Final Leg of Our 2,500 Mile Van Life Road Trip + a New Russo

In the final leg of our 2,500 mile camper van road trip from Southern Indiana to Southern California, we have to drive through a few border check points, stop for delicious food and pick up a new Russo.
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Take a tour of our camper • Ultimate AWD Ford Tran...
01:17 Chilaquiles at Delfina's Kitchen in Sierra Blanca, Texas
02:14 Texas US Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate 10
04:56 New Mexico US Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate 10
05:28 Camper search at border check points
06:10 Cooking on the road
07:45 Trailer drop off
08:54 Camper van life tip
09:55 Joe's tips on driving in California
14:43 Meet the new Russo
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Joe and Kait have been sharing their travel adventures and tips since 2015. For travel guides, essential gear and tips from the road visit weretherussos.com and / weretherussos
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#vanlife #rvlife #weretherussos

[@Weretherussos]

Take a trip down memory lane with these videos featuring our white Husky Leo kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2rbZ2Zrm9GJgNE

[@stuckinmopro8533]

I’ve followed you guys from the old days when you sold your house and set off with the doggos in your huge RV. You’ve evolved in both your filming and editing and it’s so enjoyable to watch each segment! I didn’t realize until today that there was such an evolution in your culinary adventures. In watching you eat that fantastic bowl of chilaquiles it brought to mind how in the “old days” you used to stop at “all you can eat” buffets at casinos which I loved. You then changed into a very “healthy” sort of high grains and veggies type of menus. To be honest there didn’t seem to be anything that I particularly enjoyed but now you seem to have hit a middle ground of healthy but very tasty meals. Most of what you cook/eat seem to be fantastic! Joe don’t worry about showing your bit of a tummy - just enjoy life. Best to you both!

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you - we appreciate that. There definitely needs to be a balance with the diet. Can’t always be eating out or always trying to be healthy

[@cvx2dog549]

Allowing motorcycles to split lanes is so dangerous!

[@modapasion1939]

Bonjour, super vidéo , quel est le type du fourgon et longueur ?

[@sirjasonakana]

That’s why CHP is so diligent…..reduce the mileage death rate

[@skistrycharski6999]

Ahhh, MOM ❤ !!! Sometimes soon to see her ? She has a uplifting attitude ❤🤩😎😊

[@bonniepwtf]

That was quite the trek, so glad it went so well. Now I can't stop looking at Joe's stomach, I never would have noticed until he mentioned it 😅

[@Weretherussos]

Ha!

[@wendyfilice7101]

Right, me too 😳🤣

[@bonniepwtf]

@@wendyfilice7101 😆🙈

[@byronbrasher8118]

Amazing

[@lisarobison3395]

Same here!! 🤣🤣

[@brentbrown51]

Have you tried Russell's Truck Stop in NM on I-40 just west of the Texas state line? Retro restaurant, clean bathrooms, lots of items for purchase in the store PLUS a free under-roof car museum. We always stop there when we can. Fun spot.

[@darrellNZL]

I felt this was one of you both at your relaxed best. Loved the paunch-no-paunch moments, the salsa from the jar, perspiring pate..... 👏 👏 👏

[@Weretherussos]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michelle_nolan]

Am I the only one that after seeing the intro just wanted to FF to the pup-pup?

[@daveparis339]

You guys are adorable! Kait, "Filming!" Absolutely loved that. Joe, appreciate your comfortableness with yourself. Many of us are sporting a little extra weight with these past few years of craziness. Such a humorous and transparent sharing. Loved it. Bella and I look very forward to our regular Russo's visit. Purchased both of the books, Joe, of course. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Really love the writing style, the stories, and the honesty. The relationship chapter in your second book covering your first years on the road where you guys both bottled in some frustration and then decided at almost the same time to share what was troubling you to each other. Beautiful. Just beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes. Sweet couple. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us and for setting that example of real-life. I think it's exemplary. Safe journeys you two!!

[@jaycast1386]

Feliciano from San juan capistrano, here I'm glad you made home joe😊

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks! 😃

[@thomashorton4311]

Hope you all enjoyed Birmingham. We worked and retired there. Please be careful as you travel.

[@mikeprodanov6765]

You passed through my backyard... Palm Springs area of Cali...... Glad you made it safe...

[@Weretherussos]

That we did but only recently

[@johnhaberstroh9510]

Palm Springs is Wonderful!! So much to do.. AND Joshua Tree National park right on the other side of the 10 from Palm Springs.. Great place to go hiking & sightseeing nature..

