I go south into the desert every winter for a couple of weeks to face my fears. I'm a single, 71 1/2 year old and love to explore in my minivan (decked out for living in). The older I get the more the fear tries to stop me. But I persist and am always rewarded with awesome memories to carry home. I enjoy your podcasts. Very informative.
A smart dog is a great asset. Early warning alone makes them very valuable. Be ready to repel intruders or vacate. Park so u can drive out without having to turn around
Even a recording of a large dog growling and barking. Add outside lighting is also handy for a defensive use as most baddies would much rather operate in the dark.
I worked with wolves for a decade, and have lived with wild animals (mountain lions, etc) for years. Education is the antidote to fear. The forest and wild is THEIR land. You are a visitor. Learn the rules, and be educated, and you will not be afraid. The psyop is, you are in inordinate higher levels of danger around other humans. Not animals. In cities, not the forest.
He's right. I live in nyc and crazy or high people push people in front of trains. Last week a migrant set a homeless woman on fire. People are worse than animals
The forest and the wild are everyone’s and everything’s land. People are as much a part of nature as any animal. Just because some of us choose to live in cities or towns doesn’t change that. All living things share this earth and we need to take that into account when making decisions.
Im going to be living in my Minivan at the end of February.‼ Rent too high now. ‼‼‼ Thanks to this channel, I feel like Ill be ok. Thank you for all the great info🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
There are some communicators that work off satellites. First (for those with money) is the sat phone. Voice com every where. Cheaper is the EPIRP, it is just a Bat signal for local rescue groups. Last is kind of a pager using sat. Most of this stuff was set up for aviation and boat emergency. But will work anywhere. Which is more than can be said for your towing insurance.
Great video. Thank you all for the safety discussion. Can I add the importance choosing a generic Wifi name to not broadcast that you're alone, a woman, or a target for anyone. Setting up a lighting system and alerts to know what is going on outside your rig. Be proactive, know what's going on outside and rehearse what to do. Go thru the motions before the emergency strikes. Muscle memory works when you're panicked mind shuts down. This goes for fire safety, animal safety, and unwanted 2 legged visitors. Just a few things I thought about.
Something I'm not seeing on here, and a lot of other sights is .... A simple fire extinguisher, that everyone should have anyways, can be deployed in an emergency, against a human or animal .... A quick burst to the face could buy you the time you need to neutralize a bad situation quickly. I always keep two within reach at all times, and they are relatively inexpensive. I've never been afraid or scared in my travels as a full time nomad ( I probably put over 20,000 miles plus under my belt per year) but am always aware. Two totally different things! Safe and happy travels too all 🙂
Autumn, thank you for mentioning Gavin DeBecker's book, The Gift of Fear. It is a must read for women, especially those who travel and live a nomad lifestyle. I worked with victims of sexual violence for years, as well as teaching self-defense and the most important thing I told women was to keep their heads up and to be vigilant about situational awareness. Trusting your "gut" is key, no matter your gender! Thank you so much for this video
Great book. I was once threatened for months by a stalker. When they arrested him for the third time they removed 13 guns from his house. He lived right next door. I testified at the trials... got him out of our lives... And then I had the thought. Did I do everything right as I think? or was I just lucky? Read DeBecker. Nope. The police officer I worked with and I did everything right. Whew. A lot of people get into trouble because they feel shame or doubt about what they are feeling. I will be polite to everyone, but if I don't feel safe around someone, of if I just feel doubt, I leave. If they challenge me on my not wanting to interact with them - that's not their decision to make. And I will park and sleep in my car almost anywhere. It's not that there are dangerous places it's just that you have to get used to extending where you will park and sleep. I always have in the back of my mind the police pulling up and telling me I have to leave. The cops showed up one time in over 50 years. The first night I parked in front of the gate to the golf course where I had a summer job. I explained, they said, just don't make a habit of it...
My scariest wildlife encounter was a skunk four feet away at Roden Crater in the Arizona desert. It froze, I froze. My first thought was, 'except for that gallon of water in the little trailer behind me the next water is a cattle tank over a mile away. No way my wife is going to let me in the car..." The skunk figured out the situation and waddled off back into the brush. And this is from a solo sea kayaker who once encountered a pair of great white sharks. Everywhere I've gone by far the greatest critter danger is me doing something stupid. Every bear I've ever been near probably has only one thought, "Why is that guy talking so much??"
We were waiting in line to get in Yellowstone for hours when the Lead truck camper told my mom to get in the camper and start making lunch. She got out to walk around back and the line started to move. I was in the car behind watching her chase the camper when a bear comes out of the woods after her! I was 12. Luckily we had CB's and he got the truck to stop and let her in. My mom never went on another camping trip.
I'm a woman who's lived out of a van for many years, mostly in the city. Towards safe parking, I never park at the back of a line of parked cars - that's the most vulnerable spot if someone wanders off the road in the night and clips you. As much as I can, I park in the middle of a line of cars so I'm blended in and not easy to clip. Also, I build my inside bed to have my head toward the front of the vehicle so that if anything does happen, it will happen at my feet. Several times over the years, someone has looked into my van with an eye for stealing something, but the sight of my face staring back threw them into shock as they ran off. Their trauma, not mine. Lastly... we're encouraged to believe that keeping a brick wall between us and our fellow human being is an important part of our safety and security. But when you step outside of that, you find that our fellow human being is actually a great resource, and companion, and fellow, and partner, and supporter. With very rare exception. So it's worth being prepared for the worst, exceptional possibility, but equally important to be available for the best.
I'm glad to hear that your experience with other people has been for the most part good. Mine has shown to be ENTIRELY the other direction. Intolerance, hate and downright nastiness seem to be the rules of public life. So small minded and petty. It's really, really hard to see my fellow humans other than what they express to me on the regular.
Clearly, u hav never been around a narcissist; n they r NOT rare exceptions. Most "fellow" human beings r NOT on our side; it wd be delusional 2 think that they r. Having a high, strong brick wall up is an essential part of the healing process. Dismantling it entirely is imprudent, even when u HAV healed.
@@user-sx9hq7qwertI'm sorry for your entanglement with the narcissistic personality... I know this dynamic very well and have suffered many times by their hand... I guess I'm trying to say that the brick wall can serve to protect us from the bad, but it can also block our access to the best... and I've found that when I'm out in the open, creating my own good, the bad dissolves into the background, and I find myself available for the best...
