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Hello from the Mountains!
Brought to you to inspire, excite and support on cultivating a conscious, slow adventure travel lifestyle in tune with nature. And a little bit of sunshine ☀️.
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I often get the question if i’m not afraid vanlifing, hiking or wild camping alone. Well, confidence gets build over time. The first time driving this machine I was so nervous. Many adventures later… I’ve been in so many situations. And it’s in the discomfort where growth, skillbuilding and magic happens! Not always easy. But what helps me in unfortunate situations is thinking: 1) It can always be (wayyyy) worse and 2) there’s always so much to be grateful about. Sailing, adventuring, hiking has taught me that. And that’s why I’m still out here. Being curious 🐒 about this big wild beautiful world with so many corners to explore.
I'm back in my van after the big India adventures and visiting friends and family in the Netherlands and Germany. A few years ago I hiked across the Picos de Europa (GR202) and loved it SO much. So now I'm back, taking my time to explore the different corners, by van and by foot.
Things haven't really gone to plan lately with a broken van, as well as with a trip partner pulling out of the planned expeditions. But whatever the scenario, something good always comes out it.
The current situation (yes, an actual live update ;)🎥:
 There's always something to be grateful for. What can you be grateful about today?
Meanwhile I'm getting my head around how to tell all those stories that are piling up. I don't just want to tell stories. I'm more driven to help you get out there too! And live life a little bit wilder, and with nature. Expect some new Youtube videos on hiking, vanlife, and India over the next months. The editing (&battery management) struggle is real, but it's coming!
Also, I'm collecting all my notes and am putting some slow travel guides together, of which the next one is pretty much finished and going live this week:
The Slow Travel Guide to Morocco & Western Sahara! My best tips, tricks and insights from two winters of exploring this beautiful country by van. It's one more day available for pre-order at 40% off, and going into the world this week. And perhaps see you in Morocco this winter (I'm considering :)!
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Crowds are gone and cooler temperatures are ON
Autumn / Winter Trail Tip: GR 131 across the Canary Islands. I hiked across Gran Canaria 🎥, Tenerife & Fuerteventura and can highly recommend.
Meanwhile, Jonatan is still Hiking the Continental Divide Trail from Canada to Mexico (5000Km on foot!) facing snow and serious cold weather. Watch the adventure.🎥 It really can't get wilder. This trail is the toughest of the toughest. Give him a cheer under his videos 🫶 which he somehow manages to make live from trail.
Myself, I'll be taking one of the last weather windows hiking & wildcamping in the Picos de Europa (Spain) next week, together with Wingo 🐕, double checking the last touches on the Your First Hike guide (Express Interest).
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A few things making my life better lately
🍞 My Omnia Oven in the van to make bread and yummyness and stay warm. A simple stove top oven
🥶 Merino wool legging & long sleeve. Quite the investment but being cold is not an option. I have mine for 2.5 years now and probably wore it +200 days out of those!
🏕 Trustedhousesitters My current plan for a little break from vanlife this winter, and an actual kitchen and little workstation to bring those stories to you.
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Today's Cup of Tea with Suzy 🫖
Sipping it right now :)
Chai!
In India chai is everywhere. On the streets, from the vendors walking down the train. On trail and in the van I make my own version. It keeps you warm and it's supergood for your agni, as in Ayurveda your digestive fire is called. And the stronger you agni, the stronger your health.
How to make it? Ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper, all loose, mixed at home into one tiny strainer. Put a spoon of the mix in a pot of water. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. It keeps you warm, grounded and ahead of dis-ease.
In Ayurveda, winter is a Vata season. Cold, dry, windy, and often a little unsettled. When we're moving a lot, traveling, or living nomad-style, those qualities increase even more. The opposites bring balance: warm, grounding and a little oily.
Want to make your chai extra grounding? Add fat! A little bit of ghee or coconut oil, or top it up with warm (plant) milk. Cosyness in a cup :)
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Thank you for joining this newsletter! 🥰 I hope it inspires you to explore nature, with adventure outside and balance inside. I love to hear from you! Don't hesitate to hit reply and share what you'd like to read, see & learn more of. Or Let's connect on Youtube , Insta or in the Ocean Nomads Network 🤗
Love Xx from the Wild,
Suzanne
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Hiii 👋 If you're new here, my name is Suzanne and this is my 7th 🙊 year with the old mercedes as my homebase (first car, first house 🥳) Before this I lived at sea, sailing the world on other people's boats, and sometimes I change the van for a tent and trail, and recently India for the Ayurveda learning all about inner balance with nature 🫚. I share tips & tales on slow travel nomad life explorations (& situations 😜) by van, foot, and sail and staying grounded and healthy in the process. If I have enough battery & signal, you’ll hear from me 🥳
Thank you for being here. 🫶
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