2400km, Vancouver to Winnipeg

[windsong]

Well the new ride is finally home and I could not be more pleased! Flew out of WPG last Wednesday morning, with my Manitoba plates and registration in hand [check out the registration story re:muk138's thread] to be met by Mardy from AAI at the airport. Spent the morning with Mardy going over the van then spent the rest of the day tooling around Richmond getting used to the right-hand drive, which was no problem, then spent the evening sipping a few brews and gorging on fresh seafood. Next morning was met by Butch at CVI and spent a great morning chatting with him while he checked the van over and having blanking plates and a pyro installed. Back to AAI to load up on spares and then at about 3 in the afternoon headed for Hwy#1East and the trek through the mountains. Now at this point some well deserved thanks are in order, first to all you Deli folks who offered advice and encouragement during the waiting process, and a special thanks to Jessi, brewskie, and Big Bird for the emails, next kudos to Mardy for finding an incredibly clean and fully tricked out van, getting it here, and servicing it so thoroughly, next a big thanks to Butch for working me into his busy workload to check it over and sharing his knowledge and maintenance advice!
The drive through the mountains was a pleasure and uneventful, was pleasantly surprised at the power the L400 had in tackling the Hope -Princeton and the Crowsnest passes, with most of the mountain driving done at the speed limit+ in overdrive, taking the steep climes with the overdrive off and rarely falling below the speed limit. Now the real pleasure started when I got to the flatlands with the van purring along at 110+ at about 2500/2700 rpm's, and the great road view from the high [and incredibly comfortable] seating position. Now I've made this drive several time over the years in everything from sports cars to pickups and have to say the Delica was hands down the most enjoyable ride of them all! Life is good!!! Specs and more pics to follow.
PS: If your considering doing the Delica thing and want more details on the acquisition experience feel free to PM me for more details.

[Big-Bird]

So where are you tonight?