Vanlife in Maine: Security System, Off-Grid Living, and Quiet Beach Adventures | Ep 33

[@soloelisa]

To follow my sister's cabin page 💕 instagram.com/offthepathlife/

[@SeahawksWay]

So beautiful out there and the cabin is amazing!

[@RODRIGOTOSCANO-h9g]

I love your videos and I’ve learn a lot of you. Thank you and stay save.

[@RODRIGOTOSCANO-h9g]

*safe

[@andyedison2416]

That cabin looks great, awesome off grid electrical system they have. I will be moving off grid myself in just over 15 months when I move onto my boat, can't wait.

[@owensdistributors4519]

I once thought about building out a van. Instead bought a sailboat and sailed to Maine for the summer. Fell in love with this state and now I am a resident. M 18:22 y wife and I now live in Bucks harbor, Machaisport. We are just a little ways up from you. We have a beautiful waterfront view with large parking that Batts up. You are welcome to drive up and spent a quiet night. From here you are only 35 miles from Lubec the furthest North eastern US town and the Canadian border. If you have a passport you can drive to Campobello Island where the Roosevelt's had a summer retreat. It's free. Quaddy lighthouse state park is a wonderful place to visit with a coastal hike that is spectacular. You may even spot a whale! We are available for more info if interested in this area.

[@markmorris3579]

I'm a life long Mainer.You're right about how beautiful Maine is in the fall.Before I retired I often didn't notice the foliage until it was almost over.Now my life has slowed down enough so I can appreciate what I've always taken for granted.

[@luisvarona9680]

I noticed that you now have just over 48k subscribers, but you posted this video 8 hours ago, and it already has nearly 20,000 views. I think that's very telling. I love your work, and obviously I'm not alone. Also, your sister's cabin has the most intricate design of any cabin I've ever seen, which tells me that creativity runs in the family. ❤

[@josephhughes9490]

You are incredibly organized and definitely incredibly beautiful. You've learned so fast and mastered van life .Enjoy the content.

[@stephenschuit7880]

Hi. I am from Maine (Peaks Island near Portland), but I am currently teaching at a university in Latvia. So your lovely little video has made me just a bit homesick. I also had a Dodge Promaster van during Covid and used it to tour the country. It was a wonderful rig and was the star in a very memorial year when I criss-crossed the U.S. So I so appreciated your visit to Maine which is a very special state, and very special state-of-mind as well. Be safe and keep your lovely and thoughtful videos coming.-Steve

[@hamrobert1469]

You came at the right time of year to witness a beautiful change of the season Elisa. I'm a native Mainer. Born and raised in Yarmouth. I also became a nomad and hit the road two years ago after my soul mate and sweetheart Melanie passed away. This life style can have it's challenges but it has helped me to learn to live again. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Many blessings to you from Robert. 😎

[@tube11s11s11]

Elisa, you're humble and honest about the shortcomings of living in your Ramvan. Thank you for showing around beautiful Maine country sde. Good job.

[@brummiesteve590]

This lovely lady makes me smile every time I see her vids lol

[@atatterson6992]

Simp

[@Seek.find.adventure]

​@@atatterson6992not at all . I overland for weeks and she is soo cute doing this...

[@pmartin7397]

I like the way you edit your videos. Do you use a Go Pro camera ?

[@1akira124]

Many years ago we lived in San Jose, Ca., and traveled to Hanover, NH to visit and meet my mother in law. We rented a cabin on one of the nearby lakes outside of Hanover. This was in late Aug. and early Sept., and I will never forget the beauty of the changing colors surrounding the town and lakes.The locals were very welcoming and friendly. Thank you Elisa for sharing your travels and life...

[@javiercanales5345]

I hope your family in Florida are well and survived this past weeks Hurricane. Stay safe in your travels.

