VW Camper Family

A camping forum for VW bus and camper owners.

Here's a suggested outline for introducing yourself to others in the group. 

Look forward to getting to know you.


Hi, I'm _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (name)


1. I own/drive a VW type .....


2. First VW purchase year


3. Location including country


4. Where you have driven in your VW


5. Where you have camped in your VW


6. Most fun moment(s)


7. What got you started in the VW world


8. What you most love about having a VW


9. What you'd like from this group


10. What you'd like to offer to this group


11. Your personal likes/dislikes or something else about you


12. Are you on Facebook? If yes, please post your name (a copy your page address, http:// ...is best), so we can find each other.


13. Anything else?


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Hello everyone,
I'm Carole Brown, owner and driver of the YesWeCan CamperVan, or Dexter (named by previous and first owner, also female).
My VW is a 1971 Bay window Westfalia. 1971 is the last year of the 1600cc engine and small rear lights; first year of disc brakes. A good year apparently.
Currently garaged at friend's home in Millbury, central Massachusetts, USA for the winter. I'm between Millbury and my condo in Provincetown, Cape Cod, which I'm hoping to sell.

In December 2009, I collected my van from the eBay seller (a dealer) and drove 10,000 miles between Oregon and Massachusetts, spending 5 of the 6.5 month journey in California. I camped with other VWs at club events and overnighted free wherever I could; see my blog for where we stayed (http://yeswecanjourney.wordpress.com pages Route, Thanks & Travel tips).

Most fun? So many of examples. I guess it's the SLOW DRAG race at the Spring Fling event held by the Orange Empire Bus Company near Corona, California on 1st Sunday in May. We came 2nd in the 2010 race. Watch the youtube video of the final here.

What got me started was a reunion with cousins in the UK in August 2009, some of whom had VW vans and buses.
What I love most about my camper van is that it's like the dog I don't yet have: it introduces me to other people who are always nice (like you) AND it makes others (and me) smile! My THANKS page on my blog makes me smile very time I read it; the people who befriended my and my VW van on the road between OR and MA were wonderful. When I set off, I knew only three people I was going to visit. I could never have imagined all the new friends that were ahead.

I'd like this group to be about supporting each one of us with our dreams related to our VWs, building confidence for our travels, and giving us connections across the USA and around the world. I'd also like to gain more understanding of my VW and ways to keep it in tip top condition.
What I can bring to this group is my initiative for starting new things; my energy and enthusiasm, skills in social media, blog design, writing and photography; and my strange British sense of humour.

Something about me: I dreamed of coming to America yet never knew it would take 15 years for my green card (which allows me to live and work in USA). During all those years I flew back and forth countless times, living half a year in Massachusetts and half in England. Now I'm here, I'm ready to start my life over. At the age of 55 it's a bit of a challenge! My YesWeCan road trip in 2010 was to inspire me and others to follow our dreams.

I'm on Facebook as The YesWeCan CamperVan and Carole Brown
ALSO PLEASE JOIN ME HERE at the YesWeCan Journey blog

I can't wait to meet you all!

Views: 3354

Replies to This Discussion

Lovely to meet you Regan. Sorry haven't been here in a while. If you use facebook, please message me through my FB account (at http://www.facebook.com/carole.brown1) so I can invite you to join the more frequently visited VW Women group there.

It's great that you found the introductions section and gave us all a great picture of you, your family and your driving a VW. Hope to hear from you soon, Carole

Regan Lanning said:

Hi everyone! My name is Regan and I drive (in the summer) a 73 vanagon. She is pumpkin orange and a much valued member of our family. We just picked her up in mid September, but she made it the 3 hour drive home. The van needs some TLC, as she is pretty bare bones as of now. First things on the agenda this spring are seatbelts for the kids, and a new sliding door.

We have a couple folk fests picked out to attend this coming year, the first being only a couple hours from home incase anything goes wrong. Lol. Shifting is an unique experience every day as apparently she rearranges her gear placement while the rest of the family sleeps. :) My husband isn't much of a manual transmission guy, so I will be doing the majority of the driving... Which is great by me!

My favorite thing about driving my van? People can't help but smile when they see you coming!

I live in Saskatchewan, Canada. Spent some time in Vermont in my late teens, and 4 years just outside Cincinnati where I married my husband. We have 2 children who love the van and are responsible for finding her perfect name.

Glad to meet you all! FB - Regan Lanning, and Regan's Reclamations.

