S1 - Ep 443 - Kruger to Home!

As we reluctantly bid farewell to the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Kruger National Park, our journey back home unfolded with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. The realisation that we had to return to the routine of the real world cast a bittersweet mood over our travels, yet the long distance ahead provided ample time to reflect on the cherished moments spent in the Park. During the journey, we engaged in lively discussions, summarising our stay at each camp, reminiscing about the awe-inspiring encounters with nature, and candidly acknowledging aspects we didn't enjoy. Despite any shortcomings, the unanimous sentiment resonated - there is truly no place on earth like the Kruger National Park. The allure of its unique beauty and the untamed spirit of the wild ensured that, no matter the challenges, we would undoubtedly find ourselves returning to this remarkable haven. Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable adventure, a chapter in our lives that will forever be etched in our hearts. #DustBugs #adventuretravel #southafrica #southafricavlog #travelongravel #krugernationalpark
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[@laliedutoit]

The Trucks on the road are a result of our railway infrastructure that disintegrated. Thanks for a great trip with you. I enjoyed every moment.

[@dorothyparker8328]

I’m not surprised to see no caravans in the Parks. Years ago we were caravaners, when the Railways still functioned well. By this time of the year all the caravan parks would have been fully booked.When I see all the hundreds of big trucks on the road today, towing a caravan will be a nightmare. So sad.

[@terrimeyer3815]

I had a wonderful time experiencing what you did. Leopards walking past the car...all those elephants lions giraffe and and and.....the birds. Thank you and may 2024 be kind to you and bless you. Ok I'm ready for next adventure.....where you off to next...Mmmm??😊😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

You know the drill, not too long to go now until you join us on our next adventures. Prepare yourself for something a little different from our previous videos. 🚙🤩

[@terrimeyer3815]

@@DustBugsTravel oh now that sounds very interesting

[@janeweedon839]

Thank you SO much for your trip to Kruger,from cold and wet England ! Back in 1990 we visited and two outstanding moments for us ,were on our first early morning drive we were charged by a bull elephant ! Stopping a few feet from our car.There second was watching a herd of giraffes crossing the road in front of us,with so many young ones.

[@boiells4191]

I really love how optimistic and cheerful you guys always are.

[@beryl9538]

Wherever your journey takes me, i will always give you a thumbs up. You have taken me to places that i will never get to see but through your travels have had the opportunity to see these beautiful places. Thank you so much.❤

[@caroleparker8063]

It’s been so nice to travel with both of you! It was our time 5 years ago to come back to England after 50 years in SA. We miss it so very much and your videos have helped so much. ❤

[@neilblunt1926]

Sonja and Curtis, Sorry this comment is so late after you posted all your Kruger Park videos , but I want to say I've followed your trip from Cape Town all along to the north of the Kruger Park down the entire length of KP and finally back to CT. I've enjoyed it immensely. I cannot believe how many different Lion prides and leopards you saw, never mind the vast amount of Ellies and, and, and. I could go on. It's the most magical holiday destination imho and quiet frankly it's the only place I prefer to holiday. I stay in Howick, much closer to KP than CT, but I'm not sure when I will get there again. I'm 74, my wife is not well enough to get there again. Hopefully it will not be 19 years. I hope you both get there again soon, as I can tell you love that place like I do. Safe travels and God bless.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Thank you very kindly! 😊 Your comment means so much to us and I can likewise 'hear' how much you love Kruger too. It will forever be our favourite place in the entire world and we look forward to taking you back again one day. 🚙😍 Until then, we wish for improved health for your wife. 🌺

[@PhilippaBurger]

Absolutely enjoyed every single episode of your Kruger trip. Feels as if I was in the car with you. Thanks for taking us with tou. Can’t wait for the next one to Kruger.

[@craigberetta4085]

Thanks for a great trip. The Kruger is the best place to chill.

[@brandonterblanche333]

You guys are awesome, love your videos. Kruger is most certainly the best place on earth. Keep well

[@desh7120]

That certainly was an EPIC journey with so much to take in - memories for a lifetime. You really hit the jackpot with your game sightings! Thank you so very much for sharing it all with us!

