SOLO AND 65, My Mom On Van Life After 4 Years
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- čas přidán 14. 08. 2024
- Jason’s mom (Mary) boldly decided to sell everything and ditch her city apartment for Van Life. It has been a drastic downsizing and a huge lifestyle change for a single and a non-retired 65-year-old.
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WE’RE JASON AND NIKKI WYNN. A couple of modern-day documentarians, perpetual travelers, and seekers of tall tales.
We’ve been chasing our curiosity around the world on wheels and keels since 2011. Why? Because curiosity is the key to unlocking life. It pushes us outside our comfort zone, softens our assumptions, and helps us embrace the great unknown. The more we let our curiosity lead the way, the more we discover about ourselves and the world around us.
Our home is also our transportation and we spend weeks away from civilization and sometimes land. Self-reliance and living a sustainable lifestyle are a must. It's all about managing our resources and we’re always looking for new and better ways to do so.
We've lived off the grid for over 10 years now in everything from a Van to RV to a Sailboat. And over time we have learned a lot about renewable energy, creating safe drinking water, and managing our waste.
Our journey is ever-evolving but the mission remains the same: #CultivateCuriosity
Timestamps if you like to Jump Around:
00:00 Mom’s House - Full Time VanLife
00:56 Best Exterior Features (Airstream Atlas)
04:17 Vans Break and RVs have Issues
06:04 What is it Like Being a Solo Female Traveler at 65?
07:28 How to Balance Working and Full-Time VanLife
09:09 Is There Enough Living Space in a Van?
10:45 Amazing Hide-Away Murphy Bed
12:53 Fancy Pop-Up TV, Fridge, Oven/Microwave
13:31 What’s Your Favorite Space in the RV?
13:59 Busted Shower & A Beautiful Bathroom
16:28 The Impossible Pantry
17:42 Is it Difficult to Learn How to Live VanLife?
21:00 Biggest Mistakes from VanLife
22:35 Tech - Batteries, Lightning, Water, Engine, Solar
24:43 Repairs, Oil Changes & Becoming Handy around the Van
26:17 Struck by Lightning in a Van
27:58 The BIGGEST Road Trip: ALASKA
29:34 Follow Mom’s Adventure @Marys_Van
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#BoatLife #Catamaran #TravelVlog #DigitalNomad #LifeStyle #Sailboats
© Gone With the Wynns 2023
Loved Jason hugging his mom at the end. I would give many things to be able to hug my mom again. I'm not crying, you're crying!!! Really enjoyed this vlog. Thx!
Me too!
Ditto
Ditto
Ahhh, you'll see her again, Jesus Loves you, he's hugging you
OMG... me toooooooo 😢
Your mum looks amazing for 65 and you really do look like her.
Now it makes so much sense why Jason and Nikki are great partners, Mary is also a strong, intelligent woman and that's what Jason knows
I wouldn’t want to go up against Nikki, I would probably lose. She is probably a lot stronger just for the record!
You can just see how proud Jason is of his mom! Very touching💕
Thank your mom for inspiring all us independent women to not be afraid of rv solo travel.
Lost my partner last year, he took care of all the mechanics and driving on our rv travels; that I grew to love.
After his passing, thought my rv travels were done, but now...I may just get on the road, this summer and brave emptying a holding tank...ugh.
Wish me luck...and again,
HUGE THANKS.
GWTW's is a fave...can't wait to see where your new cat takes you... appreciate your respect of indigenous cultures.
Don't be afraid! You CAN do it! It won't be the same, but as we grow, all things change. You will find challenges, but I suspect you know more than you realize! Start off with a few shorter trips first so you can get your bearings again. I know you will find a way to return to what you enjoy in this new life of yours! Good luck, and best wishes in your future journeys!!
1) Your mom is beautiful inside and out. 2) Your mom's so brave and such an inspiration. 3) Your mom's voice is so soothing to listen to. 4) I love how you, your mom & Nikki seem like such good friends. 5) I love how you all support each other! Great video.
