MY PROCESS FOR FINDING OVERNIGHT CAMPING (finishing up Mississippi Coastal scenic byway)

[@storychasing]

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[@moonxshakti]

Your hair looks nice. I have the same type of hair. It is longer and sometimes must be tied up to behave.

[@franciesjoy1269]

I loved it when you said..... "away from a bunch of people"...... that is me so much. When I go to the beach I will get so frutrated because there are people there.... I try to ignore the people, but I would rather be alone!!

[@jentommyontheroad8089]

I’ve run out at home, but haven’t bought more! I just go commando in that situation until I can throw a load in the washer! I can’t stand the humidity and that’s the thing I definitely don’t miss about Missouri! I just upgraded on Campendium last night! Heading to AZ this morning!

[@Grace-lw4hd]

This was wonderful! Thank you so much for walking us through what you use to find places to stop! Super helpful! Thank you!!

[@JustAGalOnTheGo]

You are spot on about talking with the Harvest Host people, etc. You not only support them but they may be able to tell you about something interesting in their area that you weren’t aware of. I’ve worked as a chef in the California wine country for many years. I also used to guest host a local B&B. When asked about tourist tips I always say “Go in the off season”. The workers will be the regular workers, not seasonal. They will be happy to see you and are generally happy to chat...and have the time to do it. Wineries may even open up “something special you might like” or point you to a great local spot. Traveling now, in March, is imho the perfect time to visit along the coast too. 👍

[@brandoncorley3142]

Welcome to the south! Humidity is the worst! My hair is fine but curly so i rarely blow it out. I just go with it!

[@sshpilot]

Sorry you missed out on hiking at the Gulf Islands National Seashore, it's quite nice. If you get back this way give it another try. I know it can look a little sketchy, but we take our On-Tour 2.2 in there all the time and it is a little bigger than your Promaster. The roads are well paved and the lot is a reasonable size. We are 10' tall and the trees don't rub at all. There is both a campground and a separate welcome center and a parking area at the trail heads. Enjoy you journey, Amber.

[@wmlol129]

Good morning from Glasgow Scotland uk 😇😇😇

[@wmlol129]

Keep going love watching your vlog x

[@gloriagodfrey3899]

Thank you so much for all the good information. Do not worry about your hair. Just be you..........that is great. Take care.

[@maxineoliver7404]

Thanks for that info. on some places to camp! I'm also glad that you got your laundry out of the way!!🧺😊

[@liza123399]

Amber, thanks for sharing your daily stuff.... I am stuck at home for a little bit longer, so it helps me live vicariously through you until I can get out there and explore.

[@davepalmetto]

Have fun and take care and take it easy and enjoy 😊 it

[@craigtarbox3499]

Thank you for your kind words about our MS. coast. Sorry we didn't warn you about the Noseeums ! Their rough ! Skin so soft , reapply every 30 minutes. If your close to salt water marsh your gonna run into the buggers . Hope you enjoyed you stay in MS.

[@DebbraLupien_AkashicRecords]

Have you tried those cooling neckerchiefs? You wet and refrigerate, then tie around your neck. It's amazing how much difference that makes. There are also those "snap" fabrics that you wet, snap, and wear. They don't last as long as the gel style, but used in combo are pretty handy. There are sweatbands and hand towel size, probably others. Great for hiking as you can wet & snap to refresh the cooling action. Hope you got relief from all the bug potions.

[@storychasing]

Thanks for the tip!

[@craftytraveler9238]

When we go camping we make a paste with baking soda and water to put on the bites. It worked for us and is more natural remedy.

[@kimlashombe]

Thanks for the tips on the apps. I'm downloading now.

[@kenrice]

Another great video! Prelia and I always learn something new from your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[@lolasaxby1399]

Thanks for the info on finding places to stay. Fun times...

[@craftytraveler9238]

don't worry about your hair, wear hats. Vanlife hair don't care.

[@jerseygirl1871]

I feel the same way about the underwear. You're living my dream but I'm working on living the dream also. You are an inspiration. I spent 2 days at a campsite in Florida near Gainesville the weather was perfect.

[@quash8]

Experience plus A place to stay. Ding ding ding!

[@junealaskanmal837]

Oh Amber that coffee looks so good, wonder if they would ship to England? Lilly is such a love, thanks for sharing your adventures.

[@nclare7]

The information you gave on the apps you use was very valuable. Thank you.

