VAN LIFE UK - why do we do this?!

This video is sponsored by Squarespace. What is happening guys? We are Craig and Amy and you are watching... When you left us last week we were in a spot of bother. Custard the bus decided she'd had enough and broke down in Asda car park. Custard's broken! If you're new around here this whole thing's going wrong malarkey, it's just a typical day for King and it. This week we attempt to drive a bus with no clutch. We find an absolutely stunning park up on a beach. We get cornered by some cows. What are you so aggressive for? And we meet a guy named Steve with a really inspiring story. All right lads, we're straight back from where we just left you. We're still in Asda car park. I've been learning how to drive Custard the bus without a clutch on YouTube. So I'm going to attempt to do it in Asda car park. We've already said to the people in Asda like we potentially might be staying here and they were like yeah that's fine. But we don't really want to stay here. So I'm going to try it in the car park and if I can get it we're going to go back to the spot in nature. So wish me luck. Oh best of luck, honest pal because this seems pretty impossible but you're going to attempt the impossible right? I mean I love a challenge, love a bit of adrenaline so let's give it a go. Please don't break it. Handbrake's off, first gear, I'm going to pull off straight away. It's not looking good. It can't be good for the car. You show first. Right, that's not right. Well maybe... Out of gear. Do you want to watch the YouTube video again? Why is it not starting in neutral? Oh it does but then it won't go in gear. You need to rev and then put it in gear. Moving a little bit. Rev, rev, rev, rev. Okay, she's gone. The next half an hour was spent doing circles in Asda car park trying to figure out how to drive the clutchless bus. It was going pretty well. We're in our left foot brake, is it? Once I'd mastered it, sort of, we went off for the two mile drive to the park up. That was a junction, stressful driving the whole time. So if anyone out there, you know, if your car's broken or if your car just didn't come with the clutch and you need a taxi driver then Craig's your man. This guy here, absolute champion of the world. No clutch, don't worry about it. Not a problem for me. It's fine, park here, park here, it's fine. Bloody hell. I'm getting out for safety. You did well getting here though. He did really well. Well done. Bloody hell, so stressful man. So we're currently parked over four spaces and we feel like people come here in the mornings to walk their dog. So we've got to move it, which is annoying. But Craig's doing an awfully good job. He is a brilliant... Oh my god, that sounds so bad. It sounds so bad. That's it, well done, well done. You all right? Oh, she doesn't sound good at all. He's mad though, he's like, you can see he's like excited about doing it. Yeah. And I'm just like sat there in the passenger seat like, oh my god. But he's just like, all right, let's go, let's do it. Yeah. He's got more bravery inside him than I have in my little toe. Can we push it? Can we push Custard? We have been training mate, but come on. Van life baby. It's not all fun and games kids. I have to get this on camera. Tanya and Adam just said to me, do you want a bowl of peas? A bowl of peas? But they're so good. They're delicious. Green protein mate. Right, we can't hang around with you anymore. The situation is Gordon's got a mate who's got the part. Did we say this already? No. And he said it's going to take three days. So we basically just got to wait for the part to come. But Gordon's mobile and he said he could fix it here. This is what happens when you live with this kid. Don't film me now. She puts a cup of tea on the bed. That's when I was sat here all night having a chat with our friends. Fresh sheets, which we washed yesterday. Absolutely soaked with tea now. Olly still smells like tea and biscuits. Go on, tell everyone what you just told me. The worst night I've ever had in my life. No, be honest. It was actually really good. You actually said this is amazing. But you did cheat, you put butter and salt in there. I mean, if you put butter and salt on anything, it's going to taste good. Before we carry on with the video, we'd like to thank this week's sponsor, Squarespace. Do you have a business or a burning desire to start one, but just don't know how? Our advice, start with a website. Why don't you have your own website? I just can't afford it. I don't have the time. I never thought I'd need one. I've been meaning to create one. You will go from unknown Billy Joe to professional entrepreneur in seconds. The best thing about Squarespace is how easy it is to do it yourself. And there's no need to hire anyone to do it for you. This is Lola Bell. She is creating her very own travel blog. Well, they love traveling, I do. Squarespace has powerful blogging tools to tell your story, share your updates and post photos and videos on the road. I'll schedule this just before I go to my hot yoga class. Just choose a template to start. The designs are endless. Drag and drop your photos in. It really couldn't be any easier. Then go on to create an