Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2000 15:11:25 -0700
Reply-To: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject: Re: Route 66 east to west solo and female
I have always avoided rest stops.
First, many, at least here in the West, are signed as not being for
overnight camping ("overnight"is probably a matter of definition, I guess).
Second, the Kristen story is a bit too common for me. Seems that, over the
years, I've heard this try a few dozen times, with different names and
places, but the same end result.
If a campsite is unavailable, I tend to try to get off road and away from it
all as much as possible. Go down a dirt road and turn on to a smaller one a
few time and park among some trees. Not always possible, but that's choice
#1.
Second is the other extreme. Walmart parking lot or an all-night gas
station's side yard. Not a real good sleep, but a fairly safe one.
Wonder if one could stop for a sleep at a police station or Highway Patrol
parking lot? Never tried that, but it might work.
Karl Wolz
----- Original Message -----
From: "Stuart MacMillan" <macmillan@HOME.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2000 11:43 AM
Subject: Re: Route 66 east to west solo and female
> I have to admit I wouldn't be too crazy about my daughter traveling solo
> in any vehicle!
>
> I wouldn't be as worried about a trip from St. Louis to California
> through less populated areas, but common sense would dictate caution.
> Stay only in busy rest stops or campgrounds, and don't be too trusting
> in asking strangers for help if you have problems, it's best to have the
> vehicle towed to a shop. Make sure your vehicle is running well before
> you leave, join AAA, carry a cell phone, and carry a list of VW
> mechanics and VW enthusiasts who are willing to provide assistance.
>
> At the risk of angering some list members, I will comment on my
> experiences traveling in the south. This is the only part of the
> country where I have seen off duty police officers stationed at night in
> rest stops, and warning signs posted about the dangers of stopping in an
> empty rest stop. First it was German tourists in Florida, then folks in
> rental cars being targeted, Michael Jordan's father, and now Kristen.
> For whatever reason rest stops are dangerous places in the SE, as is
> stopping along side the road, as MJ's father's case shows.
>
> Have fun, but be careful!
>
> JordanVw@AOL.COM wrote:
> >
> > In a message dated 8/31/00 8:12:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
> > heathers@UDEL.EDU writes:
> >
> > << Hi, List. I'm getting ready to travel 66/40 from St. Louis to
> > California. Any hints for campgrounds and state parks along the
> > way? I plan to know where I'm staying and when I'm staying there
> > as much as possible. Also, if any of you listmembers can give me
> > names of mechanics along the way, I'd be much appreciative. You
> > can address me personally so as not to clutter the list with
> > replies. Thanks so much for your help.
> > >>
> >
> > hmm.. interesting post considering what just happened. didnt you just
hear
> > what happened to that girl kristen? she was on her way to CA form NJ
> > driving in her VW Van ALONE and they found her stabbed, naked, in a
ditch
> > near some rest stop in Arkansas on sunday?? Traveling cross country
alone
> > and female in a old vw van is asking for trouble IMO. I hope at least
you
> > have a cell phone and dont plan to sleep at any rest stops...
> > good luck-
> > chris
>
> --
> Stuart MacMillan
> Seattle
>
> '84 Vanagon Westfalia
> '65 MGB (Driven since 1969)
> '74 MGB GT (Restoring)
>
> Assisting on Restoration:
> '72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
> '64 MGB (Son's)
>
> Parts cars:
> '68 & '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT
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