Vanlife Camping 🏕️ - Learned the HARD WAY I Can't Do THAT

Vanlife camping in a spot I have never been too since moving into my Chevy Express - plus I have the MVP with me! As much fun as this was I also unfortunately learned the hard way I can't quite do THAT yet...
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Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
440, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB Canada
T2J 5N8
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My name is Matthew and I live in a van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad who needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!

[@msanabria8159]

MATTHEW...Lindsey is more like a sister than a cousin. 😊❤

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Oh my heart is just bursting with joy and in my feels watching the LOVELY Matthew, being the perfect daddy to his little girl. Teaching her the essentials, giving her his time and attention unconditionally and entertaining her with love. When she's older, Brooklyn will have amazing memories of her childhood and time spent with her daddy!🥰🥲👨‍👧

[@aussiejac]

It is so lovely to see you and Lindsey camping together

[@kimbrueck7811]

The never ending smile on your face Matthew when you have your little girl absolutely warms my heart ! I love that she loves all the things you love. ❤️❤️

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

Awww, proud Daddy moment-🏴‍☠️👸🏼asleep in your tiny home💞. Shirt is definitely better “ flapless” 🔥. Where’s your Fawlty Towers towel?🤣😂

[@johnboy4014]

Swinging with VanlifePLUS....ahem...that's a whole different channel !!

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

VERY ADORABLE ...Lil Brooklyn just a singing throughout!👧🎶💛🎵. She's a very HAPPY girl in your world, Matthew!👍🚐🍀🏴‍☠️

[@sandydouglas3799]

Awesome extended family unit. Looks like alot of fun.

[@Pammellam]

What a nice fun camp ground! It looks a lot of fun… Brooklyn’s counting skills!

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Seeing a dad interacting with his daughter just makes me smile. It’s always nice to see dads spending quality time with their kids. ❤

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

That dog was tooooo CUTE! ...making new friends at the campground!👍🤗💖🐕.

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Hello Matthew, PRETTY Penny, Lil Brooklyn, Lindsey and Sadie!👋. What a FUN time ...and a GREAT camp set-up!🏕️🚐🍀🏴‍☠️. Kid's do ask lots of 'questions' for sure ...but as my Mom says, that's how they get 'answers'!🤭😳. LUV that dinosaur town, very interesting ...and their EVERYWHERE!😆🤣🦖🦕. Thanks for the video/vlog ... camping for the 'WIN'!👍🤗💖😇

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

My Grandmother, who answered all the hard questions like why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green? Why, why, why?😂 She said the only dumb question was an unasked question 🤔. Smart lady🥰💖

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Sooooo TRUE, Charlotte ...if you don't ask questions, you don't get answers!😳👀😆🤣🤭

[@VaguelyMeandering]

Looks like a GRAND start to a fabulous camping weekend. There's something about being in fresh air that makes us all sleep better. Brooklyn is getting really good at doing things herself! Opening the van doors, all while singing a happy tune! She is a gem! Camping Kate...she's also adorable. Thank you for another fabulous vlog Matthew.

[@CofRedNE]

Sew one end of the sleeve and fill it with pillow stuffing. Sew the other end. A VanlifePlus Dixxon sleeve pillow.

[@jackieluckyangel5610]

I’ll take one🥰

[@vickymartin9361]

That's a Cool town with the dinosaurs. Creative.

[@barbatkinson5822]

Maybe Lindsay could make a kitty blanket for Penny of the sleeves you cut off if you have enough.

[@katherinespong]

I was thinking that or a quilt!

[@christinamann3640]

Someone could make a quilt with all the Dixxons that get worn out

[@danielellington8407]

You have a really close relationship with your daughter. I love that! Matthew falling off the swing had me laughing my ass off! You can’t make this stuff up!😂 Give that log hell Lindsey! Matthew is the old man. But I’d would be saying colorful stuff after trying to split that wood! Stay safe, Stay Cool, Most of all DONT KILL THE BACK!

[@msanabria8159]

BROOKLYN IS GROWING UP SOOOO FAST...❤❤😊😊

[@Kristina_Gisela]

Kids and dogs know the good guys and gals.

