Living Off the Grid in Arizona Desert 🇺🇸
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- čas přidán 28. 04. 2023
- Two hours west of Phoenix is a desert community living in their own world. People stay here for different reasons, but the one thread that connects this community is the desire to live in freedom. Join me as we meet some of the interesting characters that call Quartzite home.
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Just came across your video. Do you want to interview THE TRUE LONE NOMAD ,black sheeple of American society, non patriotic for any country, I belong to the 1 human race, and love all people as a staunch pacifist and can argue in a court of law God is a pacifist, Father of life only. If God was a pacifist and non-pacifist, he would logically be CONTRARY A=B law of non-contradiction. I am a staunch PRINCE OF PEACE, if I were a non-pacifist I would be a HYPOCRITE and really a PRINCE OF NON-PEACE, Cops aren't peace OFFICERS I am because I am a pacifist. Cops are non peace officers. The instant ONLY TRUE SIMPLE ANSWER TO WORLD PEACE is everyone use their FREE WILL and convert to being PACIFISTS. Logically this is the only way. Period. I should have been Amish, they have life correct. I am 100 miles north of Las Vegas, 30 miles north of Ash Springs a very cool natural hot springs across street from Shell Gas Station, I am going there tomorrow, it will probably be the coolest uncover hot springs you have been. Free and hidden by trees. As Mellow as Marshmellows, ask clerk at ash springs , I am in a 84 navy blue Chevy camper van, fully contained, shower, shitter, bed, solar, and food and 60 gallons of water. Maybe I will see you there, you can interview other people too in hot springs, crystal clear perfect warm water. 😎👍🤣❤
After Hurricane Irma, I did 47 states in 5 years in a Prius, National Park pass. Now in Baja. So many youtubers do this worldwide
Pretty cool man. Thanks for keeping up with uploads Peter.✌️👍
Black dude with knife is giving me serial killer vibes, what y'all think
"the royal we", what a legend!
Mike the bus guy here. Thanks Peter for coming out here and hanging out with us. Seems I hit the nail on the head with my comment about people thinking we are drug addled. My lack of teeth is actually the result of a particularly bad car accident many years ago, but seems to instantly get me labeled as a drug addict. That's ok though, I get that people could not possibly know my backstory so I do not judge them for their error. God Bless you and them. At any rate I am glad to have met you and to have had the opportunity to give some insight to people as to how we, the nomads live out here. Stay safe out there in the world sir.
Thanks for sharing your story with Peter. His documentaries are always so interesting and insightful. Good luck out there and enjoy the blessed freedom!
I wish I could live that life style ,god bless you and you friends all around, greetings from Brazil
Fuck everyone on the internet Mike, you're living your life the way YOU want to, if they find you to be a drug addict because of missing teeth, it's them that need to take a long look in the mirror.
Much love brother, stay safe and healthy for us.
This video makes me want to take a year off of my career and live this lifestyle while I'm still young. Thanks Mike.
@@UFOS4 Thank you for taking the time to watch the video. I enjoy Peters videos as well and was happy to share my story with him and you. God Bless you and be well.
the most educational channel on the internet. no politics just real footage. Keep up the great work, Peter
I couldn't have said it better!!
Regressive, leftist policies created this situation, though...Who favors ENDLESS growth of population through illegal immigration? Dumping of the poor and uneducated in major cities CREATED this situation!!! Our country is overpopulated.
No politics but theirs always a under tone.... their is no way their couldn't be in this time period we are living in.
Peter lets the people be the story, not him. Refreshing.
You seem like a great guy... well, all of you!
I’m in Kenya 🇰🇪 East Africa but through this man’s videos I feel like I’m exploring the USA without even moving an inch.
bwana asifiwe
Hopefully youre seeing how much of a dystopia the US is. Everything is so expensive people have to make the best of living in a very dangerous environment in vehicles and tents. The heat waves that have been hitting AZ are extremely dangerous, yet a lot of these folks dont have another choice. I see this as really sad, not hopeful. Electricity and a place to live shouldn't require losing ones "freedom."
the blacks are different here in the USA.
Don't get me wrong . I love America. I love lots of things about it. I appreciate the opertunities it has given me .
Trust me when I say ,you are not missing anything . Life is just that ,Life.
Watch too from Kenya I really love the video of Peter included the oldest cow boys
I love how everyone you talked to was open, honest, and took the time to really talk. Honestly, pretty rare to come across open and honest souls in the fast lane of life.
This is awesome! My dad lived this lifestyle for the last 20 years of his life. He was an artist, a peace loving person. He would travel between the 4 corners of Arizona, new mexico, north Dakota, Montana and then back over to visit me in California. :) I miss my dad everyday. He was such a bright light in this world. Watching this makes me feel like I'm going home in some ways :)
Love your comment so much
And I’m so glad he lived out in nature the last 20
We’re retired and go up and down with the seasons
Summer is spent partially in places in CA to see family
I'm sorry for your loss !
Ummm the four corners is Arizona utah Nevada and New Mexico it has nothing to do with Montana or North Dakota just saying
@@Weirdvideomaker Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. ✌
@@Weirdvideomakerbeen to the monument several times. I grew up in Utah.
I’m the fedex guy that delivers to quartzite from Yuma every day! Awesome place and and I meet awesome people every year with the gem show!
Hello FedEx guy. Mike the bus guy here. Thank you for making sure our packages get to us safely. Much respect and appreciation for what you do sir. God Bless and be safe on the roads.
@@michaelwalters7110Mike, your dogs are so cute! The black and white one reminds me of my dog, Mayfield. Sorry about your dad.
This was very interesting. I used to go through Quartzsite every year on my way to do business in Yuma. I would notice all the R.V. camping. I sometimes stopped by there. It seems like a very beautiful place to be during the winter as the weather is great and rent cheap. People seem friendly too.
