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April 12-14, 2002
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Friday morning, bright and early, we loaded our faithful canine companion, Boris, into the Westy and pointed the nose south toward the beautiful Ozark country.
The last stop in Missouri was the small town of Wentworth where we pulled into a city park for some R&R. After a walk around the grounds so Boris could "do his business," Jean decided to have a rest in the shade of the ol' VW. |
Dave's turn to walk Boris and to have a puff on his pipe after dutifully checking Wolfy over for things like loose alternator belts and proper fluid levels.
We had passed through several small towns in our search for a rest stop. It was when we saw the gazebo, that we knew we'd found a temporary home.
Wolfy performed flawlessly as usual; although, the suspension complained a bit about all the weight Jean and I put on the front axels. We also were troubled by the oil pressure light that came on ever so dimly before the engine was warmed up. I fixed this simply by adding some oil to bring it up to the proper level. |
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Ah! An Ozark panorama at last!
Amazing how quickly we transited from the flat Missouri landscape to the knobby hills of the Ozarks.
This bucolic scene lies just outside the village of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. |
We knew we were in friendly territory when we came across this full Westy camper offered for sale in a "For Sale by Owner" lot. |
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Is this a good omen?
As we pulled into the conference center parking lot in Eureka Springs, what should greet our eyes but an old air cooled VW Microbus. In top shape, as well, I'd say. |
Even more amazing, we parked alongside a rare Vixen motor home.
These vehicles were manufactured in Michigan in the mid 80s and featured an all fiberblass body with a BMW diesel engine.
The company only lasted about five years before it went under, so there were few of these made,
and they command an awesome price!
I went in and registered for the conference, then came back to the Westy to find Jean had prepared a scrumptious lunch of noodle soup and peanut butter sandwiches made with her really super homemade bread.
Yum! Amazing how much better food tastes on the road. |
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After leaving the conference Friday afternoon, we made the short drive from Eureka Springs to Table Rock Lake and the home of our good friends Rich and Nancy Wilson.
Wolfy looked right at home in their driveway. We had planned to boondock in the camper, but we ultimately yielded to the prospect of spending the night in a more comfortable bed and availed ourselves of the Wilsons' hospitality. |
Above: Jean and Nancy discuss solutions to the problems of the world.
Right: The spectacular view of Table Rock Lake from the Wilsons' deck. |
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Rich Wilson stands in front of his lakeside retreat -- master of all he surveys!
What a great location. And what great hosts. We were made to feel right at home from the minute we arrived.
Alas, all good things must come to an end, and, as the Wilsons prepared to attend Sunday services, Jean, Boris and I packed into the Westy and reluctantly headed north toward home.
But ....
We'll be ba-a-a-a-ck! |
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