Average weekend trip report

[SCM]

After living with a leaky torque convertor seal for far too long, then a couple other issues that would be well addressed at the same time, our van has been in the shop for a few weeks (Straight-A-Way Motors, Bozeman MT - I can't say enough good things about them. Hell, I might want to take an early retirement job just to answer their phones). We had an easy shake down trip a couple weekends ago but this Saturday went for a more typical venture. Lots of dirt roads, hoping to find a dispersed site in our ever more busy National Forest, mtn biking, etc.

After getting shot down at the official campground, realizing that all the regular non-official sites were already taken, then thinking, "I seem to remember this one spot...", we got lucky.

Recently updated sticker display. I'm bummed the Mad River Canoe sticker is about to fall off. That was a gift from a good friend from VT.

I forgot how much I like staring at the van while we camp.

This is the face of a happy vanagoneer. She was really bummed while it was at the shop. She also paid the repair bill. God I love her.

Love her so much I picked flowers for the dinner table. It's mostly spotted knapweed (an invasive that needs controlled) so I killed two birds with one stone on that.

But rules are rules. If you lose a round of "campsite Bocci" you owe 5 pushups.

You may now return to the usual pondering of mechanical mishaps.
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'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine

[danfromsyr]

we really need a like and thumbs up button here on samba.


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[Red Ryder]

We like to play “campsite Yahtzee” but never thought about loser penalties. Hmmm…
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“Most everyone’s mad here. You may have noticed I am not quite all there myself.” — Cheshire Cat, Adventures of Alice in Wonderland

“Scarlett” — 1990 Vanagon Carat Wolfsburg Edition (Tornado Red)
“Nigel” — 1999 Jaguar XK8 convertible (Alpine Green Metallic)

[4Gears4Tires]

Looks like a beautiful spot!
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'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition

[Ahwahnee]

Nice to read such a positive reminder of why we're here.

In case you didn't check eBay:

4 (Four) Mad River Smoking Bunny 3" Vinyl Stickers Canoe Boat Paddle Sailing | eBay https://share.google/kaqt5FfGdt8qoqoDc

[jlrftype7]

Are we changing the Thread name to SCM's No Big Whoop Trip Thread....

It went like 'butta' after the repairs in the Shop.
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'68 Westy- my first VW and vehicle/Bus- long gone.- sold it to a traveling Swiss couple....
'67 Type 3 Fastback, my 2nd car- gone
'69 Semi-Auto Stick Shift Beetle-gone
2017 MINI Coopers, our current DDs
‘84 Tin Top - Hilga....Auto

[SCM]

[jimf909]

That looks like time well-spent. Except for the push-ups.

I’m on my second year of distributing weevils to kill the spotted knapweed. Check back in three years to see if I’m making progress.

http://www.weedbustersbiocontrol.com/knapweedinsects.html

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- Jim

[Xevin]

[SCM]

[jlrftype7]

[jlrftype7]

[Abscate]

It does. You wont run out of gas, but you will run out jerries.

I miss Bozeman. Its like the LIE without traffic or bagels.
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🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🍊 🍊 🍊

[SCM]

It's the crossover hose that weeps gas when I fill the tank. It's the older style woven hose that was all that was available when I replaced the tank when I first bought the van. It doesn't lose gas but just smells bad for a while. I've had the better Van Cafe replacement in my garage forever now but... THE REAL problem with Montana is that when the weather is nice enough to work on your van you want to be out camping in it. When camping season is over its too darn cold to work on your van.

I suspect the crossover hose job will wait (again) until next spring. We're making up for lost time on the camping front now!
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'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine

[SCM]

[Xevin]

[uberaudi]

Sometimes the average ones are the best ones. Looks like you found a nice spot away from everyone else...bonus!

Also, KGLT is the best! I've been a supporting member for many years now.

To the next weekend!
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'84 Adventurewagen 1Z TDI, '08 Audi Avant Quattro 6spd BHW TDI

[SCM]

And the next weekend came and went! I might use this thread as a running commentary on all my camping trips for the rest of the year.

We've driven passed or almost passed one particular official USFS campground for a bunch of trips but never stopped there in favor of more out of the way dispersed sites. This time we thought, "you know what? An outhouse would be nice to have. Let's see if we can get a spot".

This is on the way into the campground. We often camp near here for the awesome views but its kinda hot out lately and I don't like waking up to the sun baking us in the van. We opted to go further in search of shade. Also, this was a good spot to crack "campsite finding beers*" - a family tradition.

* I'm actually on a hard cider kick. I'm trying to figure out what triggers my gout and beer is an easy one to avoid.

We were quite surprised to not see ANYONE in the handfull of dispersed sites that we passed by. We thought, "well, when we confirm that the campground is full we at least have some awesome Plan Bs". No - the 6 or 7 site campground was totally empty and we snagged the primo spot.

My copilot found an amazing mushroom taco recipe out of Danny Trejo's taco cookbook and we ate like kings. Oh man, so, so good.

Van is about due for a wash. Its covered in dust from the past two weekends of dirt roads and we'll be on pavement for Labor Day. Stay tuned.

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'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine

[67rustavenger]

Nice trip report. Looks like you live and play in God's country.

Gout sux. I occasionally suffer from it too.
I love beer and red meats.
The red meats I do in moderation, the beer, not a chance.
As a filler between beers I prefer a good Rye whiskey to wet my whistle.
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I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!
2003 Astrovan? GFYS again, Xevin!
Don't let your bad ideas remain, ideas!

[dabaron]

hell yeah! glad the bus is bussin and the livin is large. great report
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1991 Vanagon GL Camper
i had no idea i wanted to be a mechanic