We've been nomadic travelers since 2017, living in our modest 1999 RV. We don't stay at Quartzite more than a night or two when passing through because the whole point for us is to be out in the wilds away from everybody. The biggest problem for us there is the lack of a decent supermarket, fresh food is pretty limited. This lifestyle keeps us healthy because we mountain bike all summer into fall then move down to our land in Baja and kite surf Nov-May. I'm turning 70 this season and still super fit, we workout with dumbbells and Beachbody videos all year over the internet. We drove the RV down the length of Baja six years in a row, now we've retired it here full time on our 1/2 acre lot we purchased, put in a septic and water cistern, parked out the lot keeping the native plants and built a stone masoned RV pad, it's beautiful. No rent, no bills, all solar and off grid, it's great overlooking the Sea of Cortez and the kite surfing below. Loads of American and Canadians here every winter and they are all fit and healthy water sports alternative type people, our tribe!
Make fitness and diet your number one hobbies and you will prosper physically as well as financially in the Nomadic life. It keeps you off the couch and away from the pavement, on your feet and active, constantly in touch with the natural world.
I've been going to Quartzsite for 7 winters. Met so many good friends and we can't together year after year. Nomad life is the best life.
Thanks for sharing. I'm hoping to head there in the fall 2024. Been saving the Lewis and Clark cast iron cookware for many years and am anxious to get it seasoned on the campfire
I live in an converted van and people often think I’m homeless. But I consider myself homefree. I work seasonally and travel all over the United States. I don’t have a lot of stuff but I have a world of experiences. Thank you for showing this community for what it is. People simply living their lives. ❤ love my quartzite fam.
Greeting fellow nomad. Mike the bus guy here. Hopefully you are not here Baking in the heat currently. Quartzsite will be here waiting for you again next season. Safe travels.
Black dude with knife is giving me serial killer vibes, what y'all think
Mike the bus guy here. Definitely not the vibe I get from him having been around him. Far from it. He is actually one of the few people on this earth I would trust with my life. God Bless.
I like that saying. Not homeless but home free . 👍
ash, what do u do for work? im interested in living free and im trying to figure out how i will make money if i am constantly on the move. thanks!
Freedom is everything. All I ask (as an Arizona resident) is that folks respect the desert and don't trash it out.
When i moved back from Europe about 8 years ago i lived out in the desert in AZ. For about 4 months while applying for jobs!
No way i was going to waste my money on rent.
I lived in a tent.
Was a great time.
I miss it to this day.
I am a 70 year old woman, and I’ve spent the last six years living in an RV. It’s not easy, but Bob Wells, whom I watched for maybe two years before I went on the road, is out there supporting and helping people. Not just women, but you would be amazed how many women in my age bracket are out here now. Sometimes we don’t have a choice. Sometimes it’s just simply the best choice for us because maybe we like the challenges. So I think that people should be supportive and helpful instead of criticizing the fact that someone like Bob Wells who is supportive and helpful is bringing women into this lifestyle. True, it is hard, no matter what sex you are. But it has such wonderful benefits!
Haven't seen my oldest brother in over a decade. He's in Arizona somewhere. Hoping he's found a community of people like this to help him find peace.
Aw
Very sad, I couldn't live without seeing my brother at least once a week...
I bet he went to Slab City
@@mrmrmrcaf7801 I envy you, I have a brother that I see once or twice a year and his kids hate me.
This to me is attractive , I will look into going out there.
I am by myself.
@@blahblah5603 you think your brother talks trash about you to his kids?
We’re all going to be living like this. These people are just ahead of the game.
Bingo PAL 🤙🏻💯😎
Yep, because a lot of us cannot afford to pay the extremely high amount of rent.
Yep!! We sold the house last year and now got a rig for off griding and trying to stay out of cities more and more
If it’s all going down we rather be way out in nature see how long we make it
Actually humans came full circle. We are naturally nomads. Hunter gatherers.
Lot of which tend to live off of handouts tho .. Conservatives are suppose to remove those, social security, welfare, disable, va, medicare and others to cut to budget; as the country is going broke. Now if those "handouts" are still there by the time we get to leech off of.. While other smart people who actually invested, retirements, can easily survive like that. By the looks of it, we'll emulate south korea capitalistic slave/death model that they have, and homeless will increase by the lots, as corporations continue to gain more control, sadly the nixon/reagan era which did us in, once they sold out our politics on both sides, selling our good jobs over seas, to ensure their new feudal system..
I did this for 5 years. I wanted to do a year just to prove I could do it. You know, the survivor stuff. The freedom freedom freedom is exactly right and I was hooked. I ended up staying out for 5 years in a tent. I've never felt that free. I worked and I even had a stove top espresso maker and I can cook like a champ. People stopped by my camp for coffees and sometimes meals. I've been back on the grid for ten years, but my ex and I are trying to sell the ranch and I am getting my RV ready for the sale, and then I'm back on the road again. In class this time. A 30' RV LMAO. This time, my retirement will be retirement. And yep, everyone assumes you are homeless, not that you like it.
Except for about six years, i have lived off grid since 1985.
I am free camping as i watch this video on TVA land near spring city, Tn.
Only way to live.
Do you ever have safety problems on TVA land? On the TVA land near me, it seems like some people go there to drink and generally raise hell.
Peter, if you did another six videos on this community, I'd be glued. Thanks to the generous souls who were part of it, and I loved how spontaneous they were and candid in the mix.
Totally agree
Same. I'd watch a whole series of this. Stories by the evening campfire, music in the evenings and maybe mornings.
Maybe a game of football for the middle aged or younger ones. Maybe cooking together.
Same here. 🙂
One thing, they have greesy messy hair. The trick is to buzz close.
Iam glued to
The guy that does the podcast is a very good communicator. He speaks very well and can make anything sound interesting.
I was just thinking the same thing. Very well spoken. He had good insight and was very smart.
Except for when he dealt that old tattered, torn, and yellowed race card off the bottom of the deck when talking to the black guy about the Confederate flag. Hilarious when the black guy gave an intelligent answer and didn’t take the bait.
@@holdenc3082There’s always someone to bitch and whine about something. You’re the lucky winner today!
@@connercox4629 Do you have a point you want to make, or are you just here to yap and make noise little doggie?