[@AdventureOutThere]

Awe!!! My parents had a yellow lab named Charlie that we also nicknamed Wiggle Butts (lots of other nicknames, too)! 😂

[@lasinmt106]

HAHAHAHAHA I watched the WHOLE THING to see the NEW RUSSO. More please!!!! Luv's Wiggles Butt too.

[@robertabrams8562]

I LOVE IT! First it was lil “Liz Taylor”, and now it’s lil “Richard Burton” (Christine really knows how to pick her pups lol)! I did basic training in El Paso 40yrs ago (Ft Bliss), so it was nice seeing my old stomping grounds from my youth again 👍🏼 So glad you guys made it to your moms house safely! 👍🏼👏🏼🥂🤙🏼

[@Weretherussos]

Richard Burton??? LOL

[@txchivette1815]

I loved hanging out at FtBliss. I'm from EP. What MOS trained at Bliss? I trained at FtMcClellan AL as the last training class OSUT for Chemical. Worked At McGregor Range b4 Changing to 68K and re-did Basic at Jackson & AIT at Sam.

[@robertabrams8562]

@@Weretherussos Yes! Liz Taylor once said that Richard Burton was her soulmate! She married him two times, hence the name of the new pup lol! Charley has found her soulmate 😍😍

[@robertabrams8562]

@@txchivette1815 Ft Bliss was a Air Defense Artillery (ADA) training base! I did Basic & AIT (OSUT) there in ‘82, as a 16R! Although that MOS no longer exists, nor does the Basic Training Base, Ft Bliss is still used for ADA AIT! My first duty station was in the 2nd/ 61st ADA in Munsan Korea in ‘83, and my ETS was in ‘85

[@robertabrams8562]

@@txchivette1815 I hated NBC training, so it’s hard to imagine how anyone could have that as their MOS 😂

[@ozzywon]

So…the El Paso Village Inn, outside the airport, had the best chicken enchiladas w/ green sauce I’ve ever had. Dude I was with swore it was the best blue cheese dressing (better than Morton’s) that he’d ever had. Maybe we were just hungry but next time you’re passing through I’d love to hear your thoughts…

[@markreynolds3850]

Welcome the little Russo 👍

[@Jim-Jamjouney]

Speedy recovery 🙏❤️

[@KristiinaKasepaluHarakas]

Yaaaayyyy. New Russo

[@lynfl9814]

I so enjoyed riding with you guys. The food looked delicious and the puppies; bundles of joy. It looks like your Mom and her sister got a beautiful pup. Great to see Mom; HI MOM!!!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks so much

[@nava8529]

Omg puppies are full of energy

[@Tangoisinthesouth]

Yea so happy for you!! ( went to my first Buc-Ed’s today. Fun!!)

[@keithhumpherys8343]

One of the times driving from Texas to California on I-40 in the New Mexico area, I passed a terrible wreck involving a couple of semi’s and cars. One of the cars was formed onto a ball. I mean a ball. I drive both I-10 and I-40 many times by car and large uhaul truck. I’ve seen a number of accidents on those highways. It been a number of years ago, since I have to California or Nevada. Enjoyed watching you trip. Spent a lot of time using rest areas.

[@TheProfessorandHerPassport]

Let us know when you are back in IN. Would love to buy your guys a coffee or wine!

[@RyanStille]

Hey folks, I am happy to see new episodes coming out. I have some feedback - you might consider a different audio setup for when filming in the van while driving. I think this is the noisiest vehicle you two have had, it is hard to hear you over the wind & road noise. Happy travels!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Ryan, it’s been something we’re looking into.

[@bevn362]

I missed the video announcing your trip to Australia that inspired Joe’s pouch. 😉🤣 Your mom looks so 🐶 happy. Kait, perfect slippers-look cute.

[@Weretherussos]

Lol - guess I should head down under

[@lesshustlemorecoffee]

Loved it! :-) So happy for your Mom! Congrats on the new puppy! Be safe you guys!

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you so much!

[@johntossing624]

Good to see Mama Russo again! Cheers!!

[@johnhaberstroh9510]

I may be a little late to the conversation(you may have done that before in your different cars), Ever consider a trip up PCH to Oregon border?? It is WONDERFUL!!!

[@deborah4579]

Long haul! Glad you made it. So great seeing Mama Russo, Charlie and the new pup at the end. Looking forward to your overseas adventures.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks so much!

[@scottthejeepguy7499]

Haha, Joe that salsa sure looked hot, love it, love the Russos. Great ride.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks 👍

[@rltgamer4766]

Cool slippers - chips and guacs 😀👍

[@rhegagne3991]

Great to have the both of you back.