about me section to let people know how wholesome and modest you are. I'm six foot eleven. I'm a big girl. I've got blue eyes and I just love a good time. Post. Be as lush as Lola Bell and head to squarespace.com for a free trial. And when you're ready to launch, go to squarespace.com forward slash kinginit to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Good afternoon, lads from sunny Wales. Today is Sunday. We've been stuck here since Friday. Our man, Gordon, supposedly is going to come Monday with the part to fix Custard. Fingers crossed it arrives Monday. If not, it'll be Tuesday. Luckily, we're in this really beautiful spot. There's a lake two minutes that way. There's a campsite just around the corner that let's go and empty the toilets and fill up jets with some water because we've got like we're on the red now. We've got like next to no water left. But yeah, the weather's been amazing. So the battery power stayed up. We've been editing the vlogs and stuff like that. So we're able to power the Custard from the sun, which is great, like free energy. This is it. This is the spot on day one. We had a really angry old guy come knocking on our door and he said, You know what you're doing is illegal. I'm going to report you. And we're like, whoa, buddy, calm yourself down. Anyway, the next day, someone came from Natural Resources Wales, I think it's called. This is they maintain this place. And this guy, Gareth, came and we explained to him what had happened, etc, etc. So he gave us a bit of paper. We put it in the window. We said, we've broken down. Leave us alone. Don't be aggy. We're not choosing to stay here. Hello. Hi, neighbor. Hi, neighbor friend. Hello. How's it going? Just realized I never film you through the window. So I thought I'd just say hello. I'm always hanging out here and Tanya films me all the time. So I thought I'd come to the reverse angle. The reverse, this is what you see. I'm just trying to dig under the sofa to try and find potatoes. And Tanya is just learning about how to become a massive influencer. Oh, nice. You are one anyway, aren't you? Where can they find you? No. Cheers into the sunset. The course isn't very good. You better get a refund mate. Yeah, you're learning. So yeah, I just want to say thanks so much, guys, for being absolute legends the last couple of days and saving us and looking after us. You're more than welcome. You'd have done the same for us, I'm sure, would you? Oh, we've been gone, mate. Look who just got out of bed. If I thought this looked cool, I would wear it. But I know I look like somebody's nan. Look at me. You're a bad boy. We spent the next four days trying to stay active. We did a few workouts. Craig and Adam had a few runs. We recorded the season finale of our podcast. The locals were so friendly and they even left a note on our windscreen to say if there's anything we can do to help, please let us know. How kind. We're just basically hanging around today waiting for Gordon's call. I spoke to him this morning. He said he's waiting to hear from his guy for the part for Custard. We just had a quick shower, quick little armpit and bits wash, and now we're completely out of water. So breakfast is going to be a bit of a struggle because we can't wash any pots. What I've decided and what we've tried the other day, oats in a rice cooker, mate. Genius, kid. Over here, come up with that. I sure did and then realised it was a thing. It was already done. It was on the internet. So if you've got a rice cooker and you've run out of pots in your van, put some oats in there with some milk. We're also going to do some little fiery ginger shots this morning for us and the team. Fancy that? Only if you don't put that cayenne pepper in it. It's got to go in. That's the fun part. No, that blows your head off. It's not fun for the next few hours. Oh, look at this. Perfect porridge. So easy. Finished off with a dollop of vanilla yoghurt, some cinnamon and chia seeds. Look at that. Do you feel like you're in a Michelin star restaurant sometimes, babes? With you babes all the time. What's going on here then? Ready to get this party started or what? Is that ginger shots? Ginger shots, baby. Very spicy. It's time for a run and swim. We set off on our run in the hopes that we would find a nice lake for a swim. But the first bit of water that we found looked a bit dodgy. It looks like an SDI. When we eventually found the lake, it was fenced off. But we stuck to our rule of running for five more minutes to see if we could find a better spot. And it paid off. We came across a herd of sprightly cows, or so we thought. There's about 100 cows coming. I'm on this side of the fence because I've seen cows get aggressive. Alan's bottled it. The fence right here. He's got horns on this one. And he's the one that's leading the pack. Hello. Maybe they think we've got food. Maybe. Or maybe they think we are food. Just properly rolled my ankle. Are you all right, mate? Oh, no, that was sore, man. What are you so aggressive for? Oh, no, this is brilliant. Broken ankle and we're surrounded by cows. Hello. Oh, these are all bullocks. What's that mean? I think that means they're young males. I can't quite tell, but they