Van Life in BEAR COUNTRY (aka Bug Country) // Living in a Van Full Time

[@simmpleenough]

Even with the constant swarm of bugs 😫, I really enjoyed myself here. Let's see if I can get that other camp spot, next time. Songs used: Grow by Facesoul, The Fortress by Kyle preston, Ana-Yelena by Kristian Sensini -------------------- Ingredients used for the Ramen (I don't have measurments): Water Mushroom seasoning Sesame Oil Soy Sauce Fresh Vegetables (any kind, I used cabbage, carrots, & cucumbers) Tofu (or whatever protein you like) Fried Chili Paste Cilantro Lime or lemon juice -------------------- Ingredients used for the Chickpea Wrap (I don't have measurments): cooked/canned garbanzo beans Carrots (or any vegetables you want in the wrap) olive oil salt, pepper, smoked paprika, granulated garlic & onion, lemon pepper diced onion chopped tomatoes leafy greens (romaine, kale, green leaf, whatever you have) Cashew-Herb Dressing cashews water some of the flavorful veggies I roasted jalapeňo salt, granulated garlic & onion cilantro scallion

[@Colette-x6h]

I also have purchased the 4oz/8oz bottles but with the bugs you’ll need to refill sooner so I just get the bulk 16oz online The stores will cost you too much and most of them only have the small bottles at HIGH PRICES!

[@Michaelw777.52]

You have gotten really excellent with your camera work and editing. Excellent job. Love this video.

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you, so much.

[@jerseywomeninc.8640]

Monique, You’re really spoiling us with the longer Vlogs and I’m here for it 🥳 Happy Sunday Everyone ❤️

[@simmpleenough]

lol. I’m so happy you like the long vlogs. I prefer watching 30+ minute vlogs, too. Happy Sunday 😊.

[@Sageandgold]

The fountains she pointed you to are what we use for free water. Use them. We save gallon jugs and fill up. Libraries have them too

[@simmpleenough]

Ohhh, okay! I thought they were for small water bottles. Thanks, I didn't know people used those little fountains to fill gallons of jugs.

[@angelamobley-so8gm]

I really enjoy watching u..ur just a brave young lady..u got this 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you!

[@Jaylyn-l2r]

Loved seeing all those wild bison. Thanks for sharing the long drives. It makes me feel like I’m there. The swimming looked so relaxing.

[@simmpleenough]

Glad you enjoy the drives. I really enjoyed swimming. Can’t wait to do it again.

[@ChocolateNaturallySweet]

Wow, such beautiful views of the Tetons. You did a great job capturing the beauty of the mountains, Jackson and the lay of the land in Wyoming. Thanks for sharing your vanlife adventure Monique. Stay safe and enjoy! 🫶🏿

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Sageandgold]

The fact that those kids will be adults and do it if not corrected as kids, is what’s important

[@simmpleenough]

Very true.

[@user.ogungunsuns]

Oiling brakes with URINE caused fatal auto collision

[@dallasjordan4340]

you swimming...made my day 😊

[@simmpleenough]

It made my day, too!

[@PatbroBro-sn8yo]

I just exhaled. Go young lady, go!

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you. I will 😊❤️

[@tammierosario7569]

Thank you for another great video Monique! I truly admire you!

[@cheyenneyakima8695]

Young Lady, it would have been nice if you would have slowed your video down at the beginning - So your viewers could capture that beautiful scenery. Cheyenne. Part time van lifer...

[@simmpleenough]

Thanks for the feedback 😊.

[@nishal.5007]

She gives us the option to slow our viewing spoed 😊

[@nishal.5007]

I am wearing headphones and 25:14 had me thinking there was bug near my ear!! Love this video.

[@bornearth]

​@@nishal.5007I thought there was a bug near my ear too.😅

[@zezeDesire]

Vanlife checklist- portable vacuum ✅️

[@simmpleenough]

lol, yup! Very helpful with catching bugs.

[@kitt7477]

Buy regular bug spray & spray it on outside of your vehicle. Tires, sides of door entry.

