<Cool Jeff, looks like a pretty fulfilling trip all the way around!>

Yes, it was, and that's the best part. Have you ever anticipated doing something for so long, then when you finally get to do it, it falls short of expectations? That wasn't the case here. I told this story to two groups, here on the Vanagon list, and again on my motorcycle clubs list, each with a different perspective. One thing I didn't include here was the one bad thing I had happen yesterday. Riding back to the camp ground I caught a bee in my helmet. Despite the fact that it was stinging me on my left ear, I had to force myself to keep the bike under control and pull over as quickly and safely as I could. So I have tried to look at the one bad thing that happened as a positive-I got to test my "panic skills" on the bike. Now that I've done this trip once, it may just have to become at least a twice a year thing-maybe a new camping event? Any others out there with motorcycles interested?  Let me know!     Jeff