On a sweltering July day, my friends and I embarked on a trip to Lake Moomaw in the Allegheny Highlands of Virginia.  Early in the afternoon, a creamy brown Volkswagon van pulled into Sam Baldwin’s driveway.  We heard the clumsy chug and rumble of its engine many yards away.  As the antique vehicle made its way toward the house, Sam and I saw the smiling, bright faces of our friends, Matt and Emily.  Within 15 minutes, everything was packed and we were on our way; Matt and Emily occupied the front seats while the rest of the group — Sam, Aidan, Liza, and me — fought for room and comfort in the crowded back seat area.

The interior of the van was unlike any I had seen before.  Lining the windows were vintage curtains.  Tie-dyed stickers in pyschedelic colors were placed haphazardly on the paneling.  Directly behind the passenger seat was a small sink, and beneath that was a miniature refrigerator of faded yellow.  The seating arrangements were exclusive to this vehicle.  In lieu of the common bucket and bench seat combination found in most vans was a small couch that faced a backless, armless chair.  Both of these were a deep green in color, and neither was uncomfortable in the least.  Situated in front of the stool-like chair was a table capable of folding out or hugging the mesh-curtained window.

As we pulled into the campground, it seemed as if the van had a sign placed on top stating that all nearby should stare in wonder.  The bulging eyes of every bystander were glued to the vehicle.  Despite the lingering eyes, we continued to make our way to the location that we had in mind.  The nearer we got to the site, the fewer people we saw.  However, once we arrived, the scene suddenly changed into one of frenzied activity.  In every corner of the area, people donning leather cowboy hats and bootcut jeans played volleyball, grilled hamburgers, and listened to country music.  We began to search anxiously for a spot to park our van.  Everyone in the vehicle sighed in relief when we noticed a beautiful, shaded, open area right next to the lake.