[@brpmanmann1255]

At least they named him right.

[@brendahill9675]

I thought you and Kait were getting a new child “ puppy “😊

[@TheEdelKampers]

Congratulations on making it to your mom's house.You guys made that drive fast for sure. Charlie is going to love the puppy. Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Mary 💕 Fred

[@markreynolds3850]

Food looks awesome guys, welcome back.

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you 😋

[@anthonyvisor8880]

I have to get caught up! I have missed some episodes.

[@Thesaltymedic36]

I sweat from hot salsa too 😂. I should bring a towel myself.

[@Weretherussos]

Always good to have

[@LarryBlue55]

I have noticed you both have been through several vans and the flatbed with the 4x4 Overland Truck Camper.

[@henrietta9206]

omg Wiggle Butts is gorgeous, thanks for sharing! 💕

[@moretoknowshow1887]

That stretch of I-10/20 between Midland/Odessa and El Paso is sone of the loneliest road out there. Also: We need more Charlie content!

[@SonofDarnell]

Bro y’all need to get out there more often you guys are a hit!❤🎉. Honestly Kate’s cooking looked better than any of those other meals that you were buying from restaurants and I bet her smell better too!

[@Weretherussos]

New video every week - thanks!

[@stana2z]

Love that place! The Chile Quile dish is my fav too!

[@Weretherussos]

It's so good!

[@RyanRush-aka-ryry05]

If you have a chance, and your in Las Vegas try arepas Or dirt dog its on the vegas strip

[@christinavallem5669]

Puppy!

[@davidchang5788]

lol is okay Joe, we love gutty guys! No need to suck in - Signed Another Gutty Guy!

[@Weretherussos]

lol - thanks buddy

[@2152133]

Move you logo from the bottom left corner to the bottom right. Then u don’t have to worry about ur stomach.

[@Weretherussos]

Ha! Thanks for the tip 🤣

[@BloomByCC]

Oh my gosh!!!! Puppy!

[@ML-ws6ce]

What the heck Joe🤣🤣lost words?

[@Weretherussos]

Yeah - brain stopped.

[@ML-ws6ce]

@@Weretherussos Lack of coffee I guess

[@Hsia_Travels]

how are the cross winds? Do you have issues with the tow when it's really windy? Especially from Texas to CA.

[@Weretherussos]

They’re not much of a problem. It’s not like driving a sedan as you definitely get blown around but nothing unmanageable.

[@tomassanesson902]

Epik video 😆😆

[@beckyblevins9095]

I love all your videos and look forward to your next video

[@dealific]

Recording 😀

[@mickster1780]

a cup of Joe for Joe

[@lrobie123]

Nice trip. once over age 40, keeping the big stomach away is easier when using metabolism booster. Of course, there are those electric shock bands too which might be interesting while driving down the road (probably painful).

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks for the tips!

[@robynidyllwild6755]

Great Sandals 🩴

[@darrellbrixey5341]

Awesome video guys

[@C.Z.IMP65]

Wow 🔥 🔥

[@Lezliecns]

Hey Kate! What brand are your toe socks, and why do you prefer them….? I swear they help my back while working…🤷🏻‍♀️ Much love and enjoyed the video from WV!!

[@Weretherussos]

These are the Injinji. We both just find them comfortable.

[@jaycast1386]

I hope I can have the chance to meet you guys, I'm in anaheim, ca

[@Weretherussos]

We’ll be at the San Juan Capistrano Adventure van expo in late April

[@jaycast1386]

@@Weretherussos this will be awesome, thanks guys, see there I appreciate your reply 😀 👍

[@jaycast1386]

@@Weretherussos sorry to bother you guys again, quick question are you guys going to be at expo both days 29th and the 30th ? Stay safe 😊

[@Weretherussos]

Yep, we'll be there for the whole weekend

[@jaycast1386]

@@Weretherussos cool, so are you are there will a grand honor to get your book which I had to be signed from you, thanks guy.

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

The best exercise to get rid of the weight is "push-aways."😂

[@suzannewch7202]

Great video!

[@Weretherussos]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ProvoDrive]

Lake Cachuma is full of water. When are you stopping by Solvang or Paso Robles?

[@richardepstein3494]

Do you try to buy one particular brand of fuel? Do brands make a difference these days?

[@Weretherussos]

We go by price as all the fuel is the same and comes from the same refineries minus the additives they put in it at the fuel station.

