Date:         Mon, 6 Oct 2003 23:03:55 -0400
Reply-To:     Andrew Silliker <silliker@CYNICAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Andrew Silliker <silliker@CYNICAL.NET>
Subject:      Trip Report - Westies @ Watkins
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Well, another trip in the book. Kudos to Joel and family for a well
organized event. Huge shout out to gowesty.com for the poptop seal that the
door prize raffle sent my way.

Friday was a nice day here in VA, sunny and crisp. With the XCAP WGN loaded,
we were good to go, and headed up the way towards Allentown to do a little
transporting in the Transporter. A short visit with Chris (se pa), and
Frank's alloy's and spares are on their way to Watkins. 

We rolled into Watkins around suppertime, and hit a big crowd at the
campground check-in. There was some dissatisfaction that the NYS park system
ran out of electricity for the gang, but those without electric sites either
pirated with some long extension cords, bunked up with the powerful, or
reveled in the ability to save a few bucks and toughed it out. Rebecca and I
fell into the latter camp and, save for some minor complaints from
downstairs bunk of the nippy fall evenings, all was well.

Saturday dawn with that magical fall combination of cold and rainy, likely
delaying many from making an early rise. With Binz (sp) loading everyone up
will mulled wine on Friday night, that probably wasn't a bad plan anyhow.
Saturday some took part in the gorge, others enjoyed fesitvals in Ithaca or
a casual afternoon of fermented grape and rusting metal in the area's yards
(vine and scrap/junk/car respectively). In a cruel act of pity, the sun came
out around dinner, just in time to give a few rays of light and paint the
sky for a nice sunset. Of course, no cloud means a cooler night, and there
was plenty of cuddling to be had, I'm sure. That's where those indecent
pop-top seal proposals were coming from I'll bet, but I digress. 

Sunday was much more promising, weather-wise, although the cool track
temperatures had me reaching for the slicks, and the rains of Saturday will
have washed the rubber out of the groove. A morning person I'm not, but we
managed to get everything squared away and tied down before the 11AM
rallying call, barely. 

The sound of Vanagons filled the air as we all lined up in front to the WAW
headquarters at Site 76. The Mohawk loop was converted to a Vanagon only
zone, a fact summarily ignored  by a few in their biga$$ trucks and huge 5th
wheel campers. After much staring down and revving of engines, the Vanagon
sea parted and the interlopers were able to make their passage. After the
road was cleared, the caravan began it's roll to the event grounds. 

A few sprinkles dotted the windshield on the way to the track and during the
wait for the opening of the gates. I was beginning to reconsider the slicks,
and was heading to Frank's tire truck for some wet weather treads when the
squall blew over and the sun came out again. Another crisis averted. Racing
sure is a tense sport. So many decisions. 

Eventually we rolled out on the track for our hot lapping session. I don't
think that any records were set, but I believe some have proof that a
Vanagon can out-power an air-cooled beetle. I believe that all other reports
of passing are unfounded, except, of course, for the Thing that was caught
on tape. Just to be safe, the California plates won't be returning next
year. Ssshhh. As for the cone, let's just say that there was some field
separation induced by some power differences. Well, let's be honest. I just
wanted a souvenir. The track people took it back, though. They wouldn't let
me keep it. 

After the lapping session, we returned to the clubhouse for a good lunch,
and some boasting of the on-track feats. Frank and I began to lay plans for
the North American Vanagon Racing League, and I believe he may be in talks
with the people in Montreal for us to be a replacement for the Canadian
Grand Prix, due to our lack of tobacco sponsorship. Stay tuned for more
details. I think we might be able to get in some grass drags at BusFusion,
maybe?

Well, eventually every weekend has to come to an end, and the road beckoned.
Goodbyes, nice to meet you's and next year's were said, and the XCAP WGN
began her trip back to VA.

All in all, we hit higher speeds on the way home, but I could have used
another 30 Vangons slicing and dicing to recapture the magic of the
afternoon. 

Westies @ Watkins 2003. Two thumbs up.


Ps I threw some pictures up at http://www.cynical.net/silliker/