Vanlife in San Diego…a dream or a nightmare?

#solofemalevanlife #vanlifewithdogs #formerteacher
After leaving Tucson, I had high hopes for what California would have in store. The dogs and I spent a week in Joshua Tree before deciding we were tired of the desert and ready for the beach. San Diego is a city that I have been really excited to explore, but my short time there was nothing like what I had hoped for.
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[@CassidysToys]

Cassidy's Grandma here... Happy Birthday to Penny!!! I want to tell you, when I was younger, I was so awkward around strangers. But as you get older, you will get to a point where you won't give a $h!t what anyone thinks. Just talk to people, and if they aren't sociable, move on. You will never have to see them again. Eventually you will find your tribe.. Much love to you and your pups!♥♥♥

[@girland2vandogs]

Haha that’s great advice! Thanks

[@bellcampe59]

I absolutely know about all this stuff you're saying in this vlog. I spent my summers as a teen at Venice Beach and in my twenties at Manhattan Beach. It was so much fun in the 1970s to go to Tijuana to buy jewelry and blankets. However, I believe, there is something wrong with most people at the beach cities. Penny's behavior was probably sensing something. 😅. Its quite hard to approach people you dont know. They aren't very receptive. I love your videos of the desert, the sunsets, the miraculous Joshua trees and two happy dogs. Happy Birthday Penny!! Summer is coming. You will find your niche. Safe travels wherever you go. Prayers from Ohio.

[@girland2vandogs]

Thank you so much! It’s so hard to approach people. I would feel much more comfortable if I saw other solo travelers but it’s usually couples or groups. Ah!!

[@bellcampe59]

@@girland2vandogs At your age, you really don't want to be friends with a old retired couple, anyway. Candace is right. You will find your tribe when it is supposed to happen. I'm excited to see your next video where you end up this week!!😃 Happy trails...

[@simplybeingme]

Happy 7th birthday Penny

[@anacleta424]

Happy belated birthday Hugs and kisses ❤💕💕❤

[@susancampbell1549]

I just want to thank you for sharing your adventures. I have been researching van life and trying to figure out if I can do it with 2 large dogs. You are giving me hope, and I admire your bravery and honesty. Thank you.

[@girland2vandogs]

You can absolutely do it! I would be so lonely without them. ❤

[@helanalurie9962]

You have so many beautiful and supportive comments from your subscribers. All I want to add is that I am glad you trusted your instinct and moved on. You made the right decision for you and your kids. Happy birthday to Penny!!!!

[@girland2vandogs]

Yes I do! KZbin has become my favorite platform for sharing. I’m so thankful for that ❤

[@AmputeeAdventureChannel]

One of our 2 dogs (Gus, the brindle color) is like Penny with other dogs. Drives me crazzzzy. Happy Birthday Penny!

[@girland2vandogs]

It’s hard! With proper introductions, she gets along fine with 95% of other dogs. But that leash just does something to her.

[@garycameron1]

Hopefully things pick up for you soon. Thanks for sharing and a happy 7th birthday Penny.

[@girland2vandogs]

Thanks so much!

[@mikedr1549]

Happy Birthday Penny! Also - you're getting close to 1K subs - keep up the good work!

[@girland2vandogs]

I know!! I’m so excited to watch that number grow!

[@dianeschmiane]

Attend the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous in Quartszite next year. It's the easiest way to meet realtime nomads all in one place. There are also other RV gatherings for full-timers of all kinds, and lots of Facebook groups too!

[@girland2vandogs]

Yes! I’ve got to get better at finding these events. I was in Phoenix during Skoolie and had no idea 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@lenasmith2530]

Happy Birthday Miss P! You’re going to find your friends. Longer daylight hours will help with that. ❤️❤️

[@girland2vandogs]

Fingers crossed

[@timrodatz1274]

Happy Birthday Penny, good friend's will come in time keep your head up enjoy the life God gave us to enjoy, love your honestly and videos.

[@girland2vandogs]

She says thank you!!

[@juliehanson1364]

Happy 7th birthday Ms. Penny🎉🎂❤️ Hang in there the right people will come along to make friends with. Keep reaching out, maybe to other vanlifers on YT. I’d so be your friend, but I’m old enough to be your mother. 🥰 Your a sweet young lady, and love your dogs!

[@girland2vandogs]

Thank you so much. I’m trusting that it will happen at the right time

[@ElMarco48]

Happy Birthday Penny!🎂🎉🎈 Loved your expression when you found the candle. What a good dog mom!🐕❤ You may be able to find a caravan of van lifers from checking out HOWA (a part of the Quartzite RTR). Thanks for including us on your ad van ture. Be safe and love those doggo's!😊

[@girland2vandogs]

Thank you! I’m open to all of the meet up tips :)

[@beckywiltsee9209]

Happy Birthday Penny! 🎉 I am loving your videos and stories!