[@rabbitfud]

Dint know if anyone else mentioned this but I use OdoerNuke in the liquid jug of my toilet. It's a product used in hospitals and care homes. It works and it's cheap. I also dump and clean everything daily. Wait till it's raining or you have local critters outside your door and you'll wish you had that toilet.

[@mowcowbell]

The amount of detail you have put into your van is incredible. You are a very talented person!

[@jeffreyparksmusic]

Elisa, it’s always a pleasure to see your videos pop up. I hope you’re having an amazing trip. Look forward to the next one. Safe travels!

[@markwhitton8230]

Thanks for showing the area of Maine where I grew up, Orono. A lot more modern now from the 50s. Love your layed back channel! 💜

[@JD-xo3xz]

Our favorite is the Separett Tiny with Urine Container, which is most important not to mix #1 and #2 together. In the urine container we always add a little gray water odor control liquid (TST Gray Water Odor Control). We also pour a little down our sink on a regular basis. In the #2 bag we add some cedar wood chips kitty litter, then when done just tie the bag and dump it. Very easy.

[@GlassJoeBMF]

I've always loved the van conversion videos. Started watching yours a few months back and found you so charming. Now I can't stop watching. Glad to see you on the road with it.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

Any toilet should have ventilation. A simple computer fan is adequate to remove those unpleasant odors. And it can be mounted inside of the vent fan. The main thing to remember is that composting will release gasses. What a beautiful cabin! I'd find it hard to leave

[@NilDreams]

Hi Elisa, yes! would love to see a video on what you like so far about your build and what you would change. Love your videos. Would also like to add that I think people that say their toilet doesn’t smell is just that they get used to the odor and don’t smell it anymore. I once toured a really nice van and the owner was bragging about her toilet and how it didn’t smell and let me tell you, it smelled BAD the minute I got close to coming inside I smelled urine.She only used it for #1 but it still smelled.

[@davidadkins2563]

I moved to Maine about 9 years ago,, love it here,,looks like you enjoyed yourself,,welcome to Maine,,the way life should be

[@petertarantelli]

I’m glad you chose Maine for your first trip. It is especially beautiful this time of year!

[@zon3884]

I really love what you did with the van. It looks really good! Love the videos too. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@kevinreynolds7125]

Welcome to Maine!! You are here at the right time to enjoy our beautiful fall season. 😊 Enjoy your stay!!

[@ThreeputtAlways]

I just came across your channel about the time you arrived in Maine. I’m from midcoast Maine. I spent a few days watching your build videos. Very enjoyable to watch and learn.

[@mythicalnomadadventure969]

Because you built the van, you know everything about it: Gradual changes will be natural now. No rush, except the one that bugs you most. Take your time, enjoy the process and... 👍 Rock on 🙂.

[@rodneylast2651]

Thanks!

[@soloelisa]

Thank you Rodney! :)

[@SeahawksWay]

Thank you for taking us along. Great episode ❤

[@Francisco.Alvarez98]

Buenas dias Elisa! I hope you are having a nice week also! :)

[@soloelisa]

Muchas gracias Francisco! 💕

[@Francisco.Alvarez98]

@@soloelisa 😊

[@ProudAmericanPhil]

Smart move with the security system in the van. You definitely need that out there on the road and some type of personal protection. I agree that it is absolutely beautiful out there where you were at as always, stay safe out there, beautiful

[@chazhaz1000]

Thank you very much for taking us along for a ride to Maine!

[@MelissaCarterRealtor]

The colors every fall never cease to amaze me, coming from someone who has lived in Maine most of my life! Great video, hope you enjoyed your trip here!!

[@peymanstd]

I am building my van and decided to slowly build it and try to hold back on doing anything permanent. This way I can slowly understand what is necessary and what I need after a bit of living in it. Also placement of stuff is what I need to understand better.

[@MuahMan]

Grew up in Maine, NH, and Vermont. Great in the Summer and Early Fall. Depressing as all hell during the winter and spring. OMG. Prospect Harbor! That is so far up north near Bangor.