They are some of my best friends!
I traveled solo for 3 years. In the final year I learned to take a lunch break and double check my plans for overnight stays. It made a big difference.
What a great video! Your mom is so amazing and inspiring. I love that she is still learning and living her dreams.
Jason your mom Mary is 1 cool lady and I know you're very proud of her as you should be.
Mary is a great inspiration to all us seniors. Way to go Mary.
Mom's new mobile home becomes a learning process with experiences she will take into her next RV home purchase. Hopefully, Airstream makes improvements based on the issues Mom has experienced.😊
Jason looks so much like his mom, even if you didn't know either of them, if you saw them together you would know them as mother and son. Great video!
There is now a recirculating feature available for showers that dumps those two minutes of cold water back into the fresh water tank so you aren’t losing water waiting for it to get hot.
Oh what a tender moment at the end, there. So much love to share! Thank you, all!!
I could use a few more of those hugs about now!
Jason!! I adore the way you watch your mom while she’s talking!! you can see your love and admiration and respect for her….priceless♥️♥️
Mary, you and your sons and their families are all amazing and you all share yourselves publicly on social media! Thank you so much for being so awesome!
Mary, You really are an adventurous and cool Lady! My Mom was too, She learned to drive an 18 wheeler so she could team drive with my Dad. She was only 59 when she accomplished this. She was a hard working, fun loving, wonderful woman and I miss her every day. You remind me a lot of her, where nothing holds you back from achieving your dreams. I love that and am trying to instill that in my daughter. Jason and Nicki, I love how you support and proudly love Mother Mary in her goals, that is such a beautiful show of love and faith! Keep on doing this great experience, it will inspire others to drop their fears and feed their dreams!
Great video! So great to “meet” your mom! Cherish every minute with her. Always say I LOVE YOU. Lost my dad suddenly on his 81st birthday. My last words the day before was “I Love you dad, talk to you tomorrow “. My mom is 85 this year and she will be at the helm again when she comes up to NY. Thanks SO much for sharing your mom with us!!
💙💛💙
What a fantastic video. The three of you are awesome. Congrats, Mary. I hope you have the time of your life in Alaska. Thanks for sharing.
Planning on it!
Your mom is so brave.
Not really. I just do it.
Beautiful seeing Jason's mom RVing and vibrant at 65! Such a role model! Loved this video!
Really nice to get to know Mary, what an inspiration! I love that she’s hitting life head on, enjoying every opportunity and creating new adventures and challenges. Just followed on Instagram and looking forward to seeing your Alaska journey ☺️✨✨
I love your mom's spirit. What a sweet video.
Mother and son are both great ! And of course the camera-woman ! A very happy family altogether !
Telescoping ladders are small and easy to carry. Perhaps a small one would be a good solution for mom- if she has the space.
You're absolutely right 👍
I was thinking the same thing..
WE EPICALLY THANK YALL WYNNS FOR THIS UPDATE. More than the van life, the fact that many of us on your channel ask about Mary! I had even heard in a forum of the lightning 🌩 strike and the aid from Dauntless. With such a sweet person like your mother, I would find it hard to leave. Thanks again for the show with Mary. Also, as always, thank you, Wynns for excellent programs.
Oh, gosh, I just loved this video about your mom, a fellow Mary. I saw your first video about her years ago after I got my first RV. I was 67. I bought a fancy PleasureWay Lexor. Like your mom, I was afraid to use the generator for a year. Even though the van came with Lithium batteries, there wasn't enough solar on the roof and the fridge (which was smaller than hers) kept depleting the electricity. But I traveled coast to coast, and saw all the National Parks in the northern Continental US except Teddy Roosevelt. I loved that your mom stays stylish and fit and lively. So many solo-women-rvers let themselves go to pot. It's great she is going to Alaska now. I'm 72 now and spending more time with my grandkids, so long trips are harder to take. With the slide-out, your mom's van is definitely big enough. On the backroads of California near me, it would be too big. But I'm a weekender. Go girl. Thanks so much for this video Jason and Nicki
Mary, my best friend and I drove from So. Calif. to Alaska in 1975 in a Ford Pinto Runabout. We camped the whole way there and back. You can do this and you're going to love it! Wishing you safe travels and memorable journey's ahead. I'm doing van life as well, couldn't be happier.
