Van Life With My Mom
Never, did I ever think we (as a married couple) would be sharing a bed with my mother-in-law!?! Yet, here we are. Let’s just say our closeness as a family has reached an all-new…surround sound snoring level.
But, it’s for a good reason!
Mary (Jason’s mom) has boldly decided to take on the unsedentary life of a nomad. She sold everything, downsized drastically, and moved into a van. Or camper van or RV, whichever you want to call it. We just call it Mary’s Van.
She said she wanted to “learn from the experts”. Ha, poor mom!
After a decade of traveling homes, we have come a long way from our first how-not-to composting toilet install and figuring out how to use a tire plug. But, we’re not experts (just don’t tell mom that). Good at learning from our mistakes, perhaps?
Experts or not, mom has helped us and finally, we have the chance to help her. So, we’ve moved in with mom to show her our wild camping, nomadic ways firsthand.
It’s been an interesting challenge for her to say the least. Van, RV, or boat, it’s a huge lifestyle change and a big learning curve with lots of new systems and resources to manage.
Which is why we wanted to share her story with you. She’s chockful of newbie excitement and frustrations. So, in this video, we dive into why she wanted a van, what’s working, and what’s not.
Van Mods/Upgrades We Made For Mom
- 1 x 250AH Go Power Lithium Batteries (best direct replacement for her battery compartment size)
- Hybrid Inverter: gonewiththewynns.com/product/2000-watt-inverter
- 2 x 50W Solar Panels: https://amzn.to/2TJtkwM
- Acuva: gonewiththewynns.com/product/water-purification
- $100 off With Discount Code: WYNNS
- Wifi Booster: wifiranger.com/shop/product/158-converge-denali
- 5% discount code: WFRWYNN
- Battery Monitor: gonewiththewynns.com/product/battery-monitor\
- Soft Start: gonewiththewynns.com/product/air-conditioning-off-grid
- $25 off discount code: GWTW
- Espresso Machine: https://amzn.to/2VV8DR0
🎥CAMERA GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO📷
- Sony A7iii: https://amzn.to/3ah833V
- Sony rx100: gonewiththewynns.com/product/productsony-dsc-rx100m-iii-cyber-shot-digital-still-camera
- Drone: https://amzn.to/3c1lkzq
- DJI Osmo Action: https://amzn.to/34aYlgV
🎶AWESOME tunes:
- Source: http://bit.ly/artlist-gwtw
- Artists – Ziv Moran, Loya, Muted, Giants and Pilgrims
🙏 MADE POSSIBLE BY YOU!
Ups, downs and all around, we share it all. We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store and put tips in our production jar. If you like what you see, there are lots of FREE ways you can show your support. Thank you for being a part of the journey!
Colin
This is a better solution but needs an expert to install it. It has to be done right or its worthless. https://www.showermiser.com/
Vance Stewart
Hello Mary, Nikki and Jason! We also have an Atlas and want to be more off the grid. My question is did you install the items discussed in the video or did someone install them for you? I am not well versed in these things. I guess I don’t know where to start. Thanks to you all. You are an inspiration.
Vance Stewart
Ohio.
Curious Minion
Hey Vance! I just looked back at that list and I’m sure those are all things Jason could have installed himself. As for whether or not you could do it, that’ll depend on how handy you are with a few basic tools. You also need some basic knowledge of your electrical system and how to ensure it’s not live before you start working on it to install the battery monitor or the soft start. There is a video from when the soft start was installed in the boat, which you can see here: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/air-conditioning-sailboat Then you can use the search bar (bottom of every page) or just go to the “Living Off the Grid” section of the blog to see posts/vids on the solar install on the Bounder, etc. And if those don’t give you enough confidence to get started, go watch some of Jason’s old “How Not To” videos! He learned a lot at the school of hard knocks haha.
