The Hardest Part is Leaving - Day on the Road

On the road back to British Columbia and some stops need to be made! Forgot to bring THIS in and it FROZE. I need a solution for THIS before it drives me crazy. And it's time to look at this gift to see how useful it will be - while we wait for a large boat!
Rviita Tea: rviitalize.com
Support the Channel:
Patreon: / vanlifemovies
Paypal: PayPal.me/vanl...
MERCH STORE: vanlifeplus-sh...
AMAZON WISH LIST: www.amazon.ca/...
Support Craze Outdoors!
www.crazeoutdo...
Use code VANLIFEPLUS at checkout to save 10% off your first order!
Amazon Storefront:
www.amazon.ca/...
If you purchase something through this link I may recieve some compensation
Mailbox:
Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
440, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB Canada
T2J 5N8
DISCOUNT CODES:
VTOMAN JUMP 1000 Portable Power Station:
vtoman.com/pro...
Use my code for 10% OFF (not combined with flash-sales): VTOVLP
On Rumble: rumble.com/use...
VanlifePLUS Q.A. Back Up Channel: / @vanlifeplusq.a.2206
Contact
Instagram: @vanlifeplusmovies
Facebook: / vanlifeplusmovies
My name is Matthew and I live in a van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad who needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Brooklyn crying like that was breaking my heart so I can only imagine how hard it was for you.😢 You really are a beautiful father Matthew!😊

[@TamaraShayna]

Came here to say the same.

[@terrolprater-cf3ch]

My 3rd time to resubscribe what's up with that

[@TheLeopardGirl]

​@@terrolprater-cf3chKZbin up to no good it seems, God only knows why!🤷 But ty for re-subscribing!😊

[@genieabbi2531]

Exactly what I was thinking. Have to have a hard heart not to shed a tear hearing her little voice! I thank God every day that I see a Patreon from you, that He is watching over you on all your travels.❤🙏

[@abbylynn8872]

​@@terrolprater-cf3ch it's a KZbin issue unfortunately. I created a playlist by adding one video of my daily to watch. I just open up the playlist to find my peeps to watch.

[@karenbreslauer2053]

My heart hurt when the baby cried

[@tracymac1111]

Every time I think he cannot film a better view, Matthew proves me wrong ! BC is gobsmacking. I’m always riveted when we go on beautiful road trips with him.

[@lynegauthier5742]

Brooklyn crying & saying she didn't want you to go -- That's hard. I just wanted to pick her up & give her a great, big hug. Poor little thing. I was sad because she was sad. 😢💔

[@francanino6865]

I second that😢 I loved Brooklyn more when heard her saying that to you, Mathew. Love your videos, this one was even greater. I've never seen Penny more excite about a toy before. So fun to watch! Thanks 😊

[@peggybaker69]

Was so sad to hear Brooklyn crying. She sure misses you while you have been gone. It will be so nice when she comes back with you and stays awhile. Penny sure loved her new toy. Well now back to your rebuild. Get some rest Matthew.

[@Lee-mmg]

Little Brooklyn loves her daddy. You are so conscientious when it comes to your daughter. It's nice to see a dad taking extra steps to see his baby. Hugs to a really great Dad. Penny loves that bird! LOL

[@ileneahrens8741]

My cat was glued to watching Penny with her chirping bird toy.

[@rachadventuresinliv]

I've been in your shoes having my son crying, it is extremely hard, but know she will grow up to love and respect you even more for being present like you are in her life. Your song might not have rhymed but I still give it a 10/10 🫶 Stress and tiredness sure doesn't help the chronic pain, you staying well hydrated, physical therapy is extremely important. 🤞🤞 You start having more restful sleep. Much love 🤗 🤗

[@dianehoule625]

Hi Matthew and Penny. Little Brooklyn loves her daddy so much. It's got to tear at your heart knowing how hard it is for you both when you have to say goodbye for a little while.

[@donnamacleod2947]

Oh,Matthew, Brooklyn crying for you not to leave was heartbreaking, must be so hard for you . She's love you very much. Beautiful scenery and awesome music. Keep smiling!

