Van Life! First Trip (part 3)

[@asta9386]

I love river rocks. Thanks

[@VantasticPacifica]

Yeah, I'm a fan now too.

[@ayden4868]

I love your videos

[@VantasticPacifica]

Thanks! I love your videos too! Short but sweet!

[@Quickicecarreviews123]

Glad u took the time to enjoy the rocks

[@VantasticPacifica]

Glad u took the time to enjoy this video!😁

[@cffurtado]

Like to listen to your thoughts...very calm and entertaining.

[@VantasticPacifica]

Oh thank you.

[@ayden4868]

I’m your #1 fan

[@VantasticPacifica]

Ha! Thanks, kid!

[@kcollier2049]

Ahhh 2019. Ppl everywhere! 😆

[@VantasticPacifica]

Haha! Yeah, the good ol' days!

[@johnberger3338]

Really enjoyed this.

[@VantasticPacifica]

Well, that makes two of us!

[@theopinion9452]

Well is official,you stayed in a van by the river!...keep making videos man.

[@VantasticPacifica]

Hahaha! I can't believe I didn't think of that!

[@theopinion9452]

@@VantasticPacifica Somehow I knew it,is something that people normally just mention in their videos...soon enough I will be doing that too,traveling around the country in my new to me 1997 chevy express with turtle shell,it has only 144K miles so I expect to get at least 500K b4 replacing it,maybe next time I get a mini van just for the fuel savings of a smaller engine.

[@VantasticPacifica]

@@theopinion9452 That's a great van. I would've gotten something like that if I didn't need the van for rideshare and whatnot.

[@H.pylori]

You are living the dream. I am sure that your travels have increased your appreciation of just how big and diverse this country is. I did something like this in the 1970s and now I would like to do it again in my 70s. Coronavirus has delayed my plans until at least the fall. When you see Mt. Rushmore in person it is so impressive. My grade school textbook did not do it justice. When you took the road down to the river you experienced the beauty of traveling without a schedule. If you had been in a hurry to get somewhere you would have passed up on the river and missed a unique adventure. Thanks for sharing. Thumbs up.

[@808kiker]

I agree. Mt Rushmore is just breathtaking. Can't wait to get back in that area sometime.

[@VantasticPacifica]

Yes! You totally get it. I never travel on a schedual. Even when I got to Mt. Rushmore, it was too cloudy and rainy to go. No problem. I just camped out and went the next day.

[@treezza2817]

I did the same in "the 70s"! My sister and I traveled cross country and explored as much as possible everything west of the Rockies for three months. Now I'm nearly in my 70s, too, and wanting to do it again now that I'm retired!

[@annekramer6740]

Love your description of the fresh smelling air. It’s one of the very best part of camping. Your perceptions are also fresh. Nice voice for videos.

[@VantasticPacifica]

Thanks so much!

[@annekramer6740]

Sorry for commenting so much, but the rock “like a pastry “ was really funny. On one trip I picked up an assortment of rocks and decided it would be the new palette for my clothing.

[@VantasticPacifica]

No such thing as commenting too much. I'm getting a lot of positive feedback about those rocks. Originally, I was going to edit that part out because I didn't think anyone would be interested. I'm glad I left it in.

[@annekramer6740]

Viewers like know how the storytelling thinks and feels about things, in addition to a few facts. I wasn’t interested in rocks until I went out west and discovered their beauty and diversity.

[@joannsjourneys5904]

That was fun, thanks for sharing.

[@VantasticPacifica]

Thank you! I'm very encouraged by all the positive feed back.

[@moustangmike]

I really enjoy your videos man. I have been to all of the places you showed, but work prevents me from traveling now...so it's nice to visit them with you. I hope you can make this a full-time gig. Everybody must stop at Wall Drug...lol...best tourist trap in the world. I ate my first Buffalo burger there...very good food. Your videos give a fresh perspective to everything...like the river rock. It's fun to watch you discover the world. Hope you make more videos.

[@VantasticPacifica]

Oh, you caught the Wall Drug pics? I passed it many times as a trucker but I was never able to go. This is my chance to get out there and see all the things I missed. I would have gotten some video of Wall Drug but at the time, I had no idea I was going to have a KZbin channel.