Curious Minion
Buck
We are exploring this same van (for the two of us) – with plans to go full time. We would rarely be full hookups (we like forestry type campgrounds which are primitive). I am not worried on power, but I am concerned about the water… both in terms of tank size and the hot water challenges the video mentioned (related to showers).
I wanted to know if Mary has developed any tricks to extending those 23 gallons… and how does she refill her tanks without actual hookups (ie: from a water container – or is a portable pump required).
Jim Cantonis
We have a 2020 Atlas and find your mom’s videos interesting. Haven’t you done anything since March 8? If you have, we have spent a great deal of time trying to find them on your web site and have miserably failed…..help!
Nikki Wynn
It was just a short series of videos while we were back in the USA with her. So there won’t be any more vids on her van. You can see all our RV/Van content here: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/rvin
Luc
Wow! Congrats for your choice! And good luck!
This van looks great. First time I see the inside of an Airstream. I love the attention they put to the details. I’m surprised that the upgrades that Jason And Nikki suggested were not, at least, offered as options by Airstream. Did they consider a cell booster among the upgrades? This is the most useful upgrade we’ve done to our rig. Anyways… Have fun and hope to see you on the road.
Lisa Day
Way to go Mary Van! What a beautiful van you chose. I’m so glad you have super smart children who are willing to share their knowledge and help you! Happy trails to you, my friend. Be safe😘😀
Ausbin G Pippin, Jr.
Thanks for sharing all of the updates that you made to the RV as it gives me ideas on updating my own RV. Know that you are enjoying and sharing the time with your mother/mother-in-law. Time well spent that all of you will always cherish. Safe travel in the RV until you can return to the sea.
Allan "RocKITEman" Gaines
Regarding “surround sound snoring level”, I have just two words:
EAR PLUGS.
TRUST ME on this one…👍👍 😊
Randy
Congrats on your evolving lifestyle. I admire your attitude and your ability to flow with the situation. It is so great you persevered with the downside of your van and now have most of the problems solved. Yay Jason and Nikki – they are lucky to have a mom like you! Looking forward to your travels. You should do a blog — a short one, just so we can follow.
Paul
I keep thinking of this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffE-RYosHFY
David & Karen - 'Sharing Life'
Lovely video – thank you (and we would have been fine if it was Patreon funded).
Really nice to come in at the beginning of Mary’s new adventure. What a lady!
Inspirational to do something like this by yourself.
We wish Mary many, many years of pleasurable travelling and living on the road.
Mary Ames Mitchell
Go, Mary! My name is also Mary, but I’m a little older than you. I also bought a van like yours. Mine was a PleasureWay. You are so lucky to have a son who can help you with everything. Now, go have a great time. I saw all the National Parks in the northern USA in two years, with the exception of Theodore Roosevelt Park, which I will do as soon as this CV epidemic calms down.
Mary Markell
Hope you might do a blog? It would be so interesting to follow you on your travels. Steve Wolfe on FB has an almost daily blog on his page with many followers. He lives in his van travelling all over the west, usually boondocking. He also has a home that he goes back to, but for the most part, he is on the road sharing his travels with us. He takes beautiful photos (many are published). He is a super nice guy and loves to talk to people via FB. He would be a great source for you and a new friend.
Curious Minion
I don’t know that’s she’s planning to blog but there’s a link to Mary’s IG account at the top of the post.
Curious Minion
Ted Shih
There are a few books I’d recommend Mary bring along for her travels, NOT to learn anything new about her new lifestyle, but to laugh out loud about the funny stuff that can happen out on the open road.
Travels with Charlie – A old truck camper named Rocinante, one dog, and John Steinbeck
Dogtripping by David Rosenfelt . Transporting 25 rescue dogs coast to coast in 3 RV’s
Queen of the Road by Doreen Orion. Who knew there was a Nudist RV Park!
The Mushroom Hunters by Langdon Cook. Ok there aren’t any RV’s in this and it isn’t laugh out loud, but it does suggest cool things to look for in the Northwest.