[@cherylfisk7698]

You are such a good Dad, to both your adorable daughter Brooklyn, AND your fur baby, Penny. Penny has such a cute face.

[@freedomdove]

Oh, that hurt to hear Brooklyn crying that she didn't want you to be separated. That has to be incredibly hard. 😢

[@susanh3342]

I'm happy Penny likes her new toy. My cats used to love those birds 🐦 😊

[@JoFoxynHomer]

OMG! she loves the bird toy so much. I love seeing her so excited!

[@phosawelonewolf2886]

Brooklyn broke my heart. When there’re little it hard for them to understand. Penny loved her new toy glad she’s enjoying the bird.💜

[@CRAZYcat1515]

Hi Matthew, I was a over thinker when I went to bed too A friend suggested writing things down before bed in a notebook It helped me have a better sleep.

[@jakkermanrn]

Brooklyn crying for you to stay is the WORST! I would be bawling too. Poor little heart. 😢😢😢😢

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

I do LUV seeing PRETTY Penny playing with her toys ...what a 'kitten' she is!👍🤗💖😺

[@gorillagoldhunters]

Everytime Matt’s videos end, that’s how I sound… :) your one awesome dad buddy. Making all us guys proud :)

[@VanlifePLUS]

That’s very kind of you to say dude 👊

[@debbiebrunetti9228]

I am sorry for you and Brooklyn it’s so hard to be apart from each other, eventually she will understand so many years ahead to be together.

[@kimlatham3809]

Seeing Penny play with her bird was so sweet.😊

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

Aww, poor sweet B sure didn’t want Daddy to go 😢. But I know it was harder on Daddy to leave. You’re a great Daddy, Matthew💞. I thought I was seeing things when I saw that smoking sign 😵‍💫🤪. Try melatonin at night, it helps me get to sleep but, unfortunately, even the time release ones don’t keep me asleep. 🥰💞😘🍀🏴‍☠️

[@MsCar2008]

Hard to see the ones we love sad. You will back to normal before you know it. Keep swimming.

[@user-ui1zv8bd4y]

Girls and their dads its a special bond. You will always be her first love Matt and hopefully her yardstick to measure the special man someday in her own life many many many years from now. Believe me it goes by far too fast. You are a good dad! Blessings

[@karenbreslauer2053]

I’ll never get use to seeing those mountains Majestic

[@Lilrosa-cs1pn]

Wow…the view! Your a good dad driving so far to make sure your with your baby girl consistently!

[@kimruble477]

A little info for your tens wire…I neatly roll it up (leaving enough room to pull my pants down if needed), tie it up with a twist tie so you don’t have it falling everywhere. I also tuck it into my pants…

[@karenbreslauer2053]

Nice hair cut Matthew !!!

[@Ladythyme]

Awww…I remember all too well the tears of my little ones….The tears end. The heartbreak is always remembered. One of the hardest lessons we have to live through in life, is how to let go of those we love…whether we or they are the ones going. 🥰

[@colette2552]

Yep, Brooklyn wanting her daddy made me tear up too😢 but smiles came back ❤😊

[@TheLeopardGirl]

"Bigger in the back....just how some people like it" That made me giggle out loud!🤣 You're so naughty Mr Allen!😉

[@treetopflyer8952]

The music in this one, especially the rock music, is spot on man,. I could definately get used to hearing that.... As for your comment, I was being polite, I was laughing my butt off.

[@TheLeopardGirl]

I love it as you ascend over the Rogers Pass, with those huge snow covered boulders on the side of the road and the surrounding majestic mountains rising up to the sky and always seeming to pacify my mind. Then down into Revelstoke, welcomed by the awesome wall of yet more majestic mountains.......Ohhhhhh I just adore that part of your journey to New Denver and I never tire of it!🤩

[@alberttrucking1047]

I like that new haircut

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

Been there. It kills ya as a parent. Love for a child must always be unconditional and loving them enough to be there when they need you is the first priority. Matthew, you are. You're and awesome Dad. B will always recognise that (but put on the Emotional Kevlar after about age 13 - it stings).

