You know that it is a gathering of brethren where families and friends of the volks clan share their zest for life and passion for German engineering (and maybe a tuba tune or two...).
This event means alot to me as it came to me out of the ether. I stumbled into the first gathering having recently purchased a 1980 Vanagon (that I was concerned about because it had no radiator an relied on air to cool it.)
I met these great folk. You know them: Hambone, Tristessa, Ruckman, Deschutestrout. That first day: Mark hosted a great gathering. Hal showed me how to seat the valve cover gasket properly. Bob lent me his guitar to play at the open mike (he's a lefty don'tchyaknow). I can't tell you what Neal did, but it was nice...
I really didn't know much about VW's, but I have mechanical aptitude and hands on experience. I enjoyed the zen of wrenchin' and the community of folk I was meeting. I started hanging out here a few months later (right after what I hear described as the "stinkfoot rebellion"...) and met Colin through this screen.
Over the years I have come to appreciate Mr. Skeptics qualities on the screen, in the field, and between the lines. In my estimation, he is a good man following his passion (embracing his passion sounded funny, so I changed it..).
The folk have been genuine, and I have made some great friends.
I have been here with many of you as this venture has grown, was almost snuffed out, and carried on in a duck turned cow.. and an adjusted yet undiminished outlook. I have been witness to many acts of generosity and kindness through this mutual pursuit. People sharing and empowering each other in a unified effort to "figger it out" and "fix it up right". All around the experience has been enriching.
Ohhhhmmmmm......
Anyway, back to the mischief...
I have heard the term Guru tossed around with Colin's name. I have also heard that Mr. Skeptic chuckles at the inference.
I put together a little tableau using a pilfered photo of our departed friend, RW, taken by the master himself....(heh heh heh).
Have a look:
I placed my tongue in my cheek and ordered a dozen shirts and passed them out to some folk at the RendezVW. The plan was to wear them on Saturday morning and see how long it took for Colin to recognize his rig. And then how long it took for him to figger out WWCD.
Another level of the prank: "Disciples" were to ask Colin a vexing VW question to find out "What Would Colin Do?" from the man himself...and to listen intently while he answered...If you could work up some "awestruck", then good on ya.
Oh the joke was to be exquisite as the day wore on and the dawning came...
Well, best laid plans and all that.
The Road warrior was identified right away as Mr. Kellogg spotted his steed at 20 yards first thing in the morning.
No gradual awakening to the smattering of white "WWCD" shirts wandering about.
WWCD? Dunno, lets ask...
Funny thing is, is that this can be a serious consideration. I have wondered more than once this very thing.
And have also thought that I could ask and get some quality guidance from the swami or other "disciples".
heh heh...see what I did right there...
Not a guru, more of a brother in arms.
Admirable qualities.
Keen insight.
Cutoffs.
WWCD, indeed.
