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PLF-Blue
Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2014
Posts: 327
Location: Nevada, tahoe, and elsewhere
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 Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:05 pm Post subject: ::Meandering in Marigold:: Our backroad trips in a '76 |
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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...   .... 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
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..."I live in my own little world. but it's ok, they know me here." -L. Myracle |
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curtis4085
Samba Member
Joined: July 22, 2011
Posts: 4806
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:18 pm Post subject: |
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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
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airschooled
Air-Schooled
Joined: April 04, 2012
Posts: 13534
Location: West Coast, USA
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Stuartzickefoose
Samba Post Whore
Joined: February 07, 2008
Posts: 10350
Location: SoCal for now...
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| Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:36 pm Post subject: |
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5 bucks you stay in seattle....
Cant wait to meet you both! And the dog and bus 
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Wasted youth
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2012
Posts: 5173
Location: California's Hot and Smoggy Central Valley
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| Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 12:19 am Post subject: |
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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. |
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Bala
Samba Member
Joined: December 04, 2003
Posts: 2637
Location: Austin, TX
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| Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 8:36 am Post subject: Re: ::MEANDERING IN MARIGOLD:: our backroad trips in a '76 |
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| 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.
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1976 Westy
1966 Beetle |
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grandpa pete
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Joined: July 06, 2008
Posts: 6426
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
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| Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 9:33 am Post subject: |
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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 )
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PLF-Blue
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Joined: October 07, 2014
Posts: 327
Location: Nevada, tahoe, and elsewhere
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| Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 12:21 pm Post subject: |
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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.
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khalimadeath
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Joined: June 24, 2014
Posts: 768
Location: Reno, NV
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| Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 5:54 pm Post subject: |
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| Nice bus, love the stickers. |
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nodrenim
Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2006
Posts: 843
Location: Dobson, North Carolina
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| Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 6:05 pm Post subject: |
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| 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! |
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richparker
Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2011
Posts: 7552
Location: Durango, CO
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| Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 6:12 pm Post subject: |
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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
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PLF-Blue
Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2014
Posts: 327
Location: Nevada, tahoe, and elsewhere
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| Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 7:52 pm Post subject: |
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| 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
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Thrasher22
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Joined: October 05, 2010
Posts: 858
Location: Calgary, Canada
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| Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 11:35 pm Post subject: |
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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.
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cliveawn
Samba Member
Joined: December 07, 2010
Posts: 481
Location: Southern Sweden
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 12:16 am Post subject: |
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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....
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Green 78 Westfalia Helsinki,
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JPM Custom made cam
JPM 7075 dual taper pushrods
IDF 40's with 28mm venturi's
Python CSP 42mm exhaust.
115 HP
Daily driver 2017 Volvo V60 D5 hybrid
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''Funny thing about common sense is that its not very common''
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wcfvw69
Samba Purist
Joined: June 10, 2004
Posts: 13686
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 6:07 am Post subject: |
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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. 
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.
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MaximumFinishes
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Joined: August 23, 2014
Posts: 100
Location: Donnelly,ID
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 7:48 am Post subject: |
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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
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Zelten
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Joined: September 16, 2008
Posts: 1335
Location: Issaquah
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PLF-Blue
Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2014
Posts: 327
Location: Nevada, tahoe, and elsewhere
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:26 am Post subject: |
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| 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...
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..."I live in my own little world. but it's ok, they know me here." -L. Myracle |
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PLF-Blue
Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2014
Posts: 327
Location: Nevada, tahoe, and elsewhere
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:46 am Post subject: |
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| 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
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Tcash
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Joined: July 20, 2011
Posts: 12846
Location: San Jose, California, USA
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| Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2015 11:06 am Post subject: |
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If you are into Hiking Sedona AZ is a great place.
Good luck
Tcash |
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