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ThisVantasticLife
United States
Registrace 20. 02. 2012
Hi! We're Brian and Jessica, a recently retired couple in our late 50's who love traveling the US and Canada in our 2018 Dodge Promaster conversion van. We have been to all 50 states and 9 provinces in our lifetime, as well as 60 of the 63 national parks. Our non-vanlife ventures have taken us to over 25 countries worldwide. While we are far from professionals, we began vlogging our travels in 2019 for family and friends and hope that you will like us enough to subscribe so that we can grow our channel.
Episode 75: See Rock City
Last December, we traveled in our van to Chattanooga TN and stopped just over the border on top of Lookout Mountain in Georgia at the very touristy Rock City Gardens. For miles around on the highway, all you see are these "See Rock City" billboards advertising the place, so we fell victim to the marketing and stopped in to see what all the fuss was about. Much to our delight, this tourist trap was so quirky and whimsical that we actually had a great time enjoying it. We walked the 3/4 mi path through various rock formations to the top of Lover's Leap where you can see (on a clear day) seven different states and the amazing High Falls waterfall. Then we continued on the path through the Fat Man's Squeeze and Hall of the Mountain King to the loveable Fairyland Caverns, which has a replica of almost any nursery rhyme you can imagine. It was a fun way to spend a couple of hours and to travel back into the land of fantasy and imagination.
zhlédnutí: 9
Video
Episode 74: I Drove All the Way Across America So You Don’t Have To
zhlédnutí 49Před dnem
This past summer, my wife and I traveled cross country in our Dodge Promaster conversion van. We were on the road for 53 days and covered 14,559 miles, going to 26 states and 3 Canadian provinces and 12 national parks along the way. In this vlog, I combine dashcam videos of the changing landscape on the open road with still photography of the major destinations, accompanied by music. Join us as...
Episode 73: Das Awkscht Fescht: One of the Largest Antique Automobile Shows in the Country
zhlédnutí 844Před měsícem
Wilkommen to the 61st annual das Awkscht Fescht, a three-day antique automobile show in the Macungie Memorial Park held annually on the first weekend in August. The show dates back to 1964 when brothers George and Bob Wendling, local auto shop owners, held their first car show in Pennsylvania Dutch country and decided to give it a German-sounding name that loosely translates to the August Festi...
Episode 72: The Scenic Columbia River Gorge: From Waterfall Alley to Mt Hood
zhlédnutí 38Před měsícem
Today we take our van from Portland Oregon east about 50 miles through the Columbia River Gorge and Waterfall Alley past the Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery to Mt Hood and the beautiful Trillium Lake and Lavender valley Farms. Along the way, we stop at the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint for stunning vistas of the Columbia River Gorge and the unique Vista House at Crown Point. Th...
Episode 71: 43rd Annual New Holland Classic Car Show
zhlédnutí 276Před měsícem
Today we stay local and show you the New Holland Classic Car Show in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. My dad has been taking his antique cars to this show for several decades now and I always enjoy going with him and listening to him talk about cars, something I know absolutely nothing about. This is literally his wheelhouse and he can identify a car and its unique features after just the briefe...
Episode 70: The Oregon Coast Is Insanely Beautiful
zhlédnutí 327Před měsícem
We travel the length of the Oregon coast in our conversion van from Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor in the south all the way north to Astoria and the bridge to Washington state. In this video, I will show you the insanely beautiful Oregon coast, featuring Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor, Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor and Pistol River, Port Orford and Battle Rock, Bandon Beach, ...
Episode 69: The Stunning Canadian Rockies
zhlédnutí 374Před měsícem
In this episode, we spend four days in the Canadian Rockies in our conversion van, exploring Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes national parks spanning the Continental Divide that separates Alberta and British Columbia provinces. The Canadian national park system is very organized with extensive guide pamphlets and maps. However, it is also very crowded. You will find hordes of p...
Episode 68: Bodie, CA: America's Best Genuine Gold-Mining Ghost Town
zhlédnutí 207Před 2 měsíci
In this episode, we visit the ghost town of Bodie, a national historical landmark and a state historical park located about an hour north of Mammoth Lakes, CA on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The town was named after W.S. Bodey, who discovered gold in the hills near Mono Lake. While traveling back for supplies, he was caught in a blizzard and died. The town was named after hi...