Aubrey
I spy a Crystal Bible! Love it!
Cheryl
I love seeing people pursue their dreams. Good for you, Mary. My question is regarding personal safety and security. As a woman traveling alone (and without divulging details on the internet that would make you less safe) how did you come up with a safety plan while you are traveling? I know I would worry about my mom if she chose your lifestyle. (My bad!)
Curious Minion
I hope Mary will chime in here, but in the meantime here are some pointers. First, research the place you plan to stop using some of the camping apps that are available. Preferably one that contains reviews by other campers who can give you their honest experience about their stay (or, why they chose NOT to stay!). Second, use your common sense, listen to your gut, and always have an alternate plan. If you pull into an area that looks sketchy, just keep rolling until you find a place that you’re comfortable with staying. I would suggest avoiding overnighting in places like rest stops which can be pretty deserted at night. WalMarts, on the other hand, are often open 24 hours and there are almost always people around and other RVs in the parking lot that you can park close-ish to. And third, use the same precautions you’d take at home. Always lock your door. You can replace outside lights with motion-sensor lights or install something like a Ring Doorbell Camera if you’re nervous. I have also heard of single women who buy a large pair of men’s boots at the thrift store and they keep them outside by the door, along with buying a second lawn chair for lounging. That plants a seed of doubt as to how many people are inside.
But really I wouldn’t worry too much. In 5 years of camping, most of it boondocking in remote areas, there have only been a handful of times that I have run across locations that made me uncomfortable to stop. I think the world in general is safer than it used to be (and there are crime stats to back this up) – it’s just that now the bad stuff gets a lot more publicity than it used to.
Curious Minion
Chris Berlin
Good job helping your mom. I have had 5 diff rv’s in the last 8 yrs and camped 4 mos a year. pull trailers, large 5th wheel. cabover camper and a cool f550 4×4 26ft class C. I came to the conclusion that rv’s are designed by people who never use them!
Only yacht type boats are designed by people who use them. Some designers are smarter than others.
Fay
Congratulations Mary. Last year, we bought a 2020 Thor 24F. The maiden voyage had several problems. Plumbing was loose and caused a small bathroom flood. Shower door wouldn’t close all the way. Battery was bad. The sales people told us this was fairly common with new RV’s. (yikes)! Now that the bugs have been worked out, we are enjoying weekend trips. We look forward to longer adventures when my husband transitions from contract programming to remote jobs. He’s retired Navy, but not ready to stop working. Your van is beautiful. I especially like the water purification upgrade. The Thor was a good choice for us. it fits in 1 and 1/2 spaces on a parking lot, but has lots of room with the slideout. We had it customized. The dealer removed the dinette and replaced it with two recliners. The recliners become our beds when we are at rest stops where we can’t open the slideout. I don’t think we will ever sell our house. It feels too good coming home after an adventure. ☺ I wish you the best on your adventure. We enjoy the GWTW videos. You are excellent videographers. The scenery is beautiful. Your adventures entertaining. Keep up the good work.
Ruth Oppedahl
You go girl! Don’t forget you can make calls on your cell phone if you can borrow internet and have a phone that can do “wifi calling”.
Carol McCarty
Oh my gosh Mary! I am so sorry to hear of all the problems you’ve been dealing with. It’s such a let down to have your hopes up & be looking forward to something only to have things derailed! But I’m afraid those new Airstreams are a “see & be seen vehicle.” We are 1st time RV’ers and bought ours sight unseen except for YouTube! And the sales person didn’t show us anything about the beast (20 ft travel trailer). I was so happy to hear you were able to have all the upgrades done and I know it’s a relief for you. I have a separate mailbox on my phone labeled RV tips. Much of what’s in there are links to “how to” videos by Jason and Nikki. My sons name is Jason as well so how can I go wrong? I have it because if anything ever happens to my husband I’m going Skoolie and building what I want. I don’t want to be floundering for ideas should the day ever come. The only thing I haven’t been able to decide is what kind of dog for protection and company I want. Have you given any thought to composting? Well, enough from me! I wish you a safe and happy journey wherever and however you end up. God bless!!
