Taru's Story

It was April 1, 2014 — April Fools Day — when Zulu brought Taru home. Fitting, perhaps, that the van who would become the center of so many adventures arrived on a day dedicated to surprise and delight.

Taru is a 1976 Volkswagen Westfalia camper van, painted in an olive avocado green that perfectly captures her vintage soul. Her pop top — cream and tan, the color of the Angel Trumpet flowers growing in Zulu's yard — opens up to reveal a cozy sleeping space that has hosted countless nights under the stars.

For 11 years, Taru and Zulu have been inseparable. Weekend trips up the California coast. Camping in the Sierras. Visits to friends up and down the state. Taru has been everywhere, seen everything, and carried Zulu through every adventure with her characteristic reliability and charm.

Earlier this year, Taru got a gift: a complete engine rebuild by the experts at Peninsula Automotive. She runs like new — better than new, even. The rebuilt engine is ready to take on four weeks of American Southwest highways, mountain passes, and desert heat.

Her license plate says it all: TARUUUU. And the domain that hosts this very website? taruuuu.com, registered in 2015, because she deserved her own corner of the internet.

The Road Ahead

This summer marks Zulu's first big road trip since retirement — and the biggest adventure Taru has ever undertaken. Four to five weeks across California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado. Hot springs, national parks, red rock canyons, mountain towns.

She is immaculate. She is clearly very loved. And she is ready.