[@DustBugsTravel]

We were super lucky with our sightings and will always be grateful for those. Thank you for travelling through Kruger with us! 🚙😍

[@beatriceattrill2167]

Just love you guys! Thank you for sharing your wonderful travels.

[@AnikaVanWyk]

Strand is beautiful. I was born and grew up there😅

[@GeraldPost]

I also grew up there. I love how the opening introduction zooms out from the Strand pavilion! I lived on nearby Market St.

[@GailNetherlands]

I cannot begin to thank you enough for this wonderful trip through Kruger. I certainly hope you make another trip soon. I have now watched this series three times and I learn something new of your travels everytime. Please guys make it soon. NOT 19yrs either. I'm enjoying your North West travels tremendously so thanks for that aswell. Safe travels guys. Bring on the travels. Safe travelling Sonia (Angel) and Curty! ❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

One thing I can guarantee you, it'll never be another 19 years! I'm so glad you enjoy watching our Kruger videos, it is just the most magical place on earth and we look forward to going back as soon as we can fit it into our life and work schedules. It's so far from home and it takes a great deal of careful planning. Thank you for sharing our passion for this place and for travelling with us through Kruger! 🚙😍

[@GailNetherlands]

@@DustBugsTravel I loved every minute of this trip!

[@tonynz9954]

Thank you both very much for sharing your wonderful trip to the Kruger Park with us. I bet you will hang onto those memories for a lifetime. It certainly was a joy to be able to accompany you on your game viewing drives. Die lekker kos wat julle geeet het. Wow !! Curtis your culinary skills are pretty good ! What a setting to have a nice cold beer and listen to the sound of the wild animals. Nature at its best. Nice to see you get home safely and the KWIDDIE never gave you any problems. No pap wiele to change while the lie-ons🦁 watch you Curtis. Sadly only a pap mattress. All in all a fantastic trip. Bring on the next one.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Actually the mattress is still holding strong. I pumped it up when we got home and my fix seemed to have worked. I hope so anyway! 🤣 Thank you for coming to Kruger with us, we think of that incredible place every single day and wish we were back there. 🚙😍 I do like pottering around in the kitchen, as long as it's easy and simple dishes and all the ingredients can fit into one pot or pan! 😁

[@GailNetherlands]

Can't wait to see your next trip to Kruger! You guys rock! Love you!

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

I enjoyed seeing Strand again. Had a holiday there in 1995. It was delightful Drove back to Heidelberg straight through.

[@stanleyrobson4622]

Enjoyed listening to your awesome summary. Safe travels!

[@sallygemmell7562]

I have loved every single minute I spent with you on this trip. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Do you think you may one day move closer there perhaps? Welcome back home 😊❤

[@DustBugsTravel]

If it were up to Sonia, we would never have left the Park! 🥰 It's certainly a possibility, but we'll have to do a huge amount of research before we ever make such a big move. It would be fantastic to live close to Kruger though, that's for sure! 😁

[@frederikbrits9559]

Sad the state of the towns in the Transvaal and Free State.....my hart cries

[@etiennebeukes9384]

You guys left the wonderful Kruger Park and arrived home in the stunning Strand! We loved the chat on the road reviewing the different camps. Yes there are some negatives, we have been disappointed some times but overall the positives always out ways the negatives. Your reviews were spot on. Our favourite time of the year is May. I’m going to start booking now. 😊

[@thewanderer58]

Glad you arrived home, exhausted from the last stretch from Kroonstad to the Strand I'm sure, but safe and sound with a sense of contentment and joy after your emotional and nostalgic journey through the KNP after nineteen years. Fortunately I could share it all with you through your postings. Thank you again and again!☺ That said and done ........ where are we rolling to next? 😁Have you visited Stilbaai before .....🤷‍♂

[@DustBugsTravel]

You don't have too long to wait until you get to share in our new adventures. We're excited to share them, they're a little different from our previous ones, but we hope you enjoy them just as much! 🚙🤩 We visited Stilbaai in November 2021, shortly after we started our channel and before we started exploring in-depth like we do nowadays. You can check out Episodes 20.1 and 20.2 if you like. 😁

[@thewanderer58]

Thanks. I'll be sure to check out the Stilbaai episodes. Be well and travel safe. 😃

[@loksterization]

I loved every single one of your Kruger videos! I'm so "homesick" for SA now, it's terrible. Last time I was there was 17 years ago! Just getting my passport sorted out and I'm coming!!

