Buescher State Park; a night and day

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My neighbor and I both have very similar vanagons and decided to take the boys for a quick overnight to take advantage of the unseasonal cool weather we are having. It's likely to be the last one this year.

Drive home

I guess the boy didn't get enough sleep last night since he kinda passed out upright on the way home.
I told him to just lie down but he was insitant that he was going to sit up and not sleep.

Park tour via bicycle

So we brought the bikes and decided to take in the sites around the park.
There is a road that circles the lake with small, rolling hills perfect for the boys.
They had to stand on the pedals a couple of times but they really liked checking the place out and to make it even easier was the fact that there were absolutely NO cars. It was bliss taking up the whole road.
Here are a couple shots taken by myself and the boy:

Next Morning

We didn't arrive until the evening and barely got everything set up before we had to start cooking.
The night was chilly(30s) and for the first time, I got to actually use the stove in the van!!
I brought a pot for boiling water and an insulated french press to make coffee.
I also brought some pancake batter I made in a shaker bottle (the secret is a splash of pure vanilla extract).
Also, bacon..can't have breakfast without bacon!!
Here's a pretty sweet bacon turning action shot:

Camp set-up

I gotta say that it was pretty fun driving the vans down together. People knew we were trying to stay together and let us through with very little problem. We stopped at Buccees in Bastrop and more than one person took a picture of our vans.
I brought the walkie-talkies for the boys and though they did use them, Jason and I seemed to use them more.
Note to self: Maybe get a CB.

VIVA Big Bend, Baby!

This is the route we took. 405+ miles
More to come!
Going to Alpine for Viva Big bend

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Tigger Gave up - update

On the way back, about 30 miles from Fort Stockton, Tigger hiccupped and then died right about here:

Battery was ok, fuel filter was replaced, test for spark failed..maybe it's the coil.
Call for a tow to AutoZone in Fort Stockton and get a coil.
Coil replaced, still no spark.
Maybe it's the Ignition Contol Module

Nearest one is in Houston.
Lock up Tigger, take all expensive belongings and ride home(5hrs) with a friend.
Monday 5pm
Get the part and drive back to Fort Stockton.
Does it work? No.
Call wrecker service to put Tigger in their lot and get rest of stuff out to take home.
Tuesday 7am
Back home in time to make lunches for kids
Set up shipping through ShipMyVehicle.com
Van was back home at the mechanics shop by Thursday afternoon.
UPDATE:
So, when your van has lost spark, check these things:
Coil, Ignition Control Module, Distributor(cap and rotor), Hall Sender in distributor.
The problem was the Hall Sender in the distributor. I now have a new one as well as new coil and Ignition Control Module. I've saved the old ones and will carry them in the van so I have spares for myself or others in need that I may encounter.
I've got it timed and idle adjusted correctly and Tigger is running well.
I'm hoping to get a couple more nights in before the heat hits and I'll be gutting and cleaning him up both in and out.

Food Shark

I'm not sure what Food Shark is, but I liked the choice of vehicles used to represent this establishment.

Enjoying the van

On the last day we dicided to just hang out a bit at the van and laugh and watch Mark change his tire tube.
This is a shot from doing just that.
Thank you to those that made this trip so amazing and just fun!

The best eats and must visits in Big Bend area

So after spending the entire 4 day weekend in Alpine, Marfa and Marathon I was able to sample some of the best food I've had in a long time. All in the most unlikely of places.
These are the places I found and I know there are more, and I can't wait to return to try more.
So, without further ado check out the places and the food:

Best Day-after breakfast(Magoos - Alpine):


Best nicey/pricey dinner (The Gage - Marathon):
Six of us rolled in, got the full menu (pre-dinner shot, pre-dinner coctail, appetizer, entree with wine and desert or appertif) and walked out of there spending $100 each after tip.
I felt it was a bargain for the quality that was provided..so good.

One of the most yummy coctails and it's ingredients:

Best late night munchies run (Grilled Cheese Emporium - Marfa)
The place opens at 11pm to serve some of the most amazing grilled cheese sandwiches you will ever have..
I suggest getting the pulled pork one..simply devine and just what one wants after a day and evening of drinking.

I-10 Speed Limit

Tigger and those that ride in him thinks that this is just a suggestion or maybe something to strive towards when the terrain and winds are favoring a higher speed. This is not the speed to which a 1.9l with 300k+ miles loaded down with gear and guys will do. We were happy with our 65-70mph pace.

Tigger Set Up

We get to Alpine and instantly ready the van for sleeping as we know we will not want to do that after drinking. Snap a quick picture, get on the bikes and head out!

Coopers BBQ in Llano

As this was a foodie trip, I figured we'd start it all of at one of the best BBQ places in Texas.
I got the massive pork chop..didn't need the rib. But it was sooooo good.

Mobile Office

One of my buddies had to work a bit on the way down. And as you can see, the Vanagon makes this easy.

Load UP!!

Just me and a couple of friends, loading up in the van to head to Big Bend for some food and fun.