[@lucyalderman422]

Liking something you like isn’t the worst thing in the world lol

[@BillieBrown-f2p]

I have a granddaughter that is about 4 months younger than Brooklyn. It is such a precious age, where they are learning so much, but are still so little. Spending time with her is my favorite thing, but it doesn’t happen often enough, but when I’m not with her, I’m thinking of her what I can get to spoil her with. I’ve given her a mountain of stuffies that I’ve either made or bought. You’re a good father with Brooklyn.

[@JayneW911]

❤❤❤ absolutely have to comment on that lovely, beautiful, generous, polite Little Lady daddy has raised! What a wonderful soul and a beautiful human being. She will be later in life….😊 congratulations Matthew! Brooklyn message to beautiful heart❤ well done👍🏻👍🏻

[@NK-iv1ik]

😂Wow! I am just going through the first minute and, oh boy, Canada is huge! All those mountains and oceans, just never-ending amount of them, and, boom!, now all this flat land! Shocking! Where have you been hiding all this time!? Canada, you are amazing!

[@tracyk-79]

Getter done chopping that wood Lindsey! You go girl!!👍

[@barbatkinson5822]

Swinging with Vanlife Plus 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 too funny

[@christinamann3640]

@@SabrinaPaige-nzonlyvans 😂

[@jacquelineho8623]

Wow props to Lindsey and her wood chopping skills 🙌👏 Have been to a few campgrounds in Drumheller but have never been to River Grove. Looks like the sites are quite spacious. Love the sleeveless Dixxon 🤗

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Falling off that swing Matthew......almost wet myself laughing, thank goodness for the kegels! Ifykyk!🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@MrRedtaco11]

I was laughing. He wasn’t even drinking. It was a great moment.

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Lindsey watching you chop that big piece of wood......you bloody rock girl!🙇‍♀️

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Dino Liquor.....those darn dinosaurs were always known for their partying antics!🦕🦖🥃🍹🍸🥳🍾💃🕺

[@heatherzstuff3768]

There are like 8000 people in drumheller and maybey 6 liquor stores lol

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

Penny, Lindsey, Sadie, Brooklyn and Matthew camping trip!? Always quality content! Quality content.💖

[@katherinespong]

Dinasours are day drinkers ... and I approve!

[@sheilacaine]

I have an idea. The sleeves could be made into those holders people use for the bags you get from stores. Little sewing on each end. You pull the bags out of the bottom and stuff them in the top. Lindsey could probably help you with that idea. They could be trivia giveaways. Get a Dixxon sleeve bag holder from Matthew’s collection. Now I’m freaking creative. Great fun camping.

[@TheLeopardGirl]

I absolutely adore little Miss B, she's just as sweet as can be and her lovely manners!🤌 I love her enquiring mind and her ability to entertain, just like her daddy. It's quite obvious now she will grow into a beautiful young woman who will shine so bright that everyone will be attracted to her light!🥰✨✨✨✨✨✨✨🥰

[@quintbarjheron6265]

time for the new deck of cards

[@CofRedNE]

I gotta get one of those fire pit stoves. ❤ Brooklyn, you are such a bright spot of sunshine. So smart! That little lass is so loved. Give Penny pets from Renae.

[@karenlowes7802]

That was fun. Thanks Mathew and crew!❤😂

[@joanneturner4674]

Matthew Brooklyn is so adorable. 😊😊😊

[@capaddler]

❤ the drive ‘down’ into Drumheller. Great 🎥 😂🍀👌

[@JayneW911]

😲😲Nooooo! Matthew….DONT chop off your DIXXON!😢😢…….😆🙋🏼‍♀️ your side hustle will be designing VANLIFE PLUS-Camping Flannels for REAL MEN! 😘😘

[@bonnieedmondson9312]

Larry the cable guy. Lol

[@jonmahon3920]

You did a great job on this video. Lots of fun I appreciate it. Thank you.🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@MAGA-kw3ol]

All you need is a mullet and you got the Joe Dirt look nailed with that sleeveless Dixon

[@gypsylizzy8893]

Awesome times with an awesome family 😊

[@heatherzstuff3768]

NICE! what a surprise. you practically drove past my house.. well, i live down the near the mcdonalds lol I cant wait to see the next video. I shared this on my facebook and on the drumheller discussion page so maybe you will get some more viewers. I hope you enjoyed your time here !!

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Good evening Matthew. Hugs to Miss Penny.

