Yes! When we were driving in Mammoth Lakes (near to Devil's Postpile), a mother and her two cubs crossed right in front of our car!! It was truly amazing!!!
Yes, on golf courses in whistler jasper , banff , golden . Just give them room and don't approach them especially if cubs are near. I am amazed at how some tourists are getting out of there cars to take pictures.
Oh yeah! Twice, too close for comfort ... most recently in northern BC, while I was alone walking along a river bank. I had bear spray with me but did not need to use it. And, the other too close for comfort was in BC, further south ... could hear a bear approaching my tent and it got within 2 feet of my head!! No longer concerned now that I have a Class B. Amazing that Leo did not bark at the bears - most dogs go crazy when they see a bear. I had one bear encounter where I was 100% glad I was in my car ... it was BIG and nasty looking!
really horrible and sad story about 19 yrs old girl named olga? and her brother?...anyways while being eaten alive and dying in agony she made three phone calls to her mom,,and yes she died..when the people found the mama bear and three cubs these bears were munching? on the poor guy of course they killed the bears.Yes the guy also died....horrible story. you can find that story.on youtube. think it happened 2-3 yrs ago..PLZ BE CAREFUL. THINK they were camping outside but not in the van.
OMG can't believe...how close you guys were to these bears.,,,consider yourselves being extremely lucky to be protected inside the van...another adventurous vid!
OMG! We are going out to the Grand Canyon this weekend in the RV...just a 5 day trip (4 nights). Staying in Mesa...would like to hit Sedona and Flagstaff on the way up to GC...then after two nights drive down and stay in Laughlin before heading home to San Diego. This video came just in time! I was just reading reviews of Bearizona...seems like a natural place to stop in on the way to Laughlin! Great! I was also wondering about the weather out there...it looks like it will be freezing overnight temps at GC! Wish us luck!
Leo has captured my heart, I used to have a Siberian Husky many yr's. ago. I don't own a camper van, just bought my 1st RV TT 2011 Gulfstream in late June, and still getting stuff done a little at a time, to prepare for my life-on-the-road come Spring! I love your video's, give's me encouragement to explore this beautiful country, and leave this city life behind me! I will be traveling with my 2 cats I adopted from the animal shelter in '09, (they are my 'kids'). Thanks for sharing your amazing adventures!
This is the best video you have made. I love the bears and wolves. We went through one in Rapid City South Dakota and it was a lot of fun. Leo has wonderful blue eyes. They are ones a person could get lost in. Great dog. Thanks for sharing and taking along on the tour. Stay safe and happy trails. Joyce
I’ve just started watching you Two, The Russo’s. I’m impressed with the love and compassion you have for everything. Thank y’all for this. You guys did it . We hope we see you on the road. My wife, Winnie and I are pulling our travel trailer in May for 3 week from Utah to Florida. Blessings to you both, stay safe. Thx again , Jim Ray of the Rayzone
Sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot are the best, aren't they? Love how Leo watches the bears. We were in an RV park in PA in September that is a working farm. Our Australian Shepherd who is 11 months old did the same with the horses, pigs, goats and chickens. He tried to round up all the goats which was hysterical. I'll bet him and Leo would have a great time together!
Awesome!!! I went to Bearizona and I thought it was really amazing. I got to see a wolf chase a raven, it even tried to take a bite out of my camper, and a black bear charged at my vehicle. The grizzly bears and bobcats were really cool and the black bear cub was so adorable. But the one animal that really amazed me was the black jaguar. It was really awesome. Amazing video. 👍👍👍👍👍
Seems like the best way to see bears (inside a vehicle) haha. I feel like I'm never truly prepared while out hiking for a bear encounter because I haven't had one yet. Thanks for sharing your adventures guys! Have a great week!
Great videos thumbs up. I am retiring in 2 years and moving to Flagstaff for a home base and then doing two years on the road full time RVing with a converted Ford Transit van
Would love to hear/see more about how y’all adjust for winter and colder temps. For instance, do you use the heater and do you use electricity or propane to run? And other ways winter makes you live differently than usual. Love the show!
