Special day

For an inanimate object nothing, but for me today celebrates 14 years of ownership of my van. 259,191 miles on mostly original parts minus normal wear.  Survived 2 fender benders and cancelled insurance. Been towed 3 times. Running mileage average is almost 25 mpg. Prolly less than 20 times driven on snow.

I remember the first drive leaving the dealership and driving home. It’s all mine free and clear. The drive was in the dark. I parked it in the driveway. In the morning on the way to work it was the last thing I saw as I drove away.

Ah, how I came to possess the key was years in the making. Take us back.

My car camping experience was sleeping at a trailhead before taking off the next morning on some backcountry adventure. Then at some bike races. Car camping served its purpose but was not an end. Back in ’71 a peer friend bought a new VW Westfalia. I saw it, red color, air cooled engine, camper set up. I wanted one. Years later I did own a bare bus that I built a sleeping platform in and drove from Ohio to WA and back back in ’78. I remeber being so proud owning a Coleman green 2 burner white gas stove. Back in ’98 I was picking up my VW Golf GT after service at local VW dealer, right in front of me was a’89 vanagon synchro westie. I was curious about it, soon I leaned it was being traded in and was available for purchase. I pushed my way to a salesman’s desk and started the purchase. I just bought a syncro. I started road tripping and sleeping in it. So great as my basic camping stuff was built into the van. I started van life living on my free time learning from experience. I learned what I wanted to change to make the westie more pleasant for me. I owned it for 5 years. I sold it to support my unemployment during a 14 month layoff. I was laid off in violation of our white collar union contract the union  filed a grievance against the company. The arbitrator  ruled twice in favor of the union and I was reinstated with back pay. During my layoff I put thought into quitting work and taking off living on the road to mountain bike the states. I realized that having my time and no money was preferred to having money and no me time. I was just working for the man, a paycheck. My original idea was to buy the mid size Toyota Tacoma and outfit it with a popup truck camper. I drove to a sportsman show to check one out in person. Immediately I realized that it would be way too small as was even the full size truck and camper. Then I started looking a small trailers. During the trailer research a buddie stopped by and we talked about what I had in mind. He suggested buying a Sprinter, which at the time back in ’06 that was all that was available. Hmm. We drove down to the local dealership where a test van was made available to  drive. My buddy drove it putting a smile on his face. Enough for me. I was able to configure the van at the factory, I picked just 5 options, none were labor saving. I ordered it in June of ’06. At that time I was reemployed and waiting for my settlement. I did not know the amount. I was prepared to borrow to buy the van. Maybe 2 weeks prior to my ownership date I received my settlement check that covered price. I deposited that check and later wrote a personal check for the whole amount. I knew of a cabinet maker who worked at the plant who built the cabinets in the van. I gave him the envelope and features and he built the pieces. Took almost 1 1/2 years to complete as I paid as I went. Propane was installed to fuel the fridge, stove, and heater. First in was the bed which he and I installed Fri night before T-giving week vacation. The next day I drove off to Moab for a week of mountain biking and van life. I outfitted the interior incorporating what I learned from the westie. I have been living in it for 12 years plus. I made wise decisions and learned to live with them. How about that 14 years ago I was here in Moab doing what I am doing now. Same van but on 3rd Turner bike model.

It is 9:37 PM at 4423′ above Moab at willow Springs road, it is 37 degrees outside. I am inside and small letters “warm” and out of the wind. Van is level over irregular ground. My bed is always made but hinged to the saide of the van, a la Murphy. I will stand up from my desk and walk upright and lower the bed then slide in. Damn, I’m warm and sheltered with no wet tent to pack in the morning.

I stumbled into this van life and have learned that I made good decisions.

Off to that bed.