One Year Ago, The Carbon Neutral Hippie Van
It was the middle of June 2006. When, full of fearless spirits after graduation, the vagabond Dave Holman and Jason (shaggy) Lord set out to travel the world in carbon neutrality… The Carbon Neutral hippie van was consummated. One crazy Idea on sunday afternoon lead to the the last minute e-bay score and a trip to Indiana to bring the carbon neutral baby home.
We had grand plans: a custom wood interior, see through veggie fuel tanks and emblems so big ICE T would be shamed. We were to travel the world (ok, well at least to Indiana) in carbon neutrality, burning the artery clogging juices of all fine fast food establishments along the way.
The project was full of potential, a Diesel 1983 Volkswagen Vanagon, that had been pre converted to run on veggie oil. Our seller’s 3rd carbon neutral vehicle. After an excellent welcome by our seller, we departed Indiana, with the aroma of french fries guiding us along.
Before the Illinois boarder, there came a shudder, all veggie was gone. Lacking any mobile filtrations, we quickly made the switch back to diesel with mearly a hiccup. The excitement grew into jubilation we realized that the we were flying at not just the 55 the indicated on the speedo, but 65, and yes even 75mph! Fists pumped into the air as we sailed by the convoy of semis and our our way to the lush land of Minnesota. The Vanagon was cursing through downtown Chicago, a Benz with wheels still spinning rolled up…”scobbe dobbe dooooo” was the call, “want to race” was the response from the shaggy looking Jason. The Benz won.. well actually I stalled the vanagon right at the start… clunk….
All was grand until a few arrow shots away from the badger capital, the vanagon was no more. Smoke billowed from the rear. A tow to the repair and a quote of $500 for a new water pump left us numb, but regaining our senses, we decided to push the van to a friends house (who luckily lived only a mile or two away)! Two failed rescue missions, lots of cussing at German engineers and a tow back to Minneapolis was all that was left for the Vanagon. Once in Minneapolis, the two explores tried time and again to repair the faltering engine timing, but only a sputter and billows of smoke were to come from the belly of the hippie van…. it was not to be…..
Oh but wait….Carbon Neutral Hippie Ride #2…..
is on its way.
