The Stressful Side of Van Life | We’re the Russos Camper Van Life S1:E22

Share the stressful side of van life as we explore Astoria, Oregon weretherussos.com/things-to-d... Watch the Next Episode: • Van Life at Universal ...
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Joe and Kait have been traveling in various adventure based campers since 2015. For travel destinations, camper guides, essential gear and tips from the road visit weretherussos.com and / weretherussos
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The Hymer Aktiv is provided to us free of charge by Erwin Hymer Group to use.

[@Weretherussos]

Watch Episode 23: goo.gl/XT9uyj Astoria Oregon: weretherussos.com/things-to-do-in-astoria-oregon/ Van Life FAQ -> weretherussos.com/camper-van-life-faq/

[@gabrielpaulsmom]

Pretty in pink

[@PacificOcean17]

When Harry Met Sally

[@stevegardner8365]

Top Gun

[@dallasbreault289]

Empire Strikes Back

[@chadi7173]

Princess Bride

[@wincrasher2007]

I would suggest a curtain on a pressure rod behind the front seats. That gives the impression of just parking (not camping), but hides all that is in the back. Plus it's easy to just pull a curtain shut.

[@juanitabradley3247]

Ha!! Not a month ago we parked at the Safeway lot in Astoria. A cop came to our door and told us that parking overnight in Astoria was not allowed but he was nice enough to say he wouldn't be back anymore that night (wink, wink). We spent th4 night and left the next day.

[@David-rx2to]

If you neck is a re-occurring problem, I bought a neck stretching inflatable collar off Amazon. It has three zones and a hose that connects to a bulb to squeeze to inflate it. Pump it up to get some traction on your neck for 30 minutes or so, and you might get some relief. Worked for us anyway...good luck.

[@yeah4me1]

Had a Korean roommate,and she made that rice,egg, Kimchee thingee all the time-YUM

[@RealLifeEddy2K]

Prefer Taco Bell myself.

[@HippyDippyToes]

Thanks so much guys for taking me around you with you on your Oregon trip 😉 I’m 61 and GROUNDED by Systemic Lupus etc, and while my van is being converted slowly but surely, I will never be able to do Out of state again - my limited travel is confined to 200 mile central cal. Circle. 😊 I can’t believe you are cool enough to go check out the Goonies House!! Oh my!! lol 👻🤓 Anyway - it feels like I’m traveling with friends when I watch your vids! I thought I’d come out of lurk and tell you “THANKS” & God keep you safe! ✌🏽😎💕🚐🌲🏔🏕 My fav 80’s flick? ANY Spielberg 🗿

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you! Hope you get your van sooner than later and you really enjoy that 200 mile circle of CA!

[@hdlowrider5413]

In my opinion one of your best videos. Sooooo relaxing. What stress? The sunset shoots were amazing. We gotta get out there. Love ❤️ Oregon. Be safe.

[@Weretherussos]

+HDLowrider the only stress is worrying about where we'll park/sleep that night but hey, it's more than worth it when you have those sunsets!

[@professionalconch7108]

I lived in Astoria for awhile and it's a nice little town. And don't forget about "Free Willy"! they filmed that in Astoria

[@latada2198]

Very nice video! I really enjoy you guys sharing your day to day living experience. Your videos don’t have to be about new and exciting adventures all the time. I really enjoy you showing us how you three relax, cook, have a movie night. After all, this is what it’s all about also Right? Thanks for sharing All your great adventures with us. Wishing you both (+ Leo ) many safe and happy miles of smiles!

[@tracymccain2893]

I'm retired now, selling my home and planning to live this stress free van life within the next year. I've really enjoyed all of your videos and information to help with the planning. It's going to be a adventure being a single woman, but I'm up for the challenge and love to travel. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Keep up the good work!!! Blessings to you both

[@damiion666]

Tracy McCain Here’s some advice...find yourself a man

[@sammyhudson7274]

Van life in all reality SUCKS. Sorry but it is 100% true. I enjoy freedom of travel but everything is 1000 times more difficult than living in a home. Oh well i would not listen to people telling me how hard it was and learned it myself after investing 30,000 into it.

