Vanlife in Arizona's Best Christmas City gone wrong? (we take a wrong turn and things get scary)

We take Mr. Lemon to what supposedly is known as the BEST Christmas City in Arizona. Things get crazy as we try and find a boondocking spot in the National Forest. We definitely take a wrong turn...and that's where things get scary.
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We're Bob & Hillary and we are on a journey to see the world in our Van. We are all about being REAL. We want to show you the real side of traveling by Van, our experience of buying 2 Vans...We share our highs and lows, ups and downs and everything in between.
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Episode 108 | Filmed December 2023 | VAN LIFE VLOG |#prescott #vanlife #bestchristmastown

[@lindacarlson4876]

Bob is so calm all the time. My husband would have been spewing f-bombs while backing up on that road!

[@Vancaskeys]

LOL! I was saying that on the inside 😂

[@sandydemars8100]

My husband would have been super mad. Haha

[@traciwhitcraft3748]

SAME!!!

[@russellault2391]

You two remind me of my wife and I when we travel the big difference is Bob being so calm we would be yelling at each other and getting nothing done

[@Vancaskeys]

Hahaha! I was yelling on the inside.

[@bpayne3859]

Bob, you are the king of your castle; poop where you want, lol 😂

[@Vancaskeys]

😂😂😂

[@roxyg74]

You guys are marriage goals. There is just no way that would have rolled out so calmly in our Rv! Good job guys!

[@roxyg74]

The camera did not do the grade any justice. Bob saved your life, let him poop. And also we buy mint bathroom spray from Saje. Do a pre and post spray. I have two teenage boys. I bring a fresh can of that every camping trip.

[@heidilekan2698]

For Acker Night 2024 you can park in our driveway! 👍🏻😎 Not fully level...but easy to find and you won't slip down gravel paths! 🚌

[@Vancaskeys]

Awesome! We would love that! Thanks!

[@Pinky121971]

I know the feeling, This all happens to us all somewhere in remote South Dakota at 11pm. Scary. and dark. Thanks for sharing your experience. Great job Bob.

[@Vancaskeys]

Oh wow! That's just as scary!

[@pitbullofpain7637]

Here's an idea you can have... Yall need to come up with a shirt that has a cartoon Bob cooking on the grill in front of a cartoon Mr.Lemon (a lemon on wheels that has the features of the van).. And on the shirt it says "Bobappetit"... I swear I'll buy one. 😁👍

[@Vancaskeys]

This is amazing!!!!! We totally need to do this!!

[@grayandgrumpy]

We live on a very steep gravel road and we have learned that we need to turn off traction control to make it up.

[@Vancaskeys]

Good idea!

[@peterdclark]

@22:58 "RIP Hillary" LOL

[@Vancaskeys]

😂😂😂

[@annabellegettingwell1531]

Sorry Hilary! I like Bobs hat. He deserves it. He got you guys out of a pretty scary jam! 😂

[@Vancaskeys]

You have a good point! He can keep the hat 😂

[@lizzym9029]

What a cool Christmas celebration! Definitely something would love to see! You guys are my favorite to watch. 😊

[@Vancaskeys]

Awww thank you! 😊

[@Patrick_Ross]

Plenty of boondocking in residential areas near downtown, without parking in front of someone’s house.

[@Vancaskeys]

Yeah I think we needed daylight to feel comfortable doing that. Thanks for letting us know.

[@Bohmerland]

Good job Bob.

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks!

[@rtshort]

Get a vent fan for the bathroom. That's the beauty of having one in the van, not having to go outside. :)

[@Vancaskeys]

We do have a vent 😅

[@rtshort]

LOL.

[@joecutro7318]

Yay, another "adVANture"! Sometimes it's difficult to avoid the fringes of boondocking.😅🤷🏻‍♂️ Glad you made it through safely. Way to stay calm Bob. It reminded me of a similar adventure backing down a narrow road in rural Italy in the dark, but that was in a Fiat Panda, not the likes of Mr. Lemon! I'd say you earned indoor pooping rights on this one, Bob. 😅 Love the way you guys keep it real. 💯 ❤

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks! We appreciate you Joe!

[@vanWeekenders]

Thanks for sharing 👍 this kind of video are my favorite. Real vanlife with all the goods and bads 😊

[@Vancaskeys]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@judylowe2688]

You guys are so much fun!😂 Great video ❤❤❤

[@Vancaskeys]

Thank you!! 😁

[@ddcornell1019]

Bob every castle has a throne . Use the Throne Bob. For better or smelliness

[@Vancaskeys]

😂😂🤣

[@nestornugpo7487]

Be safe guys & thanks for taking us along in ur scary journey✌✌✌

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks for watching!

[@jim-uu2db]

Always glad to see my favorite vanners. Bob just stays so under control on the outside.

[@Vancaskeys]

Awww thanks!

