Turkeys and Scones!

Hidden Valley Lake, California was our adventurous goal. What a wonderful place. It was a four-hour drive from our home up to Napa and the Silverado Trail. Beautiful scenery and lots of places to stop and sip the vino. We arrived at our destination, a little dusty, thirsty and ready to relax. It only takes us 30 minutes to set up, open the vino and put out salami, cheese and french bread. We were the only ones there our first night and only two other RVs arrived the next night. Very quiet. It is a small, oak filled canyon with a bubbly running creek. It feels like you are out on the ranch but you are in the middle of a gated community with a golf course and market!

The deer and wild turkeys rule. The early mornings have a little fog hanging onto the branches, deer grazing, turkeys waddling and flying and the feral cats are fed by a mysterious cat lady. The quiet is amazing. We take our little pooch out for a short stroll. The air was crisp and cool with just a hint of damp. We started our morning with a short walk. The water for our french press coffee is heating and the luscious lemony scones are baking. As we return to our rig the water is poured over our Peet’s coffee and the aroma of the scones cooling on the counter just add to the simple pleasures of life. With our curtains opened to view nature, classical music playing quietly in background, we enjoy our cozy cave. (Our doggie pokes his head between the curtains so he can keep an eye on the wildlife.)

We found this little place thanks to our friends Anne and Dan who live at Hidden Valley Estates. This trip we had dinner at their house, went wine tasting all Saturday and cooked our dinner for the night in our rolling French bistro. Sunday was home-made scones and coffee. This little kitchen really works and there is plenty of prep space. Prior planning helped. I prepared the dry ingredients for the scones at home, packed them in a zip lock bag and only added butter and milk in the coach. Fifteen minutes later, we had warm, buttered lemon scones with our own French press coffee. Now that is traveling!

Unfortunately, we also had our first encounter with a frozen water hose too. Luckily, as always, fellow travelers helped us with a lesson on all-weather camping. We now wrap our hoses in cold weather.

We shall do this again! Even, Gunny, our doggie liked it. He travels well. We love to see our friends and the Napa/Lake county wine regions too. If you go to Lake County wine area there is a great little restaurant in Kelseyville called the Saw Shop and a repeat visit is a must. We are getting used to our little home. It is relaxing to just have a lazy morning with goodies you made while still in your jammies! The dog is not so sure, but goes along for the adventure.

Our Gunny! He now loves his little rolling home. See what he did to the curtains!

It Took Awhile!

Twelve months had passed since our maiden voyage! We wanted to really travel with our new rolling home (20 ft Flying Cloud) but life gets in the way. Wait, I thought escape was the reason behind our investment! hmmmm

Our choice of our “rig” was guided by the capability of our little Sportrac’s tow power. We really did not know what we were looking for or how we would really utilize this trailer. It had not occurred to us what trailer travel was all about. We saw commercials and we thought wow what an adventure. We would use our own linens, our doggies could go too, we could dine and relax in our own “home” while on the road. Sounds great! We’re in!

We visited many dealerships around not only in California but also Nevada . It surprised me in the feel, decor and sneezes we encountered. Yep, I am allergic to the world! Of course the price ranges were wild! We had not even considered previously owned trailers either! We compared the RV to the trailers to the vans, C class, A Class etc, etc. A whole new world.

I really did not want a trailer after all the looking until my hubby took me to an Airstream dealership! I did not sneeze, it was well thought out, clean lines inside and out and it did not have a formaldehyde odor! It also had a light, bright kitchen area that had enough room for me to cook. The really crowning touch was the FULL bathroom! Yep the bathroom and kitchen sold the silver toaster for us! So we took the very expensive plunge.

In December 2009 we went to Moro Bay and stayed at the Moro Bay Dunes RV park. We were fully packed for any contingency and then some. We only had one little doggie then and he is a traveler! We had heard nothing but great things about this park and location. Funny we live by Monterey Bay and now we are traveling to Morro Bay! We plan our trips like we planned mission movement in the military! We flunked the civilian side this time we were late by 30 minutes of our departure time. We also learned how to properly stabilize our hitch.