@@holdenc3082 black dude said, "not today satan!"....off the bottom of the deck yee haw
Mike, you are an inspiration to me. My husband and I slept in our cars for 10 months because we wanted to save money instead of allowing the greedy State of California to keep taking from us. Mike, when I tell you that I never felt better. Living out in nature cured my depression instantly. No kidding! People judged us but they had no idea that we were doing it by choice and had a pension and other income. We just let them judge. But we knew that we were happy. Now that we are back in the four walls I am back to square one. Happy Travels Mike and we salute you!❤
Thank you. I hope all works out well for you and your husband in the future. God bless.
❤❤
Fantastic that you stepped out and had the added benefit of nature’s cure for depression. Enjoy your life and do what’s best for you. We hope that you are able to stay well.
We've been nomads, living minimally, offgrid, on solar, in our little camper for 2 years. Some of our favorite people and places have been found in the Arizona desert. This second life is completely opposite from the mainstream corporate life we used to live and we've never been happier...
May I ask what solar u use
Do have to own a land to live like that or?
Peter, thanks for shedding light on this. They get such a bad wrap from people who have never felt truly free. I’m an executive who makes a great living and has all the things one can ask for, but my true dream is to live in a van in the middle of nowhere. It’s all about perspective.
Go for it man, As someone who has little and feeling this nomad lifestyle would be my dreamlife I can only say. If you truly want it and can do it, Why not ?
C
Hope your dreams come true
We’re doing it for a year now
Retired on a smallish income but we’re doing fine
Love the people we meet weekly
Just freedom seeking folks who love nature and our BLM lands
@@djrobertfranx4864 As you accumulate more things, jobs, wives, these possessions will control you instead of you controlling them. A lot of people are stuck, they would rather continue pushing on the hamster wheel than letting go.
@@TanNguyen-pb8lo Ow yeah, I agree. Alot of people wouldn't know what to do with themselves without the rat race. Its sad really
@@TanNguyen-pb8lo Yuppp !! the more I accumulated the more I realized my things owned me …
Peter you definitely need to do Louisiana, the bayou, cajun country in Acadia and of course New Orleans. It's another set of unique cultural mixes. Another great video, never knew this existed for sure.
100%! I look forward to doing that series.
I’d like to series on this!
Absolutely. Special guest Troy Landry for the Bayou
Rutherford beach
Oh hell Yea would love to hear that zydeco and Cajun music. Can't understand half of it but love the sound. Southern Louisiana is so unique
Peter, these people look relaxed, joyful and free. Beneath the facades most people wear, they want the same for their lives. Thanks for being such a good neighbor and Earthling!
As someone who lived the nomad life and stayed in quartzite, thanks for showing this side of life. It’s a great place for people to live during the colder months and be able to stay for free to low cost!
We just left three weeks ago
It was great
At one of the LTVA’s for $180 for 6 months
Can’t beat it.
We’re all set up for off grid so it was fine.
Met some new life long friends 🎉
RV made it through the winds just fine and the sun felt good all winter
@@anybodyoutthere3208 idk if you’ve ever been to Mount Shasta CA, there is a lot of free camping and Nomads
From experience off grid living in the Arizona desert all year will break ya or make ya tough
100-110 degrees no AC 100 days in a row is brutal
If your located somewhere that can at least receive packages alot of supplies via Amazon or Walmart makes it more doable.
When supplies are 45 minutes away or further and driving on unserviced roads fuel and maintenance adds up quick.
Ideally 1 or 2 runs a month for major load of supplies and Amazon or Walmart grocery it works best.
Unless your totally solar setup prior to pulling it off, it's a test of endurance.
Quartzite isn't necessarily best option, just one of the cheapest
I am a Sacramento resident and a company truck driver who operates out of Phoenix. A little over a year now have been driving I-10 to and from the San Bernard / Riverside area from Phoenix when I am not 11 western. I have always been curious about all the vehicles and RVs parked out in the desert. Because you covered this story, now I know. Thanks Peter for what you do !
Hello Christopher. Mike the bus guy here. May I take an opportunity to say a big thank you sir for what You do, keeping this countries economy running. Without guys like you, guys like me would be S.O.L. God Bless and be safe out the on the roads.
@@michaelwalters7110 Thanks for the recognition. When I get a chance, Ill give a big shout to y'all
out from the highway.
I lived in Sac for about 35 yrs. Am also a trucker who left some comments on your videos... and some likes.
It is a two way street. Without those punching the time clock it would be hard being a nomad.
Instead of going into a store to buy a piece of meat one would have to hunt it.
If I were a Nomad I would want to be a purist as the Native American's were.
Walking with my provisions on my back.
Always moving.
@@gregjackson-ks1gh I agree it is a two way street. Full native on foot would be tough but I have seen people doing it. I need the bus mostly to house the dogs while I am doing other stuff away from camp. It doesn't hurt that it has a comfy bed to sleep in though. God Bless.
I live a totally different, city life and I love it. I wouldn’t last two seconds living in the Arizona desert and I say, Good on these guys! They’re happy and free, living as they wish and they’re examples of what a wonderful, diverse world we live in.
Glad to hear that you are having a good life in the city. There are certainly good parts to a city life. There are aspects I still miss, like the availability of entertainment venues and activities. That's the most beautiful aspect of this country, the fact that we can choose from many paths. I hope all continues to go well for you. God bless.
@@michaelwalters7110 This conversation, short as it may be, is what the world needs more of. No judgment, only well wishes. You are both good people!
@@ceeceety2320 Thank you. God bless.
It's good to hear you're doing well in the city. The only problems you could face is any electric grid failure or economic crash. Your world would end while the guys in the desert would just carry on as usual.
@@pouglwaw5932 My world would not end. I am prepared with solar, etc...I would hope the same for you.
One thing that wasn't mentioned in this video is the fact that there is very little crime in this area and everyone is very aware of this which is one reason they feel so at ease. That is one of the only real pros of being out there.
