Just got back from two weeks out in the Canadian Rockies.  Last time I was
there, three years ago I nearly blew my motor up when I almost ran out of
oil on the Highway to the Sun in Glacier NP (US).  Never did find out how
that happened.  This year was smooth sailing.

Started off from Winnipeg, took the Yellowhead to Riding Mountain National
Park, then down Highway 18 through the most abandoned part of Saskatchewan
I've ever seen.  Very scenic but very isolated.  I had been told there was
camping at Grasslands National Park, near Val Marie SK but it turns out its
tent only, you have to walk in, and please beware of snakes.  I hate snakes.

So we spent the night on a side road in Shaunavon waiting for the gas
station to open the next morning.

Then off to Cypress Hills Provincial Park (the Saskatchewan side), Waterton
Lakes NP, Kootenay NP, Yoho NP, and my favourite Glacier NP (the Canadian
one west of Golden BC).  Saw the most Westfalias around Golden, maybe 6 in
one hour.  Didn't see six cars in southern Saskatchewan for about 4 hours.
Not kidding.

Highlights included meeting a gentleman from Vancouver Island in Cypress
Hills with a white Syncro converted to a TDI.  I assumed it was a VW TDI but
didn't think to ask.  Also saw a Westfalia (2.1 I think) pulling a small
boat just east of Rogers Pass.  Very ambitious.

If you ever have to drive through the Rockies, the Crowsnest Pass is much
easier than Rogers Pass.

Had pretty much no trouble with the van this time, now approaching 300k km
on the original motor (you might remember my queries about its durability
earlier this year).  All you guys who told me to drive it until it drops,
that's what I'm doing.  Although I suspect that it will explode closer to
Rogers Pass than in my driveway.  Why is that?

The only problem I had was hot starting.  In the past it would turn over
slowly on occasion, and I got used to that.  Cleaned up a few grounds etc.
and it's much better this year.  This time however it would turn over
quickly, but take a few moments before it would start when hot.  Almost like
it was
flooded.  Any suggestions?

Thanks again
Jeff
85 Westfalia GL, Winnipeg