Living Full Time in my Defender Q+A

[@JBarron42]

I was an over the road truck driver. I had a lot of people ask me if I ever got lonely on the road. So I can understand you're answer. I never got lonely and I was perfectly fine. I didn't have a dog with me, but everywhere I went I made friends. I love your defender. I'm going to get one some day. Thank you for all the content you, Blue and Poe make. Keep it coming Ria.

[@rubencampuzano1462]

María, as a car camper explorer/adventurer, I can tell you we were cut from the same cloth…your personality is like “the fish” means to our wonderful Navajo Tribes: Adaptability, determination and flow of life. You, Blue & your safety are on my prayers…LIVE THE LIFE YOU 🙏🏻☀️LOVE!!!

[@JGrabo2271]

Hi Maria! Just “found” your channel last week. I’m a 75 year old guy who loves taking these voyages with you. Your interaction with Blue makes my eyes water. He reminds me so much of my first rescue. I’ve had 7 rescues in my life and my first guy I called Jeep. Not after the vehicle but the “mystical magical Jeep” from the Popeye cartoon cause he just appeared. A cousin worked at my family business and came rushing in and said John there’s a dog hiding under a skid out back. It was a 40 degree damp misty November day. I went and got him some kibble and thought, well maybe he’s just off a leash, no collar and I thought if he’s here tomorrow he’s coming home with me. We had a great run of 14 years. He was the typical light brown shep/collie mix but just 40 pounds. I’ve droned on to long. Your videos are effin great. Beautiful editing. Keep rockin it kid. Give Blue a hug for me. Thanks!❤

[@TheLeatheryman]

Shout out to all the people who really enjoy their own company

[@alexandria65]

It’s the best

[@JenniferSmith-gh1wm]

Laughed out loud several times and also got teary eyed. Love you and miss you so much! 🤗❤️

[@roamingreckless]

Love you momma ❤️

[@lileric144]

​@@roamingreckless l love ❤❤❤❤

[@aprils6154]

If you ever come to oregon you should stop by the asher house it is a animal sanctuary mostly dogs, 120 so far.

[@kevincrooks639]

As a deep introvert your comments resonate with me. I have a few close friends and actually enjoy being alone. I'm working on a camper build to become a full time nomad. My other goal is a thru hike of the AT. I'll soon be 69. Never stop dreaming or setting goals.

[@kjsgarden]

Wow! I was so surprised when I got to where you mentioned your age, I wasn’t expecting that. I’m 64, and you inspire me!

[@kevincrooks639]

@@kjsgarden Well, thank you. This will actually be my 3rd attempt at the AT, both previous attempts ending in injury.

[@VernaSmith-f1y]

I enjoy listening to you and watching how much you show Blue your love for him.

[@GoTerry]

The friendship breakup .. broke me, I teared up because I’ve been there and have no real friends for that and other reasons like work but I know I need to move forward.. it’s tough

[@adrianmichell2751]

Look , You are giving blue a great life. Well done Also well done for helping others. Keep up the wonderful work. Your videos are a pleasure to view. Whatever you are doing when you are 67 will be a total pleasure to watch .😊

[@newyorkerinvegas]

As a vlogger who loves editing as well, I totally identify with your sentiments. Also, as someone who was raised by a single mother who could've used a safe space to call home and help get her on her feet, I love your bucket list goal of opening homes for single mothers.

[@30lindam]

Yes, me too! Just heard that part. Melts my heart b/c I was a single mom of 2 boys(now adults) for a very long time.

[@davidw8727]

Maria, thanks for really opening up to your subscribers; you answered allot of questions, and you were very honest.

[@30lindam]

Yes-I agree! I really enjoy her answers.

[@snarlyvegaslots]

You are an awesome person and would like to thank you for your content and honesty! As a lone wolf as well I can fully understand your happiness in being solo and just handling life and it's adventures in stride and being positive. I have only been a pet parent my whole life! Not everyone is meant to have kids in this world. Keep up the great content.