[@girland2vandogs]

Thanks! Hope you and your crew are doing well ❤

[@eddiehunter5319]

Happy birthday penny and well done you progress two people you be going to van meet up soon.

[@girland2vandogs]

Haha baby steps!

[@Mystique_Queen]

Try reaching out to some of the older van lifer.

[@bobbyconway1257]

Happy 7th Birthday Penny. Hoping the 3 of you find your happiness and community soon.

[@girland2vandogs]

Thanks so much!

[@daxmonster3429]

There's plenty of campgrounds even on the coast. State parks, inexpensive.

[@davidemm829]

Many ppl don't know if San Bernardino mountains and the great skiing uo there and it's 11,000 ft elevation ..so beautiful...and yes not many ppl reply dông vanife, ...barely happens..I lived in Riverside so I skied in Big Bear a bunch...way to crowded in that area or me now,...nice vlog ty p.s. don't give up.. ☮️

[@girland2vandogs]

It was a beautiful area!

[@dani_mack]

Happy birthday, Penny! Thank you for sharing what San Diego is like in a van. I'll be traveling from Tucson west at the end of March, and was wondering about that. Right there with you wishing I could find my tribe. Keep trying! They're out there!

[@girland2vandogs]

❤❤ it’s doable but a high stress environment. I also hate stealth camping so it might be better if that doesn’t bother you

[@dani_mack]

@@girland2vandogs I don't think I would be able to sleep. It's going to be tricky. Of course I'd love to see the coast, but not knowing where I'll be sleeping is too stressful for me. Safe travels!

[@toemblem]

At first I was wondering why you didn't go to dog beach in OB but I guess that would be too stressful for Penny. Happy Birthday to her.

[@paulhartman5076]

Happy seventh birthday Penny! 🎉 That being said, I love how much you love your dogs. They are both special. I don't want to seem mean, because that's not who I am, but have you given any thought to how much more you could enjoy the road if you didn't have to put their happiness above your own? Maybe Penny isn't meant to be a van dog. I enjoy watching your videos and hope only the best for you. Sometimes I'm too blunt and if I've said anything out of line please forgive me. I'm really just concerned.

[@jonniemexico]

Your van tour video is on tiny home tours.

[@girland2vandogs]

I know! So exciting :)

[@davidemm829]

San Diego is way to busy for me to chill at..I've only been thru the J Tree in my Jeep yrs ago which I drove solo from NH...btw way I'm a decent guy talking to you ...right now, I don't want anything from you at all...spring is coming here soon..yesss !! Ty

[@girland2vandogs]

Haha yes it was a very busy area

[@davidemm829]

@@girland2vandogs it was very cool waking up and it feeling like summer and drive for 1.5 to Big Bear and ski, where you able to eat a few blood oranges, also Riverside used to bet citrus capital of the world..if you haven't left the area yet...drive up to Hollywood then up to Mulholland Drive..it's a trip...I think there are getting snow as I type this...have ventured PNW...the cold water, yet beautiful coast line, Willamette Valley of Oregon...Mt St Helens is axsight that once you've seen it, it never goes away...it's smoking right now...I've been around as I type this I'm inside house, it's snowing and 15 ° in N.H. ..spring is just around the corner...Dave

[@donnamartino469]

Hi there! I love watching your videos since I also have 2 dogs and would love to start traveling soon. Since you are in California maybe you should try to get a training session with Caesar Milan. Maybe he could help Penny. I think he is in Santa Clarita. I also wanted to tell you about a video I watched about working remotely. It was on the channel Creativity TV. She hasn't posted any new videos in a while but you might find her last one helpful. It wasn't about full time work, but rather a lot of smaller jobs that you could do to increase your income stream. I hope you find some interesting people to talk to and I look forward to your next video!!

[@girland2vandogs]

We only stayed for a day. It was just too stressful with parking and over crowding 😬

[@mgartlgruber]

Late to the game on this vid but bummer that California turned out to be such a drag! Wonder if it’s better in other CA spots. Have you gone to Tahoe national forest north of truckee/Lake Tahoe? It felt much more open there. Btw my old dog was oddly suspicious of Vespa scooters of all things.

[@BettyWonderLust]

i feel ya on th trying to make friend with other vanlifers, its like they are too good to message you back. it is difficult to make friends on the road.

