I will be 50 this year.  I am mostly a lurker on this list, picking up good
stuff and enjoying the camaraderie of Vanagon owners.

My first experience with vw vans was asa youg kid. Two uncles hadVW Vans. One
had a 60 something panel van (he raised Hungarian Vizzla dogs and was the
small town TV and appliance repair man -- a bachelor). Another uncle had a 67 vw
camper (he was the shoe repair guy). I loved those vans and always wanted one.
My uncles were pretty cool too.

About 30 years ago my girlfriend, now wife bought a 69 bus and used it for
our daily driver and weekend home while camping.  We have had many Bugs and
Rabbits and Golfs over the years and currently have an 87 Westie (after owning two
full size motorhomes), a 90 Carat (for parts) a 98 New Beetle and a 68 Bug.
My daily driver is a 88 4x4 Toyota Pickup with 230,000 miles.

Dave Engstrom
Afton Minnesota