A couple weeks ago I was heading north from San Diego to a campground
for a few days at the beach. Near the northern county line is a Border
Patrol checkpoint that stops all traffic on Interstate 5 to look for
illegals and suspicious activity. They don't always operate this
checkpoint but this time they were and the traffic was backed up quite a
ways. The officers stand in between the lanes and each watches the lane
on either side of them. My turn finally came and the guy became very
alert and quickly raised his hand to stop me. He motioned for me to roll
down my window. Then he said in a loud surprised voice-

IS THAT THING 4 WHEEL DRIVE?

I said yes, it is.

He said-

NICE, I ENVY YOU MAN! and waved me on.

I have been all over in my Vanagons for more than 20 years but lately it
seems that I get favorable reactions everywhere I go in them.

Mark