I'm always having to reassure family and friends that yes I am safe out here! Mainly because I avoid dangerous places like big cities. But also because I'm aware of my surroundings. Also it's amazing how many nice people that you meet out on the road!
I am a single woman and want to be a nomad. I have been making plans and researching. I have camped and backpacked my entire life, so I know how to manage food and wildlife. I am more concerned about the human aspect. I have driven across the US twice with just me and my 2 cats and my truck. The second trip I stayed in my truck-no motels.
Maybe try out one of RTR caravans? There is a ladies RTR, you could meet up with other ladies and travel. Can also get a pistol and some classes to get fully trained on it. A .22 pistol will put you in a much better position if some assholes give you trouble. Maybe some sort of alarm as well where you can hit a button that will call the police for you and\or make a loud announcement that something bad is happwning please come help. If you are with a caravan and that happens and you are all armed and trained then it would be very foolish to attack you ladies.
Sorry, HOWA caravans, not RTR. Homes on Wheel Alliance. Here's last year's video about it, link to the website in the video description. I am fine being alone but they sound fun, I might join one for a bit next winter. I want the rest of my life to be mostly about cooking\sharing food around a campfire :) ua-cam.com/video/Xp3JvMFsSEk/v-deo.htmlsi=Fkk3g0IAea3Y6GHP
I have had a lot of problems with the human aspect. I wish I had known that it was easier to change the way I dress than to reason with geriatric incels on viagra. You can also get a stand to pee device if you are not allowed to use cisgender-only restrooms in a particular state. Most people will not question your right to wear clothes from the men's section. Sad but true: nobody has to know you are a woman. It's just clothes, dude.
Having a little concealed space where you can store valuable electricals and other valuables just makes sense, thieves are opportunistic they want to be in and out as quickly as possible they will take what they can see or is easily available.
I have trouble trusting my gut because I always question if my gut is speaking to me or if I’m just plain paranoid/afraid. I think the reason we fear being alone out there is because there’s no one to hear calls for help. In a city, I stay near people and lights. If I’m all alone, there’s no help if someone with nefarious plans joins me.
What a great video...practical and helpful! Autumn, I applaud the respect you showed your parents by working with them to assuage their fears, not blowing them off. Wisdom there.
As a solo female, I put out two chairs, a dog bowl with water, motion lights sometimes depending where I’m overnighting, and large men’s shoes that I bought at a thrift store next to the door. Deterrents are your friend.
Car maintenance is my concern. I want to learn as much as I can about how to look after my van to avoid breaking down. I want to learn how to identify the warning signs of a problem and take preventative measures.
So important to learn the basics of how your vehicle works and where your attention should be. Also, what not to do that could actually cause problems and waste money unnecessarily. A good place to start is with UA-cam videos about your vehicle. Another is to have a roadside assistance service membership and the benefits and limitations of the service.
I'm a 69 year old female and I travel alone about 4 mo/year in my SUV. I do travel with my dog. I generally stay at truckstops or campgrounds. I wear wedding rings. At campgrounds I always set up 2 chairs around the fire, usually with a men's flannel shirt hung on one chair. I leave 2 coffee travel mugs visible in the front seat cupholders. When I go in to the truckstop to buy coffee, I always buy 2 and save one for later. All this to make it less obvious that I am travelling alone.
So far I feel very safe here at Quartzsite BLM. My first long road trip as a recent retiree from Montreal Canada. It was so great to have met the three of you wonderful people recently! 🙏😊
Good discussion, and seems consistent with our experience. As Issac Asimov said: “I could not bring myself to believe that if knowledge presented danger, the solution was ignorance. To me, it always seemed that the solution had to be wisdom. You did not refuse to look at danger, rather you learned how to handle it safely.” This is a good example of how to handle nomad life safely. Thanks for sharing.
The chance of being hit when parked is one of the reasons I have my bed right behind the passenger seat and not on the driver’s side or against the back hatch. 8:16
As a single solo 70 yr. old female thats been boondocking for the past 4 yr., I still am always on high alert because of Humans! Somehow they show up too close for comfort near my campsite ,and often park so they're basically starring right inside my van door.
I told my family I wanted to be a nomad, they said when you leaving 😂😂😂. May the good Lord watch over you and your family and friends. Peace and Love 😊.
This is just the greatest short video! Thank you, thank you! Back in the day, driven by fear, doubt and insecurity, my clothing choices were 100% attention seeking! I cannot tell you how very offended I was when somebody who loves me very much pointed out to me that that might not be the kind of attention That is safe over the long haul… Basically I was told to “cover that up“… My reaction to that was explosive and extremely defensive! (The ear mark of immaturity) It took me about three days of stomping and cussing and character assassinating the individuals (yes plural) who gave me that information… talk about shooting the messenger! Well… I have absolutely come to believe that they were 100% right… So this little video totally explains it… It’s so much better to just blend in… CAMOUFLAGE!🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯 I did need to get used to the idea that my attention seeking was driven by insecurity and the need for external validation… Those days are long over and I’m so grateful for the people who were less concerned about hurting my feelings and more concerned about saving my life! These days, I no longer make myself a target… nothing is 100% but MITIGATION is a thing! Thank you so much for this video! And yes… I too wear socks with sandals!🎁🎁🎁
Bingo. Nothing wrong with geeking out on Bob's videos. I very much appreciated Autumn's input on this matter. I am not part of the Nomad community, which is terrifying for some reason, but if I had been prepared with a proper wardrobe from the MEN'S department, nobody would have cared about a swishy fagboi homeless that was just passing through and had to pee. You can just lie and say "pre-operative trans guy! I gotta pee!" and use the men's room in a pinch.
I heard somewhere that a woman who didn’t travel with a dog had a sister who was concerned about her traveling by herself so the sister had a large dog that barked at someone approaching her house and recorded it and sent it to her sister so if she felt concerned about something outside her rig she could turn the recording on and hopefully ward off anyone.
As a female that travels/boondocks alone, I have a pair of men’s shoes that I leave outside, along with another camp chair which makes it look like there’s more than just myself. And I also don’t try to look like a “girly girl”. I’m camping, not trying to pick up a guy or impress folks with my wardrobe. I save my nice clothes for the city.
A friend has a recording of a growling and barking big dog that is played if anyone bothers her during the night. Also external lighting has a great effect.