[@gflores7018]

Seems very calm and relaxing. Thank you for the video.

[@bobl8687]

Welcome to New England! Great time to visit.

[@dracul74]

Great stuff. Most of New England is beautiful his time of year. I grew up in CT and live in MA now. Thanks for the vid!

[@spokes239]

I also have a urine diverter toilet and the odor issue is not uncommon, however I have experimented with several additives in my container and found a product available at DOLLAR GENERAL stores to be the ready solution. It is called "ODO-BAN', comes in gallon size containers selling for $10. Only 1/4 cup, or perhaps a bit less depending on the size of your urine container, is required to maintain a pleasant smelling toilet. ODO-BAN is available in three different scents and I suspect you will find one pleasing to your senses. Having a facility at hand on dark and stormy nights is a comfort not to be denied and if you give the product a try I believe you will be satisfied. Safe travels!

[@johnnyduck7121]

Really happy to see you on the move after all the work you've done on the van. Happy and safe travels love from the uk ❤

[@scottbmedic]

I used to live in Old Orchard Beach Maine in the non tourist are. I had planned to retire there, but I had to leave and go to Massachusetts to take care of my mother and sister who were very ill. My sister actually had been taking care of our mother. They both have passed away and I'm debating whether to Return to Maine and finish my plans of retiring and living in a camper, probably a slide in truck camper since I have a full size pickup. I'm sure you know this but OOB has 12 miles of sand beach and there are many other places in Maine that have sand beaches. Your channel is and inspiration.

[@rocketeric6516]

INCREDIBLE job in putting together your custom van. When you were showing the video from the security camera, I realized that your van is well organized, more space then you would expect & I felt like I was looking into one of those IKEA apt. setups. Very well done! Been following you for a while & stay safe in all of your travels

[@TimHart-ew7ec]

Pretty remote cabin,very nice.I love the turret with the 3 gables, pretty unique.John had a fabulatastic view.Looks like a great place to unwind and disconnect.

[@dougmiller7944]

You've done a nice build on your van, I notice a lot of people use a powered vent system on composting toilets to keep odors away. Thanks for the Sunday morning trip to Maine .👍

[@daveh5629]

So stoked you happened to talk about sensitivity to smells and composting toilets as I am exactly the same. I am in the process of costing out options and the OGO Origin Composting Toilet seemed like the cleanest and least smelly option because it had an electric motor to churn the No.2's, but at $2250 in Australia and with weather similar to Florida, it has me a little wary that it will pong no matter how efficient and clean i am with it. A macerating toilet (like you find on a boat) and a black tank and proper plumbing is not only a LOT cheaper, but less likely to produce a stink. Rapidly becoming my favourite YT vanlife channel.🤗

[@doskraut]

I'm about to live in a van but one thing I will use is four Greencycle Motion Sensor Doorbell and they will alert me of any movement outside, I had one at my front door and it worked great so I will use them to guard my van when sleeping. Your van looks great BTY

[@paul4835]

Very nice video of scenic autumn days in Maine ! Stay safe! Hope all is well with your family in Florida !

[@stever6564]

I have the Laveo dry flush toilet in my van and there's no issue with odors. Best wishes and safe travel with your van life!

[@creativedesign3657]

Hi Elisa it's Tony it's nice to see your videos on Sunday because I do a tribute to my mom who is no longer with us so to me it's a special day and then seeing your video just tops it off thank you and I happen to live in New Hampshire it would have been nice to meet you in person because I have followed you from the beginning left a few comments not too often and previously I live 3 years in a van myself presently I live in a 30 ft camper off-grid but until the next video be safe take care of yourself and may God bless you and pleasant dreams

[@StormsRadiosCats]

The walk to the cabin is a lot like the trails in the forest on my property , our tree's haven't really started changing colors just yet. I live in Central Kentucky. I love following your journey, a new adventure in every video. Well done.

[@MichaelSteighner]

Was just up in that area. I stayed in Camden and then also a place called Stonington. Love that area this time of year!

