THEY MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE, SO WE LEFT (Van Life California)
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- For the past couple of weeks we've been trying to explore the Californian coast by van, but they don't make it easy. After literally driving around in circles last week and spending the GDP of a small nation on crab sandwiches, we took matters into our own hands and turned inland, in a big way. Abandoning the coast might have been one of the best decisions we made... except for a string of unfortunate incidents that followed us up and over the Sonora mountain pass.
↡ SAVE FOR YOUR OWN TRAVELS! ↡
📍 Bodie Ghost Town (maps.app.goo.g...)
📍 Mono Lake South Tufa (maps.app.goo.g...)
📍 Hilltop Hot Springs (maps.app.goo.g...)
📍 Mt Whitney Portal Road (maps.app.goo.g...)
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↠ A BIT ABOUT US
We're Chesca and Ben, and with our two pups River & Scout (🐶 🐶 ) we live and travel full-time in our self converted sprinter van, Sophia. We spent the past 2 years road tripping as much of Europe as we could, from the wild coasts of Portugal to the Syrian border in Turkey, tackling lockdowns and a van re-build along the way. But now, we're feeling like a new challenge. In the summer of 2022, we'll be shipping our van from the UK to Canada, on a mission to drive her all the way to Argentina!
Started following you both from Day 1 in Nova Scotia, amazing storytellers and the extra you go in telling us about the places you visit. The genuine realness, vulnerability and how down to earth you both are sets you apart, the kind of people I try to surround myself with in my life. Every Sunday, I look forwarding to chilling with a coffee and watching your latest video, It's been a massive plus for my mental health going into a new week. I've been thanking the CZcams algorithm ever since 😎
Stephen this is just one of the loveliest messages we've had 🥹 🥹 I want you to know that sometimes making the videos can leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. But on those days, we remember messages like this and it reminds us of why we do this. It means more than we can say 💕
My favorite part was meeting Ben in New Minas NS when you guys were hiding from the hurricane we were getting last fall :-) been an epic journey you guys have been on
Aw yes! I remember 😃 We feel a long way from Nova Scotia, can't wait to be back there one day
I’m in a full American school bus, 26,000 lbs driving the steep roads of the Sierra Nevada mountains, currently in the Yosemite National Park area. It’s imperative that you use your gears not brakes going downhill. Slow to the appropriate speed for the gear and down shift. Let your engine and transmission slow your speeds. If the engine revs too high, use a short firm brake pressure to slow back down to the appropriate speed for your gear. This saves your brakes from overheating and could save your life. Watch transmission temperatures and if you get a hot light or indication just pull over. Leave the engine running so the fan blows air past your transmission radiator to cool it. The same goes for brakes, if you realize they are being over used, pull over and let them cool for at least 30 minutes or longer. In my bus I have a six speed transmission and slow to 40 mph before going into 4th gear. I use 25 mph for 2 gear. Yours might vary slightly. But, it’s imperative that you stop overheating your brakes. This is why automatic transmissions have lower gears. If the grade is over 8% you might just need to pull over half way down and let things cool. Cheers, be safe! On most steep hills I barely need my brakes.
We do engine brake! If we didn’t we would have ruined this van a long time ago! We think our main mistake was not realising how long and steep the Sonora Pass was - we kept thinking “it will be over soon” and it wasn’t. We should have pulled over sooner just to give the van chance to cool down. Thankfully no major damage was done!
I’ve been following you guys since you arrived in Canada and it’s been fascinating to see places that you’ve been to that we have also been to. Now mind you, we’re in our early 70’s and you are just young pups. It’s also exciting to see places we’ve never been to and to share your experiences and excitement of not only Canada (proud Canadians here) but also our neighbours to the south. There is such a variety of people and places to see and as you head into Mexico and further south a totally different experience yet again.
Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us.
Safe travels, keep the rubber side down.
Cheers
Bob & Robin
Thanks so much guys, can't believe how quickly this year has flown by, but it also feels like we've been in North America for so long! Looking forward to new horizons and experiences south of the border. it's the end of a chapter! 😭 Thank you so much for sharing it with us 💛
I have been enjoying your videos for a number of months now and find both of you really "real" and down to earth. That makes your videos particularly enjoyable. I was born in the UK and have lived in my current home Canada for the last 50 years and have traveled to many of the places you have also visited which makes it nice to see again. If there was an "Oscar" for this type of travel video, you guys would win it hands down. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Thank you so much 🥹 So happy to hear you've been enjoying the videos of familiar places, hope they've brought back some good memories for you! Thank you for sharing the journey with us, feel like it's only just getting started 🥳 xx
😆 So jealous ! We're still stuck in Halifax waiting for parts 🤦♂ Can't wait to get to warmer climates !
A small token of appreciation for the hours and hours of entertainment you have brought us on your journey through Canada and the US. Looking forward to what Mexico, Central America and South America bring. Safe travels.