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

My daughter and enjoyed walking early in the mornings. When we got home we heard that a llion had caught a worker on the path we used to walk on to the shop. WhT a shock!!!

[@barbaraholzmann946]

We had such a fascinating time living this experience vicariously through you both. The Kruger Park was a wonderful surprise once again. We have only one problem- - that is, you should be banned from filming yourselves eating droewors, while we sit here 16,509 kilometers away on Vancouver Island, British Columbia drooling. LOL - Well done on another well documented, interesting and enjoyable 1:38:57 long video/vlog Hope to meet you guys when we get back to SA. You are making memories which you will be able to revisit many times over. Make VERY sure you save ALL of them onto a storage device - I know of some whose videos have disappeared. Much love! ❤❤❤

[@angiemac8066]

I'm thrilled that we got to see so many of our wonderful animal species. Thanks for taking us with. ❤ Safe Travels home..

[@dorothyparker8328]

Just to add, it has been wonderful travelling with you through Kruger Park from my Recliner. I’m not very mobile anymore, no chance I will ever go again! Thanks so much.

[@DustBugsTravel]

We were happy to bring the beauty of Kruger into your home. 🚙😍 Thank you for joining us on this special trip.

[@franspistorius1886]

Thank you Two (plus one), it was an amazing trip with you. All sightings and views the whole trip long were great, from dung Beatle to Elephant, weaver to vulture. Flat country with magnificently beautiful trees to rocky hills, all great. Dry creeks and dried up dams to beautiful flowing streams and overflowing dams. Will never forget your final trip, those elephants, lions and that gorgeous posing leopard in tree, I can just say whow. Thank you, Glad you returned safely back home. Best wishes and no need to reply, I just had to comment. Frans

[@DustBugsTravel]

I will reply though to thank you for that wonderful summary of Kruger in all its diversity. 🌳⛰️🌊🐘🐌🦆 It was our pleasure to share this special trip with you, we so appreciate you travelling with us through this magical place. 🚙🤩

[@franspistorius1886]

I also need to add that in some instances the Afrikaans namings sits better with me. Such as Bromvoël, Berghaan, Visvanger, Arend, Knoppiesdoring, Hardekool, Seekoei, Bobbejaan, Aardvark, Vlakvark, Miskruier, Oorkruiper, Duisendpoot, just to name a few. But some I struggle to understand, such as Ystervark. But I fully understand this is an English platform. And as for the trucks, I will not be surprised to find the raw material is destined for China.

[@flodillon991]

I can't believe your trip is over l am so glad you both enjoyed it so much, I really loved everything about the KNP it is amazing. Thank you so much for this episode. ❤❤

[@supremevoorman1-ku5ri]

Hi really love watching yr videos thanks for taking me along I am from Witbank keep the video's coming cheers

[@revinot]

Glad you guys made it back safe and sound, once again thank you for sharing this experience with us, your vibe and presentation and narration on video is spot and make watching your videos pleasant and a pleasure, this was a well documented and epic trip.

[@blairgowrieforestrailwayan2786]

I don't envy your trip home as it is a very long way to go! Those truxks are enough to put me off driving. Every time I mention "that should be transported by rail! " My family tells me I am like a broken record. Any way Thats where I will leave it. I wonder how long Marloth Park will be wild as it gets built up.

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm sure Marloth Park must have certain building guidelines in place to prevent the area from becoming just another built-up suburb. I hope so anyway! 🤞🏻

[@blairgowrieforestrailwayan2786]

@DustBugsTravel I really hope so as the rest of the area around Kruger Park looks like a township.

[@lee-anneadams9222]

What an epic adventure ❤❤, thanks Curtis Sonia and Dusty, I enjoyed every kilometre, safe travels 🥾, some R&R before our next trip ❤

[@ExploreNatureNLD]

Thank you for taking us with you at your journey in The Kruger National Park ❤

[@yvonnecoetzee3508]

The tolls are very expensive but for me the N4 is the best highway in the Country, those buildings that you commented on in Nelspruit are the Government buildings, all those trucks are going to Mozambique to the port for export as our railway system is not operational as you have seen in all your travels, I am very happy that you had a good holiday in KNP, and that you got home safely, looking forward to your next video

[@ajl1973]

There is nothing wrong with a Monster, babelaas mix and droëwors on the road. Camelthorn trees in parking lots should be compulsory. What a feeling, Kruger and home. Lekker trip.