[@moustangmike]

@@VantasticPacifica I watch in detail! LOL

[@VantasticPacifica]

@@moustangmike I'm just really glad to have found so many people who enjoy this stuff the same way I do. This is amazing.

[@moustangmike]

@@VantasticPacifica I'm a school bus driver in WV. I use my summers to travel. I've made 14 cross country trips... stopping at most tourist traps along the way. Been thinking about the van life for quite awhile.

[@500deanna]

“Majestic pile of dirt” 🤣🤣🤣

[@VantasticPacifica]

Lol, Thanks, Sis.

[@808kiker]

River rocks.. You need to get up to Lake McDonald at Glacier National Park. The clearest water you've ever seen and the most beautiful rocks ever. Great video as always !

[@VantasticPacifica]

Lake McDonald...Glacier National Park... I'm just making a note of that.

[@annekramer6740]

The rushing water tumbles those rocks smooth, (like bars of soap). Great description. P. S. Death Valley has rocks that will blow your mind. Go in winter.

[@VantasticPacifica]

Great suggestion! Why winter?

[@annekramer6740]

Temperature. If you go, there’s a nice hot spring campground just south of the National Park.

[@VantasticPacifica]

@@annekramer6740 Do you know the name of it?

[@annekramer6740]

Tecopa Hot Springs.

[@VantasticPacifica]

@@annekramer6740 I'll look into it!

[@Gunapatifamily]

Totally stealing your console table idea for my future van.

[@VantasticPacifica]

Haha! You can't steal something if it's free. Help yourself. Mi ideas es su ideas! Although, I have to admit I'm not sure what console table you're referring to.

[@Gunapatifamily]

Your kitchen setup. That's a sofa/console table. And I'm 'borrowing' your brilliant screen/rain guards! I had bought a 4x8 sheet of that stuff to create a pee guard in an outhouse and was wondering what to do with the rest of the material! Yay!

[@GypsyJvan]

now u have me as a subscriber

[@VantasticPacifica]

Welcome aboard!

[@josephpayne2295]

Just bought one of these for the family and have been binge watching your videos man. Going to try a less refined version of this haha. I love the blinds and vents, and will try a 6" roll up mattress I think. What battery do you recommend for a few day trip? Awesome videos!

[@VantasticPacifica]

Congats on the new van! I think I wanna go with a less refined version too. Lol. I use the Jackery 1000 and I'm quite happy with it. I would recommend it but I don't have any experience with the others so I'm not sure how much that recommendation is worth. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@GypsyJvan]

good !..im glad u took my comment as a constructed feed back, so now, u can improve ur videos...honesty is the best !!

[@VantasticPacifica]

Lol! I'm not sure if “you suck” qualifies as constructive feedback. But I'll take what I can get.

[@bettebuchheit5776]

Enjoy following along with you! Thanks for sharing your trip.

[@VantasticPacifica]

Thanks for watching!

[@TeamLove]

Great video, good you had a chance to travel before the pandemic.

[@VantasticPacifica]

I know, right.

[@fionaludbrook8193]

Cool trip. Glad to find another person who loves nigt driving on a road trip. Me and the truckers usually. I coverd a lot of Australia last year, largely driving at night. We do have to be careful of kangaroos and other wildlife on the road at night as most of our wildlife is nocturnal and we also have large areas of unfenced grazing lands through Central Australia.Loving your KZbin channels and offerings, Greetings from Australia. Thanks for taking us to Mt Rushmore. Would love to know the name of the river. Makes me think of those explorers who followed along one of the major rivers in the USA, that crossed from east to west.Saw a great documentary about them. I also think of the First Nations people whose traditional lands you have been crossing as well!

[@VantasticPacifica]

I dream of driving around Australia one of these days but I really don't want to smash into a kangaroo! I'm so glad you liked these videos. Comments like yours make me want to make more!

[@VantasticPacifica]

Okay, so I see this comment is from a year ago. I have no idea why KZbin is just now showing to me. This has happened before. Anyway, yes. I love driving at night. I used to be a trucker but we don't get many kangaroos in the states, none, to more accurate. Someone in the comments figured out what river that was but I forgot already. I think the explorers you're thinking of is Lewis and Clark. I too saw a documentary on them and I'm still fasinated by the whole thing! Glad you enjoyed Mt. Rushmore! 😁

[@samanthadodd8112]

Bought 3 bags of that gravel today. $15 bucks at Lowe's. Lol.

