Solo Female VanLife | Finding the coolest places you never knew existed. (Mesa Verde National Park)

[@candlesbyvictoria]

My Daddy took me here when I was a little girl, I am 57 and he passed away July 23rd 2020... two months ago I took a road trip with my best friend and he came with us, we spread some of his ashes in the places he took me too on that two week road trip when I was a little girl. I remembered visiting Mesa Verde and taking the tour of the caves way back when I even have photos of myself climbing down the ladders on that tour.. it was a full circle moment for me and it was good for my soul to return with him and experience all of it again.

[@mauricepowers3804]

That's beautiful!!

[@moonbeam478]

Yes what a lovely thing to be able to do for you and your dad. It gives meaning to life and some closure too.👍

[@candlesbyvictoria]

@@moonbeam478

[@debrandw246]

Awesome. Wonderful . What a lovely way to celebrate your dad's life with you. I miss my dad too. He has been gone a long time. ♥️

[@candlesbyvictoria]

@@debrandw246 I'm so sorry Deborah, when you lose a parent no matter at what age, it changes you.

[@moonbeam478]

Seems like when it rains ,it pours when it comes to problems arising. But this too shall pass. I'm 65 now and been through many troubling times but am a firm believer in prayer and I can't even count the times it has saved me. I pray for you and Joey on your travels you are being blessed. So take heart things will get better.🙏❤️ I was at Mesa Verde in 1992 it was a great experience and so fascinating.

[@peggyjohnson3688]

CHANTELLE I just hate you are going through this with your van maybe you need to slow it down a bit I am praying for you we.speak just slow down love MS Peggy Cologne mn now I am start worrying make it over here I got like I told a big lot where you can camp love an hugs to you an joe

[@samanthadodd8112]

Girl I'm so sorry. Hope everything worded out with the van. I know this is stressful. I'll pray for u.

[@CeeCee630]

I loved visiting that area. It’s so sad that a lot of the land that makes up that national park was stolen from or negotiated in bad faith with the Ute people by the US government.

[@barbibutton9619]

TY for bringing that up

[@Sabbathissaturday]

The government has always and will always be corrupt.

[@barbibutton9619]

@@Sabbathissaturday worse now than ever...taken over by really evil minds

[@susangeist-jd9pk]

It's still happening, their lands are still being stolen from them

[@fdddsigns7274]

Yes, native people were very advanced. I loved this place!

[@janiswilliams2766]

Yes, it’s unfortunate that other advanced civilizations beyond Europe aren’t as equally emphasized

[@annsquire3954]

Oh wow, I'm so sorry about the van. Hopefully it will all work out and you'll find some adventures in Durango. I just want to say that yours are my absolute favorite van travel videos! You really capture all the places you visit, and I want to check out every one of them. Especially Mesa Verde!

[@maureenwalsh8752]

Chin up, girl

[@furryphone4417]

Good morning from Southeastern Pennsylvania! When I visited the Gila Wilderness area in New Mexico, I was struck by how homey and comfortable it was...you can see why the ancient people's chose to live there!

[@vanjoe7751]

Sunrise is absolutely the best time to take pics there. I was their in 97…. Very cool place.

[@catpatrick3838]

Canyon of the Ancients is a bit north of Mesa Verde. Well worth checking out since you're so close, like less than 20 miles close. Places like this are so cool! Oh wow! Posted the above before I reached the end of the video. Hang in there sweet girl! Hopefully it is something easily fixed. So stressful to have that happen, especially after having such an amazing day. You've got this! 🙏🏻🤞🏻❤️

[@joharmon2148]

I visited a smaller cliff dwelling in AZ and the feeling of seeing something like this was just awesome. Totally different than looking at a picture. Sorry you wonderful day ended so badly.

[@Priesttx57]

Absolutely crazy! I woke early to get back on the road on my first solo trip...my plan for today?? Mesa Verde! I always glance over my phone before getting up just to help me wake up and your video was the first thing that popped up!! I can’t wait! Thanks for the preview!!

