Hanging Out With Locals in TRINIDAD, CA // Living in a Van Full Time

[@demetrispatterson3469]

I pray that you reach your goal, so you can get that land you want. I talk to my kids about you all the time. I want the same thing I want my own farm I want to live off the land grow my own everything. Your food always looks so good and healthy .

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you so much 🥹🥰

[@demetrispatterson3469]

@@simmpleenough you are so very welcome . This weeks video was awesome .I enjoyed it.

[@WordNerd1971]

Hi Monique I made myself save this video until bedtime to watch! So worth the wait 😊. It's so soothing and relaxing. Thank you for taking us on those beautiful walks. Trinidad, CA. seems like a good place. Looking forward to the next one! Love from Scotland, UK.

[@simmpleenough]

Hi! I’m so happy you find my videos relaxing. I really appreciate all of your kind comments ❤️.

[@WordNerd1971]

@simmpleenough Thanks for your reply. It made me smile on a tough sort of day. It's lovely to follow your journey and see you making your dreams come true, step by step. I love to see people grab life, but also be open to exploring, learning, and growing. There's such beauty in the simple things - appreciating nature is one of the best of those, in my opinion. I'm just in awe of the natural world.

[@NaomiAndTheCrew]

I love Trinidad. My daughter graduated from Humboldt. There is this restaurant called light house grill they have a burger with goat cheese and jalapeño jam to die for.

[@lauraslanesvanlifetravels]

I cannot wait to go out hiking this Tueday! It's FINALLY going to be cool enough here in Phoenix...but we do not have magical trails like that one...just dry desert uggg...I miss walking in a forest...and yea, that looked like the entrance to Narnia! lol Yes, girl...same dream! I hope this is me next summer...I CANNOT spend ANOTHER summer in Phoenix!!! NO NO NO!!! As you were walking back talking about the locals I could hear the happiness exuding from you...despite what ya hear about California I have had only ONE bad experience there at a laudromat w/someone who took my dryer...I've been to Cali probably about 8-10 times and every single one has been GREAT! But we all know, it's the politicians, not the people (most of them anyways) that are the problem!

[@simmpleenough]

Hey sweet Laura 😊❤️. I hope you get to travel more next summer, too. And I agree…most times it’s politics trying to divide us. When you get off the screen and actually meet people in real life, you learn that there really are a ton of kind humans on this planet ❤️❤️.

[@lauraslanesvanlifetravels]

@@simmpleenough Yea, agreed...thank you sweet Monique 💜

[@deidrekirkman5270]

Your vlogs are so soothing and peaceful. I love sitting by the water. It literally removes all the stress of the day. I’m glad you hung out with your new friends. 😁❤

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you 😊❤️

[@lh5047]

SA. It would be advisable not to stay out this late and especially walking alone, Monique! Keep safe and well.

[@iternityhuman1782]

The lake with mist and rocks looks magical! This is a beautiful planet.

[@simmpleenough]

Yes, it is ❤️

[@d.robinson9177]

It's a beautiful place where you are, Monique. That forest was truly magical. I'm living my best life through you. 😊 Thank you for sharing.

[@simmpleenough]

You’re very welcome ❤️❤️

[@nuraal-shammari7530]

Assalamu Aalaikum there is a saying here in Saudi Arabia that the people reflect the land in which they dwell. If one lives in the mountains and the terrain is hard then so will the people be hard and closed up….if you live by the ocean the flow is calming and kind then so will the people be. As you travel notice this . Love you

[@simmpleenough]

Wa alaikum as salaam! I love that saying. I’ve been saying the same thing to myself since I’ve been on the California coast. The ocean seems to make people much more calm.

[@JohnSmith-ct1nb]

As Salaam Alaikum, Monique (lol), your dad is a military man he should have told you about land navigation. It’s always further to walk somewhere in nature than it looks to the eye. 😅😅😅. Almost everyone I know hated land navigation, it was alright with me once I figured it out ( that the distance is always further).

