Hi Tam,

Congratulations on your new Vanagon! Phaedrus? Hmm - - a master/slave
relationship?

Of course there are many options for routes, but the middle of April would
still be a good time to visit Death Valley, come out the northern end (the
easiest hill to pull) past Scotty's Castle, then you could cross Nevada on
US 6 (just watch for cattle and horses on the road). This gives you a lot of
options, as it would put you smack in the middle of Utah, where some of the
most scenic areas of the US are. Really depends on your schedule, but IMHO
all Interstate Highways are to be avoided when possible, especially as you
state your adventure is to be a "rolling meditation". Get an atlas (a paper
one) and pick and choose two-lane highways and be flexible - - that's my
idea of a perfect road trip!

Gary

> Date:    Thu, 3 Apr 2008 20:42:33 -0400
> From:    Tam Woodrum <twoodrum@MAC.COM>
> Subject: Newbie - Getting Ready for Cross Country Trip
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> I'll officially be a westfalia vanagon (1990) owner on April 14th.  I
> am picking it up from Pop Top Heaven in Yucaipa CA and driving it back
> across the country (I live in CT) on a "rolling meditation" camping
> vacation.
>
> Since I'll have a newly rebuilt engine, I'm going to need to stop
> along the way for a valve adjustment/oil change.  I'm keeping my
> fingers crossed on landing somewhere along the way where there's a
> good vanagon mechanic willing to do a quick turnaround.
>
> I've found roadhaus.com but would like other ideas about how to find
> good mechanics (and good samaritans) along the way.
>
> I'm bringing my Mac and have a Verizon wireless broadband card so I'll
> have web access.  I'm going to do an online travelog with pics so stay
> tuned!
>
> Also, if any of you have suggested scenic routes to take on the way
> back, drop me a line!
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Tam
>
> 1990 Westfalia - name tbd (considering "Phaedrus")
>
>