A FAILED Adventure | Van Life with a Dog

A tough decision lead us to a beautiful "homecoming"
Thanks for watching everyone!
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[@conniemcdonald3993]

I follow van lifers in foreign country’s too. Try getting mosquito coils from oriental stores. They’re so cheap and they burn like incense. Mosquitoes absolutely hate them.

[@katarina1852]

But avoid the coils containing the pesticide S-2, it is known to cause cancer.

[@chucky6367]

They should only be used outside though. You can get plug in mozzie deterrents for inside.

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

​@@katarina1852Can that even be found in the EU ? It's banned in Denmark. But we are usually banning more than a lot of places. Not that it's always necessary.

[@archanabhat5343]

Hi! I have used them & I wouldn't recommend them to use indoors.

[@katarina1852]

@@charisma-hornum-fries I have no idea. But if you have a computer and a credit card you can pretty much get anything from anywhere these days.

[@y2ksurvivor]

For Akeela you can make an anti-skeeter wrap for her neck by soaking muslin material or a cotton bandana in a mix of fresh lemon juice, ground fresh garlic & witch hazel. Soak it while covered in a bowl or in a zipped bag for a minimum of 6 hours so that when it dries, the material will still contain all the enzymes that the skeeters can't stand. Don't squeeze it too much when you go to hang it to air dry. Need those enzymes! You can also add eucalyptus, peppermint oil and/or lavender. Most insects hate all 3 so even just one is fine. This mix can be made into a spray as well, applied down her back and avoiding the eyes/mouth/nose just like you would with any sort of flea/tick/insect treatment. It works for humans too. As you already know dogs should NOT consume these ingredients but typically dogs won't even lick the bandana (and shouldn't be able to if it's fitting properly) thanks to the lemon enzymes. If they do lick it briefly after it's fully dried then they are unlikely to have a bad reaction, whereas a dog eating a raw garlic bulb or eucalyptus leaf then digesting it would be incredibly dangerous. I live in a very humid river valley. I did this for my dogs when the mosquitoes became intense every June/July. I found it to be effective for my Labs when we went out to our local woods on the riverfront in the evenings. It felt like I tried it all beforehand so I was relieved to see it worked. My dogs got to enjoy themselves without being bit nonstop. Kept horse flies away too. I was a little reluctant to try it but it ended up saving our summers. I hope you get to do this specific adventure sometime soon - sans mosquitos!

[@treilly261]

I love your idea. How long did it last ? Have a great day!

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

Do you know why sleigh dogs don't get bitten that much? The summers in Greenland are just as you describe your experiences. Can some dogs be resilient to mosquitoes?

[@craigstewart527]

Love the story telling , how you inserted clips of winter and the summer( now) . The stark difference was amazing! Cinematography on point as usual

[@kuzinit2374]

Eating a lot of citrus fruits and using citrus cleaners in your van will help drive the mosquitoes away , now we have to worry about GMO Malaria Mosquitoes, don’t be afraid of using off spray and those mosquitoes coils that burn , you can break off a little piece and burn it it your van for emergencies

[@LoriReising]

They are probably getting in through your heater. Happened to me in Florida and it was WILD! Had to plug up the vent.

[@barbhampton54]

While I'm sitting in my living room in southern Illinois, and you are always somewhere deep in nature, I am grateful that your peace somehow reaches me. I am amazed at your adventures, and I'm grateful you have made these dreams of yours into reality.

[@agnesskibicka]

@Barbara Hampton, nice said! Hello from Poland 🇵🇱 and my channel 😊 and the countryside 🏡!

[@scottterry2606]

Mosquitos can make you crazy! A tip from an old Boy Scout ... banana peels. Never tried them indoors but used to hang some on the edge of my campsites. Mosquitos are drawn to them (more than you). Plus ... if you have a bite, rubbing a peel on the location will bring relief.