[@simmpleenough]

Wa alaikum as salaam! Lol, I took a land/map navigation course in ROTC and didn’t do well in the class. Should’ve paid more attention. Now I’m learning that lesson that hard way!

[@aliciawilliams5917]

I am from Monterey California but have never been to Trinidad, CA. When traveling through the coastal drive it is soooooo beautiful.😊

[@Crystal-gr6ox]

Trinidad is awesome. Hoping to go to big lagoon this next week thurs thru sun i hope

[@nancyloftus6872]

I really love and appreciate how you see such beauty in everyday things that most people just breeze by.

[@missjones8123]

I enjoyed this video but i was a bit skeptical of the new "friends"! Just be careful hun!

[@jeanettechampagne825]

Beautiful place and beautiful video thanks. Stay blessed ❤️❤️❤️

[@Reallyerinrenee]

Sis, Sawubona. That's what I'm talking about!!! Look at community coming through! The West coast is so muxh more mellow and matter of fact about homelessness and being unhoused or living and working from a vehicle. A lot of people have been there and are the most peaceful people in community. Showing up for the passerby. Showing you the beauty of their day. Taking the time to cherish the lives they are able to lead. I look forward to passing through that way. And exploring the hobbits magical woods with Dominic. Til soon, enjoy the harvest. Be safe. Be well. Excited to see what's cooking! 🤤 Erin Renée

[@simmpleenough]

Hey sis 🥰💕💕!! I recently met another supporter and was telling her all about you. You both are so awesome. I love how this lifestyle is connecting me with like-minded people. And I agree…vehicle dwelling seems to be much more accepted on the west coast than the east. It’s so refreshing to tell someone about my lifestyle and not be looked at like I have three heads! Ugghh, I’m gonna miss it when I head back east.

[@Reallyerinrenee]

@@simmpleenough fact and...Im having a hard time finding a reason to go back on my end. Home is with me and I am seeking a place that perpetuates peace enough for me to [insert Simple Enough Intro here] OR say it with me, y'all "live a simple life"!

[@dawnbrown4449]

Lovely video for a slow Sunday afternoon. Good stuff, Monique. 🤗👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@kdfree9810]

When u said John found your van the first time I was like 😐When u said they came by a second time I was like 🤔 When u typed "It does not end well watch the next vid" I was like 😲

[@calvinmarshall1610]

Hi Monique great video it's nice that you met some friendly people and got a tour please be safe and careful driving

[@simmpleenough]

Hi! Yea, it made my experience even better 😊.

[@MEASURETWICE]

Trinidad looks like such a magical place😍 Like something out of a fairytale🥰

[@simmpleenough]

It seriously is!

[@hotelhonda3308]

oh my god Monique you make some of the most delicious foods..... we would love to have you share your gifts.

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you 😊❤️❤️

[@gonnadanceagain]

That song is so soothing 13:21. It may have been there before but this is when it caught my attention

[@simmpleenough]

Glad you liked it 😊

[@KaiExploresLife]

You were on point about it looking like one of the hobbit movies 😂😂😂 You should have filmed yourself running through it so we could scream “NOOOOOO DON’T GO IN THERE!! 😂😂😂

[@simmpleenough]

😂😂

[@danieldhardman5388]

I was excited to learn that you'd be traveling to California. Far northern California is quite possibly the most beautiful part of California. From yhe fishing villages of Crescent City and Eureka, to the Redwood forest and Mount Shasta, you will see incredible sights, eat great food (I know you don't do restaurants much), and meet some of the nicest people. Have fun, cherish your time there, and safe travels.

[@tammierosario7569]

Thanks for sharing a beautiful video; best wishes!

[@s.k.1091]

Another great video :-) Quick follow up to my blackberry tip last week: seems a banner year for wild berries in NorCal this year and most people tend to forage the bushes just at arm or eye level. As I did this morning, I generally find the best, ripest berries under branches or below knee level - where others don’t look. Remember: if they don’t almost fall into your hand, they’re not ready to eat in the moment! Save the harder ones for another day and they’ll ripen on your counter. Enjoy!

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you so much!