[@patlodge8420]

Aw so sad when Brooklyn saying I don't want you to go bless her xx

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

😢Awwwww, you broke my heart with Lil Brooklyn crying for her Daddy ...ohhhhhh how she loves you, Matthew!💛👨👩. That drive footage and music work well together with your editing, very nice ...and of course the mountain views are always SPECTACULAR!🙌. I'm ENJOYING this journey ... thanks for taking us along!👍🤗💖😇

[@wearesnavely2668]

Glad you said something about double checking if you’re still subscribed. I know I did not unsubscribe from your channel, but I had to re-subscribe.

[@dianedellarocca63]

I had tears and my heart ❤️ hurt for all stay blessed Matthew

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Hello Matthew, Penny and Brooklyn and Amber, Sophie and Lindsey. Have a great time together.

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

Being polite and answering, enjoying a quiet evening, after a wonderful dinner out with husband and watching a wonderful KZbin channel. Thank you for asking💖🙏💖

[@VaguelyMeandering]

Goodness...how long does it take you to stop crying when Brooklyn has been crying? My cold, dead heart broke open hearing her cry and asking you not to go...*sob*. A beautiful drive back to Lucky, Penny and Sheba. I love how both kitties had stories to tell you. And Penny with her bird toy was hilarious. At the end I did expect you to put your feet up on the recliner. I'm glad you got "home" safely and are stocked up for Family Day Weekend.

[@katreyes6358]

Awe Brooklyn 😢 that's exactly how I feel at the end of your Daddy's videos.

[@helene1779]

Heartbreaking to hear Brooklyn.😢❤️🙏🏼👍🏼👍🏼✌🏼❤️🐈🐈‍⬛❤️

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

4:25 Thanks for the tunes! Years ago, 10:30 pm and heading into 3rd shift,(11pm-7am) hitting the dashboard and breaking my neck slamming my head forward and backwards to the beat! 😂. Thanks for the memories. Beautiful mountains.

[@fayepotts3279]

Love the scripture verse of John 3:16 on your mom’s fridge. Can’t wait for Brooklyn to join you. I can tell how much she loves her daddy.💕🙏🏻

[@TheSt1ngRay]

Captured life as it is once again. Never fails to amaze me. Watching Oppenheimer at the end while the camera pans out is pure quality content.

[@upstatechillin]

@VanlifePLUS So after immediate tear filled eyes & crushed heart hearing Brooklyn cry for you not to leave...enjoyed video! Thanks Matthew😊

[@carmelrickman9748]

Aw bless Brooklyn's heart 😢. It's got to be so hard for both of you at the minute not seeing each other as often. If us Brits had to wait for good weather to drink beer we'd be constantly stone cold sober!!! Much love to you and yours, as always Matthew 😊

[@danielellington8407]

I’m balling my head off. “I don’t want you to go daddy”! Wow. Sweet old Brooklyn. I mean how do you walk away from that Matthew? It tears me up inside. You are a very compassionate and loving father to her! You are father of the Decade! Stay Safe, Stay Warm, always be the loving father that you are! Don’t let anyone tell you different! BTW I’m still subscribed! They do have Bluetooth Tens Machine at Amazon here in the U.S. let me know if you want one. Or need one I guess!

[@janetmcburney4582]

I have not had issues but i am subscribed with notifications on. Perhaps that helps. Dont know.

[@hollygreenhc]

Awuuuhhh... made me tear up at the goodbye. Been there. 😢 I've had to re-subscribe to your channel 4 times this past week! Totally ridiculous! So sorry they are doing that to you. It's only been two or three channels doing that but it must be more than aggravating. Oh, btw, GREAT haircut. That's my favorite look. ❤

[@rollinsteady4949]

The SCENERY! I am taken aback every time you make this trip by the truly magnificent views!! The snow makes it so much more so as well! Thank you for sharing this with us whenever you make this drive. I'll never get to see such beauty in person so I'm truly appreciative for your posts. ❤😊

[@kerrymcclaren3082]

My apologies for my absence sir. My father passed friday. I used downloaded videos of you to keep me occupied on my first flight. I love seeing such a good father after this weekend...