[@paige_n_neri]

Don't you love it when Akela gets so excited at mealtime? It makes my heart happy when Neri does. Pups are so precious. They deserve so much more than we can ever give them 💓

[@artsteadman2230]

• Burn used dry coffee grounds. • rub skin with moist damp dryer sheet • Mix 1/2 cup shampoo; 1/2 cup 9% apple cider vinegar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil. Shake well. Apply with spray bottle

[@leafyveins4985]

I like the first 2but no way am I spraying ACVand vegetable oil on myself! My sensitive skin would be crying haha

[@tacomama9449]

Hey Linnea and Akela! To help solve your bug problem; my dog and myself use sawyer permethrin spray. The regular permethrin spray is great for your clothes you spray it on and leave it dry then youre ready for the woods. They also have sawyer permethrin spray specifically for dogs. It helps a lot with ticks too. I hope this helps on your next adventure. Be safe out there.

[@docsridingadventures2880]

Permethrin is the ticket, great product

[@leafyveins4985]

They actually sell it in convenience/grocery stores now too if one doesn't want to shell out big bucks for the industrial size that is the status quo. I think it may be more diluted too but I am not sure. Anyways, happy camping!!

[@suegjerset]

Mosquitoes are especially bad this year in the midwest. They can wait up to seven years to hatch, so when they do, there are potentially seven times the mosquitoes in a given year. While not always convenient, you can always revisit your childhood memory locations but taking care of Akela takes precedence. You are good dog mom!

[@rhudson31]

I love it! “This is where I pooped this morning.” Love that you take us with you in your sweet solo trips. ❤

[@bettyvanwhite6745]

Buy one of those USB chargeable Portable bug zapper for your Van. They are awesome! I have 3. Of course that doesn't help when you're outside. Really fun to see the summer version of your land. That grill is awesome!!!!

[@bloochoob]

Ear buds in, Calm app or similar, and play meditating sounds will block out mozzie sounds, that’s what I do for sleep 😊

[@user-uk6yz1my8h]

Nothing failed about this adventure. Love how down to earth and real you are. And love watching you and Akela on your adventures.

[@1981pjt]

Welcome back to Wisconsin!!! ❤❤🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️

[@kyYkh]

I stay in the tropics. A handy thing the electric mosquitor swatter. Words so well.

[@deborahallford7337]

Having spent several years living in Louisiana, I can, from experience, tell you that they're referred to as HORDES of mosquitoes!!!

[@cwetfeet]

I'm 65 and I've been doing adventures since I was 18, I have never had any qualms about canceling something if I knew it was going to be miserable for most of the time. I've canceled for weather and bugs numerous times, I've canceled fishing trips because of flooded streams and paddling trips because of low water and very strong winds. Don't beat yourself up about it. you will have plenty of trips where you will suffer , no need to feel bad. I really respect you for thinking about the dog, they can really take a beating from the bugs.

[@KristaH225]

Ah, Michigan. That makes sense. The mosquitoes are so thick sometimes. Maybe my bat problem is a blessing! Those flying rodents enjoy a good mosquito snack.

[@lakesidesusan6745]

Most hardware stores carry the coils! Been using them for years. Skin so soft lotion or oil. Some people tell me a bar of Irish Spring soap will deter bugs, mice, and deer!

[@quash8]

I probably say this every few months but your production values are exceptional.

[@alysonbowler9040]

This may not be within what you're comfortable with, but in case it is - we use Ortho Max Home Defense on our window screens. We live in no-see-um country, so the only way to keep them out otherwise is to re-screen our whole rig (11 screens, 4 of which are 5'x 4') with very expensive no-see-um screen. Even if we did it ourselves - a gargantuan task when compared to our current level of spoons - it would still cost several hundred dollars. We spray the outside of the rig (NOT the ground, just the rig itself) monthly, and we do the screens every three months. Basically, we have to get every inch of the screens, so something like a rag is easiest imo. It solidly works, even though it's not my favorite thing. Living in the coastal south, I tried for 2 years to find a way around spraying. We caulked. We fixed screens. We considered no-see-um screening. We lived life with fly swatters in our hands and slept underneath sheets in 100 degree weather. We chased waterbugs (giant roaches) out of our rig. It just came down to quality of life, and I gave in and allowed the monthly spraying. Now we live a bug-free life while indoors. My stress level has significantly decreased and my ability to work has increased. I wouldn't go back to not spraying.