[@kimstark4449]

I love your music choices!

[@catc6188]

I’m glad you are doing your thing and are at peace with your surroundings. Your experiences have been positive and you’ve met nice people. Stay safe❤

[@allenwinston5157]

What a beautiful journey. ❤

[@Bohotraveler]

Oh, I think that entrance is just magical 🧚

[@simmpleenough]

It really was 😍

[@theeshavon]

Just in time 😊I so needed your soothing voice today 🤍thanks

[@simmpleenough]

Awww 🥰. I hope you enjoy the video.

[@Selahbrooke3]

Hi Monique. I'm glad you found some kind people to hang out with. I made it to my destination in PA. Thank you for your advice last week. 😊

[@simmpleenough]

Yaaay! You’re very welcome ❤️.

[@txLALA]

I’m a crunchy peanut butter girl too. Just ordered some for delivery earlier, and I’m going to have to make sure I don’t overindulge. Anyways, beautiful scenery. Glad you’ve made some new friends.

[@sandrarandall6574]

Beautiful content! Thank you for sharing!

[@JohnSmith-ct1nb]

Oh just one tip for preparing for your land. Start getting seeds of produce that you like since you are in Cali. I keep mine in like a book people keep their baseball cards in. That way I have heirloom seeds and seeds from produce that I know are good producers.

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@lynnemarie7885]

Monique, how you feel about California is how I feel about Sweden: I never felt unwanted or that folks were suspicious of me. I finally got to do camping in my little van and found the most beautiful coasts, magical forests, cutest homes and the friendliest, helpful and kindest people there. I live in Germany and sometimes, especially with my skin color it can be „a lot“, hahahaha. It was so nice to just be, you know. Just be in the beauty and feel welcome to it. I wish you many, many more experiences like you are having in California!

[@simmpleenough]

I’m happy you got to experience that. I’ve heard it’s a little rough for people of color in Germany. I lived there when I was younger & it seemed fine, but I keep hearing racism is getting worse there. Sucks 🙄. Now I have to add Sweden to my travel list!

[@lynnemarie7885]

@@simmpleenough the racism ebbs and flows over the years I find… but there are so many allies as well. I think, in general, Germany is not for everyone, but I do love living here for the most part. It is just sometimes challenging. Please do put Sweden on your travel list. It is an introverts dream come true. We are honestly considering moving there because of the welcoming spirit, the emptiness as well as the incredible care for nature. You really have the impression that the whole country wants you to see the beauty of their country and they invest a lot to keep it available and clean. You would love it.

[@KaiExploresLife]

I’m so glad that you met such kind people. 😊

[@simmpleenough]

Me, too 😊❤️

[@demetrispatterson3469]

Happy Sunday Monique, hope you had an awesome week.

[@simmpleenough]

Happy belated Sunday, lol ❤️❤️❤️

[@rodellwilliams871]

I have never been to California myself and it's a place I keep saying I have to go one day

[@WisconsinWanderer]

love love your content and nature is definitely my church, cold compress on my forehead works every time for my headaches. Safe travels my friend 😊

[@KymberleeF]

Deb is my sister and she loved meeting you! I'm sorry i missed meeting you. Hopefully next time you come through we can meet and i can show you some other amazing areas!

[@simmpleenough]

Oh, hi! Yea, I really enjoyed getting to know your sister. I’d love to take you up on that offer the next time I’m in Trinidad 😊.

[@offwaikikibeach]

Northern California Road Trip: Where to Go and Where Not to Go

[@EM-mi5yj]

I love your videos, but sometimes I’m so afraid for you. I love peanut butter too. The music is so soothing. Sometimes it makes me cry, lol.