[@HoneyBerighthere-Saysarath]

Me too.

[@doinabuzdugan3779]

Mirciulica

[@kylehiggins3216]

Love the Leo! Thanks for sharing your experiences... you two seem to balance each other out - so awesome! Hope you neck feels better.. chill out!

[@waianaegal744]

WOW... I lived in Astoria from 2011-13, still own part interest in at 1886 farm house at 3rd and Franklin, I miss it a lot. SO happy you found the Sunday market, what a joy it is... and coming up shortly is the 10k Astoria Megler bridge walk run... I've done it twice and what a view from the top of the bridge.... so neat... Summer 2015 I was a volunteer at Haystack Rock with the US Fish and Wildlife, talk about an office... I had it 20 hours a week and in return I had a rv site with full hook ups for 4 months in the Ecola State Park just north of Cannon Beach. Memories... thank you so much!!

[@waianaegal744]

I full time in my Minnie Winnie... love your channel...

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you and we really loved it up there. We're going to have to go and spend more time!

[@searchingforutopiaroo8331]

This is the best video you guys have ever made in my opinion! Keep up the good work!

[@MrPhotomedic]

Another thing I would suggest for Leo is to have one of those inside outside digital temp gauges with wifi. This way you can always make sure he is ok. Equipment breaks and if no one is around that could end badly, especially in hotter climates.

[@kevinclark8268]

In typical fashion yet another excellent video! I'm starting to forget other people and other couples that do RV videos and just watch you guys exclusively! Keep up the good work!

[@moderatefkr6666]

Better made and more enjoyable watching ordinary humans living their nomadic life, than anything on TV. Thanks guys. Have a safe journey.

[@auntyv]

Lived and worked in Astoria during filming of Short Circuit, Kindergarten Cop and The Goonies. Watched early morning car chase scenes filmed on Commercial Street for Kindergarten Cop from my office window. Spent all day in court the day they filmed opening sequence of The Goonies. The distraction fire during the opening scene was the film crew torching the parking stop barrier right outside the jail. I knew the head of maintenance for the County, we had teased him for a long time to re-paint those parking barriers and the summer he did, the Goonies crew set them on fire. He stood next to me on the 2nd floor of the courthouse when they touched off the fire. Peed with Anne Ramsay in the 1st floor ladies room and we exchanged pleasantries. Very nice lady. She was in costume. The jail scene when Chunk calls the police was filmed in the maintenance man's old office. I see it is the gift shop now. Spent a lot of time in that jail office and elsewhere in the building. One of the upstairs holding rooms was used for an evidence overflow room. Walked in once to see a 5 foot pile of seized marijuana plants, still with roots and dirt attached, heaped in the middle of the floor. Helped clean out the maintenance man's office once. Was clearly books and boxes off shelving and came across boxes of old crime scene photos. Thank God they were mostly black and white. Found a pile of old uniform patches. Asked the Sheriff if I could have them, he said "I don't care." Doubt that would happen today. Still have them. Watched a stunt man run off the back courthouse steps and dive thru the sunroof of the getaway car from the opening sequence. He tried numerous times until they finally decided just to have the Fratelli Brothers get in the car the usual way. Stunt man was padded up, but we saw him hit pretty hard attempting the stunt. One of the officers chasing the Fratellis out the door of the jail was an actual deputy that we knew pretty well. In saw him make the worst oatmeal in the new Clatsop County Jail kitchen when the cook was late arriving to make breakfast for the inmates. My dad was an electrician who worked on the new jail, spent a lot timee in that building trying to find my dad to get his truck keys. We carpooled while I was attending Clatsop Community College. My best friend worked maintenance/janitorial fie the jail, old and new one. Fun times.

[@LostOnLandAgain]

Some cities really do just feel not friendly. I love how you guys found a nice spot!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks...we were a bit nervous at first but it was quite and no one seemed to mind.