[@w.k.hoover4059]

Thermacell... I'm from Minnesota and the handheld one can be clipped onto a backpack. Covers a 15' area. I use two of these around our camper. Keeps ticks away as well.

[@darrellkuhn5310]

lemon grass essential oil mixed with coconut oil rub it on yourself and your dogs fir . works great.

[@OffgridVictory]

Get an USB powered bug zapper for the van and some essential oils for your skin.

[@Uggatip]

It's so good to see you - even when the adventure isn't the adventure you hoped for, you still bring a smile to my dial. :D

[@karafisher4033]

This has been the worst year in a long time for mosquitoes in Northern Wisconsin!

[@juniperdoes]

I saw where you ended up and literally cried. I can't wait to live this life.

[@heyitsjude22]

OMG!!! 😮Damn skeeters!!! AWE..GOOD DINNER FOR AKELA..HAPPY satiated GIRL!!

[@user-rm9mo7rb8l]

I've carried mosquito spray and spray it in my palm and lightly dab it on my dogs head, and a dap in her ear. Usually a little is all you need to deter mosquitos. It;s better to use this chemical with discretion than to trust your dog won't get bit by a virus-carrying mosquito.

[@VoodouFairy]

if it doesn't bother Akela, you can use some kind of peppermint or lavender spray to keep the mosquitoes out. or get a citronella candle in the van.

[@traceyurlacher4001]

Omg your going to make me cry 💜this was such a hard time in my life after my motorcycle accident was hit head on by a truck and God decided to save me 🦋found you and aklea so much love 😍 💜 🥰

[@thomasthomasino6157]

Sorry Sylvania wilderness trip didn't work out for you and Akela, the mosquitos were really bad though! It was nice to meet the both of you at the put in. Great videos!

[@jamesevans4250]

*Awesome Consistency is the key to success,❤️and making money from your comfort zone is amazing. Even without the help of the Government I’m getting $50,000 returns from my 10k investment.*

[@jamesevans4250]

After I got up to $300k trading with Mrs Mary Margaret Schimweg i bought a new House and I'm now able to send my kids to a better school in the states thanks to her. When someone is straight forward with what he or she is doing people will always speak up for them.

[@JimmyHernandez-zo8eg]

Oh please, how can someone get to speak with Mrs Mary Margaret Schimweg!!?

[@jamesevans4250]

@@JimmyHernandez-zo8egyou can message her

[@jamesevans4250]

That's her info on what's APK Messenger 👆 👆

[@OliviaLucy-ke6rf]

Your right honestly after I made my first deposit, on the 7th day I was paid $30,000 of my investment. Indeed investment is safer and surest way to make more money now, because I have made up to $130,000 recently from investment trading and management.🙌🇺🇸✅

[@nancycartwright5274]

You are so good at making things look peaceful and homey.

[@taylret9781]

Just go back in the winter 🦟🔫

[@noxtwilight_]

I'd love to see you build some cool things on your land.

[@PawsToJourney]

Love how much thought and work you’re putting into her diet! We switched our cats to a raw diet last year, and they’ve been doing amazing on it. I wish I would have done a raw diet for our border collie, Selene, because at 13 1/2 years old and having Cancer, I’m hesitant to change it

[@beeamerica5024]

Citronella candles and body spray😁🐝😎

[@patriciafitzgerald5888]

I had a dog that died from encephalitis that was transmitted by mosquitoes while swimming his first symptoms were what I thought were hotspots on his face, he had a stroke and lost use of his whole right side, I ended up having to euthanize him.... be safe out there!

[@bridgesadventures7226]

I absolutely love love how your storytelling is. And the switch between winter and spring is such a cool idea. Love love everything about this vlog.