[@LifeWithBillSiff]

Here in Ontario, we have tons of water towers lol . Come visit lol

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

My Mom calls them ET!🤭

[@rachadventuresinliv]

If you aren't drying on permanent press or medium heat it could very well be the reason for your shrinkage Camping trips become some of the most memorable memories. Nothing ventured nothing gain. You could make hair scrunchies for Miss B's hair or donate to make Barbie clothes. Much love to the entire family 🤗🤗

[@CofRedNE]

I'm so happy!!!😊 I live vicariously through you, Matthew! "We're goin' camping!" Thanks for making these videos. The majestic landscapes fill my ❤. This is so cool. P.S. I wanted to send you and the pirate princess some treasures from Nebraska. How do I go about that?

[@christinamann3640]

The address is in the description for the video if you expand it

[@CofRedNE]

@@christinamann3640 thank you!

[@JustCameronAndHisJeep]

Loving this episode Matthew!

[@maryrinks8383]

So glad you had a blast camping and miss Brooklyn had fun as well.❤

[@edithtrowbridge1775]

On bicycle trips l would use a bandana. Worked just fine. Dried fast.

[@staceysteel]

You could turn the sleeves of the Dixxons into Christmas van stockings! Yay/Nay?

[@Charlotte-bn4gp]

Yay!!!🎄🎀

[@nailazion3113]

Hey Matthew and Penny and Brooklyn...and Lindsey and Sadie

[@kathywrightjohnson6804]

Well hello Matthew and Penny!☺️☺️❤️

[@mariaconley409]

❤❤❤ Oh my goodness, you have such a sweet daughter. And you are such a good dad. My heart it's so full and how much you love this precious little girl, God bless you Matthew. And what a beautiful little girl you are crazy.

[@barbatkinson5822]

Happy Tuesday Matthew Miss Penny and of course The Pirate Princess 😁👋🌮🐈🚐🐥👧⛺️🇨🇦👑🚴‍♂️

[@DoreenGregory-sj3df]

What a nice family camping trip. Excellent

[@MsSoozy]

Sounds like a kiddos playground for sure. Hearing little Brooklyns voice 💕 Looks like a great time was had by all! Those dinosaurs know where to party. 🎉🍀🏴‍☠️🍻

[@connieshutts7074]

Great video! Had a smile on my face..the whole time. Quality family time.😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@alanshaffer6724]

Hey Matthew

[@DeeBright-fo9kh]

What a wonderful video! Brooklyn is truly her daddy's little pirate princess.🥰

[@AngiesASMR]

I just love your camping vids!

[@carpenter10k]

Good dad! ❤

[@BigV96220]

Well this would have to be the cutest Video Mathew, Brooklyn is the most adorable little girl 🤗,I love watching you with her and her Aunty Lindsey and cousin Sadie ,these family videos are so important .I had a chuckle when Sadie was concerned about you cutting the sleeves of your shirt and not giving it to someone that it might Fit ,she is a very considerate young woman 🤗I have to find the game you a where playing with Brooklyn ,My darling Granddaughter is the same age as brooklyn and she would love it ,and so would I 😂as i love these sought of games as well 🤣your Camping adventure with your beautiful loved ones are the best ,Next summer I am taking my little legs camping and cant wait ,I am going to show her this Video when she comes to stay with me and tell her that we are going to do the same ,I can her squeal already with excitement 😂.Thankyou for sharing this gorgeous vlog ❤❤From Me V Aus The Land Down Under God Bless

[@christophermorales3175]

The coolest dad in the world.

[@katreyes6358]

Nice Dixxon...getter done 😂😂😂. I want to camp with the dinosaurs 🦖

[@donnamacleod2947]

Hi Matthew, Brooklyn, Penny, Lindsay, and Sadie! Love the sleevesless Dixxon! Lindsay awesome job on the wood! Enjoy your weekend of camping! Quality content! Keep smiling!

[@MrRedtaco11]

I hope that everyone had a good time camping. Drumheller is a nice little town. You wouldn’t expect a campsite where they have it. I got lost by Highway 9 turn off since there was a dead zone and I had no offline maps being out there the first time long ago. You could use the Dixxon sleeves to make patches. Great video Matthew. See you in the next one bud. Thanks for the quality content.

[@jacquelinejeffrey786]

Was hoping for camping with the Princess Video! Thanks for taking us al9ng.❤

[@sheilacaine]

Oh my gosh you could also use to hang your socks etc in Lucky.

