Last week we went to Big Bear for a few days from San Diego.  It isn't all
that far, typically only 2.5-3 hours, but with stops and traffic it was
about 5 hours.   This time we had our grandson with us, and going through
the Inland Empire (Riverside, San Bernardino, etc.) was at over 100 degrees
in evening rush hour.  The climb to Big Bear is to straight up to 6,000 ft,
with some steep grades.   I was able to keep at about 50-55 mph in 3rd;
many people waved or flashed "thank you" when I used the pull-outs to let
them by.

We hadn't been on a trip with the Vanagon for some time, and I only did a
few basic checks.   So I was a bit worried, always planning how I would
handle a breakdown.  High temps, no air conditioning, very heavy
stop-and-go traffic for dozens of miles.    But it was all smooth sailing,
not even an oil buzzer!

Back at home, I patted her on the dashboard and said thank you!   I thought
for a moment that she replied with a front suspension creak but ......

Roland
'89 Syncro