[@chartle1]

I don't think its an issue of friendliness more of an issue of having to manage swarms tourists descending on their town. I know its sometimes their life blood but they still have to deal with it.

[@mikesmith5375]

I am totally with you both having the same size RV van:) Just the thought of a tow:( etc......... back up everything online, videos, credit cards etc............and make sure you have a spare key on a lock box! Just in case.........You both are great.ok the three of you. Take care..........If you ever visit California hope to meet all three.

[@ugly4370]

Lost On Land Again the one for me is new york

[@kattalady8114]

Sacramento Cali is not van friendly at all

[@avlisk]

Think about adding a hidden "kill switch" for the ignition. That would eliminate one concern about leaving the van unattended.

[@deziking]

Doggo is there no worries.

[@gbryant261]

Just finished reading your book, "Take Risks". Nice job, really enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks

[@fatyowls]

Great people with a positive outlook on life..

[@RealLifeEddy2K]

If they keep up the hard work, one day they'll have a house they can call their own :)

[@allanwarmflash4020]

over the last year or 2 you vids and pics keep getting better and better

[@judyhobday5334]

speaking of having your van broken into reminds me of when my folks and us kids went away camping for a week. When Dad would drive back into the driveway he would always say it is still there. Always.

[@jadanblue3927]

The most happy and laid back van lifers I have ever seen.. Looks like van dwelling is not super stressful.

[@peterwilson8132]

Thanks guys i really enjoyed spending some time with you and for the insight into your daily routine.

[@b3877896]

And another thoroughly entertaining and captivating Russo VLOG. Thanks again for the awesome show! Y'all are the best.

[@dawnlizarraga5979]

It's good enough for me Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah....!! I really enjoy videos where we can both experience you in the Hymer and experience the surroundings. I love the explanations about the parking and restrictions. Beware of people putting stickers on your car in Oregon. I read somewhere a van dweller had a sticker that said "No van camping" was placed on their bumper and it wouldn't come off. Someone else said the person put it on the body of their van and window! Keep making videos like these! Enjoy your journey! Woof!

[@robertneville2022]

Love watching y’all 4 1/2 years my kids will be graduating HS 2 1/2 years I’m buying my van and parking it in my driveway And starting to build it I cannot wait Watching videos like this keep me going

[@JennDyer]

My favorite 80s movie is hard to choose. I grew up in the 80s. Now, maybe Empire Strikes Back, but I do love Goonies too. You two look great. Van life really suits you, as does Kate's cooking. Also, it's very refreshing to see a woman drive. I'm very much a take-charge person and I can't imagine just sitting back and not driving while traveling. But, everyone is different. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@TheBioExplorer]

Love seeing Leo. When my late husband and I married our first baby was a Samyoed named Shadow because he followed me like one. We also loved Kim Chi! Last week would have been our 31st anniversary. I hope you both as much happiness as we had.

[@lichikawa]

What a fun trip!! Really enjoyed watching and experiencing van life through your videos!!

[@BeBodacious]

I'm glad you talked about how you take care of Leo inside the van. My concern is that someone will break into my van trying to take my dog out sometime. We also use the fans and never never ever leave them in when it's warm. Thank you for covering that. I think it's important for the public to see that and also for people who used vans to see it.

[@kungfumaster8171]

Great video. Always enjoyable. Thanks for sharing.

[@Purpleiris444]

I enjoyed this so much living the van life thru your video.

[@glenlittlefield9869]

Wow! Was just saying to myself how I can't wait until your next video and bam! Here it is. Wonderful video. Great scenery and very educational. Looking forward to your next shared adventure. Thanks!

[@Weretherussos]

New video every Wednesday at 2pm PT

[@glenlittlefield9869]

Thanks!

[@jeffwrinkle575]

Since the van is both your home and transportation would it make sense to use LoJack, TeleTrac or some other type of GPS based vehicle tracking system for the unlikely situation your vehicle is stolen?