🥹 This is so kind of you Matt! Thank you so, so much. To know they're appreciated so much is the best feeling 💛
Thanks for another awesome video. You two are my favourite part of Sundays. It’s nice to hear that you’re actually a normal couple and things can get tense when spending 24/7 together in closed quarters day in and day out. My ex-husband and I used to do a lot of road trips and it could get kind of hairy after a while, but things always calm down after a while.
My favourite part of your North American trip was driving along the coast of Oregon. I’ve never been there and it looked absolutely beautiful.
I hope your bad luck has come to an end and you continue down to Argentina with no hassles. Hugs from Nova Scotia, Canada. 🍂🍁 🇨🇦 💕
Thank you for joining us on the trip, always love reading your comments each week and yes, we are very much a normal couple! Oregon was really incredible, we had such amazing weather for it too. You could spend a lifetime exploring those beaches alone! Sending love and hugs to Nova Scotia 💕 🇨🇦 xx
@@OverlandingSophia Thank you 😊 💖
Was surprised how verdant and green the big Sur area was passed through in 73 in my cousins hippie vw can, now looks the complete opposite when one day looked past the hills on the other side of San Francisco Bay from my balcony on market Street in San Francisco and drove over them, it was so green I've there with many large abandoned ancient machinery, what a serindipitious memory, enjoy.
I watch so many youtubers, and tonight I just realised you 4 are my favorite of all😍🥰.. You are genuine and kind( I will never forget the moment you picked Scout from the streets ( of my country)..May the universe bless you all with what you wish for..😍♥♥♥♥
Thank you for such a beautiful comment 🥹 Turkey will always be a special place for us, and of course we have our fluffy Turkish souvenir 🐾 🐶 Sending love from all of us ❤️ xx
🙏💜💜@@OverlandingSophia
I too am thankful that YT popped your video up on my screen. I clicked watch because you were in my home province of Nova Scotia. I was then hooked, and have enjoyed your weekly adventures. Of all the places you have shown, I think I was most taken with the variety of landscapes in New Mexico, an area that I have never been, and would love to see now. My husband and I love the drone videos which allow us to see so much more. I chuckled to myself when Ben was talking about the various names for 'facilities'. We had an England born, Australia living friend visiting us in Canada, and we would go through the list - bathroom, washroom, restroom, water closet, lavatory, loo and then added the long drop! Safe travels as you continue your journey!
I love this! Not just because you’re from Nova Scotia but because New Mexico was probably my favourite state too. It was such an incredible place and there was SO much we didn’t get to see that we’d love to go back and explore one day. It’s an amazing place 🫶💛
What a fabulous journey you have taken us on. I love your videos, stories, and incredible cinematography. When I started watching you, you were preparing the van, and getting ready for your trip to Canada I fell in love with you guys, your story, and your passion for what you do. Your both pretty fabulous, and I can't thank you enough for taking us all along. I have lived vicariously through you, and have loved every minute. Much love from a friendly fan in Ottawa, Ontario, Cnada.
Kathy this message made our day, thank you 🥹💛 Means the world that you enjoy the videos so much and I hope you’re strapped in tight for some Latin adventures! Xx
@@OverlandingSophia I can’t wait!!! Have fun!
Don't worry about what people say. Do what's best for yall. As a Californian, since Rving and Van lifing has exploded across the country, many cities have made it harder with limits or permits or outright banning RV and or vans from either parking or overnighting. Mainly because of people living in their vans and overstaying and even trashing many areas. My favorite is the Sierra Nevadas so it's all good. 😎🍷
You complete my Sundays, I look forward to your videos every week. I don't think I have a highlight, everywhere has been a delight. I was really surprised by the fabulous beaches in Oregon. To be fair I wasn't completely sure where Oregon was on the map (sorry American followers!). I love the music you've chosen in this episode. Bless Ben and his moth-phobia and well done the pups for taking their medicine so well x
Love you Sharon, thank you so much 🥹 Oregon was incredible, those beaches were unreal! It can be super foggy and rainy up there but we had blue skies and sunshine, so lucky. Sending lots of love, thanks for always being our cheerleader xx 💕
So this is what I notice. I've been to Alaska, Tuktoyatuk, Canada, throughout Baja and live in CA. Your trip thus far has been fascinating to watch. Why? While we have been to many of the same places it is an entirely different experience. That's what makes it such fun. I am looking forward to my launch in '25 to Argentina and will be watching your odyssey unfold in the meantime. Can't wait.
Love this, thank you! It's so true, and these landscapes are completely different experiences in different times of the year. Would love to see Alaska in the fall, or the Yukon in the depths of winter and go dog sledding. We could do this whole trip again and have a brand new experience all over again. Exciting times ahead for you, bring on '25! 🥳
I’ve been watching since you got to Nova Scotia and there’s no way I could choose my favourite spot so far!