[@morena-galesa]

Wonderful vlog, beautifully filmed and with breathtaking scenery. I also loved the swimming segment - it had such an ethereal quality. I know you choose natural products but jeez with that calibre of flies I’d be getting me some hardcore insect repellant - those guys were so ruthless it felt personal!! Wishing you safe (and bite-free) travels 🫶🏾

[@simmpleenough]

Lol, it really did feel personal.

[@supersonicdevin3212]

I like riding on the dash watching the road in fast forward that was fun lol

[@simmpleenough]

Lol! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@lisaworth6860]

😂😂😂

[@supersonicdevin3212]

I can't help it I started laughing my butt off when you sprayed it with the juice. Sorry lol lol then you vacuum it up. Hahaha I have tears in my eyes not making fun of you it was just cute. I am rewinding that

[@simmpleenough]

😂😂😂😂

[@tonyajohnson3450]

You are brave!!! The ambassador said it was an active bear area!!! All my doors would have been closed!!!

[@simmpleenough]

lol! I definitely didn't venture too far from my campsite.

[@jeanettechampagne825]

Always love love your videos stay blessed ❤️❤️❤️

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you!

[@shamsshams20261]

Hi Monique, how wonderful to be able to wear the burkini 🧕 in a public swimming pool 🏊‍♀, here in Spain (EU) it is forbidden. Yes please, repeat it many times and enjoy it... and careful with 🪰Goliath family 😉. Be happy and have a nice week 🤩🤗.

[@simmpleenough]

That’s horrible. I’ve heard quite a bit of negative things about Spain and France when it comes to the treatment of Muslims.

[@shamsshams20261]

@@simmpleenough The more fascism grows the more they hate the muslims and in Spain we have been a few years that conservatives are radicalizing and frighten the current government, they buy socialmedia (TV, newspapers) and only create hatred and lies. Here we are returning to the Middle Ages, where the Catholic Church and the old fascists are resurging with force (you can't imagine the last year). Sorry if you don't understand well, my English is not very good when I want to go into details.

[@Selahbrooke3]

Hey Monique, You're a gentle & kind person. You won't even hurt a fly. When you let that fly go free in your vacuum, I was convicted. Thank you for taking us along on your journey. Jesus loves you.

[@simmpleenough]

Hey! You’re very welcome, and thank you 🥰.

[@Tonya474]

I’m really enjoying this video ❤ and I love watching you fix your meals, everything looks so yummy. I would love for you to make a more step by step video of the Chickpea Wrap showing and explaining how and what you’re using ( pans & deep fryer ??? ) I’m so clueless 😂 I have to learn from the basics because I never cook but I’m craving everything you cook 😋 I would be so thankful ❤

[@Tonya474]

You did a wonderful job 😊 Thank you so much for sharing!! It was so beautiful and very relaxing ❤ I usually never make it through someone’s entire video until yours!! I truly enjoyed every moment!!

[@wextremeart4399]

Flies are attracted to carbon dioxide (CO2) that people and animals exhale, which helps them find humans to feed on their blood. Flies are also attracted to other things, including:

[@COASTIEMOM27]

Such beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing.

[@linguini56]

"I know I've been asking you a lot of questions lately, only because I'm starting my campervan adventures as well. Can you tell me about your dash cam? I see yours has a 'no judgment' setting, which would be perfect for my off-key karaoke sessions! Do you like it, and could you tell me what brand and model it is?"

[@simmpleenough]

Your comments always make me laugh ❤️! I think you asked about how I find such nice campgrounds last week, but I haven't had time to respond to older comments, yet. Regarding the campgrounds, I mostly use Campendium to find them. I always adjust the filter so that my price range is $0-$0. I have a video showing what I do...I think it's called "How I Camp for Free on the East Coast", but you can use the same strategy anywhere, not just the east coast. My dash cam is the Van True N4 Pro.

[@linguini56]

@@simmpleenough Thanks for the Laugh! I appreciate you taking the time to respond. $0 - $0 price range sounds like my kind of budget! I'll definitely check out your video - free camping sounds like a dream. And thanks for the dash cam tip. Now I can capture all my "epic" campsite fails in glorious HD!