Thank you and crew all 🙏 for making these current videos available to us. These are a bit uncertain days and it’s comforting just to see and hear your thoughts and advice. My husband and I are both in our 70’s still traveling in our old TunaCan 🚐… we’ve hiked and traveled together for more than 40yrs, in regards to the concerns about our wildlife…we’ve always tread lightly through their country, leaving as little trace as possible. One note I would like peeps to understand is that wildlife can be territorial and when these wildfires burn down THEIR homes they can get confused and hungry and unpredictable….just like us peeps when we lose our homes…some wildlife will wander off and search to explore or expand their territories, they have to survive. Just be aware when you’re out in nature that our wildlife may be confused and are trying to survive and find a place to live 🙏🦌♥️
Just a few days and I'm back in the mountains in my jeep. It's been so long!!! Love all the information I get here. I don't feel crazy know there is other nomads like me. I love the life!!!
I just ran across this ( Thousand Trails Base Membership $50.00 each you can stay 14 days with water and electric hook up, a couple with both having a membership so that is $100.00 and you can stay there for 28 days) thought you might like to check into this,hope it helps someone.
So true regarding your gut instinct. I brought my mom (87) from the NE to FL a few weeks ago. Had reservations..one of the hotels really gave me pause (door locks didn't function, lots of vehicles driving in/out late, etc) I packed up, got mom into the Honda, and we spent the night sleeping at a truck stop area. Not comfy for mom, but much safer and no concerns. Autumn, so correct thinking of possible scenarios and considering what to do. Well done.
I was alone (which I don't mind) until I came to the RTR. Now I have a community of friends, and I have been camping with some and have plans to meet up again with others. I love this life.
Thank you Bob, Brian and Autumn. Great show with great information. I am still pondering Van life this year. Thank you so much for all of your experiences.
Great video!! I am not nearly as concerned about the 2 and 4 legged creatures as I am of some of the 8 legged ones, namely ticks with Lyme's or Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, etc. I think that my biggest fear has been embracing change, even though deep down I have a spontaneous desire to live freely, I am often stuck in a sort of rigid paralysis of being, part of being neurodivergent with some anxiety. It is an exercise I have been working on to embrace, however. Thank you for the talk and tips, you three are great!!
i camp by myself often. Rarely do I feel fear when doing so. But thinking through scenarios ahead of time, and then several solutions to those scenarios, is a great idea!
Looking for a place to park we start in time, before it is to dark or we are to tired so if we feel unsafe or unsure we have time to look for another place to stay without having to be concerned that its going to be to dark or meeting any other problem while looking.
We have it easy now days. I met a woman in 1978 who lived on the road. Back then there was no cellphones no triple A when she broke down she was on her own. I made contact with her in 2020, before I started the nomadic lifestyle. She lives in a nice house, and her and her husband nowadays have grandchildren. But she still travels sometimes. She had a run in with a bear when her daughters were little. She opened the door on her popup trailer to find a bear at the door. She grabbed the portapotty and threw it on the bear. She said the bear took off bellowing.
My 3 favorite people! 😉 Thank You team for this video. I know my parents will worry when I go live with nomading so thank you Autumn for sharing. I am afraid of wild animals. I will be revisiting this video. In the meantime my library has the book you mentioned. Thank you! Bob so good to see you as always! I love the 3 of you in a panel ~ you all have different types of experiences. The Dream Team!! Hugs to you all and I hope to see you down the road!
Like many women, my fears are not about animals but humans. The advice if camouflage and trusting your gut has helped me feel safe and be safe on the road. Thanks for talking about this.
As a Canadian living in the North I had to use bear spray twice on Black Bears. I always have several bottles of bear spray strategically placed in my RV. When I go on hikes in cougar or bear country I always strap a bear spray bottle on my belt no matter how short or how long the trail. And since it is much more potent than regular pepper spray, I would also use it in self defence if necessary.
Wonderful video, thank you. I have been a nomad for two years this April and it’s been the best and hardest thing I’ve ever done. I believe we are here on this earth to learn and part of that includes understanding fear and how to process it, or alchemize it, so it is learned. When I first started out, I was very conscious of everything and it took some joy out of the new life I created. I finally realized that the next time I felt fear I needed to figure out where it was coming from and what I needed to do to keep me from feeling that again. I did that, and little by little I built things around me that provide safety enough to know I’m protected if I need it. What I wanted to say mostly is that intuition is important but what’s vital is making sure you act on it and face it head on in a results focused manner and not retract and feel that fear for an extended period of time. It will only build and come back until you face it head on and understand what you need to do to keep from feeling that fear. Thank you again for sharing. I haven’t built my community or found my community yet, but I’m almost ready to mingle And finding things like this have been great so thank you.
Great discussion, thanks for the tips! I especially love the language you use to ease one's mind or friends/family: "I will be safe from ___ because I do ___"
Disaster contingencies -Flooding, flash floods... making key roads unpassable -Fires; brush fires, Fire Storms -Earthquake collapses a key bridge -Winter storm road closures -Lightening -Bear, Mountain lion and wolf country...: extremely clean camp. Consider cooking one meal a day. I like my Van's sun-roof and cook on the roof - here I avoid standing in snow, mud, sludge and puddles, the camp ants, mice and under attack, I don't need to evacuate run inside from the picnic table. Awareness of how the above issues can kill you!! Always have a camp and travel contingency for each of the above. Example; brush fire turns to firestorm in a valley and is blocking your only way out - then unless you can fly-out you and your Rig, don't go camp down there. Floods have the same dynamic. *Carry redundant critical equipments, additional Meds, water, fuel(s), non-perishable foods. *Don't just blunder-forward, especially if off-road and boondocking. Example: going down a deep canyon road for camping, boondocking > research primary & secondary forms of egress!! And losing ability to communicate is a really big deal !! Aging...? you like independence and solitude, but maybe it's time to caravan with another suitable Senior - so 'Buddy-up'? ***For godsakes don't let Ford lock your outside your vehicle. Maintenance garage unplugged my Batt. resetting programs to factory default and my Van auto locks after 1 min - diabolical midnight rain betrayal
I set up a very cheap but highly effective 360° motion detector system that can transmit up to 400 feet away. They will send a audible warning to alert me of any movement in that perimeter. Once alerted, especially at night, I charge my AR and start scanning. If i can see someone (Human) approach, I'll position my self outside of my camp site, flank them, and wait to see their intentions. Depending on what they do depends if they survive. If its animal related I stay in place and use whatever tools i have (Noise maker, Bear Spray, and in last resort, my carbine) to either scare them away or let them do their thing and leave. No scenario will ever be the same. The only thing is whether youll do or use whatever is needed to survive.
