10 things I learned while on vacation (with my L300)

[Jensen]

1. L300's don't like going up the Coquihala Highway, not one bit.
2. Passing people is overrated
3. They don't call it Glacier national park for nothing, very chilly at night even in August (especially if it rains!).
4. It's difficult to hear a small child say something from the middle row seats of an L300 in a regular tone, like "I'm going to frow up" However, screaming comes in clear as a bell.
5. There are very few Delicas outside of BC (I base this off of living in the Lower Mainland, I see an average of 5 or so during my morning commute, but I didn't see a single one in Alberta).
6. Revelstoke is really nice now! Have lunch there, you won't be disappointed! Also they have an Esso station which has a diesel nozzle at every set of pumps. I met some nice lady's there with a camperized L300, I geeked out over their ride for a bit.
7. People outside of Vancouver will ask you alot of questions about your Delica whenever you stop.
8. Kids think L300's look cool and will shout that out when you drive through parking lots, makes you feel like a rockstar!
9. L300's don't like coming back over the Coquihala Highway, not one bit.
10. Driving all over BC and Alberta in an L300 is WAAAAAAAY more comfortable than in a Subaru.

[Profister]

Next time go via Kootenay Pass on Hwy 3 and you will remove the Coq from your list.

[Mbryant]

Thanks for the list it made me chuckle. In Ontario people do a double take every day when I drive around. Especially when I make a left turn at a traffic light.

[Jordan]

Next time go via Kootenay Pass on Hwy 3 and you will remove the Coq from your list.

My Deli is very familiar with the Kootenay pass. Tons of touring up there in the winter, hello 75km/hr.

[Super Exceeded]

Thanks for the chuckle.

I am currently refitting my Deli and will be insulating the Van to try and bring down the noise, as I feel your pain about not being able to hear your pax

[bigbird]

Ha! I was that kid projectile vomiting in the back of the family road trip mobile! Except instead of a Deli it was a giant Ford green woody wagon with seats all the way in the back....And a 460! Coquihala wasn't around then but I don't think it would have struggled with the pass.....More than likely ran out of gas!....And amen to highway 3!

[Jensen]

our first and last stops on the trip were a cabin near the summit of the Coqu, so skipping it wasn't an option. I'll throw some video of the drive up there on youtube as it's one of my first Deli off-road experiences.

[jaggedfish]

Jensen, I love your list and agree whole heartedly!
My last trip from the coast to Alberta (2 weeks ago), I decided to take the Duffy Lake Road route through Squeamish to Cache Creek (eventually). Had never taken the road before as I'd never had the opportunity and it was recommended by my neighbour in Sechelt... he neglected to tell me about The Hill... The Loooooong Hill

On our way into BC from our home in Calgary, we camped in Glacier at Illeciliwat (sp?) - yeah, cool, but a beautiful campsite and no campfire ban!

Had to laugh... my wife and I have practiced "The Look" of Albertans who have never seen a Delica... starts with a double-take, followed by the scrunching of one side of the face with head tilted to the opposite side of the scrunch then, finally, a smile and/or a wave. It's hillarious.

And finally, yes, lots of moments to geek out with inquisitive folks who wonder what they are, where they come from or who have seen one before and never had the chance to talk about it.

Just some of the reasons I love my Deli.

[Jensen]

Illeciliwat is where we stayed as well, did you check out the ruins of the old hotel and the old bridge? Cool stuff!

[jaggedfish]

Hey Jensen!
This time round we stopped there only as a lay-over on our way to our cabin on The Coast. Will definitely be going back again as that place holds fond memories from younger days and it is easy to get to from Calgary. Have seen the old rail bridge ruins - very cool - but didn't know there was a hotel as well. The bridge has stayed in my mind over the years. Was really impressed at the size... I believe it was the largest wooden trestle ever built... is that correct? A very nice campsite!

[bassnailer]

Thanks for the chuckle.

I am currently refitting my Deli and will be insulating the Van to try and bring down the noise, as I feel your pain about not being able to hear your pax

Interesting. Let us know how it goes. I have been thinking about doing the same thing.