that sounds incredible! 😊

[@JimCrossan]

Hahaha spot on.. 😅

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I’m glad you liked it! Which part are you thinking of?

[@JimCrossan]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces surrendering to Indiana 😄

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Haha nice!

[@piotrs.7189]

Nice.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks!

[@piotrs.7189]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces I am thinking about living in my car in Chicago (suburbs), your videos are encouraging. Thank you!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh that’s awesome! Good luck!

[@gwenruckey6817]

I like her! She's funny!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks! 😊 I like you too!

[@EK-mx7zb]

Interesting place! Makes me think a little of Red River Gorge KY, which you must’ve been to also. IN has some suprisingly interesting places for a midwestern, corn growin’ state. I hiked Knobstone and found it challenging and pretty interesting too. BTW I hope by now you put your gas canister angled up with the outlet at the top 😊

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah, the gorge was my first adventure on this road trip! And yes, this was the only time I had my gas upside down!

[@MeMe4882]

There was nothing about this video I didn’t like...cheers to Indiana beer and awesome State Parks from your newest subscriber.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yay! Welcome to the fam, glad to have you along!

[@sunflowerjoy9807]

Upland brewery is just 10 mins from my home

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Cool!!

[@megalou6567]

You crack me up! Just found you. And you have totally ignited my spark to fix my van up more, I kinda wing it right now. But that’s fixin to change. And btw when you get to Oregon they have the best IPA’s . You may want to stay there for awhile lol.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yes!!! I’m so excited to get to Oregon! I haven’t been to the PNW at all yet, so that’ll be a real treat!

[@megalou6567]

I drove from Tn to Oregon with my youngest daughter last year. We had a blast. I hadn’t seen my sister in 25 years. We stayed drunk lol. And That is where I fell in love with IPA’s. We would go every night and pick out a 6 pack according to the cool cans. I stayed for a month. Most everything was on hard lockdown so we were pretty restricted. But hey.. beer. Lol

[@megalou6567]

And btw I’m on the border of ky and Tn . If your ever in the area love to crack one and laugh with ya

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yes, that would be so fun! Idk when I’ll be there but I will write that down!

[@allanhover5008]

Be careful please stay safe love your videos as well

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Will do! Thanks for watching!

[@roycesjourney37]

Whelp, this video got you another subscriber. Wifey and I want to do exactly what you’re doing. Indiana looks beautiful.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yay!! Welcome!!

[@livableincome]

You are so funny! And the propane tank is not supposed to be upside down. Just flip it to the back of the stove. Hopefully someone already told you. 😂

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I read not to do that just after I filmed that video. I was like “please tell me that wasn’t in the shot!!” but of course it was!

[@BadBrad23]

Hello Maddie, I have been really enjoying your videos. I have watched about half of them. You deserve way more than 3.6k watchers and you will get more. I grew up in a 56 mack bus that was a San Fransisco transit but my dad converted into a motor home until the engine blew up in Oklahoma. So grew up in Okla. I really like your personality and hope you make some more videos.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Wow, that’s great that you like my videos! Thank you so much! And that’s so neat about your dad converting a bus to a motorhome! He was ahead of his time, with all the people converting buses now!

[@maddygvanlifer435]

You could unplug your refrigerator until you get a bigger Jackery. Then get a bag of ice, and put it in your refrigerator. A bag of ice last me almost 2 days for me in my cheap ice chest. Just a suggestion. but love your build.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I do appreciate your suggestion but I ended up buying a mounted solar panel! I was being very stubborn about buying ice since the fridge/freezer was expensive in the first place. Thanks for watching and commenting, I love that we have the same name!

[@missionaries7575]

Thoughts on uploading after your current adventures then go on to the next, upload and so on? That way your location at the moment is private. From a mom and grandma

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yeah I already do that! I’m already out of Illinois which my next stop after Indiana! Thanks for bringing that up though, I definitely put a lot of thought into safety and I’m always interested in suggestions about that stuff

[@missionaries7575]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces good haha thank you

[@hmcvalesano]

You have amazing cinematography skills!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you so much!! I try really hard on my videos :)

[@clarasmith1873]

My sister and I were born in Fort Knox. I remember Mom going to Louisville to shop. Kentucky is a beautiful state. I loved the dogwood trees.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah! It’s so pretty! A good place to come home to

[@tonyabrowninghikes]

Great video! Have fun!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!! 🙌

[@Bill-yf7jz]

Amazing my friend

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you 🙌🙌🙌

[@jaritza9625]

"Who are these turkies and why are they running?"🤣

[@ShandeleReynolds]

*Put your solar panel in the windshield during the day when you are parked.*

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I read somewhere that solar panels didn’t work through windows? But now I have a fixed solar panel on my roof, so I get sun all the time now! Thanks for the suggestion though!

[@Whiskey_and_Steel]

Looks like a lovely day

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It was indeed!