[@Jo-uy6pl]

Thanks for another cool video Amber! Hope you meet a new "best friend " in Key West! Safe travels☺

[@storychasing]

oh....do you know something I don't know??? lol

[@kazoolibra7322]

Loved this video....very useful info that i needed about where to find places to stay

[@janismink4282]

I’ve always wanted hair like yours! Mine is thick, course, & wavy so in MiamiHeat / humidity it frizzes. I have to flat iron! Thanks so much for sharing about your methods of finding places. Really helpful for my near future travels. Do visit the Ocala National Forest area with all the natural springs. Down this way US 41/Tamiami Trail / 8th street has some Everglades to see. Shark valley you can bike through the loop. There is a Loop road trail, Kay king in Everglades City is awesome & spend the night at bear island!

[@liveworklive5715]

I love your derpy dog. Thanks for your videos!

[@jackieyarbrough4985]

So glad you came to Sweet Home Alabama, my home state❤️❤️❤️

[@trudymeyers2386]

I was watching an old video when you had your first rig and your hair was short........as I remember the length was like at the bottom of your ear lobe. Was really cute. I say go for it.

[@desireelamarche7149]

Yes, chase chase chase!!!

[@janenewman2496]

I lived in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for 2 years. I would sweat sitting in the shade drinking iced tea. Crazy.

[@TellMeAboutYourDog]

Great video and great app list. We travel a lot on the East coast and it’s harder to find places to park.

[@annejoyner3729]

I live in North Carolina and let my hair grow out to about your length, but then the summer came and I started exercising more outside. I had to cut my hair because I had to wash it every day and it became uncontrollable. Interesting headbands help! And it's early spring yet- July and August become almost unbearable, but it's home and thank goodness for air conditioning!

[@jacquelinejensen5360]

I just found your channel. I've enjoyed the couple videos I've seen so far. I plan to go back & watch previous posts. Thank you for sharing great information. I'm almost done converting a minivan, I'm looking for a smaller more simplified adventure. I hope to find a video showing your rig in detail. Like you, corporate America was killing me so I sold or donated almost everything to go find myself on the road.

[@kathycompassgsd]

You may have discovered this already but when I came through Alabama ~a week ago, every rest stop had dump stations with potable water. I'm in West Texas now and wish they had them here.

[@christinecarvalho436]

I love your coffee mug❣️

[@marieb8502]

My bad knee was hurting and covid was here so I bought new socks, underwear, and nighties, couldn't make it to the laundry room. Thinking about doing it again. I'm from Alabama nice to see the Gulf again. One of my biggest worries if I was on the road would be mosquitoes and no see ums. They love my skin. Enjoying your videos very much. :)

[@CellasChariot]

yay for great tips! Happy story chasing!!! xoxo Cella & Sugar

[@storychasing]

Thanks so much!!

[@bethmcpherson8492]

As always LOVE your videos. Itching to get back in Via (our Hymer). Did i tell you, maybe you know, Hymer means my/our home in German? Parked next to a fluent German speaker who told us! Trying to post some pics for you vut can't figure out how....my storychasing. ENJOY your days, stories, adventures!

[@FayeCalder]

My twin lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama. A beautiful place then moved to Pensacola, FL. It is a wonderful area! Enjoyed your video today! Hugs, MommaFaye 🌺

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

I’m sure when I’m actually road tripping the tips you provided will come in handy. I traveled from the west coast to east coast in October 2020, and stayed until December 2020, then returned to the west coast. I had van maintenance/mods made to my van. I learned a great deal and one of the things I learned was that campgrounds close for the season in October. That never occurred to me because they’re open year round where I live. I had never experienced such cold weather in my van either, and thankfully the heater I had installed worked amazing. I also learned that laundry mats in NJ are really expensive lol. That trip was all business, very little sightseeing, except the beautiful scenery and fall colors I could see from the road. There were many travel restrictions at the time and states were requiring quarantines for people entering the state. My next cross country trip will be very different. I’ve traveled extensively internationally for up to 2 months at a time with only a carryon for luggage, so you learn to hand wash and bring the right kind of quick drying clothes so I haven’t ever run out of underwear. I also have super lightweight long pants, and long sleeve clothing with built in SPF that I wear in buggy areas. The south is hot, humid, and buggy during the summer, and biting bugs love me, so I’m diligent in trying to be prepared. I also have clothing that has bug repellent in it. You can buy a spray to put on your clothes on Amazon called Repel. It only costs $7.99, you may be able to buy it at a store where you’re at. I don’t put bug spray on my skin, and especially when showers are not always readily available. You can always hit up a thrift store to get a lightweight long sleeve shirt to put the spray on. Hats will be great for shading your face and covering your hair, no way around that. Thanks for the great tips. Happy and safe travels always. 🐶🚐♥️