[@soleillebolduc2448]

I love akela so much! She is so much like my girl. So gentle and loving while somehow being extremely opinionated and strong willed. She’s an old soul doggy. ❤❤❤

[@hopefulhope9123]

I have my own, Akela, his name is Simba and he's Belgian Malinois and Shepherd and he's beautiful and he's my baby and I'm a little bit older than you I'm 36. you have inspired me to take my Subaru Outback and get away and spend time by oneself off grid I have watched every single one of your episodes from the very beginning the van build and it helps or it just opened my eyes to maybe what I need to do for my own soul right now. I've been married for 17 years I gave my daughter up 17 years ago and I also have a thirteen-year-old son who is now living with his father😢 it's hard and it's heartbreaking but you've inspired me through my loss to get away from what's comfortable and find oneself. I love how authentic real and true and you have so many beautiful qualities & such a beautiful woman and you love your dog as much as I love mine maybe more I don't know but he's my baby and I almost thought about giving him up in the past year because I felt like I was not giving him the life that he deserved. I spent almost 18 years now just being a wife and mom and I never found my own identity about married very young right after I turned 18❤ 2 months before that I gave my daughter up for open an open adoption because I was in no place to be a mother. 😢😢 since then I've never taken the time to figure out what my purpose in life is besides what everybody else expects I really I'd love to build out a van I guess I'm not getting him propped up and do that stuff right now I just need to climb out of a deep dark hole you've kind of enlighten me a little bit I'm a Christian I believe in God but sometimes I think we need somebody to inspire us when you feel alone and sad with no purpose you really kind of lose the will to want to even exist but I'm going to get through it and I thank you for your authenticity ending a very real person not going along with what everyone else does to the Vans you did you you did what you loved and that just showed what a person you are and I'm so sorry for your loss your father I can't even type it out without crying. I am the only girl out of four kids so I have three brothers and that also very much related to me I'm going to also put a comment with the picture of my baby in it my four-legged baby stay safe keep up the work and stay true to you and not this world because not many people can just be alone and be okay with themselves a lot of us in this world have lost touch with what it means just to be okay with being okay if that makes sense I apologize for the long comment I just wanted to let you know that your ears truly mean something to me

[@katherineanderson6297]

Your dog would rather be with you then anyone else. You are his family

[@sunniegal4109]

Hi, Citronella lantern appears to be a MUST ADD for your garage... Then hopefully, you can sleep😊. Stay safe, SunnieG 8:57 al

[@NORMANMORRISON1940]

Yes this year is a very bad year for mosquitoes on Vancouver Island too I haven't seen this many mosquitoes in probably 7 or 8 years

[@SusieQ961]

That was SO relaxing for me! Thank you for all the beauty you bring to us❤

[@debraanneclark2188]

Shame you didn't make it on your adventure but still was nice to see the Northwoods without all the snow x

[@hidesG]

I identify so much with craving the challenge. I’ve lived overseas for most of my life, and absolutely crave the challenge of living in a country where I don’t speak the language. Learning everyday, and growing is just…. Yeah. ❤

[@MsRotorwings]

How many languages do you speak?

[@hidesG]

@@MsRotorwings currently fluent in 3, and fairly fluent in a 4th.

[@arnieadam]

You do such a lovely job of documenting your experiences.

[@donnaingle391]

The off grid land is awesome!

[@johnharrelson890]

Many years ago (1960s) to mosquito proof my truck camper I used panty hose to make screens that I taped over the vent fan screen (from the inside) and the truck windows that were opened about 4" to provide cross ventilation while camping. I used "masking tape" instead of the heavy duty tapes like duct tapes that leave a sticky residue. The panty hose mesh is too fine for mosquitos to get through.

[@edm5356]

Awe Akela looked so sad with all the bugs in her face. 😢. Thank you for the video

[@alexandrachristiansen383]

💯 with you on that white spider!!!! Ahhhhh no thank you! Akela just too cute as usual.