Episode 67: Moab's Best Kept Secret is the Hike to Corona Arch
zhlédnutí 31Před 3 měsíci
Many people travel to the Moab Utah area for a good adventure. It's also the basecamp town for both Arches and Canyonlands national parks, two of the mighty five national parks that make up a typical Utah travel itinerary. But after visiting the parks and hiking out to Delicate Arch or watching the sun rise at Mesa Arch in Canyonlands, be sure to travel west out Utah Rt 279 about ten miles to t...
Episode 66: Instagram vs Reality: Our Complete Guide to Havasu Falls
zhlédnutí 773Před 3 měsíci
Fresh off early retirement, your favorite 50-something vanlife couple heads West for another epic cross country trip. First major destination was Havasu Falls on the Havasupai Indian Reservation int he Grand Canyon. We were lucky enough to score a permit in the Feb 1 lottery system for 2024 with the dates May 21-May 24. In this episode, we will show you all the usual Instagram spots int he Supa...
Episode 65: The Difference Between a Total and a Partial Solar Eclipse is Literally Night and Day
zhlédnutí 122Před 4 měsíci
One of the greatest experiences of my life has been the opportunity to witness not just one, but two, total solar eclipses in the US. I drove to Oak Ridge, TN for the eclipse in August, 2017 and to Shelburne, VT for this most recent solar eclipse in April, 2024. I've seen partial solar eclipses in the past, but there truly is nothing like witnessing the moment of totality! In the blink of an ey...
Episode 64: My Annual Pilgrimage to the Cherry Blossom Festival
zhlédnutí 75Před 5 měsíci
Every year I make a point to head down south to the Cherry Blossom Festival in our Nation's Capitol, Washington DC in late March. The Cherry Blossom Festival runs for three weeks and includes hundreds of performances, fireworks, a kite flying contest, a parade, and a pink tie dinner. We always take the Metro in from New Carrolton station and then get off at the Smithsonian stop on the orange li...
Episode 63: William Penn's Holy Experiment
zhlédnutí 774Před 5 měsíci
On March 10, 2024, we visited two of Pennsylvania's historical sites for free on Charter Day, which commemorated the 343rd anniversary of the founding of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On March 4, 1681, King Charles II granted William Penn a charter to the land in the New World between the 39th and 42nd parallel west of the Delaware River by 5 degrees longitude in order to pay off debt he ow...
Episode 62: Surviving the Winter in Pennsylvania
zhlédnutí 78Před 5 měsíci
Living in the Northeast can be a drag sometimes in the winter months; but here are some of the things that we look forward to every winter in our home state of Pennsylvania: (1) Mifflinburg's Christkindl Market, (2) the PA Farm Show, (3) the annual snow geese migration at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, (4) Lititz's Fire and Ice Festival, (5) the Amish mud sales, and (6) the Philadelphia...
Episode 61: All My Exes Live in Texas: A Vanlife Vlog in the Lone Star State
zhlédnutí 85Před 7 měsíci
Following a trip to New Orleans for New Year's Eve, we headed even farther south to the Lone Star state of Texas for six days in early January 2024. Our first stop was free boondocking right on the beach at Magnolia Beach, TX. We then drove inland to San Antonio to see the Alamo, the famous River Walk, and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. We continued even farther deep in the ...
Episode 60: We Spent NYE Camping in a Van By the River in New Orleans and This Is What It Was Like
zhlédnutí 73Před 7 měsíci
Episode 60: We Spent NYE Camping in a Van By the River in New Orleans and This Is What It Was Like
Episode 59: Fall Foliage Adventures in Pennsylvania
zhlédnutí 89Před 10 měsíci
Episode 59: Fall Foliage Adventures in Pennsylvania
Episode 58: The Stunningly Beautiful Scottish Highlands
zhlédnutí 214Před rokem
Episode 58: The Stunningly Beautiful Scottish Highlands
Episode 57: Best of Edinburgh (Top Ten Things You Have to See)
zhlédnutí 100Před rokem
Episode 57: Best of Edinburgh (Top Ten Things You Have to See)
Episode 56: How To Plan the Perfect Trip to Ireland
zhlédnutí 132Před rokem
Episode 56: How To Plan the Perfect Trip to Ireland
Episode 53: Biking Through History: The Battle Road From Lexington to Concord
zhlédnutí 102Před rokem
Episode 53: Biking Through History: The Battle Road From Lexington to Concord
Episode 52: Nostalgic World War II Weekend and Air Show
zhlédnutí 1,1KPřed rokem
Episode 52: Nostalgic World War II Weekend and Air Show
Episode 51: The Covered Bridges of Lancaster County: How To See All 27 in a Single Day
zhlédnutí 233Před rokem
Episode 51: The Covered Bridges of Lancaster County: How To See All 27 in a Single Day
Episode 50: My Trip to the Civil War Battlefields of the Western Theater
zhlédnutí 125Před rokem
Episode 50: My Trip to the Civil War Battlefields of the Western Theater
Episode 49: Whitaker Point, the Best Hike in the Ozarks
zhlédnutí 163Před rokem
Episode 49: Whitaker Point, the Best Hike in the Ozarks
Episode 48: What on Earth is an Amish Mud Sale?