[@hughelvin7919]

Hope you get your camper sorted soon. luckily you have little Joey to help you through this trying time. Stay safe keep smiling. Hugh

[@lindatheodorou9827]

Oh Chantelle, I am so sorry this happened to you. Such a beautiful interesting place and having to leave the campground and topping off with car issues really ruined such a beautiful tour. I am thinking about you and Joey and hoping everything is turning around for the best. Take care and be safe.

[@annettewornin7683]

What an amazing place thank you for bringing us along as you and joey explore

[@nevergaf]

I'll be thinking of you a lot. I'm so sorry for the Van issues. You will get through it and come out the other side even stronger than you already are. Best wishes.

[@michellenaron827]

Thanx Teach! You opened my eyes 👀 this morning...I too learned something. You are wonderful!

[@redcreekfarm4305]

Stay strong Chantelle! All your fans heart’s are with you!! Car trouble always makes me cry too because I know I am at the mercy of whatever random mechanic is working that day ☹️💸

[@FindingMyMuse]

Poor sweetheart - you’ve been through it lil’ Sister…you hang in there and keep shining - so many good things are coming to you. 🤗🤗 I’m sending you all the good woo.

[@kayporterfield3919]

Another wonderful place I think you would love: Canyon de Chelly in Northern AZ by Chinle. Thank you for sharing Mesa Verde. Hang in there. You have many adventures ahead of you.

[@AngieMiddleton]

If you like Mesa Verde and learning the history, if you are headed back to Arizona make sure you check out Montezumas Castle outside of Phoenix and if you go in the four corners area, Canyon de Chelly. They are on a different kind of scale, but still amazing locations. I was writing this as your video was wrapping up. I’m so sorry to head about the car problems. I know it’s to be continued but hope it was nothing major in the end. 😕

[@TheTravelLifeMama]

That place is beautiful. Very similar looking to Montezumas Castle National Monument in Arizona. I love going to places that show us what life was like in a time way before us. Thanks for bringing us there in the video. I cant wait to explore around there when I go down south

[@TheAdventureCloset]

That sucks about the van hope its nothing too bad. Its crazy we decided yesterday we were headed to Mesa Verde, and you just happened to post this video this morning.

[@manyahope52]

I remember learning about the Cliff Dwellers in elementary school, back in the early 60's; If you like audio books and are interested in the ancient people, try the Earth's Children series. They're novels, but have historical and archeological facts. You'd have a whole new appreciation for the life of the cliff dwellers! Thanks for the awesome views of this National Park.

[@gwenbrack5311]

Glad you enjoyed Mesa Verde! Since I live in the Four Corners area, we always take out of state family members to Mesa Verde, The 4 corners monument (where the 4 states meet), and Aztec Ruins (New Mexico). Since I know you publish on a delay, I'm sorry I can't help you out with your car troubles. Hopefully you are on your way to that next adventure by now! I am curious why the tow to Durango when Cortez is so much closer ...

[@mauricepowers3804]

The scenery is Ah- mazing!!!! Glad you stopped.. I've always wanted to go there!!🥰

[@helenewhite8163]

Big hug to you! Everything will be all right ❤️

[@candybrown3785]

I'm so sorry about your car situation. Thank you for sharing this place. It's beautiful. I hope it gets taken care of, you are safe till it gets fixed and 🤞not anything pricey or takes very long, so you can get back on the road in your home on wheels soon. Hug Joey and know that he loves you and so do all of us.

[@loristewart800]

I always pray for you and Joey, chin up Buttercup! Things will get better.

[@lisajohnson5136]

Joey is so cute, I smile everytime I see him ❤️

[@ljones6767]

Loved your first two songs on your video. 😀 Very travelly! I hope to make a road trip to Mesa Verde. Beautiful! 16:55 Hmmmm...I didn't know Coyotes could drive! 😀 I feel so bad for you that you had to leave the campground and that your van is acting up again. 😞 I guess the last time you took it to a mechanic, they didn't fix the problem...or made the problem worse!

