Well, I have finally decided on the solution to my gut wrenching list
question of "Ship the Westy from Salt Lake to Boston or drive or rent"?

And the answer is:

Let the wife drive it!

I know, I know, a real man would not let "his baby" head out across the
country w/ his wife driving, but this is the new millenium!

Dennis was right-don't be afraid to drive it!  So I have taken the extreme
option which is send the wife unit off w/ it accompanied by her able sister!

She actually decided that since she had the time, hates to fly, & thought
$1200 to truck it was a waste of $$$, her driving it was the best plan.  How
could I disagree & in any event, once she has decided something, I have
learned over the last 30 years, she is gonna do it come hell or high water.

So, I took it into my favorite VW mechanic, gave him a blank check to check
out & fix anything that might need repair or break down on the road, & he
ran the bill up to a whopping $71 for a new fan belt, check out the cooling
system, & my master cylinder for some minor disappearing brake fluid that
can't be seen, & he said it was good to go.

He either wants to get rid of my wife, or it is in great shape?

So, next week, watch I-80/94 heading east for Detlef, the yellow 84 Westy w/
Thelma & Louise at the wheel.  They will be armed w/ her AAA RV towing card
& a cell phone as back up. I will also prepare a listing of Vanagon friendly
helpers along the way.

After I fly in later, we will be embarking on a eastern visit & trip back to
SLC by the end of May & I will be driving!

Pax,

Tom-am I out of my mind?