[@TheJanet4321]

You should try a Scrubba Portable Wash Bag from Amazon to use for small loads of laundry like underpants : ) I saw a video from a woman who lives in a minivan use it. I think she does most of her laundry in that. This video was so useful. When I get out on the road, I was wondering what is the best way to find places to sleep, and this answered my questions. Thank you.

[@lauriemcmurtry782]

Couple of years ago it got up to 110 in gulfport felt like 120 and humidity was 100percent

[@dsmadre3840]

I have honestly never done that , but I am converting a shuttle bus into my home on wheels so there is still time when I get on the road😊

[@vivianKimberlin]

I have done it several times. Sometimes it's easier to buy.

[@CoffeeD64]

Me I have . Bought more undes . But I also wash them. I have a big mouth detergent bottle I will wash them out by put two pairs in the bottle with soap and shake it for five minutes and then use clean water and rince hang them up to dry

[@pkfromak8046]

When you get to Orange Beach in Alabama, a great place for lunch is Villaggio Grille at The Wharf. OMG! The food there is fantastic!.. Don't go for dinner it is too expensive, but lunch prices are inexpensive and you won't be disappointed. Mikes Seafood in Gulfshores is great too, especially the gulf shrimp.

[@rhonda9475]

Go to a thrift store, they often have tee shirts 4/1$ Wear them to drive in and sleep in, throw away when they need to be washed. Head bands for limp hair. Dollar store for a personal fan. Clip on fans for around your bed!

[@ToniAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your favorite apps! I’m going to checkout Campendium!

[@johnhuff393]

Good morning from Godley Texas, I've never run out of underwear, however I have arrived at my destination and realized I had no shirts. 😂😂 Stay safe and 😷.

[@MsNZgal]

Amber I have very fine hair and live in a high humidity area of Australia. I can relate to your hair problem. I washed my hair everyday all my life but lately I have tried not washing it quite as often and this has helped a little bit. I have tried so many products for my hair but nothing has really worked. Your hair looks ok though. PS Lilli is such a cutie.

[@storychasing]

Thanks for sharing!! Ugh yes the struggle is real for the hair.

[@LifeWithLeMaige]

You will get humidity throughout the entire south definitely in key west. Anywhere where it’s hot even up in VA once spring hits it’s a mosquito factory in the southeast

[@annoyed3]

You do a great job coloring your hair. It looks so natural and shiny too. May I ask which box dye you use?

[@storychasing]

Thank you! Cheers! I use AgeBeautiful that you get a Sally's and typically the medium ash brown. I have a lot of red undertones so the ash cancels it out. I mix developer in a 1:1 ratio. It's much better than box kits and cheaper.

[@seabliss22]

Just sent you a PM on FB showing what I use. Mix 5 drops of each essential oil with water into a spray bottle. Shake it and spray on skin. Terrashield, Lavender,Peppermint, Patchouli. I often add a little lemongrass. You can buy most of your oils at Walgreens in the Vitamin isle. Some like the are best bought from Doterra. No I'm not a rep. Note... Avoid coconut oil when in bug areas. Those things love it and will have you for dinner.

[@MajrScales]

I was just at Davis Bayou campground in January and was given a tip about no-see-um bugs .. water with vanilla in it, I just put it in a spray bottle and sprayed it on my skin and it totally worked (and I kind of smelled like vanilla .. ). Not helpful for you now, but it definitely worked! Best of luck on your travels.

[@storychasing]

Great tip! No I still need it!!! I'm willing to try anything. Thank you!

[@davidmurling4252]

The humidity in Florida usually runs anywhere from 70% to 100% from this time of year all the way through summer into fall

[@kymcrowart7876]

I have done the underwear buying many times.....as a matter of fact I’m on a trip now....off grid car camping...got stuck in Flagstaff during lots of snow for a few days....just bought some yesterday in Arizona because I’m driving and not stopping to do laundry yet...lol....hate to break this to you but you will not escape those mosquitoes...........unless you go far far north east lol

[@Lobaby55]

Your beautuful! Don't Worry BE Happy about your hair. I will tell you what I did with my thin hair. I buzzed it, and other than Covid-19 I do different natural colors. It has been fun, I need to buzz it again. Love your travels since I have never been to different East States.

