Hi Volks,

      Well, the trek to Alaska is progessing fairly well.  A faulty thermo-
time switch caused a short day yesterday and a later departure this morning
from Billings, MT.  Fortunately a nearby FLAPS had the switch and I was able
to install and bleed the coolant system and was on the road by 11 am.  I
really have to thank all of you listmembers for making that task easy.

     Today, we covered almost the rest of Montana resting tonight in Shelby.
Which leads me to my title statement.  My wife and I have agreed that the van
has always stood by us even when she was a little sick.  Even when the thermo
switch broke I was able to jumper the connector and arrive in Billings
unscathed.  She's never left us abandoned or stuck for long.  So we have
decided to call her Faith.  We continue to have more and more faith in Faith.
These Vanagons are really special vehicles with lots of character and a
definite personality.

     So my hat is off to all of you..... thanks for all your stories and tips.
And thank you, Faith for getting me and my family 3200 miles..... Only 3000
more to go!

Scott De Santi
86 Vanagon (Faith)