[@Chief2wire]

I have lived in Maine my whole life and the Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge where you were at is one of my favorite spots in the state. I love that stone beach you went to. Haven't been there for years. I need to soon. Have safe travels and enjoy the state. Great time of year to be here. Fall is my favorite.

[@cary.macey_art]

The fall foliage in Maine this time of year is just stunning! God’s artwork 🍁 🍂 thanks for the share 🙏

[@suchislife9071]

Laveo Dryflush is what I went for toilet wise. Vacuum seal after every use, a powder placed in bag before hand absorbs #1 into a paste. Reapply after every use/seal. About 14 uses per bag roll ( they are a tad expensive but) but I think between this and public toilets it’ll be fine. I’m in Australia so the unit itself is VERY EXPENSIVE to buy $2249au, but I also can’t stand the smell of wet/compost toilets… Great video too, also you may want to insulate the back door windows during your American cold nights. Glass gets extremely cold. ❤ 🇦🇺

[@suchislife9071]

Oh….. once the bag is used up. Just lift the lid, seal the bag with a tie. And here in Australia, you can dispose of the sealed bag in any rubbish bin. So no more looking for waste dump points for sewage/ porta potties. ❤🇦🇺

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

Lovely. All of it. I'm from NE Ohio, so we get the Falls like this every year. I don't know what I'd do without the changing colors. I take a "staycation" every Autumn to head out and photograph the color. Thank goodness you found that taco truck. "Open all day" my butt! That sign was lying. Lol.

[@forkintherode8236]

I agree about the toilet. That would be the cleanest part of my van.

[@EPLobo]

Very beautiful place love the Autumn colors in the trees

[@KP-ww3zy]

I enjoy your adventures. I subscribe to several travelers like yourself. I have gotten some great ideas from all of you, for taking my family. Yes, we have gone on a few, based on their travels. This is a great time of year to travel to the Northeast. It can be cold, but beautiful. My family has used a composting toilet forever. It's always an "emergency" use only, and we empty asap. That is the trick. Safe travels to you.

[@-RONNIE]

Thank you for the video it's good that you are spending as much time as you can with your family while you're traveling and also seeing some nice sites as well 👍🏻

[@StephenBishopNOMAD]

Loving the videos elise. Me and my staffy are touring Britain in our van been doing it for 8 years now and love it I just wish I was in the states beautiful landscapes hope the hurricane didn't reach you it was absolutely horrendous wasn't it. Anyway your Van is amazing stay safe and happy hun 🚐🚐🚐🚐🚐💯🤟✌️🐾😁❤️

[@dagarob_c]

Nice video! When I lived in the states in Massachusetts I would head to Maine and go camping. I do miss that there. I do also remember having to pack alot of my own food due to them having odd hours open to eat ect. 👍🏽

[@TheObiShinobi]

That cabin is so cool, very awesome setup your sister has

[@jozsefmolnar6873]

It's the best time of the year to be in Maine. I go way out Bingham out in the boonies..

[@jimmichaels2319]

I'm so glad the algorithm pointed me in your direction. I'm looking forward to following your adventures. Also having grown up visiting the coast of Maine many, many times I'm glad you made it your first stop.

[@jimmichaels2319]

Also, you're giving away the best secret! 😆 The coast of Maine in the fall is the best. No crowds, beautiful views...it's the best.

[@Isselsoler]

Hola Elisa, que bueno verte. Yo andaba preocupada por el ciclon Milton en La Florida, como sabes fue muy fuerte y afecto muchas areas. Deseo tu familia este bien y las maticas de Mango de la casa de tu mama esten todas en pie. A proposito muy buena idea la de moverte al norte, muy conveniente tener un Van dada estas circunstancias de mal tiempo, entre.otras opciones maravillosas que brinda. El otoño al norte se ve hermoso, esos tonos amarillos, naranjas en las hojas de los arboles, parecen una pintura hecha a mano. Y que genial la idea de las sillitas frente al mar, un mar quieto y apacible a simple vista, como una invitacion a contemplarse en medio de....Un fuerte abrazo, mis mejores deseos para ti y tu familia y que disfrutes mucho cada segundo de vida ❤

[@liverpoolrichie5305]

Elisa! loved your video as always, your beauty matches the area's you shared with us today. Hope you have a wonderful week and looking forward to seeing your next adventure! Besitos!!!