I mean, Nova Scotia has got to be in the top three 🥰
Had started watching your videos when you were leaving Turkey and your arrival in Nova Scotia which has always been on my bucket list even before there was such a thing as bucket lists. lol Watched ever since and also watched your van build and all the Turkey episodes. Only thing I knew about Turkey was from Joanna Lumley's series when it aired in Canada and she went to Mount Ararat. Did have to pause when the earthquake happened 💔but continued to watch those videos eventually. DH always wanted to continue to watch your videos for the amazing drone footage but when you rescued Scout he said we definitely have to keep watching for the "Adventures of River and Scout". 💞 Will watch more of your past adventures when time allows. Chesca I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into each video telling the history and/or information about the areas that you guys visit. That ghost town was just incredible and of course the other areas as well that you visit. The music you guys chose was perfect for your locations and I always love the music chosen in each video. Your production values are off the charts great. I think you made a good choice heading inland but of course the route you take and the reasons are yours alone to make. I hope you get your brakes looked at and it was a very wise decision not to go up that incline. Sending good vibes that you will have a smooth trip as you go further south and your string of bad luck with broken coffee cups (definitely lucky you weren't holding the handle at the time!) and damp laptops (that one made me cringe) are a thing of the past. So safe adventures and enjoy!
Can't thank you enough for such a beautiful message! Turkey will always be a special place to us, not just because of Scout but our experiences there are some we'll remember for the rest of our lives. Such an incredible place 💕 We really should write a book of The Adventures of River and Scout!! Those pups have sure seen some places. So pleased you're enjoying the videos and love that you appreciate them in all the special ways. It really means the world, so thank you xxx
I started following you in Nova Scotia,my home province!I’ve enjoyed all of your travels but the Dalton is my favourite just because of the vastness and the wildlife.Good luck and safe travels as you continue on and leave the map to Chesca!
It was really something else up there! Ben is barred from map duty indefinitely 😂 💛
Aww, wish you could have shown more of the Sonora Pass, that's where I've lived my whole adult life and it's so pretty. I started following you when you were just finishing up Canada and entering the Eastern Seaboard. It's been so much fun being with you!
Ah no way! We had done no research and just thought it was a drive over the mountain 😂 But it was beautiful, and worth the smoking brakes! xx
What absolutely stunning scenery 😍✨️ the drone shots of you driving around the mountains were INCREDIBLE 🥳🥳 and that hot spring looked insane, what a memorable park up! Gutted your gold mug broke Chesca, bloody love that mug 🤣🤣
Ps, can't believe it's been a year 😍🥰🥳💖 congrats guys! Got to agree that the Pan American Highway journey was the BEST
Love you guys. Your videos have kept me thoroughly entertained every week. I look forward to them. Thanks for taking me along on this epic journey you’ve undertaken. ❤❤❤ great footage this week!
This is amazing to hear, thanks so much Brenda 🥹 💕
Don’t blame you for leaving Northern California, I grew up there and I want to leave also and head to where you were 2 videos prior. California isn’t all bad, but continues to get more challenging to live in for many different reasons. Safe travels!
Nice flyswat, Ben! 😉😉 Glad it's already come in handy. Wasps and moths, beware!
Sorry to hear about your string of bad luck! Hope it means you've saved up some good mojo for a while. 🤞🤞 Maybe Chesca could hide a supply of emergency Ritz in Sophia somewhere? For life's hangry moments. 😉
Good shout coming inland, though! Not just the ease of park ups and lower costs, but way less crowded. Don't think you would have had anything to yourselves on Big Sur!
Our favorite part of the past year was making online friends into IRL friends. Sure, it wasn't on camera and we're super biased, but we're sticking to it!! ❤️❤️😎👍xx
This fly swat is one of the most beloved things in the van Aaron, you've started a trend! The Ritz were genuinely an amazing backup for those hangry moments and for that I'm forever thankful. Can we order another 5 boxes?! 😂 Totally agree, meeting you and Mimi was one of our highlights of all and is a day we still talk about. Mimi was an absolute warrior on that hike in her crocs! And those burgers 🤤 Did we tell you we went back the next day and I had the Bulgogi one too as yours looked so good?! Good times my friends. Can't wait to meet again 💛 xxx
You two have the best North American content. We felt so renewed too after your wonderful high desert Hot Springs soak. We've been to that wonderful area too and there's several great wild land Hot Springs. Our pug loves them too.
Aw yeah, hot spring rejuvenation through the screen! The whole 395 is now one of our favourite places in the US. Just love it out there 😍
Good decision guys, best of luck!
Thanks so much Kim 🥰
love the music, beautiful scenery, thanks for taking us along!!
Thanks so much for watching! So pleased you enjoyed it 🥹 xx
Its getting exciting the further south you travel!!.... The nudist part made me chuckle. For the record i'll tag on the list of 'Dalton Highway' as fav N America part. Epic!... Good Luck on the Van inspection/repairs. Safe Travels Guys.
