Hangin’ with Jim

At the start of the engine problems, Jim had answered Jason’s email to some of Portland area AIRS members…a group of VW folks that will come help anyone with in an air-cooled VW. How awesome is that? Anyway, Jim had answered and offered assistance. One area we needed help with was a diversion from car problems, so one evening during our engine-swap debacle he picked us up at the TriMet station downtown and took us out for dinner and drinks and a friendship was born.

Today, we met Jim around Tillamook for a cruise down the coast.  Not much here but dairy farms and cheesy tours, so we met at an undisclosed location out of town.   Jim was in the lead, and took us around to some of his favorite spots and some of the best off-the-beaten path places. A slow drive down the coast and getting farther away from Portland was just what we needed.

Along the way, we pulled over for a break and discovered a possible new Oregon rule.  Two VW’s will attract a third. A cool couple and their dog had driven from Denver for a few weeks R&R.  Nice folks – maybe we’ll see them in Colorado.  Pretty much every person we meet in a VW bus is our kind of people.

Down the coast, we camped on a small island with a great view, lots of white herons and a couple other VW vans.  70’s, 80’s and 90’s.  More interesting folk.  We met yet another cool couple, from Canada via Berlin, who were out for a few weeks drive down the coast with a three year-old and 4-month old.  Bode and the girl ran around all morning and the grown-ups toured all the VW vans and exchanged contact info.  We now have people to visit in B.C.  Things just keep getting better.

After a lazy morning and afternoon on the coast, we made our way back to Portland.

With no other major plans and an offer to camp in another backyard, the choice was obvious.  Jim’s in landscaping, and his home and yard were absolutely beautiful. 2.5 acres of gardens and hills for Bode to roll down. The 4 cats gave us a temporary reprieve from Bode’s requests to go back to Moe’s and drive the streets of Paris. Plus, we have a photo of Bode and a cat on a leash.