TheSamba.com :: View topic - ::Meandering in Marigold:: Our backroad trips in a '76

Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:05 pm

I posted an initial hello a few weeks ago but figure i had better start this ongoing thread as we begin our journeys, officially, next week.

This is Marigold -

Our '76 transporter purchased brand new in 76 by an older couple from the Santa Cruz area who immediately had the Country Homes Camper Conversion done in Oakland, CA. They owned this fine girl until 1982 when it was purchased by a girl in the San Francisco area. This owner drove her all over the U.S. And camped in her frequently. she owned Marigold until November 2014 when my wife, Lisa, purchased her with approx 195k miles and a giant folder of receipts spanning the last 30 years of maintanence including a trans and engine rebuild by a shop in the bay area approx 55 k miles ago. Marigold is in fine shape for a 40 year old vehicle - she has her spots of rust near the glass and her bumps and bruises but overall, starts, stops, runs and is a pleasure to cruise in and camp in.

A little back story - we are Pete, Lisa, and our dog - a border collie - Blue. For the past 11 years of our life, we have been married and trying to figure out how to make our 'vague' plan for retiring early a reality. We never had kids, lived fairly simple, and reached a point where our bills are minimal and our savings is enough. We had always had an urge to enjoy the middle years of our life as most of the people we served in our careers had unusually early exits to this life and never got to realize their "plans for retirement."

So, in her mid-40's, after a 4 year stint in the Army with a sandy vacation in desert storm and 20 years in the fire service, my Fire Captain wife had enough and was ready to trade 48 hour shifts of emergency responses and fires for long and quiet drives throughout the country in the passenger seat of a bayview with her feet up on the dash. So, she found and purchased Marigold.

Marigold made the annual 'nut job' Christmas card this year...

We took advantage of the nice California winter months and took a few trips up and down the ridges of the Sierra Nevada's and the northern California coast.

I am sort of familiar with the older upright engines as my dad was a vw nut and we grew up bouncing around the back of a few 67-69 busses, a 67 ghia, a few bugs, and a dasher (ugh) and finally a non-turbo diesel vanagon (learned to drive on that bad boy... Just when I thought the old busses were dogs when it came to power...) the pancake motor is new but i am slowly learning...

Realizing the enjoyment that the bus brings, we made plans for me to quit my career with local hospitals in home health and hospice services and take, at least, a few years off at 39 years old. Our new plans - to see the country, all 50 states, and canada in our bus.

We probably should plan this a little better as we just finished our taxes and the fine state of California decided i needed to pay even MORE taxes so there goes my emergency repair / new engine fund... :shock: :evil: .... Oh well, that is what savings is for. We cant put this trip off any more as we need to explore a new state of mind and a new state to live in (the 2 main purposes for our upcoming adventures.) honestly, the bus is running good and whatever $h*t we run into, we will just deal with. Cant expect perfection, only plan for the worst and maintain as directed.

The set-sail date is set for one week from today. Initial plans are to head over and hit highway 1 heading south from the golden gate bridge. After a stop to see some family, we will head east on route 66 to Arizona for some spring ball and some exploration/camping. After that, the schedule is wide open with no set plans. We are just going to head wherever sounds good. No timeline or destination schedule (except to be back by memorial day as i got a jury summons today. First one EVER. got it postponed from three weeks from today until late may)

We will provide regular pictures and stories so you can live vicariously through the view of the drivers seat. Hoping you guys can give some ideas for must-see's and must-camp's throughout Arizona and wherever we head to after that. And, like I posted before, hopefully our paths will cross and we can have a beer or four (first one is on me) and a few stories while we drool over VW's (hopefully that is all we have to share and i dont have to borrow anyones tools...)

Until we meet on the road, Pete

Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:18 pm

Lake Havasu City, AZ is a nice stop and has camping on the lake. Paid camping but if you want a warm shower its got amazing veiws and good restaurants to boot.
If you check out my BBB and beyond thread it has pics of the bus gathering that was a few weeks ago there.. Will give you a idea of the lake and views.

The camp ground is quiet. Lots of winter silver birds roost their.

If you make it to Colorado give me a shout. We live in the foothill mountains by lakes. Lots of great views, trails, camping... My driveway has stellar camping veiws as well if you guys need a hot shower.

Safe travels

Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:21 pm

I love that VW scripture. Thanks for the pics!
Robbie

Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:36 pm

5 bucks you stay in seattle....;)

Cant wait to meet you both! And the dog and bus :)

Tue Feb 10, 2015 12:19 am

What is spring ball :?:

Best of luck to you both. Hope you find what you're looking for. I have been fortunate enough to do a lot of travelling and there really is a lot of incredible places to live in North America. Wander along past the midnight hour too many times, though, and you will not be happy settling down anywhere.

Wanderlust, melancholy and a home on wheels does a hobo make.

Tue Feb 10, 2015 8:36 am

PLF-Blue wrote: After that, the schedule is wide open with no set plans. We are just going to head wherever sounds good. No timeline or destination schedule

That! :)

If y'all happen to find yourselves in Austin, shoot me a PM. Plenty of camping and excellent pubs around here.

