Date:         Sun, 5 Mar 2006 12:40:07 -0600
Reply-To:     George Thorburn <thorgk@ACCESSCOMM.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         George Thorburn <thorgk@ACCESSCOMM.CA>
Subject:      Re: How long on the list?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I also checked the archives and the first post I sent was in July 02. I think I was a lurker before that. 

We bought our '85 Westfalia in July 1996 and promptly drove it about 4000 km to Vancouver and back. 

Before we left I changed the front shocks, the oil (Castrol 20/50) and filter (I did not know about Mann filters yet), cap and rotor, the O2 sensor and the back tires. Over the years I have had the 1.9 WBX rebuilt, added 15" rims and tires, added Bosch H4 headlights, added an S&S exhaust system, added a Sony CD player and new speakers and an amp and speakers under the back seat, as well as service items like brakes, belts, spark plug wires etc. Future projects include dual batteries and the head light relays. 

We usually take the van on one long trip each year (last fall we drove 4100 kms to the Wet Westies ReUnion at Catherine Creek Oregon and back, three provinces and four states) as well as several trips to nearby campsites. I also enjoy driving the van around town but only when there is no snow or salt on the roads. 

I enjoy the people and conversations that go back and forth on this list (and the Wet Westies List) and it is a special treat when I get to meet list people in person. People like Bernie, Bev, David Marshall, Gary Lee, Jim, Joy, Loren, Mark, Matthew, Mike, Phil and Tom Shiels (who stopped in our driveway for a visit). 

Like others have mentioned the Westfalia camper seems to act as an invitation for others to visit and ask questions in mall parking lots, rest stops and campsites. 

What ever happened to the idea of a Vanagon list camp out for this summer? I am still voting for the Black Hills location. 

George 

'85 Westfalia