[@1812nico]

Hi you two! Thank you for letting me share your trip home after the fascinating Kruger Park holiday. I could hardly believe that number of trucks lined up. But, we are back in the real world, aren't we? I'll be with you on whatever journey you have in stall for us. Until next time, please keep safe in the world of heavy traffic and load shedding!

[@DustBugsTravel]

Yup, it was super sad to leave our Kruger cocoon. 😥 It was a magical time in a magical place surrounded by the magic of nature. 💚 I'm glad you had a good time in Kruger too! We look forward to sharing our next adventures with you. They'll be a little different from our previous videos, but I hope you enjoy them just as much! 🚙🤩

[@tanialimby3547]

Marloth Park is one of the most amazing places we stayed. Pity you were not able to take the drive next to the fence along the Crocodile river. Its soo beautiful

[@vimilchar]

Feedback 💯💥

[@volksieza]

So something like 3500 km in the park, wowser 🎉

[@monicaalberts8130]

The Skukuza Museum was damaged by floods.....even the interior.....

[@renecrouse572]

Wow, thank you so much. Glad to see you save and sound. God bless❤

[@felvr705]

The buildings as you enter Nelspruit is the provincial legislature. I went for meeting there many years ago and from the boardroom I saw antelope grazing in the bush. It's such a beautiful building on the inside

[@thepenelopejones]

We know have reached the Cape again when those miles of vineyards start showing up 💕What an *amazing* trip. So glad you are both home safe and sound .. that was a long haul home eh?!! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@DustBugsTravel]

It was indeed a looong way home! 🚙🛣️ While it's fantastic on the road, it's always good to arrive back home again too! 😍

[@charlietreston4035]

Hi guys glad you made it home safely listening to your stories about Kruger Park shows how much it means to you both thanks for taking me along on this road trip 4500 miles mind blowing thanks for taking me along cheerio till the next one

[@ronwyneking2763]

Thankyou, I sit here overseas, whilst I see amazing South Africa. Golly those trucks so many, what happened. I enjoyed travelling with you please do more trips, wonderful, but I feel very emotional missing home now, I will be back, thankyou

[@DustBugsTravel]

I'm glad to hear you enjoy our videos! There are 476 in total already for you to enjoy and the first episode of our latest trip will go live this Friday @ 3pm SA time. 🚙😁 Those trucks were something else! I believe the lines to the border post are always that long, so that day wasn't an exception as we thought.

[@brendalochner9705]

Marlothpark is really a nice place to stay for a holiday. Lots of animals to see in the park. You don't need to go into the Kruger Park. We go there at least once a year if we can.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Different strokes for different folks, I guess. We again would go straight to Kruger every single time. 🚙😍

[@michalf6460]

love this video!

[@cobussmith1385]

Nice to see you live around the corner from us. Strand is a beautiful area. We like all your videos and watched them all.Also lived in Amanzimtoti before, and your video took me back to those nice days and memories.

[@AnnemarieWillcox]

Thankyou thankyou

[@GrassrootsViews]

Those beautiful buildings are the seat of the Provincial Government and the Provincial Legislature as you were entering Mbombela colloquially called Endumbeni 😅

[@dawnbarnes1361]

😂 Love it 😅 Strand is still there! I loved KNP but as you got close to home I felt like I aways feel when I'm in or see Cape Town and it's towns / suburbs. It's like I want to cry or shout for joy 🎉 I can't really explain it. Happy you guys arrived home safely🙏🙌 It was a great trip home!❤😂

[@daviddevo2328]

We enjoyed the entire trip with you and thank you for the beautiful journey. Kruger is our life’s ultimate joy too 😊

[@monicaalberts8130]

Oh fantastic....❤ your conclusion of your trip is brilliant!! I will watch your other videos too ❤

[@deborahclarke8107]

