Life off the road has plenty of perks, but lately I find myself considering the value of having a flush toilet and hot running water available during the mornings and even through the nights. I consider the value of the warmth that living in a home provides. I even find myself acknowledging the stream of income that provides not only for the basic needs of food and shelter, but also the upgrades and repairs.
During the winter days, while touring the local towns, delivering heating oil, the very liquid that leads to the warmth and comfort for the homes in the area, I find myself staring out the windows. Sometimes I stare blankly, other times, day dreams fill my mind. In the years past I was able to visualize touring the country. I could see myself behind the wheel and exploring our nation's parks and visiting with my friends. This year however, these dreams are not quite as vivid. They are stifled by the worry of funds and the factor of time.
You see, Wilson is about to undergo a major overhaul. As these words are written, two thousand miles away, a Subaru engine is being rebuilt and readied for transplantation. The Legacy's 5 speed transmission will soon undergo a transformation as well. Subarugears will be installed in the transmission allowing for the final drive to spin in the opposite direction. (This is important because a Subaru has its engine in the front and a Volkswagen has its engine in the back, so when installing both a subaru engine and its transmission in the rear of your van you would end up having 5 gears to go backwards and one to creep forward.) In the shop where the conversion will take place there is also a pile of parts from Rocky Mountain Westy, waiting patiently for our arrival.
All of this is exciting, but there is also a different nervousness and an anxiousness that I haven't had in the past few years. Why am I so worried? Well, the conversion, will take time and patience. I am optimistic that we will tackle the project with all the gumption we can muster, but I also know that the wheels of a project of this magnitude will have to turn slowly and steadily. (Slow and steady is something that I learned as a Vanagon owner for sure.) We must also anticipate that there will be a few hangups even though we are offered telephone support and a how to guide that is provided by the conversion parts supplier. Having thumbed through the booklet a few times but not studying in depth, it seems to be rather straight forward. YouTube has also proven to be another great resource and we have watched several videos on the subject. Since I find learning for me has always been audio-visual, I actually think it's one of the best resources out there.
So, what is my point? Well, I am focused on the process now more so than the result. As the winter makes way for spring I do find myself day dreaming of the time that will be spent behind the wheel. On my way south, I'll be cruising in the slow lane as in years past. The music will be playing and large trucks will drive by my open driver's side window, drowning out the sweet melodies as they do. I'll be smelling the roses and enjoying the moments as they come. Each passing truck might be the last one that passes us while we don't have much choice. When I'm creeping along up the big mountain passes in 3rd gear doing 45, I'm going to savor each climb. There is a joy that comes with the territory, ownership has it's privileges for sure. Have I enjoyed the slow lane? Of course I have! Will I continue to drive in it as I traverse this great land? Of course I will. But knowing I can climb these mountains and keep up with traffic is going to be a game changer. Knowing we can head West to where the speed limit is posted as 80 and not fear for our lives in the Texas panhandle where big rigs will pass you on the shoulder if you're in their way, will ease my mind some. Do I prefer the blue roads? Of course I do. Do I enjoy cruising along the blue ridge parkway at 45? Absolutely! Will I continue to do so? Of course. The conversion isn't intended to change my driving style, it's intended to make our travels both safer and more suited to today's highways when taking them is appropriate. I remain in optimism. Vanagon ownership is a labor of love, and I love it. See you on the other side!!
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