Richard,

	The Lake Jordan weekend sounded great. I cannot wait to bring Sam 
('78 Westy) for introductions to other VW campers. I debated whether to 
strike out to the lake, but am still smelling some gas odor of undetected 
origin so decided not to risk it.

	I decided instead to drive Sam up to the Galax Fiddlers' 
Convention (61st Annual), which is much closer to home. Things went real 
well until I turned onto Highway 89 and started up the mountain. Around 
the very first curve I came up behind an 18-wheeler full of gravel, and 
had to follow him up the four or five mile climb up the mountain.  Having 
no choice, I simply sweated bullets waiting for Sam to blow up as we 
lugged up the mountain (too fast for 1st gear, too slow for 2nd). Well, 
surprise of surprises, Sam chugged up the mountain just fine (no 
overheating at all!!!)

	I was curious to see how many other VW's would be camped at the 
campground, and was greatly dismayed to see only 2 (a white late model 
Vanagon, and an old orange splitty with purple eyebrows over the 
headlights). Seems to me that in past years I saw many campers up there, 
maybe we are becoming an endangered species?

	Please let me know your plans for futher gatherings. I will try 
to have Sam in shape to come down next time.

	Mike Randleman
	Gaston College
	Dallas, NC
	'78 Westy ("Yosemite Sam")