[@catc6188]

Maybe you were anxious because of the concern about the possible knock staying in Whole Foods lot😊

[@betterdayz4678]

Wow it is beautiful there!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@Thegratefulnurse]

Monique you had me laughing watching you “Kung Fu” those bugs! 😅 I’m so jealous that looked like an amazing trip ! I’ve been there but it’s been years and I don’t remember. Enjoy and be safe! ❤Stephanie

[@simmpleenough]

😂

[@athira_n_s]

I wish I didn’t have vertigo so that I could watch the Timelapse in peace 🤧🤧🤧 I’m jealous of you normal ppl 😿

[@rouseyournicholls]

That's crazy!! The kids wanted to pee on your license plates of all things😒🤔

[@Colette-x6h]

Spray the crevices also they won’t go in there 😂😂 smart moves with the bear spray. They can run pretty fast. I’m so happy you went out west, why, look at what you’ve seen so far. I just relocated from 5.5yrs in Colorado to SC so I know what you feel Trust me

[@simmpleenough]

lol, I know that now...just didn't know it then! I'm definitely spraying the crevices from now on. Yea, the west coast is slowly stealing my heart, just like I knew it would

[@salmajama9431]

i would love to have all your recipes because it seems tasty. Thanks

[@nuraal-shammari7530]

Those are horseflies they bite and it hurts and the bite will swell up

[@meatmachines]

Your food always looks so good. 5 out of 5 giant flies agree!

[@Ronetta222]

I made this clove solution that I saw on KZbin and that seems to keep all insects away. It’s made from boiling cloves in water and baking soda. Once it’s cooled I add it to spray bottle and spray and wipe everything down with it, including door and window frames and they don’t seem to come in if I do it regularly. Like every other week.

[@simmpleenough]

Thanks for sharing this! I think I already have some cloves.

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

Thats not good kids behavior.

[@dallasjordan4340]

What in the world, I'm so confused?! How did I miss this?

[@simmpleenough]

lol, you didn’t miss anything. I just made the video public right now. It was uploaded, but unlisted before.

[@dallasjordan4340]

@@simmpleenough kk. was wondering how so many people saw this before me. I'm always checking my notifications on Sunday mornings. Love your channel 🫶🏼

[@farhiyoismail1281]

As Salaamu Alaikum, Beautiful vlog! I love the scenery and the visuals! May Allah bless you immensely!

[@simmpleenough]

Wa alaikum as salaam! Ameen. Glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@lisawilliams-lewin653]

The thermacell multi insect repellent helps for trips where there are relentless bugs. It's a little pricey if you are in areas like that all the time, but for a single trip here and there, it is fantastic. BLESSINGS 🙏🏾

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you!

[@deborahjones9210]

Why is the music so sad😕

[@simmpleenough]

It's not sad to me...just serene. I love using songs like this in my videos.

[@omittable]

@@simmpleenough

[@wextremeart4399]

The love the human body heat

[@MS-1917]

How did you find the camp location. Is there a guide you use for free camping spots?

[@simmpleenough]

Short answer is Campendium and iOverlander. I have a video sharing how I find free campsites. I think the title is “How I Find Free Camping on the East Coast”, but I use the same strategy on the west coast.

[@MS-1917]

Recipes please?!?!

[@kinggator6890]

Was that bike ride on a Friday? Once a month on a Friday is Critical Mass in a lot of cities. It's free to join, the more the merrier.

[@simmpleenough]

I think so. Oh, that’s cool! I’d love to participate in one.

[@no_worries_van]

Spider egg

[@calvinmarshall1610]

Hi monique great video 4 hours swimming I'm sure it was refreshing. As far as the campsite nice atmosphere but the bug situation I'm not sure if I could handle that one. You're meals looked scrumptious

[@mark_osborne]

LOL... @ 19:20 so funny ! They won't try peeing on some random van anytime soon Beautiful country That Whole Goods is over the top - gorgeous I'll keep watching Be safe

[@orbi7429]

Hi, thank you for sharing. Amazon sells a bug vacuum if that would help you.