[@storychasing]

Oh wow! I appreciate that. I've thought of cutting it all off and just go gray!

[@honusue]

Lol, we all do that! I can wear my jeans 3x then wash them but I have to have clean drawers on evrry day, shower or not.

[@joyn2967]

Good morning from NC!

[@judit1783]

I have purchased when running low!!!! Also, I take my old ones on vacation, wear once and throw away.......no dirty undies in the suitcase!!

[@catherinecrossland2305]

i love travelling with you by the way......i live in the north of Australia so have to see America vicariously...........and i love it.........ps I'm counting waffle houses too now lol lol lol

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

Cute cup. You don't want to see my coffee cup. 30oz stainless steel. Yeh 3 of them pre-measured coffee things that they use for kurig machines is what I start my day with.

[@kymcrowart7876]

Btw, I kept finding dispersed camping on forest roads during this snow storm, and when I arrived they had closed the forest road, roads right off the highway!, I’m assuming because of the snow? Had to pay for a KOA.....one night. I used Campendium. Don’t know why the forest service roads would close just because of the weather?

[@annafernando6816]

I'd do the southeast December - February when the weather is as cold as it can get (usually much less cold than the rest of the country) so as to avoid bugs. I grew up around that shit and live around it even now and really don't want to deal with bites.

[@louisag5410]

Have you tried the Hipcamp app ? I heard about it recently. Somewhat similar to Airnb where private owners make spaces available on their property for people to camp for a nightly fee which varies... many in nature settings from what i can see...

[@sharonanspach2734]

very informative

[@normabennett27]

take anithistimines to help with the bites you have to reduce the itching. I use them if I know for sure i'm going anywhere there are mosquitos (usually start a day or so before going into 'skeeterland') and also use repellants - if I do get bitten (coz they will always find somewhere that isn't covered!) the reaction is really much less and more tolerable

[@marydonaldson6139]

I tell my husband to ‘go buy underwear’ when he runs out....does that count?!😂

[@TheJanet4321]

Lol!

[@jeanne4771]

Was wondering about the Alabama rest area. It was beautiful, didnt thing you could stay overnight

[@barbcolvin1531]

My Chihuahua's tongue would stick put a bit too and it turned out he had lost some of his teeth as he aged. Thought that may be what is going on with Lily's tongue. I had to say goodbye to my Petie this past Aug due to congestive heart disease, he was 14.

[@hkulmn3720]

Me too!

[@njanderson4342]

I would like to see the Sunshine Skyway bridge.

[@paulajackson4638]

I camped there this weekend..it was nice..you are along side of freeway .there is some noise ..had a good time.

[@moremoney2]

Paula Jackson; I slept there overnight a few weeks ago. Traffic noise did not bother me. Great view and the rest area was very modern and clean.

[@paulajackson4638]

Did you stay at the reststop? I didnt think Florida let you stay overnight?.i went over to to opposite side of the freeway rest stop..where you boondocks on the water..on the southend.

[@bostonterriermomakasandy9722]

I’ve done the buy underwear thing for years. I hate doing laundry and I have a washer and dryer. And I hate putting away more than I hate washing.

[@marykovalovich5914]

Amber if come to my area in the the Saratoga or Fulton County, NY you’re welcome to park on our property (5.5 acres)..

[@nenasmusic2261]

Look forward to your videos every day!

[@carol7303]

In Walmart you could get clear calamine lotion that’s what I use

[@karencruz1401]

Hi Amber! I'm cracking up about the humidity thing. You're in for a treat in Florida! lol Thanks for the info how you find a spot. So what's the scoop about Harvest Host. Is it true the annual fee stays the same when you enroll and never increases? Should I do it now?

[@storychasing]

You are so welcome! Yup that is true. lol...oh goodness...it's getting worse the further south I get!!!! lol

[@jenniferdeleon8954]

Okay Amber I confess!! Lol

[@storychasing]

Jennifer Deleon 😊 lol...thank you for not leaving me out there alone!!! hahaha

[@sharyneyman3806]

When I travel to foreign countries or washing clothes isn’t much of an option I have learned to use the very thin pantiliners because then I can throw them in the trash and still wear the same underwear. So I can usually just pack four for a weeks use.