[@glendanorman781]

That was so exciting! I knew about it, but had never been. You did a fabulous job with the panorama views-not to fast- it was perfect to see it all without getting dizzy! Love it very much!

[@debrandw246]

Can you imagine in the day all those that walked up that mountain, not drove a vehicle. Makes me tired thinking about it. Beautiful, amazing video. X

[@AnAlbertaGirlAtHeart]

I've been watching you for a few months now. I so admire your courage, bravery, positivity, and recovery. You're an amazing girl I'll be watching for your update on your van issues to see what you need. I'll pray it all works for the good.

[@shannacraft4099]

🌸 Oh Chantelle, ((hugs))!!! I visited Mesa Verde in '85 - my youngest was two. We climbed the huge ladders to visit the dwellings. It was amazing! I do hope you are okay and the van too!!! 💙💙💙🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@craftingadvantures]

Hang in there. Looking forward to your updates. Just found you the other day. Love your videos. I bought a 93 camper van in march and I’ve had a slow start with it. I’ve been broken down on the side of a hwy in the middle of nowhere with it. Not fun!

[@6spring3]

I find it amazing you never knew about Mesa Verde, but I am so glad you found it and got to explore! Spring and fall are the best times to stay there!

[@wildzenventures]

Let the adventures begin! Always fun to find new places to explore... Happy trails 💕

[@sherrylovenguth657]

Oh I’m so sorry! Hang in there girl, you got this ! Great video, thank you for the tour.❤️

[@jancross516]

So sorry for your continuing car problems. Best of luck to you in getting things resolved.

[@thinknicethoughts88]

Oh I am so glad you got to enjoy Mesa Verde:) I grew up about 30 minutes from there. 50 years ago my grandpa would take us hunting arrowheads all around that part of the country. if you make it through Farmington Bullock's museum is free to the public with just a phone call you can get a guided tour. It is really neat, it was designed to teach people to preserve and respect animal life from around the world. There is also Aztec ruins and salmon ruins which are similar to Mesa vere they but not "cliff dwellers". I love the way you enjoy your travels. I travel but it's mostly working as a pilot car driver. When I'm finished I rarely get to enjoy the sites like you do :-) I am so happy for you, you are truly blessed.

[@renea228]

Beautiful views in your video, a place I would love to visit some day! Try to keep your head up sunshine! I hope your van is fixed quickly!

[@vicpie6608]

I've been to Mese Vierdi...it was nice to see the drive up their

[@joannevanhyning9513]

What a beautiful park. Going to add that to my park list. Also, just want to thank you for the recommendation for Thought cloud. They are the nicest people and so informative. Take care Chantelle, keep on enjoying your travels : )

[@SCSpagirl2]

Cheer up Chantel. You are so giving. God will be with you. Thank you for sharing your life. Your engine problem sounds like a problem with the water pump. Keep us posted.

[@migratingRobin3767]

I pray everything is OK with your van . Please keep us updated. Stay safe ! We love you and Joey.

[@susanwest2002]

Oh my God this is so beautiful. Thank you so much the only way I could see this was through you. God bless and take care of you I watch for all your videos. You have a way of showing all the beautiful scenery. It was just breathtaking and yes I agree unreal thinking that people lived in these places caves. Please be safe and I will watch all your videos.

[@Brelinka128]

I think my ears popped just from watching you drive up that incline!! What a gorgeous view it was!! OMG I hope you are okay... a smoking engine is not very optimistic.. but hopefully it's something that is a quick and cheap fix for ya. I really love this channel and the fact that you keep it real in your videos. I especially like your day to day routine videos (which I don't find it boring at all). I just bought my van last month and plan on hitting the road next summer so I appreciate your honest portrayal of Vanlife. Definitely update us as soon as ya can. Will keep my fingers crossed that it all works out for you. Stay safe!

[@craftytraveler9238]

I love Mesa Verde. I have been there three times in my life. My hubby and I were there this past May. Thanks for the video.

