STRIKING DISTANCE

First I'll say that we had a late start in our departure from Red Top Mountain State Park. The conversation & company was just so good with Lynetta and the kids that it was hard to leave. As we were saying our final goodbyes, standing between the Airstreams, Tim carefully leaned toward me, as if I had the plague, slowly grabbed my hand and pulled me forward saying I needed to move forward NOW. As this was happening everyone else began screaming  and running away from me. I'm thinking the bees aren't that bad ... No need to be that scared. Possibly a bear? It was totally one of those slow motion moments in life.  Little did I know that a copperhead rattle snake had slithered up behind me and was a foot away ... Maybe less but you know me I'm not one to exaggerate. Since I didn't have on my snake proof flip flops it was a good thing I move fast & that they all saw it because the snake could have very easily struck me or I could have taken a step backwards onto it. That could have brought this trip to a screeching halt. Phewwww ... Tim saved the day. 

At around eleven we finally pulled out of the campsite. But due to onsite construction we had to go to the far end of the campground to get turned around. Then we had to wait for the workers to get a tractor loaded and finally we were on our way. Then it happened ... denial. Just about 45 minutes north on I-75 ... BOOM. It sounded like a shot gun went off. Uhhhhh! Was that us? Nah. The truck was riding just fine. OK I think you better pull over anyway just to double check. Yup! That was us. The right rear tire on the Airstream had blown. We were lucky that is wasn't on the other side next to the lane of traffic. And we also had sustained some very minor damage to the Airstream from the blow. So much for that expensive tire monitoring system that never alarmed us. Tim got us back on the road in about thirty minutes while a really nice State Trooper sat behind us for a few minutes with his lights on. It was very scary having all that traffic blowing by so close and so fast. 

Tim and I have safely settled at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington for the night. This is the horse capital of the world! Tomorrow we will land at the Mothership and will look into a new spare tire once we get there. Our five hour drive today had turned into eight long hours. I cant believe I'm saying that 61* is cold here. The low is 45* tonight. Oh yeah ... no AC tonight. For now we have had just about enough fun for the day. 

RED TOP MOUNTAIN

Wednesday morning we woke up to heavy fog. It was really a very nice setting looking across the lake. While waiting for the fog to lift Tim and I had a very relaxing morning before heading out. We then had a pretty easy drive all except for some traffic in Atlanta.  Once we got back up to speed it wasn't long before we had to turn off the interstate for our next destination . . . Red Top Mountain State Park in Georgia. 

What a beautiful park. I wish time allowed for us to have a longer stay here. As luck would have it we were able to park right next to our friends Lynetta & Brian and their three wonderful kids. They have a 1959 Airstream ... My dream trailer. Tim and I met them this past January at the Can Opener in Santa Rosa Beach. The kids helped me take care of Roxy and they carved our names into pieces of pine bark. Lynetta and Brian, knowing we were coming, cooked us the most amazing dinner .... Steak, fresh green beans and corn on the cob. Yum!

Thursday morning we should be able to have a quick visit with them before we head out. Roxy is going to miss the girls but we have plans to meet up with them again later in the year. 

--

Safe Travels~

ALICE WYMER

Event Coordinator
R&B Events, LLC

Alumapalooza/Alumafandango/Alumafiesta/Alumaflamingo

www.alumaflamingo.com
www.alumafandango.com

www.alumafiesta.com

www.alumapalooza.com

alice@randbevents.com
(407) 509-1962 c

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!)