We just came back a week ago on a 4 days marathon to Capitol Reef, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National and Dead Horse Point. We took the scenic routes but it was cold and windy. All the parks are majestic though.
Bearizona is on my list of places to see now! I'm so glad you went through twice, lol! You guys should consider adding a list of places you've been, and what you've liked about them! you're fabulous trip planners _ thanks joe and kait!
I love Bearizona! I've only been once, and we had a blast! It's getting cold in the north country, we live in Cottonwood and are loving the cooler weather right now. Flagstaff is too cold for me!
Blimey mate, a pint of IPA!! I did not realise civilisation had reached that far across the USA ha ha! Thanks for sharing, the video that is. Greeting from Staffordshire, England.
Wow thanks for bringing me along but man was I moving around when I saw the bear getting a little close for my comforts. Great job on the vlog...again no pressure but man next Wednesday is a long time for y’all! Squeeze Leo for me. From Houston Texas
Great video! You featured Leo a lot in this one 👍! Lowell Observatory...very nice! Bearizona is a awesome place - "Lions & Tigers & Bears OH MY"! Btw, I was totally digging your NY swag, you looked great in it dude 👌 Cheers as always 🍻
Never been that close to a bear, but would love to go there to see them up close along with all the other animals. That sweet potato looked delicious and a good healthy alternative to the usual preparation of them at Thanksgiving. Love your channel :)
Thanks for taking us along on your Bearizona trek! I hate seeing those bears like that though - they're really neat animals, and I like that it seems like they have a decent amount of space to roam around. I just don't like the idea that they can't live free. (Maybe this is a sanctuary for 'special' bears?) Anyway - Loved watching it all. Joe - you better stop picking on Kait's driving - she's gonna really drive off one day! Ha ha ha!!!
Had to chuckle. I am in PA we have had bear around when I had my jeep with half doors and soft top. My parents live close by. One day he was doing some gardening. Digging a hole. He notice this dark thing over to his right. Black bear, about 400 pounds. It was sitting there watching my dad. My dad slowly walked away. Bear went to the hole, scratch the hole and looked at my dad as if to say, nothing here. Walked off.
Arizona is awesome guys. Where else can one see Bears and wolves. Pretty cool 😎. As per chili, I keep saying come further south to Texas where the only thing chili comes in a bowl. 😂 Smart move moving away from that bear as he got near the van. Seen plenty of videos of vehicles destroyed by wildlife (bears) and it's not pretty. Till next time, keep on rocking and enjoy this great country of ours. Adios amigos. Take care of each other and Leo. Huge fans from Texas Arnold/Josie (Hershey/Chico)
Absolutely wonderful video! This fired up my desire to see Flagstaff and surrounding area. With the freezing temperatures are your water tanks and lines inside the van or under it? What about the gray tank?
Another great video, thanks. I just placed an order with Amazon via your link. I wonder if this option will remain when they start their Australian operation next year? Downunda - Melbourne Australia
Thank you for sharing your adventure. Here I am right here in Sedona and havent yet made a visit to BearArizona. Looking forward to a visit in the Fall. The video was just wow. I loved it all thank you again.
I'm so glad you got to see the Observatory!!! If you get a chance in the future, you might enjoy Meteor Crater west of Winslow... And, if you haven't yet, you need to drive through Oak Creek Canyon between Flagstaff and Sedona.... Also, I have to say it, "why did the chicken cross the road?" 8:57 LOL.... btw: the past couple of weeks have been extra extra full so I still haven't finished your amazing book. I truly am anxious to get back to reading next week :))
Same here! Lowell turned out to be so much more than we expected and we drove back at night to see the Ring Nebula through one of their telescopes. We drove through Oak Creek Canyon before but didn't stop, will put it on our list to explore more!
Cool (no pun intended)! In warm weather you need to put your swim suits on and slide down Slide Rock. Bring a lunch, blanket and make a day out of it :)
Isn’t Flagstaff laid-back? If you stop in Sedona on your way south, you might want to check out Slide Rock State Park. Might be a little bit chilly to take advantage of the rock slide itself but it’s really pretty and you can get some great video there. I enjoy traveling vicariously through you folks. 👍🏼
If you make it into the valley while your here in AZ my husband and I would love to have you come by for a meal (and a water refill 😉) I really would love to transition to vanlife. Love your videos!