I’m glad your Mom is doing well. I hope she enjoys her Alaska trip.
The family resemblance is astonishing, what a beautiful woman
Thank you!!
Jason your mom is going on a great adventure I wish her all the best and a fantastic trip with minimal breakdowns or trouble.
Jason needs to install water recirculating loops for the hot water circuits. Basically just a tee with a solenoid valve to return water to the main tank.
❤ your mom. RVing as a senior it’s tough. Me and my wife traveled with an RV for about three years. We had to give it up. The most difficult part for us was setting up when we arrived somewhere, you are so tired from the drive and just want a hot shower and a bed.
Jason, love your mom! She’s a riot.
It was fun to watch Jason interact with his Mom in the video. He is so very patient and caring throughout. It's clear how much he loves and respects her. Nice van too.
He is a sweet young man. Him and Nikki have both been really patient with my technical challenges!
What a lovely lady you two have for a mom and mom-in-law. And I related so much with her being technically challenged. I could see myself just staring at a broken part for better part of 3 days before I would tell myself .. hey little girl .. staring at this part isn't going to get it fixed.
Bigfoot on the left @20:00
This lifestyle is in your blood. Beautiful 65 years young Momma! You are brave and beautiful. Congratulations!
I just got around to watching this great video! I’ve been following Jason and Nikki’s adventures since their RVing days, but as we are airstreamers ourselves, I was fascinated by Mary’ s experiences! We have a travel trailer(25 foot Flying Cloud) that I can drive, but rarely do, and of course I’m impressed by all that Mary can accomplish in her solo journeys. The Atlas looks like a wonderful option for solo-ing! We have always depended on our Airstream community for companionship and support along the road…going solo must be just a huge leap…brava Mary!
One nitpick about the video…in an RV, as in a boat, many of the things-broken latches, shower doors failing, etc., are a function of the fact that all of these things that you’re used to depending on in a house, apartment, etc., are exposed to motion! Whether it’s waves or bumpy roads, there inevitably “a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on”, and that can lead to stuff breaking! In my mind, it’s a miracle that so much actually works!!
I would totally do this! Way to go Mary!!! Enjoy the journey.
Buy her a current year milepost guide. Mudflaps behind all tires keeps the paint safe. Anchorage farmers market is a must. Enjoy the drive Mary. Good travels.
I just turned 65 myself, and started my journey, Mary You Got this!!
Mary is SO cool! What an inspiring story that she saw how you and Nikki were traveling and decided to do it on her own. Bravo Mary! We hope to see you out on the road someday from two more 65 year olds who are out exploring and adventuring this amazing country in their van.
Diesel water heating and room heating is surely the best as you already have diesel tanks. One litre of diesel equals 10kWh of stored energy (1 gallon equals 37kkWh, ~3.7kg) a big lithium battery (might be 5kWh weighing ~60kg), . A single average house shower uses about 4kWh, a fast efficient shower you could probably do 0.5 kWh shower (boiling 1 liter of water uses about 0.1kWh). You can buy units that both heat water and rooms.
Have a good time Mary. I am amazed at your courage and sense of adventure. I hope you have a wonderful trip to Alaska, Have a great Birthday too!
Like mother, like son. She is fearless and adventurous! Pioneering! Blessing to her for her inspiration the travel.
Jason- I love your mom!! We are like minded people… I love my friends and family, but equally love seeing them go! 😅 I love my solitude! I am typically never lonely, but I’m 58 and still working full time so my alone time is very precious to me!! Love your channels! ❤
What a trooper your mom is! We live in the PNW (Washington) and would love to share our beauty with Mary. Great interview and think this is why we own a Unity LTV.