Off we go! We stop in Soledad, California 2 hours into our adventure for coffee and doggie piddle. We arrive at 2:00 pm at the park and are guided to our site. We were relieved to see we are in a quiet spot with few campers on our court. Did I say quiet!? As the weekenders began to arrive the noise level kept rising and children on bikes and trikes began roaming the area. We realized our court had one of the few gates to the beach across a paved road! Too many people but the view from the kitchen is a wow! Outer Banks Trip 110

The first night is almost completely dark, small slice of the moon, we take a short walk on the dunes and listened to the beauty of the surf and sounds! We did not stay around the camp ground like photos in articles show but we did get a quiet spot to enhance our learning curve. We do know now that we should do a little more homework about where we want to stay and what our style of travel is.

This is a great base camp point for short drives to Pismo Beach and San Lluis Obispo. There is also a lot of surf fishing too! The camp hosts were great and we shall return.

The Silver Suite

Oh the Rain, Snow and Landslides!

For us the winter has historically been our best time to travel. That is before a tree said hello to our back panel and mother nature said “you want rain, here it is” . We then had rain, snow, landslides, rock slides and mudslides. Oh, yeh, we had floods too.

This gave us time to deal with the real world, re-thinking tomorrow, re-evaluating dreams of travel, fun and life. As we are challenged by time, our time. What is the future? Hey, who knows, so enjoy it.

When we bought our Flying Cloud we had no clue what we were doing. All I know is I was not going to sleep on the ground, freeze and wake up aching at every joint. As all newbies know and learn …. WE HAD NO IDEA! reading Living Riveted, Airstream blogs and Sunset magazine … we were confused! Happily we just kept walking into walls and looking goofy!

I also realized we have had our rig for nine (9) years! It feels like it is so new and beautiful. There are so many ways to decorate it, make more luxurious, comfortable and “ours”. It keeps changing and I am still not sure we are doing it right! OK what is correct and right and the Airstream Way? Just have fun is the answer.

A co-worker of mine has a glass etching business with her hubby. They made us beautiful Riedel style glasses with our little silver coach etched on the side! What beauty and such meaning. These are the little things we keep finding in our lives and travels.

We are so excited that we also gave the Airstream bug to our friendly winemaker at Six Sigma Winery. We got them the Riedel glasses to pack easier in their new home! What a hit! Fun, creative people with new prisms of our environment really enhances our experiences.

From all the “how to’s” of travel I havent seen anything about “melt downs!”. YEAH! I mean I journaled our travels from day one to now. They were always beautiful times. Just saying. The adjustment period either makes or breaks your love for you rig. Right?!

So here goes my little story of our little Silver “Canned Comfort”. …..

Outer Banks Trip 088 — Sea Cliff State Park

Here is where the journey started! Our shakedown cruise. Lovely quiet spot 15 minutes from our house! I had already “packed” the little baby with all I thought we needed, including a stew already cooked and just needed a little warm up.

It took us about an hour to get us “right”. The scenery was beautiful, gray, misty and about to rain. Can you imagine what a great start to our first adventure? I forgot the wine opener, had the wine though! We only had one puppy with us and we were about a 20 minute walk uphill to a quick stop! Our knees were kinda sore but we got our corkscrew and found this little place had a great wine selection!

It then started to rain, we were soaking wet by the time we returned but that’s a memory. We turned on the lights, we had full hook ups, turned on the heater, changed to dry clothes and then realized we were in a very little space! The art of movement in a small space has a weird learning curve as does the sleeping areas!

We can hear the surf breaking on the beach, reminds me of Hawaii but very cold, The rain sounds great as it hits the roof. Our first night was a rough night, sleepwise with me and hubby and a mini Australian Shepard trying to stay warm. When we awoke the next morning we though our roof was leaking as the walls and ceilings were dripping wet stuff! we sealed everything closed that night and did not have the moisture stuff to absorb wet! Who would think that you leave vents open to keep your environment going!?!?

