DELAYED DEPARTURE . . .

Today we pulled out a day and a half later than our original departure date. Sad unforeseen circumstances kept us from leaving on time.  

Since it was a late start we decided we would only drive to Stephen Foster State Park in White Springs, FL. It's a Tuesday. No holiday. No need for a reservation. Upon our arrival we were told that the park campground was closed all week for a festival. WHAT? REALLY?

The only choice we had was to continue our journey north. After landing in Jennings, FL at the Jennings Outdoor Resort we got settled in and I began to notice a few things. First we are located really close to I-75. The traffic noise is a little loud but by the time we go to bed and turn on the AC all that noise will be drowned out. Then I saw the Fireworks Super Center just about 120 yards away on property. Woo-hoo I can go walk over and pick up a few commemorative fireworks. But then I noticed the place across the street from it. The Fireworks Warehouse . . . It would be located about 50 feet next to the Exxon. Is there something wrong with this picture? Oh ... is that barbwire around the campground I'm in? Should I be concerned? Ahhhh ... Maybe that's why there isn't any fire rings in this campground!

RIP . . . Lt. Manning. All of your brothers and sisters at KFD love you and will never forget you. 

A FEW EASY PROJECTS . . .

NEW FOLDING PORTABLE DECK

Through out the year Tim and I are camped in a few places that we can not use a rug or in an area that just has bad drainage and possible mud issues if it rains. So to help in these situations Tim got the idea from our friend Rich to build a deck. Tim designed this new deck so that it folds in half and can easily fit under his tool box in the bed of his truck. We have used it once giving it a trial run back in March while we were boondocked in a grassy wet softball field. The deck worked out fantastic giving us a dry place to kick off all the mud and wet grass. It was mainly built keeping the field at the Airstream factory in mind during Alumapalooza. So it's main test is yet to come.

Another little project we did was to paint the interior AC shroud. Unlike the one on the exterior of the Airstream this one was not brittle. It had just severely yellowed over the years. So I thought that if I had used spray paint made for plastic to spiff up some plastic Adirondack chairs at the house that turned out great. Why not on this AC shroud?

While the cover was off it gave us a chance to do a little house cleaning.

The freshly painted AC shroud back in place looks sparkly clean now. No more dingy yellow. For $5 this project can't be beat. You would never know, even if I pointed it out, that it has been repainted. This was a great little project that added to the refreshing of the interior of the Airstream.

THE REVEAL . . .

 OLD ORIGINAL FADED DINETTE CUSHIONS

YES!!! I finished the dinette cushions last week. First I had to find and order the new foam cushions.  I thought I would do this but then after deciding to get the bottom cushions length cut on a radius to fit the curve of the bench . . . I decided to let a professional take care of that. Getting the total overall measurements and perfect radius cuts were very important. This was done back in March. I only had a few pictures of what is currently done in the new models to go by. The foam I ordered online thru a custom cut business. Once I knew what I wanted I drew a layout with measurements and mailed them all the radius templates that I made. They did a fantastic job and my end results were way cheaper than trying to get this done through the factory or a local professional. Then the big deal was finding a good quality upholstery fabric that both Tim and I agreed on. However the biggest obstacle to overcome was to actually sew the material but I did it. The finished cushions are so nice!!! With just the few interior changes that have recently been done I don't feel like I'm in my Airstream.

I will be at the Airstream factory in a few weeks. Knowing the time, effort, hard work and skill I have put into this Airstream interior I'm sure I will need to keep this all quiet while there. Airstream will be knocking at the door wanting to hire me . . . I just know it. LOL

                                                                                   NEW FOAM WRAPPED IN DACRON

 NEW FINISHED DINETTE CUSHIONS

Tim and I still have a few things to get done prior to our departure. We plan on departing around the beginning of next week. We will take a few extra days getting to Ohio and hope to arrive in the Terra Port at the Airstream factory by the Memorial Day weekend. That's when all the fun will begin to get the field prepped for ALUMAPALOOZA!!!

WHAT HAPPENS IN FLORIDA . . .

When your maintenance and prep time for a big trip is at a minimum? IT RAINS! We have had over four inches so far this week at the house. Other areas nearby have had eight. There are local roads flooded and even a mud slide nearby in Clermont.

Of course the items on our Airstream to do list are mostly exterior items. We need to scrape off all the old caulking and sealant from above all the windows and the same for everything on the roof top. On paper our Airstream is nine years old. But she really came off the assembly line ten years ago. We've been enjoying it all on borrowed time. Everything should have been re-done long ago.  No leaks so far as we know. Until things dry out here in Florida and on the A/S roof we have decided to take care of a few other things.

Today we were to have another 70% chance of rain but the day began with sunny skies. While we had a break in the precipitation we replaced the exterior AC shroud. The main awning needed adjusting. And I continued to work on my Airstream sewing project. Now that the day is done the new shroud looks so good. We will pick up new A/S decals for it at the factory when we get there in a few weeks. Had we made this trip without its replacement I have a feeling it would not have made the entire trip. Once the old one was removed it basically fell apart in Tim's hands due to it being so brittle.