Yes!! We just can't seem to get south fast enough at the minute!
"Almost had a domestic" 😂 I was NOT comfortable with Ben and the sharpie/map.
Been watching since the beginning. It's impossible to pick a favourite because I have sincerely loved every single adventure but if I had to pick a few highlights: all of the Yukon, Moul Falls in Wells Gray 😍 and Meat Cove in Nova Scotia. And every single bit of footage of Scout & River.
PS that was the TINIEST amount of "milk" put into a tea (or coffee?) that I have ever seen. The end.
This is exactly why I didn't trust him with the sharpie before! Not happening again 😂 Ah yes the Yukon!!! We'd absolutely love to do more of the Yukon and the NWT another time. And Moul Falls, that was incredible too. Haha I have a "splash" of milk in my coffee 😂 💛 Thanks so much for being a part of this journey with us Mary xx
Happy Sunday
Love the caption of another adventure to Argentina
Thanks lovely 💕
One of the most fascinating areas of California even to natives, !!!
Bahaha the moth cracked me up. Ben, I get it. I hate 'em too. Drive safe, enjoy. I'm living vicariously through you two.
They are just misunderstood butterflies 😆
following since Nova Scotia and really appreciate your enthusiasm for the adventure, including the history and geology of places makes it interesting and educational and the breathtakingly incredible areal footage, great music, plus I just love the down-to-earth genuine ways you are!
Well this is just lovely, thank you so much! 🥹 Means the world to know the videos are appreciated in this way xx
Using the lower gears of your automatic transmission can prevent burning your brakes up when going down really long grades. Simply use the lane farthest to your right. At the crest of the uphill shift into the lowest gear (1st) and proceed slowly downhill using a combination of that gear and your brakes. Don't over rev the engine.
Yes of course, Ben doesn’t just rely on the brakes to descend. But this was was also the steepest pass in CA and we just didn’t realise how long it was. No amount of engine braking was preventing us from using the brakes at all. We have a manual too, not automatic. We should have pulled over sooner to let them cool, that was the mistake 🙂
Scary situation.....I'm glad you eventually made it down!@@OverlandingSophia
How can I pick a favourite? I've loved it all!! I just stumbled upon the two of you when you first arrived in Nova Scotia, and I've been hooked ever since. Still a bit sad I missed meeting you and your pooches when you were in Vancouver. Oh well. Stay safe as you make your way down into Central and South America. I'll be watching!!! :)
This made our heart swell, thank you!! 🥹 If it's any consolation we are still gutted about the Vancouver meet up 😔 💕
Love your videos. You both are so real and love all the information you provide.
Thank you so much! Means a lot 💛 xx
I'm surprised you didn't whisper to the moth to get the eagles. Scout was like gromit with that cheese. Hopefully brakes check out fine. Can't wait to see Mexico vicariously (again)!
That moth was so small it would have brought us pigeons, not eagles 😂
It happened to be in CO on top of a mountain so I no your pain! I like the hot bath in the middle of the desert!
I swam in Mono Lake many moons ago. Two things they don't necessarily tell you about: firstly that tufa is there in the lakebed so you walk into it and it's sharp as razors - you rip your feet open on it if you are unlucky. Secondly any kind of tiny cut you have - on your fingernails or wherever - will be really painful because that intense salt goes into the wound. And as the saying goes that's not good. And if you had gone in you'd have come out covered in salt as well. So it was a better dip into the hot springs I'd say. And if you are on 395 and you keep going south towards LA there are hot springs all the way down on the mountain side of the road.
Yes the tufa was so sharp!! Ben had flip flops on and it was like sharp glass. Never thought it would be on the lake bed itself but of course that makes so much sense. I'll stick to the hot springs 😋
You made the right decision mountains and dessert views look amazing and the hot spring looked fabulous 😊😊Looking forward to next installment best wishes Diane 🇬🇧
Thanks Diane, those hot springs alone were worth the detour! 🥰
Thanks!
Jason thank you so, so much! That's so kind and generous of you, really appreciate it 🥹 xx
There are no highlights to this trip because it has all been incredible. I look forward to your travels every week.
🥹 Thank you so much xx
Absolutely. They are all highlights
All your adventures are fantastic. I couldn't pick just one,because every week there is something new and beautiful. The 👻 town this week,I loved,so untouched. Good decision to stop the climb. Sofia would be grinding. As you were driving on the bumpy dirt road,it looked as River was saying, WTF,is happening 😅. Free hot springs and adult entertainment, who could ask for more😮. Hopefully this week will be splendid, sending positive vibes. Stay safe ❤
I think Ben and I said that exact same thing while we were driving the road! She didn't know what was going on 😂 Think the hot springs is up there with one of our best park ups ever. The views 👀 👀 😂 xx
awesome love the drone and photography all the way. Really got a sense of the massiveness of the Sierra’s there that you only see in like western movies
Thank you! Droning here was a dream! Those landscapes were absolutely mind blowing. One of our favourite parts of the US 🫶💛
It’s hard to believe I’ve been following you guys for a bit over a year when you were here in Nova Scotia. I can’t decide on the highlights there’s so so many places you’ve taken us that were incredible. The Dalton is top of the list, Utah, I can see how it’s the best in the desert, mountain areas, so peaceful.
