I Guess I Shouldn’t Have Been Surprised

This series of videos revolving around a weekend in Banff come to a close with the last odds and ends of said trip - here is a pretty typical final day of a vanlife trip to the mountains!
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Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
440, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB Canada
T2J 5N8
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My name is Matthew and I live in a van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad who needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!

[@libby2012]

Very nice shot … inside the dryer …. 😉

[@karenshiels6566]

Those pants though. Wouldn't lose you in a crowd. 😁

[@houseofstone3560]

30k subscribers. Let’s make it happen

[@elainemcintyre4407]

Thank you for filming Banff, & those ice carvings were beautiful.Today is a very beautiful day over there, withe the green trees & snow on the mountains & the blue sky in the background. Enjoy your day, stay safe ,Elaine from Queensland,Australia.

[@josephmalloytravels7516]

Let me just say I'm happy i found this channel a few years ago. I'm like a kid waiting for his favorite show to come on, its part stand-up, travel channel, national geographic, a cooking show and so much more, and you make me want a taco just about every show thank you very much. For a short while almost every day yo make me forget about my problems and pain . everything you do for the community comes from your heart you can really tell that you appreciate your audience . Thank you so much for what you do♥️

[@Katiedid1975]

Yep, Joseph, he has that affect on people. It was a 'lucky' day each of us found him.

[@rachadventuresinliv]

Well said 💜

[@dixiewilliams861]

Amber is so darn cute. Really enjoy when she gets screen time.

[@katzcrow640]

Cute an Funny

[@chrystalsmith4453]

I love when you and Amber are together so much craziness in the best way😍

[@CBAmakingAusername]

Wow .those pants are something😂

[@doridahn1601]

Smells Like Meat, Smells Like Diesel... It is What it Is ! Time for new thermal pants Matt !! LOL ! Great day at Banff ! Amber I need that Jacket So Cool !!! Must one day visit Banff ! Just beautiful.. Thank you again.. Matthew 😊

[@bruins1itall]

Awesome video as always! Have to say that Amber is so beautiful!

[@thomasharhen2168]

The ice horse 🐎 is amazing 👏

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Wasn't it, defo got my attention!😊

[@victoriabaker6943]

It was nice to see Lindsay again!

[@ljaymcca]

💕

[@marconion]

Again....... your editing skills are second to none!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you Marc!

[@TheLeopardGirl]

He's a Star isn't he!🌟🌟🌟

[@kimmers34]

I love his editing. 😊

[@debbiesue4287]

Thank you so much for sharing all the trips to Banff! My Grandfather was Canadian and my favorite picture of him and my Grandmother was taken somewhere in the Banff area . Although he was originally from Winnipeg , he moved to California in the late 1930's . They loved to go back up there to BC and Banff on vacations...and now I know why. SO BEAUTIFUL!

[@cardkast1499]

Banff and Rocco two toned camo pants!!! My evening is complete 😀

[@wandervan.kb71]

Another cool video! Again, I love the banter between you and Amber in your videos. Nice to know men and women can be friends. See you next time and safe travels!

[@wildflowerwind6941]

I am glad you and Amber have each other to hang out with.

[@christinelane9510]

Ok I'm adding Banff on my bucket list of places to visit. The views a stunning and breath taking. Thank you Matthew for alllow us viewers to venture with you. Hugs and Love

[@kimmers34]

Me too!!! Ready to get my passport

[@connieshutts7074]

❤ Again beautiful country and a little more of the town. No judging on McDonald’s love the McGriddles! Wow the pants😮

[@twinklesstarr2892]

You are one of the most interesting KZbinrs Matt. Love your sense of humour, and your always positive attitude. Plus showing all that beautiful Banff has to offer! Thanks for all the entertainment! Btw, my fur baby notices your fur babies quite often. Their unspoken language 🤗

[@VanlifePLUS]

That is very kind of you to say!

[@mastersofchant1571]

great choice of music

[@taniadablaing1321]

More Penny & Stella Please and thank you. Your fur gurls are the best

[@kristikarsten2854]

I love music you put in your videos 🥰

[@debramickley2295]

I love love love the smell of wood smoke 🔥🏕️

[@davidmahan4160]

Oh wow look at that view 😍

[@treysuniverserv1576]

Your videos are excellent. Wife and I are Full time in a 22 foot travel trailer in the USA. Small RV life and Van life have many similarities.

[@richardmacphee2367]

He should of been a stand up comic, his humor is right in time, people I worked with over the years say the same about me, I just have fun with life, so I say he’s a natural, keep on rocking man ❤

[@afinnimore1]

There are professional comedians nowhere near as funny!

[@myfoxiegirl]

Fabulous as always🥰

[@margannaful]

Glad to see the music back in the last couple of videos. It adds so much!