zhlédnutí 13KPřed rokem
Episode 48: What on Earth is an Amish Mud Sale?
Episode 47: Civil War Battlefields of the Eastern Theater: A Vanlife Odyssey
zhlédnutí 161Před rokem
Episode 47: Civil War Battlefields of the Eastern Theater: A Vanlife Odyssey
Episode 46: In Search of the Florida Manatee
zhlédnutí 57Před rokem
Episode 46: In Search of the Florida Manatee
❤beautiful. Thank you
What an awesome experience for you and your wife. I loved how video turned out - just so many beautiful photos and videos. The footage of the bear playing with the cub was amazing too. So sweet.
Thanks. The mama bear and her cub playing was definitely a highlight!
Nice video
Thank you. I appreciate your support
Great video, however, you forgot to mention what a great swap meet they used to have. That was a great attraction and now you don't even promote it or have whatever vendors are there near the show field so people can check it out Been a vendor for over 30 years and unless the layout changes, this will be my last year.
@@danielklein9855 I am not affiliated with the show. I am just a spectator. But my dad says he used to love walking the swap meet.
@@thisvantasticlife Your dad and every other attending hobbyist were treated to a swap meet that was almost as good as Hershey. Hope you enjoyed the show.
I live in Farmington. I need to get out more.
Oregon coast is a total gem 💎
It must be nice to live so close to it
Great informative video. Thanks for sharing 🎯
Glad it was helpful!
Ah, these are amazing views. This coastline is impressive. We hope to make it to the pacific NW on one of our next trips. Thanks for sharing. 👍🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed it and I hope you can see it for yourself
It really does look impressive.
Ah what an amazing scenery. The road trip through the Canadian Rockies is wonderful and a long time on our bucket list. Thanks for sharing. 👍🙂
Amazing! Vaguely reminds me of Acadia in Maine but after a few moments you realize it's vastly different. I need to see this in person.
You should! While I’m not a professional CZcamsr you might want to check out some of my older travel vlogs because I have been to a lot of very beautiful places in the US. You’ll probably really like the one on Monument valley.
This looks like a fantastic trip. All of these parks are on my list that I hope to visit one day. Beautiful photos and footage!!
It’s a shame that our tax dollars aren’t sufficient to pay for that policing.
Those fees, which are sometimes called nuisance fees, are put in place to keep the riffraff out. I once went to a National Forest in SC with no fees and ten campsites. There were these two women who occupied most of the sites with extra tents and who would harass newcomers into leaving. A reasonable fee would stop this behavior.
Not anymore new rules say you can only camp were they let you in designated sites and you must pay for the sites
We did this hike some time ago and it was wonderful. Much less crowded than Arches itself, but no less impressive. We had to opt for this hike as Arches National Park was full and closed for the day. 👍🙂
Get up early and you can get into arches without a reservation. Added benefit is to see Delicate Arch at sunrise. But Corona Arch we had to ourselves.
This is a wonderful place, and we would like to do this hike one day in the near future. This is great information and a great help for planning. 👍🙂
You have to do it! Lottery opens Feb 1 next year. Mark your calendar.
What site # was your pick in Tuscarora? Ricketts Glen is my favorite also.
God, I can’t remember that far back
i fell asleep twice trying to watch this
I’m trying to get Folgers coffee to sponsor my videos so this is exactly what I was going for
This looks awesome. I wish I knew about this when I was in Moab a few years ago. This trail doesn't appear to have any of the crowds you can have on the trails at Arches.
Stunning place! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks for watching
I just want you to know how much I enjoyed this. This has been on my husband and I's bucket list. It was great to hear it from your perspective and all the challenges. I agree with you though, still looks so worth it! Also, well done to you and your wife. That cannot have been an easy hike in the sun and heat.