[@lo8337]

I saw on another vlog that Shelter Island is a good place to park for overnight. Have you gone to any meet ups maybe that would be a start for making friends. Happy Birthday Penny! Hang in there it will get better.

[@girland2vandogs]

That’s actually where I stayed and I would say it was questionable, at best. My route hasn’t been the best for meet ups just yet.

[@artesuave4760]

There’s some secret spots up the coast a bit.. very quite areas :)

[@plutoplatters]

8:40 " I'm so nervous to be here " This actually applies to a huge sector of anywhere.

[@debbiesamples4231]

Love you friend. Miss our time together

[@girland2vandogs]

Miss you deb deb!

[@twinmom5138]

I would suggest maybe reaching out to Tails of Wonderlust. She is a solo female traveler who works remotely with her cat/dog. 😊 Happy Birthday, Penny! 🦴

[@girland2vandogs]

Thank you!! I’ll check her channel out!

[@twinmom5138]

@@girland2vandogs Hope you enjoy it.

[@alishajeziorski4167]

I think it’s crazy they’re starting to crack down on overnight parking…. But they have thousands of homeless people EVERYWHERE who poop & pee on the sidewalk 😵‍💫 and don’t do anything to help or migrate the homeless people. End rant. 😅

[@girland2vandogs]

I totally agree! Rant on, girl!

[@hetrickrob]

I totally get your dog challenge! I've got two, one that's about 5 or 6 years old, and is very reactive like Penny. Can't take him around any dogs, he looses his mind! I found a puppy in the middle of the road in the freezing rain before Christmas, picked her up and fell in love with her! But...she's a puppy, and testing me with the potty training...funny, her name is Penny too! Hang in there!

[@girland2vandogs]

Oh man. My thoughts are with you. The puppy stage is the worst!

[@lynnemarie7885]

Happy Birthday goodest Girl Penny!!! I wish you a year of long walks with lots to sniff, really scratchy belly rubs and super yummy snacks!!! 🥳🎂🎁💕

[@girland2vandogs]

She loves a good belly rub!!

[@AdrianaHernandez-rc6bw]

Happy birthday 🎂 to Penny!! If you’re ever in the Dallas area, send me a dm. We could grab some coffee.

[@girland2vandogs]

Sounds great!

[@bethanyhendrickson7954]

Happy birthday, Penny!!!!

[@girland2vandogs]

Uh oh!! Somebody got an account!!

[@jonathonhansen6629]

You’re awesome

[@lisaflood3826]

🎉 happy birthday Penny. My dog will be 8 this year. She says happy birthday too.

[@girland2vandogs]

Penny says thank you!

[@DVaccarelli1988]

I just saw your van tour on the Tiny Home Tours channel, where you only mentioned that you have a TikTok account & an Instagram account, but you didn't mention your KZbin channel.

[@girland2vandogs]

I know! We filmed that back in September and I hadn’t started my channel yet. Glad to have you here ☺️

[@DVaccarelli1988]

@@girland2vandogs Thanks!

[@aaronriedel5372]

Happy birthday Penny!!

[@girland2vandogs]

She says thank you (in her own way)

[@caffnioly]

You are a Warrior, I'm a truck driver and I stay on the road for several weeks and I get tired, keep up the good work, your great 👍

[@girland2vandogs]

I appreciate that

[@juliesexauer5373]

Harbor Drive

[@joyenroute]

Sorry you're having difficulty finding friends in vanlife. I'm a new digital nomad also trying to figure all of this out, and really haven't made any friends on the journey either. Hope to, though. Someday. I've followed you from my personal channel, and now my vanlife channel. I've enjoyed your travels and challenges, especially with two dogs. They must bring you quite a bit of company, and responsibility, too, I'm sure. I've mostly been hanging out in the state parks of Texas waiting for the weather to improve in NM and AZ. It's beginning to feel a little futile waiting, though. It has given me time to try to figure out what my KZbin channel will mostly be about. An ongoing challenge, that, if I'm being really honest. Also working on getting a website up and running. I'm more of a photographer than a videographer, so a lot of the challenge I feel with KZbin is how to make the transition from the photo to video mindset. And worrying that I have anything interesting to relate at all. Glad to see you enjoyed the beaches of CA, and that Penny did, too. Your beach b-roll was beautiful. I'll be watching and learning from you, so please don't be discouraged. We all need each other. Have a fun week!

[@518travelers]

Hi I heard you say "very inflexible job." Though I just started following you and don't know what your "job" is, it sounds like you haven't found your true calling in your professional life at this time...? If you haven't, your young and you will. I didn't go to college to become a teacher until I was in my 30's. You'll figure it out. My daughters a traveling registered nurse finishing up a 3 month contract at a San Diego hospital. She loves it out there, but going to Arizona for her next contract soon.