My sewing project is now half done and should be complete by the end of the weekend. As it turns out we had sunshine ALL day. Not a drop of rain. There was rain everywhere else except Oakland. Rrrrrgh!!! At 7PM the rain finally came and it poured. I'm sure another inch or so has come down. Tomorrow calls for a 40% chance of rain. Tim is working so we are hoping that things will be drier come Sunday when he is off so we can start AGAIN on resealing the windows and the roof.

ADVENTURE ON THE HORIZON . . .

It's nearing time to depart again for our summer adventure. Tim and I are planning on attending  Alumapalooza4 in Ohio at the Airstream factory again. Our fourth year attending. On the way up and on our return we will be making different stops. This keeps us from going to the same places and doing the same things along the way for this same trip. Our adventure will take us through nine states. The stops will include going to the 'top' of a mountain, staying at an equestrian park, visiting the Mothership (Airstream factory of course), then staying at a hidden gem in a meadow and finally to a metropolitan area that use to be known as Oyster Point. This last stop will be quite the adventure having been attacked in the past by Spain, France and pirates! It's a good stop for a foody as well. I'll keep you guessing about our stops along the way until we land at each one.

                                            

This time Alumapalooza will be different for me. In the past Tim and I have worked this event as volunteers. We have had the best time going even though we were working. Being able to meet everyone and getting them settled (laying the water and electric for 200 Airstreams) for their week ahead. This year I go as the Event Coordinator. Keeping my film work as my priority so far my work for R&B Events has been the perfect balance of both worlds. I set my own hours and work for them when and where I want ... from my office, back porch, Airstream (where ever it may be) or the even on the beach. All that I need is the Internet, computer (or iPad) and my cell phone and I'm good to go!

R&B Events currently does three events a year. Alumapalooza in Ohio, Alumafandango in Oregon,  Alumafiesta in Arizona and next year they will add a fourth . . . Alumaflamingo in Sarasota, Florida. I am the Event Coordinator for all these events. R&B Events is made up of Rich Luhr, Editor of the magazine Airstream Life and his business partner Brett Greivelderinger who does the Advertising Sales. They brought me on their team earlier this year. Last July I sent them a proposal for 'help' and they finally took me up on my offer. I'm really excited to be a part of this amazing group of people.

We did take a short trip with the Airstream last month that I did not blog about because it was just another repeat trip that we do every year. It just seemed like I would be writing about the same thing AGAIN . . . the work volunteer rally at Ft. Christmas in east Orange County. Below is a picture from our outing. It's not often that you meet people who you know will be friends for life. I miss you guys already .... Linda & the ever so precious Dixie AND Jeanne & Tom.



Until we depart for The Mothership there are so many things to get done. Especially for the longer hauls. Maintenance, cleaning, sorting, thinning all storage in the Airstream & interior design changes. More on all this is coming soon. As far as Tim & I go . . . We are out of control. Life has a difficult way of not helping us decide between WANT and NEED. Tim wants. I NEED! Tim wants another kayak. A sit on top fishing one. I NEED a paddleboard. I already have a surf rack installed on my SUV. What? No board yet? Yup it's defiantly a cool factor driving around with it. Tim wants to build a bicycle with an engine on it. I NEED another Airstream (looking for a fleet) I NEED . . . Well, you get the picture. Tim's says I'm his hobby!!! LOL

I've been doing Stand Up Paddleboarding for a year now and have done everything including beg, borrow & rent paddleboards. Anything to get me on the water. The picture below is from this past Friday night where I rented a paddleboard for a full moon paddle with sixty other paddlers. They rigged under water lights on all the boards. It was an AMAZING experience! The time will come . . . patience. I see a birthday on the horizon.

UNPACK JUST TO REPACK . . .

The day flew. After our catered breakfast of biscuits and gravy Sunday we got caught up telling everyone goodbye. Eventually we pulled out by 10 AM. But not before Roxy tried to escape to the pasture ... once wrangled she pouted and just stared at the pasture. Then the wild but extra tame turkey showed up at our site. This adorable turkey had been following people around all weekend. It would pick a person. Follow them and if they stopped it would lay down and put its head on their foot ... Until the next person came by. If you petted it, it would nearly fall asleep. We had to put Roxy in the truck because the turkey didn't like her. Awww ...

Eventually we arrived home prior to 11:30 AM just in time for the down pour. It's not the best situation but I was on a deadline to depart again so rain or no rain I had to push forward. I unpacked just my clothes from the Airstream, washed a load of clothes and then re-packed for my trip to Jacksonville. I'm working there Monday and had to get on the road and get past Daytona prior to the end of the Daytona 500. I barely made it ... As I passed the exit the cars were on lap ten. Phewwww!!! That was close. I have safely made it to my destination in Jacksonville and hope for a good nights sleep. 

Tim and I are planning to get out again next month. If the stars don't align then we won't have our next adventure until late May. Until then . . . 

--

Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

COWLICK ROXY . . .