[@garretlewis4103]

Bet you guys are glad you made it. Better put the LoJack on the van for your mom! I like salsa too; however, I don’t like to drink it. 🤪

[@Weretherussos]

The Fords come with a built in tracking system and I can monitor it from anywhere

[@stevenabelson8563]

You picked one hell of a time to go to LA. 🤦‍♂

[@lovematters7122]

Where is your uhaul trailer? It was there and then it was gone!

[@Weretherussos]

Check out 07:47

[@starfishadventures4531]

@@Weretherussos Haha I must have stepped away for a coffee break! I certainly don't want to miss anything. Great trip.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Hi Wiggle Butts!

[@dank3599]

Did I hallucinate that there was a trailer attached until halfway through today's video?

[@Weretherussos]

Ah - you must have missed the part where we dropped the trailer off at our friends place

[@lenward474]

Kindly share your coffee recipe, ratios. Your tools are on your website?

[@Weretherussos]

Here you go! weretherussos.com/camping-coffee-maker/

[@lenward474]

@@Weretherussos thanks so much. Sorta like looking in mirror every coffee time. Stay safe.

[@davidthomas9267]

Food all looks good, but being old I think I would have really bad gastrointestinal up set.

[@BloomByCC]

Man, that drive through Texas… no bueno.

[@Weretherussos]

What’s wrong with Texas? We love it

[@BloomByCC]

@@Weretherussos driven it six times from Cali to Florida and is so looooooooooooooooong!!!!!!!!

[@shellygbean7453]

When you were stopped in MS, you were in the hood.

[@gareman9417]

What make are those vehicles? Revian? 10:41

[@Weretherussos]

They’re made by Rezvani

[@mr5410]

Puppy clickbait....😩...🤗😘

[@perezjorbaorg6050]

What was the name of the Mexican restaurant near Odessa? Thanks!

[@Weretherussos]

This was actually closer to El Paso. The name is Delfina’s Kitchen in Sierra Blanca.

[@perezjorbaorg6050]

@@Weretherussos Thank You!!!

[@julesl7679]

Omg u r in Glendale Az? I live there. I missed u? Ugh

[@Weretherussos]

Yep we were

[@jimfranklin9770]

Once you reach a certain age you no longer care about ‘recording.’

[@keyplayer5]

Great video! You guys are so fun to travel with. Could you tell us the name of the breeder your Mom used? We’ve been looking in Southern Cal. Thanks. 💕

[@Weretherussos]

Rooster Valley Labs. Please tell them the Russos said hello - really nice people.

[@keyplayer5]

I sure will. Thanks so much!!

[@wolfrv695]

👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@michaelfrench6197]

TO FUNNY, Joe suck it in. Not really. Thanks for sharing.

[@Weretherussos]

Lol - you’re welcome

[@indycharlie]

I watched your video on larger vs OEM tires mileage and you said you would do a video after leaving the OEM ones on . Then give the MPG after a few months . Where is that video , or what MPG did you get ?

[@Weretherussos]

Here you go… kzbin.infoBNeyglABfPU?feature=share

[@johnwilliamson9453]

Joe, do you grind your own beans? Favorite beans?

[@Weretherussos]

Yes I do. Here’s more about my set up and beans: weretherussos.com/camping-coffee-maker/

[@johnwilliamson9453]

@@Weretherussos Thanks Joe! Since I’ve got into espresso (from a trip to Italy) I’m mostly doing Americano's and Cap’s, but still like occasional pour overs. I use a Clever Dripper for the pour overs. Tried a number of light roasts, but they can be a little harder to get right, so I stick with medium roasts now. Hope to see you at one of the events this year!

[@mattthomas1547]

Bodyweight exercises Joe

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks - got plenty to push around

[@Jeannie6801]

Where is,Leo

[@Weretherussos]

Leo passed away in 2018

[@Jeannie6801]

@@Weretherussos I’m a new sub, love your content, sorry for Leo

[@dinovera532]

Your audio in the storyteller FORD van while driving down the road is horrible… It seems to me that maybe the insulation is not as good as the Mercedes… Too much road noise & wind

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Loved the sweaty bald head :)

[@midcenturykat9829]

FIRST!!! 😁😁

[@midcenturykat9829]

Darn! I wasn't first, but it looked like I was! I saw a van like this last week in Casa Grande, AZ and I thought it might have been you guys! 😁 Safe and happy travels!

[@Weretherussos]

According to the app - yours was the first comment that came in so you did it!

[@loadblock4995]

🚫cali

[@user-im5tk5te5c]

For the exercise dilemma. U could just walk alot and eat jus vegetables etc

[@user-im5tk5te5c]

Hey probably didnt wanna stop to help in Mississippi because u were on the side where some people get stopped for drugs