The Maiden Voyage

So, you purchased your van after spending hours and weeks and then months searching and researching and looking for the right van at the right price. Then you spent hours and weeks and days purchasing and upgrading and repairing all of the little problems that needed addressing. In my case, Wilson needed an exhaust system installed, a steering rack, a couple of mirrors replaced, an alternator bracket, some brake work, and a few other odds and ends. Most notably, the fuel lines were still original and had never been changed, which was very dangerous. I was also amazed to find the little fire wall plastic piece, which fails often, still sitting in its happy home waiting to one day wreak havoc and incinerate this 30 year old machine.

After a few shake down trips to work out some more kinks (replaced axles, head light switch, water pump and throttle body), including several trips around town and a longer trip down the interstate and across state lines to visit a buddy, the time had come for Wilson and I to embark on our Maiden Voyage together. The plan was to drive over 600 miles from NY to VA to meet up with some friends at a trail festival, then head further south to the Tampa Bay area, where my brother, who is a mechanic, and I would get a chance to tackle a grocery list of repairs that would be easier to do with a lift and an entire shop full of tools.  

In the days prior to departure, I went through a check list of things that I wanted to bring and things I felt I needed to bring. Clothing, check, towels, check, bedding, check, bicycles, check, jumper cables, check, tool box full of common tools, check. The insurance plan that I purchased has 15 miles of free towing included in it so I didn't buy AAA (which I still haven't gotten, but it is on my list of things to do).

My mind raced and my body was filled with excitement. I counted down the days. I checked and rechecked and inspected and reinspected. I spent time washing and waxing and even began working on the luxury items in the van. I checked the kitchen and found the propane regulator had a big hole in it so I replaced it. I even went out and purchased a new radio so I would be able to play songs from my phone through the stereo.

Measure twice, cut once is a saying that I picked up in my days as a carpenter's assistant. I think its good advice. It doesn't only apply to woodworking, but to life in general. Make sure you are ready to go before you actually go. And after months of preparation, I was ready!

I don't know if it's like this for everyone, but when the long-awaited departure day arrived, I wasn't nervous. The feeling I had that day is not one that I think is easily described. I was jubilant, I was overjoyed, but I was also relaxed and confident. I was anxious, but I was also reserved. After saying my good-byes and making one last visual inspection, it was time to go. I unplugged the van, hopped in and set the refrigerator to DC mode. Then I jumped in the drivers seat, stepped on the clutch and turned the key. The engine fired right up without any hesitation and I took a few seconds to choose the appropriate song for such an occasion as this. I turned up the volume and heard the following sounds... Ba da, ch, Ba da, ch Ba da ch Ba da WILSON! Ba da ch Ba da WILSON!

I lifted my foot and away we went! For the most part I would consider the trip to be a gigantic success on many levels. There were a few minor challenges but none that stopped us in our tracks. The odometer that I thought I had fixed gave up on me, the fuel tank decided to leak if you filled the tank to the top, and at one gas station visit, the starter decided not to engage after fueling up. To remedy this I started to push the van down a small hill to pop start it, and was quickly lent a hand by a few good people in the station. Westfalia vans are not light and they are not easy to push, but many hands make light work and after a brief "oh shit moment", we were off and running again.

The only other pain in the ass about that first trip wasn't really a pain in the ass but a pain in my feet. I found out that the heater control switch was busted and heat continually poured through the vents. I had purchased a cheap oscillating fan that plugged into the accessory outlet, so I set it on the floor to help but it really wasn't enough. Otherwise, the seating was quite comfortable, in spite of the springs that I could feel through the worn out cushions. 

In all, the trip to Florida with a stop over in VA, TN, NC, and GA was a great success. The adventure lasted from May 9th to June 1st and was really only the first leg of an even longer and more amazing adventure through 17 Eastern States. When we arrived in Florida in time to celebrate my fathers 63rd birthday, after having been camping, hiking, boating, biking, zip-lining, fishing, all around adventuring I didn't care how much money it cost me to get there. I really only cared that we were there to celebrate, and celebrate we did! Cheers to many more Vanagoonie Adventures! Woohoo!!!