Date:         Mon, 24 May 1999 18:37:04 -0500
Reply-To:     Marshall Ruskin <mruskin@PANGEA.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Marshall Ruskin <mruskin@PANGEA.CA>
Subject:      My First Westy Camp (long)
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Hi Volks:

Karen and I did our first camping trip in the Westy, yesterday and today.

We went to "Big Whiteshell Lake" in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

The Westy worked FLAWLESSLY. Not a single buck or hesitation. Cleaning the
AFM with electronic cleaner worked well for me, and has stood up. Much
better gas mileage, too.

We FROZE last night! I said, let's take the duvet, but Karen said, no, it's
too bulky. Like it mattered! Instead we took a coupla blankets.

Never again - it went down to near freezing, and we left in the morning at
about 7:30 AM, cause Karen would have had to be outside while I cooked
breakfast, and it was just too damn cold for her.

So we went to White Lake, where there is a resort owned by a coupla German
expatriates. Hana, the owner, admired my Westy, and said years ago she had a
VW bus. She also said she gets charters of Germans veery fall who go bear
hunting, isn't that so relevant?

Anyhow, after a satisfying repast of bacon ( no mention of it being
"Canadian Bacon" - they never do that in Canada), eggs, hashbrowns etc, we
took off sightseeing.

I was so tired that we pulled over at Seven Sisters Falls, where there is a
really beatiful picnic and fishing area. I occupied the "Penthouse", and had
a first class 90 min. power nap. listening to the rushing water, with the
sun pouring in the screened window. THAT was the highlight of my trip!

Made it home, safe and sound! Next time we're either taking the duvet, or
buying serious sleeping bags or something.

BTW: Those food condiment pails (available at any restaurant for free) also
make a great grey water storage tank. Get 2, and use one to make the
"condiment toilet", and another to use as the Grey water tank. Since they
"nest", and the toilet seat unsnaps, they pack well.

Cheers!

Marshall Ruskin
84 Westy "Iron Igloo"
Founding Member of "Vanagon's Anonymous"