If we are ever able to travel again, I think the best way would be a maximum of about 5-6 hours per day, done for the day by 3 or 4 pm--and not every day!! Ony 2 or 3 days travel in a row, then at least 2 nights in one place before moving on. Why go places if you're just driving through everywhere and never seeing any of it? That's what we've done in the past and I don't want to do that again!
Good update on your Mother's RV adventure. I hope she posts something after she gets back from Alaska.
We’ve been full time for a year and a half now thanks to inspirational people like you! It’s a steep learning curve in the beginning, but we love it! Definitely have to be able to “go with the flow” when stuff pops up. That’s the main thing I’ve had to learn! 😂
Awww love mama Wynn!!❤💜💗
Your mother is AWESOME! What an outstanding, energetic, and enterprising, independent and intelligent lady! Oh, if I were single I would be chasing after her! Thank you for this fantastic video. I was once in outside sales for a metals company calling on 8-12 accounts each day that were scattered from the Louisiana/Texas border down to the US/Mexico border so I can appreciate your seeing clients along the way.
Good to see your mum is doing great.
Props to your mom. No way could I survive with a malfunctioning radio. Especially when driving. It seems almost like there is a bad ground causing the static issue. As far as the sound level, adding an amplifier would probably cure that problem. Shame the manufacturer/dealer couldn’t solve that problem for her. The Alaska trip sounds like fun.
I am ready for music. I get fixed next week!
4 YEARS! Where did the time go? It doesn't feel it has been 4 years. I feels more like 2, when I watched Jason's mom get her van. Great video, glad she is doing so well and enjoying most of it.
Mom is a sweet heart, love her, thanks for the share.
FANTASTIC VIDEO!!!
I've been watching you guys since you were terrestrial travelers, then your transition to Maritime traveling ..
I have to admit, I was really into your class A👌 and the class you brought to it..👍
Then the catamaran?????
"What's This???!!!!🤨😯"
Again you guys brought integrity into a totally new platform 😎...
You guys hooked me into something that was never on my radar of discoveries..
For that, I'm eternally grateful🙏
Look forward to seeing many more of your videos😎 Wishing I could meet you guys in person, but if I did, I would just be in mental shock and would just be a rambling fan...
Thank you Mary!!!
You and your van is incredible👍
Safe traveling and
amazing discoveries.......
Wow! What a cool Mom. Listening to her was like deja vu all over again. My wife and I hit the road in 30' foot motorhome and spent 7 years full timing. We had a bed that hid away in the ceiling, which made our livingroom into our bedroom at night. Great use of space, you get a nicer bathroom and living space because of that. When we got bored with travel, we would take a job with either the forest service or park service. Our most fun time was when we were caretakers at the Keys Ranch in Joshua Tree National Park. It was like having a million dollar ranch all to ourselves. P.S. the Park Service (we used to do the tours) do tours at the Keys Ranch if you get to southern California . Just don't go in the summer. Good luck to you Mary, and Jason and Nikki.
Hello Nikki & Jason! That was really nice to see your Mom. Wish you could have more time together. I hope she has a wonderful Alaskan vacation. Sure is a beautiful place!
We have the same floor plan in Leisure Travel Van. Ours is older without a bunch of the bells and whistles that your rig has. Thank you for the reminder that having bells and whistles does not always make our life easier. Our rig has had minimal maintenance issues even though it is a 2015. Kudos to you for your stick to it-ness and willingness to keep on going regardless of the challenges. You are a wonderful role model. Happy travels!
I was so glad to see your mom again! I am a solo van woman of 77 and I was wondering how she was doing with van life.
What an interesting life! To be a nomad and run a business from her RV and see and experience this continent in real time. Love this video! Thank you for sharing! All the best to you and you family!
