After a few months of crazy work schedules, I'm happy to report that I'm
now back on the VANAGON list.

I first want to thank everyone who responded to my earlier posts (around
May or June) about the oil-burning problem (my 89 Westfalia, around 140,000
KM, was going through about 1/2 L of 20W50 per tank of gas, oil changes
didn't clear it up, compression checks were fine, and I was getting a bit
flipped out).  It turns out that I did indeed have to get the piston rings
done (consistently fouled spark plug in cylinder #3 pointed to this
conclusion) ... and I took Kelly's very wise advice to go to German Motor
Car in Port Moody, and now the van runs just beautifully.  Fortunately, the
catalytic converter managed to escape the harmful effects of the burning
oil, so my repair was limited to the piston ring work (all 4) and a piece
of rusted out exhaust pipe.  German Motor Car's estimate was about 2/3 of
the one I received from a VW dealer's shop, BTW.

On another subject, one tire dealer who prefers Continentals on his
Vanagon, says Michelin LTX M/S tires will ride like bricks.  I ignored his
comment and bought them anyway(!) in preparation for an upcoming trip.  My
accumulated research (plus a bit of experience with a car I once had) leads
me to believe the Michelins will last longer than most tires, and I realize
this of course depends on one's driving habits.  So, we will see ...

Third subject: our holiday itinerary has yet to be finalized, but my
significant other and I are thinking about a trip fairly soon
(December-time, starting around the 11th or so), down the west side of the
US (from Vancouver, BC to California). I think I may have gathered some
odds and ends of people's stories about good places to drive, camp, hike,
and so forth, but I would appreciate any tips and pointers to publications,
etc., nonetheless.  For instance, I am told that there is no real coastal
driving in CA, and that one should head inland to the desert.  Would anyone
risk going into a place like Yosemite at this time of year (I have a 2WD)?

Thanks in advance for any and all tips,

Katherine Lee