[@VantasticPacifica]

Haha! I know a place where you can get some really nice rocks for free. You just have to drive 2000 miles and bring your own bags.

[@samanthadodd8112]

@@VantasticPacifica $15 sounds cheaper, but will go out West whenever I get my van.

[@AdrienneUnae]

I am experiencing heart palpitations riding on that winding road with you. OMG

[@VantasticPacifica]

Hahaha!!!!! Well if it helps your heart, the video was sped up to about 225mph. My minivan doesn't go that fast in real life.

[@AdrienneUnae]

@@VantasticPacifica LOL 😂😂 whew! Okay. I feel much better now. Ha ha ha ha

[@gailjohnson6670]

The last time I was out to Mt Rushmore was almost 51 years ago..Beautiful area..Thank you for the video..Have a blessed day..

[@VantasticPacifica]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Has the place changed much?

[@gailjohnson6670]

@@VantasticPacifica Was out in July 1969..It was very,very hot weather..In a car with no air conditioning..We were on our honeymoon..But we were young and it didn't bother us..It still is a beautiful as then..I love that area..A person forgets how breath taking the scenery is..Always thought we would go back as a couple on a car vacation..Even though we did OTR team driving trucking for quite a few years..Too many places don't have room for a semi-tractor trailer..Or we had a schedule to meet..But my husband died 7 years 7-1/2 months..Your car camping is a reasonable way to see the country..I enjoy seeing how you make it work..It gives me ideas..Thank you for your reply..

[@VantasticPacifica]

@@gailjohnson6670 Very sorry to hear about your husband. But it sounds like you have a wonderful story. There's something to be said about the summer of 69 and being a young newlywed going on an adventure in a vehicle with no AC. Sounds amazing to me. But speaking of trucking, I'll tell you a story. Several years ago, when I was trucking, I became frustrated with all of the interesting places I had to pass up because there was no truck parking. In fact, Mount Rushmore was the final straw. I passed within a few miles of it and couldn't go see it because no trucks were allowed. That was the day I vowed I would someday have a road trip vehicle and revisit all of those places I couldn't go before. Going there last year was like the happy ending to one of those redemption stories. I hesitate to call it that because I'm definitely not done. Lot more places to visit.

[@NoProGoPronto]

I absolutely love river rocks. I could have sat there all day like a little kid looking at all of those rocks. Thanks for sharing your trip. Any place else planned for 2020?

[@VantasticPacifica]

I'm so glad you agree. When I was editing this video I was worried the magic of this place would not translate. I thought people would think I was getting a little too excited about a bunch of rocks. But it really was one of the most pleasant days I have ever had on the road. And that truly is saying a lot. I've gotten a lot of positive feedback, but to hear even one person say “I love River Rocks” is very encouraging. As far as where to go next... Where would you suggest?

[@genekulp]

You have a natural sense of humor, enjoyable stop by the "dirt pile"

[@VantasticPacifica]

Lol, I live in the burbs. I'm not accustomed to seeing things that weren't put there by somebody.

[@freddyo2k10]

Where do you shower while on the road?? Do you have a shower unit installed in the van??🤔🤔

[@VantasticPacifica]

I like truck stops for that($12). But to save money, I got a gym membership so I can take all the showers I want for one low monthly cost.

[@freddyo2k10]

@@VantasticPacifica Sorry for asking but you motivated me to Vanlife and explore..

[@VantasticPacifica]

@@freddyo2k10 No problem at all. I appreciate the question.

[@rexseang8169]

Looks like a great trip you went on 👍, you still traveling during this month? I'm looking forward to driving from Pennsylvania to California in a few weeks.

[@VantasticPacifica]

This trip was from Sept 2019, back when Corona was still a beer. I'm waiting for things to get better before going out again.

[@MarkDouglasOutside]

Great video! The screens/vents that you had in your window . . . did you make them or purchase them?

[@VantasticPacifica]

I made them using sheets of coraplast, gaffing tape and a screen door I found on trash day.