Today was busy and started out with donuts and coffee first thing. While at breakfast one of our fellow Tin Canners came to tell me that the cows were back at the fence. Being this would be Roxy's third visit with the cows this week they were quite content with her. I wish I had the camera rolling
or even a still picture would have been sufficient when one of the young heifers licked Roxy a few times as if she was her own. Rox loved it and is currently not in bed but laying with her nose to the door wanting to go outside to see her cows again. It's been a constant battle keeping her from getting over to the pasture. I think Roxy has had the best time here more so than anyone else.

Once we finished with the cows all the fun began. The open house had been advertised to the public and there were a total of 140 cars full of people who came to tour the 55 vintage rigs. We decided not to show our Airstream but instead enjoy go seeing the interiors of all the vintage trailers. The ranch raised a good amount of money for the kids who come to visit throughout the year by charging an entry fee and selling food at the concession stand.

During the course of the day there were qualified judges who toured all the trailers for the Southeast Regional Concourse Awards. Making Best in Show was the Camper Car. Other trailers awarded were the sheepherder wagon, the Spartan and the Vagabond. All receiving very nice plaques.

Tomorrow morning will bring biscuits and gravy early and then all the goodbyes.  We hope to pull out early after we eat ... Work calls and I need to get to Jacksonville by tomorrow evening.

--

Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

SHASTAS FOR ANNIE-DEAR . . .

Oh one day I'll have a vintage. It could wind up being a Shasta, Scotty, Spartan, some canned ham or more than likely a vintage Airstream. We had a few more rigs arrive today. I'm thinking that I would like to have one of each. I'm hoping that sometime in the near future both the time and price will be right to start the fleet. 

It's difficult to find exactly what you want, in the year you want and then there's the price. Those who own the trailer have tacked on the 'labor of love' factor ... which I can respect. I'm hoping I can find one that I can re-do myself as my own labor of love. But until then I get to enjoy looking at everyone else's vintage rig. 

--

Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

THE NEIGHBORS ARE HERE . . .

Today was great  being able to watch the rest of our group arrive and set up their camps. What a variety of rigs we have here for the Tin Can Tourist Winter Convention ... Airstreams, Casitas, Shastas, GM Buses, truck toppers & wagons just to mention a few. 

We watched a gentleman and his girlfriend pull in with a 45' Pontiac Coach ... Forty-five feet!!  I just knew the back end was going to swing over and take out an oak tree when he made a turn.  But just like any true trailer towing professional he whipped that rig between the trees and landed her right behind us. SWEET! Talk about the long, long trailer. I almost had to go to the next county to get a full length picture of that one. 

Also arriving today was the 1912 Sheepherder Wagon from Dell, Montana. Oh my ... Only the horses were missing. There is such a variety of rigs here and I can't wait to get out tomorrow to take more pictures. 

--

Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

PICTURE OF THE DAY . . .

Actually this is a lame excuse for a blog entry.  Tim and I spent most of the day socializing and taking a day trip to Dade City. Then we spent the evening with our good friends Doug & Steve having appetizers and cocktails in their 1954 Spartan. Enjoy Roxy's picture as we hope she brings as much joy to you today as she does us everyday . . . 

--

Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING . . .

Today we planned on having nothing on our schedule. Most of the day was spent tinkering with little things on the Airstream & socializing with those already here. Tim worked on making a new free standing awning leg.  And since our last trip we changed a few more interior items. The roller shades had started to show wear and just were not working the best anymore. I replaced the ones by the dinette and the one upfront by the couch with black roller shades. Then the roller shade over the sink I replaced with a custom silver aluminum mini-blind. Once we landed at Sertoma all of these needed adjustments and tweaking of some sort. Now that they have been replaced we wish that they  had been done sooner. They look really nice. 

Still needing replacement are the side roller shades in the rear bedroom. My idea in there will be different than the rest of the window treatments and I hope it works out. More on that later in the year. Then I still need to finish the new dinette cushions. We've never been pleased with what it came with. The current/original ones are showing wear after nine years. I've already had custom foam cut and ohhhh do they fit good. The next step is to buy the upholstery fabric. I found one the perfect color but at $37 a yard ... Ouch! So I'm still searching. 

Our ranger stint was short lived. Mr. Ranger arrived back to the ranch by early afternoon. But just in case ... I was all prepared to show some authority thanks to my mother who emailed me a picture of an Oakland - Park Ranger Badge. She said I could just flash the picture on my phone if anyone questioned me. LOL

Head 'em up and move 'em out,... git along little dogies. We all had a great ending to the day. Especially Roxy. At sunset she got to meet eight baby calves. She was so excited walking over to meet them I could barely hold her back. This was her first meet & greet with cows or any animal of that size. They would each moo at her and sniff & touch noses through the fence. Rox was so cute. The cows were way more curious about her than Tim or I. We eventually  had to pull her away to get back to camp before dark where we enjoyed a nice campfire for the rest of the evening. Roxy then spent her evening staring into the dark toward the pasture hoping for a glimpse of her new found moo-moo friends. 

--

Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

(Aye chihuahua!)