Incase you didn’t know there are security films that you put on the Inside of the windows that will keep people from breaking the window and getting inside. The window will break but it will stay together. I think 3M is one brand.
I like Gen. Schwartzkopf's quote: prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Combine that with Autumn's strategy of discussion problems and developing a solutions. Every situation can have a solution. Be prepared.
Thank you! I was wondering if you could make a video about how/ways to let others know that you are in trouble at your camp (or anywhere) so that if anyone sees or hears it, they automatically come to help. Are there any only Nomad--Known information already out there like that? So many people ignore Car Alarms and Horns Blasting and incessant dog barking and things like that now a days because we are so deadened to hearing them. Yes, there are the obvious things that hopefully someone actually notices, but it would be nice if there were certain things that everyone would just know immediately and jump into action because they were actually taught the information. Extreme example, but like if someone becomes like a hostage in their vehicle and if they can put a "Something" in the windshield or RV window or wherever that indicates they need help but can't ask for it. You thankfully have videos like this one, but what about the other end of it? Thank you for all your years of helping everyone. I'm not on the road yet, but after years of watching you and others, I plan to be a part-timer and still have a home base in the next few years. Blessings!
I have had it ONCE since leaving hometown. The officer was on my side, he explained explicitly why the truck stop had called to complain about "the homeless", and he was very sympathetic. Across the street was a parking lot where truckers slept. I parked between two big rigs, know enough about trucker cultute to fear for any crazed psycho grapist's life, got my nap and made myself a cup of instant coffee, and got my Dodge out of hell asap. 😂 Hanging around my former hometown expecting my ex-friends to care for two years was much worse than Officer Friendly's helpful advice. We wanted the same thing: to get me out of Los Angeles without a bunch of drama.
Weather is a big concern for me. With current -25 C right now, the diesel heater is failing and the inside of the bus is 0 C. High winds are also scary. Also is carbon monoxide poisoning. My diesel bus is leaking fumes which is scheduled to get fixed next week. I have a propane stove too.
Small safe bolted to floor for valuables. Apple Airtag or Tile tracker hidden in trailer to find it when stolen (or even just to remember where you parked). Don't leave it anywhere within an hours drive of a big city.
It’s other people that you need to worry about, I have been doing dispersed camping for years and I hardly see any animals but have had problems with people.
@@wayneukes2438 I was Camping in my Van next to the Colorado River in Ehrenberg AZ and around ten pm I heard a Truck stop, I then went up to the Driver’s Seat to look out and I then seen a guy walking towards my Van, I then flung my Door open and yelled, can I help you, he then turned around and walked quickly back to the Trucks passenger side and they left, that happened just before Christmas.
Brainstorming and discussion..creativity kills fear. Conversely, fear kills creativity. Also I always feel better if someone I care about takes time to discuss a problem with me, no matter the outcome. Great advice!
After my career in the prison system, my protection from people concerns me more than wildlife. My wife is a former military, and we do know how to protect ourselves.
Yes this are all so helpful tips. I’m not van traveling yet but that is my hope for near future. Went to Quartzsite today on 1/22/2025 hoping to meet Bob in person, but unfortunately didn’t succeed in the mission. Sadly we couldn’t come early enough for RTR, nomad van show, but definitely next year coming up for those shows and hopefully to meet mister Bob in person ❤️😊.
I had to camp for 2 months I felt really out of place I think people stared at me on the weekends cuz I was alone and I would put up a tent but not sleep in it and I always felt like it was hiding and there's no room to go potty and an SUV
I go south into the desert every winter for a couple of weeks to face my fears. I'm a single, 71 1/2 year old and love to explore in my minivan (decked out for living in). The older I get the more the fear tries to stop me. But I persist and am always rewarded with awesome memories to carry home. I enjoy your podcasts. Very informative.
Sista you are my Hero!
Mine too! Keep it up!
Spot on.
A smart dog is a great asset.
Early warning alone makes them very valuable. Be ready to repel intruders or vacate. Park so u can drive out without having to turn around
Even a recording of a large dog growling and barking. Add outside lighting is also handy for a defensive use as most baddies would much rather operate in the dark.
Usually. If blocked in, it might be better to be able to ram your way out using your back end.
@@normaevett lol...see that happening a lot do ya?????? LOL
Fear is a good passenger to have but you can’t let it drive you.
I worked with wolves for a decade, and have lived with wild animals (mountain lions, etc) for years. Education is the antidote to fear. The forest and wild is THEIR land. You are a visitor. Learn the rules, and be educated, and you will not be afraid. The psyop is, you are in inordinate higher levels of danger around other humans. Not animals. In cities, not the forest.
👍
I'm tired of being attacked by people just while trying to get groceries in Kokomo Indiana.
He's right. I live in nyc and crazy or high people push people in front of trains. Last week a migrant set a homeless woman on fire. People are worse than animals
Humans are the most violent animals in existence.
The forest and the wild are everyone’s and everything’s land. People are as much a part of nature as any animal. Just because some of us choose to live in cities or towns doesn’t change that. All living things share this earth and we need to take that into account when making decisions.
Im going to be living in my Minivan at the end of February.‼ Rent too high now. ‼‼‼ Thanks to this channel, I feel like Ill be ok. Thank you for all the great info🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
My biggest fear of van life is breaking down in the middle of nowhere!
There are some communicators that work off satellites. First (for those with money) is the sat phone. Voice com every where. Cheaper is the EPIRP, it is just a Bat signal for local rescue groups. Last is kind of a pager using sat. Most of this stuff was set up for aviation and boat emergency. But will work anywhere. Which is more than can be said for your towing insurance.
Great video. Thank you all for the safety discussion. Can I add the importance choosing a generic Wifi name to not broadcast that you're alone, a woman, or a target for anyone. Setting up a lighting system and alerts to know what is going on outside your rig. Be proactive, know what's going on outside and rehearse what to do. Go thru the motions before the emergency strikes. Muscle memory works when you're panicked mind shuts down. This goes for fire safety, animal safety, and unwanted 2 legged visitors. Just a few things I thought about.