[@tonyh4528]

You Got To Get That Heater Fixed Amber, It's Forecast To Get Much Colder By The Weekend !!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Won’t happen. I’m giving her my back up heater in the mean time

[@ck6070]

Hey Matthew, you have done it again! Great video! I have to tell you, of all the you-tube channels I subscribe to I always watch your video last. Hold on, why last you ask? It's because I gotta get my snack and my drink and get all comfy in front of the TV so I can take it all in - every second of it. It is that GOOD! Hands down your channel is my favorite! 😎🌞

[@VanlifePLUS]

🤩 that is so cool and very flattering to read C K! Thank you!

[@lynnvalenti9532]

Cue the music!!!

[@darcyallen3912]

It would be nice if the Buick started as well as Lucky does. Banff ... always scenic and the air looks so dry!! Miss you, son.

[@VanlifePLUS]

I miss you too mom! The Buick shall ride again!

[@TheLvablebird]

Good day from New Mexico🌶️🌵👋

[@bythecurb]

Hi from the UK, Love your channel mate, just mentioned you in my latest upload. I'm in exactly the same position as you. Single dad living in my van full time 😀

[@debbiederikx7682]

Love the video. Hi Matthew and Penny and Stella and of course Amber.

[@elizabethreed3358]

Thank you so much for showing us the art sculptures, the beautiful mountains, and of course the kitties (always the kitties). 😻

[@andreagalvin7386]

It's makes me giggle thinking about you "setting up shots"... I KNOW you are not tumbling your phone/camera in the dryer... 😂😂😂

[@MapleMarmite]

If the diesel on the shirt is a couple of areas that got dripped on, rather than the whole thing being sprayed with it, you can get it out with brake cleaner. Sounds harsh but the chemical make up is about the same as dry cleaning fluid - perchloroethylene being the main thing. I think it has to be the chlorinated brake cleaner, though. I use it a lot for cleaning oil and grease from things - more often than I do on brakes! Handy to have a can around. If it’s all over the shirt then dry cleaners it is, I guess. 👍🏻

[@YabbaDabbaDoTime]

4 days in a row. Nice, good job.

[@tracymizerny3894]

You are spoiling us, Matthew 😘

[@DU112052]

Hi Matt!!

[@llo70422]

Your channel is so freaking entertaining. You are going about your life and doing normal things but somehow you have enough charisma to keep me watching. Thanks for letting me go along for the ride. Love it

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you for the awesome feedback! I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos 😁

[@marymcq2]

You are so creative in the angles and shots that you video Matt! I look forward to all your videos :) Also, I"m here for the Shi#s and Giggles LOL.

[@katzcrow640]

🤣🤣🤣

[@brianr.8367]

Matt you should try soaking your diesel flannel is soap and water for a day in a bucket then wash it next day . That should get the diesel out!

[@TheGhostlyone182]

You're not selling a fondue restaurant to me Matt 😂😂 love your channel and I'm amused every single time you say 'I don't bloody know!' so British which I am 🇬🇧 Penny and Stella are gorgeous girls 😊

[@GrannyGrice]

Glad to see you found your gold took!

[@crisguev]

I love it how you can't help being artistic when you are showing the snow sculptures and NEED music.

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

Loved the first 2 seconds of the music clip...yeah, nice save. Absolutely needed this today. It was easy to smile at this-the rest of my day not so much. Thank you - 3.5 more years till I escape the sticks-n-bricks that is the bane of my existence today🤦‍♀

[@judyeuller7602]

I understand your love of Banff. It is unique and very beautiful.

[@michaelhatem6085]

Heay Amber

[@Pammellam]

I didn’t know Banff has snow statues! That is so cool! I want to visit Banff! Beautiful drive scenes! Great music, …just saying. You don’t need to add music if you don’t want to!

[@kikiski223]

Interesting video today Matthew. The thing I think I like most about these videos is that you are showing everyone that despite cold and snow..you can have a great time out and about in the winter time....its all about ones attitude. Good company, hot chocolate and gas in the van and away you go...good times. Oh, and of course Penny and Stella!! We got quite a laugh reading some of the sayings printed on shirts in the stores in Banff. You showed one that was on a sign outside....LOL!! We had hoped to do the gondola ride at Sulpher Mountain , but as soon as we parked, within seconds three huge tour busses arrived full of tourists all hoping to do the same thing. So I guess my gondola ride is yet to be in the future. Have fun and stay safe guys.....Kiki🙂

[@jonmahon3920]

Great and fun video 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@martna1]

I had spicy chili from the freezer and a piece of Texas Toast for dinner. It's cold outside!

[@robertphillips3893]

That really is Penny's car seat. She just lets Brooklyn use it.

[@cathymc8365]

Banff looks sooo....quaint. At least the main street areas. Thanks for sharing your fun!

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Love Banff.

[@sharonsmith9478]

I want to live there where is that place wow so so beautiful

[@abeach5420]

*@**1:44** uhhhhm brownie points good sir, hehe* Hellllo Miss P. sending big squishy hugz to you & Sweetie Stells

[@abeach5420]

*@**3:52** ..... bolt girl bolt!! She wants to come see her biggest fan by the Salish Sea* !