[@100acres6]

I’ll bet you could market those window screens, they looked great👌🏻! Nice job.

[@MarkDouglasOutside]

Vantastic Pacifica Very smart! Seems like you will get so much more air flow than leaving the window slightly open and you don’t have to worry about the rain 👍

[@VantasticPacifica]

@@100acres6 Thanks! I'm working on a new design now. I want to be able to open and close the vents from inside.

[@secondact7151]

When you said fallen trees, I hoped you would realize that the river floods and brings those trees with it. That would not be a good place to sleep.

[@VantasticPacifica]

Whaaaa??? That's amazing! Nature is kinda cool.

[@PanamaVail]

City Guy hits the hot spots.. how about a diesel heater for $130..Mobdro TV...Bicycle...is a new Pacifica as good as a Sienna with 130K

[@VantasticPacifica]

Um, I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you selling a heater? Yes, a Pacifica is as good as a used Sienna. Maybe even better.

[@PanamaVail]

@@VantasticPacifica Im not selling the diesel heater. I was just letting you know about them. You can buy them on Amazon. Its the best way to heat a Van , Camper and Sailboat. I Mountain Bike and snow Ski so having a warm Van especially in the morning is good for me. I liked some of your ideas. Thanks for the video

[@PanamaVail]

@@VantasticPacifica Search Diesel Heater on KZbin 100's will tell you about how they use them. Also facebook Chinese Diesel Heaters has lots of experts answering questions.

[@VantasticPacifica]

@@PanamaVail Oh ok. I'm familiar with diesel heaters and how useful they are. I don't really need one for my purposes. I actually prefer the cold. But I appreciate the suggestion. And thanks for watching!

[@bobdillon4112]

What kind of mileage are you getting from Pacificia???

[@VantasticPacifica]

Once I get on the open road, I have a range of 530 miles or about 32mpg. In town, it drops to 390 miles or 22mpg. But I keep a consistant speed at low RPM and sometimes I'll draft a FedEx truck for hundreds of miles. I think their trucks are governed at 65 and that works for me.

[@bobdillon4112]

@@VantasticPacifica I have a 2014 town and country and use it similar,to you. I'm getting about the same,mileage with 130,000 miles on it. Not a big Chrysler fan, but they do put out great vans.

[@VantasticPacifica]

@@bobdillon4112 Yeah, I never thought I'd buy a Chryser but I LOVE Jeeps and Dodge so I figured this would be ok too. So far so good!

[@pjc531]

What is that hanging off of your rear view mirror? Back up camera? I have a 2017 Pacifica I am outfitting for a major road trip once everything opens up.

[@VantasticPacifica]

That's my dash cam. It continuously records inside and out. It's what I used to record all those highway scenes and hail storms.

[@treezza2817]

I"m wondering why you're driving at night and sleeping late into the morning and watching movies during the day . . . you miss all the cross-country scenery!

[@VantasticPacifica]

Lol! Great question! You might be the first to notice that! Well, I'm not a big fan of sunlight. Sometimes it gives me a headache, whereas night driving under the moon and stars on smooth blacktop with freshly painted lines is easily my second favorite thing in the world! The first, being watching movies during the day.😁

[@treezza2817]

@@VantasticPacifica That's funny! But it begs another question . . . why did you drive to Portland? Were you visiting someone or just wanting to drive a long distance on blacktop under the moon and stars? Scenery does not seem to have been an important factor!

[@VantasticPacifica]

@@treezza2817 You got me again! You're right, scenery is not high on the priority list. I honestly just love driving. I think sitting behind the wheel and being in motion is therapeutic somehow. That said, I do like having a direction. On that trip, I was going to Portland to see one of my sisters and nephew. We got tacos and Jarritos at a street fest, shopped at a farmers market and even did some yoga. They love that sort of thing there. I used a paper straw for the first time there. Interesting town.

[@treezza2817]

@@VantasticPacifica Yeah, Portland's an interesting town. I live 100 mi north of there. I'm glad to hear, though, that you had at least some purpose in driving so far. As for paper straws, I grew up using those! They were mostly useless, though. It was a challenge to keep them from getting stuck shut!