[@audioman6565]

Glad to hear that your guy has to love Jesus. That's the most important. God bless!

[@jerryraines3076]

Girl I admire you for loving the outdoors. Camping was my life before my dad passed. Now I’m 51 am just work all the time. Anyway you stay safe on the road.

[@redgiedaus9463]

Brand new to your channel and just not sure if you are aware of this, but if you’re not, get a Loves, Flying J/Pilot, card. Every time you get fuel, it adds points to the card which you can use the points for showers and food. Loves is even now building camper parking at a lot of their locations, as well as adding pet shower rooms.

[@daniellee5147]

If you did collaborate with someone it should be eva zu beck. She drives the same thing you do and does the same thing you do and has a cute doggo too that blue could play with!

[@lauraslanesvanlifetravels]

yea, that would be an awesome colabe!

[@daniellee5147]

@@lauraslanesvanlifetravels don't know what the hell they would do but it would be interesting. Lol

[@alistairrawwatts]

That would be cool.

[@juniorruiz6208]

Yes I second that motion 🍺

[@toddspring534]

Agree you and Eva would be so interesting!

[@robertcase2252]

Bring an introvert myself, to the one that made a comment on an introvert boascasting to the world. Though it goes out to the world, its just your camera filmed and edited on ones own timeing. When and where. For myself I dont get alone, but being one of faith. My lord is with me. Being outdoors, I see God. So there is no alone. When you do meet up with people, you share the depth of the insight you've gained being alone.

[@davidbock1801]

This channel gonna explode. Best of the 1,000 female "van life" channels that are out there atm.

[@cindythornton34]

If you ever make it to England with Poe, I wonder if it would be possible to find anyone from his original battalion and show them what you've done with him. That would be amazing.❤

[@JennyLong-nj5xe]

That would be cool, to think of it!!!

[@fireiswithinme]

I’m not super into the enneagram stuff but it is fun to know what numbers people are! The Maverick is the more aggressive personality type (cue your Viking/Italian genes 😆). The 8 is your core type. 8 strengths are that you’re ambitious, proactive, blunt, and headstrong. The 7 is your wing, which is the ‘fun’ side. 7 strengths are that you love and appreciate life and want to live it fully. 8w7 is basically ‘work hard-play hard’. Sounds about right for RR!

[@martinhernandez6506]

Good evening Maria & double ear rubs Blue ! Thank you for sharing a deep side of yourself ! Thank God for Parents, Family, Best Friends, New Friends & our Adorable 4 Legged Kids ! May Nature overfill each of your Bucket List Wishes with Safe Travels, Cherishing Moments & Endless Smiles for You & Blue !

[@johnvandusen567]

I am delighted to see that Blu is still with alive and still with you!! Love to you both, from a 73 year old dog lover.

[@YouMatterAndYouAreLoved]

5:09 that does NOT sound bad! It sounds pretty normal, actually. I love your honesty. Thumbs up!

[@janieramirez5780]

My mother was a single Mom too... it was hard Maria being the oldest... you're such a good person Maria ❤😢

[@jonmathew2959]

So proud of you for sticking for your faith and listing Christ as number one on your list for what you look in a guy, it's the same for me too, I mean that's what I will look in a girl, too, absolutely enjoying your road trips, stay safe.. and happy travels all the way from India

[@JaneDoe-ov1hb]

A nearly 24 minute video and I'm here for it! 😬 A Q&A, 💙 it! Your editing here is just amazing!

[@embr4065]

I knew I liked you! You love Jesus, horseback riding, and traveling. Life doesn't get much better than those 3 things! 😁

[@bigt4135]

Love the old land cruisers and broncos. I have a 2019 jeep wrangler rubicon, 2 door, manual.

[@clayforrest7041]

Even when things aren't going her way she has such a unique way of taking it in stride and letting it roll off of her. She never seems to dwell on anything negative and always moves on to something more productive to her emotional state. I wish I could handle things in her way...