[@karencharny1497]

Thanks for a educational ride🧐 and all the details

[@itchingtogo7362]

Visited there in September on my way to Utah. Amazing place for sure. I knew of it…blown away with actually visiting it. So glad you found this gem.

[@scamphound1892]

You picked the best sticker!

[@annied1863]

This really is a beautiful place and your music was so perfectly matched to the video. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@kathybest6950]

Love the scenery 🙂 thanks again for taking us on your adventures with you and Joey.

[@reneetedesco9287]

I love Mesa Verde! Omg girl I feel u with the breakdown! My catalytic converter went out 40 miles outside of Durango in my RV. I had to be towed to Durango too! Stressful and annoying! Hang in there! All will be well!

[@suewho9704]

Love and hugs sent your way

[@charlenebranca2523]

I'm so sorry ,hope all goes well. I was so enjoying your video. Joey is so adorable! I wish I was there to give you a hug and tell you everything is going to be okay 💕

[@rhondamcknight2596]

What a beautiful day. Thank you for sharing your journey. I miss camping and hope to travel again.

[@bencuraza6503]

HA HA Up until you bought your Sticker, I thought you were in AZ with a Name line Mesa. Another place to Add to my Bucket List. 👍👍⬆️🚙🐶💕

[@jaxrox2053]

Beautiful video. Wow, the ups & downs of life seem much more stressful when your home is your vehicle. 🤗

[@susantomkins8798]

I am so enjoying your videos! New sub here! I live in Australia. Looking forward to what's next but have to binge watch all your others too! 😊😊😊 . ...I wrote this before seeing the very end, hope they fix the van and all good for you to continue xx🙏

[@elainecleaver2941]

Just another bump in the road. Grateful you have tow service. Posibly time to think about a new car. When something happens a person cries, laughs or gets angry. Cry is good. Hopefully headed to Quartzsite at end of Nov. If that's were your headed would be fun for a group meet up. Love your adventures

[@shawnas464]

Oh I’m so sorry Chantelle. Hope all is well now. Thank you for taking me (and my recliner) with you to Mesa verde! It is mind blowing to take a trip into the past like that. Makes me wonder about all the types of dwellings we know nothing about because they weren’t protected by caves etc. fascinating!

[@lindac7146]

Really beautiful. Thx for sharing.

[@darlenestout7548]

Amazing video, sorry for your troubles 🙏

[@nancyvaughn1853]

I toured this area 15 yrs ago. Very interesting. Loved it.

[@J3nn1f3r.r0s3_]

🙏 my ancestors are from these Pueblos.I visited back in 5th grade, it brought back so much memories. Thank you for sharing. Sending 🙏 🚐

[@alikawhite6903]

Aww! I’m so sorry honey about your van!! It’s all going to work out, but I totally understand your tears, I get that way as well when I have anxiety 😥. Bless you sweetie!

[@enough1494]

Our first visit was in 1979, have been 6-7 times. Just a magical life………

[@tja3495]

What a great video, your excitement about the park was so appreciated, I have never been there before so thank you for sharing. So sorry about having to leave the camp site, I wasn't aware that could even happen after you had paid to stay there!! Fingers crossed that it is only a minor repair for your car. Be safe.

[@tinabaglien901]

Hi Chantel, Thank You for another exceptional video. I will be checking Mesa Verde out as I veer south this November from Seattle. I am so sorry you are having to go through more mechanical issues. Hang in there! 🙏😥

[@chuckforget2854]

Incredible beauty thank you for sharing, be well

[@suearcher8708]

I am so sorry you are having so many bad things happening. You and Joey take care of each other and stay safe and there must be something positive coming your way.

[@ri-imagine-life]

A beautiful place. Glad you got to experience it- sorry about your camp site not working out- hopefully they will do the right thing and reimburse you. Please keep us updated on your van- I am worried about you and need an update about the tow and what is wrong with the engine. Sending good energy your way💜

[@shellyhorton1526]

Your dog is so cute! He makes my heart melt!

