Date:         Mon, 07 Oct 1996 21:04:36 -0500
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Thomas D. Hanlon" <HANRAN.INC@internetmci.com>
Subject:      Three Insights Gained From a Long Westy Trip

-- [ From: Thomas D. Hanlon * EMC.Ver #2.3 ] --

Listees,

My wife and I just returned from a 4,000 (four thousand) mile trip from
Austin Texas to Boise, Idaho, from and to Texas via New Mexico, Colorado,
Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma.

Some Insights gained:

1. Before departing, we ordered, as a result of conversations on the list,
Don Wright's book, "Guide to Free Campgrounds," for $16.95. The publisher 
(800-272-5518) sent us, gratis,  two additional guides, "Camping on A
Shoestring," Eastern and Western Editions, retailing at $14.95 each, maybe
as a professional courtesy since we were attending a travel writers'
conference. The books have become indispensable tools in our kits. Don't
leave home to camp without all three. Usual disclaimer applies. This is an
unsolicited testimonial.

One anecdote: At the Torrington, WY Pioneer Municipal Park, the superb
campsite on the banks of the Platte River, provides electricity and a
modest sign requests a "donation" to help cover costs.  One of the town
cops stopped by to see how we "were doing."

2. Read closely the octane readings on the decals on the left of the pumps
in Montana and Wyoming. Scrutinize them before fillups.  85.5 Octane is not
unusual in those states, at least in the stations which I patronized.
Attempt not to cross Beartooth Pass (10,900 feet) juiced up on 85.5 Octane.
My Westy knocked, pinged, groaned, rocked and rolled, protested, coughed
and gasped during and after three subsequent tankfuls as a result of my two
stupid episodes of low grade fuel. Even at gas pumps, "Let the buyer
beware."

3. For those who need limited use of a "personal convenience," occasionally,
, and who decline the portable potty option, buy a FEMALE urinal made by
Rubbermaid, obtainable from Walgreen or one of the other chains for about
six bucks. It's anatomically-correct for users from both sides of the
campus.


Tom Hanlon
Austin, TX