Be well and safe travels.
It's crazy how quickly time has gone by! Utah is near the top for us too! It was genuinely like being on another planet at times. Just incredible. Of course, Nova Scotia is a major highlight too 🥰
Don't feel bad about bailing on that part of the Cali coast. I did that trip on a motorcycle in 2018 and the traffic through LA was RIDICULOUS, I also bailed inland and it was totally worth it. Plenty to see there! To my mind, if you're coming south, then you've seen the best bit of the PCH anyway - I loved the Sonoma Coast and the Washington and Oregon stretch.
I just found your channel and I'm looking forward to starting at the beginning of your trip. Safe travels!
Totally agree with everything you said! The Oregon coast was out of this world, and we lucked out with amazing weather for it too. And HWY 395 is seriously underrated. It's an incredible drive that's waaay better than the coast in our opinion! I mean, could you imagine having those hot springs to yourself on Big Sur?! 💛
The highlight of your travels for me is when you encountered the wolf. Those moments are always filled with a kind of magic.
Cheers!
Yes!! I still think about that moment a lot. A special kind of magic ✨
🤞 nothing wrong with the brakes ❤️. Scout and River 🤗🤗.
Thanks Cindy 🥰 xx
Highlight for me is watching your excitement and appreciation for everything you have experienced along the way. Keep the adventure coming. Travel safe!
Thank you so much Betty 💛🫶
Don't Forget the coconut shrimp! Lol
So friggin' smart to go East and get away from the coastal crazies. Beautiful yes but.....I was reminded again just how brilliant you are at filming, flying the drone and editing and of course everything🤩 A joy to accompany you always.
Mono Lake was fascinating. The salt stalagmites were otherworldly, the flies...not so much. I appreciate your not editing in a longer bit of those. Your timing on the hot spring was perfect😏🤫
So many favorite spots along your journey. The Dalton Highway indeed sticks out and I think the time of year you were there was spectacular. Sending 💞💫💞
Thank you my lovely 🥰 The drone was putting on a show this week. Those desert landscapes are just 👌 And totally agree about the Dalton! Think the time of year is exactly what made it so magical 💛🫶 xx
great call at moving inland!
I first started watching you guys when you crossed into my home state of Maine. Since then I’ve watched all your videos and you have been a huge inspiration for me to start van life! I’m saving my pennies like crazy, buying the van in May and starting the conversion in June! Thanks so much for sharing your journey!
Ah we loved Maine! It was almost exactly a year ago that we were there! Think we crossed the first week of October back in 2022! So amazing that you're well on your way to starting your van life journey! Head out west and you're going to have the most incredible landscapes on your doorstep. Best of luck with everything 🥳 💛
In Los Angeles constantly see new discarded breaks, get correct, fluid etc,
The US will surely miss you!
appreciate the realness of what it is like in Cali, when things get tense and what happens when moths enter the van. this is my first video of you all and happy to have found you both. take care.
Thanks lovely, appreciate this a lot! 💛🫶
I love your channel! Very interesting and informative.
Thank you so much! 💛🫶
another amazing video, lovely shots and editing. The music with the desert landscape is 10/10 💕🥰 I loved seeing that historical gold rush town frozen in time. You inspire me to create, love from Ontario Canada! One day you need to come here in the autumn time, Quebec and Ontario have stunning fall colours.
If we inspire you to create, I don't think we can ask for a higher accolade 💛 Thank you so much for the kind words, so pleased you enjoyed this video, it's probably one of our favourite weeks travelling in a long time! We'll be back to Canada one day, lots of unfinished business with your country! 💛 xx
Wow, you guys just earned another subscriber, you are amazing storytellers. Gonna have to go back to the very beginning and binge watch all your video’s. Thanks for being so genuine.
Oh man, yeah Sonora pass is absolutely stunning but those constant hairpin turns and no guardrails is terrifying. So glad you’re both safe!
Great video, guys, good work showing the hinterland of California. This area is more open because only nature lovers go there for the most part. Yes the Eastern flank of the Sierra is very steep, you did well not to climb. As to Mono lake it is on the path of the flyaway of birds going from North America to Argentina for Winter and all those little critters, flies and shrimp, are their food.
In our opinion, THE best part of California! Absolutely love it out here. Yes to the birds! We are a little out of season for the migration but we'd read about the bird migration. If you Google 'bird migration mono lake' the images are amazing!
