KalitheCamper
Lifetime VIP Member
Wave or not to wave? That is the question.
For over a decade and more we have been driving some kind of VW camper, always converted (by us) vans until we purchased our California. For all of those years we have returned many waves, instigated many, and waved to some with no response. We don’t wave to any VW van (but return all waves), we keep our ours peeled for van-lifers. The fun in this is, again, not waving at any camper, visually hunting for evidence of like minded people. Those people that, like us, are not simply fans of the badge, the badge is just there, it is a path, a hobby, a way of life. (They can be spotted, the clues are there.)
We buy the brand because VW is the king of the road when it comes to reliability. There will be nay-sayers at this remark, but that is why we (wife and I) choose the badge, based on our experience they are easy to convert and most comfortable and reliable over time. Not because we want to be ‘dubbers’. However, it is a benefit that there is the huge club to be part of, and it is great fun to be a part of.
But no, we wave in acknowledgement of what we believe to be like minded people, following a passion to be outdoors. A passion to experience life, places and move on to the next adventure at will. Our vans, and now our California are not motorhomes, not a caravan. We rarely book a site (more fun to find one on the fly), and never spend that long anywhere that we are ‘ready to go home’. The camper gives freedom to sleep almost anywhere, to easily explore locally, ignore height restrictions, and to move around at will. Seeking, discovering, in an almost unique way. Then move on. It’s like freedom.
Over time, and since Covid, the number of campervans has doubled easily.
A lot of people buying just for the badge, and using the vans for their get away to the usual destinations for their week or 2 week holiday, less travelling - more camping (just posher than a tent ). My opinion.
I wonder if the middle class take over of camp sites and less van-lifers is the reason the wave is becoming less frequent? I don’t know, it’s my theory only. I mean, in all of this, it may just be sociable people wave and unsociable don’t - nothing to do with like minded life style. But when travelling before Covid, once parked, people would stroll over and chat about vans, adventures, and what next - not so much now. That makes me think, lifestyle.
For now, I still try to seek out those wavers. The wife, less so. Is it dying out? that kinship?
To wave, or not to wave? That is the continued question.
For over a decade and more we have been driving some kind of VW camper, always converted (by us) vans until we purchased our California. For all of those years we have returned many waves, instigated many, and waved to some with no response. We don’t wave to any VW van (but return all waves), we keep our ours peeled for van-lifers. The fun in this is, again, not waving at any camper, visually hunting for evidence of like minded people. Those people that, like us, are not simply fans of the badge, the badge is just there, it is a path, a hobby, a way of life. (They can be spotted, the clues are there.)
We buy the brand because VW is the king of the road when it comes to reliability. There will be nay-sayers at this remark, but that is why we (wife and I) choose the badge, based on our experience they are easy to convert and most comfortable and reliable over time. Not because we want to be ‘dubbers’. However, it is a benefit that there is the huge club to be part of, and it is great fun to be a part of.
But no, we wave in acknowledgement of what we believe to be like minded people, following a passion to be outdoors. A passion to experience life, places and move on to the next adventure at will. Our vans, and now our California are not motorhomes, not a caravan. We rarely book a site (more fun to find one on the fly), and never spend that long anywhere that we are ‘ready to go home’. The camper gives freedom to sleep almost anywhere, to easily explore locally, ignore height restrictions, and to move around at will. Seeking, discovering, in an almost unique way. Then move on. It’s like freedom.
Over time, and since Covid, the number of campervans has doubled easily.
A lot of people buying just for the badge, and using the vans for their get away to the usual destinations for their week or 2 week holiday, less travelling - more camping (just posher than a tent ). My opinion.
I wonder if the middle class take over of camp sites and less van-lifers is the reason the wave is becoming less frequent? I don’t know, it’s my theory only. I mean, in all of this, it may just be sociable people wave and unsociable don’t - nothing to do with like minded life style. But when travelling before Covid, once parked, people would stroll over and chat about vans, adventures, and what next - not so much now. That makes me think, lifestyle.
For now, I still try to seek out those wavers. The wife, less so. Is it dying out? that kinship?
To wave, or not to wave? That is the continued question.
.
Even from a PUG