[@tammyeastwood6899]

Yours is my absolute favorite channel. I pray for you, Blue, and your safety.

[@shantelstonehouse]

Hi lovely I honestly love you and blu. I love when you said you would help single moms get back on their feet….. that’s been a dream of mine as I’ve been a single mom for 21 years, I was strong enough to carry myself and my children through the process and never needed help but I know there’s so many moms that could do with the help. God bless you and blu stay safe on your journeys and enjoy life xx

[@SweetCamper]

So much info! Love the clips. I'll watch til you're 70! Oh wait, I'm 70 now. I'll watch you as long as you continue.....

[@marcylandon5872]

My fave q&a, I think because of how you switched environments

[@bigt4135]

I don’t get lonely either. I would love to just be in the woods by myself.

[@johnvandusen567]

My wife and I went to New Zealand for 2 weeks in 1986. It was fabulous, beautiful, and the most wonderful people in the world. We preferred the south island, and Christchurch was wonderful. Be sure to keep New Zealand on your wish list. Long flight. For us it was San Francisco, to LA, to Honolulu to Auckland. 23 hours with lay-overs. And I can't sleep on a plane!

[@dougmiller7944]

Former Grand Rapidian here, Now an Allendalian, Love your adventurous spirit and wanting to do your own thing, Im the same way. I always enjoy you vids and sense of humor. I think blue and you are lucky to be together and I think Poe is damn cool also. Happy trails.

[@PhilWhitney]

Be adaptable proactive, look forward, develop yoursrlf, focus on the positive. Right no home sickness no loneliness with a great pooch, rig and earth mother nature. Old straight body solid axel rigs absolutely rule. No games. Keep thriving Maria!

[@RoyWright210]

Love Maria and her content. Love Blue. I will just replay content while I work as background noise and catch myself watching it lol. I am not a traveler the level of Maria but I have learned a lot from her for my weekend trips off the grid. I will continue to watch if you continue to post. Much love Maria

[@ChaloRodriguez-xs5zx]

I was just thinking if you in blu this morning, and I was on KZbin earlier and this blog came up in my fed. Once upon a time I would watch all of your blogs. Not because I like your energy or because you are beautiful and lastly your smile. But because you are a true testament for people on how to make their dreams come true even if the dream has to be lived and experienced alone and how to live free and enjoy every minute of life. And I personally think you need to continue with you 35 minute videos of where you are going and how much fun you are having with your fur baby. Stay safe out there ✌️

[@lyfandeth]

Are you familiar with the Solar Shower? Common for small sailboats. Basically a heavy black plastic bag that you keep in the sun. The water inside gets warm to hot (well, not in the Arctic) and there's a shower hose attached, so by late afternoon you can get a decent warm/hot shower out of it. Gravity fed, self contained, no wiring or power.

[@pjunderdog9908]

You're not weird. Solace is not for everyone but very beautiful. Once you've found yourself in Solace there's nothing like it. Old Scouts and Broncos, definitely. Peace be with you and safety in your travels. 🙏📖🎼

[@truckerjw7924]

Your a amazing person keep up the good im a 35 year old trucker love traveling and love going to new places! Keep up the videos love blue and keep up the good videos!

[@piewhackit2me]

All those who wander are NOT LOST.The soul of a nomad and heart of gypsy

[@lcbjustthat]

Must love Jesus and Blue! ❤❤❤

[@togeika]

You are a real gem. Thanks for bringing us cheer.

[@billg8677]

I don’t comment for I know your inundated with bazillions of comments. But I have to say with complete honesty I truly have the utmost respect for you and truly hope all of your plans come to fruition. May Peace Health and Happiness follow you and yours

[@KWC0]

Owning a Scout is on the bucket list. A friend of mine hade a scout 2...it was a fkn beast. I will never forget the feeling..it's dif...raw

[@timg1080]

I live vicariously through your travels and those of others. I'd love to have your life! I'm trying to learn to edit, and can't get past 30 minutes in Premier before I throw in the towel. Editing is the biggest hurdle holding me back! 24 mpg is pretty impressive! Keep doin' what you do! Safe travels!

