Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:54:15 -0800
Reply-To: neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Stealth Vanagon Camping
In-Reply-To: <226871.67831.qm@web83607.mail.sp1.yahoo.com>
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Hi Richard.
I'm sure we met, but I think WineGeezers wine tasting events may have
altered my memory somewhat. Of course I only have myself to blame for that!
;)
What colour/year is your ride?
Good points on Stealthing it. Had considered this a few times, but in the
small towns was really hesitant. A guy with B.C. plates in that weird
looking van? Might stick out. :) And I generally stick to smaller
towns. Still I just need to do it more and get used to it. The other part
of the equation is that I enjoy popping my top and cooking, enjoy a glass or
two of wine. I guess if I didn't consume alcohol, I could follow the mantra
of eat/get ready for bed etc. in one location then shut er down and camp in
another. But I enjoy my glass of wine. ;)
When I drive my Westy I'm on vacation, so though I shop around, I pay the
going rate, enjoy my meal etc. and convenient shower. I have done my fair
share of free dry camping though and that is fine too. I can go for days
using minimal water for washup. The lateness of my schedule didn't cost me
more for CG fees, but it did cost me in terms of fatigue which in turn
increases risk. Plus there is the possibility I could have not found a CG.
But. As the helpful host at last camp suggested, I could have easily parked
in the parking lot across from the skateboard rink in Pt. Townsend. But for
$20 (a dollar less than some of the WA SP this time of year) I got full
bathroom use and piece of mind.
Neil.
On Tue, Nov 9, 2010 at 8:52 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>wrote:
> Neil,
>
> Met you and the Wet Westies gang at Catherine Creek, Oregon, in middle
> September. You of course probably don't remember me...I'm just a
> "sometimes" person on this list. But what I'm hearing of your traveling
> escapades (especially including the COSTS for late arrival at campgrounds
> which are too much $$ and you don't get to enjoy them anyway) is the need
> for improved STEALTH CAMPING VANAGON setups. Yes....this is what sets us
> apart from a car/tent or a $200K Monaco motorhome or a 5th wheel
> trailerhome. WE can "camp" wherever we want (practically).
>
> But there are needs....hot shower, quiet, pottie, cooking, slumber....all
> of which can be done successfully in "civilization" in a Vanagon. Example:
> recently accomplished all of these in my Vanagon on the streets of Chinatown
> in San Francisco. Now WHO can accomplish all of this (including a Redbox
> DVD movie, return anywhere the next day), downtown San Francisco for $0?
> Answer: a Vanagon-equipped person with a little determination and
> creativity. And....no poptop....stealth un-friendly.
>
> Yes, my preference is wilderness camping....self-sustained...but the same
> skill set can be applied to when the campgrounds are closed or too
> expensive. Would make a great subject for this list....STEALTH VANAGON
> CAMPING....but we've got to share our secrets "delicately"....right?
> Hmmmm....
>
> Anyway, glad you had a great trip... just wanting to explore options with
> you and the others when that perfect campground is "FULL", closed,
> un-find-able, or too far, or whatever. And Big Cities can be fun to "camp"
> in...great stuff to see and eat and explore and....
>
> Rich
> San Diego
>
>
>
> --
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines
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