[@marianfrances4959]

Thank you for sharing this amazing place. Vehicle problems suck. Hope everything got sorted out. There is always a risk, traveling...but not traveling is unthinkable, right? 👍😎🇨🇦🌲📷🐾💜

[@croberts709]

I'm so sorry for your car trouble, I hope things worked out. Thanks so much for posting this tour of Mesa Verde, I really enjoyed it. We were scheduled to go there a few years ago but snow came in and we moved onto Great Sand Dune National Park (also very cool). Best of luck!

[@janiswilliams2766]

I love Mesa Verde, been there a few times.. last time I was there was probably 15 years ago. Thanks for the road trip!!

[@lesliegibbs6296]

Sending healing van vibes your way. Just want to give you hugs right now.

[@danbailey96]

Great video….I watch some other nomadic videos but like yours probably the most …just simplistic living at the best.

[@LD-lddh]

I am so sorry for your car troubles. I hope you and Joey are OK. When you get back to Arizona,visit some of the cave dwellings here. Montezuma Castle and Montezuma Deep Well. Also there is lots of free camping around Sedona where we live.

[@thunderrode1744]

Sending up prayers 4 yall and bless great healthy peaceful safe journeys travels and happy camping sending up prayers 4 ur van to be fixed and it's not bad maybe just need antifreeze in it hugs hugs keep ur head up know many upon many is praying 4 u dear and keep on keeping on so enjoy ur videos thank u much 4 u and Joey being part of yall's lives and sharing ur travels and daily life with so many hugs keep ur head up 🚐⛺🌅🌌🌄🏞 👍👍💪🙂👍👍

[@sealarkesmiles9263]

As always a great vlog! Praying your van issue is an easy and not stressful fix. xox to you and Joey!

[@renadraper8103]

I’ve been fascinated by the cliff dwellers ever since I learned about them in American History in middle school. It absolutely floors me that they don’t teach much about native Americans in history any more. So sorry to hear about your car problems. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious.

[@akhamp1943]

Is a neat place to see....I was there a few years ago when taking a trip out west.

[@StephenGomez21]

Come down here to flagstaff they have dwelling you can walk into... walnut canyon is fun to. Good luck with the van. Hope it's nothing major. 🙏

[@susanwest2002]

I hope your van is okay God bless your heart. Praying for you and Joey

[@allenesullivan2685]

I worked there for 3yrs. Love the area.

[@allenesullivan2685]

I hope your van repair isn't too serious.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Thank you for the beautiful video. Love to you and Joey!

[@Audri_at_Auds-and-Ends]

Just looked this up… just under 8 hours away. Will have to go check it out. I am so sad your experience ended up on a bad note though!

[@jessys9868]

I had to watch this again just for the wonderful views

[@akhamp1943]

I know...been there. 😊 Neat place to see.

[@carliw6023]

I'm sorry that the campground and van issues marred your beautiful experience. However, with each new obstacle I'm seeing you grow in strength, and that's what life is about. Hang on there, continue to embrace life's challenges and watch how much you grow!! Blessings to you and Joey!❤

[@1020LAStep]

Thanks for going there - it is on my bucket list.

[@lightworker2181]

OMG !! I hope all will be well with the van. Take care!!

[@tonyam629]

omgosh i hope you're ok. that was a beautiful place! praying for you and joey🙏🏻

[@kathleengeneva1591]

I'm so sorry about that! Try to hold on to the coolness that happened before. That's wrong... They should've just let y'all stay. I actually live not far from Mesa Verde. Went there again in May 2021. Hope all is well with your van now!

[@andreasmith1836]

So sorry about the van and being kicked out of the campground. Stay strong!💪🏾

[@tillyg8858]

I'm so sorry for your car engine smoking. My prayers for you and Joey. My heart goes out to both of you.

[@TheShauNanigans]

I'm so sorry your day ended so poorly. I hope things start looking up for you. Sending encouraging thoughts.