[@xy1741]

I was looking forward to your vid today. What’s the weather like - you didn’t look hot, even in the sun. I can’t believe you swam for 4 hours- that’s so long! Mermaid mode. 💖🧜🏿‍♀️

[@lashaladavis713]

Wow, the scenery is beautiful!!! My kind of views...I am loving this, I cannot wait to get on the road...next year on my birthday...may 29, 2025 is my day to start!!!❤🎉

[@annc6306]

ASA, For bug bites I use cotton balls and alcohol (at least 70%). I put the alcohol on the cotton ball and with a lil pressure I rub it back and forth over the bite, back and forth until I feel relief from the itching. The alcohol cleans the bite and relieve the itch. Keep doing it until the itch is gone and it does not leave a mark and in no time the bite is gone. Another Beautiful *Simple Enough* Video. ☮️🦋🌹🌻💥🤎

[@sophiemarcaurele]

That thing on your ceiling is a lil' spider nest 🕷️ What you need in the vehicle for flying bugs in an electric racket, zap zap! 🏸 ⚡ What works even better than bear spray (especially if you're forced to use it in your vehicle or downwind, so it can affect you too) is wasp spray! It will shoot in a small foam string up to 20/30 feet, aim for the face, that stuff will burn like hell 🫡🎯 bonus: it's not illegal to carry, and totally legit for a camper. 🤔💪🏼

[@Deethecarolinadiamond]

What are you using to film underwater

[@simmpleenough]

DJI Action 2 camera

[@DaisySmile90]

I love your music selection. It’s so peaceful. Any recommendations??

[@simmpleenough]

I’ve been using a lot of FaceSoul music in my videos. I like the calm vibe of his songs.

[@DaisySmile90]

@@simmpleenough thanks for replying

[@lyndak3269]

Remember now when traveling alone: who you are, be weary of everyone and surroundings, most of all keep the pray channel open. Peace and Blessings.

[@kaseambaity2620]

Loved this podcast.

[@nuraal-shammari7530]

Oh i didnt tell you thanks sorry 🙆🏻‍♀️this was so beautiful! I have never been on that side if the USA before. Im so in love with what you showed us!

[@Eyesis_1]

What a beautiful journey to and through the Tetons. I may go swimming today🙂. You are so patient; those kids needed an ssa whooping. Why was that even a thought? Smh. Great audio, that bug sound had me slapping the air 😂🤣. Beautifully filmed. Stay safe and TFS.

[@michelleh5727]

And having a fan going really helps with noseeumss .. they hate any kinda breeze.. speaking from my person experiences :)

[@heyhellohi_]

Even as a kid, who thinks to piss on a license plate/on a vehicle!? These kids are wayyyyy different than I was as a kid and different than the ones in my life now. Just a mess… lol.

[@dwalker6868]

Yes, that’s beautiful country and I’m so glad you didn’t hold yourself back from doing something. You’ve been longing to do kudos stay blessed

[@myboyzr2]

Love loved this video! As I do all of yours 😁 You truly inspire me to eat healthier! The Tetons are beautiful minus bugs.

[@cynthianorrod1928]

You might enjoy @tidelinetoalpine. She and her dog have lived in a vehicle for over 10 years. Her independence and survival skills are impressive.

[@simmpleenough]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@cynthianorrod1928]

@tamzcountrylife I do too but she doesn't have Amanda's hard core skill set yet (-;

[@michelleh5727]

I love Amanda's channel...LOVE her content!! Tidelinetoalpine..

[@maebrown2938]

I never knew Wyoming was so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@catherinebaum9185]

Are they noseums. Try citronella candles outside around your van.

[@catc6188]

Still watching the video….I like the cooking segments ❤

[@LeilanisJourney]

Enjoyed. That town was so cute. Thanks for sharing.

[@FreePalestine718]

Let me know if you ever make it to Washington state would love to hang out with you.

[@riseballoondesigns]

Hi Monique! Love your videos! I am wondering how much power is needed to run the airfryer?

[@simmpleenough]

I have two 100ah lithium batteries and a 2000 watt inverter. This system is able to power my air fryer and instant pot.

[@riseballoondesigns]

@simmpleenough Thank you Monique!

[@QueenBaha]

💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@greenketogoddess2295]

Hey are you still here. I work at in the Tetons?

[@simmpleenough]

Hey! I’m still here. I’ll probably leave tomorrow after my tire is fixed.

