I'd read so many threads and discussions about snapped studs, bolts on the WBX, that I assumed I'd encounter at least one during todays foray into cooling system re-hab. So far, so good. Lucky, yes, in that this engine may truly have low miles and likely hasn't been exposed to harsh environments like one sees back east, but I took my time and used lots of penetrating fluid. Ironically, the parts really aren't in that bad of condition. Like the pump doesn't appear to have interfered with the block much if at all. But. I want piece of mind for however long I run this engine and would like to make the engine more sale-able when it's time for an engine conversion.

All in all, a good day. Rad is out, fan housing is painted, coolant is mostly drained, pump is out. I'm still torn on whether or not to replace 2 metal pipes at engine but we'll see. And since the thermostat housing is still on, am crossing my fingers that the fasteners on that part won't snap!

And so the adventure begins. Recently landed $1200+ USD of parts from my buddies at van-cafe. Had hoped for two cookies with this large order, but given the excellent tight packing they did, maybe there was only room for one cookie.    ;)

New rad, hoses, stainless long pipes, heater hoses + new metal "T's", possible fuel tank reseal, (it's ok but will do sooner than later) coolant pump (not shown), etc. The engine runs ok as-is but am doing preemptive maintenance "strikes" along with needed maintenance. All this will help should I sell this rig or keep it and swap in a Mk3/4 2.0 engine. The WBX would then be more easily sold .... I think. Selling Jaco my '81 may be an option, we'll see. Speaking of Jaco....

Went for my usual walk at Spanish Banks area. Spied another Assuan Brown bus so just HAD to park near it. Shortly after, another one showed up! What are the chances!  (oh, pretty good around Vancouver). I protected the innocent by copy-pasting their dogs face on them. Just 'splaining in case they look weird.

Apartment living is turning out "ok" for the most part. One learns patterns of folks in neighbouring units, (noise) and does what they can to adapt. My goal was to find a place and garage that fell within a reasonable monthly amount. I've done this. But it's all a "give and take" right? "no free lunch!".    ;)   The apartment is decent value but the location is noisier than some.

Part of my "madness and method" was to force myself to get out more. I've always worked from my home. But now, with gigs on the back burner (or in the compost really), I'm leading a more normal lifestyle. A smaller, potentially noisy space forces me to be outside more and this is what I'm doing. When I have both Westies up to snuff (it seems every repair is a restoration of sorts), I'll be away on weekends as often as possible.

Apartment living. Oh, how I'd forgotten you! Well, I had not actually lived in an apartment prior to this but did live in a basement suite and townhome suite in like 1985. Nothing has changed? Sold the home, moved, now am on a small learning curve about apartment life. Simple things that one took for granted living in a house, are no longer. Or at the very least, they've changed.

Moving day(s). Except for the "junk", moved everything by myself, in my Westy. I had the time, and vehicle, so figured I'd save a few bucks but more importantly, gauge just how much is involved in doing this and determine what stuff I'd keep or unload. eg as much as I like my grandparents dining room table and eight #@*% chairs, they may have to go; I want to be as mobile as possible.

Yes. A sousaphone and case will fit.  (it too needs to go)

Felt only a little bad dumping the nice door skin wood, lawnmower etc. but this company prides itself on donating what it can to charity. Besides. I'd donated a LOT of stuff to my favourite local charity and given away nearly as much via craigs list.

The bottom line with apartment living it seems, and something that's always bugged me, is noise. So far, I'm experiencing what is likely a normal amount of noise; low hum of voices in suite above me, clunks, clanks, foot steps. But thankfully, people seem respectful of quiet time. But the traffic. Shit. I had no idea. I knew there was a bus stop out front, that the street was fairly busy, anticipated potential noise as much as possible, but stupid people with loud exhausts or motorcycles with same, (or just smelly 2 cycles), make things un-fun. I now sleep with one ear plugged. Am hoping I get used to the noise but waking up 6 times a night is not cool. The new Ikea arm chair bed may not be helping but it may be temporary.

On the plus side of life, things seem to be according to plan. I rented a garage (shop space. More stuff has been added, including the slate blue Westy)

then found this apartment not too far from it. It's about 1.5 miles or less so within walking distance. One of my first projects is to rehab my bicycle. The apartment is good value overall. Decent sq. ft. for dollar, has elevator, I'm much closer to the US border, there's suitable shops and businesses not far away and street parking is fairly easy with no posted limits. This bodes well for the man owning 2 Westies and Honda DD.  ;)

I'm happy I sold and have little to no "sellers remorse". At this point in my life, I can pretty much choose any path I want. But as ridiculous as this may sound, (and to misquote a good family friend), the current goal is to learn how to "spend" the rest of my life.

Apologies for posting before editing.