Let’s just say a few bad words were spoken and threats of never, ever doing this camping/trailer thing again went round and round that evening. The morning dawned and the sun peeked out while I baked home-made scones in our little oven, the french press was making wonderful coffee and best of all the shower and toilet worked like charms!! Almost like being home in a very condensed toaster! Had a wonderful walk on the beach to a little hamlet nearby and then prepped for home! We had survived our very first ever glamp in our own “back yard”. We are each still alive, the doggie loves his new bed – ours and we did not break our brand new Airstream!

Onward to more adventures!

airstream Preparation

Why: RV cooking needs to update the way we look at cooking and traveling with all the new conveniences.

We eat differently and we travel differently. How do we not overload our trailers or RVs and be true minimalist? What do we really need to eat delicious, healthy, easy meals while on the road or off? Does anyone really read the recommendations of the manufacturer for the sizes of the pans to be used for cooking in the trailer/RV? This is important. Some only cook with the microwave confection ovens but then you can only stay where there are hook-ups or have a generator.

So like Winnie the Pooh we have to think, think, think!

I have obsessed over just the kitchen, the bathroom and then what clothes to take! Before we even picked-up our trailer I mapped out the kitchen in our 20 ft FB Flying Cloud. I used the booklet pictures and labeled them alphabetically and nummerically. I put postit notes on the page with the written list of items that would go in the appropriate cabinet! OK a little too much obsession. Guess what? It helped a little bit. I went to Williams and Sonoma and bought small non-powered cooking tools that not only fit, stacked and stored beautifully in the cabinet but they looked so cute.

When we picked up our Airstream I was very worried about how to cook and pack the trailer. I read all the information on the stove/oven and the refrigerator. I also looked at recommendations for the real basics for cooking. The most/best information of what to have in a kitchen was in a book on cooking for two. The utensils, cooking staples and pots and pans. This was a jewel. Now the fear of how to prep, cook, plate and clean-up——–All while making this a “Clamp” experience, set in.

My list:

Cast iron: 5 1/2 Qt Dutch oven
10 ” fry pan and 6″ fry pan and griddle with handle, 4 ” pan
Tea Kettle, 4 qt sauce pan with cover ( I use if for pasta too)
10″ sq baking pan with rake, 6 muffin tin, 10″ cookie sheet (these come in a set and nest for better storage,
Baking/Prep: Nesting mixing bowls – melmac or plastic
nesting measuring cups and spoons
flour shaking cup
small multi-sizes grater
non-electric food processor (hand powered)
recipe box with plastic sleeves for cards
1 cup liquid measuring cup
small colander, metal and wire (metal one I use for fruits on the counter)
small funnel, small chef knife set in holder, small grater, whisk, and set of flatware for four, hand held can opener
Coffee/Tea/Bar
French Press, large, small and jacket warmer sleeve for the large one
French press coffee measuring cups
stacked demitasse cups, various favorite coffee mugs
Martini shaker, travel size wine aerator, wine opener
6 wine glasses, 6 bar glasses for water, wine or cocktails
wooden box to hold 6 bottles of wine
6 casters

Plates: set of four pottery dinner, bowls, salad plates and mugs
Linen napkins – 4; 2 sets
linen/cotton dish towels, tablecloths and placemats
one oil cloth tablecloth for the picnic tables (ours was a large remnant)

Sounds like a lot but it all stays nicely nestled and you are always prepared. The cast iron can be used on the campfire and with our stove/oven. We do not have the microwave option so we can boondock.

How do you pack the clothes and SHOES you need? Ok guys don’t care as much as we do. Even when you are boondocking you want clothing that is lightweight, able to be layered and not bulky. You also want something nice to wear to that new found eatery. Think airline packing with weight restrictions. I have found many trailer/rv travelers take their whole house with them and it just gets claustrophobic! Remember that the Airstream is well thought out and efficient. Less stuff more gas mileage and a lighter feel overall. It is amazing how creative we get when we let go of all the maybe, just in case stuff and enjoy the adventure of our great Airstream.