Peter kept mentioning "the vibe" and there is definitely a much more laid-back, relaxed vibe out there than anywhere else, in the world really. My wife and I have been "full-timing" in an RV since 2018 and while we did enjoy our experience (overall) we wouldn't do it again. We spent the fall and winter of 2018 and 2019 there. The main reason we wouldn't do it again is because that same laid-back vibe is also associated with people who simply don't want to work or contribute to society. There are also a lot of just trashy people. This doesn't have anything to do with being poor either. I grew up poor, but our home was always clean and tidy, and so was our yard. But a large percentage of the people living in and all around Q'zite are just dirty and trashy.
In the two years we spent there, we also were exposed to different groups showing up for get-togethers for a weekend or a longer. One weekend we would see 30 different vans show up in one spot in the desert, part of some "van club" obviously and they would hang out together, usually over a big campfire then leave within a few days. These van groups were always the quietest and left the least amount of trash behind. These types of groups show up daily in all parts of the 14,000+ acres of desert out there. We saw groups of Airstreams all huddled together, then a few days later a group of Newmar motorhomes, then a group of Forest River fifth wheels, but they all did pretty much the same thing... walk around and talk to each other, compare equipment, have potlucks, and sit by the fire at night. Every single group left some amount of trash behind, typically a few empty beer cans, plastic from beef jerky wrappers, Pringles cans, some plastic solo cups, paper plates, and things like that.
But then the school bus groups would show up. They did things differently. We expected these people to be the earth-loving, peace-loving hippie types and although half of them looked the part, they were always, always, the noisiest and most disruptive groups. Often with live bands complete with amplifiers turned way up which plssed off other campers (not in their group) for miles around. They also left the most trash behind. By far. We know this because we took long walks every morning through the desert and walked through the areas where these groups had camped. Every single time a "skoolie" group left, we found human feces, soiled diapers, condoms, tossed-out mattresses, a LOT of broken glass, and bags and bags of trash.
There is clearly a much different mentality in that "club".
Lastly, the "14-day limit" mentioned in the video is rarely enforced because there are so few government officials and hundreds of thousands of people out there. Most people never move their "camp" at all. I'd say a solid third of the people you see out there fall into that category. Another third are people who for the most part play by the rules and move around now and then and/or only come down for the winter months and the final third are tourists.
Thank you for your real experience. It's dis- heartening to hear about the thrashers, though. I always said that there are really only 2 types of people in our world: the ones who throw trash out and the ones who pick trash up. Best wishes to you and your wife for a continuing best journey.
Thanks for your take on full timing, we’ve thought about it, but the exact reasons you mentioned are what keep us from doing it.
Very interesting reading your comment although I'm not surprised one bit. This is why I do not like being around a lot of people anymore. I have a close friend who will be interested in what you said here as well.
@@kindcounselorwell, that's dumb, because most people are neither
The lady at the end is so happy. Such a good vibe. That's what freedom does
🤣🤣 She has the ganja smile from a mile away.
I thought the same thing. She looks naturally happy.
I thought her meds had just kicked in 😮
I lived in a camper van for about a year. It definitely has its challenges, some of them psychological, but by the end of the year I was fully adjusted to the lifestyle, thriving. I eventually bought a small ranch in Wyoming. This Spring I was vanning around again down in AZ and I came across an area like this. I pulled in at night and wasn't sure how sketchy or not things would be. By morning I was sitting around drinking coffee with tons of new friends. We talked road life, vehicle modifications, backstories, etc.. all good folks. I was pleasantly surprised and look forward to snowbirding in these places a bit in the future. Still wary of Slab City though.
Yeah we’re full time and Slab doesn’t interest us but the Q was so fun and so many lifelong friends made.
We will meet up with a few up in Oregon this summer 🎉
I was in slab city last month, DO NOT go.. I went in 2013 and recently just went back, my god it's an absolute dumpster fire there now.. Nothing but whack jobs and drug addicts, I left after the first day.
What part of WY, if you don't mind me asking?
This is sO cool. I'm glad I come across this channel
Peter, I have to say your channel is my new favorite. You ask great questions in your interviews and every single episode is a delight. Thanks for making these!
Seriously addicted. Love his videos!❤️
After watching videos for 3 years this June I took a month and car camped in the Smoky Mountains. I’m hooked and can’t wait to do it again. Sometimes I think videos make it look harder than it is. Just Do it! No regrets.
I live on a narrowboat in the UK. At last count there's roughly 30,000 liveaboards across the whole canal network.
What I love about this video is that these people camped out in the desert are kindred spirits to us boaters. The same desire for freedom, the same resourcefulness and desire to help each other out. 🙌😍
Those narrowboats are amazing, congratulations. Wonderful way of living
I was just thinking the same, though I'm only aboard mine for 6 months a year.
Mike the bus guy here. Hello UK. I have never heard of a narrow boat but now that I have I am going to do some research because it sounds super interesting. I had considered a houseboat before choosing the bus. Hope this finds you well. God Bless and be safe on the water. (Edited for spelling)
Just watched a video on narrow boats. Totally awesome. That seems like a tranquil peaceful life. Safe journeys to you and other narrow boaters.
Love those boats, have seen some videos on CZcams. Stay safe and stay narrow 🙏
When I joined the Navy, I had to rid myself of most of the trappings of consumerism. There was a great freedom (and pain) in doing so. Living on a ship, you really find out what's important. Good sleep, hot water, comrades...this is very similar.
I totally relate when I went to prison I became a minimalist 16 years out and I am still a minimalist 😜✌️👍
Whenever I am annoyed on the bus about something inconvenient (that used to be convenient in a house) I think about how many people live even more simply (military, homeless, people in other countries) and I think about how much happier I am. Thank you for sharing and serving.
Same thing in The Army......miss my comrades. Great lifestyle,great people.
Agreed! Former minesweeper guy here. ARS 50…USS Safeguard. Nice comment shipmate!
interesting way to look at it.
Back in 1982 my grandpa turned a bus into an RV. It had a bunk bed behind driver seat, a bathroom and a bathtub, kitchen sink, fridge and kitchen table and pantry. It was so cool to travel in. The second bus he turned into an RV was my favorite and we traveled in more often.
I remember listening to Bob Davis on the radio in the Twin Cities, MN. Interesting to see what he's up to now.