YDion
Once again, did you see the number of posts here??? Wow, this is phenomenal ! Congrats Mary and many thanks for all of you for sharing all of these tips and adventures; you are indeed very inspirational !
Steve
Hey guys for $125,000 Mary could have had this. Just press a button to lower the jacks and drive away. It has more storage and more tank capacity than the Airstream. She could have had her pick of trucks. Ford, Dodge, or Chevy. And different floor plans. Even a washer dryer combo. Check out the 11.6 Mammoth model and all the features https://www.hostcampers.com/
Michael
Well, that may be, but there are couple things which may have been missed. A camper is much smaller than that van. Second, it is very top-heavy and has a tendency to sway, which is something that some drivers get freaked-out about. Also, gas mileage will suffer in a pickup truck over the van. If money were the option, then even more savings and more customization can be had by doing it yourself or hireing a customization service. Again, not something everyone wants to do. For instance, I think a quarter-million dollars is a huge amount and I would take the latter option. But if you have it, it can be just the ticket.
I do agree with Mary that the Airstream builders are somewhat bone-headed. I am more than a little shocked at their shortsightedness. At least the kids helped overcome some of the shortcomings with their upgrades to the van. Another good upgrade would be to fix the water heater problem with a more appropriate system. Probably something with a small insulated tank to store enough hot water while waiting for the heating system to come up to speed.
Anyway, just my two-cents worth.
Wynne Honsinger
Thanks to all three of you for doing this video! I was very curious Mary as to how you found the Atlas, and how it compared in real use to the Leisure Travel Van options. I have seen a number of videos on both, and comparisons, but, no one pointed out the issues you have. The Airstream and LTV’s seem to be at the top of he heap in Class B plus RV’s. I was disappointed to hear the issues that you pointed out with the Atlas, given that, I think, it is the most expensive RV in this category. As someone above already asked Mary, I am curious as to whether you looked at the Leisure vans, and if so, what considerations played into your decision to go with the Airstream?
Another question Mary, if I may…..I am single, and retired, and have seriously thought of trying van life. After spending the last three summers traveling all across Canada, camping out of my Jeep SUV, I know that I want some additional creature comforts (which require a Bplus RV at a minimum) before I would go back on the road by myself. For me though, the biggest drawback is the fact that, in the end, an RV is a vehicle, and depreciates like one. What were your thoughts on that issue when you were considering this change?
Thank you, and, enjoy!
Wynne
Alan Solomon
It is so nice to see you Mary involved with and enjoying this free life with Nikki and Jason. How cool is that? I always enjoy when you come for visits and are part of video’s because I like to see Nikki and Jason on their adventures as well as others too.
Really neat that you have Jason to make all these needed changes to your van. When Nikki and Jason had their motor home it was never in the shop or maybe it was? That can be difficult, when it’s your mobile home.
If you ever get out to the Southern California Desert known as the Coachella Valley, I can show you where El Paseo Drive is, which some consider the 2nd Rodeo Drive from Beverly Hills in Southern California. Many stores from Rodeo Drive are on El Paseo. I am sure your make-up line will do well there if it is not already there!
Best regards and Safe travels,
Scott Hall Hall
Awesome upgrades!!!! Top of the list and asap next MBZ service….change out the DEF sensor unit!!! they burn out at around 25K miles and the new one will be upgraded. When this unit fails you are dead in the water!!!
Beth Gross
Congratulations Mary on your bold choice to do solo nomadic life. I have been on the road the past 3 years as a single female and I love it. May I suggest in January a trip to Quartzite AZ for the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous. I learned a lot and the community is fantastic.