While in the military I remember packing for a deployment of 8 months. I followed the recommended list then tried to carry it! That was my first introduction to use less for more. But when traveling to new places and unknown weather patterns you do need back-up clothing for a snowstorm.

I like to look nice and stylish but sometimes it just doesn’t work that well. But I try. Usually end up with comfort and warmth and hope I can effect a “nice” appearance for the restaurant. Usually all rules of more tops than bottoms works especially if they can be hand washed and dried without needing an iron. No not hippy style but hip style. We each have driving comfy shoes, hiking shoes, knit slippers for inside the coach and one pair of broken in dressy shoes. We have our comfy dress shoes not the new ones and we are set.

I don’t like sweatpants but they make so many nice knight or comfortable jeans now that you can look neat when you are on the road and have your activity wear ready for fun. I do keep one large plastic storage bin with our foul weather gear stored under the bed just in case. This way we have more closet and bin space for sweatshirts, tees and jackets we can use daily.

We also travel with two 25 lb mini-aussies that shed. We like neat and nice and the trailer is cozy. We did remove the color coordinated coverlet and pillows and replaced them with cotton coverlets from an outlet store so we could have fresh color, wash as needed and not cringe when wet paws jump on the bed. I bought double bed sized linens, two sets, not white, 600 count at the same discount store to feel luxurious. The same theory goes for making the dinette into our evening couch with extra body pillows for comfort and color and we can lounge with our doggies and enjoy music and a great glass of wine. This also frees up the reading cave for cozy tea or brandy and a good book on a snowy night! It does not need to be fluffy. The newer beddings are permaloft and lightweight so they have a cleaner less allergenic feel. The look is minimal and does not take up visual space.

These are good points to start and then just make it yours as you see what your travel style is.

Back on track, a creative iron chef type competition between wineries among the regions of California. The galley is in a 20 foot Airstream Flying Cloud. It has hot and cold running water, lighting, vents and 36 inches of counter space, a table that seats four. Double sink too.

Areas for points:

1. Stocking your galley — no electric hook ups allowed, no microwave or blenders
What are your must haves for pots, pans, knives,
What are your stock oils and seasonings
Do you recommend pre trip preps

You have a three burner stove top with a 28 inch gas oven and broiler, filtered water (23 gallons) and 14 gallons of propane

Pottery plates, wine glasses from the hosting winery, linens and oil cloth table cloth for outdoor presentation or just for four inside the coach.

2. Creativity of dishes, taste and simplicity of menu

3. Presentation, does it meet the Airstream lifestyle? Style, adventure, ability to go anywhere and still be in enjoyable comfort with class.

Are you up to the challenge? Wine Spectator is interested in this competition as a beginning of fun and wine while traveling. Pictures and interviews will be a big part of this adventure.

At the end we publicize the event in the Wine Guide of Monterey Co and the Wine Spectator just to start. Publicity never hurts. The judges will be local chefs and winemakers, eaters and drinkers too. Prize your name and recipe in print in upcoming book and photo ops galore. We have also contacted Airstream and Sunset for their support.

Big info from you are your recommendations for galley prep and a great recipe with great wine pairing.

Our Little Bit of Heaven

Our adventures never seem to end or duplicate themselves. We recently have begun to really appreciate our Airstream capsule in many little ways. We think we are so “on it”. We make lists, shop, review lists and itinerary . . . . .then we start our journey and get surprised.

On our trip to Yellowstone we thought we could power through the leg from Santa Cruz to Eagle Idaho. We left after work, we were all packed with everything, dogs, food, presents, new gear for family camping and COFFEE !!!!! About Truckee, California- 6 hours later, dark, snow on the ground, all the rest stops full and kept looking for a safe place to stop. We see a clean well lit gas station with a few semi’s parked. There is an easy spot for us to pull into and we stop. The attendant gave permission so we climbed into our little house, toasty warm and napped. We didn’t even hear the other rigs roll by. We were safe, warm, toasty, had a clean bathroom and food! We did buy gas to say thank you.