Wanted to second your use of tahini (sesame seed butter or puree). Similar to natural peanut butter in taste and texture, but for many, it does not have the allergies associated with nut butter (especially peanut butter). If you have nut allergies you may want to try a small amount of tahini to see if it might be a suitable alternative.
I am enjoying your videos, especially the attractions you chose to visit. Some seem "off beat" to me, which can be the best. How do you find out about, or research these attractions?
I was KISSED by a wolf in Wolf Mountain Sanctuary, Colorado!!!!! They are VERY LARGE when you are sitting on the ground & they are in front of your face!!! It was WONDERFUL!!!!!
Another great vid! Just finished reading your awesome book! I noticed that Duke isn't with you anymore. :( Hopefully my husband and I will be able to do #vanlife in a few years. When we do ;), your book will definitely be one of our go-to resource.:)
Have you spent much time in Prescott? I'm considering leaving San Diego in the next two years. Both Flagstaff and Reno are on a short list of five places. Thanks - Shelley
Watch Episode 29: goo.gl/SLsnsR
Bearizona -> weretherussos.com/bearizona-wildlife-park/
Yes! When we were driving in Mammoth Lakes (near to Devil's Postpile), a mother and her two cubs crossed right in front of our car!! It was truly amazing!!!
Yes, on golf courses in whistler jasper , banff , golden . Just give them room and don't approach them especially if cubs are near. I am amazed at how some tourists are getting out of there cars to take pictures.
Oh yeah! Twice, too close for comfort ... most recently in northern BC, while I was alone walking along a river bank. I had bear spray with me but did not need to use it. And, the other too close for comfort was in BC, further south ... could hear a bear approaching my tent and it got within 2 feet of my head!! No longer concerned now that I have a Class B.
Amazing that Leo did not bark at the bears - most dogs go crazy when they see a bear. I had one bear encounter where I was 100% glad I was in my car ... it was BIG and nasty looking!
really horrible and sad story about 19 yrs old girl named olga? and her brother?...anyways while being eaten alive and dying in agony she made three phone calls to her mom,,and yes she died..when the people found the mama bear and three cubs these bears were munching? on the poor guy of course they killed the bears.Yes the guy also died....horrible story. you can find that story.on youtube. think it happened 2-3 yrs ago..PLZ BE CAREFUL. THINK they were camping outside but not in the van.
OMG can't believe...how close you guys were to these bears.,,,consider yourselves being extremely lucky to be protected inside the van...another adventurous vid!
Luv Leo’s reactions to the bears,but nothing for his relatives. What a great place.😎
OMG! We are going out to the Grand Canyon this weekend in the RV...just a 5 day trip (4 nights). Staying in Mesa...would like to hit Sedona and Flagstaff on the way up to GC...then after two nights drive down and stay in Laughlin before heading home to San Diego. This video came just in time! I was just reading reviews of Bearizona...seems like a natural place to stop in on the way to Laughlin! Great! I was also wondering about the weather out there...it looks like it will be freezing overnight temps at GC! Wish us luck!
Leo has captured my heart, I used to have a Siberian Husky many yr's. ago. I don't own a camper van, just bought my 1st RV TT 2011 Gulfstream in late June, and still getting stuff done a little at a time, to prepare for my life-on-the-road come Spring! I love your video's, give's me encouragement to explore this beautiful country, and leave this city life behind me! I will be traveling with my 2 cats I adopted from the animal shelter in '09, (they are my 'kids'). Thanks for sharing your amazing adventures!
Hi guys!!!!! Another wonderful video!!!! Thank you and see you guys next week!!!!
Love how you're wearing the Triumph tee in Harley territory.
I knew they would appreciate a warm fireplace🔥🔥🔥🔥💯
What an amazing experience. I had no idea you could go and get so close to bears! Thanks for sharing. Keep warm :0)
Ok, I'm very envious !! First sign of cold & you head south. You have a wonderful lifestyle. Enjoy !! Great video.
What a great couple of days in and around Flagstaff. I'm officially jealous!
This is the best video you have made. I love the bears and wolves. We went through one in Rapid City South Dakota and it was a lot of fun. Leo has wonderful blue eyes. They are ones a person could get lost in. Great dog. Thanks for sharing and taking along on the tour. Stay safe and happy trails. Joyce
Lived in flagstaff for years...best place I've ever lived! Sad i had to move.
Enjoy your ventures, keep them coming.
Leo is the coolest dog! He’s sooooo cute!
I love Leo ! what a sweetie pie !
Greetings from Wilmore, Ky. I love watching your videos especially Bears and Wolves in Arizona.
Hey guys glad to see you again I can see that Leo wants to go after the bear LOL😂😂👍👍
Love that Leo!! You guys are great parents.😊
I’ve just started watching you Two, The Russo’s. I’m impressed with the love and compassion you have for everything. Thank y’all for this. You guys did it . We hope we see you on the road. My wife, Winnie and I are pulling our travel trailer in May for 3 week from Utah to Florida. Blessings to you both, stay safe. Thx again , Jim Ray of the Rayzone
Sorry can't resist this... Kait has got a lovely pair of melons at the end of the video LOL. That bear was HUGE!!
Sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot are the best, aren't they? Love how Leo watches the bears. We were in an RV park in PA in September that is a working farm. Our Australian Shepherd who is 11 months old did the same with the horses, pigs, goats and chickens. He tried to round up all the goats which was hysterical. I'll bet him and Leo would have a great time together!
+Ed Bickford they are! Look forward to meeting you and the rest of the family. Let us know if you head west this winter.
Awesome!!! I went to Bearizona and I thought it was really amazing. I got to see a wolf chase a raven, it even tried to take a bite out of my camper, and a black bear charged at my vehicle. The grizzly bears and bobcats were really cool and the black bear cub was so adorable. But the one animal that really amazed me was the black jaguar. It was really awesome. Amazing video. 👍👍👍👍👍
Seems like the best way to see bears (inside a vehicle) haha. I feel like I'm never truly prepared while out hiking for a bear encounter because I haven't had one yet. Thanks for sharing your adventures guys! Have a great week!
Excellent video! If Leo only knew what a big internet star he really is!
Leo is finally comfortable in his fur coat!
Lovely vedio...loved the bear experience. 👌
Tremendous tour, Thank you for showing me America. I love your lifestyle. Leo is so cool. Give him a dog treat from me!
That was awesome, I would love to see that place......I love Leo. Thanks for sharing.
Nice video you guys!
Great videos thumbs up. I am retiring in 2 years and moving to Flagstaff for a home base and then doing two years on the road full time RVing with a converted Ford Transit van
That looks like a really neat place! I love the drive thru concept.
What a great place to visit.
Great videos guys, it’s so clear and edited well! The music is wonderful in the background!😀👍
Wow the bears and Wolves! We will have to go there for sure. Great video, thanks! I love yawl's Van. I want my hubby to buy one.
What a cool place! Thanks for sharing. Love Leo!
Awesome! Bearizona! Wow! Leo looked like he loved it! As always when I watch I feel like I'm there with you guy's! Be Blessed!
Would love to hear/see more about how y’all adjust for winter and colder temps. For instance, do you use the heater and do you use electricity or propane to run? And other ways winter makes you live differently than usual. Love the show!
We just came back a week ago on a 4 days marathon to Capitol Reef, Canyonlands National Park, Arches National and Dead Horse Point. We took the scenic routes but it was cold and windy. All the parks are majestic though.
Loved the video - this video is the nearest I have been to a bear!! (and Joe do wrap up in this cool weather)
Why did that chicken cross the side walk? LoL. Hey
Leo!! Love your where ever the wind carries you vlogs . Never seen areas wow.
Thank for the trip.
thumbsup for all 3 of ya safe travels
Nice! Squash and bears.