[@geoffyoung3157]

The skeeters are bad everywhere this year. 40% or 98% diet (deep woods Off, Repel, Colman, ect). Also, there's repellents designed for pets (dogs and cats) Bug Soother is the name.

[@msvg3]

I could see the mosquitoes swarming in front of the camera lens. After drought, now so many places are having crazy wet spring. I’m sorry for the disappointment. So cool to see your north country place now that it’s thawed out! Akela was right at home there. ✌️❤️🏕️

[@crescentcontrol]

Yayyy North Woods!!! I loved the contrast between the winter and summer camera shots as well as the newt to the spider moment (omg nooo!!!). Finally, I love that you love a good brisk morning in nature where you get get cozy in layers and bask in the crisp morning air. Just absolutely wonderful

[@heartdawg]

Another beautifully done video Linnea! You and your beautiful White Spirit Dog🤍

[@gayleb9656]

Get some tulle netting for these times to put over you when you sleep. Try the original Skin So Soft which works for mosquitos. Where I live in South Dakota, the flies bite 😂

[@l.b.3148]

The bugs are apocalyptic this season. I had a dog who got heart worm from mosquitoes. I would not have gotten out of the vehicle, just drove on.

[@magicboy821]

I love your approach too Akela's meals

[@L48198]

Girl!!! You inspire me. 😊

[@legalpuppy8602]

Vet's + Best Nature's Health Care Mosquito Repellent. Plant based formula but works well on my dogs. Oh wait. I see that everyone is making suggestions and you probably already know what to do anyway. Leaving this here just in case. We also cook for our dogs and give very little kibble. You are the best dog mom.

[@margoburns9085]

I know about the mosquito woes...sometimes it's best to just change the plan. Loved seeing the property again. Happy travels!

[@larry04456]

I listen to a podcast called the average overlander and when you showed your toilet sitting in front of your van i thought of one of their sayings. A poo with a view Made me chuckle

[@suzanneethier1450]

hi linnea hope your ave a good time love seu

[@brianburge3349]

THANKS

[@Terrilyn_Austen]

Oh geez I wish I could of met you in! Yep skeeters in Michigan are no joke!

[@sherriberkley188]

Love that mini grill

[@michwenz8413]

I gave my dogs goats milk keifer too, but I over did it because it made them itch really badly. I looked it up, and found out that fermentation causes a histamine release. So if you see her itching for no apparent reason, back off the keifer.

[@user-so5jt1fx7i]

Look up how to make homemade bug spray...mosquitoes hate the scent of mint, eucalyptus, and citronella. I bought this spray called Mighty Mint and it really works. But there are many DIY recipes to make your own. Essential oils will help.

[@Linneaandakela]

Thanks! Yes I was using a natural spray like that on Akela :) it just didn’t matter with the number of mosquitoes though!

[@ErikSjaastad]

Wow! Those little vampires chose violence! So glad you moved on

[@tommatheson5855]

My dog .... a yellow lab and best friend, used to burp in my face too. Just like Akela after a special dinner. It was her way of saying "Thank you!".

[@CharleneHales]

Amazing to see the North Woods change with the seasons ❄️☀️

[@Anna-zx4bo]

I love the Skotty Grill. It has been developed in Germany not far away from where I live. So stoked that he is now selling internationally. 😊

[@cherylpugh5895]

Hello my friend!! I love the flashbacks of winter. What a great thing you did of returning the land back as you found it. I think if more people did that it would be better for the next person

[@kristenj3517]

Mosquitos were horrible when I camped this past weekend! Horrible!

[@3txdiamond]

Always enjoy your videos!!

[@jenw1116]

Your art is so beautiful. I got super emotional when i saw that you went back to the North Woods! And how you put snow footage over the current, summer footage, just wow 👌 ❤

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

I know that the trip went differently than expected but i think that having been back to clear out trash, tidying up the place and get some perspective on stuff will serve your subconscious as a balm for a long time forward. Enjoy your new grill, it looks like a fantastic solution on the go.