[@shayyirving]

Bought fava bean tofu for the first time the other day because of seeing you cook it all the time! Usually buy the plain kind. Making it tonight so hope I like it!🤞🏽🙏🏽

[@s.k.1091]

You are Not Weird!! Im a 68-year White Woman and there’s rarely been an off-road ‘hobbit’ path that hasn’t pulled me in!! Including one in the Italian Mtns above Lake Como that required a helicopter to find me because I was SO hopelessly lost. A bit tense for a while, but hey! In the end, I was only a bit scratched up, it all worked out and has been a great story for my mental travel adventure memory book :-))))

[@simmpleenough]

Wow, what an experience!! I’m happy you made it out safely. I went hiking a few days ago and it was ROUGH! I was SO tired & we went the wrong route a couple of times. I seriously thought I might need to be carried out. Luckily I was with someone and we took our time and finally made it out.

[@eddiezepeda4720]

Good girl man that was an amazing dish 🤤 yeah 😋

[@shamsshams20261]

It is ideal to live on the road because you find out what are good places to live that you like, Trinidad could be one unless you and your fiancé have already thought about where to live. Thank you Ms.Taco or Ms. Maní now 😉? A big big and big huge 🤗

[@simmpleenough]

I agree! I love traveling for that reason. We wouldn’t live in Trinidad, though, because we want to own a large plot of land and they don’t have that in this little town.

[@shamsshams20261]

@@simmpleenoughThen, step by step you'll see and feel "that's our place" 🙏

[@honeycharles8576]

Aloha, good video today!

[@simmpleenough]

Aloha! Thank you ❤️

[@rodellwilliams871]

I go hiking over on the Palisade across from New York City in New Jersey and there is two entrance just like that yes it is a bit creepy and beautiful at the same time

[@simmpleenough]

I love things that are simultaneously creepy/mysterious and beautiful! Like forests, being in the middle of the ocean, and dark grey foggy days 😍❤️.

[@morena-galesa]

Beautiful video as always 🫶🏾

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you 😊❤️

[@Inglewood_Addition]

Monique 👋🏿, Good Morning and Happy Sunday 😊!!! My day started off extremely late today. I just did not want to get out of bed… it be like that sometimes 😝. Nonetheless, I’m up now and glad to see you uploaded another video. That’s what I look forward to the most on Thursday and Sunday during my travels (currently in Wyoming). The scenery in your videos are always stunningly beautiful 😍. I hope you have a fantastic rest of the day and an even better upcoming week. Please be safe and always make time to smile. I look forward to watching you on your next adventure/journey. 🖤

[@simmpleenough]

lol, I think we can all relate to that! I’m glad you got to sleep in. I slept in this morning. Just getting my day started at 10:30. I hope you’re feeling rested and have a wonderful week 😊.

[@eddiezepeda4720]

OH Monique life is like so unpredictable and that's why I love it so much good and bad today I have a small peace of land with a double wide with 4 more years to pay it off right but seeing you reminded me of the 9+ years I traveled it works the only debt I have is a small mortgage no credit wanted doesn't apply to my life style and now I'm itching to get out more often there are so many places out in the high desert I'm almost right between Los Angeles and Las Vegas very hot very cold but about 5 months of blissful weather okay I'm done OH YEAH I do like talking Alot 😅

[@simmpleenough]

Congrats! What an awesome life you've created for yourself. Having little to no debt is a type of freedom I hope many others get to experience one day.

[@facingthestrange]

Amazing video! Love all of your content and your videos are so well done✌🏼❤️

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you ❤️❤️

[@ravie6973]

Hi Monique. Everytime you say Trinidad I think of home where I am. In Trinidad! My country. My island! You must be a Trini. Lol. We love pepper and seems so do you. Yes I enjoyed your video. You make me want to make tacos. It's not a speciality here. I have quinoa but don't know what to do with it so I have it just so bland. Need some recipes. Thanks for the nature walks. I enjoyed it. I wasn't going in that forest though. Lol. It did look eerie.

[@simmpleenough]

Hi! I hope to visit the real Trinidad one day. I’m happy you enjoyed the video 😊😊.

