Why not try the Trans Canadian highway and go down Vermont or NH? Lots of
Vanagons up there. You can watch the wheat grow as you drive easty.

142K is still good mileage if everything else is maintained and up to
date.Even for a 2.1. I was afraid to take my westy out of town(1.9) for a
year(160K). Now, with more than 200K,I will take it most anywhere. Go
figure. I just know it better,now.Someday it will blow, but it may out
live me.

How are your head gaskets? Been watering down that anitfereeze lately?
Better not go.

Got good tires?  An oil change?  Good clutch?   Fair brakes?  Recent tune
up? Take a few stratigic spare parts with you. See you later.

I would have a back up plan, like leave early and have a weeks vacation
time avaliable to deal with any unforseen disaster, after the confrence.

Most folks on the road are very nice, and will help out a Vanagon(and its
owner) in trouble.Especially is summer time. Seems like this is a portion
of the adventure in a Vanagon.A bigger portion for some.A taste for
everybody.

www.vanagonauts.com has a Vanagon rescue squad(not related to Chinese fire
drill, but  does sound corny).200+ members across north america. They can
give you assistance most places in the country and bus Depot will send
overnite if needed(extra cost).Lots of other things and stuff you can do
to lubricate the adventure.

:>)

Sounds like a ton of fun.