At Long Last…
Adventure, Blue Shoe Photography, Travel
Proof Positive:
38 Year Old Volkswagen’s DON’T Float!!
So… When they were new, Bug’s could float… For a little while.
But after 38+ years of driving, rusting, and just generally becoming OLD,
I have PROOF that they simply don’t float at ALL any more.
(Which might be a good thing, or I’d probably have lost her forever!)
Wait a second, I’m getting ahead of myself again 
______________________________________________________
Day Two: Breakfast, Murals, Freakouts,
and a Small Touch of Insanity
______________________________________________________
I woke up at a “Reasonable Hour” the sun beating down on me as I lay
outside by the Bug, near the entrance to a State Park (remind me to tell
you all the stories of the places I TRIED to sleep sometime).
After packing things up as well as I could, I swiftly set off to the North,
seeking coffee and breakfast. 40 miles later, I encountered the lovely
little town of Lompoc and my nifty Google Phone told me that there
was a coffee shop just South of my location.
“Southside Coffee”
After eating a ridiculously tasty bagel sandwich and beginning my mondo
size (quad) cappuccino I set out for a bit of a walk about to see what the town
had to offer… And did it ever offer!
They’re KNOWN for their murals there, DOZENS of them… Here are just a
few images, I haven’t taken the time to stitch any thus far, so you’re getting
them just about as raw as can be, I just want to share a bit of the feel Lompoc
has 
Tributes to Troops…
Mural-In-A-Day!
(Apparently they have an annual contest for best mural in a day… Pretty Rad!)
A Bit of Lompoc History
(This was part of a laaaaaarge piece illustrating the story)
Such a beautiful street…
A Castle Inspired Church Is Always Nice…
*Time Warp*
Let me jump back about an hour… As I made my way toward Lompoc,
I encountered some BEAUTIFUL countryside… So, I took pictures of course
*Back To The Future*
After leaving Lompoc, I continued making my way up Hwy 101 past Vandeberg
Airforce Base, and onward to Hwy 1 and the Coast.
“Oil Is My Blood”
I popped into a little gas station for fuel, and to top off my ever needy oil tank
(these silly Volkswagen’s LOVE their oil, haha). While there, I met a young guy
driving an old Mustang who offered some funny comments, compliments, and
advice on where I should head to surf in the area.
That’s where things started to go wrong….
As I descended down the toward the ocean, I ecstatically spotted some
GORGEOUS dunes in the distance… I looked down at my phone and noticed
that they were in an area called “Pismo Beach State Park”.
Sweeet (Or Not)
See, I invested in an annual State Park pass earlier this year so I didn’t have
any excuses not to surf my favorite locations… This makes for a great thing
when you’re traveling and want to check out what the State deems beautiful
enough to be cared for, and a terrible thing when those locations deem it
necessary to do their best to destroy your trip.
This might well be my longest post ever.
There’s so much left to tell!
Above is one of my famous, expert graphs to show what the situation was.
Remember the one from my telephone pole motorcycle accident?
(It’s a bit of a prettier one, isn’t it?)
“The Shot”
…And this is where it gets interesting.
See that picture up there? That’s where it began.
I’m standing there, taking that picture… My car is parked a whopping
300′+ from the water and the largest wave that reached us is this one:
See that?
It’s a monster isn’t it? One entire half inch…
And if you know me at all, you know a bit of how my mind works.
The moment I saw that itty bitty little wave, I quickly calculated
the figures that mattered.
My car could easily withstand 12-15 of those itty waves before there
would even have a WORRY about getting stuck.
See, when a wave comes up, it washes away a little bit of the dirt
beneath the tires… So if my estimations were correct (and I have no
reason to doubt them, I had NOTHING to worry about at all.
Ya’ Right.
Moments after those photos were taken, I went to change my aperture
from F1.4 to F11 or so to capture the image in just a bit of a different manner.
The next thing I knew, I heard a crash… I jumped and looked up just as
a 3 FOOT TALL WAVE *SMASHED* into my Bug!
In case you haven’t noticed, my car is barely more than the size of a child’s
toy, so 3′ of water means that water was POURING into my passenger side
window (which is of course, where my laptop and camera gear were hanging out).
I sprinted… Or more accurately SLOGGED my way to the car; carefully
holding my camera above my head as I charged through the surf, desperate
to save my car, my lenses, and my laptop.
It seemed like it took me eternity to reach my car, I was soaked more than halfway
up my legs and that water was COLD!
When I finally got to the car I grabbed the door and pulled… Somehow knowing
that was a mistake. As I opened the door, water poured in… But there was already
6″ or so inside… I guess I forgot the holes in the floor board.