[@thisone.]

Keeping a small spray bottle with a diluted bleach solution can knock down those #1 orders that linger. Spraying down the walls of the "funnel" will help. Even some bleach poured in the reservoir of the liquid diverter But your so smart maybe you already knew that. :) I enjoy how good with and eager to use your hands you are. You must be an earth sign.

[@hallyfella]

Your video's are addictive, i love the content and also the relaxing background music. Maine looks a lovely place and will be going on my list of places to visit. Looking forward to your next instalment .

[@pedromurales4919]

1 extremely important thing I've discovered regarding composting toilets, the small computer type fans used in their ventilation setup is totally inadequate, specially if you happen to drive with windows down as that seems to create a vacuum inside the van & can be awful. The toilet lid needs to seal well and the toilet vent fan's cfm rating should probably be doubled.

[@charleshutchings9355]

Good security system. I don't blame you for stowing the pot away. Maine is beautiful in the fall. Thanks for the update!

[@jrjr7390]

I'm glad to see that your travel adventures have started. Have fun and stay safe.

[@stevev7191]

Great scenery looking forward to your what changes to your van and more of your travels

[@derekdestep40]

So glad you are safe

[@gatorfdx]

Great video as always Elisa, you're a natural behind the camera. I can completely relate to your toilet issues, I have tried everything to cover/eliminate the aroma. Nothing seems to work. Anyway, enjoy the fall colors. I'm in Iowa doing the same. Until the next video, stay safe and keep the blue side up.

[@badquimby]

Maine is beautiful! I love the whole coast of Maine. I visit it every summer for a month and half

[@lowellgriffin3248]

Maine is simply incredible place to live and grow up 😊

[@johnr6658]

I really like your video's, and find them enjoyable. Your work on the van was amazing!

[@lb9007]

It's nice to see the evolution of your new lifestyle. Watching from neighboring Québec in full color as well. You should visit us one day, experience a taste of Europe right next door. Bonne route! 👋🏼⚜️

[@racebanning6390]

Awesome to see you on the road enjoying aster such an extensive build👍👍Your power system Rocks. as long as you get some sun you can shower... do it when you are sunny around midday. 10% for a shower, thats awesome! What a Rad settup at the Cabin. 🇺🇸🤙🤙Enjoy the Colors , yur adorable. 🧡💚❤️

[@sabishiikarasu4158]

Between you saying “maybe I stink” to the looking for food in town and the response with “coffee” look had me 🤣. It’s beautiful in the north , you got to see a real fall 🍁. Makes me miss Michigan this time of the year . Safe travels and look forward to the next upload. 🙏🏼🖤🍻

[@Mike_Novak]

Laveo dry flush toilet is great for no smell. Seals it up in a foil packet and you simply throw the cartridge in the trash after a number of uses.

[@elizzbethjiminez4817]

Very beautiful area . The cabin wow . Must have taken a while to build. Great content . Have a wonderful day.

[@russellkersh389]

Thank you so much for the video. I enjoy watching your videos. If you ever wanna travel toward Colorado, I would show you around have a great journeys and good videos.

[@raybo34]

Maine is definitely some place I want to visit. Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@schoolcounselor2534]

Cool cabin, very nice solar array. On a rack is the best, easier to maintain than on a roof.

[@darrylredhouse8472]

It's good to see you again Elisa. Hope all is well with you n your family after the hurricanes came through the state of Florida. Sending X's(hugs) n O's(kisses) your way with prayers for all your loved ones. Take care babe. ❤

[@naytawalker9705]

hello. the cabin is very nice. and your little house on wheels too. It looks very comfortable. Thanks for sharing the ride. Saludos 🙋🏾‍♀️🙂

[@wildeescape]

What a cool area and AMAZING cabin. But my best part, that I agree with, "Coffee."

[@nat9909]

I can totally relate to the decision with the toilet. I didn't like the idea of being that close proximity with my waste, and I was unpleasantly reminded by the occasion bad smell. I put it in storage, but I keep it EZ access just in case. It's kind of a relief to not worry about it. I'm rarely that far from a public restroom, and I am in the woods, so I pee wherever.

[@brianwalker9185]

Nice to see you on the road. I'm currently in the Cascades but will be heading south in 2 weeks. The leaves look the same and it's brisk in the mornings. Safe travels young lady.

[@natureloversadventures7335]

I live in Cascades. Bellingham WA. Have you noticed that the fall colors are almost non existent this fall? Burned curled leaves.

[@LastChanceTinyHouse]

As so many people discover, casset toilets are not the greatest toilets on earth, but they are small and easy to store. I think with every van build you kind of have to look at your first build out as a trial and error build. Give it some time, and make a list of what you hate and love and somewhere down the road you'll find a place to make changes and then.... you get the picture.

[@chrisgeorge2717]

Make sure you visit Boothbay if you haven't yet. Great little village. Really enjoy watching your posts, and very proud of all you have done for yourself.

[@eosjoe565]

With a 1/2-mile rugged trail as the only access how do they manage to transport food and other necessities to the cabin? Especially since you have to walk across that narrow crooked log bridge. Forget about winter and snow. How did they even get the materials back there to build the cabin? BTW, those solar batteries are connected in "series" so only the voltage increases by the number of batteries, not the Amp-Hour. If they were connected in "parallel" the voltage would stay the same and the Amp-Hour would increase by the number of batteries.

[@SkyStepDrones68]

Love your content, lovely one! Stay safe, and be blessed! 🤩🤩

[@johnrpizzaguy]

I was just in Maine 2 weeks ago, Bobs Clam Hut in Kittery,Maine mmmmmmmmm!!!

[@robp3431]

So nice to see the colors (leaves) and have to put on a jacket......still green and warm/hot here in S FL

[@garythatcher90]

My family is from Newport Maine,great video ,Thanks be safe

[@ian_p_66]

Without meaning to diminish the effort that goes into creating these videos - I'd show up just for the accent - which is lovely.

[@superdivemaster]

Pretty terrain ... I live in a cool place called Fall River Mills, CA ... near Mt. Shasta. A lot of tourists are always coming to our area in amazement too ...

[@scottthejeepguy7499]

Looking like a good time, enjoy your stay.

[@danrandall794]

Good morning young lady. You really did a great job on the van build. Couple thoughts for you to consider. The switch you have that turns on your water heater I have only seen them on 12 volt applications not 120 volt. I could be wrong but I would check on that as a water heater does draw high amperage. Next is I hope you were carrying bear spray as you walked to the cabin and other hikes. Works on smaller critters too if needed. Last comment is you won't smell number one if it is in a sealed container. As a guy that is easy for us but I know there are work arounds for the ladies. Nice to have a plan just in case. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next video.

[@doiyama4575]

Great video great job on the van and good you have security as well. Looking forward to all your adventures. 😊❤

[@BryanConnelly]

Elisa I have a composting toilet, but I don’t use it like a composting toilet ….. I use it like a bag toilet I clean it every time I use it (the number 1 part in the front) And the number two part gets in brand new bag every time…. So there’s no smell at all…… every time I use it it’s clean and in between useless it’s clean also. And because I have a dog in my van, I’m always picking up his in a bag also and throwing it away, and I can just throw mine away at the same time.😎👍 Just to get a dog and your toilet won’t smell😁