@@OverlandingSophia thank you, will check it up.
First😂❤🎉 good luck to you guys
Woop!🥇🥳
The success of your travels has been achieved by your ability to make wise decisions like avoiding the hurricane in Nova Scotia to not testing bad brakes on a steep slope I hope everything gets checked out and set right so you can have a fabulous adventure southward Karl from eastern Canada
Thanks Karl, sometimes we don't want to be sensible, but don't want to finish our trip off the side of a mountain in California 🙈 💛
Fantastic video guys as usual ❤❤❤❤
All of it, is that allowed? Loving this massive trip. X
Absolutely Linda 😘 🤗
We love camping along the 395 in the Sierras. My friend here, the husband is taking their campervan up to Lone Pine this week to meet up with a friend to do some off road dirt bike riding. We were all there in Aug. camping. My favorite place too has to be Alaska, there's just still so much "wild" there to enjoy. Dogs are so smart, they know when you're trying to sneak a pill in them. I use to have to pry the mouth open, pop it in, clamp the mouth shut and then put my hand over their nostrils to get them to swallow. Enjoy being back in Mexico🌎🌮🌯🫔🏜 I hope the brakes are in good shape now. Happy Travels🥰
Lone Pine was awesome - that's where the Mexican food truck was! Totally agree about Alaska too, it's pure wilderness up there unlike anywhere else. Hope you're keeping well my love! 💕
Yeah you did right staying inland and avoiding the coastline and metropolitan areas. Those regions are so congested with vans and RV's for various reasons that it diminishes the enjoyment dealing with the low vacancies, high fees and government ordinances. Safe travels onward to Mexico.
Agree with all of this! Worth a road trip in the car for sure, but we wouldn't do it in a van 💛
All your videos are striking. I absolutely love every one. You have taken me places I will never see in my life. Thank you so much. Stay safe. Cheers ❤❤
Thank you so, so much 🥹 💕
Amazing what you are doing💯👍
It's been one hell of a ride so far 😃
I would agree with The Dalton Highway, seeing the wolf was definitely THE stand out moment. With you all the way guys, stay safe, love Sue and Bryn xx
Love you Sue 💛💛 Totally agree! The wolf will stay with us forever xx
Thank you 😊 x
What an incredible year’s journey! Looking forward to the coming year! ❤️
It's been amazing! New Mexico is still our favourite State 💛
I love you drawing your route on the map for us to see.
We love our map too! Apart from when Ben messes it up 🙈😂
I have watched you since the day you arrived in Nova Scotia. I live in NS so I enjoyed your trip through NS and the Maritimes but I would say your drive on the Dalton Highway was my favourite part as well. I look forward to your videos every week.
Of course Nova Scotia is near the top of our list, we couldn't have asked for a better start to the trip and a kinder, warmer welcome from our NS family 🥹 💕
Another great video. I know you talk about there being tensions in the van, but you both do seem really relaxed at the moment. And It’s all been a great watch, so far 🙏🏽👍
Thank you 💛 The tensions are more just day to day things that happen when you’re working, travelling and living with someone in 60sq foot for 24/7 😅 But I’m glad you noticed as we do feel in a really great place at the minute 🫶💛
I've been following since Nova Scotia, I enjoy each new adventure. Continued safe travels !
I have been here since day 1 in Nova Scotia. You guys are showing us all some amazing parts of Canada and the United States. Keed up the great videos and eductional content. Be safe. Wahington,Oregon coast, love the ocean views.
Love this, thanks so much 💛 Sending love to Nova Scotia, we miss you guys!
Hi guys, have you heard of Itchy Boots, she is Dutch and a lone biker, she did from Patagonia to Alaska, it was amazing. Looking forward to your travels, take care
Yessss we are loyal Itchy Boots fans! Love her videos 🫶
Watched from your arrival on the Canadian east coast. Reaching the Arctic was mine, if I have to pic one. If not about 90% has been totally awesome! Thank you! 🇨🇦
Yessss there's just something about the northern wilderness!
I've been following since you arrived in N.S.
There have been so many amazing places you have brought us all along. I agree, the Dalton was consistently spectacular. Then the Oregon coast. But for me, hands down was that amazing wolf. ❤
Yes! The wolf was one of the most special moments of my life. Will never, ever forget that 🥹 xx
Wow!! A whole year!! I cant recall exactly where it was but the magical otherwordly forests that crept down to deserted beaches... or maybe Ive merged 2 memories there!! But the more remote and devoid of human life the better and you have covered so many stunning landscapes like this its hard to pick just one. Thankyou both... cant wait for the next chapter xxx
Thanks so much Sally 💛 Maybe you're thinking of when we were in Washington? Those Tolkien forests covered in moss that were just like they were from another planet. So amazing 🥹 Thank you for being a part of this journey with us, for such a long time! Can't wait for a catch up and walk in Boscastle when we come home 😘 xx
@@OverlandingSophia its a date xxx
There is a CZcamsr called wonderhussey who lives near the area you where in with the lake and hot springs. She spends a lot of herr time checking out the old time places around there. She stated recently that natural salty lake is very poluted with indstrial chemicals so I;m pleased you didnt drink any of it. nd you may have seen her bathing nakid in that hot spring! Love your content :)
Ah will have to check her out! Thank god I didn’t taste that water 😂 💛
Good luck at the mechanics. I would have to agree with you on favourite part of the tri so far. mexico has its treasures too but I doubt you can beat the highway. atb x.