[@Dgervelis1]

Blessings Monique ❤❤❤ love your location!!!

[@andreabailey676]

nice video. i will try making that wrap.

[@bibiagousta826]

I like your videos.

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you

[@taraonpointlee4339]

Fly swaps are needed 😂

[@simmpleenough]

For real 😂😫

[@Vanlifewanttobe]

Thank you for that beautiful video.

[@tonyajohnson3450]

😂😂Gurllll, I thought I was on a rollercoaster when you were looking for a spot!!😂😂😵‍💫😵‍💫 Enjoy your channel! Your food looks delicious too!! How long have you been plant-based/vegan? Seven years for me!!

[@simmpleenough]

lol. I'll try to slow it down next time. And I've been plant-based for 9 years (since 2015)!!

[@heyhellohi_]

the taco looked sooooo good! I love a good hard, crunchy shell lol

[@Elizabethcrafting123]

Go to west yellow stone. It’s beautiful

[@BJo4230]

Great Video 😊 I'am in awwww at the views. ❤

[@Reallyerinrenee]

Sawubona, sis!!! These mountains are breathtaking, right!?!?!?!!!!❤❤❤ The sunrise shots you get *chef's kiss*, i definitely need to commit to watch the sunrise over the mountains. Those flies! Lmao. Yup. Exactly. I admit I didn't expect as many or as big of bugs up north, but hey...ecosystem is in full swing out here... Luckily Dominic has been sharking these mosquitos that have been popping in for a visit, right out of the sky so i think they getting the message. But i have had to catch and release a couple...and immediately DUCT TAPED sheer curtains to my windows adls make shift screens on the emergency hatch blocking my way onto the roof until i make a removal frame to pop up there. Yes these ambassadors and such are respectful. Glad they let you know about the bears. And were like okay seeya, we won't bother you again. Glad the tetons are worth the trip! Safe travels! Til soon!

[@simmpleenough]

Lol, I’m glad you have Dominic to help with the bugs. They are no joke! Hopefully you can catch a good sunrise in the beautiful area you’re in. It’s always a great start to my day when I catch one. Ttyl ❤️

[@Inglewood_Addition]

Monique 👋🏿, Good Morning and thanks for another great video. The scenery in your intro was absolutely amazing. I probably would have stopped just to take a bunch of pictures and videos. Anyhow, I’m glad you were able to stay in the Whole-Foods parking lot without being interrupted in the middle of the night. Getting the knock always sucks especially when you’re not from there. I’ve traveled a lot since I started living out of my vehicle, but have never been to Wyoming. I may have to change that sometime later this year. Again, the views look incredible. Anyhow, as always… I love your videos. Please be safe out there during travels, keep smiling, and hopefully the upcoming week treats you well. I look forward to watching you as you move out on your next adventure. 🖤 SIDE NOTE: Your time in the pool looked so refreshing. 😌

[@simmpleenough]

Hey! I highly recommend the Teton area. Most of Wyoming that I drove through was dessert, but once I got to the west side the landscape completely changed. It's marvelous over here. I'm hoping to go for another swim this week. It was very refreshing. You be safe, as well. I hope you have a relaxing week.

[@radfem2010]

Thanks for your video! I love all of them and appreciate all the hard work you put into them! I remember flyiing to British Columbia to spend some time with my sister and her family and first morning I went out on my training run through beautiful country. Saw bald eagles, horses, a male deer and then....right after my sister who was also running and I passed each other on the road, I looked ahead and saw a black bear! Not a large one but good sized. I just stopped, and backed away slowly with my arms in front of me. He or she looked at me and then trotted off into the foliage. I did do a negative split run back to the house from a bit of adrenalin. As soon as I entered the house, my brother in law said, there was one thing he forgot to warn us about...and it was bears. They had black bears and grizzley bears that used to climb up the apple tree to eat the fruit to purge themselves before heading into hibernation. Thank you for sharing your videos with us! You do an amazing job with them!

[@simmpleenough]

Jeesh! Of all the things to forget to tell you! That’s a situation I hope to avoid, but I try to be prepared when I’m in the wild…just in case. Thank you for your kind words. I’m so happy you’re enjoying my channel 😊.