[@3txdiamond]

So love that you are now feeding akela real food for her… :) bravo 👏🏻

[@marirose19]

My fave thing for mosquitoes on animals is FOOD GRADE Diatomecous Earth. Rub on their fur as often as necessary. Food grade is okay for them to lick off. Very inexpensive. Can get in 10# bags but keep dry & reapply if gets wet once their coat gets dry. Great for fleas & mosquitoes.

[@tanial694]

Diatomaceous Earth is TOXIC! If inhaled it can lead to death! It is akin to tiny shards of glass to the lungs of humans and animals. Steer clear and never ever inhale or ingest it. A man named David Klein died of respiratory failure because he cleaned his home with diatomaceous earth and sadly, inhaled it and then his lungs were destroyed by those tiny shards. You can Google him and his story. This product should be banned.

[@michelleellis8201]

I loved this video!! ❤❤ I am sooooo happy you went to the off grid property. I was so excited to see it again. I absolutely love that you put your toilet outside in the woods to poop 😂❤️. You are so funny and I love that you let us see the real you all the time. Take care. Can’t wait to see you and Akela again soon.

[@smac9204]

Thermacell great for keeping mosquitoes at bay

[@heatherfitzgerald329]

Oh lord I'm itching just watching the mossies😮

[@hopefulhope9123]

I couldn't find out how to add a photo but in my little circle thing there if you zoom in those are my two dogs have safe travels and thank you so much for the time and effort and love they put into your videos your videos and not conforming to the worldly ways things

[@blackphantom99]

Thankyou Linnea!! Really needed this mate. I’m stuck in a house at the moment so seeing this brought me so much joy! Was lovely to see the memories from the winter there and your great outtakes as usual. Much love ❤

[@Onewholovesrock]

Where’s all these Mosquitoes at? My wife and I are headed up to the Northwoods of Wisconsin in a couple days. Eagle River/Minocqua area. They’re currently not too bad in south central Wisconsin

[@tammycruz8189]

Thanks for sharing this journey with me. Mucho Love From Your Friend In Michigan Tam 💜💜

[@BoondockBertoOverland]

Awesome vlog, Linnea & Akela. Thanks for creating & sharing.

[@terryqueen3233]

Thank you for the refreshing winter scenes. I assumed that that was a snake you were trying to get off of that tarp I'm going back to the scene where you saw that snake and pause it and see if I can see what you saw. Doesn't matter though they're out there. Stay safe

[@Itsmecoolgurl]

You may need to put a screen up in the back, sliding door, and both windows! Bugs are really bad this year!

[@sherriberkley188]

Love how you say Eyes Aklea,then he eats. Did Akela just burp in your face, to funny 😆

[@tonitidswell3586]

We have mossies and we have native plants in pots that keep them away

[@RamblinRoverMatt]

Amazon dc bug zapper is a life saver 👌

[@jaznjaimee]

Get a bug zapper!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@darrelgill4500]

I was boon docking outside of Saratoga WY last 4th of July on the river. The mosquitos were outrageous. I think they get in through the air vents. I was reading al ot of Lewis and Clark ... up in Montana the year before.They talk about how bad the Mosquitos were,... getting in there eyes... everywhere.. and how there was no escaping them. I thought about how miserable they must of been and though it isn't perfect.... at that moment... I really appreciated my van,

[@traceyurlacher4001]

Sooo many lessons on this adventure....very deep ...you were ment to go back to N Woods 💜spend time with your mom at home sooo many things to learn on this journey 🦋

[@marvellousmarvin]

Hi Linnea and Akela, from Marvin, British Columbia, Canada 😊😎

[@snowbunnym1192]

Welcome to Michigan... worst time of year to travel to MI UP woods. The black flies are much worse & leave wounds. Hope you come back to visit early Spring and/or late fall/Winter.

[@jenniferk3286]

You must be experiencing the same mosquitoes I recently dealt with I northeast Wisconsin/western Michigan. They were so bad I couldn't go outside to cook. I left and drove 3 hours southwest to Clark County and it's seems to be much better here.