MaxLifeOut: 2015 Feb: Wet Westies at Deception Pass

Packed up and ready we headed out on Friday night to join the Wet Westies at Deception Pass State Park. As we headed down the road I let work stresses drain away and handed control over to Benny our faithful 1985 VW westfalia letting him and the road calm my active mind with the promise of good times to come.

Being so early in the year the only camp ground open was on the opposite side of the road. Sarah and I were both curious about it having not camped there before and to be honest I did not know it was there.

We had booked earlier in the week as sites were filling up quickly as it seemed that only a few were available. Soon after arriving Larry the organizer emailed letting everyone know that 30 more sites were available on a first come first serve basis. This was good news for those who wanted to move to be closer to friends or had not booked.

Before heading to camp we stopped off by the sea to walk the girls and take in one of our favorite spots. Candy is still not allowed to run as her leg heals but we could not deny her a walk on the beach. After a snack and with lungs full of sea air we headed over the road and pitched in for the night. With the propex heater running Benny was soon nice a warm and just perfect for dinner, a read and an episode of counting cars before bed. There is nothing quite like a nights sleep in Benny. We always seem to sleep better.

Saturday saw the arrival of many more vans and soon doubling up was necessary as even with the 30 first come first serve sites the camp ground was full to capacity with a scout group and many others that were taking advantage of the beautiful February weather. With so many campers and so few facilities open due to being early in the season, and did I mention a scout group, you can imagine the state of the wash rooms, on second thoughts don't. We were glad to have small luxuries such as a Porta Potty and the new poop in a bag seat. I know, I know not exactly polite conversation but for us campers that don't want to use a toilet that looks like a bomb has gone off in it or be forced to use a vault toilet or dig a hole in the ground (not at a state park please) the $16 poop in a bag seat is a life saver. Oh and pooping in the Porta potty in our van is a no no. Number ones strictly enforced.

With so many vans moving sites and doubling up it was not long before Mr Ranger man showed up to check on proceedings. There was a little confusion regarding permission to double up but thankfully he was not a by the book kind of guy and helped sort it all out so no one was dragged kicking a screaming from the park.

I want to thank Larry our host for organizing the event. It was great to see everyone and hang out. Andrew shared a story of his time in Italy that made me want to ship our van over tomorrow and start an adventure. It was fun to see Curt with his new drone, boy that thing goes high. The fun was sadly short lived as Curt told me Mr Ranger showed up and informed him that drones are no longer legal in state parks.

Later everyone looked to be having a great time at the pot luck. For those curious we do not participate as we eat a paleo diet and without knowing all the ingredients it is easier to join the fun at the fire afterwards. If anyone is interested in a paleo pot luck let us know and we would be happy to participate. Oh and if you are curious about changing your diet we are happy to share our journey if it helps inspire you.

After a great time catching up around the camp fire we headed back to Benny for another restful night.

Benny and New Stuff

As a VW vanagon owner you learn there personality and there is always something to do either new or unexpected. This trip was no exception. When we popped the top we were surprised to find small spots of mold especially since the roof was replaced last year. At first we put it down to one of those things but then on closer inspection the seam at the back has come away and there is damp all along the rear roof line and in the seam at the side. Looks like a trip back to the shop.

Taking advantage of the nice weather I replaced a 12v outlet that has been troublesome especially when we travel with our ARB fridge. Yup it was a 10 minute job that only took 15 minutes, I call that a win.

Lastly we tested out a new solar battery charger. It worked well charging both my phone and tablet. At the start of the day it had 2 of 4 bars lit up, after leaving it out all day the indicator showed it charging but by the end of the day still 2 bars. More testing needed but I was a little disappointed. Still it got the job done and can be charged from shore power.

Photos

I could not close a Wet Westies campout post without shots of all the cool vans in there natural habitat :)