Soledad Surprise

Marina, California, about 1982:


After our six months without any car, we purchased a used Volkswagen Pop top Camper (Van). It ran fine for the first couple of years, but then it began to give us trouble. When the engine wouldn't start, we'd push it to get it rolling and then pop the clutch. Other times, the engine overheated and we'd have to shut it down until it cooled.


One time we had traveled in the van to Southern California to visit with my parents. On the trip home we limped the car along Highway 101. When the engine became too hot, we pulled the car off the road. We slowly turned from the exit and drove down a small road, and finally stopped where the road ended.


Knowing we'd have to wait for the car to cool, we piled out of the car, spread a blanket, and munched on Oreo cookies. We tried to lighten the mood by cracking jokes.


As we sat there in good spirits, a man approached us. He told us we needed to move our car, that the people nearby were not known for good behavior. He announced we were on Soledad prison grounds! We had no idea! This was not a joke!


We grabbed our blanket and cookies, jumped into the car, and Tom turned the key, but the engine would not start. It was still too hot. Those that were able piled out of the car and pushed it back down the country road, glad to be safe.