Tue Feb 10, 2015 9:33 am

Go to a Pilot truck stop and buy the $7 truck stop guide . It will tell you where every truck stop in the US and Canada is .
There's nothing better than being out on the highway and knowing how far it is to the next gas station .
You can stay overnight in your bus at most truck stops AND get a $8 shower . [ lots safer than highway rest stops ]
( NEVER camp between the big trucks ; I've seen accidents where the big truck backed into the space and OVER the little car that wasn't supposed to be there )

Go on the internet and find out about Civil War Re-enactments $5 a weekend camping ( try Camp Chase Gazette )

Tue Feb 10, 2015 12:21 pm

Appreciate all the tips and suggestions... Will look into all of them and contact you if we are near. Havasu always sounded interesting. Stopping at some friends near Kingman. Good tip on the pilot truck stop guide. Got a few sites bookmarked for casino's, walmarts, truck stop and rest stop locations. Hoping for a free camp about 50% of the time, dont mind a nice pay spot and/or a hotel every once in a while just for sanity's sake.

Spring ball = spring training. Planning on catching a few games with some buddies that are going to meet us. Go giants!

Last minute details the next few days - go over everything in the engine and double check, get my camp/stop table fabricated, get the new headlights and valve cover gaskets installed and close up the home here. Say good bye to some friends and family, enjoy a nice quiet valentines weekend before the fun really begins.

Tue Feb 10, 2015 5:54 pm

Nice bus, love the stickers.

Tue Feb 10, 2015 6:05 pm

Don't forget to hit Mt. Rushmore and then Crazy Horse. Preferably in that order, because after you see Crazy Horse, Mt. Rushmore will pale in comparison. Plan to spend as much time as possible at Crazy Horse, because there is so much to see and digest. The night shows at both are quite impressive. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed. Enjoy the trip!

Tue Feb 10, 2015 6:12 pm

That's great, good for you guys. Blue is one lucky dog!

I'm in Durango, Co. If you make it this way and need something don't hesitate to ask. I can steer you in the direction of great camp spots here in southern Colorado. Good luck and have fun!

Get AAA, it's just as important as that Bentley you have :)

Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:52 pm

richparker wrote:

Get AAA, it's just as important as that Bentley you have :)

Yeah, no kidding. We are planning for a tow or two on every trip so we have that option plus some money put aside for a tow beyond what it may cover.

Cool, great guys. We like options so we will be in touch as the road leads us in your respective directions.

Had a fun day today fabbing together a little swing away bar top table. Now i am ready for all of your beers and stories... http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7551145#7551145

Tue Feb 10, 2015 11:35 pm

That table is a great idea! I'd been trying to figure out what to do with the space behind my passenger seat and had always wanted an outdoor table for cooking.

Wed Feb 11, 2015 12:16 am

Living the life!

When you have explored the states and get bored,dont sell the camper!
Put yourselves and Marigold on a ship and explore Europe! Now thats a plan....

Wed Feb 11, 2015 6:07 am

Good for you both, to take a career break and enjoy a sabbatical away from the grinds of work. It sounds like a great, relaxing trip. :D

I hope you continue to update this thread with pictures about your travels. Road trip threads are a favorite here on The Samba. Also, it helps keep you connected to folks on this site as to where you are. They can help out if you run into any mechanical troubles.

Good luck and safe travels.

Wed Feb 11, 2015 7:48 am

I'll extend the offer again, should you make it to central Idaho, hit me up. We have plenty off driveway space and lots of length of extension cords. Safe travels! It's gonna be great!

Max
208-794-1093

Wed Feb 11, 2015 8:08 am

PLF-Blue wrote:

Another Cav soldier I see.

Let http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=501788&highlight=greater+seattle know when you come through and we can all try to meet up and have a beer and tell stories.

Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:26 am

MaximumFinishes wrote: I'll extend the offer again, should you make it to central Idaho, hit me up. We have plenty off driveway space and lots of length of extension cords. Safe travels! It's gonna be great!

Max
208-794-1093

Thanks, max. There were a bunch of you who extended that same offer and, believe me, we will take advantage of a friendly driveway and a kind soul in any unfamiliar place we may visit.

Yes sir, zelten. The cav soldier was the little lady (intel). Combat aviation brigade set up a few beach chairs in Saudi Arabia and Iraq during desert storm. Says she has no interest in shipping the van back there and re-touring that area but cliveawn's idea of shipping it to europe someday to see that country sounds appealing... :D

Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:46 am

wcfvw69 wrote: Good for you both, to take a career break and enjoy a sabbatical away from the grinds of work..

Yes sir. We both hit a wall and realized it was time for a career change at the very least. Once work starts to infect the rest of your life, it is time to go. What better way to gain perspective than from behind that giant bayview window?

I see you are in arizona. Any tips/suggestions for some must see scenery with some good long hikes?
Pete

Wed Feb 11, 2015 11:06 am

If you are into Hiking Sedona AZ is a great place.

Good luck
Tcash