[@vasunseeker]

You guys are adorable together! Your van is the best designed I have seen to date. I'm hoping to make van-living my lifestyle when I retire in 2019! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@hrgrlmaryland7822]

This is one of my favorite vlogs! I like to see how you really live- thanks!

[@jackienation7694]

This was awesome.... fellow Goonies nerds!

[@AsiaticBW]

Love your life, thanks for sharing a nice vacation for me. Peace.

[@PacificOcean17]

- Wow, I can hear the sea lions! - I would carry around a backpack, so you can keep your most values with you all the time. - I am so happy to see a video from you! - I hope the other van people comment.🙂🤞🏼 Random question- How do you resist buying souvenirs from each location?

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks for the advice and we never buy souvenirs because we live in a van! Where would we put everything? If it doesn't have a use, it doesn't come with us. Plus we have a one in, one out rule so we'd never have more than one souvenir at a time!

[@adelaamarante]

We're the Russos Easy solution for the souvenir thing! I find having something tangible from different places just makes me happy but storing "stuff" becomes laborious and eventually takes up too much space, unless..... We collect "flat" items! *Fridge magnets, also stick on interior beams, or walls *Keychains, you've always got your keys anyway and if you find something really unique and special, it's easy to tote around *Postcards!! Postcards are the best! They often share high quality and unique vantage points of the city, perhaps unique events, etc. You can send them to friends or do what we have done, put them in a binder, maybe even along with some photos or some of those squashed pennies from tourist machines. A binder is flat and easy to store. Great way to keep inexpensive souvenirs without the clutter and it's not digitized, so it's always available without electricity, or if a computer crashes, if back ups burn out...!

[@cbisricher]

that was Bob Miller, a former longtime Portland radio personality piloting that streetcar... a brush with fame

[@LindaWolfe20]

We loved Oregon also when we traveled there and the blackberries... Great video! Thanks for all your hard work of the videos means a lot to me as I am stuck at home with a hubby who is healing. Happy Trails!

[@sharonreynolds7783]

We just found your channel and we love it! Great video, excellent content and your descriptions of places, pros and cons are SO helpful. We're heading out for the first time in a few months. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@Rocko6716]

Merry Christmas and Happy almost new year to you 3

[@gholzem]

I live in Hillsboro OR, about 15 miles west of Portland. The Hood to Coast is big thing. Teams of runners start at Mt Hood and run as a relay all the way to the coast. Vans follow the runners and pick up and drop off them as they are done on their leg.

[@LowsJuan]

I was so pleased to hear that you were in Astoria as I have been there twice and absolutely loved it, along with Cape Disappointment and Long Beach, Wa. I think you over looked a gem here but when plans change along with the weather a taste is better a deluge or a roasting in an oven. Across the bridge in Wa is one of the best campgrounds I have ever tented at but probably pretty hard to find a spot on a weekend. I think the shades for the van windows are the right choice but security wise it is pretty much a toss up as it may look like your hiding something. (Earthen barrier holding back water)ed if you do or (Earthen barrier holding back water)ed don't

[@christinerusso7822]

Astoria was always a favorite place of mine but your experience in the Van is so much more versatile! Love it and love this video.

[@Weretherussos]

+Christine Russo thanks mom!

[@bevr2164]

I love Depoe Bay......the whales hang around that channel year round. Next time you visit Oregon, check out near Brookings, The mouth of the Rogue River......We rode in a flat bottom boat up the river.....first there was a seal eating a salmon, then ,river otters, deer eagles Ospreys and their nests, a bear and lots more....a sturgeon (very large fish). We all got off the boat 1/2 way up and had a very lovely lunch......The Pilot of our boat did 360's and we all got wet......blankets for everyone as we approached the dock. The most fun, single day of my life. 🐋🐳🛥🆓🆒🇺🇸

[@Jim.Hummel]

Pretty spiffy life! Loved the glass floor so you can view the sea lions...