This was the first time in seven years of traveling that we had ever done this. I am a little worried about stopping on the roadside to sleep, especially at night. We were so happy to find our safe spot and learn our Airstream home is secure. That was just at the beginning of our adventure.

We have learned that ability to laugh is rule number one! We have historically pushed through to make a deadline. Now we have TIME! I chuckle as I write this. We always have a long drive just to leave California to get to friends and family. So time and space are a challenge. My greatest joy is in the planning. I love research, I dream of adventure and memories with the family.

Our first leg took 11 hours from our home to Eagle, Idaho. We stopped twice for naps, snacks and doggies needs. We arrived far more relaxed than ever and weather was on our side! Wow the difference from winter to spring landscape is amazing!

So nice to really enjoy the journey and not have angst and strife. After all, airstreaming is about the journey😎

To Say Wow! Is Not Enough

Our first family dinner in the beautiful Madison Campground was more than we could have imagined! The whole camp was so comfortable and lost in trees. The kids made the evening. We laughed at the fact the smoke from our wood campfire followed us all around the circle. The smoke even set off our smoke alarm in the coach.

Before dinner my daughter and grandson helped do meal prep on the outdoor table and set the tone for fun. Involving everyone in the dinner prep and being outside is the magic of camping. All ages get to contribute and enjoy the end product. Even our five-year old was running around helping with the cleanup chores. Of course doing dishes outside with two dish pans is something new for the kids!

We sat under the trees and watched their tops sway in the winds as we just felt a little chill as the sun set over the mountains. The glow of the fire made it seem magical. Of course the smores really finished the day with gooey grins.

As the next day dawned we headed for Old Faithful, of course after a great camp breakfast of bacon, eggs pancakes and coffee – thanks grandpa and grandson for their cooking skills! We did not see much traffic and thought we would make a quick trip to the geyser but guess what! Buffalo! A small herd meandering across the road and waylaid us for 20 minutes. Split the group but what great, magnificent animals all going 2 miles per hour! Well the babies are adorable so can’t get anxious. Afterall we do have 5 days to see the park!

We all meet up at Old Faithful, poop the doggies, settle them down and we just miss the geyser blowing. We go to the little hotel meander and ask for directions for the Old Faithful Inn and follow the suggestion of an old friend to view the geyser in style! We walked over to the hotel, bought some of the worlds best ice cream, found coffee and wonder seats to wait for and watch the next spouting of Old Faithful! Now that is a great way to see these natural wonders.

After the event we hiked around the geysers and spent the day amazed at the miracles of nature. We are overwhelmed with the expanse of this park. We must have hiked FOREVER! The amazing colors of the blooming wild flowers was a true surprise. Again an old friend did say we were in time for the spring bloom of amazing color that only happens in the early part of the summer season. She was so right on about the landscape surprises. Tiny purples, roses, whites, yellows and oranges popping up in surprising places. They just added to the magic of Yellowstone.

By the end of the day we were excited and pooped! A hot, tasty campfire dinner of hot dogs and hamburgers, coldslaw, potatoes, beverages and a campbaked apple pie with home-made ice cream cannot be beat! Can’t thank Sunset Magazine enough for all the menu ideas! Kid and family approved!

Tomorrow we drive the northern section of the figure eight road! Good comfy warm sleep and coffee in the morning. What a life!

Operation Yogi Bear! Yellowstone NP

The morning is crisp and full of excitement! Finally after all these months we are arriving at our destination – Yellowstone National Park. I am like a little kid. I feel butterflies in my stomach, anticipation and happiness. After months, since October 2015, we are at our destination. The skies are beautiful blue with fluffy white clouds quietly floating overhead. What a welcome!