Mae
Hey Mary…Been following Niki and Jason since they started on land and now on water. Hope to follow you. Lots of things to see and do across the USA. Wishing you the very best in your adventures.
Angelia Wilson
Good for you! Stepping out on your own. Be safe, And think about caring protection if you haven’t. If not go for mace or butcher knife. Also find bug spray that has a good long range spray! My husband and I are boaters like the kids but not as world wide as they are! We look forward to your adventures.
Angelia Wilson
Good for you. Stepping out on your own! We are boaters like the kids. So we have enjoyed all there adventures. Look forward to all of your adventures also.
Debi
I am so excited for you Mary! I have followed Nikki and Jason since they bought their first RV. Never miss an episode!
I have been single for 2 years now and daily look at RVs to do what you are starting to do. I am so proud with you and excited and supportive If I get an RV it will be one on Sprinter chassis and then I would love to meet you on the road sometime. Ya whooo
dyanne
Way to Go Mary! We are in our 70’s and just bought a 4 season TT to hit the road for one last Ultimate RV road trip..You are correct that as you get older “things” are not so important anymore. It’s all about having new experiences and making memories while you can..My biggest challenge as a solo traveler is that i’m pretty directionally impaired..Travel Safe
Mary
Me too! That’s why I have 2 navigation apps!
Tom
Very educational video.
Corinne
Regarding your Truma system, does it have a “comfort mode”? Friends with a Truma in their fifth wheel put it in comfort mode to preheat the water before they turn the shower on, this saving water. But they aren’t sure all Trumas have that made. Good luck.
Roger B
Family matters and you’ve just given us an excellent video demonstrating values of family support. We hope to see more of Mary’s adventures.
Mary
I have great kids, each of them! ❤️
Deborah Kerr
Congratulations Mary!! We have a 2008 Four Winds Siesta 24sa, 25 ft class c on a Sprinter chassis too. It’s easy to drive and park, however we want a solution to getting around sight-seeing without unhooking and we don’t want to toad a car. So we got electric bikes. So far just used them at Gulf Camp Destin, but couldn’t use them to get from the campground in Maine over to Bar Harbor (hilly and narrow road). We are thinking Uber or renting, (but never used Uber before!!). What is your solution, if you have gotten to that point yet! My kids are about J & N age too, and we are so lucky to have helpful children!! So happy for you! You go girl 🦋
Ed Grant
You Go Mary! This lifestyle does indeed come with lots of “buts” and it can be overwhelming at times. Luckily you have a Son who has “been there and done that”, helping you to upgrade the things that should help make traveling in a nice van like yours more fun. IF you want for some security, installing a small safe would be a good thing for keeping small items not easily found by the “No Goodnicks” in this world! I’m sure Jason has thoroughly explained how to drive your van in ways that don’t overwork the mechanicals, such as using the transmission to help brake on hills or downshifting when going up hills. Also, when hooking up to an outside water source, like at an RV park, be sure you have a pressure valve attachment so in the event that the source’s pressure doesn’t blow out any of Your plumbing. My parents traveled many miles in their Class A motor home and loved every moment, you will too!
Mary
Thanks, Ed!
Lucille
She is so fortunate to having you two for all of the help that you gave her. Best wishes for a lot of fun on the road.
Marge Nehlsen
Mary, you are so brave. Isn’t it wonderful to get tips and help from the kids. I am wondering if somewhere along the way you might get a kitty or pup to be your camping buddie. Hàppy trails from a
80 year old Florida gal
Mary
Thank you! Love cats and dogs however, I can finally do things on my own schedule without worrying about getting home. Maybe later, I don’t want it to hold me back from an adventure right now. Even cats require a lot of love and attention. Selfish with my time right now I guess. I’ve worked hard and I’m looking forward to some fun times as long as my body will hold up!