[@TheLeopardGirl]

So sorry to hear of the loss of your father Kerry, its never easy. Patiently allow yourself to grieve and take care of yourself girl! I'll keep you in my prayers!💞🙏💞🙏💞🙏💞

[@kerrymcclaren3082]

You're too kind leopardgirl 💚

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

So sorry for your loss😢Healing wishes and prayers your way🙏💖

[@corybowes9400]

Sorry for your loss. Hugs from Nebraska

[@albertaadventures7750]

I slide all of my window blockers for my jeep in along the back windows behind my roll bar and bags. They tuck in nicely and stay out of the way 🤙

[@connielentz1114]

Try cutting back on the caffeine and energy drinks, especially after mid day and see if that helps you sleep better.

[@dallaslemieux4161]

True

[@gs98999]

Came to say this. Stop the coffee and all the horrible convenience store drinks and sleep should improve

[@gramacarrie850]

I feel your pain Matthew. Missing your baby girl, back pain and now arthritis too! At least I'm old and retired. Take csre of yourself, you're going be in that body for life!

[@regbillings4955]

For years i have had a slipped disc in lower back, I was feeling fine for the longest time, then the pain came back, turns out i was doing things i should have been avoiding like lifting heavy items or twisting when reaching for something, days to weeks before. Since i started being careful again, the pain went away fully. it's rare when i do feel any pain now. Enjoyed your video Matthew :)

[@canadiannat8960]

🍀🌼🍀🌼🍀 Glad you're getting through these commutes safely and with decent weather.

[@loualwell7930]

Oh my gosh! Brown sugar fudge sounds so good. I was told by my neurosurgeon After my fusion and fixation that I shouldn’t lift more than 25 pounds the rest of my life. And when I do, I have a lot of pain for days. Also anything that requires twisting. Of course we are all different. Take care of yourself. Love your videos.

[@cherylfisk7698]

OK..... I think the chirping would drive me crazy. 😅😂

[@christinamann3640]

That intro - le ouch 💔😢. As I vaguely recall from when I was small, we all have our bad days and just don’t want to be reasonable. It will pass, and she’ll be okay

[@LeonaM-MyABCs]

Um, apologizing in advance....favourite road snack is dried mango with hint of lime tostitos mixed.

[@connieshutts7074]

You manage to keep us entertained on your long drives back and forth..do miss Penny on the dash. You pick out great music❤❤it. Brooklyn will love spending more time with you on the next visit.😊😊

[@charylliss3741]

I've been thinking about your remodel of Lucky and wondered about a trundle bed for Brooklyn. I don't sleep well because of Lupus pain but I have a Mazda with adjustable and heated seats. My retreat.

[@marieoleary527]

The scenery is stunning. No wonder you enjoy driving through it so much.

[@joannataylor9118]

❤ love the saying on the fridge

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew and Penny.

[@cherylfisk7698]

Hey Matthew, just a thought. 😉 Maybe next time, take the cart inside with you? IF it belongs to the pharmacy/store your going into. 😊

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

Lol! I thought he was when he grabbed it and then...😂I said out loud in a room by myself, "why didn't you take it in on your way"!? 😂 Southern girls🤦raised with manners but will kick your arse in a heartbeat if crossed! Don't mess with our kids, fur babies or our trucks and we'll be best friends!😂😂

[@judymoyer3093]

Thank you Matthew for sharing. God Bless you and yours

[@bretdidier8497]

Also had to resubscribe.. thanks for mentioning that!! You also mentioned you wanted a Bluetooth Tens unit. Walmart down here In the states have one, not sure if it’s available in Canada. (FitRx Electrode Wireless Massager - Rechargeable TENS Unit Muscle Stimulator with App Control). It’s only like $27 here. I have this unit and it works great!! Hope all is well!

[@chrissylee4476]

Thanks for the amazing scenery ❤

[@darlene9154]

Penny missed you❤

[@darlene9154]

Road snacks? Hawkins Cheezies! Best all Canadian Cheezies. Yum Yum!😋

[@ricebike]

Shin busters on that front bumper 😢 16:18 when the shiny bits protrude out like that, it's like when others leave that trailer hitch ball on the back bumper

[@VanlifePLUS]

Nobody should be walking that close to the front of my Jeep ✋

[@ricebike]

I know, but you created a "choke point" when you left the 🛒 there, LoL I winced... Like, what if someone admiring the jeep and ready to duck it???

