Been Seen :: Web Article

Been Seen writes "California and the Volkswagen camper van, they go together like sun and surf. Throw a board on top and an ice chest inside, and you're all set for the quintessential West Coast road trip.

In fact, say the folks at Vintage Surfari Wagons, the VW bus is responsible for tickling the imagination of countless adventurers. You just jump in and go, travel slowly, and end up on the oddest adventures. As soon as you set out, they say, you'll be met by friendly waves, peace signs and shakas. And that, after all, is what California's all about. Peace, love and road trips."

What better way to check out U.C. Davis than in a VW bus!

Hi Bill and Diane!

Just wanted to drop you one more note to say THANK YOU! This trip was the most memorable, enjoyable, adorable, non-affordable trip ever! The boys are still talking about it with their friends and the pictures are priceless! I have better pictures than the one attached, but I think you get the idea when you see these kids smile (you can actually see their teeth!).

Again, thank you thank you thank you!

Wende

Taos :: Vera Bradley Photo Shoot, Mavericks

Okay, so here's another photo shoot using one of our green, original interior buses. Hmmm, this causes me to ponder that perhaps we should keep at least one of our buses in it's original condition? Since Honu Li'u's name [Tardy Turtle] reflects the color of the bus, it is the obvious choice to remain yummy avocado green and in original condition. Taos, the split pea green bus pictured here is soon to be transformed into a tangerine dream.

This particular shoot took place near Maverick's [well known surf spot near Half Moon Bay, close to San Francisco]. If you haven't heard of Vera Bradley they create "stylish quilted cotton luggage, handbags and accessories, the company combines smart product designs with distinctive and colorful fabrics and trims."

The photos from this shoot will be featured in Vera Bradley's upcoming 2010 fall catalog.

Corinne et Benoit :: St Jeannet, France :: Cali Coastal to San Francisco & Back

Corinne and Benoit came to visit from 'across the pond' as many of our guests do. This adventuresome twosome operate a charming boutique hotel with a twist in the south of France. The twist being they offer their guests a wonderful 4 day/3night sojourn... a customized personal tour of Sanit Jeannet and the surrounding area, complete with Corinne's handcrafted meals, using organic, local food products!


We are so looking forward to the day when we can sup at their table!

Corinne BENOIT et Benoit COUVREUR
The FrogS'House / L'Auberge des Baous
35 rue du saumalier
06640 St Jeannet
tél: 00 33 (0) 4.93.58.98.05
Mob : 06.28.06.80.28/06.28.06.80.29

Beth & Hilary :: Ottawa, Canada :: Desert Get-Away

Hey Bill,

I just sent you a link to some of my images.
I've also started to post about our trip.
Part one and two are up and I'll be updating with more posts over the weekend.

Thanks again - we really had an amazing time - a much needed get away. Hilary e-mailed me yesterday and the subject was "Missing Hale Pua already..."

I'm already thinking about when I want to return.

Cheers,
Beth

Sarah & Chris :: Minnesota

Hey Bill!

You beat me to the punch - been meaning to email you again to say thanks and send some pix. We have been talkin' up the turtle and the fine beaches of Cali. So yeah, thanks again!

Thanks so much for the great memories - and we definitely will look you up again if we're out that way. Maybe we'll see you in Hawaii!

Big Surfari fans,
Sarah & Chris

PS Say hi to Bleu for me!

Liz, Marshall & Kiddos :: Massachusetts

Hi Bill,

We had an amazing time, and (once I adjust to being back) I plan to document the journey thoroughly.
I took about 500 pictures, and a bit of video too. I attached my favorite shot of our son, who REALLY loved Eddie.

Everyone we encountered asked for a card, and loved the idea of renting a bus (and we have family in LA and SF).

If we get the trip into a blog, I will be sure to link to your site.

Thanks again, more to come.

Liz

The Kindt's Return Visit :: Christmas 2009

Hi Bill & Diane,

We arrived this morning at 8 am in Brussels. We had a wonderful holiday time in & with Honu Li'u. When I sorted the laundry & found a pillow cover from the VW bus. I will send it to you with the Swell Magazine where the story of our holiday last year was published "Californication". Patrick will send you next week some pictures of our last bus trip with the Honu Li'u so you can put them on your blog if you want.
Hope to see you again, in California (where we lost our heart) or in Belgium :-)

Gr, Bianca & family
The Kindt's, a family of 4 from Belgium, have spent Christmas in California for the past 2 years now, 2008 & 2009. They submitted their 2008 surf vacation story to Swell Magazine where it was published (see our VSW IN THE NEWS [PRESS] link [upper right of this page] to view the publication) in the fall of 2008. This awesome family runs a super cool business in Belgium where they teach/rent all sorts of water sports/equipment. Check out their site at TwinsClub.