One of my neighbors uses the WiFi username of "FBI Surveillance" 😂 Love it!!
@@julieweber3398 That's hysterical! 🤣
Something I'm not seeing on here, and a lot of other sights is .... A simple fire extinguisher, that everyone should have anyways, can be deployed in an emergency, against a human or animal .... A quick burst to the face could buy you the time you need to neutralize a bad situation quickly. I always keep two within reach at all times, and they are relatively inexpensive. I've never been afraid or scared in my travels as a full time nomad ( I probably put over 20,000 miles plus under my belt per year) but am always aware. Two totally different things! Safe and happy travels too all 🙂
Autumn, thank you for mentioning Gavin DeBecker's book, The Gift of Fear. It is a must read for women, especially those who travel and live a nomad lifestyle. I worked with victims of sexual violence for years, as well as teaching self-defense and the most important thing I told women was to keep their heads up and to be vigilant about situational awareness. Trusting your "gut" is key, no matter your gender! Thank you so much for this video
Great book. I was once threatened for months by a stalker. When they arrested him for the third time they removed 13 guns from his house. He lived right next door. I testified at the trials... got him out of our lives... And then I had the thought. Did I do everything right as I think? or was I just lucky? Read DeBecker. Nope. The police officer I worked with and I did everything right. Whew. A lot of people get into trouble because they feel shame or doubt about what they are feeling. I will be polite to everyone, but if I don't feel safe around someone, of if I just feel doubt, I leave. If they challenge me on my not wanting to interact with them - that's not their decision to make. And I will park and sleep in my car almost anywhere. It's not that there are dangerous places it's just that you have to get used to extending where you will park and sleep. I always have in the back of my mind the police pulling up and telling me I have to leave. The cops showed up one time in over 50 years. The first night I parked in front of the gate to the golf course where I had a summer job. I explained, they said, just don't make a habit of it...
i have read that book. He also is a security expert who guarded rfk jr
Great book! Changed my life for the better! Made me more aware, but less afraid.
I was chased by a black bear after leaving a campground bathroom in the dark. I'm fine but grateful I wasn't chased before visiting the restroom 🤣
That's why buckets were invented
My scariest wildlife encounter was a skunk four feet away at Roden Crater in the Arizona desert. It froze, I froze. My first thought was, 'except for that gallon of water in the little trailer behind me the next water is a cattle tank over a mile away. No way my wife is going to let me in the car..." The skunk figured out the situation and waddled off back into the brush. And this is from a solo sea kayaker who once encountered a pair of great white sharks. Everywhere I've gone by far the greatest critter danger is me doing something stupid.
Every bear I've ever been near probably has only one thought, "Why is that guy talking so much??"
I had a skunk in my RV
We were waiting in line to get in Yellowstone for hours when the Lead truck camper told my mom to get in the camper and start making lunch. She got out to walk around back and the line started to move. I was in the car behind watching her chase the camper when a bear comes out of the woods after her! I was 12. Luckily we had CB's and he got the truck to stop and let her in. My mom never went on another camping trip.
@@dogwoodtrail9385 Have you seen "RV" with robin williams? Now thats funny.
I'm a woman who's lived out of a van for many years, mostly in the city. Towards safe parking, I never park at the back of a line of parked cars - that's the most vulnerable spot if someone wanders off the road in the night and clips you. As much as I can, I park in the middle of a line of cars so I'm blended in and not easy to clip.
Also, I build my inside bed to have my head toward the front of the vehicle so that if anything does happen, it will happen at my feet.
Several times over the years, someone has looked into my van with an eye for stealing something, but the sight of my face staring back threw them into shock as they ran off. Their trauma, not mine.
Lastly... we're encouraged to believe that keeping a brick wall between us and our fellow human being is an important part of our safety and security. But when you step outside of that, you find that our fellow human being is actually a great resource, and companion, and fellow, and partner, and supporter. With very rare exception. So it's worth being prepared for the worst, exceptional possibility, but equally important to be available for the best.
I'm glad to hear that your experience with other people has been for the most part good. Mine has shown to be ENTIRELY the other direction. Intolerance, hate and downright nastiness seem to be the rules of public life. So small minded and petty. It's really, really hard to see my fellow humans other than what they express to me on the regular.
Oh, WOW. BEAUTIFULLY said. Thank you.
Love that! Be available for the best❤
Clearly, u hav never been around a narcissist; n they r NOT rare exceptions. Most "fellow" human beings r NOT on our side; it wd be delusional 2 think that they r. Having a high, strong brick wall up is an essential part of the healing process. Dismantling it entirely is imprudent, even when u HAV healed.
@@user-sx9hq7qwertI'm sorry for your entanglement with the narcissistic personality... I know this dynamic very well and have suffered many times by their hand... I guess I'm trying to say that the brick wall can serve to protect us from the bad, but it can also block our access to the best... and I've found that when I'm out in the open, creating my own good, the bad dissolves into the background, and I find myself available for the best...
A good money cushion in the background gives the stress free van life money glow these guys have.
I'm always having to reassure family and friends that yes I am safe out here! Mainly because I avoid dangerous places like big cities. But also because I'm aware of my surroundings. Also it's amazing how many nice people that you meet out on the road!
I am a single woman and want to be a nomad. I have been making plans and researching. I have camped and backpacked my entire life, so I know how to manage food and wildlife. I am more concerned about the human aspect. I have driven across the US twice with just me and my 2 cats and my truck. The second trip I stayed in my truck-no motels.
Maybe try out one of RTR caravans? There is a ladies RTR, you could meet up with other ladies and travel. Can also get a pistol and some classes to get fully trained on it. A .22 pistol will put you in a much better position if some assholes give you trouble. Maybe some sort of alarm as well where you can hit a button that will call the police for you and\or make a loud announcement that something bad is happwning please come help. If you are with a caravan and that happens and you are all armed and trained then it would be very foolish to attack you ladies.
Sorry, HOWA caravans, not RTR. Homes on Wheel Alliance. Here's last year's video about it, link to the website in the video description. I am fine being alone but they sound fun, I might join one for a bit next winter. I want the rest of my life to be mostly about cooking\sharing food around a campfire :) ua-cam.com/video/Xp3JvMFsSEk/v-deo.htmlsi=Fkk3g0IAea3Y6GHP
I have had a lot of problems with the human aspect. I wish I had known that it was easier to change the way I dress than to reason with geriatric incels on viagra. You can also get a stand to pee device if you are not allowed to use cisgender-only restrooms in a particular state. Most people will not question your right to wear clothes from the men's section.