There was NO WAY that baby was going to float!
Desperate, I tried to start her.
No dice.
In my flying days I used to ferry light aircraft all over the country, and I’d alway
keep a can of ether / starting fluid “just in case” so I did the same thing on this
trip… Again, NO DICE.
I quickly rolled up the windows, grabbed my camera bag and computer, then made
a mad dash up toward the dry sand mark (and just a bit beyond it, for safety’s sake).
Then, I took off… 1/4 mile flat out.
Running like the friggin’ wind, through deep, silty sand
and in soaked jeans… I must have looked like an idiot, but at
that point my adreneline level was so high I could do nothing but
try my best not to fall and continue rushing on.
My goal? To reach the entrance to the State Park where I’d had a great conversation
with the ranger, just minutes before… He’d loved my car and thought I was crazy
for attempting such a long trip.
Now though, he was a JERK.
“I need a rope, a chain, SOMETHING to tow my car!” I said… He replied
deftly “I can’t help with that” ………… I stood there a bit shocked and asked again.
After another brief eternity, he gave me the card for a tow truck driving based about
15 minutes away.
I nearly slapped him in the face.
Surrounding us, EVERYWHERE were people driving big trucks.
I mean this is friggin’ Pismo Beach! ALL I needed was a rope or a chain, lol.
I took off again, running over to an ATV rental spot that ALSO looked at
me like I was crazy… Stalled, and then after about 90 seconds of watching
me squirm admitted to having a tow strap they could sell me.
2 minutes later and thanks to a very kind soul with a sweet Avalanche, I was
outta there… The car had filled with water up to the tops of the seat cushions
but somehow, nearly all my gear was safe and dry.
My Next 6 Hours…
Were spent right there on that street…
Covered in grease and desperately trying to make her run.
Others joined in, and after trying every possible way of wiring,
testing out spark plugs, and making sure water hadn’t made it’s way
into the block we finally got her running again.
VERY POORLY.
But then, with an engine bay that looked like this one, what can you expect?
This story continues on… Back firing and lurching to Napa Auto Parts, then on
to a mechanic who helped set the timing… Then further lurching and back firing
to where I finally slept (VERY WELL) on a cliff, overlooking the Ocean.
But this post has gone on long enough… And the adventure is outside my motel
door, desperately urging me to get on the road and head North!
And so I’ll leave you… With a poorly running Bug, barely saved from the Ocean
and somewhere North of Pismo Beach, CA with a very, VERY tired Eric at the
wheel… There is so much more to share… But that will come in the next post
November 26th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I’m lovin’ all these photo/story telling posts…Eric is back!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Great images as always.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
This is such a great post…I loved the floating VW video and was interested in the price $1990…..just add another 0 at least for the current bugs…….
November 26th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
can’t wait, can’t wait….
My bug floated for a little while. Had steam and water finally going through the heaters…then it came in….
November 26th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Oh, you…..forever promising and then leaving us on a cliff…..
November 26th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
gosh AGAIN?!?!?!?!?! the anticipation!!!!!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I know! I know!…..hehehehehe….
November 26th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
well, you are pretty pro and getting us to come back for more…
November 26th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Cliff hanger again?!? -shakes fist in the air-…heh.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
ohhhhhhhhhhhhh no you didn’t just leave everyone with a cliff hanger…better be good!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Great photos but you are leaving your buds hanging man!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
nice pics!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
yes, I heard there was an advertisment that VW float in a magazine after Kennedy (Edward) lost the secretary at Chippaqui(spelling) I look at the old 70 magazines looking for that ad. I heard it’s a true ad but they yanked it after one month.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Your 10 part stories kill me with suspense! lol
I’m sorry you’ve had a rough time this trip, dear. I’m thinking of you.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Oh you are a tease…
I’m glad you weren’t sleeping in the car when it went under water.. that would have been worse. I’m looking forward to more!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I forgot… I am in love with the Back to the future shot… You have captured that -the road lies before you and who knows where it goes- feel. Love it.
November 26th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Yay! A continuation to the story!!! Whew, aren’t you glad God gave us adrenaline….and yes, my biggest questions past the bug were the equipment and the computer. Looking forward to the resolution of the story…but thanks for the addition. Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Wow…you were in a tight spot!!!! But the bug was in an even tighter one!!! Glad it had a happy ending. Never trust teh ocean! That is my philosophy!
November 26th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
What d’you mean you didn’t drive off a cliff whilst being chased by government agents?