look like little bullocks, which means they're all excitable, all young. There you go. Oh, that's so cute. Always an adventure. Yep, just off for a quick run swim. I've got a broken ankle and now we're stuck behind the fence. Surrounded by some cows. Some aggressive cows. Adam Stocker, aka the Cow Whisperer. From the other side of the fence. We're going to make our great escape. This could be the end of Adam. He's going first. See, if you'd have just calmed down earlier, I'd be that side of the fence as well with a normal ankle. You got scared and joined me. All right, lads. See you later, lads. We're going to love you and leave you. It's been a pleasure. All right, they're coming back. They're stalking us. We're on edge because they all just started running. It's fine. Not scared. Definitely not scared. Oh, here they come. Home sweet home. All we got from that was soggy feet and a rolled ankle. But a good experience, mate. It's a very good story to tell the grandchildren or something. Someone's grandchildren. Our knight in shining armour. Look who just showed up. On camera again. Gordon has arrived. You all right? What you got there, mate? That is your... This is gold. This has come all the way from Germany just for you. Happy days. That's all we needed. And that's it. Brilliant. I hope. There we go. Repair attempt is underway. Gordon said, I hope it's the right part. If it's not, we're going to be in trouble. But we'll have a go. Gordon got straight to work taking Custard apart. After an hour or two of fiddling, unbolting, unscrewing, shooting a super soaker and pumping the clutch, Gordon had finished the job. All right, Gordon's been here for about an hour and a half, maybe two hours, just about to start Custard and see if the clutch works. But I think they're on, kid. I think they're on. Now that Custard was fixed, we got back on the road in search of some water and somewhere to empty the toilet. After filling the bus with water and emptying another load of sewage, we headed towards a beach. All right, lads, what's going on? It's so good. We're getting deafened with what's going on. Well, we're praying me to take a wrong turn. But fortunately, we found ourselves here. It's at RAF Valley. And all of the RAF, like, what are they? Planes. They just keep coming in and coming in. And there's one right behind you. It shakes your core. It's so loud. Like, you just don't know what to do with yourself sometimes. But it's so scary. You would not get a wink of sleep if you lived in Anglesey. This is a sick park up. So we're, like, right on the beach. No idea if the tide's going to come right up or not. But we'll soon find out, I guess. But this is us on the beach. Beach is there. RAF planes in the distance. We're off to the beach. How ideal is that house? Literally right on the little river that comes in. Look how clear this water is. You can see the sharks coming. Three, two, one. All right, lads. We were settling in to watch a film and realized that the water's getting pretty close to Custard. So we're going to move further back to the back of the car park so that we don't wake up in the sea. Morning, lads. Quick stop for some food in Mozzers. And then we are heading to a place called South Stack. Yeah, so this is just one of five lighthouses, I believe, that is on Anglesey. There's five? There's five of them. Oh, what? Yeah, and it's really cool. It looks gorgeous. I don't know how far down we can go, but we'll explore that. We'll figure it out. Yeah. But the guys haven't come with us today. If you're watching this now, their video is out, Jetsons at Sunset. Tanya and Adam have released their first video in like six months or something. Yeah, it's about to. It's their first video from Wales. It's so brilliant. So go and head over to their channel after you've watched this video. After you've watched all of our videos, head to theirs. And given it a thumbs up. Head to theirs and watch it because you'll love it. And you can see like another side of what we've been up to. Yeah, see how we film things differently and how people see things from different kind of angles and whatnot. Yeah, like a more professional version of... Of this. Of YouTube. So yeah, we've left them today. We need to get out. We've literally been in the van for two days not filming because the weather's been terrible. But the sun's trying to come out today. So we need to get some fresh air, don't we, babes? We do. Blow off the cobwebs, as they say. It's right. So on the agenda... South Stax... Blah. South Stax Lighthouse. What are we having then to prep us for our little hike? Well, it's not really a hike. We're just going to go and stand and look at it, aren't we? Yeah, we are, yeah. But yeah, I saw this on Eamon's Brothers. He's a vegan chef. This is his Instagram. Makes sick vegan foods. But he posted a video the other day making watermelon shakes. And we've literally been living off these. Non-stop. So it's just watermelon, a bit of water, and then you just squeeze a bit of lime in it. Oh, baby. So like, so hydrating. It's so tasty, man. Give it a go. How is it? So you sit on it now. You're really going to regret this now. Are you flying? Now, don't do no skids. They're not your