Your mom is great! I’ve done The Yukon and Alaska twice by myself. Everyone told me to buy the book, but I might suggest to not bother, exactly for the reason you pointed out. When you’re solo, there is no one in the passenger seat to say, “hey make a left up there there’s something interesting“. You think you might look at the book each night, but who wants to pour over a book, when you’re somewhere so beautiful! The beauty of solo though, is that there’s no negotiation. If want to do something, you do it. Two suggestions… there is a brewery/distillery in Whitehorse you shouldn’t miss. Also, if you want to go to Denali, make your reservation now. Oh, a third… take your time going through The Yukon. It’s amazing as well, and think about doing the Dempster to Tuktoyaktuk. Sorry I’ve gone on, if you want any other info, please reach out. I’d love to help.
As new traveling advenurists at 66 I want to say the "senior" stereotype needs to be changed as we are still working people, very active, healthy, and wise contributors, to our culture. It's fun to meet all age groups of travelers and create beautiful relationships throughout the country. As we walk in similar pathways to our parents (my mom was skiing competitively at 87 and lied about her age doing it), we are breaking the fragile elder stereotype that is so often projected onto us. Watch out you young whipper snappers, we are full of life, beauty, wisdom, and adventures! Thanks you Jason, Nikki, and Mary for contributing to changing the senior stereotype in our culture one beautiful story at a time.
Shower door shatters after hitting a pot-hole on I-70 in Colorado…. Last week a RV trailer overturned just east of the tunnels after hitting a pothole. The couple are okay.
That was so nice to catch up with Mary/mom! Great to hear she’s doing well and you were able to spend some with her. Thanks for bringing us along!!
As a plumber, I’ll say the problem you’re having with the tankless water heater is known as a “cold water sandwich”. You can overcome this by installing a small (2-gallon) electric water heater downstream of the tankless heater. Of course, any time you need hot water anywhere (sink or shower) you’ll have to run the generator long enough to heat up that electric buffer tank first.
Jason, I didn't realise just how much you reminded me of my son until I saw you interacting with your mother.
So much inspiration! Thanks for sharing your Mom with us.
Wow how time flies it seems like only last week that you got your van and was starting your new adventure .😇
yeay! have missed Mary and her presence!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful mum!!!
Jason, what an awesome and awe inspiring role model you have. Wish we are all so blessed.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Wow, everything about this was amazing.
Nikki, when you step in or voice in to assist, it’s absolutely beautiful and I just get so choked up.
The love and respect is beautiful.
Mary is inspiring, and her humility is astounding. It seems like folks think they need to know it all, or act like they do. Mary is a brilliant example of a smart, brave, fun, independent woman. I love that Jason made a video for her to reference when needed! So awesome.
The raw truth of RV life in this video is deeply appreciated.
My husband and I would like to go out on the road some day, and these truth videos are invaluable to us. Thank you!
It is a joy to see the admiration and support the three of you have for each other.
Jason’s love for his momma is a joy to watch; y’all are special and it’s soooooo great seeing good in the world. 🙂❤
I know this is such a gushy message, but it was a delight to watch this. ❤🤓😘
That was such an awesome video... Your mom seems to be an amazing lady. 😇 You guys are blessed!
Nicely done! I think my Mom would have thrown me out after the 2nd question. LOL Love that your Mom has decided to explore and travel! I've been that solo traveler many times before, but three differences. I'm no one's Mom. Haha. I'm a guy, and I've always done my long distance driving in car/SUV vehicles. So there was always a hotel or home at the end of the day. I've had thoughts of taking my life on the road, I've been mostly a remote worker since 2008...and I've done many long distance/stay trips while working. I always try to squeeze in the driving on my off days/time, so not to interfere with working. No clients for me to meet, as I mostly work in the UK, Asia and other areas of the US. I do keep up with some of Mary's adventures on IG. Keep on keeping on Mary!
Jason, your Mom is AWESOME! Enjoy the journey you guys!!