Steve Lamb
Great to see you three together again, this time on land! Mary I was wondering when you sold your bricks and sticks house how you handled capital gains tax? We sold our house to our son last year, who was renting from us, and now it’s time for taxes, thanks ~ Steve and Dorothy Lamb
Mary
I can make just about any skin care or cosmetic. I leave the tax stuff up to my good friend and tax advisor Chelsea Regalado. I’ll ask her when she is in this week,
Floyd and Andie
We’ve been following you guys from “way back”. We really appreciated this video and we really appreciate your honesty. We’re full-timers in a 35 foot Fleetwood and we’ll probably end up adding the water filtration system you’re recommending. We’re also appalled at the conditions of the new RV’s that we’re seeing coming off the assembly line lately. Thank you for being there and keep up the good work! Oh, and go Mary!
Burton Carlisle
Very cool. Go Mom. Have been watching your videos from day one. I’m very close to retirement and am currently looking at Vans and or small RV’s. Have not decided what to buy? I’ll be solo, I’my very interested in your Mom’s van. Love the upgrades you made for her. Does your Mom plan on doing a YouTube channel, Facebook page and or a website. Would be a great learning tool for someone like me who may be living in a Van or small RV one day? Thanks, Burton
Curious Minion
Mary says no way to a YouTube channel – she’s been watching Jason & Nikki for years & says it’s way too much work haha! There’s a link to her IG at the top of the blog post though, so click over & follow her there: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/van-life-mom
Curious Minion
Ed Thompson
Your knowledge and expertise on the practical and technical aspects of RV and sailboat living is extremely impressive. I suspect there is a lucrative career waiting for you consulting with wanna be owners of RV’s and sailboats.
Keep these great stories coming.
Loved the picture of the three of you in bed!!
Barbara
If Mary ever needs a place to park her van in Columbus Ohio let me know she can park for free I even have an outlet that she could plug into outside I’ll just move my trailer back and she can have the space. Good luck
Roy Hardcastle
Picture looks cozy but I will take my cave and my hermit life. My travel is reduced bed room to breakfast room and occasional super market,bank,post office and library. I am happy that my daughter and grand child and his wife have a fantastic relationship. I am blessed that they have the health and strength of their convictions to get off the WORLD. Maybe the rest of population should try this. I am sure there would be needed changes in our relationships with others.
A Proud Grand Father And Dad!
RoyH
Mary
Love you dad! You are one of the sharpest almost 86 year old men I know! I hope I have your sense of humor when I’m your age! 🤪
Jeffery Jasper
Hi Mary, I, like so many others, am enjoying the good life after enjoying the travels of Jason and Nikki. They imparted a sense of I can do this and have! My journey has taken me from rental condos to 5th wheel and now class A motor coach. Never a moment of great just enjoying the journey while meeting so many great folks while dwelling tiny.
Walt R
Whose Honda Clarity is that in the background? I hope it’s only a matter of time until RV makers and customers figure out that using the J1772 standard would allow you to top off your batteries at a public charger before heading off grid. Seems like a desirable option rather than burning more fuel in the engine.
The Murphy bed immediately makes me think of Creativity RV and her recent change in type of RV. It will be interesting to see how Mary’s choices differ or stay the same as her journey evolves.
Jacque Baker
Love this and thought about it too! How does Mary manage working in an office and living on the road? Does she travel far or just the immediate area?
Curious Minion
She works remotely lots of the time I think. From the video it sounds like she spends several days knocking out work, and then a few days adventuring. Mary founded and runs Mineralogie Makeup https://www.mineralogiemakeup.com/ so as the boss she gets a little flexibility. Maybe she’ll chime in here.
Curious Minion
Mary
I hope this isn’t a duplicate post, my internet has been a little sketchy today.
3 weeks is my longest trip which was with Jason and Nikki over the holidays. I hope to do Alaska once I have a little more experience.
My employees do a great job so it allows me time on the road to visit our clients. Each time I go out, I make it a point to stop in and see as many as I can along the way.