[@elicore.biz81]

Citronella oil and menthol oil mixed in some rubbing alcohol works great for bugs as a spray or you can use it on your skin to repel bugs.

[@user.ogungunsuns]

👍🏿💥great filming

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you

[@Jaylyn-l2r]

It’s not just the 2024 kids. My brother and cousins did dumb stuff like that when they were boys 🙄. You make food look so good!! I’m not a healthy eater, but I could try that wrap…with a real tortilla, not that hard brown rice stuff 😂.

[@simmpleenough]

Thanks 😊. Yea, definitely use a real tortilla.

[@adventurousspirit6628]

Have you thought about getting a bug zapper for inside your van? Thanks for sharing that beautiful scenery. Take care. 💕

[@simmpleenough]

Yes, I'm considering them! My parents use them and they seem to work well.

[@Colette-x6h]

I found myself singing with your songs….so mellow Happy you had a chance to swim You should check out some of the springs out west Talk about rejuvenation

[@simmpleenough]

I hope to visit some!

[@1968che]

I'm impressed to see you not over planning where you will sleep. Going with the flow is more in-keeping with "nomading", in my opinion. Keep up the good work. Cheers from Canada...!!!

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you! I've always been an over-planner, but I'm absolutely loving just going with the flow.

[@facingthestrange]

Another amazing video! Your sound and visions match up perfectly as does the speed in my opinion. You are so talented in so many ways and thank you for sharing all of that with us. ✌🏼❤️

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you ❤️❤️

[@michelleh5727]

Catus Juice is the name of the product given to me for bugs while wintering in Floridaa couple of years ago.... it's been a game changer for me... it's very light and doesn't have bad smell and is reef safe... 😊 I found it on amazon..

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you! Looking this up now.

[@yahyashabazz1587]

I enjoy watching your content It's like watching a good TV show can't wait until the next episode. Stay safe Sister

[@simmpleenough]

Thank you 😊

[@DreamingOfAK]

We were in Jackson and Grand Tetons a few weeks ago. I kept looking for us and our van in your video lol! But we didn't see goliath flies.

[@simmpleenough]

Lol

[@dizzyk54]

😍😍Beautiful!!

[@rodellwilliams871]

Awesome!

[@jmv1511]

How did you attach your bug screens?

[@simmpleenough]

They come with magnets sewn into them. I use extra magnets to make sure they don't fall off. I found these on amazon. They're just regular bug nets for the trunks of cars.

[@Mavkelley]

Monique, I love the beautiful scenery of all places you frequent, I become anxious just watching the long distances you drive. I know at one point you shared how you have driving anxiety. Did you overcome this by continuing to drive? Asking for a friend:)

[@simmpleenough]

I'm glad you enjoyed the scenery 😊. I'm not sure what I said about driving anxiety. I remember mentioning that I'm an anxious person, in general, and I haven't fully overcome that yet. If I feel anxious while driving, it's typically because I'm worried about car accidents. Whenever I feel that way, I just focus on what I can do, which is try to stay in the slow lane and make sure I'm always checking my mirrors. I try not to focus on what could go wrong.

[@Mavkelley]

@@simmpleenough I live and work in a beautiful place, one of the seven wonders of the world. I love living here…each day is like a vacation and it’s my life. Here we have countless places for camping, hiking and additional places, perhaps a 2 to 4 hr drive for more exploring. Because it’s so remote…I tend to think about all the things that could happen along the way or while out camping. I have a jumpstart in case of car trouble, but the distance, miles and miles of driving with only seeing elk, cows, horses, etc and the lack of businesses that could possibly assist if needed, along the roads make me uneasy. Even the thought being stopped by the wrong police officer makes me uneasy. I have not always been this way…but now…I am certainly not a long distance driver alone…. I do love flying, trains and even being in the car when others drive. But long distances, alone, on the road, camping in the woods… My goodness

[@supersonicdevin3212]

You need a big old fly swatter for those giant things.

[@simmpleenough]

Seriously!

[@nialone1084]

I love your music. Do you have a playlist?

[@simmpleenough]

Thanks. No, I don’t have one.