In the 1980s, we had the pleasure of two VW Westaflia vans.  They were VW Vanagons modifided in Germany by Westfalia, for use in camping.  They had a popup top, two beds, small frig, closet, sink and two burner stove.  With two young sons, we had great adventures traveling.

We bought our first near Syracuse, NY from the original owner with under 6,000 miles.  I was stationed at Syracuse University, and we traveled throughout the Northeast and Canada in it.  When I got order to move to Maxwell AFB, Alabama, we sold it.  A vehicle without air conditioning was not going to work for us in Alabama.

Looking at an RV lot in Montgomery, we spotted a nearly-new VW Vanagon.  A couple bought it, but decided they wanted a larger motor home and traded it in.  It had air conditioning, and we snapped it up.  That Westy took us across the Southern states, and we moved it to our next assignment at Scott, AFB.  As our sons grew older, we ended up selling it to a gentleman from Albuquerque, who rented Vanagons to European and Japanese tourists who wanted to travel the Southwest.

After our boys were grown, we thought about the benefits of a vehicle we could camp in and travel again.  Airstream entered an agreement with Daimler Chyrsler to market their Westfalia James Cook in the US.  Less than 250 were imported into the US, and we found a very clean used one in Colorado..  Like our first Westy, it was six months old with 6,000 miles on it.

For us, it is an ideal travel vehicle.  You can sleep in the top bunk unobserved by others.  Not only do we have a fridge and stove, but a bathroom with shower also.  A generator lets us dry camp – no need to pay for electricity at a campground.  In fact, no need for a campground unless you really want to stay in one.  Best of all, it routinely gets 22 miles per gallon, better than the 18 mpg the WVs achieved.

The downside of this van is it is 11 feet tall – you have to watch for low clearances.  The good news is – no one is going to miss seeing you.  :>)

Here is a photo from a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Labor Day Weekend 2008, a dozen Westfalia owners came together for Westyfest 2008.  Thanks to Bill Hecht for hosting us, and Dick Hitchcock and Juju Pang for helping organize it.  With only 250 imported, it is rare to see two together unless you are at an Airstream dealer or the factory service center.  It was so amazing to see a dozen together, and to be able to visit with folks who had such similar interests.

Westies lined up!