Date: Sun, 31 Dec 1995 22:53:22 CST6CDT
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: "Dan Houg" <fairwind@northernnet.com>
Subject: /f Observations on Calif.
Hello all-
after a 2 week foray into the fine state of California visiting
relatives i thought i would offer some comments from a flatlander's
perspective.
First off, CA is undeniably a beautiful state. apparently this opinion
is held by a few bazillion other people because they all seem to live
there. mind you, i'm a hick from the sticks but gawd there be a slew
of y'all out there. even at 10:00 at night the freeways were filled
with traffic. i now know why Californians are in such a hurry when
they drive-- it's because they have to wait in line for everything;
gas, groceries, toilets. the metropolitan cities of Minneapolis/St.
Paul seem downright rural compared to the hording throngs in the San
Fransico to Sacremento area. yes, i went thru a mild culture shock.
or maybe it was just the shock from the minor earthquake we had out
there. i was lying in bed in this tiny travel travel my son (3 y.o.)
and i were in and the darn thing started shaking. being the
flatlander i am, i thought my boy was playing around and rocking the
trailer. it wasn't until i went into the apartment with all my
wife's relatives did i find i had experienced my first quake. what
is the saying.. ignorance is bliss?
anyway, i met up with the infamous Steven Johnson for lunch and beer.
his '91 Westy is the envy of us all, despite the main bearing knock
i noticed. just kidding Steve. (i think it was only a rod) Steve
and i consulted over a car stereo i contemplated installing in my
niece's car but alas, the vermin that availed themselves of her
previous stereo left too much damage for a quick installation.
she'll have to pay the Big Boys to install this one. While old hat
for those California Camping Crazies, it was enjoyable to meet a
fellow listmember. the commonality of our love for our vehicles
seems to allow an immediate rappor on a certain level. Steve was a
gracious host (yes, he paid for my lunch and a Paul Bunyan sized
wheat beer) and has a standing invitation to northern Minnesota.
those of you contemplating buying a rusty van for use or restoration
really should take a trip out of the rust-belt. i didn't realize the
number of fine vans left without "Fred Flintstone" floors. there are
many many daily-drivers running around that haven't been restored or
lavishised with doting care that are completely rust-free. it is
amazing. busses and bugs. they're everywhere.
it had been 12 years since i had last been in CA and it was nice to
be able to get fresh whole steamed crabs, REAL sourdough, and see the
ocean again. but i will gladly remain tucked away in the northwoods
where, on a winters evening with the moonlight on the snow, one can
drive for over an hour with the headlights off-- eyes completely
adjusted to the dark, and never meet another car.
-dan
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