[@FenrirYT13]

you should get a outdoor shower system with a tankless water heater. Get a camping shower hook it to the side with tankless water heater run it off Poe

[@stevendejesus3361]

I want to say thank you for always putting a smile on my face with you're content I'm currently fighting cancer so thank you

[@RogerThunderhandsGilbert]

Nature and a dog,,, greatest healing forces in the universe! You are blessed!

[@jaeralph1975]

It’s funny when you were naming your favorite vehicles I had several of them on the list, only one I didn’t have was a GEN 1 bronco. Had a 79 Landcruiser and a 73 Scout, having a Pinzgauer 712M being built down in Texas as we speak. Love the Defender!

[@KevinChristiansen-i2q]

Awesome drone footage Maria

[@consult02]

My wife, 5yo daughter and I live in NZ with our dog Goldie. We love watching your vids, and were excited to hear about your wish to make it here. You’re welcome to visit anytime

[@roamingreckless]

Don’t threaten me with a good time!

[@strandhaus-heretic]

Funny to see what people believe they like and who they believe they are, and all the troubles they get into through not knowing who they really are and what they really like. That's something that stood out to me while listening to your bucket list items. Each time I heard in my mind: no, that's not for you. 🤷‍♂️

[@Sting72]

I just love your positive attitude. I love your channel and look forward to each and every video. The highlight of my day for the mental getaway with ya. Many, many blessing always on this fantastic journey❤️🙏

[@monoclinous4934]

My mom is sick and she still works in order to help me. I can't fully provide for her and it brings me so much pain seeing her ill and getting worse. I really like your idea for a non-profit for single moms. I hope you can make that a reality in your future.

[@Intolerant59]

Your editing and final production quality is so professional you could make a living at it from the comfort of your Idaho horse ranch. When you’re too old to be doing what you’re doing now! Keep on truckin’👍🏻

[@stevenjackson3537]

I love your channel

[@lillieemery]

I relate to the best friend thing so much. It does get better in time

[@maggieandbella]

Our Maggie & Bella love watching you and Blue! They sit there like good girls and are simply enamored.

[@Amy-r8k6b]

Did New Zealand and Australia with two babies and husband. I survived love love love New Zealand. Came home had a hysterectomy best move ever!

[@mattster197]

Your fathers comment was priceless. Thats something I would have said lol. My son is 20 and is not roaming the country. Christine Meacham is a KZbinr I enjoy watching. She is losing her best furry friend right now Chase. She use to take him with her and enjoy places taking him in a baby carrier or backpack because he cant walk long distances. She is the best too.

[@deborahcurry1014]

Love you, love your channel Maria. I've been following you for a while now, even got my 75 year old aunt watching you. I know it's not going to be till next year, but we can't wait till you come back up to Maine. Keep being your wonderful, authentic self ❤

[@caroltaxman571]

I totally understand the friendship breakup. I went thru the same thing. Horrible experience.

[@tushannasumrall4479]

That’s amazing how you speak about friends, I have lost all my friends, either sue to life or Death. I do miss having a Girl friend to talk to for support and just to share life things with. But loyalty is hard to come by in my age(54)

[@kerridavis2630]

Yeeeeeesssssss 😁 come to New Zealand ❤️ you would love it here 🦋

[@fredricjulien8738]

I was born in Grand Rapids Michigan also. Yay! I'm not gonna tell you what year, but it was way before you. Trust me... I ain't boasting about it. I can see you still doing Roaming Reckless when you get to my age, hope you are still healthy enough to travel and enjoy life on the road as much as you do now. Thanks for doing the Q + A. Nobody asked if you still like oatmeal, or did you finally get sick of it? Hi Blue, Bubby, Pupparoo! 🥰 🐾

[@GrateFu1]

Thank you for sharing. You appear to be improving in all aspects of life, and I'm sure your family has much to do with it. Blue too being a core part of family. Keep up the good work.

