Hi,

I had the good fortune to have a reservation at Hendy Woods California State
Park last Friday night. When checking in with the Ranger, he asked if we were
with the Vanagon Group. I said "no" and proceeded to the campsites where we
saw 5 or 6 Westys and a woman waving at us! When I told her that we weren't
with her group, she replied that we COULD BE!!

The rest is history! We had a fabulous time, stayed another night and met
many wonderful, knowledgeable "volks."  I was even inspired to name my 88
Pastel White Westy "VANilla." I had an appointment to have my van serviced
this last Thursday and my mechanic couldn't believe my new knowledge.

I purchased VANilla in May 2000 in Southern California from my cousin's
husband. He is a retired school teacher and one of his hobbies is reading the
Orange County Auto Trader. One day in January 2000, he told my cousin that he
was going to buy a 55 Chevy and returned with the Van. She is still trying to
figure that one out! We arrived for a visit that evening and I told him that
when he was ready to sell it, I wanted to buy it. Four months later it was
mine! I have had 6 other VWs, starting with my first car, a 1960 Beetle.
Still have an 86 Cabriolet. I have always wanted a Camper.

He bought it from the original owner for $6500. It had 163,000 miles on it
and had been used as a commute car and to study in. I don't think the stove
or fridge had ever been used. Interior in excellent condition. Outside, the
topseal needs to be replaced. I paid him his cost plus what he had put into
it - new master cylinder, smog work. I have had to buy 4 new tires (the right
kind), just had the rear heater bypassed (Thanks to the volks at Hendy
identifying where the burning smell was coming from), and had to replace
plastic vent cover on top. Have experienced the "lifter noise" which my
mechanic said happens even with the Mann and Mahl oil filters.

Any way, glad I was in the right place at the right time! Speaking of which,
a lot of time has been spent this last week reading the list. I have learned
a lot and expect to learn a lot more!

Carol Sheerin (VanillaVan88@aol.com)
San Rafael CA