[@susannbasta2972]

Love the way you scramble to shut camera off during your scarey moment😊

[@fbr65]

Wow! What an adventure on that gravel road! Great driving Bob!!

[@Vancaskeys]

Thank you!

[@Erica_Brenda]

What's with the no, no, no? It's his van too. Yes, he stays inside. It's his van too. I like the hat too. It looks comfy and matches his shirt nicely... what the heck, why not keep it? It was fine when he bought it. If you don't like it, tell him when he buys something so he can return it right away. Really, I thought you were going to wake up to a couple of feet of snow. giggles It looked like a fun trip. Thank you for sharing it. :)

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! You are right Erika. I was just joking. I would never expect him to go outside. I wish we woke up to snow! That would have been amazing. 😀

[@robsmith2647]

👍🏻 for inside

[@Vancaskeys]

👏👏

[@barbaragrazerrobinson1207]

Love that idea on videos AZ Series thanks Thanks

[@Vancaskeys]

More to come!

[@heatherlucero2530]

👍🏻 to the hat

[@Vancaskeys]

👍👍

[@user-fr5gb8pp6d]

We have a 2023 Thor Sequence 20L, purchased new in June 2022. It has been in the shop 7 times for electrical issues and other things. It is currently in the shop at Wakarusa IN Thor Service Center for some of the same issues. We are thinking of calling it "Mrs. Lemon" (lol :) ) We enjoy watching your videos and can relate to all the issues you have had with Mr. Lemon. We will never purchase another Thor product.

[@martykong3592]

:) WOW and OMG! Loved the XMas festival! :) But OMG that road! :( Glad you finally found a spot, and looked like an ADVENTURE for sure! THANKS MUCH for sharing and ALL the BEST! Have a GREAT Christmas! Cheers from Left Coast ! :)

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! Thanks Marty! It was a sketchy situation. Merry Christmas to you too!

[@forrestdavis795]

Thanks for showing Prescott at Christmas, a longtime favorite of mine. For bopndocking, check out the national forest west of town, past Thimble Butte. Or for a nonboondock night, try the Willow Lake RVPark.

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks for the recommendations! Always appreciate it!

[@TraderChick]

Ok 1. That lipstick and outfit looks absolutely amazing on you. 2. How the ef was Bob so calm? I was legit panicking like I was the one stuck driving lol why is everything so much scarier in the dark!! Mr Lemon was like 🫨🍋🫨 The running end shot lol 😆 ask Santa for a drone for Xmas!! Serious question: What’s scarier: “80%” slope or Bobs blow out lol 😆

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! Thank you! Bob is almost always calm 😅 the scariest thing was the slope 😅😂🤣

[@Blztrls]

Time for you to upgrade to a 4x4 Sprinter with off road tires ;-) Kudos on being so calm!

[@Vancaskeys]

Maybe one day!😂

[@Vantravel411]

Great video! Prescott looks beautiful ❤️🎄🎉 and you two are inspiring and funny!

[@Vancaskeys]

Thank you!! ❤️🎄

[@Squarekn0t]

Here in Lewes, Delaware we have hat's with Caracter and Caracter's with hats. I am not sure which one he is but the breakfast looks good. I was always the cook on our houseboat and it was so quite anchored out in the cove. I would get up and put on a pot to perk and jump back in the sack. Once I smelled the coffee I had to get up and lower the burner. I daughter said it was so quite she could hear the spoon going into the grinds. It's no wonder she turned into a Road Gypsie!

[@jeffthomas25]

Enjoyed the video and the drama 😀! And was that Ryan Twomey you guys were watching? Safe travels and thx for sharing!

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks! Yes! Good eye...it was Ryan Twomey we were watching.

[@TimGamble]

Loved, loved, loved today’s video. You guys are great. I love how Bob gets to be Hillary’s hero! And, no on the beanie!😂

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks Tim! Finally a vote no! 😂

[@jms60]

I love the singing The Light And food Great video

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks!!!

[@inthegrooveband]

Dang you had me scared!! Love the reality of it all. My husband would have been cussing!! That’s why we love Bob, he’s so calm!! I like the hat!! Love you too Hilary, you crack me up. Now We have to go to Prescott in our van next year to experience that town in December, hope to run into you guys on the road sometime! We still love our 18T!

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! Thanks! Yes. Come to it next year! Would love to see you guys!

[@barbarapadgett5538]

I actually enlarged the pic of you just because I thought you were wearing a scarf on your head and then you mentioned the hat. It’s not becoming! The ball cap is more handsome on you Lol

[@Vancaskeys]

Hahaha! Thanks!

[@robertarnobit5357]

I love Prescott Arizona ❤ it's nice having a class B van. Easier to maneuver. Do your business outside Bob then bury it. Be with the bears😊 enjoyed your video 👍

[@bubblegumpopvideo]

Love your show

[@Vancaskeys]

Thank you!

[@fulltimelife1248]

Great video.

[@Vancaskeys]

Thank you!

[@nhbomar]

Love the hat!!

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks!

[@barbarapadgett5538]

Google sometimes loses the direction you need if it looses connectivity! It can take you the wrong direction. It took me the wrong direction and got me lost in the Pennsylvania maintains. I now connect Waze and Google and go between the two! You would not want to go like a bear in the woods so don’t expect anyone else to act like a bear or a cat. It’s one thing when it’s summer but definitely not in freezing temperatures! LOL

[@Vancaskeys]

Yes google does...And I agree I am not a bear or cat 😂

[@lynnmehringer4498]

Oh my, your bed DOES look comfy! Not sure how twins are going to work for us (it'll be fine, it'll be fine). Love that quilt! Love your new scarves and that funds raised go to a great cause. I have a similar hat to Bob's, but it also raised funds for charity ("love your melon"). We have yet to begin our vanventures, but I suspect Ken will do much of the cooking and I will clean up. Sure wish in real life it would be as easy as snapping your fingers! Great episode, thank you for sharing!

[@hippiechick_fl]

Thumbs up on the hat (warm ears ALWAYS win! Lol). As to the bathroom, I have a relative with gastro issues who swears by Poo-Pourri, air freshener, might be worth a try! Great video, yikes on slipping on gravel on a steep, narrow road in the dark, glad you were able to get turned around and get out nose first. Prescott looks So fun! If you're ever in Florida at this time of year, check out St. Augustine's "Night of Lights" (it's actually lasts from mid-November to late January), it's quite lovely and there are often events going on, caroling, etc. I think Prescott has it beat, though!

[@Vancaskeys]

We totally want to come to Florida! Thanks for the great info. We do have Poo-pourri but forgot we had it 😂

[@markniblett4857]

Well Bob once again your right. For Hillary's safety and sanity you should have been driving the Story Teller. Hillary there's still time to order one before Christmas. PS. Bob hats ok just not that hat.

[@Vancaskeys]

😂😂😂

[@jean-claudebonillo1535]

Merci for the great video again .What do think about going to Quartzsite for the RTR and big tent show .January 2014 would love to meet up with you?

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks! We went last year. Haven’t decided if we are going again in January. That would be fun to meet up though😃

[@bryanmcculloch9524]

The Hat? If it keeps your head warm! That’s more important than fashion!

[@Vancaskeys]

Agree! -Bob

[@slalomking]

AWD would come in handy

[@Vancaskeys]

Yep!

[@user-cv7wv2pw8b]

Omg I saw your van. I hike all the time in that area. Next time you wanna visit Prescott, let me know you can park in my driveway.

[@Vancaskeys]

Will do! Thanks!

[@joyofanimation]

cool video..did not know about Prescott holiday lights! No on the hat…there is a better one out there for Bob.

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! 👍

[@pnwrving9841]

Like the hat!!

[@Vancaskeys]

👍

[@williamgildea8348]

The camera definitely did not do justice showing how steep the road was. Great job Bob keeping your cool,you deserve to 💩 where you want. Sorry Hilary. You guys are the best ❤ Hat has to go Bob

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! Thanks!

[@user-yi3xs8px1s]

Well the ProMaster does not do well steep hills or driveways. I have trouble when it rains just getting up my driveway. If it snows forget it time to break out the Jeep and it can be sketchy! Good job backing up if it was me you wouldn't be able to show it.

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks! It definitely did not do well. Super sketchy.

[@johnthomson5730]

Funny that you were watching Ryan Twomey in bed. Quite the adventure, or shall I say miss-adventure, going up and down that steep road. That would have been a near freak out for me.

[@Vancaskeys]

We are big fans of Ryan! It was quite the adventure 😂

[@RedwoodsAndRain]

I guess that is a n excellent example of the problem with Ram Promaster front wheel drive and why one might need all-wheel or 4 wheel drive when not on paved roads.

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! Agree!

[@fbr65]

21:49 look at you checking out Ryan Twomey! He’s great too!

[@Vancaskeys]

Yes! We love his Channel!

[@jim-uu2db]

Another comment. This place looks favulous for the holidays.

[@Vancaskeys]

❤️❤️

[@pauldesautelle8750]

Looks like you were watching Ryan on tv.

[@Vancaskeys]

You have a good eye!

[@crinagrewel6936]

outside...only poop in the van, if you are sick

[@Vancaskeys]

😂

[@Rashnak66]

darn I hate that feeling- it's dark and no place to stay. And yeah, walmart parking would have been nice to have an hour earlier before you attempted that road in the dark! Did you upgrade headlights, so much brighter than mine! Also i found out to turn off the traction control in situations like that = more power to the wheels. zero days since last incident :(

[@Vancaskeys]

Yeah it was not a good idea to do in the dark. No we didn’t upgrade the headlights. That’s a great tip! Thanks.