Yep it’s going to be a tough one to beat! 💛
Stunning, stunning scenery again guys, with inspirational music. Certainly a good choice to go inland and be at peace and stop wherever you want. As for the best bit so far, for me it has all been the best bit. You are showing me sights I will never get to myself and that is so satisfying.
On the van maintenance, having fried the brakes I hope your garage have/ or will do a thorough job making sure the brake fluid is replaced. You most likely boiled it if the brakes went spongy.
Safe travels from a very cold UK.
Thanks so much Ian, so glad you liked the music. I loved editing this one! Honestly the Sierra's are like a different world to the coast. So much freedom out here. Yes, so since filming this, we've made it to the garage. The brakes were actually fine and it probably helped having brand new brakes. But we do need to replace the brake fluid, something we're going to do ourselves! 💛
Hi ya Chesca Ben River and Scout, The Dalton Hwy was the best , doesn’t seem like 12 months I am definitely a desert 🏜️ person we are currently in fire watch, always to be safe rather than sorry. Take care and stay safe cheers 🥂from Australia . 🌟🌺🇦🇺🥰🩷
You seemed to have had a lot of trouble with your brakes this year. Is it because of the mountain drives? You will have to figure it out before you leave the US. I cannot imagine how difficult it would be to get things fixed once you leave US/Can. Especially once you get south of Mexico. Even more mountains, and not as good roads I imagine. I wonder if they have something called mountain brakes. They did in the old days. It was an option for my 1930 Model A believe it or not.
Washboard roads. Yep, I remember those out in the SW. Cool ghost town. I had never got a chance to see one of those. Seen an old 1920s radio in there, so that was probably when it was abandoned.
Mono Lake - cool - One my Bucket List! Love the hot springs too.
We had a full brake replacement in Vancouver but that’s the first time we’ve had major brake work since getting the van in 2019!
Our handbrake has been giving us issues but we think it just needs tightening. Have since had the brakes checked after the Sonora Pass and they were fine, the overheating hadn’t damaged them - surprisingly! I think it’s just been bad timing and we’ve been overly worried 😅 Apparently it’s fairly easy to source Sprinter parts in Central America and SA but hopefully we don’t need to!
The last fire rampaged through in the 1930s so you’re not far off. Couldn’t recommend it enough - an amazing piece of history in a pretty epic location 💛
The image of your trip that stick to my mind is seeing you poping champagne in Alaska, you stile the only traveler who did it from those I've watch and stile thing it's the best west to do it. Have a safe trip 🙂
Yesss it was such a special moment! The end of one journey but the beginning of an even bigger one. Don't need much excuse to pop the champagne 😂 🍾 xx
Sonora Pass is no Joke you need to use the low Gearing on the van to save your Brakes.
We did! 😔 Our mistake was not pulling over sooner to let them cool down. High altitude, long 26% gradient and a fully loaded 3.5t van is no joke. We can’t just rely on brakes with a van like this on steep mountain roads, but we do need to take it steady and give them chance to cool down.
This series has been totally great for me. I've lived in Western WA my whole life and worked in Alaska off and on for years and drove the highways and byways you covered on your journey. And you had to drive through my lifelong home coming out of Canada. So Washington, Oregon and Canada have been my favorites by far. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks Rick, you must know the route we've taken like the back of your hand!
Just finding you guys! Very enjoyable video🎉❤️❤I'm Sophia of Michigan
Thanks Sophia! Great name 😉 💕
As allways great Adventures love the desert myself
Thank you Rob! We never thought of ourselves as desert people until we came out here. Now we absolutely love it 💕
GREAT TO SEE UK TRAVELERS IN VAN DOING A REAL BIT OF ADVENTURE,,RESPECT ~#SCOTLAND
Ah thank you! 🙏
Love the RIP fly swater guys.
It was a gift from one of our Patreons and quite frankly, one of Ben's most beloved things in the van 😂
Hallowed eve is approaching,where ya gonna be?