[@gingw7333]

Having had multiple back surgeries since 1982, I've always gone through spells where bed just doesn't work. I rotate between 2 beds, couch, floor and recliner as needed. At the moment its recliner. What a hassle! Hope you find comfort soon.

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

There is no perfect bed. I found ONE bed, two years ago and slept well. It was a motel in Sault Saint Marie. Every night I swap between my hammock and a lay-z-boy, but I'll get a bed to TRY AGAIN soon. Good luck.

[@PetraKann]

Futon

[@billboyer7735]

Nice way to sit back and relax, watching a little TV. Have you sat back and watched that KZbin channel, VanLifePlus?

[@RealProVanR]

Love the haircut.

[@DebraDockler-os2sb]

Thanks again for sharing video such beautiful scenery I hope you feel better soon 😊

[@JDFuller]

Everytime you go through Revelstoke I say you should be hitting Big Eddys. Start typing and there you go, stealing my thunder. We always stop there before heading down to the ferry

[@hollygreenhc]

The new tea might be the cause of your less than stellar sleep lately??

[@vagabondcompression-wear9913]

Love the haircut!

[@bhv809]

When you are in reverse the window in the back DOES shield you from the wind, thus windshield would be accurate at least part of the time, 😉

[@danmiddleton3246]

I like Lyndsey she seems like a nice lady ❤

[@victoriabaker6943]

Brooklyn going through the a difficult transition. She might be at the age mine was at. Fridays & Sunday night’s you would see crying kids at the rest areas along the NJ Pkwy & NJ Tpk. You could tell the newbies from the parents that had been doing this for awhile. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of this stress isn’t contributing to the constant rewinding of the video tapes in your head at night add different beds it’s no wonder you’re feeling down. Take care & feel better!

[@paulinegreen2654]

Aw bless her it’s never easy is it 😢

[@lindaterrell5535]

The epic sky shows a cold front coming.

[@Tannertraversed]

May I suggest when you get the diesel heater back working instead of running standard diesel use the higher grade that Shell offers, its totally worth it, runs cooler and cleaner. Let me know how it works for you, cheers 🙌🖤

[@Trace-kf2ly]

Soo cool when you go thru the Big Eddy - past my mom n dads old neighborhood! Woot loves that bridge too

[@Buckeyescratcher]

Hi Mathew they do make a wireless tens machine called the omega tens unit

[@mycats5254]

I watch on my TV, and I have gotten into the habit of making sure I am subscribed when I hit the thumbs up button. I have had to re-subscribe to many channels even when I know I was subscribed the day before. So frustrating!

[@calinurselori6477]

Toque, biffy, eh....these are things I've Googled since watching you lol Your hair looks fab!

[@shelliebancroft4145]

Your you're prescribers are right. We are prescribing to your channel and by the time we come back to watch we are on unprescribed. And it doesn't matter if it's a few minutes or an hour or a day. But it has to be KZbin doing it, because we are not unprescribing to your channel. You are not the only channel that it's occurring on either. I have about four more of my van life friends and a couple of others that is also happenig this happen them. It's actually kind of peeing us off a little. Take that back a lot.

[@rubikube1]

Have you found your Jeep yet”Easter egg”?? Mine is a pair of flip flops!! 😍

[@christel1783]

Maybe a ceiling net for storing window covers?

[@Valerygallery]

You must be really exhausted. You're on the go all the time. Poor little Brooklyn and daddy also! 😢 Your other baby girl is very happy! 😸 Hey, handsome! Love that new doo! ❤

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

What a 'cozy' ending of this video/vlog ...I hope you did get a better sleep that evening🙏. Thanks for another FANTASTIC share ...continue to take care, stay safe & God bless!👍🤗💖😇

[@lindahillgartner5045]

Here in Collingwood Ontario high winds snow flurries

[@janetnegrillo5413]

There is clearly Canadian in the United States. I love it.❤

[@christinamann3640]

That’s funny, one usually sees a no smoking sign 😁