I have just recently discovered Peter's videos. Whether he's in Appalachia, Amish Country, Alaska, New York City, or the Arizona desert, Peter approaches everyone with a non-judgmental, non-critical attitude, and he always looks for the best in people. I really enjoy his videos, and am learning interesting stuff about various places and people.
Agreed. These are fantastic. Just found these a few weeks ago myself.
You must have a definition that has not been discovered if you believe this man is not judgmental.
@@solovantravel He represents himself in a manner that is non-intimidating. Call it what you want. He hasn't come this far by being a judgmental jerk.
Me too. I started slow but now I am binging on Peter’s videos.
@@solovantravelevery man is judgmental. Some people choose to voice those judgments, this man does not.
This needs to be a series on these desert dwellers for sure! At least a couple more
I agree 😁
100%
I want to see more, too! I want to know what daily life looks like for these people. Very intrigued and slightly jealous!
@@hunnyl0ve I know some of them. For some, they thrive. For others, life is difficult. It depends on why they are van dwellers, and if they are disabled in some way. Adapting is the key.
Absolutely!!
WOW! Can't ignore all them Chem Trails! Holy Smokes.
When i was young I lived in Apache Junction AZ. This makes me miss it. The sunsets there are the most beautiful i have ever seen. I am in my fifties now and would not mind living this lifestyle.
I took the Apache trail past the dam and camped for the weekend at Roosevelt lake. Was hot but got some great pics and had an awesome time.
These all seem like awesome dudes. Bob is just a baller. He sounds like hes got more sense than 98% of folks still on the grid. Would love to have a beer next to a campfire with all these guys. Just proves that people from totally different walks of life can banter in good natured fun but never make it personal and still be friends when the smoke clears. There's a lesson there.
Mike the bus guy here. Campfires can certainly be interesting that's for sure. Had conversations where the heat of the topic was hotter then the flames of the fire. But yeah we all know it's just eachothers own unique perspective of the world around us. To each their own. God Bless. ( Edited for spelling)
Isn’t that the truth… Want to watch this video? It showed me that all of the arguing and fighting over politics are over different things. It’s not necessary you can have discussions and actually still live next to someone.
Seems Peter is doing a very awesome job of showing real people, where as the media just shows one side, (from both sides of the invisible fence). Also, I work at a craft retail store, and most all the customers who come in are really nice. Yes do get the odd difficult ones, but not all the time. I think Peter is showing that there really is lots of kindness out there, that the media just does not show. Thanks Peter for doing such great videos!!!
Living Off the Girl in Arizona Desert 🇺🇸
Peter Santenello
The common theme in Santenellos videos is people want the Govt to leave them alone.
I can’t believe that’s not what everyone wants.
Bingo PAL 💯🤙🏻😎
on my CZcams channel i channel do food reviews while I’m super high 🙇♂️
@@SevenHunnid apparently you make comments super high to 🤣
🎉
Just watched your documentary on Booker T in Mississippi and I’m from the Louisiana delta/Gulf coast, now living in Utah…and got to see this gem of a video! I’m loving the documentaries and how the people shown in them are given such respect. Very educational and entertaining. Very representative of real Americans and how diverse and beautiful our country is. Amazing work Pete. Keep up the great job! This is freedom! ❤️
Nicole is my spirit animal!!! She summed it all up in a a few words freedom, and where i need to be on the planet!!! Enough said...
I'll be 59 this year and I'm a single woman. I've lived this life for a few years and I love it! Unfortunately, I shattered my tibia plateau 3 months ago and had emergency surgery. I was told I have a year of recovery before I can return to my life. This video makes me so homesick. Can't wait until I get back on the road and into the desert.
I'll be 61 next month and single too.. My left Tibia was broken and have a rod inserted into it.. Ugghh.. but I'm doing ok.. Thank you Lord. Hope you'll be ok too.
@@Mywhtjp I'm glad you're doing ok. I know I will too. I'm working hard to walk again. As soon as doc gave ok to weight bear I began to progress much more quickly.
How do you afford? Remote work?
@@Keeperofloveys6 Living as a nomad is much cheaper than conventional living. I rarely ever camped at a campground. I did dispersed camping. Also, I'm on disability and I did some vending (I'm an artist) while on the road.
@lifeonthefringe4436 thanks for the reply. I've been researching this form of living for awhile now and recently bought a van. I just need the disability....I'm in Washington and dread the winter
Hey, I just went to Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 and before I watched your videos. I think, you are one of the most authentic vloggers out there. My experience there was pretty much the same you had in Saudi. In Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 and Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬 my experience was also comparable to your experience there. I just wanna thank you, for doing so good videos. I think, your videos are also a good way for people to see the "the real world" who might not have the opportunity to visit the world.
The media shows you, the problems of a country and not how it really is.
I'm from Oslo, Norway. It's cool to see how people live in different parts of the world. Especially when people live a different kind of life.
Would love to visit norway ..how do i ??
Peter, that was just an awesome video, lot of info in under 32 minutes. You have a unique skill of allowing people to tell their story without interrupting their message. In other words "you do not have an ego that gets in the way of getting things done" if that makes sense. Wish you well and much appreciated from Lismore NSW Australia. Good on ya mate🤣
Yes, I like Peter's style as well. He's much like myself. You learn more from listening than throwing your voice around.
Hey mate! I visited NSW and a dab of Queensland in 1979 for 3 months living in caravan parks. My favorite places were Scott's head and Byron Bay. I'm glad I saw it when it was so funky and rural. You have a pretty country.
I grew up on a houseboat with my dad in the early 2000s. I remember some old man who looked like your stereotypical gold miner-type character who bought a bus and painted it white, and my dad and I helped him turn it into a house. It was awesome. AC, TV, big bed, everything He went to live out in the desert of Arizona, and he never looked back. As an adult now, every time I think of that guy, I start to realize more and more that he had the right idea.
Dude, Peter, We need ALOT more from this place!! I love the vibe and meeting all these kind of people! :D
I agree. REALLY hope Peter goes to stay there for a couple weeks & gives us a raw look into his stay :)
I TOTALLY Agee!