@@drewsky5577 We are desperately trying to make it to mainland Mexico for Dia de Los Muertos, which also happens to be Bens birthday 💀 💃
Hey Guys, I’m back, hope you’re well, love mountains 🏔️ brilliant drone photography!! Good idea to head Inland.. brake issues are quite scary, yeah disasters, no more for sure.. yeah, love countryside it’s definitely more peaceful! Wow! bodie ghost town! Spooky 👻 strangely I found out about this watching another channel earlier, very cool history.. the Lake is always a good shout. The coral 🪸 looking stuff is interesting.. hot spring bath would be nice with that sunset 🌅.. Being Hangry isn’t always bad.. 😂😂 well done for saving Ben from the moth! Oh no, coffee cup broke too? So happy the hot spring bath has soothes the stress.. 😂😂.. hot spring naked 😂😂.. excited for the last week!! Wow, the mount Witney roads are amazing! Yeah where brakes are concerned it’s definitely better safe than sorry. Love freedoms to stay where you want.. stay safe, hope the Van 🚐 checks out in San Diego! Also I can’t pick my favourite, it’s all been great! Sending love to you all x
Thanks Mark! Yeah can't believe it's our final week in the US. It's come around so quickly and kind of taken us by surprise! Think that hot spring bath was our favourite park up ever. Can't beat your own free bath! Hope the car show was fun 💛 Love from all of us! xx
@@OverlandingSophia yes, the car show was hosted by Richard Hammond and other CZcamsrs and I got to meet all but Hammond! Will send a couple photos on Instagram for you. X
Fingers crossed you're still together next week! 😉 Great ep guys, good move on ditching the coast, stunning locations.
As long as Ben doesn’t touch the map again we’ll be all good 😉
Love that little town you visited, it’ truly is like time has stood still there ,looked like a scene from a Clint Eastwood western . For me my favourite part of. Your whole trip through North America has to be Alaska by far , to me no where even comes close .
It was straight out of a Coen brothers film! It has to be the coolest ghost town in the old Wild West. And yep, Alaska is a world of it's own ✨
Favorite part of your North American trip .... for sure the RIP fly swatter! Actually the best part of any of your trips - is the two of you and River and Scout! P.S. Glad you didn't traverse the switchbacks up the Sierras - those are serious roads with no room for error. Stay safe - lotta love, as always. 🌴🌵💖
Hahah that's Ben's most prized possession 😂 Ah thanks so much my love, have loved sharing the trip with you! It's only just getting started 😃 xx
Ahh that hot spring looks amazing!! I’ve never been in one, one day!!! 😭🥹💕
You have to get in a free, natural hot spring at least once. They are pure medicine 🙏
Love all your videos, you made me laugh about the skinny dippers😂. I had a surprise when snorkling in the red sea once, and no it wasnt a sea cucumber ha! The other hot springs bathing looked amazing too in the snowy forest that was magical. I like that you tell us about your testing times too both with the van problems and how you both manage those relationship blips ❤
Hahaha not a sea cucumber 😂 😂 Hope you didn't swallow too much sea water from shock 😳 We've honestly managed to find some incredible hot springs on this trip. Think the snowy forest ones have to be our favourite, closely followed by these desert ones. Medicine for the soul 🙏 💛
So glad to meet you guys in person today while camping next to you in San Clemente. Spoiler Alert .. the brakes are fixed now .. I got to watch you fix them !!! I loved watchin this video and even though I prefer watching shorter length videos, I watched the entire 35 minutes .. Great story telling and I happen to love the eastern Sierra's .. been there hundreds of times myself. I'd love to see you post shorter videos and more often each week .. I like videos around 9 or 10 minutes long and frequency posts at 2 to 3 times a week .. Its basically the same amount of content but you get to follow the channel more often. Its took long to wait a whole week to see the next exciting video. Instead of 30+ minutes long once a week, I like shorter with more frequency per week. BUT, If its only once a week, I'll still follow the channel, especially since I got to meet you both in person.
Thanks so much David, it was so lovely to meet you too, and April of course 🐶 Maybe watch our videos once a month so it's like you're saving all those 9 minutes into one go 😂 Hope you had a lovely BBQ tonight, thanks again for the amazing recommendations. Hope we cross paths again one day!
Im amazed that some jerk hasnt tagged it with graffiti. Its so cool!! I'm definitely adding it to my list. Thank you so much!😮
There are rangers that live there year round to protect it! 🫶🙏
Our favourite so far was the Baja California peninsula. But we love the sun more than the cold.
Ah you're going to be in for a treat over the next few months 🌞
You make the most amazing videos. The scenery you capture is spectacular and to be honest, I enjoy the fact that you explore out of the way places and not stick to the usual touristy places. I've been following you since Nova Scotia (where I live and where you survived Fiona last year!) and hope you return to us for a good visit and good cup of tea!
Thanks so much Cathy. It's always so much more interesting away from the boards and restrictions of touristy places. We will absolutely, 100% be back to Nova Scotia. it's a very special place to us and we would love to do a meet up with our Nova Scotia family 💛