You’re lucky to be kickin’ ass still bro. What with driving into lamp-posts and getting run over by planes, etc.
In his grip… >
-D
November 26th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Amazing story… Expertly told and photographed! Thanks so much for sharing : )
November 26th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Whoa man, very cool! I only wish I was there for the adventure! That’s a good engine either way…
November 26th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Hey Eric - I live in Pismo Beach actually Shell Beach which is the north part of Pismo - don’t know if the cliffs you mentioned were at Spyglass Park - 2 minutes from my house… lots of surfers there or by Dinosaur Park in Pismo…
Glad you got pulled out ok - those trucks tow out a lot of people - think that’s how they pay them off
Ocean 1 VW 0… Got to watch the Pacific… get those rogue waves often… you’re very lucky it was only 3′ one but it’s shallow there and easy slope… not like that where the cliffs are…
Tip use WD-40 to dry out ignition wires & distributor BTW WD stands for water displacement and it was the 40th try - originally designed (I heard) to spray on the missiles at Vandenberg AFB to keep them from rusting - couldn’t paint them as it added too much weight.
At least you got your VW out… my son-in-law left my daughter’s SUV running in the driveway of their cottage by Lake Palestine in Texas… the emergency brake didn’t hold and it rolled into the lake - right wheels caught the dock and flipped it over so it was totaled - I call it the sinking asset…
Glad you enjoyed the area here,
Rich Bingham
November 26th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Wow Eric….
So many thoughts, comments, questions running through my mind… but all I can say right now is WOW…
November 26th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Fun story. Nice to connect the dots to the sequence of events after that desperate twitter saying something like “holy.. I’ve sunk my bug!!” Described so well, I almost feel like I’m there (except I’m still warm and dry)
November 26th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I just knew it was Pismo Beach! I know it’s hard to see the humor now Eric. I hate people who tell me it’s gonna be all right. But, it’s gonna be all right. Remind me to tell you the story of the police, my van towed with Sara’s meds inside, and Pismo. You will have a happy Thanksgiving and a glorious trip. Happy, happy, joy, joy…
November 26th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
I loved this story Eric! Dang, what an adventure! Sooo glad your bug is at least still running. The photo of the bug on the ocean shore, though, is a very nice photo.
I didn’t know you had this website or I would of come here earlier. Dude, keep those photos coming… and the stories.
- Stephen
November 26th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Now i know why i had visions of you having a blue car,
my mind was obviously focusing on the blue ocean that would inevitably overcome your car.
Glad you are ok.
any damage to the interior stuff?
any plans to test whether macbooks float too?
take care
bryan Bliss
November 26th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
LOL…yeah, but unlike other cars…a VW bug is easy to fix when flooded with water. Most of the time is just drain everything out (oil and all)…wait for it to dry out overnight…put oil cap back on (with metal filter)…add oil…set timer…(check coil) and start. after a few minutes…it’d be dry and goin’ like a champ.
(do I speak with experience? hahahaha oh, yah)
November 26th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Eric… lovin’ the story, can’t wait for the rest!
November 26th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
You like leaving people hanging don’t you?! ha. But that was the part I really wanted to know, HOW it actually got that close to the water… but you had good reasonings - those pics of the bug with the water are brilliant! Glad you got it back up and running…
November 26th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
I know you don’t think this now - but that story is hilarious
What’s an adventure without adventure right? Glad you’re okay and that the bug is still running :). Those pictures of the bug on the beach are AMAZING though. Sometimes photographers have to suffer for their great shots right? Lol
November 26th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Soon the car will be all well, you’ll be on your way again, laughing as hard as the rest of us! Clearly you see some of the humor already, telling the story so well. Looking forward to the next installment!
November 26th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Ya always gotta push the line, don’t you Eric!
I think that’s the kewlest bug paint job I’ve ever seen.
I have a friend that is a bug nut… he’d have engine issues and just pull over on the highway, stick a jack under the engine, loosen one big nut and wheel the whole engine out from under the darn thing. He’d have it fixed and back into the body in a few minutes; to my amazement. Those are great little vehicles!
Keep up the pics… you’re crazy-talented with the camera and I love to “see with you” on your trip.
-N
November 26th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Hey Eric,
Now I get why you’re SO successful in IM. You’re a great story-teller! I love how you combine the verbal and visual together to draw your readers into your story. Well done. I hope the rest of your trip is less eventful than this day was. At least you got the shot
Warmly,
Felicia
November 26th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Hey mate,
I know there has to be an X Files ending in there, coming up?
Keep living life to the fullest!
Twenty Twenty
http://www.2020unleashed.com
November 26th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
BUMMMMERRRR!!