Hi All, My name is Maggie, and I own a 1986 Vanagon with sunroof, that I recently bought in Ashland Or, but have yet to get her home to Az.  I am an native Ca girl, but in Az for now, caring for my Dad.  My love of VWs began early in life, with my sisters 1967 Bug that I admired so!  My first vdub was a 1963 Bug, complete with faded paint, bought in 1971 during my high school days...  I have since owned many VWs including a fast back, squareback (3), a older bus (1972?), a 66 Bug from germany, and now my 86 Vannie.  I hope to have her named and back here by early November, so I can join in on some group events, possibly the Busses by the Bridge in Havasu.  As odd it sounds, I love the smell that is exclusive to Vws, just something about it that is somehow comforting...? And even after nearing losing my life in a frwy crash in my 67 Squareback, I still love them!, must be a name for this type of disease?,  hahaha...  Its real nice to see a group of women that enjoy Vws as I do, and I look forward to meeting some of you along the road!!   Fyi, never leave home without that fire extinguisher handy... ;-)

-Maggie

Hello.  My name is Cheryl.  I live in Desert hot Springs, CA, USA.  I drive a 1972 bay window bus named Ruby2sday.  This is my first bus, but my first car was an orange 1974 bug.  I've had Ruby2sday less than a year, but have done a ton of work on her.  These days she's running and looking pretty good.  I try to take her out every weekend, and do some longer road trips as my work schedule allows. Thus far, it's been many beach trips, several Joshua Tree National Park trips, campgrounds near Idyllwild, and a couple of trips into AZ.  This summer, I plan to do a long, leisurely road trip from Southern California to Vancouver, Canada.  I can't wit to start participating in vee dub group camp outs and festivals.  I love my bus and meeting other VW folks.  I am on facebook. -Cheryl Buck Desert Hot Springs, CA.  Please feel free to add me.  I look forward to getting to know other women who drive VWs.  Peace.

Attachments:

Hi, I'm Diane

 I own/drive a VW type 1970 Bay & 1974 Karmann Ghia  I purchased Cikan Vuz march of 2013 and it has been a long journey getting her really road worthy as opposed to what the seller called road worthy, but it has been worth it.  I have a blog of our trials and tribulations  at Cikan Vuz. With lots of pics and tales.  =])

First VW purchase year 1973 (1961 Ragtop Bug)

 Location including country Winchester, CA

 Where you have driven in your VW. Well, not far in current one due to school age kid  but a few years back I did drive my 68 bug from so cal to Taos, NM, up to ND,  then to Coeur d'Alene, ID, over to Seattle and back down home, meandering all the while and way here and there.
 Where you have camped in your VW.  My 68? see above, as well as Doheny Beach and various campground sin So Cal.  My 70 Bay, so far only my driveway cos I have only had her naught a year yet and have been doing repairs and customizations.

 

Facebook ID Anhcim Enaid

Hi Cheryl

I am just over the hill from you  =])

Cheryl Buck said:

Hello.  My name is Cheryl.  I live in Desert hot Springs, CA, USA.  I drive a 1972 bay window bus named Ruby2sday.  This is my first bus, but my first car was an orange 1974 bug.  I've had Ruby2sday less than a year, but have done a ton of work on her.  These days she's running and looking pretty good.  I try to take her out every weekend, and do some longer road trips as my work schedule allows. Thus far, it's been many beach trips, several Joshua Tree National Park trips, campgrounds near Idyllwild, and a couple of trips into AZ.  This summer, I plan to do a long, leisurely road trip from Southern California to Vancouver, Canada.  I can't wit to start participating in vee dub group camp outs and festivals.  I love my bus and meeting other VW folks.  I am on facebook. -Cheryl Buck Desert Hot Springs, CA.  Please feel free to add me.  I look forward to getting to know other women who drive VWs.  Peace.

Hi Cheryl, Great to hear from you and hear about your plans. I wish I was closer to you, but I am on your way to Vancouver! I'm now up in Walnut Creek area so maybe we could meet this summer and drive a few miles together? I'll check you out on Facebook and then send you an invitation to the VW Women's group on FB. 
Happy travels, 
Carole

P.S. Can't find you on facebook - so can you post your facebook name here so we can find you or send me a friend invite. My facebook name is https://www.facebook.com/carole.brown1

Hi Diane, So gooood to see you on here and to have two new members from California. Let us know if you meet up with Cheryl and her Ruby2sday.

