Ft. Collins. Turkey. and more

I like to think of myself as a bit a traveler. I don't do any huge trips lasting months or years, but I like to see the world. Everytime I get on a plane, pack the motorcycle, or load up the bus, I remember this quote:
"Travel is the enemy of bigotry, narrow-mindedness, and prejudice." -Mark Twain

So when somebody packs up their bus and toodles around Europe, I'm a mixed drink of awe and envy.

Oddly, this guy lives in Ft. Collins (from where this blog is being posted). I've seen his bus on the streets here.

More Camping. And More

We've become camping fools. I've got no problem with that.
Last weekend was the third in our monthly series of "lets use these vehicles for what they were intended". Big Blue was kind enough to arrange, place the credit card hold, advertise, hunt down sponsors, and get there early.
Joe and I meet at the Lucas Valley ParknRide so we can caravan together. Sitting in the shade was a nice vanagon. Upon investigation, Joe realizes that he smells food cooking inside and decides not to bother the poor occupant.

It's up 101 to the River road exit, then west for a while. Joe pays attention to his GPS and takes a funny turn, we meet up at the ranch later. Melissa is in the check in line, and we all arrive at the same time.

Spots get parked-in, tents go up, new people arrive, dinner gets made, fire pit gets started, smores bust out, beer bottles clink on the ground.

Next morning it's hot. Direct sun 95 hot. Good thing there is a river to swim in, and seals to watch. (No kidding - they were in the river)

Rinse, repeat for two days.

Well done Brett, thanks again.

Vancouver Bus

So you live in a rainy environment, and you aren't too fond of paying a paintshop to prect the metal from rust. Option 1: Keep bus in barn forever. Option two: use the brute force solution for body protection.

Option 2 example:

Vintage VW Training Film - Valve Adjustments Part 2

Part 2

Vintage VW Training Film - Valve Adjustments Part 1

Valve Adjustments Part 1

Vintage VW Training Film - Carb Adjustment Part 1

Wow, It's like I'm in 5th grade again watching the old science films about hydrogen. Only this time, it's about carburetors.

BVEP - Camping in Rell - May 2006

Hey, I know these people. Nice bus! Fast forward to 1:12 for Bret and Ep style humor, That's how they roll....

Original Receipt

At the request of a number of people who have seen my mythical original sales receipt, I scanned and am posting it here. Click on it for a bigger version.

For the Record:
Tourist Shipping Order Invoice Number 79132 (Money in USD)
Kombi - 2,023.00
US Spec equiped - 101.50
Camp Equipment and Pop top and tent - 1,017.00
Radio - 65.00
Vent Windows - 11.00
Turnover tax (credited upon export) - 353.93
International Registration - 4.50
Total - 3,575.93

Plus - 47.00 for 3 months of basic insurance upon delivery

Adjusted for inflation, the price of the bus new would have been $19,617.06 in 2008.

Bunkum and/or Twaddlefest

My friend and fellow camper Joe is an interesting guy. He shares the same weird obsessions with odd gear. I've fixed thing in his car, he's pointed me to cool stuff and given me good gear advice.

The best thing he has done is invited me to his campouts. They are an odd collection of people, or a collection of odd people, take your pick. I'll introduce a few here. For instance:

John La Torre

On the Left. He builds his own mandolins, and has written the definitive book on making tents for the SCA crowd.
He drives a very impressive Dormobile, and is likely the only guy I have seen who sues his closet the way it was meant to be used - to hang clothes.

M Codes

Since I am now VW blogging for real, I thought a little research was in order:
MPlate Code


According to the Mplate, this is my car:
M-Plate content
Model Type 2 (T2) mod. 231(0) - Kombi, cargo door right, LHD
Chassis number 2302207109
Serial number 207 109
Modelyear 1970
Production date
Tuesday, 19 May 1970
Type of engine Type 1 (B5) - 1584cc, 35 kW (47 bhp DIN)
Type of transmission Manual 4-speed gearbox
Paint color L30H - Montana Red
Interior color (doorpanels and seats) - Westfalia Campmobile (type T23)
Destination Picked up by first owner at the factory in Germany, meant for US-market



M-CODES
M-CODE Description Concerned models From chassis number To chassis number
025 Instrument panel; speedometer with trip recorder and clock 211-274 213 2 000 001
097 Car radio model "Emden" (MW, LW, FM and tapedeck connection)
195 Exclusive use of Blaupunkt radio (with M095,M097 & M098 only)
507 Vent wings in cab doors 211-235,261-274
517 Factory prepared for campmobile interior 2 14 2057 729
518 Campmobile : Opening in roof with reinforcement for westfalia pop-up roof 231,234 2 14 2057 729
D25 Specifications for the USA - Collection of M-codes: M 020/089/102/206/507/511/521/524/525
> 020 Speedometer & odometer in Milesin miles 211-274
> 089 Glass - windshield (laminated) 211-268
> 102 Rear window glass, heatable 211-268
> 206 Inner rear-view mirror, anti-dazzle
> 507 Vent wings in cab doors 211-235,261-274
> 511 Padded instrument panel (LHD only) 211-271
> 521 With additional chrome trim and sun visor with mirror 221-228 219 300 000
> 521 With additional chrome trim 221-228 210 2000 001
> 524 Sealed beam headlamps, dual circuit brake control, back-up light and side marker reflectors (LHD) without emergency light system 211-241-265, USA, Canada 219 000 001 219 999 999
> 524 Sealed beam headlamps, dual circuit brake control, back-up light and side marker reflectors (LHD) with buzzer for ignition-starter switch 211-241-265, USA, Canada 210 2 000 001 212 2 000 000
> 524 Sealed beam headlamps, dual circuit brake control, back-up light and side marker reflectors (LHD) 211-241-265, USA, Canada 212 2 000 001
> 525 Three-point safety belts front, left and right and lap belts in passenger compartment 211-265, USA, Canada
H67 SO67 Westfalia Campmobile interior 67H

Bus for Sale

Jenny the wonder bus. I have no idea why, but it's not bad.
http://jennythewonderbus.blogspot.com/
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/1134877229.html