[@ryancaso]

Ryan Twomey on the tv!

[@Vancaskeys]

Yes! Good eye! We are fans of his!

[@dwoodygura]

Cool holiday celebration. Bob....it's NOT the Storyteller!

[@Vancaskeys]

😂😂😂

[@sandydemars8100]

I like the hat. And, It matches the shirt. 😊

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks Sandy!

[@pdub6453]

Poo inside but first line the toilet with a plastic bag that can be disposed of as soon as you are able.

[@Vancaskeys]

👏

[@adrian5250]

Keep the hat Bob

[@Vancaskeys]

👏

[@lizdc1]

I have a winnabago solis px basically same layout. I love love love my giant bed. Your debate is 100% why we have a only pee in the van rule.

[@TheSandyPapers]

Bob, I love the hat! Bonus: It’s the perfect accessory for doing your business outside 😏

[@Vancaskeys]

😂😂😂

[@TheSandyPapers]

Love watching y’all so much!

[@Vancaskeys]

@@TheSandyPapers awww thanks! This means a lot to us!

[@crinagrewel6936]

funny you are watching Ryan.....my bed is 8 inch high mattress as big as Mr Lemon.

[@Vancaskeys]

Very cool!

[@leolaniukeulady4172]

👍👍👍

[@Vancaskeys]

❤️

[@jim-uu2db]

Yes on the hat, no on going outside to do the business,

[@Vancaskeys]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@robsmith2647]

👍🏻for hat

[@Vancaskeys]

👏👏

[@ramonmirabal101]

👍👍❤️

[@Vancaskeys]

❤️❤️❤️

[@rfleming7883]

What a demonstration of skilled driving under difficult conditions! Bob, you make drivers everywhere proud, especially with that 7 point turn on a narrow, gravely road with god knows what on each side. Really good video, just don't do that driving demo again.

[@Vancaskeys]

Thank you ou so much! I hope to never do that driving demo again 😅

[@MPGunther1]

Guys have to stick together 👎 No going outside 👍 Yes on the hat

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! Thanks!

[@michaelsykes6679]

Ya gotta go, ya gotta go... Spray... Iots of spray. Been there done that.

[@Vancaskeys]

Yep!

[@user-zw1nf8ur9x]

if it above zero its warm. made for shorts.

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! When we lived in Alaska I felt the same way

[@johneicher6641]

thumbs up haha

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha. Thanks John.

[@SugaDontPlay]

Spray, poop, spray keeps the stink away

[@Vancaskeys]

Agree!

[@cmharris67]

We love watching you guys, but every time we say you’d be much better served driving a small class C.

[@Vancaskeys]

LOL! Having more space would be lovely. 😊

[@toycarcollector]

This was a fun video and it all worked out fine. Bobs got it handled. For the hat...just not the right color for Bob and the tan label on front is odd. Have you been to REI? They have some of the best hats for men.

[@Vancaskeys]

Thanks guys! Yes we love Rei.

[@barbaragrazerrobinson1207]

👍 on hat

[@Vancaskeys]

😂

[@twbelieves]

If Bob’s wife would quit yakking he would be able to take care of the driving much better.

[@user-fr5gb8pp6d]

Did you get your batteries replaced?

[@jerryphillips7330]

So, I have a van question. You said it was 20 degrees out and the heater was on. Is your van lithium or AGM battery? Does the heater run your battery way down or do you just put the heater on in the morning to warm up?

[@Vancaskeys]

We ran the heater all night. It did run our battery down to around 40% if i remember right. Our van is lithium.

[@fulltimelife1248]

I know you guys don’t like to plan ahead but geez that was scary. Was that plan f finally.

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! Yes it was Plan F.

[@teresacollinspassionatelynuts]

Bob's not a cat

[@Vancaskeys]

😂😂😂

[@laurakilmer8652]

She sounds like my wife. !!!

[@teresacollinspassionatelynuts]

keep hat

[@Vancaskeys]

👍👍

[@TeacherTonya74]

He can keep the hat if he goes outside to do his business.

[@Vancaskeys]

Haha! That’s a great plan!

[@thomascrown4594]

You guys got a 20 foot van not a 36 foot motorhome I think you could’ve got away with it overnight camping downtown would’ve been more safe

[@Vancaskeys]

True. We just couldn’t find a decent semi level spot.

[@pnwrving9841]

Nope he's your husband let him use the toilet inside the van!!! That's why you have it

[@Vancaskeys]

True!

[@michellewhite6692]

👎🏾

[@Rjhaack]

Lose the hat, it’s just not you. Maybe a different color or style

[@Vancaskeys]

😂👍

[@dd1665]

loose the hat Bob 👎

[@Vancaskeys]

😂