[@lisalowery4849]

Glad to see you use music again. You probably already knew this, but some of the other vloggers I watch have a signature melody that they use over and over again. Maybe trying that might fix your music issue? I really liked the soft rock melody you used today during your drive up the mountain. Great choice.

[@stacynoble3909]

The hot springs is so much fun when its snowing out...

[@amyfollmer1412]

Banff has beautiful mountains! Great video

[@bonniediep5324]

Excellent Banff trip! See ya next one indeed.

[@sonhendrickson5738]

Love the Metal Riff

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Loved the track you played while driving up the mountain, very sexy piece!🎶🎼🎸 As ever great filming and editing skills!!!🎥📱🌟Obviously Banff brings out the best of you Matthew, so keep going there!💞

[@victoriad454]

Love the 🦵 covering!!!!

[@debrandw246]

I love your knife. Its gorgeous. My favourite colour

[@tracymizerny3894]

Great tunes!

[@phosawelonewolf2886]

It’s been a pleasure ❄️💜❄️

[@thomasharhen2168]

I see u have electric hook up!!! Sweet!!

[@wheelersinthewild]

As always love your vlogs Matt, pure escapism from a rainy UK, we’ll be coming to BC next Wednesday for 2 weeks….so excited! First week in Van second in Whistler for my Sons Wedding, Banff is somewhere we’d love to visit on another trip. What was the cool music playing on the trip into the mountains?

[@susanadams-wauro6716]

Love watching you love life!! The videos that include Lindsay, Amber and other family/ friends is even more fun. Hugs and cuddles to S&P. Shoutouts to Lindsay and Amber! Cheers from Ontario!

[@ljaymcca]

💕

[@rachadventuresinliv]

You mean put back Penny's bed lol 🤣🤣

[@MPKenney2000]

Hello, Matthew. Another good video, young man.

[@cristinamason6593]

Honestly thinking that Banff is an awesome place to live.

[@capaddler]

Looked like a great weekend 💚.

[@Cantworship2gods]

Nice to see you again. Hope you are doing fantastic You can always just double bag your trash can. But if leave it at the bottom it could get wet by the top bag you don't want no stinky dirty smell if the top bag leaks 😝

[@VanlifePLUS]

🤢 I hope I never fill my little garbage bag that full! Lol

[@Tina-vb4te]

I'm happy you are so close to your dream. Enjoy your day

[@thomasharhen2168]

Amber is Canadian she can handle the negative numbers!! Lol

[@LifeWithLeMaige]

Dude great pants!

[@TheSmallsRVAdventures]

Great video buddy. Amber has me laughing when she’s talking while you are recording. It’s so cool you are teaching her to be handy. I like the paint job you are doing on Lucky.

[@chadwright7614]

Hit springs are alot of fun...

[@ashleyheart123]

hi future husband matt 😍 HAVE A GREAT DAY AMBER 🗣️

[@morganmaddison8633]

OK everybody.....don't you think Amber needs to get a pair of those camouflage pants too! I think she could really rock a pair of those!!! they are FUN-tastic! thanks for the view of our beautiful Banff mountains and town.

[@marconion]

🤣🤣

[@geaknol]

Great music while you drive into the mountains! And the views are 🤩 Thank you for this entertainment, love it!

[@RavynGood]

I love how you upload so consistently… always got something to watch😌🙌🏽

[@VanlifePLUS]

I do try to keep current, this week is not normal though lol usually 2-3 videos per week

[@cheryllundholm8779]

Yes! I would love you videoing everything! I really look forward to the weekend videos of Banff! I have wanted to go there since the Olympics were there!!! 😻

[@bonniejackson1321]

Enjoyed the music and the tour of Banff, especially the ice sculptures and music.

[@donnafrazier7678]

Good evening Matt and Amber. Loved the tourism. The snow cap mountains are very beautiful. Take care of you. Stay warm.

[@biglifejake637]

Hi

[@BlissfullyBearFoot]

So beautiful there! I wouldn’t want to leave!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Now you know how I feel every single time I do 😡

[@BlissfullyBearFoot]

@@VanlifePLUS lol I bet!

[@sheilacaine]

Try washing the shirt in vinegar. Vinegar neutralizes odors.

[@tombeijn6982]

Nice one👍✌️

[@Camille_Lee_Eon]

Had a really bad day yesterday into today. You, the little ones and your friends make me smile.

[@kimviolet7292]

I love all your videos!

[@c.victoriaritchie3466]

I just love that little town❤️ I need a passport 🤔 Amber and you are so cute together 😊 I know you're not a couple,but maybe you should be 😊

[@najruqwi7008]

Love seeing the snow on the pine tree and mountains. Beautiful!

[@alanshaffer6724]

Hi Matthew

[@VanlifePLUS]

Hi Alan

[@lja6420]

Penny is one beautiful chunk..

[@johnj1602]

💖💋💋Penny & Stella