Sad but true: nobody has to know you are a woman. It's just clothes, dude.
There's a quote that says I would rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth. Don't know who said it, but it's true!
Love this! It’s exactly how I feel!
Having a little concealed space where you can store valuable electricals and other valuables just makes sense, thieves are opportunistic they want to be in and out as quickly as possible they will take what they can see or is easily available.
I have trouble trusting my gut because I always question if my gut is speaking to me or if I’m just plain paranoid/afraid.
I think the reason we fear being alone out there is because there’s no one to hear calls for help. In a city, I stay near people and lights. If I’m all alone, there’s no help if someone with nefarious plans joins me.
I go backpacking into the wilderness often and dangerous animals are almost never on my mind, what I do think about though is dangerous humans.
What a great video...practical and helpful! Autumn, I applaud the respect you showed your parents by working with them to assuage their fears, not blowing them off. Wisdom there.
As a solo female, I put out two chairs, a dog bowl with water, motion lights sometimes depending where I’m overnighting, and large men’s shoes that I bought at a thrift store next to the door. Deterrents are your friend.
Car maintenance is my concern. I want to learn as much as I can about how to look after my van to avoid breaking down. I want to learn how to identify the warning signs of a problem and take preventative measures.
Get a good obd reader. It will help.
So important to learn the basics of how your vehicle works and where your attention should be. Also, what not to do that could actually cause problems and waste money unnecessarily. A good place to start is with UA-cam videos about your vehicle. Another is to have a roadside assistance service membership and the benefits and limitations of the service.
I'm a 69 year old female and I travel alone about 4 mo/year in my SUV. I do travel with my dog. I generally stay at truckstops or campgrounds. I wear wedding rings. At campgrounds I always set up 2 chairs around the fire, usually with a men's flannel shirt hung on one chair. I leave 2 coffee travel mugs visible in the front seat cupholders. When I go in to the truckstop to buy coffee, I always buy 2 and save one for later. All this to make it less obvious that I am travelling alone.
So far I feel very safe here at Quartzsite BLM. My first long road trip as a recent retiree from Montreal Canada. It was so great to have met the three of you wonderful people recently! 🙏😊
Good discussion, and seems consistent with our experience. As Issac Asimov said: “I could not bring myself to believe that if knowledge presented danger, the solution was ignorance. To me, it always seemed that the solution had to be wisdom. You did not refuse to look at danger, rather you learned how to handle it safely.” This is a good example of how to handle nomad life safely. Thanks for sharing.
Wasp spray is better than some pepper spray, plus you can be about 20 feet away from the threat.
The chance of being hit when parked is one of the reasons I have my bed right behind the passenger seat and not on the driver’s side or against the back hatch. 8:16
Also, you're less likely to roll out of bed 😊
My wife and I are about to become NOMADS and we truly love your content, thanks for easing our fears 🥰
As a single solo 70 yr. old female thats been boondocking for the past 4 yr., I still am always on high alert because of Humans!
Somehow they show up too close for comfort near my campsite ,and often park so they're basically starring right inside my van door.
I told my family I wanted to be a nomad, they said when you leaving 😂😂😂. May the good Lord watch over you and your family and friends. Peace and Love 😊.
This is just the greatest short video! Thank you, thank you! Back in the day, driven by fear, doubt and insecurity, my clothing choices were 100% attention seeking! I cannot tell you how very offended I was when somebody who loves me very much pointed out to me that that might not be the kind of attention That is safe over the long haul… Basically I was told to “cover that up“… My reaction to that was explosive and extremely defensive! (The ear mark of immaturity) It took me about three days of stomping and cussing and character assassinating the individuals (yes plural) who gave me that information… talk about shooting the messenger! Well… I have absolutely come to believe that they were 100% right… So this little video totally explains it… It’s so much better to just blend in… CAMOUFLAGE!🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯 I did need to get used to the idea that my attention seeking was driven by insecurity and the need for external validation… Those days are long over and I’m so grateful for the people who were less concerned about hurting my feelings and more concerned about saving my life! These days, I no longer make myself a target… nothing is 100% but MITIGATION is a thing! Thank you so much for this video! And yes… I too wear socks with sandals!🎁🎁🎁
Don't fear, prepare.
Bingo. Nothing wrong with geeking out on Bob's videos. I very much appreciated Autumn's input on this matter.
I am not part of the Nomad community, which is terrifying for some reason, but if I had been prepared with a proper wardrobe from the MEN'S department, nobody would have cared about a swishy fagboi homeless that was just passing through and had to pee.
You can just lie and say "pre-operative trans guy! I gotta pee!" and use the men's room in a pinch.
I heard somewhere that a woman who didn’t travel with a dog had a sister who was concerned about her traveling by herself so the sister had a large dog that barked at someone approaching her house and recorded it and sent it to her sister so if she felt concerned about something outside her rig she could turn the recording on and hopefully ward off anyone.
As a female that travels/boondocks alone, I have a pair of men’s shoes that I leave outside, along with another camp chair which makes it look like there’s more than just myself. And I also don’t try to look like a “girly girl”. I’m camping, not trying to pick up a guy or impress folks with my wardrobe. I save my nice clothes for the city.
Some people would say that the city is more dangerous
If people don't think there's somebody there, the mice will. And I'll scare them.
A friend has a recording of a growling and barking big dog that is played if anyone bothers her during the night. Also external lighting has a great effect.
The shoes or boots is a good idea. An extra cheap chair or 2 takes up little space.
Great idea with the mens shoes.
Thank you and crew all 🙏 for making these current videos available to us. These are a bit uncertain days and it’s comforting just to see and hear your thoughts and advice. My husband and I are both in our 70’s still traveling in our old TunaCan 🚐… we’ve hiked and traveled together for more than 40yrs, in regards to the concerns about our wildlife…we’ve always tread lightly through their country, leaving as little trace as possible. One note I would like peeps to understand is that wildlife can be territorial and when these wildfires burn down THEIR homes they can get confused and hungry and unpredictable….just like us peeps when we lose our homes…some wildlife will wander off and search to explore or expand their territories, they have to survive. Just be aware when you’re out in nature that our wildlife may be confused and are trying to survive and find a place to live 🙏🦌♥️
AND might be UNPREDICTABLE
Just a few days and I'm back in the mountains in my jeep. It's been so long!!! Love all the information I get here. I don't feel crazy know there is other nomads like me. I love the life!!!