[@adrianmusteata888]

Awesome video! Thanks... All your videos are inspiring... I am looking forward to my new (upcoming) adventure... Thank you for sharing your RV travel stories.

[@jackienation7694]

Goonies never say die!!!!😆❤️❤️

[@judyhobday5334]

they have a wonderful market on Sundays. Lots of crafters and good food and music.

[@Lurker1979]

Go up north a little bit. Hit Long Beach Washington. Nice little beach town.

[@Weretherussos]

+Lurker1979 thanks but if you saw at the end of the video, we're currently in Southern CA.

[@GatorDwight]

What an excellent video of your journey! Thank you for sharing!

[@DrLillian]

Omg! Love the Goonies! Fan my self , for sure watching it tonight! Love your videos always!

[@soyparael]

I dream that someday I will have a van like that and be able to travel and see many places, but for now I will do it with both of you with your videos, thanks for sharing those beautiful places

[@Weretherussos]

Hey you can do it. It took us a few years of planning before we hit the road. If you want to read about it...check out our book: amzn.to/2xobB5s

[@NewGoldStandard]

your happiness is contagious. keep on keepin' on! edit - that whale was awesome!! so cool... inspirational.

[@miriammorris3211]

I am so happy you enjoyed visiting Oregon. I love my home state! You guys are awesome and I enjoy your videos.

[@thankfulheart4266]

Joe, I hope your neck feels better, and kimchi, rice and egg sounds delicious and healthy😋👌🏻💞you two are such good parents to Leo 🐶👍🏼

[@Weretherussos]

+L Miller thank you! Yes, my neck has been feeling better (much of that due to Kait's massages and taking care of me).

[@thankfulheart4266]

We're the Russos Glad your neck is better 😍You have a beautiful and intelligent wife, and you two are great team. Looking forward to your next video 🤗

[@deaneng8540]

Hey glad you guys enjoyed Oregon which is where I live. The only issue I have is the darn rain but you were smart in thinking ahead and leaving early.

[@EvieNova]

Jed and I were just there not too long ago. We love it there and went there twice with one 2 month period haha. Movie museum was cool, but tiny. We stayed at Safeway as well. Super cool area, next to the water, seals, and waterfront trail :) Hope to meet you on the road someday. We are at crater lake currently and slowly heading south for the winter. Death Valley is next. We don’t have a Sprinter, but we do live in a Chevy Express extended that we converted. We both have channels btw. Also you can walk up to the start of the driveway (it’s like a community driveway that 3 houses use). And you can see the house better from like a block away.

[@seanoleary1979]

You guys are grrrrrrrrrreat! A pleasure to watch!

[@rustykatt3870]

Hi Russos! Thanks so much for the great video :)

[@jessyskehan1696]

Wow. I haven't thought of The Goonies in forever! Blast from the past!

[@downundasvideos6402]

My copy of your book was released to me this week. Looking forward to reading it.

[@Weretherussos]

Enjoy it!

[@downundasvideos6402]

I'm well into the book now and its a very good read. I was surprised to hear that you are a train fan like me and don't recall seeing any visits to railways on any of your videos or did I miss them?

[@barbaraaspengen9810]

I love Oregon and my husband and two Aunt's who are in there 90 went with us to Astoria. So beautiful your video was GREAT THANKS FOR SHARING. Love your dog.

[@LivT04]

Found your channel today and I’m in love with the three of you 💖 Currently my favorite couple, ever, on KZbin. I’m inspired to try this van life...someday 🙏🏼

[@joannfarrell312]

Awesome video, thanks for your time!

[@philuptea]

Awesome video! Great info to think about if I decide to do van life! I would love to get a sprinter probably a 2004 or 2006. Seems like such an interesting lifestyle I would love to be on the road like you guys!

[@Weretherussos]

+philip Shaw I've heard good things about those older Sprinters. You can do it!