Wonderful! I feel sad too that this trip has ended! Glad you got back home safe and sound! thanks for having me along xx

[@rosemarymoolman6765]

What a wonderful trip you had to the KNP. You must be heartsore, yet also happy to be home. How I miss the Strand. I will have to make a plan to go there soon. Thank you so much for this excellent channel!! It's always so exciting! You two are wonderful hosts. 👌🏻❤

[@mariusroos]

Welcome home. We were waiting for you here in Strand. Thank you for this crazy trip. It was soooo nice. Every second of it. Well done and surely you had a good rest. Till the next trip

[@conrayjones9290]

I have booked a week in the Kruger in May and hope that I'm as lucky as you were with your animal sightings.

[@karlharper2715]

What a fantastic adventure which we have thoroughly enjoyed following from start to finish. Your relaxed style works perfectly from the chatting in the car to the walk around the camps. Kruger is our happy place and we hope to be able to return there again in the future. Karl & Alison 🦏🐘

[@gollygosh40]

brilliant, thanks

[@danielpoolman709]

Thanks for your 2 persons to make my dream real with the Kruger park episodes. I 60 and was never in my life their, I enjoy it so much. Thank you again and a happy new year for you. Go on like this from Daniel😊

[@annawitter5161]

All those lorries!! Why dont they reconstruct the rail system and whizz everything through by train? So much more efficient. Yes, it must have been a pang to leave, truly a beautiful place and I certainly enjoyed the visit, as I have never been to Kruger. Kroonstad Station broke my heart. How many times didnt we hang out there, spotting trains coming through. That Dutch Reformed Church was built by Gerhard Moerdijk and the bell plays psalms on the hour. Or it did! Kroonstad is my favourite Free State town, it would be great if you guys paid a visit. So glad you guys got back safely. Would love another visit to the Karroo! I am so Karrooverskrik! Or the Free State would be really good too. But I look forward to where you are going next.

[@DustBugsTravel]

Our beautiful country doesn't even have sufficient funds to provide their citizens and residents with uninterrupted basic essential services like water and electricity, let alone repair an all but destroyed railway network. 🇿🇦🤷🏻‍♂️ The trucks are here to stay as long as those mines are operational, I think. I can only imagine how sad you must've been to see the station in Kroonstad, especially having been train-spotting there before. It really was a super sad sight. 🚂😥

[@annawitter5161]

@@DustBugsTravel yes it made me cry. Back in the 80s we had lots of goods trains coming through and shunters in the yard . My brother and I climbed up a signal box to get a photo and some Oubaas with a beard came out and shouted at us

[@solliedeklerk5873]

The last time I was in that town was in 1986 when I was doing a 3 month military camp at Jeppies Reef next to Swaziland border.

[@deonzar]

Well as I was away with no reception I had to binge-watch quite a few episodes now...and really enjoyed it. I am glad you are safely home and I will defintely use your KNP episodes in my future planning. Looking forward to your next travel....

[@DustBugsTravel]

Welcome back! 🙋🏻‍♂️ I hope you had a good trip and that your shoulder held up well. Thank you for catching up on our trip, it's good to know that you also travelled through the Park with us. I hope you get to visit Kruger too soon, it's a magical place. 🚙😍

[@deonzar]

@@DustBugsTravel Yes I am ashamed to say that in the last 20 years I have travelled many countries in Africa and visited many parks, but never been to KNP. Sjuut....don't tell anybody🤫

[@beatrixfourie9792]

Amazing. Thanks

[@guillaumedeswardt6876]

Those trucks are all waiting to cross the border. Some with crome others with coal from the highveld and the rest with magnetite from Phslaborwa. That que can get as long as 20 + km.

[@Grahamaway123]

I’m from Australia and hope to go to South Africa in the next couple of months. I started watching your channel to find out about one of the Kruger camps are staying at. I’ve just finished watching them all. Congratulations on a lovely, gentle, informative series. It’s a pleasure to miss the usual hype and listen to people who take joy in what they see and do. You are lucky to have each other and I am lucky to have shared your experiences

[@fihliwe060297]

Sad to see state of Kroonstad Railway station. Saw it close up as Trans Orange train passed through there around sunset on 25th November 2003 during return leg of railway trip from Cape Town to Durban when it was functioning okay. Was able to spend 15-20 minutes during stop there and see beautiful crescent moon setting in west.