We expected another long drive from Pocatello, Idaho to the western entrance of Yellowstone NP — but it truly was like we flew there. There was a special line for campers that had reservations so we breezed through to Madison Campgrounds. The registration process was orderly, full of information, review of regulations and courtesy! Wow! What a deal. The fact we have senior passes for the National Parks it cost us $13 per night! Can’t beat that.

We, at first couldn’t identify what we sensed was different, but we found that not only was Yellowstone green but CLEAN! Our campsite was clean, open, roomy, and had a sense of home. Our son and family was right behind us by about one hour! Our campsites were adjacent! This is their first trailer camping experience. They drove from eastern Colorado and we from coastal California.

It took about an hour to set-up the trailers and then grandpa and grandson set up the cookstove and cooking area, we girls made our seating, eating and relaxing areas livable. The bathrooms were pristine, fresh, and up to date with even a separate area to wash dishes! We were in a no hook up area!

I still can’t believe that we are finally in Yellowstone. We wasted no time to start our sightseeing. As soon as the campsite was secured and set we started on our must see list. It was only 2:00 pm and small crowds. It was very windy but not as cold as we were expecting. The Paint Pots were amazing! They burble, spit and steam all at the same time— AMAZING.

More magical than even Disneyland!

Our daughter and family were coming over for dinner this evening and we started our trek back. It is a glorious start to a truly memory making adventure! We know our campsite is comfortable, fire pit prepared, smores staples at the ready and the dinner project ready for the children to get started with so we can all have an evening meal!

Operation Fun and Family

We have prepared for seven months for this moment. The Airstream is fully serviced, repaired, cleaned and carefully stocked! Yes, we have been planning this first, long trip with family and experimenting with more than seven days away. A bit scary.

It is 7:30 pm, I have left work and pre-listed everything for food, dogs and gifts. We packed all non-food items, records for dogs, all our clothing last night. During the day my hubby finished all the last-minute needs like gas and water needed. We do a last minute check, lock and secure house and off we go. Our goal is to arrive in Eagle, Idaho no later than 5:30 pm the next day!

The best preparation was a revelation of what we did not need and what really needed our attention. The Bay Area Airstream Dealership Service Department was our angel. Chris, is the service manager and he is the best. Every detail was attended to and reviewed with us. We learned to let go of items we really never used or needed. Thank heaven for the airstream storage and planned layout. We have learned how lucky we are to have our silver coach.

We leave with late day sunlight. Our hope is to get out of the bay area and Sacramento traffic before it gets too dark. We start to get a little sleepy about the base of the Sierra’s! The dogs let us know when we should stop. We packed snacks to get us through the night and have our rolling home with us for potty breaks and napping.

At about Truckee we try to nap at a large well-lit rest stop but it is FULL! Truckers and other travelers have already taken every inch. We trudge on and find a well lighted gas station with a few trucks parked and ask if we can park for a little while. They said yes! It was frigging cold and very dark. We walked the dogs arranged our stuff and napped for about 2 hours! Quiet, warm and cozy. Again doggies walked and watered and off we went.

The dawn is approaching and it is beautiful. We feel refreshed, wide awake and happy to be on the road again. We make it to Nevada and know we have to make it at least to Oregon before we nap again. We have traveled these highways before so we kinda know where we want to be.

Usually we travel in the winter. This is the first time traveling at the beginning of the vacation season. What we noticed was there was beautiful spring flowers everywhere, greenness and water!!! Yep streams and rivers and pools of wet stuff—water! We last until just after the beautiful Jordan Valley and nap for another 60-90 minutes. What a great and safe way to travel. We have no need to stop at truck stops, road chain places and possible stomach problems! We are so relaxed and seeing a new view of a familiar road. What fun.

We arrive at our destination, Hi Valley RV park and it is still light and very warm, 90 ish and no ocean breeze. We are guided to our spot, contact our family, prep for a two night stay and of course walk the dogs and have a great class of Six Sigma 2006 Tempranillo! Life is great and this is just the beginning of our adventure!

A Dream Come True!