[@SOSASATSUNRISE]

You will learn a lot your first month but don't worry! It took us a few weeks before we felt comfortable walking into a Walmart with our toothbrushes . Your story telling and style is really coming along. Glad to see you finally on the road.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you, glad to finally be on the road too! 🙌 As for my storytelling style, thank you, I’ve been working hard on that. Plus it also helps that I have more story-worthy events going on in my life than I did when we first started subscribing to each other’s channels too! Haha

[@JasonOutdoors]

At least it's fairly minor things that went wrong. Excited to watch the adventure now that you're on the road. When you hit Wisconsin I can give you a couple local beer suggestions.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I’m actually going into Wisconsin tomorrow! Lay it on me, what’s good to drink up there?

[@JasonOutdoors]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces New Glarus makes good stuff. Spotted cow is pretty popular and one I'll regularly get. Linenhugles is another popular one. Their stuff is seasonal so unfortunately my favorite of theirs isn't available right now (Snowdrift vanilla Porter) but they have a good variety as well. Title town is a good brewery also, they can be bought in the store's. They are located right here in Green Bay so it's a good place for lunch if you are in this area. Currently my favorite is called Boss Man, it's a coconut Porter but it's not available other than at a local brewhouse (Narrow Bridge) (it was made specifically for them)

[@MichaelRoyDuckworth]

I noticed a possibly dangerous situation. The propane canister was upside down pushing liquid LPG instead of gas into your stove. Please orient the gas canister in the proper position.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you for saying that! Right after I filmed that video, I read in the manual not to do that, so I counted my blessings and never did it again!!

[@stevem6796]

Love the philosophy of your journey and that you are at least starting your adventure east of the Mississippi River. Nice setup and I’m sure you will dial in your electric needs. Great storytelling and editing. Your enthusiasm is inspiring. Looking forward to watching more. BTW - our Kentucky jokes are pretty good here in my state of Indiana too!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you so much for such a kind comment! I’m really glad you appreciate all those details I put in! Thank you for watching, and I’m glad the state rivalry goes both ways!!

[@stevem6796]

Turkey Run is an amazing State Park also. You should try Hocking Hills in Ohio also ( if you haven’t already..

[@bettebuchheit5776]

Beautiful photography and excellent music choices. Your quirky, humorous personality shows through…….I’m sure your channel will continue to grow. It’s a pleasure watching your videos…..safe and happy travels!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yay! Thanks so much! I’m especially glad you like the music, the first song is actually by my younger brother!

[@bettebuchheit5776]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces - the first song was by your brother? Two talented siblings!

[@elizabethwroblewski6897]

I liked the snail and the lizard. Good for you Maddie!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you, Cioca! I love finding all those critters! Hopefully I’ll see some bigger animals too, eventually!

[@BackinIN]

Hi there. Just found your channel. I live in IN and Shades is my favorite State Park in Indiana. No campsite electric but with a modern shower building. During the week when all the schools are back in session can be magical. Just to the East of the park across SR-234 is the Pine Hills Nature Preserve with more hiking and the 'Devil's Backbone' formation where two streams eroded and left a narrow tall feature as part of the trail. I'm retired and did a mild self-conversion of a full-sized van about 8 years ago - bed, DC fridge and rooftop solar panels. My adventures only last a few weeks at a time. There's nothing like that feeling of freedom when you pull in somewhere, grab dinner from the fridge, a glass of wine and then crawl back in your bed and snooze. Enjoy your new found adventures !

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That’s awesome! Yeah, Shades is definitely a super cool place. I’d never seen rock formations like the gutter-shaped sheets formed by the creeks. So cool. And you can sounds awesome! I agree, it’s definitely a one-of-a-kind adventure to sleep wherever you want! Thanks for watching, and for writing out such a cool comment. It was great getting to know you a little bit!

[@dontran449]

Tornado lady lol

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It’s been a while since I made this, what are you referring to? That I’m messy? Cuz that’s still definitely true!

[@dawndevereaux6806]

Girl, you are great with the camera! Really enjoying your videos. You have a great eye for details. Thank you for going slow enough for us to enjoy what you are showing. So many go so fast they make you dizzy and you can't enjoy all the beauty! Your Jackery 240 only has enough power for a few hours of fridge/freezer life. it uses 45-60 watts per hour. So add it up for how many hours you need it. Even a 500 will only get a days total use. You will need either a larger battery or a house battery set up for the Alpicool and then use the 240 for your lights and other stuff. You also could put a regular solar panel up on the roof to charge while you are driving. Have fun learning and living adventures. I've subscribed and I don't even like beer- haha.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!! Soaking in all those little things is one of my favorite things about hiking, and now that I’ve started making these videos within the past year, I’ve gotten even better at finding those things!! Thank you for your advice on the electricity situation! A LOT of folks have been trying to give me advice, but yours has been the easiest to understand!! 😅 I haven’t decided whether to get more electrical capability or get rid of the fridge/freezer altogether. But I guess I have plenty of time to decide!

[@danielfinn5494]

Ur van looks cool

[@kristianatran8885]

Jesse’s friend here, you’re amazing! I would love to go on an adventure with ya! ❤️❤️

[@juanantoniomanalo9408]

Gee you had ravioli without the tomato sauce and parmesan cheese!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

What, is that weird?!