Your blog is wonderful - thanks for sharing. I am in awe of the work you are doing.

I can't friend you on facebook, so can you send me a friend invite (to http://www.facebook.com/carole.brown1) and then I'll be able to invite you to the VW women's group there. The group is private so it does not show up on a search. Hope to hear from you there.

Best wishes
Carole

Cikan Vuz said:

Hi, I'm Diane

 I own/drive a VW type 1970 Bay & 1974 Karmann Ghia  I purchased Cikan Vuz march of 2013 and it has been a long journey getting her really road worthy as opposed to what the seller called road worthy, but it has been worth it.  I have a blog of our trials and tribulations  at Cikan Vuz. With lots of pics and tales.  =])

First VW purchase year 1973 (1961 Ragtop Bug)

 Location including country Winchester, CA

 Where you have driven in your VW. Well, not far in current one due to school age kid  but a few years back I did drive my 68 bug from so cal to Taos, NM, up to ND,  then to Coeur d'Alene, ID, over to Seattle and back down home, meandering all the while and way here and there.
 Where you have camped in your VW.  My 68? see above, as well as Doheny Beach and various campground sin So Cal.  My 70 Bay, so far only my driveway cos I have only had her naught a year yet and have been doing repairs and customizations.

 

Facebook ID Anhcim Enaid

Hi. Cikan!

Maybe we can get together with our buses someday soon.  Keep in touch.  I am also on Facebook - Cheryl Buck in Desert Hot Springs, CA.  Please feel free to add me as a friend.

Cikan Vuz said:

Hi Cheryl

I am just over the hill from you  =])

Cheryl Buck said:

Hello.  My name is Cheryl.  I live in Desert hot Springs, CA, USA.  I drive a 1972 bay window bus named Ruby2sday.  This is my first bus, but my first car was an orange 1974 bug.  I've had Ruby2sday less than a year, but have done a ton of work on her.  These days she's running and looking pretty good.  I try to take her out every weekend, and do some longer road trips as my work schedule allows. Thus far, it's been many beach trips, several Joshua Tree National Park trips, campgrounds near Idyllwild, and a couple of trips into AZ.  This summer, I plan to do a long, leisurely road trip from Southern California to Vancouver, Canada.  I can't wit to start participating in vee dub group camp outs and festivals.  I love my bus and meeting other VW folks.  I am on facebook. -Cheryl Buck Desert Hot Springs, CA.  Please feel free to add me.  I look forward to getting to know other women who drive VWs.  Peace.

Hi Bobbi,

Do you still camp and visit music festivals in CA?  I live in Desert Hot Springs and would love to camp with you.  Have you checked out the Joshua Tree Music Festivals?  They are great because everyone is in a good mood.  They happen twice a year - spring and fall.

Donna Seago said:

You should definitely check out the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. I haven't been yet, but I plan to go one day! It just sounds wonderful. Outside Lands in San Francisco looks like a great music festival but it's not a camping fest. I just heard about this one yesterday and it's free -- Hardly Strictly Bluegrass -- but again it's S.F. in Golden Gate Park and not a camping fest, but it has a great artist lineup.

bobbi nan rinker said:

LEAF in North Carolina for many years. Also Merlefest, and Suwannee River Music Park which hosts Magnolia Fest and others. Also a cowboy music/dance/culture fest in New mexico....cant remember the name. Also a really special music camp in Mendocino this past August. I get to whichever festivals I can depending on the time that I have off. I would love to connect with others like you. This coming year I expect to attend western/california events since the camper is now stored in central California. Give me a recommendation!



e d thDonna Seago said:

Hi Bobbi,

 

What music festivals do you travel to?My husband and I usually travel to Bonnaroo and Wakarusa every year in our Eurovan. It would be nice to camp with other van owners.

 

Donna Seago

 

bobbi nan rinker said:

Hi, I'm Bobbi, and my van is The Orange Blossom Special, a 1991 Syncro full camper. I bought it new in December of 1990 and we go cross-country once or twice a year in Spring and Fall. It has been tough ($) holding on to it all these years but it would have been tougher to live without it. It has been heavily modified by GoWesty. My biggest problem with it over the years was finding a shop to work on it since I live in Florida. Now that problem is solved! I simply store it in California near GoWesty!!!!  It is so much happier living in California where people appreciate it, and it isn't really too inconvenient to fly out there and pick it up when I have time off.  Mostly we go fishing and hiking and to music festivals. I say 'we' but I mean the van and I, since I travel alone. 

