Editor's Note 12/99: I am pleased to say that a new company has taken up where Adventure Werks left off. VW Campers are now for rent out of Bellingham. See Cool Trails' "Bearings" page for a link to Northwest Campers VW Rental.
"I'm not looking forward to breaking camp," I said to my camping companion on the third rainy morning of our week-long trip around Vancouver Island. She was still sprawled in her sleeping bag. I assumed her reply, a muffled "Mmfff," indicated that no help would be forthcoming. So I put my coffee mug away, lowered the VW camper's pop-top, and started the engine. Within two minutes, we were off to explore for another day. Photo: Our rented VW camper, parked at Cumberland Lake, Vancouver Island, BC. The 1974 bus got about 16 mpg on all kinds of roads. It's not powerful or fast, but its high ground clearance made the logging roads easy. The built-in stove, icebox, sink, couch and beds gave us everything we needed. Drive-in campgrounds provided the restrooms and showers. This experience convinced me to buy my own 1981 VW camper bus, Mae Westfalia. (Mae West is quoted as saying, "When I have to choose between two evils, I always choose the one I haven't tried before." That's how I feel about roads and trails.) While this is a great expedition vehicle for two adults, I would not recommend planning more than a weekend with kids in a VW bus.About renting Volkswagen campers.
The Westfalia, in our week together, became more than a form of transportation. She was part of the team. Daily rainstorms didn't inconvenience us, because we could stop anyplace for a picnic, nap or meal, then move on easily. We arrived in camp after dark most days, and it was no big deal. The usual work of camping was so easy, it became a running joke.
VW Campers are now for rent out of Bellingham. See Cool Trails' "Bearings" page for a link to Northwest Campers VW Rental.