Thanks Mom for being here today and showing us around. Really good to see you again and I can't believe that you have been in your motorhome 4 years already... Blessings on your big trip.. keep us posted..
Can’t believe it’s been 4 years already 😊
Great video Jason! Thanks for sharing ! Ps. Mom you are the best 🎉❤
That difficult pull-out door:
Just needs a ribbon, or flat rope tied around the door, forming a loop at the front that you can pull on.
Take a router to the door to cut a couple of shallow notches if necessary, to allow the door to close with the rope passing through the door.
Screw the rope to the back of the door, so that it does not slip down.
I remember the vid when she bought this rv. Such an interesting 20/20 perspective. I really appreciate this, I’m “daydreaming” of living on the road like this. Solo of course (unless you count my pets). It’s so good to know the not so glamorous/fun side of being on the road. Great vid!
As a 66 yo embarking on my 2nd long trip in my Winne Solis Pocket - I totally agree w your mother. This trip now planning on 3-4 hour drive. I’m in no hurry and just want to enjoy the country.
Mary, We think you're doing great! Keep on going!
🌸 For the pantry door that is stuck; push on the cabinet door while pushing button latch at the same time. Beautiful motorhome!🌺 I have a 2006 model that I wouldn’t trade for the moon but this is gorgeous. Happy trails…😊
Nice to see your mom is enjoying her Van. I remember seeing her off when see first got the van. As an albertan I hope you take the time to explore the mountains here a bit. You won’t regret it. Thanks for sharing the update on Mary.
❤️🇨🇦
The BEST vanlife/van review video on You Tube ( and I have watched a LOT!). Love that mixed in features with personal feedback, and honesty…Noce job👏👏👏👍
It's always good to see what Mom is up to. Looks like she has the hang of things...
Mary, as you know, the MB diesel requires a low ash oil with a MB 229.52 (5w30) specification number ONLY. Otherwise the particulate filter will plug up quicker and the egr assembly will fail. Oh and it’s 12 quarts so you need a large catch pan BEFORE you take out the drain plug! For those who don’t know.
One word: Classy. Mary is a classy, accomplished, and inspiring lady. I can totally see where Jason gets his good qualities. Great video.
Mary, if you’re near Pittsburgh or Delray Beach let’s have coffee! Watching Jason makes me confident that you would be an awesome person to meet!
Loved this. Being a solo-van off-the-grid-living mum in Norway, closing in on 60, I found it so amusing learning about your mum/mum-in-law.
Thanks for sharing. Like #83. It was nice to reconnect with your Mom and get the update. I hope all the kinks have been worked out after the lightning strike. It will be a real pain if they continue on late in her trip.
Jason's mom seems like a SigSauer P365 or 226 or maybe a Smith&Wesson M&P Shield .380 EZ. My mom did this for a while amd she carried a S&W .357 revolver. Had to pull it out 3 times and shoot it twice. Once outside Baltimore and the other was near Chicago.
Thanks! Its cool to see this!!! ❤❤❤❤
Aw man… I wish I would have run into you guys out and about while you were in North Texas so I could have told you in person how much I enjoy your channel! Also, way to go, Mary - I’m so excited for your solo trip to Alaska!
Jason your mom is so cool and seems adventurous, safe travels to her.
I loved this! I am about the same age, solo and thinking about doing this for a year after I retire. This was so helpful. Mary is an inspiration!!
Mary thankyou for sharing you are soo amazing! Safe journeys much love from Australia xxx
Hi guys! I just wanted to say Hi to Mary. It’s Corinne, Robin Bust’s ex gf. I’d too have been traveling in my van for 4 years, also solo. Watching this video made me want to reach out and say I feel your pain and your joy! Best of luck to you and you’re traveling endeavors!
I'm a 65yr old woman and traveled for 2 years solo in a class C. Recently got off the road to care for my elderly mother on the East coast and I'm looking forward to going back out.... Just me and my big dog. It is nice though to travel in a caravan sometimes but usually I was on my own.