Snowlar Power

Yup. The latest project.  ;)

Yes, this shows a funny dichotomy, but clearing snow off the panel is something one has to be aware of. And a responsible car owner would clear off their car roof regardless. Right? In past years I'd not used my Westy as a daily driver, but even light snow fall on a Westy is an added workout beyond that required to clear off the Honda.

It hasn't snowed that much here in the GVRD but truth be known, while somewhat better in the snow, the Nokian 14" studdable tires I installed weren't a huge improvement over the mud & snow Yokohama's. Granted, I've only done limited testing, all of which was done in my hill riddled neighbourhood. That said, they are an improvement and as a Syncro owner pointed out, airing down the tires might help.

Things have been slow business-wise, but this isn't an issue per se. For some time now, I've been acting out my intentions of quitting the music business and have planned accordingly. But. As anyone in this business knows, quitting is not easy. Even the level of dedication required to wait and watch for the phone to ring, is something to get past.    ;)   Seriously though. The phone can ring at any time, possibly for a (youtube) great gig. (Yes. I'm in there somewhere.  :)  Oh wait. Here I am!  ). As you turn down more gigs, you start falling down "the list". And if you stop playing altogether, your skill set loss increases exponentially over time; getting back into the business becomes really tough. But, I understand and accept that this is all business as usual. That said, contractors have been quite faithful to me in spite of me teetering on the edge of "retirement". This has been greatly appreciated. Anyhow. I have worked hard, been as (youtube) "smrt" smart  as I could, and hope to reap the rewards. We'll see.

The music business, and whatever art I contributed, was hard work most of the time, but it certainly had some highlights. There were others of that ilk  and live performances with great artists that were equally as important to me or more so, but those opportunities have long since subsided. Great memories though.

My trend seems to be "do it or lose it" these days. With a family member's sudden health issue at the forefront of my mind, I am slowly changing my ways and trying to "do" instead of "think". I find this a challenge. Hollywood would have us believe that any time this kind of thing happens, we are immediately transformed into a "bucket list" individual who will take action. Sadly, I believe this isn't anywhere near accurate and it usually takes a health issue to strike an individual before they take action with their lives.

Small steps work. We always have a choice. Choose wisely.    :)

Just a quick note. Enjoyed a 1 week trip through WA. Short on details, but some pics and stuff here:  WA Trip: Glamping and exploring

Give'n it away. Give'n it all away!

Feels good.

Today a young woman with an Orange '79 Bay Westy came over and picked up two Westy rear foams I had kicking around. I didn't realize the Bay Bus had such thin foam for a bed! These should help her I hope.

I've used CL to unload a nice Weber propane BBQ, (worked fine, was uber dirty. You CAN'T believe now many answered THAT ad), Vanagon parts. Golf clubs/bag/cart, (well, I did keep a few clubs ;) dishes, excess knife/fork/spoons, plates, books, etc. went to Sally Ann. I'm sure there's more I've forgotten about. And, there's more to go yet.

So far, I miss none of these things. NONE.

What prompts the need to downsize? Demise of ones parents? Being single? Turning 50? Dunno. I DO know that I've had this "itch" for some time.

Life is short enough as it is. Why go around overloaded with crap? Every time I go on a trip in my Westy, I'm reminded of how little I (and really, the "royal we"), need.

If I were to quit the music business, I'd be down to tools, vans, parts, clothes, computer, some CD's and a smattering of kitchen stuff. Seriously!

I'm still tempted to try FT in my Westy. OTOH, that fargin thing busted its' exhaust again. Sheeeeit. Welding time! I'll get that figured out. Thing is, I really like having the space to do that shit. I would REALLY miss that.

As far as I'm concerned, it was a "win-win" no matter what!

No, I didn't win the audition. But. Of 18 that showed up to play, I was 1 of 5 to make it to the second round of auditions. Basically I looked at all this as a camping trip with an audition in the middle. This took pressure off, made the whole event quite enjoyable and in part, possibly helped my performance as a result.

1st camp: Klipchuck. Water was off so no fees charged! Nice clean typical FS pit toilets and quiet save for road traffic to nearby trail head though that was minimal. Deer roamed free and near, my good friend the Big Dipper was visible through the tree canopy, a great fire was had and I saw a fellow Westy en route!

2nd night: Pitch And Bowler, Nine Mile Rec area. Nice but popular so not a lot of privacy or room between sites. But it has showers, is 4 miles or so from Spokane so this fit my needs. Unfortunately some spots showed tags for the weekend but the campers didn't show up. My spot was "ok" but I could have had a slightly better one.

Up before 7 AM alarm, broke camp and went to work.

Last night: Spring Canyon camp ground near the Coulee dam. Another excellent night!

No regrets. Had a great time. Weather was awesome, beers and fires were had, mileage great (at 60 MPH or less) van ran great save for some fierce cross winds near Hope BC. But that isn't really the van's fault!



Token mountain shots.