Tim,

        I see that you are getting much good information from our fellow
listmembers but I feel I must add my two cents.  While I had my tool box and
some spare parts, fluids and belts with me on my trip up the Alcan last
summer the one thing that saved my butt royally was access to this list.  I
did this by purchasing a run of the mill 486 laptop with a 14.4 modem.  Cost
me just under $350 from an internet surplus website.  Added a nice soft case
for $20 bucks and a little car power converter for $40.  I was able to
write/read downloaded emails on the  road and access AOL over their 1-800
number in the evenings.

        This came in especially handy when my tranny cooler blew a leak into
my coolant in Dawson Creek.  I was able to ask the list for help....obtain a
plan of action... and even find a radiator shop within a mile of me to flush
and fill my coolant system.  Made it the rest of the way to Anchorage with no
problems.  Not to mention, I could reserve hotel rooms...find out about areas
we drove through them...even "talk" to relatives and shop for our new house.
The best $400 bucks I ever spent.  And even though the internet fees were $6
bucks an hour... it was worth every penny not having to get towed to a VW
dealer in Grand Prarie to have my budget raped.

        So, while you're collecting those spare parts and consummables to get
you through the long haul....don't forget to stay connected... and if you get
into Anchorage, drop me a line and we'll talk about the trip over some cold
porter.

Scott De Santi
86 Vanagon 2WD