In The Heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country

It was a cold and rainy day in Lancaster the other week when I decided to go Volkswagen hunting. I had heard of and briefly seen a place that had some buses sitting by the side of the road. Wednesdays are my free day so I decided to brave the rain and head on over.

Right when I pulled up I saw this red vanagon sitting in this lot. Now a vanagon isn't exactly what I'm looking for, but it's still promising to at least see a van in these parts.

Once I looked around I found this blue vanagon as well. There were several Ghias sitting around the lot as well which was cool because you really don't see them to often. He also had some old Austin Mini's which I share my name with so they hold a soft spot in my heart.

Then I saw it.

It was sitting there half covered by a tarp. A Type 2 T1 with a beautiful paint job. She was missing all her windows and I highly doubt that there was an engine inside but it was still cool to see. Vanagons are cool and all but nothing captures your eye like one of these babies. Ideally I would eventually like to have one of these models one day. Unfortunately the guy who owns the place wasn't around. I asked the auto parts store that was next door when he would be in again. They said he's in and out and doesn't really have normal hours. So I guess I'll have to check back on a nicer day. I would at least like to find out where he gets his supply.

On a funnier note a Winnebago was sitting in the lot as well. It would kinda be funny to get one of these but I don't think I would ever do it. This guy sure does have an odd collection of vehicles.

Capturing an American Dream

On November 12, 1949 the very first Volkswagen Type 2 rolled off the assembly line. No one knew the effect this vehicle would have on popular culture for decades to come. The Type 2, also officially called "The Transporter", is now know by many names to us. Whether you call it a VW Bus, The Bus, Hippie-Van, Combi, Microbus, or just V-Dub, we all point it out when we see one rolling down the street. It evokes a sense of awe in kids and nostalgia in adults. There aren't a whole lot of cars that can do that.

When you think of the words "Road Trip" what do you think of? I'll tell you what I think of... VOLKSWAGEN BUS. The ideal dream in taking a road trip would be to travel in one of these babies with some of your best friends. I would love to go coast to coast in one and it's been a dream of mine for some time to get one. I'm not saying it wouldn't be cool to just drive across America, but there's just something lost when you're driving in lets say a Toyota Camery

An icon of the 60's and 70's nothing identifies the hippie movement greater than a VW Bus except for maybe the peace sign. I am just a college kid who would like to grab a bit of history and possibly make a bit of my own.

Today I have decided to chase this dream. Wont you join me? I've decided to start a blog that will follow my adventures looking for and hopefully eventually acquiring a VW Type 2. And then maybe once I achieve this goal I can continue the excursion onto the road. There will be laughter and there will be tears but I hope that I wont be alone in this. Can I cry on your shoulder? (metaphorically speaking of course) I want this blog to not only share my story but to share others stories as well. I hope this encourages other to go after their own crazy dreams instead of letting them go.

Please send me questions, suggestions, comments, and insults along the way. Not necessarily in that order.