[@ravie6973]

@@simmpleenough yes I do hope you visit one day

[@farhiyoismail1281]

As Salaamu Alaikum sis, Wonderful vlog! May Allah ease your journey and bless you immensely! ❤❤❤

[@simmpleenough]

Wa alaikum as salaam. Ameen, thank you ❤️

[@rodellwilliams871]

Awesome life is simple but we intend on making it very complicated nature take its time and everything gets done why can't we🌞🙌🏾👍🏾🙏🏽

[@QueenBaha]

🌴☀️ Life’s simple pleasures & kind people. Thanks Mo☀️🌴

[@simmpleenough]

Thanks for watching, Queen 🤗💕💕💕

[@chocolatekay66]

Salam Monique, this is so wonderful to see you find such wonderful souls, especially when vanlife can get really lonely. Lots of comments cautioning you to be careful, I agree as a woman you have to be vigilant. I just wondered do you openly disclose that you are a vanlifer? Or is it just on a case by case scenario? I’m making plans to live a vanlife, for the freedom and the opportunity to travel. How do you deal with being open and inviting to making new friends on your adventures but also staying safe?

[@simmpleenough]

Salaam! It’s a case by case scenario. I’m becoming a little more open to meeting people, but still mostly prefer to be alone. I’m always aware and cautious.

[@goflygirl100]

This is so sweet.

[@tonyajohnson3450]

Beautiful place!!

[@ummta1hah]

As salaamu alaikum! You have become my absolute favorite KZbinr! In my mind, we’re the best of friends! ❤ Looking forward to your next upload!

[@simmpleenough]

Wa alaikum as salaam! Awww, thank you so much 🥹❤️.

[@NylasOpenRoad]

Are you now going to live in California it's a beautiful place I never been there so thank you for giving me a glimpse into that beautiful area

[@simmpleenough]

No, I have to head back east in a little while. Plus, I can’t yet justify the crazy California gas and grocery prices. Maybe when I’m making more money I’d consider it.

[@NylasOpenRoad]

@simmpleenough Again beautiful place

[@Bohotraveler]

I go through food phases too 😂

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

Monique's, please keep the places you go,especially if they are nice, a secret. Because you may be sending crowds to these areas and many may be shady people. The small towns have a right to privacy and when you return, you may not fin it so welcoming anymore. Which may be part if the reading Eureka isn't so friendly. You don't know who may come and trash dump the neighborhood. Always keep your best places a secret.

[@eddiezepeda4720]

Oh yeah I'm 55 this September 18 yay 🎉

[@simmpleenough]

Happy belated!!

[@sandramatthews3382]

Your taco salad look delicious. Yummy!!!

[@karencoffee8960]

I started feeling uneasy in my spirit regarding John and his friends. Praying for your safety. ❤

[@simmpleenough]

I really appreciate the prayers ❤️❤️. John seems to be a chill dude. We hung out a few times while I was there and it was nothing but positivity. Still, I always try to remain aware & always have a weapon on me 😊.

[@s.k.1091]

Yes, be open to new people and also stay aware of your surroundings. I’ve traveled all over the world as a single woman and have come home just fine each time. Doesn’t mean there haven’t been some dicey moments along the way. But that would be the same for a solo male traveler or even a couple !!

[@michelelove]

Me too, it’s not paranoid or unfriendly to be cautious 🙏🏽

[@michelelove]

I enjoy your vlogs so much, keeping life simple and living every moment with intent is what it’s all about.

[@offwaikikibeach]

- I lived in my car, full-time, starting on Sept. 01, 2019 - Make & Model of my car was a 2018 Buick Encore -I lived in my car to save money & pay off debt, which I successfully did (check out videos/playlists below) - I totaled my Buick on Sept. 2022 & bought a 2022 Ford Transit Connect XLT LWB Nov. 2022 -Living full time in my van since May, 15, 2023 -My goal is to save money, buy land, & build a homestead

[@offwaikikibeach]

Northwest of the majestic Mount Fuji is Aokigahara, 13.5 square miles of forest so thick with foliage that it’s known as the “sea of trees.” Many visitors have chosen this place as the setting for their final moments, walking in with no intention of ever walking back out-so much so that this area has the second-highest rate of suicide in the world after the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. In years past, Aokigahara was also believed to contain yūrei, or mythological Japanese ghosts filled with anger and vengefulness. Its grim history made the woods a fitting location for the 2016 horror film The Forest. Here are more facts you might not have known about Japan’s “suicide forest.”