November 26th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
I think the pic of your buglet on the beach was totally worth it….well, almost!
November 26th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
What a great adventure! You are never one for living the dull life.
Of course I love the part about the sweet Avalanche…. I love mine!
November 26th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Cool trip Eric, thanks for letting us enjoy it with you. I had a green VW that used as much oil as gas, LOL! Have fun with yours and stay away from the waves, at least in the car.
Kim
November 28th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Look at it this way, Eric: This time it’s your CAR, not your LEG!
I don’t want to see your car hurt, but it’s still better than your leg or any other part of your anatomy.
And now I’ll prove I’m someone’s mom by saying “Don’t do that again!”
November 28th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Gortgeous shot of Bugsy on the beach…
but so not worth the stress and struggle!
Sure makes for another great Eric’s Adventures story,
and God was definitely watching over you, it could have been so much worse.
Btw Luv the graph!
Take care, and God bless….oh just heard thunder ouside. We’re getting some exciting weather down here in Laguna
November 28th, 2008 at 2:35 am
Eric,
“The Shot” is so impressive. Sorry it came at such a price. I am glad though that things worked out and she’s running again as well as not having any of your gear damaged. The shot with her and the sunset on the street of repair is also quite beautiful. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
-Timothy
November 28th, 2008 at 2:35 am
aw, your poor car! I *love* old VW Bugs, wish I could have one… and the paint job on yours is fantastic! \can’t believe it was nearly ruined… amazing photos, though, especially the ones the car’s in (and not just because of the car)!
~S
November 28th, 2008 at 2:36 am
that’s insane!!!! those moments trying to save your equipment and car must’ve been so crazy! thank god everything is okay!!!!!
November 28th, 2008 at 2:37 am
Wish you had a picture of it full of water….I know, I know, you were too busy trying to save her!
November 28th, 2008 at 2:40 am
This is the best story I’ve heard in a while…thanks for being willing to entertain at your own expense:)
November 28th, 2008 at 2:41 am
You do find a way to create adventures even where there might not normally be one don’t you. Too bad you didn’t have time to snap a shot of the waves going over your car.
Glad to hear that your laptop and camera equipment are ok. Hope the car dries out further. Enjoy the rest of your trip and don’t park so close to the water next time!
Brian
November 28th, 2008 at 2:42 am
beautiful car!
Beautiful pictures!
Thanks for sharing!
November 28th, 2008 at 2:42 am
dude, you’re AMAZING! i’m absolutely jealous of your many adventures . . . and the FANTASTIC pics you take of them to boot!
November 28th, 2008 at 2:45 am
How’s the car now? I understand it got you at least as far as Aptos! Take good care — of yourself, your car, and your camera equipment — and have a happy Thanksgiving!
November 28th, 2008 at 2:45 am
Really glad you got the bug running again. I was scared for a bit reading this.
November 28th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Man, your pics look awesome. You’re going to have to come do a shoot with the FAM and I… I like all the effects.
November 28th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I thought I had left you a comment before, but apparently, I was just imagining it!
Your adventures are a lot like mine when I travel. It appears that whenever I go somewhere it is not uneventful! I have never sunk a bug, however, so you are definitely treading new ground here. I see you brought the magic camera with you, so that you are able to keep us visually stimulated as your narrative takes us through the adventure!
If you ever travel through Florida, I volunteer to be your travel buddy, we could definitely make travel adventures worthy of keeping both of our blog readers on the edge of their seats!
I appreciate your sense of adventure and sense of humor as you remind us of the fun that can be had when we no longer have to worry where our next nickel is coming from! The adventures that entrepreneurs can go on after having accomplished the work with their products and websites and niches really are the best kind, as the only stress is that of the moment…
Keep on making the world a brighter place with your narrative and photography!
Micheal Savoie
http://twitter.com/michealsavoie
PS - Did you launch your new sales page product? Keep me posted my friend!
November 29th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
omg! Only YOU could have such a story to tell! Great pics… incredible story… glad you’re ok, that the equipment is ok, and that the bug WILL be ok. You are amazing, my friend!
Keep us posted!
December 1st, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Hey, if you get a chance stop by Carpinteria….my grandma used to live there, it’s a very cute town, the Spot burger place has been there for “Ever”, I’d love to see a pic of it, it’s on the corner of Dorrance Way and Linden Ave.? take care and be safe!
May 6th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
[...] actually… If you’ve been keeping up with me for a while, youprobably remember the “Epic Surf Trip” I took in my 1970 Volkswagen which beganin November [...]