Kelley Suttles
Mary, I am just a few years behind you wanting to have the same adventure! I just need to get one more kid out of college and then I will be downsizing and shopping. Did you also look at the Leisure Van’s? I really don’t want a wet bathroom. That’s why I like your Airstream better. I am close to St. Augustine, FL. If you are ever in the area let me know. I’ll cook you a meal and give you laundry privileges 🙂
Kelley
Doug
Vantastic!! Well done Jason, your Mum took a huge leap of faith in buying that RV. and thanks to you, and Nickii, is able to enjoy a whole new chapter in her life.
Go Mary.
Mary
Thanks curious minion! It’s a hard balance I’m just now learning! I have a great crew which makes it easier to leave.
My longest trip was with Jason and Nikki over Christmas into the new year. It was interesting for sure! I quickly learned Sunday Funday is just that. It’s one of the only days they did not work (unless we were filming) so we actually got a day to play.
Three weeks is the longest time so far. I hope to do longer trips this summer.
Pam McClure
Oh how exciting! I don’t have the guts to do this but have dreamed about doing it….I am in awe. Hope to see some adventures. Best to you.
Mary
You can always rent one of those On the Road RV’s and try it out. It’s been fun so far.
Mary NElson
Hi Mary! Do consider this fabulous shower head (link below) which will eliminate the waste of water in the shower between lathering up and rinsing off. Get your warm water once, push in the button and you’ll get a drip which keeps the handle in the on position (and at the temp you want) while you wash up, then flip the button again to return to a stream of water. A lifesaver in a van with small tank. We travel in a similar Leisure Travel Van and this is one of the best upgrades we’ve done. (The best is definitely the cell phone booster – even beats the wifi ranger.)
https://www.amazon.com/Oxygenics-26481-Brushed-Nickel-Shower/dp/B00AZOWSJM
Travel safely and have fun! – Another Mary
Don
That same shower head can be found at wal mart for about 36 dollars
Laura
Video is up! And great story. You are perfect for the road and we are so happy for you! There are so many words of advice out there, and do your research and follow your gut. That is the best thing we have done so far. We are almost three years and on the road full time and Jason and Nikki inspired us to do it. Been following them for a long time now and they feel like family. We will be in Texas for a few weeks in April. I hope the weather is good! And, for you: safe travels! Thank you for sharing this video. As, usual, it is excellent
Mary
Be sure and reach out when you get to town. I have a nice large parking lot at my office if you need somewhere to park.
Gigi
Where is Curiosity? Have you abandoned life on the seas?
Curious Minion
Of course not! At the beginning of the video they explain that she’s on the hard in Tonga for the duration of cyclone (hurricane) season. They’ll be headed back to her very soon and will begin work on bunches of repairs and upgrades, so stay tuned!
Curious Minion
Mady Brown
I have always so enjoyed when Mary joined your travels. Good luck to you Mary. Cant wIt for your YouTube channel. 🤙
Mary
Thank you Mandy! No YouTube for me, I’ve seen how much work that is!
Mary
Thank you! Love cats and dogs however, I can finally do things on my own schedule without worrying about getting home. Maybe later, I don’t want it to hold me back from an adventure right now. Even cats require a lot of love and attention. Selfish with my time right now I guess. I’ve worked hard and I’m looking forward to some fun times as long as my body will hold up!
Amyjo
Keeping this email. We’re several years away from retirement, but want to get started in a van like Mary’s. Haven’t found the Atlas available yet, don’t k is why, but saw similar from Leisure Travel and continue to do our research. Thanks for the infinite lessons, Wynns
Chris Hawthorne
I loved this! Wishing you all the best. Thank you so much for honestly sharing the negative aspects of the airstream; those are things I never would have thought of!
