On 28 Mar 2003,  Steve Delanty wrote:

> I suppose it's been particularly frustrating because I'd
> hoped the bus would be "stress reliever", allowing me to
> camp and travel and relax a little once in a while.

Its all a matter of attitude.  I love my wife but I get
frustrated with her sometimes. I love my kids, but they
are also the source of much frustration.  I"love" my
Westy, but .....   yes it is frustrating too.

When taking off on a trip with a 3 year old kid, one must
plan! and work around the needs and eventual
frustration of the kid.  Same with a Van.  When my
Westy "konks out" my wife gets all frustrated and rants
along the lines of what you say:  un-trustworthy.  I look
at the situation as an opportunity to lavish some
kindness on the Westy AND to learn some more about
its care and nursing.  I budget an extra day or so for
breakdowns and I tell folks that I might be a day or 2
late in getting there.

My Westy is my hobby, so the more care I can give it,
the more I'm "hobby-ing".   Just a matter of attitude.

Oh yes, you wanted a camping story, let's see if I can
think of one ..........     Malcolm