tyres. We've just bumped into Andy and Michelle. They've got a YouTube channel. What is it, guys? Extreme Motorhome Adventures. There you go. Go and check them out. Lovely. These bad boys are having so much fun. Thanks for letting me know. A little bit more professional than her. Oh, you're welcome. So beauty. She looks beautiful. So calm today. We came yesterday and it was just like a white... It was just white. You couldn't see anything. Misty. Loads of sea mist. So we're back again today. It's really peaceful here, isn't it? You're in a cheeky mood today, aren't you? Cheeky boy. Making me stuff dandelions up my bum. Just having a little moment, remember we were saying. So grateful to be back on the road in Custard. Custard's driving like a dream. And it's nice to be out in the fresh air, isn't it? Yeah, I think being stuck in Custard when she was broken down, we were just like little hermits. Yeah. But now we're out, we're just like, oh wow, look at that. And just taking everything in and being like... Feeling so blessed to be able to be outside and just... The fact that it's not raining. Yeah. It's wonderful. It's so peaceful looking here and yeah. The sun has just come out as well. There's a song about just staring at the sea and hearing the birds. Lovely, isn't it? It's really, really lovely, yeah. We was on our way back and I was like, Craig, I can smell some food. Do a right hand turn, she was like... And we found ourselves at a place called the Standing Stones. I've had a little Google, they do vegan food. Don't poke me in the bum, Craig. I'm starving. It's called the Standing Stones. What have you been smoking today? So I got some nachos and I got a burger and then I got like a barbecue wing salad and some pizza, dough bread. I'm starving, Craig. So good as well. After rolling out of the restaurant, we headed back to one of the best park ups we've ever found. Not just for the location but for all of the other van lifers that were visiting and we were about to make a new friend. We just met Steve from Country Van Life TV. He's such a legend. He's got the coolest van ever. So he's going to let us have a look around it now. We're like, can we... We're just going to come and have a look. Is that all right? Because it looks really cool. Absolute hero. So why van life? Why do so many people get drawn to it? Some people are carrying on where their loved ones left off. For some people, it's a way to reconnect with nature and make sense of things in their life. We asked our friend Steve why he chose to live in a van. It's more of... It's to take my mind off what's going on in my life over the last few years. I mean, it's been a few years, as most of my viewers know, my wife was killed in a head-on crash. And I've known that girl since I was a teenager. She was my love. And she just went out one day, didn't come back. 47 years my love. And I had to do something because I was stuck in the flat. Going around in circles, nothing was going on in my life. I was getting more and more depressed every single day. I was looking at Talbot vans and the Talbot air club and I've seen the vans and I love old vans anyway. And I thought it'd be nice to get one of those and get out the weekends. It helped me in so many ways and getting out in it as well. Just down around the corner from my house to start with. I'd recommend it to anyone because it's changed my life totally. I'm actually sleeping now. I haven't slept for... It's been this... Oh, it's over six years now since Kristian was gone. Oh, yeah. And I'm actually sleeping now. Before I go to bed, I toss and turn for three hours. I get up, up for two hours, back to bed. But now I go to bed and I'm straight off. I still have broken sleep but it really is a game changer and I would recommend it for anyone, really. Anyone with mind issues. Wake up in beautiful locations like this, meeting beautiful people like Craig and Amy. The community is amazing. It's so heartwarming. All my followers I put on social media, they're always coming over here. I've had 20-odd people come over and meet me, especially to come over, make me breakfast, fill my tank with water, bring me knitted cushions with Kristian's name and Van Life, Country Van Life all over it. It's so heartwarming. It really is so heartwarming. Sometimes it brings me to tears how wonderful people can be. There are really so many lovely people. And this, look at this. What more would you want in life than to wake up this out your bedroom window every single day? It's glorious. I'd recommend it to anyone. We all headed to the sea for an evening swim. We talked about life, how living in a van is pure freedom and we all breathed in the fresh sea air and watched the sky change colours. He's running, he's running! Look, he's going for it! Woo! Yay! Absolute hero! Nice one, fella! It's nice, isn't it? That is amazing! Not too bad, eh? What an evening! You soon get used to it, don't you? Steve now lives full time in his van, seeking adventure and finding things to nurture his soul. Hearing Steve's story about his wife Christine was a stark reminder that life can change in an instant. And that grief is something that never leaves you, you just learn to live around it.