[@Molly-eq1ix]

Where do you go to wash your van? I find so many car washes are too short for my Sunny. I hope the bug bites ease up soon. They can be so irritating. Thanks for all the encouragement.

[@barbaradixon3113]

I love ur little puppy. I’d like to get a van but the prices are so inflated due to Covid

[@solangesouza6277]

Lily is so cute ! 😍 I understand you completely Amber I left behind my demanding job as a Engineer 20 + years ago to be free to go where I want to and I didn't regret a bit , some of my colleagues though I was crazy for doing that , oh well I guess I didn't care much about their opinion ! 😊

[@adventuresofmisspeach]

Do you use dry shampoo to help?

[@deborahschaub2925]

Guess my ZUM didn’t make the cut.....oh well........ :(

[@divadonna5670]

I’m with you humidity sucks and I can’t tolerate it! I’ll never live in a humid climate-you washed everything did you wash Lily too? Lol

[@LadyPenelope]

It is shockingly humid in MS. I went to school there while in the Navy and I couldnt even wear makeup..it just melted off my face before I could get to class.

[@MariaPerez-mw7vm]

I live in Orlando and you can come to my house and take a shower and take water whenever you need. You can stay in my lot overnight as many times as you need. You can hook electricity too too. Hugs

[@trishkuhne550]

Wow 🤩 You are a very nice lady😇

[@storychasing]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Jo-uy6pl]

Many Blessings to you for being so generous! This made my day to know there are GOOD people out there!💞

[@MariaPerez-mw7vm]

@@storychasing You are very welcome

[@seabliss22]

🤣 Phil and I always buy new underwear at the beginning of camping Season and keep them in the camper since we both often get caught without enough.

[@debisusan4338]

Nope never went out and bought underware! I have 60 pair, buy them every time they are on sale!

[@brendahone2509]

I can't stand not having enough underwear , you did the right thing. Your hair is so cute but you might want to go longer so you an pull it back or get a very cute cut. Your hats will work either way.

[@roxyraber8931]

I totally get bit in those lagoon places along the Gulf, I get eaten alive. I say on the beach and away from bitting bugs.

[@esthermedina6080]

Hi Amber - where did you wash your van? I find most have clearance issues with the Hymer. Happy trails!

[@jhemnes1]

I just love Lily! Yep welcome to Alabama land of humidity and mosquitoes I think the reason I'm kinda tough is growing up in the southeast. You'll either toughen up or go down in flames😁

[@donnahannah1367]

I want to do ypur lifestyle however my husband's a invalid and I'm his caregiver I keep trying to get him to want to travel too but he doesn't want to so I live through all the female travelers Thank You

[@living2ndchildhood347]

Free overnight parking: Cracker Barrel; Cabellas; Pro Bass Shops; some Walmarts. Truck Stops can be used but save as a last resort as Truckers have fewer options to overnight and they rely heavily on Truck Stops. Truck Stops are usually very noisy places. National Forests (dispersed camping), some Wildlife Management and Refuges, offer free camping for overnihht to 2 weeks. We just joined Harvest Hosts and will try the first HH business next month. We avoid Rest Stops unless there is 24hr security. Some Rest Stops are infamous for female murders until Security was started. (Eg: 3 females murdered @ mm 36 I-49 rest stop).

[@mygypsyadventure3610]

How will you deal with the humidity that you will find all along your east coast trip? I lived in Pennsylvania for 4 years ( moved there from seattle) and the humidity killed me every summer. Also with Lily how long can you run your A/C in the van when you are not hooked up to electricity? My biggest worry traveling is making sure my dogs are safe and not overheated. Just curious what precautions you take? Have you ever considered getting one of those washing bags to wash your delicates in? I guess buying new undies work too 🤣

[@MissMariaVlogs]

How do you get the compendium app? Because I can't find it on the Android App Store.

[@pamelagoodwind7574]

Do you have to checks for ticks on Lily and yourself after hikes in certain areas?

[@storychasing]

Pamela Good Wind 😊 Occasiionally depending on the area. Lily takes meds that keep them from biting.

[@sheliajones8238]

Well by the way I do that same thing Yes I do