I have to admit I wouldn't be too crazy about my daughter traveling solo
in any vehicle!

I wouldn't be as worried about a trip from St. Louis to California
through less populated areas, but common sense would dictate caution.
Stay only in busy rest stops or campgrounds, and don't be too trusting
in asking strangers for help if you have problems, it's best to have the
vehicle towed to a shop.  Make sure your vehicle is running well before
you leave, join AAA, carry a cell phone, and carry a list of VW
mechanics and VW enthusiasts who are willing to provide assistance.

At the risk of angering some list members, I will comment on my
experiences traveling in the south.  This is the only part of the
country where I have seen off duty police officers stationed at night in
rest stops, and warning signs posted about the dangers of stopping in an
empty rest stop.  First it was German tourists in Florida, then folks in
rental cars being targeted, Michael Jordan's father, and now Kristen.
For whatever reason rest stops are dangerous places in the SE, as is
stopping along side the road, as MJ's father's case shows.

Have fun, but be careful!

JordanVw@AOL.COM wrote:
>
> In a message dated 8/31/00 8:12:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
> heathers@UDEL.EDU writes:
>
> << Hi, List.  I'm getting ready to travel 66/40 from St. Louis to
>  California.  Any hints for campgrounds and state parks along the
>  way?  I plan to know where I'm staying and when I'm staying there
>  as much as possible.  Also, if any of you listmembers can give me
>  names of mechanics along the way, I'd be much appreciative.  You
>  can address me personally so as not to clutter the list with
>  replies.  Thanks so much for your help.
>   >>
>
> hmm.. interesting post considering what just happened.    didnt you just hear
> what happened to that girl kristen?  she was on her way to CA form NJ
> driving in her VW Van ALONE and they found her stabbed, naked, in a ditch
> near some rest stop in Arkansas on sunday??  Traveling cross country alone
> and female in a old vw van is asking for trouble IMO.  I hope at least you
> have a cell phone and dont plan to sleep at any rest stops...
> good luck-
> chris

--
Stuart MacMillan
Seattle

'84 Vanagon Westfalia
'65 MGB (Driven since 1969)
'74 MGB GT (Restoring)

Assisting on Restoration:
'72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
'64 MGB (Son's)

Parts cars:
'68 & '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT