Hi Jay,

I've drive it a number of time.  Its great. You'll do great.  As far as a
good mechanic...well there is a good dealer (as far as dealers go in CO)
but other than that  well ..

Avoid the passes as much as possible.  When the snow is axle deep and wet
the van doesn't run the greatest but it ran better than anything else on the
road   That's no joke  I have been through a number of really bad weather
systems in my 90 GL and have always made it and never had chains, but would
recommend them.  Snow plows in ID stop running late a night or so it seems
and start up again around 4am.  Do the ID pass (I90) during the day.  Oh by
the way Spokane is the only civilization between you and there. Total
driving time to MT should be about 15-16 hrs non-stop.

Again you'll do great.  Good luck and don't forget gas stations are far and
few between.

Jere
90 GL
88 GL

----- Original Message -----
From: "jay m." <jayshark@ARACNET.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, December 01, 2000 5:02 PM
Subject: I'm driving from portland, OR -> missoula, MT

> Well, the rebuilt engine has 2000 worth of breaking-in miles on it and
> nothing seems to be awry, so we're gonna hit the road and drive out to
> Missoula for a few days next week.  How are the roads out there in eastern
> Washington and Idaho?  We'll probably take I-90 there and highway 12 back.
>
> Anybody want to offer words of encouragement for my first big trip since
> the new clutch and rebuilt engine?  What about mechanic recommendations
> along the way in case something unplanned happens?
>
> --sharks
>