Date:         Mon, 15 May 2000 07:21:04 PDT
Reply-To:     joseph Trussell <joetruss@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         joseph Trussell <joetruss@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Congrats to Bessie.
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Greetings List,
I wanted to let everybody know how much I appreciate the tips I've recieved
over the past several months; I believe that without them I could not have
completed a long and fun trip in my '85 GL "Bessie."  We travelled from
Denver to Dallas, Shreveport, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Perdido Key,
Pensacola, Destin, and back, covering a total of approx. 3400 miles in 11
days without a hitch.  The inclines on i-25 in Colorado reduced me to 45
MPH, crosswinds in the TX panhandle almost blew me off the road, the massive
downpours in Louisiana exposed a few seal leaks, and the lack of AC was
noticeable, to put it lightly, all over the sweltering South, but otherwise
it was a great trip. I saw 6 other vanagons on the road and exchanged
enthusiastic waves, peace signs, and/or thumbs up's from each.
I wanted to send this email in honor of Bessie because on Friday May 12, in
Wichita Falls, TX at 11:32 AM, she hit 200,000 on the odometer.  We pulled
over, got a guy at the Fina Gas station to take a picture, then I had a
Foster's and she had a sip of oil.
Anyway, I can't think of anybody among friends and family who expected me to
complete this trip without any mechanical problems.  They generall believe
that my Vanagon is a whim and a money pit.  Furthermore, I think that those
on this list can recognize what a great feeling it is to be on the road with
nothing but your Vanagon and your freedom.  I just got back but I absolutely
cannot wait to do it again.
Joe Trussell
'85 GL 'Bessie'

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