In the Summer of 2017 Bill Girvin traveled with his wife to Norway to visit a lifelong friend that he had known since he was 12 years old, Ron, who lives outside Oslo. Bill’s sons, who are avid outdoor enthusiast and love to hike, mentioned to him a trail in Norway which offered spectacular views of the fjords, called Trolltunga. Although the trail to Trolltunga is considered to be the most challenging in all of Norway, Bill promised to make every effort to take on the climb. The 22-kilometer, round-trip trail traverses through dark forest, across sinking mud bogs and ice flows to the high granite cliffs above the ancient Hardanger Kingdom. Each year thousands of people come to visit this destination, hoping to capture a memorable photo of themselves, recklessly standing or sitting on the tip of the tongue as it precariously dangles more than 2,300 feet up in thin air. The moment Bill stepped out onto the troll's tongue he became inspired and knew he had the perfect location for a great story!

During the 1970’s Bill Girvin traveled around the world going overland in a Volkswagen Van from Holland to India. Once in India he went the rest of the way home through Thailand, South Korea, Japan and eventually ended up once again back in California. “Yes, the world really is round,” said Bill, explaining how odd it felt to start in one direction and eventually end up in the same place never backtracking. The basis of the book, The Volkswagen Van, was taken in many parts from that journey going overland to India using the same route as mentioned in the novel. While some of the events in the book were true, much of the book was pure fiction. The character names were all changed and much of the storyline became part of Bill’s vivid imagination run wild. However, he does hope that the book may inspire others to seek a little more adventure in their lives. “In the end, it will all be worth it!” says Bill speaking of his love of travel.

Lucky’s real name is Coco, Bill’s faithful 7-pound toy poodle who is definitely a member of the family. Like most dog’s, Coco is loyal, loving and would do anything to protect Bill and his family. His four-footed friend never gives up and always seems capable of doing the impossible. When Bill first married they lived near Gibson Ranch County Park where the story is based. Those were memorable days, playing with his 120-pound chocolate colored Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Bear. Together they raced through the woods and dived into the water from the high banks of Gibson Creek. While Bear may have been much larger, Coco's heart has always been just as big. Yes, good things do come in little packages!