I just ran across this ( Thousand Trails Base Membership $50.00 each you can stay 14 days with water and electric hook up, a couple with both having a membership so that is $100.00 and you can stay there for 28 days) thought you might like to check into this,hope it helps someone.
Like Bob said years ago is we are safer out here than parked at a house that never moves. I’ve been full time 4.5 years now.
Another great video. I love everyone’s point of view. Keep these trio videos coming please.
Your gut feeling is a great asset
So true regarding your gut instinct. I brought my mom (87) from the NE to FL a few weeks ago. Had reservations..one of the hotels really gave me pause (door locks didn't function, lots of vehicles driving in/out late, etc) I packed up, got mom into the Honda, and we spent the night sleeping at a truck stop area. Not comfy for mom, but much safer and no concerns. Autumn, so correct thinking of possible scenarios and considering what to do. Well done.
I was alone (which I don't mind) until I came to the RTR. Now I have a community of friends, and I have been camping with some and have plans to meet up again with others. I love this life.
Thank you Bob, Brian and Autumn. Great show with great information. I am still pondering Van life this year. Thank you so much for all of your experiences.
Thank you Bob, Brian and Autumn. Very good info. I ❤ you Bob!
Here in the uk many more are living in vans
Great video!! I am not nearly as concerned about the 2 and 4 legged creatures as I am of some of the 8 legged ones, namely ticks with Lyme's or Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, etc. I think that my biggest fear has been embracing change, even though deep down I have a spontaneous desire to live freely, I am often stuck in a sort of rigid paralysis of being, part of being neurodivergent with some anxiety. It is an exercise I have been working on to embrace, however. Thank you for the talk and tips, you three are great!!
It's good to be careful. Lyme messed up my life.
Same. Scorpions and tarantulas are my fear. I know there are more of them out west than here but I will face my fear and go out there next year.
i camp by myself often. Rarely do I feel fear when doing so. But thinking through scenarios ahead of time, and then several solutions to those scenarios, is a great idea!
Looking for a place to park we start in time, before it is to dark or we are to tired so if we feel unsafe or unsure we have time to look for another place to stay without having to be concerned that its going to be to dark or meeting any other problem while looking.
Your videos are saving people's lives. Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you for being you.
We have it easy now days. I met a woman in 1978 who lived on the road. Back then there was no cellphones no triple A when she broke down she was on her own. I made contact with her in 2020, before I started the nomadic lifestyle. She lives in a nice house, and her and her husband nowadays have grandchildren. But she still travels sometimes. She had a run in with a bear when her daughters were little. She opened the door on her popup trailer to find a bear at the door. She grabbed the portapotty and threw it on the bear. She said the bear took off bellowing.
My 3 favorite people! 😉 Thank You team for this video. I know my parents will worry when I go live with nomading so thank you Autumn for sharing. I am afraid of wild animals. I will be revisiting this video. In the meantime my library has the book you mentioned. Thank you!
Bob so good to see you as always! I love the 3 of you in a panel ~ you all have different types of experiences. The Dream Team!! Hugs to you all and I hope to see you down the road!
Great video! I enjoy the discussion videos with the three of you. Thank you
Like many women, my fears are not about animals but humans. The advice if camouflage and trusting your gut has helped me feel safe and be safe on the road. Thanks for talking about this.
Enjoyed this very much. Thank you to the three of you. I like the group discussions. Have a great weekend! 🇨🇦😊❤️
Thank you for all videos. They are great!
As a Canadian living in the North I had to use bear spray twice on Black Bears. I always have several bottles of bear spray strategically placed in my RV. When I go on hikes in cougar or bear country I always strap a bear spray bottle on my belt no matter how short or how long the trail. And since it is much more potent than regular pepper spray, I would also use it in self defence if necessary.
My only ‘fears’
Rig breaking down in a remote location
Medical emergency for me or my dog
Rig getting getting broken into whilst I’m hiking
It would be great to have some training on self defence at the WRTR and maybe even the RTR next year
Good idea!
Wonderful video, thank you. I have been a nomad for two years this April and it’s been the best and hardest thing I’ve ever done. I believe we are here on this earth to learn and part of that includes understanding fear and how to process it, or alchemize it, so it is learned. When I first started out, I was very conscious of everything and it took some joy out of the new life I created. I finally realized that the next time I felt fear I needed to figure out where it was coming from and what I needed to do to keep me from feeling that again. I did that, and little by little I built things around me that provide safety enough to know I’m protected if I need it. What I wanted to say mostly is that intuition is important but what’s vital is making sure you act on it and face it head on in a results focused manner and not retract and feel that fear for an extended period of time. It will only build and come back until you face it head on and understand what you need to do to keep from feeling that fear. Thank you again for sharing. I haven’t built my community or found my community yet, but I’m almost ready to mingle And finding things like this have been great so thank you.
I would be very nervous about breaking down and what would I do without a vehicle or house.
Hello from Puerto Rico Bob and friends
Very helpful discussion - being prepared, thinking it through, improving connections, mindful of appearances. Thanks!
These are very informative videos.
My biggest fear as an older female van camper is car trouble or a flat tire.
Thank you for this. It was most beneficial.
Gavin De Becker is BRILLIANT.
Great discussion, thanks for the tips! I especially love the language you use to ease one's mind or friends/family: "I will be safe from ___ because I do ___"
Disaster contingencies
-Flooding, flash floods... making key roads unpassable
-Fires; brush fires, Fire Storms
-Earthquake collapses a key bridge
-Winter storm road closures
-Lightening
-Bear, Mountain lion and wolf country...: extremely clean camp. Consider cooking one meal a day. I like my Van's sun-roof and cook on the roof - here I avoid standing in snow, mud, sludge and puddles, the camp ants, mice and under attack, I don't need to evacuate run inside from the picnic table.
Awareness of how the above issues can kill you!! Always have a camp and travel contingency for each of the above.
Example; brush fire turns to firestorm in a valley and is blocking your only way out - then unless you can fly-out you and your Rig, don't go camp down there. Floods have the same dynamic.