[@expectamiracle.406]

Just picked up “The Power of Positive Thinking” @ the public library. Looking forward to the READ!! Thank you.

[@shellysaum37]

Hi beautiful, IMO you doing just natural videos with daily chaos or whatever make your videos so real and great!! Prayers for safety while your on the road! Love ALL Of you and your journey with Blue!! 😊

[@AJGUNNER]

Thank You for this VLOG post, you are very courageous.

[@davidaaaa4611]

HI Maria, just checking to see if you and your dog are still ok !!!!!!!!

[@sharonhl2575]

So impressed with how well you know yourself. It's something I constantly strive for but definitely a work in progress. Take care out there!✌🏾😁

[@leightonoc]

Great to hear that you love Jesus! You should proclaim that more. I am a Pastor and the founder of the Christian Jeep Association and we have 43 chapters. I’ve been roaming recklessly around North America in my two door Jeep for the last couple years building our ministry. Well not so recklessly. Praying for your trips.

[@martineo9638]

She should? Just like a Christian to mandate someone else to do something, perhaps just let everyone be and live their life as they so chose, that seems to be something US Christians dont seem to understand...leave people be.

[@ChrisVang93]

@@martineo9638 I think she should. I agree with what @leightonoc said actually

[@traci635]

Proclaiming your love of Jesus is awesome, as a Christian, Jesus is our Savior so of course we put Him above all

[@rickyrayrosenberg420]

@@martineo9638 Pull back. This is a nice channel where people are not about attacking others. That person was trying to share a gift - from their perspective. You see religion as a tool to manipulate people. They see their relationship with their god as a light to share with the world. You have that silly Ukraine flag in your bio. Maybe you should think less about playing your part in your silly revolution sponsored by Pfizer and consider the idea that other people might just be living their own lives in happiness without your scaffolding of misery. You have not been blessed by this structure. Its been imposed upon you and your faith will be discarded when they choose to point your attention elsewhere.

[@rickyrayrosenberg420]

@@martineo9638 Jesus loves you even if you don't know him.

[@brothercomptonfromcaliforn2000]

Maria! My QUESTION IS: when you’re outside , do you have a plan of action in case some animal comes near you… bear? coyote, Wolves etc! Thanks! Love your videos 💎🎁

[@EmilyInDetroit1982]

I wish i could share a picture on here of my sister's Bronco my brother in law bought while they were stationed in Alaska. It was BEAUTIFUL. I believe it was either a late 70s or early 80s. It was blue with a white stripe. Very classic and Alaskan of them 😂

[@mustachedmalarkey8838]

Fellow Maverick (type 8 with 7 wing) here too! No wonder I'm binge-watching your videos since discovering your channel!

[@lylewollenhaupt7424]

Found your channel by accident ? (recommended) Stayed for the content ! This michigander loves to see you tout just how cool our state is ! Keep up the good work and safe travels!!

[@mike109374]

The alchemist needs to be read by everybody. What an amazing book. A lot of lessons to be learned.

[@mayasilliman1465]

Discovered you yesterday. First, love the name of your Defender, Poe....my favorite author, Edgar Allen Poe! Also had a cat named Blue long time ago. I live in an RV which seems like 27/7, 365, camping now for 24 yrs. I'm getting good pointers from you as I love sleeping outdoors. I even go out now and then and sleep in my van! I'm a very young 74 and if not for the fact I have not done anything to resemble a camper with my van, I'd be on the road. Your videos take me to places I have not been, but I live in Wa. state, Pacific Northwest. I've traveled to 26 of the states in a mobile RV in collage. Your conversion to a 'second floor' was a great video! I looked up the sleeping bag but Amazon is out of them. Anyway, me and my dog, Mozart, love your channel and have subscribed already. I think I binge watched 7 or so already. Here I am again today just having completed your 7 day retreat in WA. Thank you so much for being a person that wants to better themselves. I can see you are on a spiritual path to want to go within. Sorry this was so long. It's a left handed blonde thing!