Pam
We have a very long (35) tow behind that we adore, but we upsized from a 25 C class after 2 years spent learning what worked for us. Seems like no one ever gets their first RV right, your not alone on the learning curve. We are surprised about Not Having a table which appears to Be hard to work from. But we like how there is a three person conversation area using the sofa and spin around passenger seat. The hint on the larger battery is something we will look in to buying.
How does the wifi extender thing work? If we go somewhere where you need buy a wifi code for each device, can we buy one code and then link the extender to the service , then link our devices to our extender?
i love solo Camping and the cozy feel of a small van sounds just wonderful. Happy travels.
Loggenrock
Another “B+” traveler here! Airstream should know better than that… You should be able to fairly easily add Grabber catches – just google RV Drawer Latches – that’s what I use in our Coachmen. Maybe for the shower you can swap shower heads to an Oxygenics – they come with a “trickle” flow, so even when “off” there is still a dribble of water, vs full on. That may be enough to convince the hot water heater to stay on. Otherwise, a more involved fix is the recirculating system. Check out https://aquaviewinc.com/rv/ – returns clean water to the fresh tank until it is hot. Good luck with your travels!
Liisa OMaley
Go Mary!!! I forwarded this video to a neighbor who bought our Serenity LTV van 2015….he upgraded it in ways we would have never thought of….and it might be more upgrades but the best is leveling with his PHONE!!!! I’ve been watching Nikki and Jason for 6 years now. You are always welcome to park on our ranch in Taos, 6 acres, flat parking space and plug inns, etc . WE live just 1.5 miles from the plaza with views of the Sangre de Cristos….if you happen to drive to Taos….Keep on trusting your heart. Warmly, Liisa
Gin Blische
Hi Mary! Congratulations on your new adventure. I will be watching to see how you fare. Best Wishes and Safe Travels! Gin B – Florida
Angela
Ok I can’t seem to find the name of the clear sticky tape you used to keep the coffee maker in place. I’ve looked under your gear and skim posts. Can you please tell me.
Thanks
Curious Minion
It’s actually in the blog post. Don’t forget that buying your tape through this link won’t cost you a penny extra and will throw a little something into the GWTW sailing kitty. https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/road-trip-hometown
Thanks for being a part of the virtual crew!
Curious Minion
Michael Larkin
What a lady, brave & beautiful. happy travels. Well done to Jason for all of his expert advice.
Dave
Hey… Always luv visiting with mary… Cant wait to see some of her travel videos… Hope you enjoyed a nice visit with her and you cant get much closer than piling in a murphy bed… Cute! Safe travels mary😊
Don
I cracked up when I saw the picture of the three of you in bed. It could have been worse mom could have been between you and Jason. Have fun
Boyd Smith
Go Mary. What a cool Mom. You are so lucky to have the help of experts.
Mary
It’s, I am! I don’t think they knew what they were in for!
Michael Laudenslager
Loved it! Good luck Mary! Those are some stellar upgrades! Mr and Mrs W… I am tempted to use the cover photo as my desktop background. LOL. (the picture actually made me laugh out loud). Safe travels Jason’s Mom.
Erica
Mine says “Null. If the owner of this video has granted you access, please sign in.” but no place to sign in…
Curious Minion
We had some issues with the Daylight Savings Time thing this morning. Some software/servers compensate for it and others didn’t. You’d think they could standardize that or something haha.
Curious Minion
KathyP
Same here. No video.
Mary
It came through for me. Please try again.
Peggy Wheeler
Can’t see the video. It says it’s private.
Curious Minion
We had some issues with the Daylight Savings Time thing this morning. Some software/servers compensate for it and others didn’t. You’d think they could standardize that or something haha.
Curious Minion
Lisa Bee
Oh no! It says I can’t watch, “Video unavailable. Video is private”! Please repost!
Curious Minion
We had some issues with the Daylight Savings Time thing this morning. Some software/servers compensate for it and others didn’t. You’d think they could standardize that or something haha.
Curious Minion