*Carry redundant critical equipments, additional Meds, water, fuel(s), non-perishable foods.
*Don't just blunder-forward, especially if off-road and boondocking. Example: going down a deep canyon road for camping, boondocking > research primary & secondary forms of egress!! And losing ability to communicate is a really big deal !!
Aging...? you like independence and solitude, but maybe it's time to caravan with another suitable Senior - so 'Buddy-up'?
***For godsakes don't let Ford lock your outside your vehicle. Maintenance garage unplugged my Batt. resetting programs to factory default and my Van auto locks after 1 min - diabolical midnight rain betrayal
That was a wonderful video and very informative. Thank you guys keep up the good work
Deterrent is the first line of defense.
BRIAN, AUTUMN, BOB, thanks for sharing
Some very excellent information here and also in the comments. Thanks everyone ❣️
How about speaking on the Nomad life East of the Mississippi. "We DO exist"
Have you considered starting a UA-cam channel? There are many people, like me, interested in learning how to be nomadic Eastward.
Thanks again. Blessed travels always
I set up a very cheap but highly effective 360° motion detector system that can transmit up to 400 feet away. They will send a audible warning to alert me of any movement in that perimeter. Once alerted, especially at night, I charge my AR and start scanning. If i can see someone (Human) approach, I'll position my self outside of my camp site, flank them, and wait to see their intentions. Depending on what they do depends if they survive.
If its animal related I stay in place and use whatever tools i have (Noise maker, Bear Spray, and in last resort, my carbine) to either scare them away or let them do their thing and leave. No scenario will ever be the same. The only thing is whether youll do or use whatever is needed to survive.
Can you share the brand of your security system?
What a beautiful puppy dog.
Great Advice!🥰
The Gift of Fear is an amazing book about trusting your instincts. Everyone should read it, definitely every woman.
Incase you didn’t know there are security films that you put on the Inside of the windows that will keep people from breaking the window and getting inside. The window will break but it will stay together. I think 3M is one brand.
Autumn is just wonderful!
I like Gen. Schwartzkopf's quote: prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Combine that with Autumn's strategy of discussion problems and developing a solutions. Every situation can have a solution. Be prepared.
Thank you! I was wondering if you could make a video about how/ways to let others know that you are in trouble at your camp (or anywhere) so that if anyone sees or hears it, they automatically come to help. Are there any only Nomad--Known information already out there like that? So many people ignore Car Alarms and Horns Blasting and incessant dog barking and things like that now a days because we are so deadened to hearing them. Yes, there are the obvious things that hopefully someone actually notices, but it would be nice if there were certain things that everyone would just know immediately and jump into action because they were actually taught the information. Extreme example, but like if someone becomes like a hostage in their vehicle and if they can put a "Something" in the windshield or RV window or wherever that indicates they need help but can't ask for it. You thankfully have videos like this one, but what about the other end of it? Thank you for all your years of helping everyone. I'm not on the road yet, but after years of watching you and others, I plan to be a part-timer and still have a home base in the next few years. Blessings!
Our 48 yr old class C affectionately named Lucy, turns alot of heads, and as we look in the mirror we notice they bow in 🙏.
Spot on. Thanks for sharing.
Someone should write a book for Nomads, with all those concerns.
Dealing with the knock on the window 😮
I have had it ONCE since leaving hometown. The officer was on my side, he explained explicitly why the truck stop had called to complain about "the homeless", and he was very sympathetic.
Across the street was a parking lot where truckers slept. I parked between two big rigs, know enough about trucker cultute to fear for any crazed psycho grapist's life, got my nap and made myself a cup of instant coffee, and got my Dodge out of hell asap. 😂
Hanging around my former hometown expecting my ex-friends to care for two years was much worse than Officer Friendly's helpful advice.
We wanted the same thing: to get me out of Los Angeles without a bunch of drama.
Weather is a big concern for me. With current -25 C right now, the diesel heater is failing and the inside of the bus is 0 C. High winds are also scary. Also is carbon monoxide poisoning. My diesel bus is leaking fumes which is scheduled to get fixed next week. I have a propane stove too.
I don't have family or friends. Just a lot of health issues, fear and loneliness.
Hi, if you are autistic, you're part of my family; in the club nobody wants to join, we're all family.
Check out church on Sunday. That's how I meet people
Every time I leave my small trailer at camp I worry about theft. I'm very interested in how Bob will address this with his Runaway.
Gps?
Wheel clamp and also hitch clamp. The objective being make your rig harder than others to steal.
Small safe bolted to floor for valuables. Apple Airtag or Tile tracker hidden in trailer to find it when stolen (or even just to remember where you parked). Don't leave it anywhere within an hours drive of a big city.
It’s other people that you need to worry about, I have been doing dispersed camping for years and I hardly see any animals but have had problems with people.
what people problems have you experienced, please?
@@wayneukes2438 I was Camping in my Van next to the Colorado River in Ehrenberg AZ and around ten pm I heard a Truck stop, I then went up to the Driver’s Seat to look out and I then seen a guy walking towards my Van, I then flung my Door open and yelled, can I help you, he then turned around and walked quickly back to the Trucks passenger side and they left, that happened just before Christmas.
Brainstorming and discussion..creativity kills fear. Conversely, fear kills creativity.
Also I always feel better if someone I care about takes time to discuss a problem with me, no matter the outcome. Great advice!
Thank you!!
Thanks guys I’ve always relied on my gut feeling good ideas thanks 😊
Where can I find statistics on things like crime for living nomadically vs not?
Great video with good information.
Campervan Kevin sent me. Will start watching.
#Grateful 🙏 love you guys, thank you, #mahalo
After my career in the prison system, my protection from people concerns me more than wildlife. My wife is a former military, and we do know how to protect ourselves.
Yes this are all so helpful tips. I’m not van traveling yet but that is my hope for near future. Went to Quartzsite today on 1/22/2025 hoping to meet Bob in person, but unfortunately didn’t succeed in the mission. Sadly we couldn’t come early enough for RTR, nomad van show, but definitely next year coming up for those shows and hopefully to meet mister Bob in person ❤️😊.
Thank you for sharing.
I had to camp for 2 months I felt really out of place I think people stared at me on the weekends cuz I was alone and I would put up a tent but not sleep in it and I always felt like it was hiding and there's no room to go potty and an SUV