Vanagoniacs,

I just jumped back on the horse that threw me. Former Vanagon owner
leaves fold for a few years and returns with passion and a plan. I
just looked at the archives and I see that it was July of 95 that I
bought my first Vanagon. A former handicap van, Syncro with no seats.
Followed this closely with another 87 Syncro, this time a Westie. Then
a brief fling with an 93 EV Weekender which I regreted purchasing, but
moved along pretty quickly. Since, I've driven a couple of older
Passats and most recently a Mazda Protege5.

A couple weeks ago saw a white 91 Westfalia for sale in the Madison
area. Took her for a drive and now I'm back in the fold. The Ghost has
165k miles. Cost me $4500. Needs some tlc. Body has a little rust
(this is the snow/salt belt), needs the CVs repacked. I will have her
looked at and tuned up and hope for the best.

The plan, and I love the recent dog owners thread, is to travel west
to Seattle and BC this summer with my German Shepherds. I hope this
isn't a big fiasco (I threw a rod through the engine case on one
adventure with my last Westie) and I'm giving up a reliable sport
wagon with warranty to hit the slab with an underpowered mailbox on
wheels, but I love the Vanagon and know that it not about how fast you
get there, but the comforts along the way and when you arrive.

Glad to be back and I promise I'll wave to all of ya.

PS-Anybody got an inside sliding door handle FS? Saw a couple on Ebay,
but I thought I'd ask here first.

R.
-- 
The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.