Peter......Ill be looking out for part 2
❤❤
I just can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy your videos. Man, what a great channel you’ve created, and what awesome memories!! For those of us who can’t travel, these are great.
I am a Christian but can understand their awesome life style, because Christ wanted us to have life abundantly and I think it is there way to grab for it because the world is so oppressive. Working a job where you have no fresh air or sunshine, hardly see your own family and have to pay a lot of bills just to see all your work disappear with nothing left over, is stressful. For me, I wouldn't choose the desert, but the Lord told me to homestead. We never did because my husband is an unbeliever and didn't and now I suffer from certain issues that wouldn't let me go off grid right now. I have had miracles and healings before and am looking forward to God's grace visiting me again so I can fight harder for that homestead life style of growing my own food and living off the land. Thank you Jesus, you are my eternal hope!
As an RVer been to lots of places, but Quartzite is a must in my ramblings. Interesting slice of the diversity of humanity in this country, and have made many lifelong friends. Thanks for visiting.
Can’t agree more with you.
When Peter was asking for video ideas
A few months ago I said “oh god you have to go to Quartzite and seek out the nomad/RV/vanlife community”
So happy he came out
We just left a few weeks ago
What a group of people
And we love Silly Al’s Pizza place 🍕
It's great to know Silly Al's is still there!!
I've gotta say that these look like some of the happiest people you've ever interviewed. They look so free. They aren't living their lives to pay for all the unnecessary bullshit that's deemed "normal" by modern society. These people get it: less is more. I'm saving up my cash but I very much want to live this lifestyle in the future. Thanks for making this video Peter! This was so inspiring!
Really? There using the internet, plastic cups, CAnned food, etc. There NOT living off the grid. There using all the "bull sh*t" that home owners with jobs use. Yet we taxpayers have bigger homes and toilets, unlike these ppl
Need a roomie?😂😂😂😂
It's a job though. Bet a lot of people would be happier with dishwashers. Seems like most people prefer that including you.
Oh you will be living this lifestyle sooner than you imagine. So free and happy. So far off the grid that you are on CZcams. I calls them the way that I sees them. I see a bunch of dirty people trying to talk themselves into believing that they are free. That's a hard pass from me. It seems like a highly unaccountable lifestyle to me. But hey if you deny something long enough it becomes the truth. The one loser even admitted that he refuses to pay bills, therefore I am stuck in the desert with the rest of these broke losers. I am more than "happy" to work a little bit for the man in order to be comfortable. Money can't buy happiness but it can buy a a house with running water and a bed. What an idea huh???
@@amazonmandy because the moment I am at a truck stop or gas station and one of these losers asks me for money that allows me to start judging the situation and the people involved.
I am guessing that there is a good chance you have one of the "only God can judge me" tattoos. Wrong....I been judging all day.
Sometimes the CZcams algorithm gets it right. I'm so glad that it recommended this video, for a multitude of reasons. Great content, Peter. Subbed!
I have learned so much from this channel about beautiful america and all its diversity. I will continue to watch new videos but still go back to once i have seen because the content is so detail and inteeedting. Thank you
I road traveled/camped for 6 weeks in the summer of 2020 - Probably some of the best weeks of my life. This brought me right back to that vibe of freedom and exploration of this great country.
... i am packed up and heading out in my van in a few days, i have no itinerary, a phat wallet, i will play guitar and sing in bars and outdoor markets, and i can doordash if i want too. no worries, no hurries. i have driven texas to alaska and back, 23 summers, 5 months a summer, now i just wanna cruise new mexico, arizona, nevada, utah, oregon, wash, idaho, montan, wyoming, colorado, texas.... the adrenalin is kickin in and its almost time to leave. i will drive all night from dfw to new mexico
then the fun starts. throwin a bed in my van and a kayak on the roof. blammo, gone!!!
For those wondering, Quartzite is small town/city in the Arizona near the Arizona/California border on the 10 fwy.
Small town but it sure packs the amenities into it
We were blown away.
We did venture up to Parker about every 7-10 days during our 3 months at the LTVA
Sure made some great new friends 🎉
These 3 fellows are awesome. Living life on their terms.
I have a very strong feeling I'm going to be here with this bunch in a few years. Great video and interviews Peter.
Hahaha and im thinking: how do i get there?
Me too. I need this in my life. Im working 120 hours a week just to pay mortgage, insurance, and property tax on my house.
Peter this was much appreciated. You my friend haven't even cracked the jar on this one. This series could open up a whole new world for you. I hope you do more on this subject because you are going to find a community that will blow you away.
I agree, he barely dipped a toe. However I appreciate him showing we aren't all homeless and spun out.
Peter truly captures the Storybook of the American Quilt. Always respectful, sometimes confronting but always insightful. As always man, thank you for putting these stories together. x from New Zealand.
As a southerner i feel the need to explain the rebel flag(nobody down here calls it the confederate flag). To us its just a middle finger to uncle sam. Thats why its called a rebel flag, not a racist flag.
Ok, as a southern I have never seen a number of Nazi flags flown beside rebel flags and never once seen a white southern tell them to put it away. The KKK use to march often in Florida when I lived there. The rebel flag was always at those marches. Heritage not hate (yeah) but don't acknowledge the black soldiers that fought for the south.
Rebel flags are not a peaceful symbol... period.
Bob Wells in my opinion is a saint. He helps so many people in so many ways. And women can live there just as ably and safely as men. If you want to differentiate between the “savvy” and the “unsavvy,” that’s legit, but don’t bring gender and age into it.
You really don’t have to be out in the middle of nowhere to have this kind of experience. Just get off all social media, slow down to appreciate people and be in the moment
Mike the guy from grand rapids, Michigan that not far from my house that's awesome to hear someone close from me was on here, mike that's awesome what your doing
Thanks. Hope all is well back in Grand Rapids. God bless.
I did the nomad van/ambo life for a number of years. Like many CZcamsrs I eventually decided to buy some Arizona land for an off-grid base. I still travel every so often, but having your own land to go home to eliminates so many worries.
