Day 1: Assateague Island NP, MD

If yesterday gives us any idea of what the rest of our trip will be like, we are in for an exciting time.  We arrived at the campsite around 5pm and began to setup camp immediately.  I put the tent up and grilled some sandwiches while Lela kept an eye and Orange as she explored her new territory.  On the way to the ocean we had heard on the radio that we could expect some thunderstorms later on that night.  I made sure to put up the rain tarp on the tent so we would stay dry.  We took a bike ride around the park and ran into a deer eating some grass along the road.  She stared at us as we passed, but did not think of running away.  We then played a game of Scrabble, which was very hard fought down to the end.  My 63 point word "quiz" solidified the game for me, Lela could only just give up.  And she did!  (However, she refused to write down the score on the sheet so this blog will be my only proof of the historic win)

As the sun set, and the temperature started to cool we decided to take a shower.  The facilities were very nice, but the water was COLD.  As we turned in for the night we remarked how beautiful it was to be sleeping outdoors in this wonderful environment.  Little did we know the environment was about to turn against us.  The winds picked up (30-40 mph) and we saw lightening in the distance.  Around 1am we had to ditch the tent and make a run for the van.  We threw some heavy items in the tent to secure it (so we thought).  Strangely enough, it never rained but the winds were strong enough to blow Lela away so I had to put her on a leash tied to the van (okay, just kidding, but they were strong).  

We made it through the night safe and sound.  The bed in the van is very comfortable.  Thanks to Hilton Hotels for letting me use their internet.  We're heading out now to get some pizza that Lela is craving.  Orangey is well adjusted now to the van.  She really seems to like her new home.

The van is packed and we are ready to go

After a long exhausting day of packing, packing, and more packing, we are ready to head out in the morning to Assateague Island, our first destination. Curtains have been made, the roof rack is completely full, interior lights installed, and seats fixed. Almost everything we wanted to do has been done. Unfortunately we didn't get to decorate the outside of the van with peace signs, bible verses, and flowers like we had wished. Maybe somewhere along the way it will happen! I have to say, though, the inside looks really nice.

We will head out in the morning after a good night's rest (you can be sure that I will rest well after today!). Although, the weather apparently is not on our side. It is suppose to rain the entire time we are at the beach. Regardless, our spirits are high and we are excited to start our trip.

totally excited!

yaye!!! i'm sooo excited cause finally it's coming near...excited when i think of all the beautiful places we get to visit and take pix of. what great fun it will be... my mom came to visit us for about a week this month - she and jp visited around DC and arlington and we had lots of fun going around eating at all kinds of restaurants. was great having her around before our trip. we'll see her again in september when we go to Ethiopia, God willing. jp's doing such a good job preparing us for the trip; i'm glad to be joining him in getting ready... i have a month before starting work...we're getting used to this packing thing... even orange now knows when she sees the suitcases. that's all for now,
peace,
lela

At my parents house

Yesterday we moved out of our Arlington, VA apartment, packed up the van, and drove to my parent's house. It was pretty cool to see the van stacked with luggage and with our bikes on the back. It was kind of a preview of what it will be like once we head out on the road. The trip took 2.5 hours and the van made it with no problems. Orange got sick near the very end of the trip. I hope she starts traveling better. We are a little bit concerned for her.

Today Lela, my Mom, and I went "into town" (Bel Air, MD) and picked up some supplies. We got some burlap material to make curtains from JoAnne fabrics. I also picked up a cargo box in Joppa from someone off of Craigslist. At Dick's Sporting Goods we got a nice aluminum fold up table that works great, a 3-person tent, and 2 fold up camping chairs. All in all, with our coupons we saved a good amount of money. Once we got home my Dad helped me mount the cargo box and he also fixed the cigarette lighter outlet. And somehow the Aux outlet on the front of the stereo now works properly so using the iPod will be a cinch.

We are definitely getting there.

Finally getting somewhere!

Today I was able to put some personal touches on the van on behalf of the weather holding out. Kayla will be happy to know that I have added the Ron Jon sticker to the rear glass (picture on left). I also ran the bungee/curtain lines around the entire inside of the van. Now we just need to make some curtains and we'll be set. This will be a priority for us next week. I attempted to install those round touch lights to the roof/cargo area but the just wouldn't stick (these will help at night for soft lighting). The front windshield reflector fits pretty nice, hopefully it will do it's job and keep the heat out. The rugs we bought from Ikea fit well too (got them for $6 a piece - on sale). I also installed the bike rack on the liftgate which fits nicely. All in all, very good progress.

Check out the pictures in the slide show for more details.

The van is fine.....for now

I got the van back from the shop yesterday.  Apparently a hose had dry rotted and crack which was why I was leaking coolant.  I went ahead and paid for an oil change as well.  It needed it anyway.  Lela and I took it on a drive last night and everything went fine, no problems.  

We still need to get a cargo box for the roof.  Last night we went to look at one from Craigslist but it didn't fit.  We are still on a search for a cheap box (I could just buy a $500 Thule box, but I don't want to spend the money).

I was going to add Kayla's sticker today to the back window but it's raining.  Maybe it will clear up later on.  

Getting frustrated, asking for grace

Yesterday started out great. We picked the van up from the shop, went to the MVA, registered the van and got new tags. Everything was looking good.

Then I decided to check the coolant level while getting some gas. Not good. It was beyond low. I had some coolant with me so I added some and figured I would keep an eye on it and see how bad it was leaking. Not a big deal, right. Wrong. Well, when you get stuck in traffic from Beltsville to Arlington the temperature of the any vehicle can get up pretty high. I knew something was wrong when I saw smoke coming from the left rear. This is in heavy traffic in the 395 tunnel in DC, by the way. I pulled into the median and saw a stream of coolant flowing out and dripping onto the exhaust causing a nice gray cloud of smoke. Not good. I had at least 15 minutes of driving left with the traffic I was facing and I had to get there fast, otherwise the coolant would be gone. The van thankfully made it back home safely but not after causing me stress that I was not seeking.

I took the van to a local mechanic in Arlington today to take a look at it. They are suppose to call me today with the estimate. Mo money, mo money, mo money. I just hope it can get fixed by the 20th. This is when we leave Arlington and go to my parents before we head out on our trip.

Side note: I asked the secretary at the shop if they work on Vanagon's (some shops don't like to). She said "Sure, not a problem. We just replaced the engine in the Scoobie Doo van.", while looking through the window at my van to confirm it's the same kind.