Thanks to Josh and Alyssa for getting the first post in order.

While it was posted only yesterday, a lot can happen over a short time when you’re in a restored vehicle. We take for granted the ability to accelerate to 60 at some point in the next few minutes, and when you see an incline in the distance you wonder if you’ll make it over without having to downshift.

Over the next month (and on subsequent journeys), I’ll share some experiences about uber tiny mobile home living. Hoping my wish list of renovations and anal-retentivity will pay dividends in how well this project was executed.

I really loved my west coast mobile youth. My first vehicle was a 1964 VW Bus and 3 of the first 4 vehicles I owned were VW Buses or Campers. Lots of ground covered back then…Ensanada to the Yukon Highway and points east So, I thought if you could do it again today, only with a more reliable experience, that would be great. Purposely choosing a vehicle that slows the world down is a gift (hoping I can say that after 8 to 10 days!). You have to plan on 200 to 300 miles per day, which could be about 5 to 7 hours. Today, between Brookings SD and Wall SD (via the Badlands National Park) I ran into headwinds of 30 – 35 mph, slowing me to a top speed of 45 mph in many places. I guess an oversized shoe box was never a highly aerodynamic vehicle. But I knew that going in and Linda is onboard with the idea, so all is really good!

ENGINE CRAP – SKIP IF NOT INTERESTED
And, since the engine break-in period is about 1,500 – 2,000 miles, my concerns go to any stress that might be created when driving. Important note – this is an air-cooled engine and overheating would not be good at any time. I have gauges for oil temp and oil pressure as well as a tach, but we’re just getting to know each other and different conditions have spiked the oil temp to the point where it hit 275 degrees and I texted Tristan the builder for advice. All good unless it gets to 300 degrees. More on the acquisition, build and builder on future posts.

Linda will join me on September 10th in Seattle for a couple weeks and if she is having a good time, she’ll make the return trip the last week of September. More than likely she will return for a grandkid fix in 2 weeks.

Hope to get the GoPro’s up and running by Montana for some running footage. Maybe even a ‘Beer on the Bus’ interview with someone I meet along the way.

My Best – Gary