I am on facebook.

I would lover to hear from other members. I live in SW Central Florida on a little farm.

Hey Carole,

That would be so much fun.  Please look for me on Facebook - Cheryl Buck in Desert Hot Springs, CA  Then, add me as a friend so we can stay in touch.

Carole & the 'YesWeCanCamperVan' said:

Hi Cheryl, Great to hear from you and hear about your plans. I wish I was closer to you, but I am on your way to Vancouver! I'm now up in Walnut Creek area so maybe we could meet this summer and drive a few miles together? I'll check you out on Facebook and then send you an invitation to the VW Women's group on FB. 
Happy travels, 
Carole

P.S. Can't find you on facebook - so can you post your facebook name here so we can find you or send me a friend invite. My facebook name is https://www.facebook.com/carole.brown1

Hi I'm Tré Taylor.  I live in Pacifica, CA and own a 1973 T2 Bay Window VW Camper Bus. Everyone I know has given me a hard time for loving my old bus, but I adore her and I am a VW girl at heart.  My family car growing up was a square back.  I had a 72 Beetle for 12 years.  I finally had to get a vintage bus, and am very happy I did.

I am a corporate event planner by day and have been a jazz & blues vocalist for over 25 years.  I bought the bus 10 years ago for hauling band equipment etc.  My old band is called Dangerous Martini so I ended up hand painting her Leopard print and converted her into a sort of retro cocktail leopard lounge.   I had no idea that hand painting my bus and doing fun upholstery would make her an "Art Car."  The art car artists found me and soon I was the official bar car for Artcar Fest for a few years.

She has been to many a concert, festival, and lots of fun camping.  She broke down in 2009 and sat for 5 years not running. Finding a mechanic who would work on my year vehicle was near impossible. But I did and I just finally upgraded the engine from a 1.7 liter dual carb to a 2.0 liter long block from GEX International.  I am completely artfully restoring her. I am still breaking in the new engine, so I haven't really taken her out for a big trip yet.  Her first camping trip will be at the Bus City 2014 - the Sixth Annual VW Bus Gathering in the Redwoods, ... I am going alone and don't know anyone, so this is a big step for me this year.  I have heard so  many great things about the VW community, I thought it was time to introduce myself in person.  I am no stranger to glamorous camping however.

I am planning on taking her “Glamping” all over the western United States. I started a community called GLAMP-O-RAMA, west coast glamping community this year.  I have a few friends who restore vintage trailers and have fancy tents etc.  We have our first co-ed trip planned for this summer in Guerneville as well. I am also looking to organize a woman’s only glamping weekend get-a-way maybe in early October this year.  Anyone is welcome to join.  Here are the details: http://glamp-o-rama.blogspot.com/  I am divorced, no kids, just turned 51, and I feel like I am having more fun now than I ever have.  Life does get better after 50!  I hope to meet new fun interesting people, so I started something and I am reaching out to the VW Bus world for the first time this year and I am looking forward to making some new friends. Especially VW Bus owners.  I am on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/tre.taylor  ~ Thanks for being here, I had no idea there was a ladies only VW group...awesome.

Hell everybody, my name is Annalee (Anna) Ragen and I drive a 1970 VW Camper Bus named Cosette, but I call her Cozy.

 I got her in January of 2013, she was actually a surprise. I had told my mother about this Craigslist listing of a Bus in pretty good condition, but this had been probably the twelfth time I had told her about a Bus so it was a real shock when I came home and she was in my driveway.

I live in Vacaville, California!

I haven't camped or driven anywhere significant in my Bus yet, she just takes me to school currently. MY first camping trip is right around the corner though!

I drove her out to a lake by my house with my boyfriend as our second date and it was so much fun and the views were incredible. 

In about middle school, I noticed a Bus somewhere and I've been obsessed ever since.

What I love most about owning a Bus is when people stare or honk and wave. My personal favorite was a small child pointed and started jumping up and down very excitedly, and the time a guy leaned halfway out of the passenger window to get a better view.

I am hoping for a sense of kinship, and tips from more experienced owners and drivers. I'm also excited for future trips this group may set up! All I can offer this group right now is my charm, but I'm sure eventually I'll gain some knowledge that may become valuable.

I am on Facebook as Anna Ragen, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to join such a wonderful community!

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