> In a message dated 8/26/02 11:23:48 PM, agondry@MSN.COM writes:

�After spending a few days in the mountains via another minivan, I was 
wondering how do Vanagons make it up the mountains of Oregon?� This is for 
future wishful reference.� My van with a family totaling 7 had a little bit 
of a time.The answer is slowly. In 2nd gear mostly. 

Any problems with overheating in that situation?� I've gotten the distinct
impression the Vanagon cooling systems are underdesigned and suffer
greatly under heavy load, especially when there's a lack of ram air.

Two years ago, I was climbing up a steep, rocky, alpine canyon road in my 85 
2 wheel drive, and it was so steep, that halfway up I had to stop & move 
rocks out of the way.
Several 4X4`s stopped to ask if they could chain the bus up & help me up the 
hill.
I politely declined, and when I finally did reach the top (with clutch a 
burnin`)
I was so giddy, that I was askin the 4X`s if they needed any help!
They didn't appreciate the sarcasm!
It was fun!
John C...