[@girland2vandogs]

Hello! Glad to have you along for the ride! I left education after ten years. Now in my mid thirties, I’m just kinda figuring things out, I guess haha! I took a remote position in January simply because I needed an income. I’ll have a work update in about two weeks or so. Stay tuned :)

[@518travelers]

@girland2vandogs teaching is hard... but rewarding! Unfortunately many ppl like urself leave the profession. Looking forward to your job update. Bill

[@DGKED-td7mf]

Did you go to the Dog beach in OB? Fiesta Island is dog friendly. Couple other places in SD area a little inland is Lake Murray, Harry Griffin Park . Mission Trails, &Wright's Field in Alpine. Lake Jennings has a fee but reasonable. Check out Rancho Mission Canyon trail. Sometime people down town are not locals and a little uptight. The Dog people are a little east. Also a couple hours north is Huntington Beach. It has the best Dog beach I know. Whole different vibe,

[@girland2vandogs]

My dog is not dog friendly.

[@DGKED-td7mf]

My daughters is not either and atill does well in a couple of these places@@girland2vandogs

[@emilygeez]

@@girland2vandogsI have a dog who is reactive to dogs and people , go to anza borrego

[@journeywithserenity5655]

Sorry for all the comments on different videos, started bingeing yours during my workday and you're more interesting than watching the new Bridgerton right now! Don't get discouraged about the friend thing. I haven't met anyone either in 4 months except for one van life girl that had a snake in her campsite in Colorado 2 weeks ago!!! She yelled "Hi, do you know anything about snakes." LOL We talked until the snake went away, then her partner showed up in his trailer and that was that. You'll meet people just socialization is weird these days, people are so stand offish!!!

[@lamarcoleman7009]

Your welcome ❤

[@tommotomlinson3370]

Happy birthday from the UK Penny 🥳

[@girland2vandogs]

She says thank you 🐾

[@javontakelly6981]

I watched all your videos you are amazing dogs are Adorable hopefully things get better for you Good luck and your very beautiful Stay safe on The road Good luck princess

[@livingwithbae]

Hiya! Im in Ontario but I have the same problem girl. Future vanlifer here just saving up! ❤ I’d love a friend doing what I want to do!😇✌️

[@simplybeingme]

What’s the song at the end? Love it!

[@girland2vandogs]

I believe that one is called “half an ear”

[@karencruz1401]

Happy belated birthday Penny. Found you recently. Started from the beginning of your journey.

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Happy late birthday 🥳 🎉❤loved the doggie birthday cake! It was so cute 🥰

[@chrisharvey19]

Happy Birthday Penny!! I really enjoy your videos. keep it up.

[@tifffffhaniee]

Happy birthday penny girl !!! I love your channel!!!!

[@happychappy4life]

Happy 7th birthday Miss Penny 💕💕💕💕

[@davidemm829]

I like before I actually watch your video..😄

[@TimmyCramer]

Del mar dog beach is awesome....get there early! Juanita's taco shop in Leucadia is the best!! Timmy C Arizona

[@girland2vandogs]

Dog beach is definitely not in the cards for us 😂 but I love the idea. If I ever end up there again, I’ll have to check out that taco shop

[@ryanhappygilmore2426]

Happy late Birthday Penny. I like the beaches up on the North coast better then down there not sure how many beaches I haven’t walked on from Arcata all the way to Brookings. Yes I’m a day late watching

[@girland2vandogs]

I’ll need some NorCal beach recs eventually (avoiding San Diego like the plague now)

[@vinny_D_loc_independent]

Now who could not chat it up with this girl,,,,😎 Heading Vegas to San Diego in my van soon, yea kinda digging for info on places to crash.

[@Confused-but-Not-Blind]

Just left Vegas did some van life in the. Dessert it was awesome but lonely.

[@julieamir]

I did more than wishing her good health and feeling happy always, I sang the happy birthday song for Penny before you blew the candle!

[@girland2vandogs]

Haha thank you!!

[@HearTsRhytHm19]

Happy late bday, Penny 😂🎉❤

[@jenefirrivera2097]

Hiiii Pennnnyy!! Happy Birthday!!!!!

[@RuralOverlandingStudio]

TY and great work on the video.

[@cindylou4306]

Love when you wear Kentucky shirts or Murray State shirts.

[@girland2vandogs]

I only had room for so many clothes and certain ones took priority 😉

[@tannerdog9130]

Love the honesty!!

[@saltware]

Thanks!

[@jeffreyteasley8885]

This is depressing