[@simmpleenough]

I’ve heard of this forest. I think I watched a short documentary about it. So sad.

[@alisadoingitmyway]

I love your videos dear but please don’t be out in the woods when it’s dark

[@adiraisrael9186]

Shalom Monique, I know you’re grown, but you really worried me in this video. I understand you enjoyed yourself & can rightfully judge a situation, however, please don’t make it a habit chillin out with strangers in the woods… it’s like playing a slot machine it can go great as well as be bad… I’m glad you enjoyed yourself 🙂

[@offwaikikibeach]

I Was Robbed while Truck Camping Full Time - see Roaming Reckless. Been doing Van Life since 2017. They even took or eyelash curler? The WORST loss were some micro sandisks. With memories of her dog "Blue" which she had over 10 yrs and recently died of cancer. This one item meant more to her than her camera, tripod, cooking equipment, knives, etc. Someone had a good suggestion. Post an AD in the local paper asking them to mail the disks to a P.O. Box (father) with no questions ASKED. You can imagine this LOST of her dog playing and be like a child for her. She thinks they pulled down her window which she left open by a CRACK. Hope you have your windows to the TOP when out of your van. She went to Starbucks so she had her laptop. Try and have a GETAWAY BAG with your computer, camera, etc when going shopping, planet fitness. You don't want your most expensive items to be stolen. Saw over 2300 comments and she is so loved by her online friends they donated $4,422 in donations.

[@simmpleenough]

Wow, my heart goes out to her. When I lived in my Buick, my car was broken into and my laptop and external hard drives were taken. It’s such a violating feeling. I’m happy her community is helping her ❤️.

[@joet9970]

💙💙

[@dizzyk54]

🥰🥰

[@MishasMama]

Hello 👋🏿. You really do like spicy. That hot sauce is no joke.

[@simmpleenough]

Hi!! Lol, yup. I do 😊.

[@kgreen8527]

Beautiful but be careful! Words are smoother than butter but war is in their hearts!

[@kemi1486]

Yup!!!!

[@offwaikikibeach]

come with me to my braiding appointment here in Istanbul, Turkiye! All of the feels were flowing through me on my way there. Nervousness, excitement, you name it! After days and days of searching for the perfect person to do my hair.. it was time to take a chance! Tune into today's video to see how it all turned out :) JASMINE GISELLE. This free spirit will MAKE FRIENDS with anyone. She's from Texas. Loves Istanbul. My friend say I 'can strike up a friendship with any stranger'. She's like this. I do frown upon her tendency for alcohol.

[@1anita1m]

So beautiful and peaceful being out in nature. I miss going backpacking. It's been over two years since my husband has not been able to get out much. I do take my granddaughter beach camping every year. Its a yearly tradition my husband says I need to keep. When he was well, we took here camping and fishing multiple times a year, since she was two. She loves it just as much as I do. Every trip, I make here a photo book. She told me we need to plan a longer trip for next year. Blessings to you always. Enjoy every moment. 😊❤

[@simmpleenough]

What a wonderful tradition that she’ll never forget. Roadtripping with my family as a child is one of my favorite memories ❤️.

[@BlackLivesCount]

When I saw you out there that late I said I’m telling papa and mama Monique on you! Lol 😂 you getting a whoopin 😂😂 lol

[@simmpleenough]

😂😂😂 Trust me, when my mom sees this, she’ll get on me. Don’t you worry 😅❤️.

[@BlackLivesCount]

@@simmpleenough lol 😂 yes because my oldest is 36 and I still call her to make sure she is in the house before dark lol and she laughs so hard at me while yelling mom! Lol 😂

[@BlackLivesCount]

@@simmpleenough 🤣😂

[@ZuriDsWellness]

I Luv ❤ watching your vids, they allow me to dream. They are so inspiring, gives me hope. 😘🦋🫂