Thanks! I hope it will inspire you to go there sometime!
Beautiful views!
That's amazing that you got to see two total solar eclipses. Enjoyed looking at your video footage. I heard you say you are trying to grow your channel. Not sure how you feel about CZcams shorts. I have a video on my channel page that you might find helpful. It's about tips and tricks for using CZcams shorts to grow your channel. The short videos have helped us pick up lots of new subscribers.
Thanks for the tips. I watched your episode.
Thanks for posting this film... Such lovely and historic buildings - great examples of what America once was...
Thanks for watching/subscribing!
My German ancestors arrived in Pennsylvania around 1680. But my ancestors were Jewish.
I imagine they were probably also seeking religious freedom
robot talking
Thanks for the feedback
I've never been there while the trees are blooming so I enjoyed seeing it through your video.
Appreciate your support! You should go next year! Watch the NPS website for the bloom watch to find the best time to go.
The fishing is really good at Ohiopyle too.
What kind are you catching there?
@@thisvantasticlife trout. I live 10 miles from there and fly fish Meadow Run and smaller tribs.
Correction: PA was founded in 1681 not 1861, please forgive my dyslexia
Great video. I think I'd love the farm show and the ice festival.
If you’re from PA you should definitely go next year!
I really wanna go here.
Thanks for the video ... have you seen the Chic Chocs mountains ( the Rockies of the east ) ? Quebec is underrated and BC + Alberta overrated.
Thanks for watching! We love Canada, east and west.
Wholeheartedly agree! Same with Newfoundland - it is a place well-worth visiting...
New Orleans looks like a great place to visit for New Years Eve. It looked so fun with all the music and just very festive. Great fireworks display over the river too.
Yeah it was so much fun to get away from the cold for NYE and NOLA wasn't nearly as crazy as I thought it would be!
My name is Zach Johnson, I'm 29 from New Preston Connecticut. I was born November 10th which is the Marine Corps Birthday and that also happens to be the exact same Birthday as Sergeant Michael Strank, one of the Flag Raisers that helped lift the second Flag on Mount Suribachi 🇺🇲 My dream is to portray Pfc. Ira Hamilton Hayes for WW2 Living History/Re-enacting so I can tell his story. I've connected with him on such a personal/cultural level that I feel as though we're cut from the same cloth as far as him being Native North American Pima & I'm Native South American Brazilian, we both feel deeply/strongly about people and things, telling the truth, being proud of who we are, and never forgetting where we come from. It's also my dream to finally participate in a re-creation of The Iwo Jima Flag Raising because after having seen that iconic photograph as well as many re-creations of it through films, I really want to participate in one of the most historical moments in Marine Corps History. My main mission is to do Ira & his family, the other Flag Raisers, and all the Marines who fought and died on Iwo Jima justice 🐺🦅
All I have to do is walk out my door and BOOM there I am LOL In fact, I just saw my house when you stopped at the Strudel tent!
Looking forward to visiting with my family this year! Never been.
Beautiful fall colors in this video. You showed me some new places I have never been before. Pine Grove Furnace state park looked great.
Thanks! The Pole Steeple Trail in Pine Grove is great because it is only 1.0 mile to the summit and the climb is not that challenging compared to the reward of the views. Nice lake to go swimming in the summertime too.
It's pronounced like Kinzoo. Drop the A
Thanks. I did not know that.
Free is now $10 per night and Reserve America
Yes, I mentioned that in my updated comments below the video and in another YT (episode 41) that I linked to. If you are as mad about this as I am please write to DCNR. The address is in the comments section of Episode 41.
Incredible. Looks like the type of place I'd love - lots of beautiful areas to walk and hike.
I can’t say often enough how I appreciate your support of the channel
So beautiful!!
Mel!
Nice video keep up the good work
Thank you for the encouragement
If you can't be bothered to pronounce names properly don't bother.
Dreamy! I love the drone footage and your fabulous soundtracks .
Pumpkin strudel is amazing!
You aren’t wrong!
I drive 3 hours to go most years, amazing!!! Love the market!!
It really sounds like a perfect 24 hours. Floating in the creek looked so relaxing.
Really like seeing all the different stops you made on your travels to Cape Cod. This video will be so helpful to anyone planning a vacation there.
Thank you so much!
Love those drone shots!!
Thanks Payel