Bearizona is on my list of places to see now! I'm so glad you went through twice, lol! You guys should consider adding a list of places you've been, and what you've liked about them! you're fabulous trip planners _ thanks joe and kait!
Really enjoyed the video. Seeing the wolves I found myself thinking how much they look like Leo.
You guys are awesome. Love the channel!!!
Great 🐻 Love the view through Leos ears 🐺
Bears are great.
About 3 years ago, had a mom and two teens just walking through the front yard...
I love Bearizona! I've only been once, and we had a blast! It's getting cold in the north country, we live in Cottonwood and are loving the cooler weather right now. Flagstaff is too cold for me!
Great video! Thank you for allowing me to travel along! It’s great seeing Leo in these older videos! 😔
Nice travel!
💐💝💐 Blesings to you all and thank you for shearing 💝🎀💝 I loved this video 💂♥💂♥💂. Greetings from DK 💞💐 thanks again for all your vonderfoul vork 💐🎀💐
That wolf looked like Leo!!
My favorite place' Used to stay at Railside RV ranch in Williams every summer and had annual pass to Bearizona.
Blimey mate, a pint of IPA!! I did not realise civilisation had reached that far across the USA ha ha! Thanks for sharing, the video that is. Greeting from Staffordshire, England.
yikes wow thats nuts .. great video
That was very cool.
That was so cool!
I hope I dream about Leo tonight and not bears :) Love that Leo!! That was a lot of fun! Great video!
never seen so many bears at once, really excited😬
by the way today I finally received your book, I can’t wait to start reading it😃
Hope you enjoy the book Paolo!
Free camping on surfside beach, Tx. Nice and warm
Wow thanks for bringing me along but man was I moving around when I saw the bear getting a little close for my comforts. Great job on the vlog...again no pressure but man next Wednesday is a long time for y’all! Squeeze Leo for me. From Houston Texas
Great job!
That was very cool, I want to take my dog and drive through there also.
can't wait to check out Flagstaff
Great video! You featured Leo a lot in this one 👍!
Lowell Observatory...very nice!
Bearizona is a awesome place - "Lions & Tigers & Bears OH MY"!
Btw, I was totally digging your NY swag, you looked great in it dude 👌
Cheers as always 🍻
Thanks! I had a few people ask me if I was from NY when I had that shirt on. Glad you enjoyed the video. Chat more on Patreon!
I love Leo, what a handsome boy. Great video and thank you.
Never been that close to a bear, but would love to go there to see them up close along with all the other animals. That sweet potato looked delicious and a good healthy alternative to the usual preparation of them at Thanksgiving. Love your channel :)
Thanks for taking us along on your Bearizona trek! I hate seeing those bears like that though - they're really neat animals, and I like that it seems like they have a decent amount of space to roam around. I just don't like the idea that they can't live free. (Maybe this is a sanctuary for 'special' bears?) Anyway - Loved watching it all. Joe - you better stop picking on Kait's driving - she's gonna really drive off one day! Ha ha ha!!!
That place is so cool. Leo Loved it! It is now on my list of places to go!
Clearly, Leo is a rare Bearhound.
We're not fond of bear encounters! BTW, we've followed a lot of your advice and see clear payoffs from it 😍👌 Thanks for the wisdom!
So happy to hear it's helping. We've been following your channel and have seen the changes. Everything looks great, congrats!
Ooh - I need to find the advice! Was it in the videos or somewhere else? :)
Enjoyed this video, thanks for posting we have added this place to our Bucket list :-)
Fond memories,Thanks for sharing😘
Fantastic vet in Williams if Leo needs anything
Had to chuckle. I am in PA we have had bear around when I had my jeep with half doors and soft top. My parents live close by. One day he was doing some gardening. Digging a hole. He notice this dark thing over to his right. Black bear, about 400 pounds. It was sitting there watching my dad. My dad slowly walked away. Bear went to the hole, scratch the hole and looked at my dad as if to say, nothing here. Walked off.