[@loraharris2937]

Astoria is a lovely place, be sure not to miss the small towns around it. Don’t forget the beach. The big white building is the John Jacob Astor Building, don’t forget the Astor Column

[@marymullenix1309]

You talking about watching Goonies made me decide to watch it again tonight! Love your videos, I'm learning about van living from you thinking it's my retirement plan.

[@ljones6767]

Sunny day in Astoria! Nice!

[@mysunnygirl4379]

Brilliant lifestyle! I'm in the thoughts of selling my house and hitting the road in a van home, travelling full time around my beloved country Australia with my little dog.. Being a chick at 42 I'm ready to hit the road, find work and explore! Thank you goonie lovers it's my all time fav childhood adventure movie too I love it!! xo

[@tinkerfeet]

Another amazing video 💗

[@takchengsze4719]

this episode is entertaining. nice work.

[@patriciahinkley9125]

Hi ! I'm a huge fan. Thanks for all the informative videos I rally enjoy them. Hugs to Leo !

[@nancywalton55]

Great video! Thank you ... ♡

[@daredare890]

Glad you guys came to Astoria. It is were i live. There are a very few places to boondock on the north coast.

[@tracymccain2893]

Love the Goonies!! Enjoyed the video 👍🍀 Blessings

[@gbutow]

Enjoyed your Oregon trip VERY much!

[@markreynolds3850]

This is a nice rv van . I like it a lot. You do such a nice job making videos.

[@allanwarmflash4020]

fun vid thank you guys

[@davelafontaine]

When we asked two years ago we were told it was not allowed to park overnight at the Safeway. They must have changed there policy. Lucky for you!

[@dickpoon4907]

good video and I'll keep watching while I'm free

[@ermaabrazado5145]

New subscriber here from Hawaii. I was so excited to know you guys were in Astoria. I was stationed in the USCG Airstation years ago and it's awesome to see new places.

[@theSwanniesdownunder]

Hey guys, loving your videos, keep up the good work!

[@fgap1]

I did the same thing at the same time , only I overnight-ed at Seaside (about 12 miles south along US 101). Stayed at the convention center parking lot adjacent to the Shilo Inn. Short walk to the boardwalk, and great picture-taking opportunities. No issues, with an '04 Pleasureway Lexor TD.

[@DianeLSullivan]

Wonderful video, thank you!

[@raymondjuancito4333]

Hahaha... You guys are such teases... Love kimchi... Haven't had it in 20 years but I can change that... Thank you for your adventures

[@NWSubie]

Hood to Coast and Portland to Coast weekend. Runners and walkers end up in Seaside. Done it but a lot of sitting in the van waiting for team mates. Astoria is one of my favorite towns on the Oregon Coast.

[@juliekim9955]

I really enjoyed your video! I hope to do a van life soon, so this was very helpful! 😊

[@LaMaiStyle]

The Goonies is my fave movie, too !! I wish I had a van like yours.

[@mikes06roadking]

Awesome video thank you for sharing!!!

[@raysater4083]

Great vlog mates God bless.

[@shanslam1970]

What a beautiful place....

[@lovingatlanta]

😁🤣One of my all time favorites from the 80s (in addition to The Goonies) is Planes, Trains and Automobiles with John Candy and Steve Martin. It’s hilarious. ” Pillows those aren’t pillows” 🤣😂🤣 So many funny lines and parts of the story...I need to watch it again soon. 😁 But...there are several good ones on my list of favs from the 80s so it’s really difficult to choose just one.

[@DaveKanyan]

I just subscribed. Enjoyed this video. I'll try to stay tuned.

[@michaelgrumbach4896]

I thought the "Limited Addition Cards" comment was really funny. I love it when the problem is the solution. Thank you so much for all of your content, and I really appreciate your spirit and kindness. Thanks.

[@stanbyme7874]

I'm in Portland yearning for a trip to Astoria 😎. Great video. Great city! I LOOOVE the sea lions! They're a can't miss. Thanks for visiting.

[@pkkayasone3257]

Beautiful footage