[@filipevieira2697]

1:07:57 , I've recently fixed a slow puncture on my blow up mattress using silicone. If you have an open tube, you don't need more than the size of a pea. It has worked quite well.

[@TheJourneyOfAnu]

Hello to the Dustbug family!!!! My name is Anu 👋🏽

[@gertruidavanwyk2416]

Thank you we really enjoyed this Kruger Park trip with you guys. My husband has already started planning a trip to the Kruger for us. Thank you for the beautiful photos and every episode of our incredible nature you shared with us. God bless and see you on your next trip.

[@jopos5082]

You two are a absolute amazing couple 20hours from Kruger park and the last time you were there was 19years ago wow I’m so happy for you both thank you so very much for these videos I watch all the videos on Kruger park love 💕 all animals i live in Vancouver Canada big city lots of concrete Africa is far away from me but the videos help when you need to calm down just think of these memories i wish the two of you all gods love from your Canadian friend

[@frederikbrits9559]

The traffic on the N1 and N4 is terrible

[@irenemasterson146]

Loved travelling with you guys through the park some of your sightings were amazing. Marlothpark is beautiful properties are fairly reasonable. Animals roam around the houses

[@JoseDouglas-b1w]

Dit was nou awsome om julle wildtuin toer te gekyk het. Het al julle episodes baie geniet. Ons het famielie gehad aan my pa se kant (sy suster haar man en kinders en dan later ook hul ouers. Maar almal al oorlede wat in Witrevier gebly het . My neef en sy gesin nog daar in Nelspruit.) Ons het as kinders baie by my Tannie hulle gaan kuier en ons was baie in die Wildtuin. Sal like om so n toer nou te gaan doen soos wat julle nou gedoen het. Dis net n belewenis.

[@JoseDouglas-b1w]

🤗

[@francesjohnson8025]

Watched you guys leave for the Kruger national Park now watching you almost home what a wonderful experience, it felt like i was at the park were I have never been in all my 60 years and ive grown up in Gauteng thank you for the wonderful tour. God Bless

[@gerrieventer6703]

How much did it cost you for the trip?

[@DustBugsTravel]

I haven't worked through the stack of slips and receipts on my desk yet, but I'm thinking an accurate estimate would be somewhere between R60k and R70k. 🚙

[@gerrieventer6703]

Thanks for the feedback, hope to see you again ☺️

[@eksteinmalan3517]

So.... My DustBugs. After your amazing experience in Kruger. I'm curious to know which camp this trip & what experience in KNP was your favourite? 😁

[@DustBugsTravel]

Letaba is very deep inside our hearts, so will always be our favourite camp. 🥰 Spotting our first rhino has to be the ultimate highlight for us. It's always been my favourite animal and, not knowing if we'll always be able to see them, made the first sighting, but also the following two, deeply special. 🦏❤️

[@sweetpea6179]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. We are Kruger Fanatics and loved travelling with you. A quick question you explore alone on foot, I wondered what the reason is. Thanks again for a stunning seried

[@DustBugsTravel]

Sonia has serious knee issues after several failed surgeries, so we avoid exposing her to longish distances and uneven surfaces when we're travelling. The last thing we want, is for her to get hurt while we're far away from home and medical attention. 😨

[@angiemac8066]

So sad that people speed in the park 😢

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

We stayed at MarlothPark for a few weeks. It was gorgeous!!!!!!

[@ivanwilliams7036]

Why don" we ever see Sonia? I would love to put a face to her voice

[@DustBugsTravel]

Sonia isn't keen on being filmed and I'll respect that for as long as she feels that way. 🥰 Hopefully she changes her mind one day.

[@irenemasterson146]

Hi what’s happened to your videos since you back. I’ve been looking for a post every day

[@DustBugsTravel]

You must've missed our Community post on Monday where we explained that our next video will go live on Monday, 29 January 2024 @ 3pm SA time. Always check the Community tab on our channel for updates and announcements. 😁

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

That was in 1998.long time ago.

[@GrassrootsViews]

Trucks going to the border