Vacation Time

Ronnie and I were able to get away last weekend. We visited Natural Tunnel State Park, near Duffield, VA. It's less than an hour's drive north of I-81 on I-26 / US 23 to the park. There is a campground there, no reservations, water and electric, able to accommodate most rigs. The chairlift ride to the tunnel entrance was down about 350 ft from the museum and gift shop. All the trails to view the tunnel, amphiteater, and Lover's Leap were less than a half mile and easily walked by most people. Trains carry coal through this tunnel up to ten times a day. The tracks were laid here in the late 1800's. A roaring creek also passes through the tunnel.

The park also has a reconstructed log cabin donated by the the Carter family. On the property, there is also a replica of a Blockhouse fortification from the pioneer days, when Daniel Boone was blazing trails to the west in Indian country. There is also a swimming pool complex near the campground.

If you're in the area, it's definitely worth your time to check this natural wonder out.

Nothing New (an Understatement)

For those of you that have been waiting for an update, here it is.  

I have been busy with other projects and have been away from the computer.  Customer # 1's trailer has left my shop and I am readying trailer # 2 for it's repairs.  check out  www.rivetedrestorations.blogspot.com/

I attended the Dogwoods and Bluegrass Airforums rally about 2 weekends ago. Unfortunately, my digital camera had other ideas (operator error) and I have no pictures to document this beautiful place.  If you get a chance to go to Natural Bridge State Park, in Slade, KY stay at the  Middlefork Campground.  There is a nice stream running through the campground and all the sites are nearly level.  I would advise bringing an extra length of electric cord and water hose, as the hookups are laid out in a challenging fashion.  I took the 18' Caravel to this rally.  It handles great in the mountains.

I managed to thin the herd by a few this year.  I have sold an Avion and two Argosy trailers. However, I traded for a 1957 Airstream Bubble in the last deal.  It is a piece of work (aren't they all) and basically just a shell.  It has the rear bed platform, kitchen table, wardrobe, 2 aluminum overhead lockers, and one original Humphrey Gas Light with globe.  The body is fairly intact for a 52 year old trailer.  It is needing a lot of TLC and has it's share of missing rivets. 

I'll try to be a bit more timely in posting.. Thanks for looking in on me.  Kevin

Christmas Gifts

I hope everyone had a very nice Holiday.  I have been blessed with good health and plenty to eat this year.  Maybe a bit too much where the food is concerned.  ANY how, I wanted to show you a few of the presents that I received from friends and family that know I love trailers.  A few RV inspired birdhouses,  a window thermometer, a sun catcher, and a tree ornament.  I also received 2 polished aluminum riveted deck chairs.  I'll get a picture of them out beside the trailer soon.  Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

Full Disclosure (the fine print)

I don't want to mislead any of you into thinking I have found a diamond in the rough. Truly, the Airstream IS a diamond among travel trailers. And the trailer I found IS rough. It IS also the same one I posted about in June as "The Saddest Part". The rear section has been cut away, where the window and storage hatch were in the rear of the trailer. Therefore, a lot of custom work will be required to make this trailer into a custom travel unit again. The black "stuff" around the opening is tar that did seal the plywood (rotted away) covering over the end of the trailer. At least who ever did this to the AS used stainless steel bolts. Some of you may be wondering why the opening was cut, to allow for a chest type deep freeze to be in the trailer. AARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hunting Season (Safari in the South Carolina Outback)

The air is crisp and the kudzu has been bitten by the killing frosts. The vines, leaves, and summer growth has released its grip on hidden away treasures.

My most recent find may well be my best find. It's a 1954 22' Safari with the front kitchen, rear twin bed floorplan. Far from perfect, the interior will be a custom challenge. There is some woodwork good enough for templates though. The exterior is nearly flawless as far as dents and dings are concerned. The bananna wraps have two, two foot long creases, but overall, not bad for a 54 year old trailer.

Getting it home was easier than some I have hauled. The bearings had been greased by the owner and the tires aired up. (tires on split ring wheels)(tires of "May-pop any minute" variety) I added the temporary lights, lubricated the hitch coupler, and was on my way for a relatively short recovery trip of 78 miles. Half-way home I stopped for lunch. When I returned to check the trailer over before leaving, I noticed that the streetside tire was almost flat. A quick tire change in the truckstop parking lot, gave me peace of mind again, and I continued home.

Have a great THANKSGIVING everyone.

Rally Time

This was our last scheduled rally for the Air Forums group. We call it Falluminum and camp at the Georgia Mountain Fairground in Hiawassee, GA. We had a great turnout for this rally. Many long time veterans and a few newbies were in attendance. We had a great Saturday Brunch, open house, and a potluck evening meal, followed by music and singing. Alan leads the "not really a band-band" and Ron, Mario, Brad, and Phil play acoustic, rhythm, lead, drums, and bass.

The campfires were welcome when our night time temps went to the lower 40's. The leaves were still colorful for one last weeknd of beautiful camping weather. We'll get together with this group again in April for Springstream.

On the way home, I was searching for a nice, down home place for a good meal. I got off the main road and headed for a small town main street. I saw a billboard advertising Clyde's Restaurant in Waynesville, NC. It looked promising since the parking lot was packed and it was almost 2PM on Sunday afternoon. I found a place to park the trailer and went inside. It was all I had hoped for and more. Sunday meal was plentiful (as if I hadn't had enough at Falluminum). The choice was for a main entree, salad or coleslaw, and two other veggies. Drink and dessert were also included. If you find yourself in Waynesville, NC for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (except on Mondays), stop in at Clyde's for food. You can't remain in business for 68 years without having a good reputation.

I have Just Been Lazy....

I sure hope some of you are still tuned in, even though it has been a long while since I posted. I have been going to the mountains on the weekends and working hard during the week.

I have been moving full steam ahead on several projects these past few weeks. The '79 Argosy was in need of a new door lock and latch. This hasn't been available for a few years now. I found enough of the parts (3 locks) in pieces to fix my lock. I am going to leave the hasp on the trailer. It's cheap insurance to keep the suicide door closed for now.

I also had the rear twin beds recovered in a nice upholstery fabric. The Airfoam mattresses really look good now.

The propane tanks on this Argosy had older valves and needed updating. I installed some temporary steel tanks to check out the operation of the appliances. So far, the oven and range are good, the fridge cools properly, and the water heater works as it should. (It is a new replacement Atwood) I have some touch-ups to do in the paint on the body. Also, after I install the hitch jack, I'll repaint the A-frame and install the new aluminum propane tanks. Ivory gloss is a good touch up in a spray can. It matches the original Argosy paint well enough that you would hardly notice the subtle shade differences.

Thanks for checking in on me,

Kevin