VW Memories

I noticed these three VW vans parked at Prestonfield House this afternoon.

My father had two VW vans in succession back in the 60's/70's. They were fantasic fun and for a larger family extra practical as well. The second one we had was blue and white and featured the pop up roof to allow for more bed space. I loved the bench seat in the front and and formica topped table in the back. There were little curtains for the windows and I'm sure we had a tent attachment for the side as well.

In those days to meet another VW camper on the road was quite rare so you always got a wave or flash of the lights from the other lucky owners. Everything about the VW seemed exciting and different. To have a foreign car was something. To have one with a sliding door, beds and cooker was bohemian beyond words.

One of my strongest memories is of a drive up to Applecross in the West Highlands of Scotland. Anyone who has taken the old road up there will appreciate how dramatic and down right terrifying that road could be. Remembering looking out of the side windows at the sheer drops by the road can still bring up goosebumps.