To say we had fun is an understatement! After a very busy work week we landed in heaven! Our first overnight at our favorite winery and ranch. Six Sigma farm to table dinner and overnight camping.

We just got our Airstream road ready for the Yellowstone adventure with family and needed an excuse for a “shakedown” cruise. Six Sigma here we come. We also invited friends who live in the area to share a meal with us while we where in the area.

After battling, unholy traffic we bumpty bumped into the ranch. We arrived as the crew was setting up for the dinner venue. This is our first farm to table event. Kaj Ahlman, the “father” of this wonderful, multifaceted family enterprise, guided us to our spot! It was a cleared area with generous room to park our rolling home. There are no hook ups, we came with our water tanks full and solar panels on our roof. It was an easy fit.

We expanded our awning, set the stabilizers, and made ourselves comfortable. We had a gas firepit so no sparks or chance for potential fires, our grass pad was a new acquisition and rolled out beautifully. The dogs had their own fenced pen to relax in after a nice walk. We then got ready for dinner.

Wow the place was filling with lots of happy people sipping wine and reviewing a menu that included Six Sigma lamb and local fruits and vegetables paired with wonderful Six Sigma wine! Christian Ahlman, Judy, Matt the winemaker and Kaj et al made the evening fantastic. People enjoyed seeing our well behaved pups roaming about with us and marveling about our silver coach awaiting our end of evening relaxation.

As all the hustle and bustle of the evening wound down the beauty of natures quiet overtook us. We could even hear the small creek running by us. The weather was perfect, a slight breeze with the sound of the wind in the tall trees made everything very relaxing. We slept with all curtains open, windows slightly ajar and the breeze just right. We could see the stars in the night sky. This is camping! This is living, this is why we love our silver baby. The dogs were comfortable, we were experiencing our dream for the very first time. Alone, not in a crowded campground, even the national parks have too many people, generators and noises all the time!

ranch house tasting room — Just before lights out at the end of the day.

The morning was sweet, ranchers and work hands drove by, no real noise, no disruption, cyclists going by, all surprised by the silver thing in the woods. Our friends came by for a relaxing brunch and then off to the real world.

We did find I had forgotten to re-stock all we had taken out for the maintenance to be done so that was goofy. Everything worked, yeah Bay Area Airstream for the great job. This little sojourn was so much more relaxing than any of our other excursions ever! Ohhhhh how enjoyable! This is what we were trying to find. Now we know where to find it.

Yes We Can!

It is now January 2016 and we have a big plan in mind! We want to have a family camp out in Yellowstone National Park. Yep a 12 person get together for three generations. This will be a first camp out for my two oldest children and their children. There will be two trailers and one family in a nearby hotel. Our travel start day is 27 May 2016!

I have a countdown calendar and already gathering items for our get together, scheduling trailer servicing, preparing menus, and planning activities for us all to enjoy. I did ask the youngest girls for their ideas and they want smores.

I am really lucky in the friends in my life who are giving me tons of information and inside input on how the park works. Now we are really getting excited to plan, plan, plan. This is so exciting for us. We, after seven years, we are just now really becoming comfortable with the Airstream dream and embracing the experiences yet to come. Stay tuned for our little journeys and prep for the big day.

This must be our year for our dreams of travel come true. I received silver rivet earrings for a Christmas present and a dear friend of ours made us a beautiful reminder of our dream! A stained glass replica of our rig! The silver beauty we love.

Update to today! The work is done, cleaning and updating stuff done, now food and excitement are our focus. We are going to tryout many items that should engage children and adults in old-fashioned, non-tech family fun. An ice cream maker that looks like a soccer ball, traveling eco friendly fire pit for s’moors and a large propane outdoor cookstove so us oldies don’t bend over the fire to cook!

Our fun season starts in a week with a shakedown to recheck all repairs and new “stuff”. This well be a great wine and food experience! Six Sigma here we come! Then onto Idaho and Yellowstone!

Bon Voyage and Great Wine!

Airstream photo and 115 — Its the little things that count