Arizona is awesome guys. Where else can one see Bears and wolves. Pretty cool 😎. As per chili, I keep saying come further south to Texas where the only thing chili comes in a bowl. 😂 Smart move moving away from that bear as he got near the van. Seen plenty of videos of vehicles destroyed by wildlife (bears) and it's not pretty. Till next time, keep on rocking and enjoy this great country of ours. Adios amigos. Take care of each other and Leo.
Huge fans from Texas
Arnold/Josie (Hershey/Chico)
Absolutely wonderful video! This fired up my desire to see Flagstaff and surrounding area. With the freezing temperatures are your water tanks and lines inside the van or under it? What about the gray tank?
Another great video, thanks. I just placed an order with Amazon via your link. I wonder if this option will remain when they start their Australian operation next year?
Downunda - Melbourne Australia
Thank you for sharing your adventure. Here I am right here in Sedona and havent yet made a visit to BearArizona. Looking forward to a visit in the Fall. The video was just wow. I loved it all thank you again.
Oh and Leo with the bears, oh he was so excited!!
Flagstaff AZ great place. Was there on our way to see The Grand Canyon! Check out Walnut Canyon as well.
I'm so glad you got to see the Observatory!!! If you get a chance in the future, you might enjoy Meteor Crater west of Winslow... And, if you haven't yet, you need to drive through Oak Creek Canyon between Flagstaff and Sedona.... Also, I have to say it, "why did the chicken cross the road?" 8:57 LOL.... btw: the past couple of weeks have been extra extra full so I still haven't finished your amazing book. I truly am anxious to get back to reading next week :))
Same here! Lowell turned out to be so much more than we expected and we drove back at night to see the Ring Nebula through one of their telescopes. We drove through Oak Creek Canyon before but didn't stop, will put it on our list to explore more!
Cool (no pun intended)! In warm weather you need to put your swim suits on and slide down Slide Rock. Bring a lunch, blanket and make a day out of it :)
Love your videos hope to run into you both one day
I was in Alaska last year and saw a small black bear that got spooked and ran off but nothing like your experience.
I loved Bearazona
Love your post
Very cool place!
Keep going North to Alaska. Leo is looking for snow, a team of dogs, a sled and a musher :-)
Isn’t Flagstaff laid-back?
If you stop in Sedona on your way south, you might want to check out Slide Rock State Park.
Might be a little bit chilly to take advantage of the rock slide itself but it’s really pretty and you can get some great video there.
I enjoy traveling vicariously through you folks. 👍🏼
If you make it into the valley while your here in AZ my husband and I would love to have you come by for a meal (and a water refill 😉) I really would love to transition to vanlife. Love your videos!
Hey Veronica. We host a meet-up every month for our Patrons. If you're interested in learning more, check it out www.patreon.com/posts/15078724
leo seemed more interested in the bears than the wolves
You should let Leo hangout with the wolf’s lol
Wanted to second your use of tahini (sesame seed butter or puree). Similar to natural peanut butter in taste and texture, but for many, it does not have the allergies associated with nut butter (especially peanut butter). If you have nut allergies you may want to try a small amount of tahini to see if it might be a suitable alternative.
Leo says hold the raisins on the sweet potato mash and where is boo boo?? lol
I am enjoying your videos, especially the attractions you chose to visit. Some seem "off beat" to me, which can be the best. How do you find out about, or research these attractions?
I was KISSED by a wolf in Wolf Mountain Sanctuary, Colorado!!!!! They are VERY LARGE when you are sitting on the ground & they are in front of your face!!! It was WONDERFUL!!!!!
Awesome trip! But you've left the big question unanswered...Why did the chicken cross the road?
Another great vid! Just finished reading your awesome book! I noticed that Duke isn't with you anymore. :( Hopefully my husband and I will be able to do #vanlife in a few years. When we do ;), your book will definitely be one of our go-to resource.:)
Thank you! Yes, it was tough to lose Duke. If you get a moment, please consider leaving a review of the book on Amazon if you haven't done so already.
Have you spent much time in Prescott? I'm considering leaving San Diego in the next two years. Both Flagstaff and Reno are on a short list of five places. Thanks - Shelley
Hey guys, is there anyway to wrap your utility pipes in insulation pipe wrap?