[@TBJCrawlerz]

Get a awards card for both loves and pilot. Start using them to get fuel pick one and stick with that one. I prefer loves. You earn points for fueling and you also earn showers. For every 100 points equals 1.00. I know the defender doesn’t hold as much fuel as a semi truck but if you fuel enough there you will eventually get to gold or platinum level which gives you free or unlimited showers. Or become friends with a trucker that will let you use his shower credits.

[@BeauSchnapp]

You're very real, and quite relatable with how you answered many of the questions. Thank you for letting us get to know you more. Can't wait for your Al-Can drive. You will love it!, I've done that drive afew times now, never gets old no matter the season.

[@ayyydubzz]

I loveee how this is filmed at different times!

[@billbudd99]

Thank you for Loving Bleu & Jesus ❤🙏🐾 Enjoy watching your adventures! B safe kiddo!

[@danielle6228]

If you ever are in the Netherlands, let me know! I am from Limburg and it’s really beautiful here! Would be so awesome to show you everything! Plus, from where I live you’re within reach of so many cool countries and places! We’ve done it before and it was epic! Also, your dad and my dad would be best friends instantly 😂

[@lightspeedlaserengraving6048]

Totally agree with Grand Rapids,michigan. Of course though I’m prejudiced as that’s where I live.

[@debbiebrantley61]

You are such a awesome person,I already thought so but after this video I really see how great you are

[@AaronLBrown-nv9bu]

That's awesome you're from MI as well. I grew up in East Lansing. I also saw you out here on the 5 in Carlsbad as you were traveling through. 😊

[@esja6583]

I can’t believe we have the same bucket list #2 & for similar reasons❤️

[@gigibot]

I about died when you said your favorite band was the Beastie Boys! There aren’t a lot of people our age who would say that, but I’m right there with you 👊🩷 b-girls be rockin on and on 😎

[@lorracooper495]

Yay Aotearoa New Zealand great place 🎉 17:45 17:47

[@LCM_FamilyAdventures]

Huge fan, love the fact that you love Jesus, your dog and overlanding. I would love to live your life but the Lord had other plans for me and my family and I am blessed in other ways. But for right now my boys, wife and I are content with our many camping trips and watching your channel! Anyways be safe and wander on. God bless!

[@maryayers9839]

you just made me love your channel more when you talked about helping single moms there is nothing out there for single moms and I am with you I have always wanted to try to help single parents and homeless people that is really homeless and cannot help their self I've always said if I ever came into a lot of money I would put up a homeless shelter and a shelter that helps parents when they come out of prison with nowhere to go everybody deserves a second chance oh my God I love your channel so much now

[@williamjenkins5132]

Living vicariously through your videos. I went camping last month in a place we as a family camped every summer from 1972-1983. I copied photos of myself at this place in '72-78 and reshot the exact same location, same camera angle, same me (well, not really) and gave the photos to the campground owners last month. 50 years between each photo, they loved it! I miss camping, so when I cannot, I enjoy your travels. It would be cool if folks like myself could search by state as you travel, that might help your audience grow. Thanks for your coverage of your travels, maybe someday I'll hit the road again.

[@Veesaki]

Terrific ! Stay "Golden". ❤ 4:13

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

Check out the Kakadu Shower system. I also like the Geyser shower for camping. 👍

[@darryllamie3730]

Your mom and dad are great and your dad is funny!

[@brendakarakeian7318]

Awesome! Loved the q&a. U r the best utuber I’ve seen. I love how honest, caring & loyal u are. I was wondering if bubby’s teeth r worn down from chewing on the rocks. Keep on roaming…another great video!

[@xSouljahofGodxz]

I liked when you talked about Oahu, especially the North Shore just because I lived most my life there. Miss the north shore since I moved to Texas but I really enjoy your videos, just think it’s so cool and interesting car camping. Keep up the good work n be safe always btw your very pretty Maria