[@dross24MA]

Holy cow, that is a long stretch of flat land! We don't have anything even close to that here in the Northeast US!!!

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Awesome video

[@Carole-k7r]

Thanks!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you very much! I’m glad you enjoyed the video

[@Mysteryofitall]

I am amazed by the lack of traffic on your highways.

[@kaytoka717]

haha cat calico is a great way to keep both kitty and daughter safe. 😂. Great camping video and nice how lovely Brooklyn is growing up. Lindsay is more than a cousin, she is a sister and a friend. What a great support she is for you and Brooklyn. Of course every family camp needs the cool teenager. 😂. Oh no, cutting up your Dixon! 😳🤣. Happy camping and happy summer! ❤❤❤😊😊😺

[@christinamann3640]

Ooh! Fill the sleeves with batting and catnip for a cat kicker toy

[@pdodwell1575]

My immediate thought when you first tried on that modified Dixxon long sleeve was, Ta da you’ve achieved the Mongo look from Blazing Saddles.

[@carriew1625]

19:10. Those towers assist with water pressure. :) 27:00 My husband cuts off the sleeves of his older flannels. He cuts them at the seam on the shoulder and leaves the collar.

[@jaeescobar7280]

Open Dixxon Got the Girls drooling 😊❤

[@BorealisNights]

If you cut those sleeves about 1/4 inch or so from the seams, after a couple washes and maybe a little encouragement from you on stubborn threads, you'll get that nice, well worn, even unseamed look.

[@christinamann3640]

The Tyrell Museum might be a great place to visit with the pirate princess one day

[@marcellaenglish-ockletree5967]

Enjoyed😊

[@clairem.4779]

Go Lindsey Go!! Sherah!...

[@laurastewart2418]

Yay on the utensils magnet holder!!!!😊😊😊😊

[@ShinyNickelBlades]

I bet my answer to the next trivia question about this place will be, "dinosaur provincial park" haha

[@msanabria8159]

My BOY MSTTHEW..BLESSINGS.

[@Sheilah_LucasGraphics]

Sorry I haven’t been huge on commenting 😅 but I’m siesta looking forward to every vlog and you are so entertaining!!! 🎉😂 Yay!!!! Your flags are still up!

[@JayneW911]

FLEX TAPE LINDSEY CHAIR…💁‍♀️

[@msanabria8159]

You look Soooo GOOD WUTH YOUR SLEVEESLESS SHIRT..😮😂.Another reason for me to look for you in my bext lufe...in my next planet...another universe...😂😂. Yeeeaa...Woo..Hoo..😊🥰

[@marconion]

Another banger camping vlog!

[@gailbrault9251]

Good job, Dad!

[@kimberlyobrien4677]

Oh man you should save those sleeves take off all the buttons and use the sleeves as rags because that's good material for rags

[@peakninsdoinglife]

Haha cutting the sleeves reminds me of trailer park boys.

[@rockysmumakagma]

Great video! We drove to Calgary in 2018 and Drumheller was one of our places to go! We went there for the Royal Tyrrell Museum. It was amazing! Highly recommend to anyone who’s never been! Nice campsite but not much privacy eh? Brooklyn sounded like she was having a blast playing 😊 A big well done to Lindsay for chopping that wood 👏👏👏 Happy camping ⛺️

[@tommythompson5259]

I think it is very responsible daddy stuff to keep your little baby girl anonymous and block out her face. especially in the way the world is nowadays. Good job daddy. I have two daughters who are adults now.There is nothing more precious then little baby girls.Enjoy her at this age because they grow up so fast.

[@marywalker2896]

We call our hazel chubs.. she looks exactly like your kitty even down to being chubby..lol she can get very rowdy sometimes with dusty our older grey cat..hazel was a rescue where someone threw her out behind a hard wear store and my granddaughters rescued her as a kitten..looks like a really cool campground..and u all having fun…

[@bcb912]

Back in the day, we would have saved those sleeves to patch our Levi's!

[@kerrymcclaren3082]

Late. But ill take it lol

[@dross24MA]

This isn't the ferry - you're close enough 😂

[@dougmerworthjackofalltrade3151]

Larry The Cable Guy! outfit lmao

[@billboyer7735]

Strong little ancient bugs……..dinomites. Best I could do.

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Well done Bill!😂🤣😂