[@getoutside8976]

Hey Maddie! The van is looking good! Hopefully you’ll make your way down to Texas and maybe we can go out for a hike and a couple of beers!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah, we totally should!! I’ll probably be there by this winter!

[@getoutside8976]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces that’s a perfect time to hike in Texas!

[@janneal9156]

What a way to go ...what no dog ?? Cheers from Melbourne

[@zickzebra5723]

Looks like a good start all in all! Cool song at the beginning; the parents each messaged me separately telling me about it. That snail at 1:42 was a big boiiiii. Or just a smal stick?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It was a normal size small, I thought, so probably just a small stick! Thanks for watching, bud 😊

[@Kimbopolo]

Not dumb, not silly at all! You're off to a great start and you look so happy. With your sense of wonder and adventure, you will rock this lifestyle. P.S. I sometimes take my Jackery into a library to charge. Yours is lightweight enough to do that easily.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! You’re definitely right, I know mistakes are going to happen so might as well take them with a smile!

[@AdventureGearTV]

As you make it further out west the parking situation eases up. With a van like yours, you can easily park unnoticed on side streets near, usually close to the Walmarts. The adventure has begun!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah I’m so excited to get out west! I’m taking my time with the Midwest, east coast, and south first, but booooy I can’t wait for all that good camping!!!

[@Ktc99999-b]

no roof fan for circulation?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I have a small fan for when it’s really hot, but it usually doesn’t bother me

[@marionsutcliffe1119]

Pls keep your propane bottle upright. I had a link +can't find it again) to a forum site where people shared their hair raising stories of using upside down tanks ... It was entertaining to read, but wouldn't want those experiences!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh my goodness, for sure, I totally will! After I filmed this I was reading the instructions (definitely should have done that before anything!) and it said in big letters DO NOT INVERT PROPANE CANISTER. I definitely messed that one up! Thank goodness everything turned out okay!

[@beckhykes7733]

I think this will be quite the experience throughout this road trip of yours! I went on a road trip last summer and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had! So I know you'll enjoy it! Indiana looks quite beautiful! Looking forward to seeing more!

[@ThePyleDriver]

What a breath of fresh air! Just moved into my Jeep - thanks for reminding my why. EDIT: Just noticed your ceiling stars - awesome!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Congrats on moving into your Jeep!! How exciting! And thank you, I love my ceiling stars! Last night, I was looking at the stars and then compared what I saw to the chart of constellations. Definitely came in handy!

[@Ruddy218]

I have the biggest crush on this girl 😍😍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Awww stawp! ☺️

[@Ruddy218]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces ❤️

[@josevelazquez2815]

Maddie I know a place where is nice in Baja

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That’s sounds nice!

[@DesGreene]

Looks like you made a great start! Good for you, just learning and improving stuff as you go on👍 What works for other people wouldn't necessarily work for you anyway. All the best!👍😊

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Those are some very wise words about what works for other people! Thank you for all the well wishes!!

[@primrozie]

You'll be tweeking things for a while, that's all/

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yeah, definitely! This is just my tour of version one!

[@bradknowles846]

Looks like you're having a great time! Let me know if you need any recommendations for Wisconsin!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Sure, I’m going to Wisconsin soon! I’m hoping to do some kayaking or something to change things up, but I’d love to know any suggestions you have. For adventures or beer!

[@bradknowles846]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces honestly Wisconsin has A LOT to offer in the way of nature and beer haha. I'm currently located in La Crosse, which is a beautiful part of the state and offers bluffs, hundreds of miles of rivers, great food, and great beer. But quintessential Wisconsin is the North woods. If I had to pick one area in Wisconsin to showcase our state, it would be the northwestern part, along the shores of Lake superior. Amnicon falls is a beautiful park, and there are lots of hiking trails in the Northwoods. You can also take your car on a ferry out of Bayfield Wisconsin to Madeline Island and explore a totally unique landscape, it's gorgeous and a really cool experience. One of my favorite breweries in Wisconsin is Central Waters, so if you spot something of theirs grab it. Feel free to message me as well if you'd like to discuss further. I'm always happy to guide people around Wisconsin!

[@Ktc99999-b]

you look like Amy Adams

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I’ve never heard that before. Cool!

[@marvinovidio4231]

Wouldn't you like to read the Bible while you sleep during the night, or in that peaceful places I bet would be nice. Plus you would build some spirituality tho

[@bigborecanada]

Contact me and I will send you a small assortment of IPA’s from the east coast of Canada!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Okay, bet!

[@thetravellingwelshman]

Wow you're actually living my dream by living in your vehicle! You're so brave doing it yourself, everyone has to take their 1st step! Thank you for showing me it's possible!😁🙌🏻

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh definitely! Starting the trip was HUGE for me, but instead of thinking, “I’m going to go drive all around the country”, I thought, “it’s just a trip to Indiana. And then to Illinois.” Seeing it as smaller steps made it a lot easier to take the first one!