I recall seeing my first Westy ('67 IIRC) over 20 years ago while
working at a gas station. Made a lasting impression. I KNEW I wanted
one some day. Especially one I could work on. (got my wish there!)
Even though I was a lot younger, and hesitant to approach, I at least
made a comment of appreciation. As surreal as it may have seemed, I
can totally see someone commenting on a Westy/Vanagon they see. Though
a border guard lurking in the dark, maybe not the most comfortable
introduction!  --- ;^)

My advice for the border patrol dude. Just do it! I don't know why I
held off for so long....

And Bernie; IIRC your ride looks real nice. Certainly nicer than mine!
 (remember the brown '81 Westy at Van Meet 07?)

Obviously the general asthetic condition of an owners Vanagon makes a
big diff in terms of attention drawn. Regardless, they deserve the
positive attention they get.

In terms of border guards friends thinking he's "nuts", well nuts to
them. --- :^)  We all know the people who own them, aren't nuts.
Different yes, but aren't we all?

Cheers,

Neil.

On Thu, Feb 28, 2008 at 8:53 PM, Bernie <berniej@gmail.com> wrote:
> I was driving through southern Arizona one night and I see flashing lights
>  in the distance
>  so get ready for a stop of some kind. It turned out to be the Border Patrol.
>  A nice young man asked to have a look in my Westy and as he did so he
>  confessed
>  that this was his "dream machine". He said I want one of these so bad my
>  teeth itch.
>  He went on to say that his friends think he is "nuts".
>  Well you have to be a little different to have one of these at the top of
>  your wish list but I like different.
>  It  just seemed quite bizarre here we were in middle of desert in the dark
>  and
>  he was lusting after my 22 year old Westy.
>  I mean this guy was truly excited looking in the vehicle. I mean he "loved"
>  the thing.
>  As I drove off  into the  night the purr of the engine even appeared to be
>  sweeter than
>  normal.
>  These things no when they are loved.
>  I don't know how they but they know!
>  VW seemed to like being different a longtime ago sadly I don't really see
>  that
>  now. I guess when you get huge you don't want to take chances anymore.
>  Too bad.
>
>  Bernie
>  Vancouver
>

--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"

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