When I read other volks postings about the BIG trip they are about to take, I
imagine their joy and excitement as they yield to the call of the road.

I am now in their shoes, as Suzanne and I have finished our months of
preparation. Today, we will load the bus, the final step before leaving
tomorrow for six-weeks across USA and Mexico. I am so excited I am about to
go into orbit.

We, on this list, are a unique group of people; a group who so loves the open
road, so loves the outdoors, and so love our VW's that we will pine away a
few hours a week writing about these things until the next time we can "hit
the road".

Beyond unique, though I beleive we are blessed, and I hope you will forgive
me for publicly counting my blessings before I unsubscibe. I am a patriot, a
Christian, and I am full of gratitude.

I am thankful to live in a free country where I can travel with my wife, at
will for six weeks. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to the individuals and
families, many of whom paid the ultimate price, who have served our country
to protect my freedom.

I am thankful for my family, business associates, and friends, including
those on this list, whose support, enthusiasm, patience, love, and guidance
have made this trip possible.

I am thankful for the engineers and builders who created the sturdy little
four-wheeled home we will occupy for the next month and a half. For all of
the grumbling I may do about "this #%@*! bus", I can't imagine traveling any
other way...well, maybe in a white '91 Westy...but, I'm thankful for what
I've got.

Finally, I am thankful for Suzanne. This is a woman who enthusiatically
embraced the idea of our camping for six weeks for our honeymoon, even though
the closest thing to "Camping" she's ever done is packed her toothbrush to
stay in a hotel in Cannes, or Barbados. By next week, she will either love
me, and camping, or will begin enthusiastically discussing what our NEXT
vacation will be like.

God bless all of you, drive safe, and I will resubscribe in Late November.

gmbulley
currently "cary, nc", formerly "fairfax, va", soon to be, WV, OH, IN, IL, IA,
SD, ND, WY, MT, ID, NV, UT, AZ, MEX, CA, AZ, NM, CO, TX, OK, AK, MS, AL, GA,
SC, and finally, sometime before Thanksgiving, back to NC. : )