After seventeen years of VW van ownership I have found that most Vanagon and
particularly most Westy owners do four things... camp, ride bicycles, paddle
and own dogs.

I have camped since I was three or four years old. Family, scouting,
college, young adult; family and scouting again.
After many years of experimenting, I have found that for me and mine the
Westy is the BEST way to enjoy Nature and not HAVE to pack, paddle or pedal
all the stuff.  I can leave the stuff packed in the Westy, throw on the
bikes and/or the kayaks. The Westy is the base camp for whatever adventure
we want. And sometimes it's perfect for just going out and setting up to sit
around and sip stout or cabernet and smell the pines.

Without listing them I have 17 bikes in my garage. Two kayaks hang in
anticipation of the next creek trip. Canoes are at the cabin. And the two
schnauzers are ready for anything that means a ride in the van.

Waiting for Spring!

--
Stephen Steele*
Chillicothe OH
'91 Caravelle  "Hans"
'87 Westy      "Franz"
'84 Westfalia  "Fritz"  on loan to my nephew
'81 Diesel Rabbit "Ol' Yeller" by PO
'82 Caddy VW Diesel P.U.
'90 Jetta GL  17 yo Sons' "together" car
'74 MGB  My first car...yep, I've kept it since '74
'93 Chevy S-10
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written permission