The thing is they are not homeless, they're just living off the grid. They keep their living area clean, they help each other out when needed. But most importantly, they still have their pride and self respect intact. Which is more than I can say for these eye-sores living on the sidewalks in their own urine and feces up and down the west coast cities. More power to all these folks.
The sad thing is is that many of the people on the streets are there for much the same reasons. The difference is they probably wouldn't survive the conditions out here without some sort of FEMA camp level intervention and adequate supplies. It is that harsh and undeveloped. My heart goes out to all the people currently out there on the streets. I chose to be here BECAUSE I SEE THEM. My bus makes it hard for me to go observe places like "THE ZONE" in Phoenix but a search for a real solution is part of why I came out here to begin with. I watched my city wither and die after the auto industry moved out of the area. As specialty business like furniture builders closed their doors after a hundred years or more. It was heartbreaking. I realized quite early that a decline was coming, and if I did not put myself in a position to be of service to those falling through the cracks I would be another statistic. I observe and am seeking long term solutions to things like affordable housing, and I Will even go so far as to call the people on the streets REFUGEES, displaced in their own country and overlooked. I often hear people say they should get help, then get mad because a shelter is opening near their home or residence. Still not sure what the answers are but if we all work together and moreover SEE EACH OTHER, the world could change. I pray it does. God bless. (Edited for Grammer)
@@michaelwalters7110 So well stated. I wish I could be part of the solution. I am just getting my van ready for me and my wife. We pray everyday that things will get better. It goes much deeper than most are even aware of and the news doesn't report it. All the best to you. God bless you as well!
The difference is so often about addictions- these guys in the desert have enough going on to keep them interested in life. They don't need drugs and alcohol to escape their environment.
Hello from Australia remote rural off grid here and yes I have seen he way American cities are turning into cesspools , I also see Australian city's going the same way unfortunately . Off grid now for 11 years 2 go back to the city's would be the end of me.
@@TheSilmarillian That's fantastic! I would love to sit down with you and have what I'm sure would be a great talk. Stay sane and never go back to the city!
I reside in Phoenix, and drive in this area quite often. It’s good to see its back to capacity as during COVID it was barren. Cool to see all the people living in the desert!
Hey Peter. It's Randy from the start of this video. Make sure you come back in January during the RV show when the desert is a bit more crowded. Cheers Bro. Hope to see you.
I lived in a Ford Econoline van for over a year traveling and camping like this and it was wonderful. I was in my 20s back then and I'm now in my 60's and retired but I watch this and think could I do this. I wonder what percentage of people live like this because they want to compared to those who have no choice. Good luck to all of you doing it! Peter, you have one of the best CZcams channels ever keep it up.
I lived this way for nearly ten years towing a popup tent trailer with an old pickup truck. Started this lifestyle at 60. I never went to Quartzsite, preferring far more remote places. The very best ten years of my life, traveling around Sonoran Desert. At 73, I'm lazin' by the Caribbean enjoying these videos.
My dad was given 6 months to live. I moved in to take care of him and 8 years later he finally passed. It was horrible. I lost everything. But he gave me his 4 wheel drive Suzuki, a little car with potential. I managed to pack what little I owned in the back, throw a foam pad over it that allowed me to sleep in there, slap up some curtains and I drove back to Oregon to try and make a life for myself. I can't find the words for the beautiful places I camped - next to waterfalls, lakes, rivers, in majestic forests. It was just me and nature, and very healing. I miss those days, guerilla camping up and down the west coast.
Hello from the Oregon Coast. I exited my home state in northern Cali in 2021 retired early to escape all the chaos. It was sucking the life out of me. I have settled here in a small rural town on the coast.
It took me three months to decompress from all the shit I had to deal with just to survive living in a shoebox that ate 75% of my income. As I walk the beautiful beaches each morning, I'm grateful to have peace of mind to live the final chapter of my life. Peace Out California
thank you for sharing your story you honored your dad and I hope you can still see the beauty in those places again soon
Geat job, you did for your father
Sorry for your loss, I am alone but with medical problems and think of going out west.
Thank you very much for this. This past weekend, I boondocked on state trust land near Lake Pleasant north of Phoenix. It was very solitary, trash everywhere, not the greatest experience. Even maybe a little scary. I would have loved to meet any of my neighbors but I never saw anyone outside their cars, trailers or RV's. I have stayed near Quartzite on BLM land and it was nice. Anyway, I was recently in a situation where my wife left and I was faced with living in my 13' teardrop trailer for a period of time. It's not big but it has water and electricity. That has since resolved but it's very much on my mind. This is incredibly comforting to know there are nice people out there. I would never be ashamed of living this way as long as I had nice neighbors and would love the freedom. I think I'll come out sometime soon just to see what it is like. It would be a great comfort to me and at the very least, it might become my favorite vacation spot.
I’m a little newer to this channel but I gotta say I love it. This latest video was particularly good as it ventured into a lifestyle that I think most people are uncomfortable with but wish they could do. My parents did five years in an RV and my family has a hard time driving down to Disneyland.
Lived in a van for 4 years after I lost my corporate gig and met the BEST and most REAL people. We still meet up in Quartzsite every winter to hang out.
Man. Big. Fan hay from. Sc
I lived off grid in the hi desert out in California for over a year and a half my property was raided by the Sinaloas so it’s dangerous not to mention the felons released because of Covid. The hi desert consists of three types of people, farmers/ranchers, off grid homesteaders, and meth addict felons.
Glad you survived..
Seems like out there, there's enough room for everyone...
why did the sinaloas raid your property?
@@Thebluesky0311 Why not? It's like when I was living in the Bronx... people would get pushed onto the subway tracks after being mugged on the platform - why???
Were you in Yucca? Joshua tree? Area?
You should bring Titus with you. Let him preach the word!
The "Royal We", NICE 'The Big Lebowski' reference from Bob!
Thanks for the insight.
Communities like this one are growing for very valid reasons ❤
I agree.
I like the way people meet up and become friends. Their desire to help one another out is awesome.
Freedom is everything.
I am from Europe and I love watching your videos, it gives me a real impression on how the american people live outside of the big crazy city.
Thank you and all the best!
I appreciate that they mentioned how older vulnerable women are sometimes misled to come out with very little money or not enough resources to survive the elements.
I've always thought that it was inappropriate to convince them its so easy, when it's really not.
Thanks for speaking the truth.
People beware, and please do your research.
I really want to go one winter...I'm sure if I found a good group I could make it
@@lorrie5881 yes ma'am. Find your tribe and be safe.
Road Trip, some day, huh?
cashinherhorse2: woman have their own personal ATM. Make withdraws when needed!
@@woodsmanforlife1677 I do not use banks for my funds. I do not trust or want my money taken from ATMS.
Any day we could get hit with an EMP missle where we will lose the electric grid. I prefer cash. No withdrawal for me.
I'm a California licensed attorney who moved to Arizona a little over two years ago since I can do court appearances remotely by Zoom (most of California are a bunch of pansies who are scared of Covid lol). I love Arizona, but I'm a pansy myself when it comes to the summer heat. I've gone through two summers out here, and I'm finally moving back to California since my law practice is taking off.
Anyway, I love everything else about Arizona. I really loved the Navajo Reservation when I got to go visit Monument Valley earlier this year. It really feels like you're going back in time to Dinosaur land or Flintstone land with some breathtaking scenery.
I loved this video, and it's cool to see people surviving like this and doing their thing. God bless you guys.
Im sad we dont have something like this in Europe. This year i finally finished my Fiat van and took it on a few trips, probably ending this summer surfing in Spain, but we just dont have places like this here. There are many motorcamps and sites (usually pretty damn expensive) and you usually meet either retired people who live there off pension or vanlifers who just spend 1 or 2 day there. I lack something like this community in the US.
It's definitely the freedom! Been fulltime solo RVer 16 yrs. Just the Lord Jesus, my pets and me. I came out to paint, and enjoy my pets. LaPosa South is a favorite winter haven for us, then back to the Rockies for summers.
Love this video Peter. Thanks for showing your interview with Randy from Atlanta and his friend Ram, Robert the former game warden, Mike the bus guy, and Bob the ambulance guy!! These people are intelligent, living on their terms, while still respecting the boundaries and values of others, and respecting the environment!! Thank you!!
I worked out in Quartzsite for 7 years. It is a tremendously seasonal flow of people and summer it is a ghost town. Generally good nomadic folks but plenty of vagrants. Quartzite used to be really incredible when it was a 2 lane road through town and it would take over an hour to get 2 miles. About 15 years ago town got a little less fantastic when the family dollar and dollar general style stores started popping up because it really hurt the local shop owners. Be warned it is remote and hot in summer and windy and cold in winter.
sounds like it's turning into
Slab City in Niland, California
@@jamessexton6 It's operated by the federal government. They won't allow it to get that bad.
Subbd and now following you from Australia.
These vids open up the world for those that cant travel.
Appreciate you sharing.
Thanks Peter, stay well mate.
My dad had this lifestyle when he lived in the States. He and his wife drove around in their RV and resided somewhere around Santa Fe for a long time. He always used to tell me this life was tough, eventhough they had freedom and made music and painted all the time. They weren’t that hardcore, because my dad couldn’t live without his Apple computer/homestudio plug ins and keyboard. He considered himself a cyberhippie.
As a misplaced Hillbilly from WV living in Phx area for last 20 years-I love this! The desert has its beauty & lots of off grid places 🥰
West Virginia take me home
I'm loving your content & showing real people enjoying life in so many ways. This is America!
how is no one talking about how the podcast dude is literally nuts. he’s an absolute g and seems really cool and interesting, but he’s crazy!!
Nah, he's just enthusiastic, energetic and passionate about being a nomad. Well so far anyways. He's a great guy and a great conversationalist even when that discussion becomes a debate. He is firmly grounded in reality and the here and now. He was also and still is a radio/podcast personality so that is something to consider.
I appreciate your work very much. Honest and real. My wife and I quit the rat race and lived lived nomadically for a few years. We now have our own business and still live free.
Im currently living out of my converted van and ive been travelling new England and climbing mountains with my dog for the last 2 weeks. In just that short timespan I've met so many other amazing people, just yesterday and today i met a family living out of a Van that has been traveling for over a year and spent 6 weeks in Baja Mexico and I met a group of people from Montreal who came to the Adirondacks for some weekend climbing. I cant tell you how free i feel. I had an job most people dream of and a house in a big city, cars, motorcycles and all sorts of things, but I was really kind of miserable. I let all that go and I'm quite literally happier then i think i have ever been.
AMEN BROTHER/SISTER!!!!
I love Vermont! I've been to 40 US states and Vermont is my favorite. I drove to Maine during peak fall leaf colors, omg! I almost cried. So beautiful
This was great, Peter. You make some great Docs, but I especially enjoyed this one. Thanks for making it.
I want more like this, maybe going to places where workcamping is prevalent (like the Beet Harvest), talking to people (if you can...). Might have to be just before or after the harvest because people work 12 hour shifts consecutively as long as the weather permits. This whole "nomadic" way of life is interesting to me, and I'd like to see it documented and explored by an "outsider." Most of the vanlife and nomadic stuff on YT is from the perspective of those who are living it. I especially think showing some of the life of people who migrate with the weather, who work seasonal jobs between traveling (or just as a lifestyle). It would be interesting to see some of those types of perspective if it is ever possible.
It's all fun and games until Summer hits. It's 110 in Tucson right now lol.
I did van life for a year and half back in 2017-19, and it was just like those guys said. The sense of freedom is amazing, but it's a hard lifestyle for sure. I was traveling and would find work when I ran out of money. It was great being out and camping but harder to do in the cities where I tended to pick up work. You meet a lot of mostly great people out there. I remember camping out on the Kofa at xmas time I met an older couple living the life full time. We went hiking and they invited me for xmas dinner. Really warm and welcoming folks.
When I traveled through Quartzite it felt like the end of the line/world to me. Sort of depressing being in town. The best part of my van life experience was spending so much time with nature.