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

Escape to the Mountains

I have been looking for a place to park a camper for a few years. I found a park in the east Tennessee mountains a few years back, but there was never a site available. Until now....

I know it's not an Airstream or other shiny aluminum riveted trailer, but that's right where this BIG and HEAVY Jayco 32 footer needs to be. The park is The Heights and it is beautiful. I just got the trailer set up on Saturday morning and I have many things I want to add, such as landscaping, outdoor lighting, fire pit, deck, storage building, AND more. Improvements will all come about in time. For now, It's fine just as a mountain rest getaway.

A Time to Grow Up

AS many of you know, I have owned Airstream and Avion trailers for many years. I bought my first Avion and Airstream in the same year, 1981. The Avion was purchased first and was a 1969 25' model. It had a side double bed with front sofa and it was prized by me. Later that same year, I bought a 1962 24' Tradewind. It was a front gaucho trailer, with free standing table, and mid-ships gaucho with side vanity, and a rear bath. A friend at a local RV dealer located it for me. I sold the Airstream after 6 months, doubled my money, and considered it a good money making deal.

Fast forward to today, when I have owned more than 50 trailers, some Airstream, some Avion, some Shasta, Apache, Frolic, Champion, Hi-Lo, and Spartan to name a few. Way in the back, in a nice enclosed garage, I have always kept my "one special trailer". It is a 1964 Bambi II. It was on the list of things to finish one day. But, time marches on. Yes, I SOLD IT today. It can be better used by someone else. I had kept it out of the rain and weather for the past 26 years. A good body, straight lines, clean interior, and a rarity among Airstreams, NO ROT in the floor, not anywhere. The axle was shot. But it was still special. 26 years is along time to hold on to something. I had to grow up and let it go.

Time Flies

Since it has been SO long since I last posted, I'll have to get everyone up to speed on my trips, travels, and otherwise (goofingoff). I spent some time with friends at Linville Falls Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway over the 4th of July. It rained a bit each evening, but that made for perfect temps since I was boondocking. The cool evenings were well suited for a roaring campfire and marshmellows.

On the 20th of July, I went to the old wild west theme park of Ghost Town in the Sky, located in Maggie Valley, NC. It was a perfect day for a trip to the mountains, windows down driving on the parkway, and very little traffic. Balsam Mountain CG just outside of Cherokee was about half full. It is a perfect get-away and very secluded. Night time temps were in the low 50's in this area at 5300 ft elevation. We were cautioned to watch out for black bears and to keep our food in the bearproof lockers.

This past weekend, 08-02-08, I visited The Biltmore House, in Asheville, NC. I had not been there since the 100 year anniversary of the house in 1995. Later in the evening, the south terrace of the estate came alive with about 3000 people enjoying the summer concert series. KC and the Sunshine Band were the headline performers. The sunflowers in the picture are on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate.

Oh yeah, and sometime this past month (July 12), I found a 1948 Spartan Mansion 30 footer. It was almost local by being only 19 miles from my house. This one is in great shape for being 60 years old. The original range and fridge are in place and DO still work. These old trailers just keep following me home. Really....they do....I can't say no....They need a home....so why not?