On Friday 6/11/21, I was on my way to a massage appointment to pamper myself on my first day of a much-needed vacation and took a road that I typically don’t take when I nearly drove into the ditch seeing a “For Sale” sign on a VW Bus!! I didn’t have time to stop on my way to the appointment, but did on the way home. I walked all around it, took a couple of pictures and the phone number and then headed home excitedly to see if hubby would even consider my idea to buy it. I called that night and found out that it’s a 1970 VW Bus Type 2 and has a Westfallia roof that originally pops open into a tent area (this is not currently present, but could be restored).

Hubby still thinks I’m a bit crazy as I’ve never been a “car person”, but went with me to see the bus 2 days later, and listened while Colin (the gentleman I bought it from) explained what had been done to the engine and what will need to be done to get it running. Neither one of us knows diddly-squat about engines, so we just tried to absorb and take notes about what he was telling us to share with anyone who helps us work on it! Nothing he told us scared me off, I was already smitten and had a vision for what she could be. Hubby wanted me to try to secure mechanical help before committing, but when other interested buyers started sniffing around her, I decided I needed to jump and made the commitment on Monday 6/14/21 and dropped off the check on Friday 6/18/21. One week from first glance to purchase.

I’m ridiculously excited, and thankfully not yet overwhelmed with how much needs to be done, but I’ve already pinned a ton of ideas for interior fixtures, paint colors, and even possible road trips, even if it’s just quick weekends away. Most likely, she will accompany me to the bakery (that I co-own with a friend) so I have a more comfortable napping spot on those crazy busy holiday weekends when I can only spare an hour or two to recharge. It will definitely be more cozy than a sleeping bag in my minivan!

CAMPING

When I was younger, I had a Barbie camper and decided it would be an awesome way to travel and have a little home with me wherever I went.

I LOVED the look and idea of a VW bus but never had the chance to see any up close, let alone drive one. My family never camped, and aside from one or two nights in a tent with a church youth group as a teenager, my camping days didn’t start until my boys were in Scouts. I’ve now logged well over 100 nights in a tent, plus plenty more in a cabin, including 2 weeks in Germany and a chilly, snowy night in 13 degree weather. I never imagined I’d be a trained Scoutmaster, but it’s been quite an adventure and I’ve been able to make so many amazing memories with my sons.

Now that I’m solidly into my mid-40s, I love the freedom of camping and hope to do more, but my comfort level with sleeping on the ground is decreasing, so my plan is to turn this bus into a comfortable camping van to take on my next adventures.

I plan to chronicle my entire VW Bus journey and am happy to have you along for the ride!