Hi Jim and Richard.
This is like an old friend fading away.  I miss the chatter, but don't think it's due to less Vanagons, but more because folks moved to Facebook when there was trouble with the list and once migrated that's where they are staying.
For me, Facebook is not my thing, so I will continue to use the list whenever I see a post.  I hope that folks will notice list action and return.
In a couple of weeks, Diane and I are heading for the Smoky Mountains from the Boston area to do a couple of weeks camping and exploring.  We will continue to do things like this until I can't see well enough to drive and the bus is still operational.  Diane drives the Westy well but is not keen on driving 5 or 6 hours.
Good to hear from you 2.
Dave B.
    On Friday, May 15, 2026 at 03:55:42 PM EDT, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:   

  I agree, Jim.  Vanagon List is still worthy, mostly for the Archives.  As far as day to day chatter, this has been supplanted by Facebook.  Pictures and stuff.  Incredibly easy.  In the "old" days, it was typical to get about 25 emails every day; I used to warn new folks about this.  But plenty of familiar names and Vans on Facebook.  Vanagon Cafe in particular.
Rich  in San Diego
    On Friday, May 15, 2026 at 12:41:07 PM PDT, Jim Arnott <jr.arnott@gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 The list hasn’t had much traffic for months and months. Most of the traffic seems to have migrated to other platforms. Also, Vanagons themselves have become more rare. I used to see ‘some’ traveling. Now it’s exceedingly rare to see any at all. 

It often feels to me that the Vanagon List has had its day and that its sole reason for continuing might be the historical archives.

What do others think?

Jim Arnott
Vanagon List admin

> On May 14, 2026, at 2:10 AM, Mark McCulley <mark@MARKMCCULLEY.COM> wrote:
> 
> Just checking...see nothing in archives for this month.
> 
> MM