Its July and we have been considering getting a friend for our Gunny. Our mini-Australian Shepard. We called the breeder in Susanville and found out he had a half-sister just born! We began our preparation for her pick up!
We know we have to drive to Susanville, California north of Reno?! Border Town RV Park is our go to place off Hwy 80. This is a cute little RV stop, clean, quiet and on we go. It is comforting to us that our Gunny will have a buddy. We brought her kennel, blanket, collar, lead and food! What we did not know was her temperament for sure. She will be older than Gunny was when we picked him up.
We thought from her pictures and little history she would be small like gunny and quietly loving. Well, nope. She was already bigger than Gunny was at the same age. Different coat, fluffy, soft and tan. Gunny was very small, black and tan tri color and his coat was a little more brindle. He was shy she was curious and active, He was cuddly and she just wanted to run and play. Wow, like all siblings they really had their own personalities.
She did love her new family. It was love at first site for all of us. She loved the truck and the Airstream. She just made herself at home. Sweet!!!!
Brother and Sister in her first snowfall!
So it begins, dogs do like to go, especially ours. They are fun and we follow all the rules for their health and safety. The Airstream really makes it easy. They even know how to open the curtains to see whats outside. It’s so cute to see them use their talents and curiosity. They do also make greats sentries too.
Traveling is better than ever now. On we go! More adventures for all our family.
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”. …..
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!
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!
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!
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!
Here it is 2016! Haven’t traveled in over three months and keep thinking about going ANYWHERE. Sometimes life takes other turns and gives you a chance to do some long-range plans, repair your rig, re-organize the living areas and dream of where you want to go.
Today is a rainy California day. Our travel time is usually winter so rain reminds me of our travels. In our last walk around of our rig we found a small drip over the bed after a recent rain. The little silver castle is seven years old and we keep thinking she is brand new. This precipitated a complete re-check of little repairs that may need to be done before we travel again.
Last October, 2015, we got the bright idea of Yellowstone National Park in 2016. We are combining that with a family graduation in Idaho and then meandering back home! Wow a dream travel plan that we have read other Airstreamers enjoy. This will be the first “long” road trip for us. Yep a whole two weeks! Ok we have been 11 days on the road with tight timelines….. this will be our first vacation!
It has been a rough year but we know this year is our year to really grow and enjoy life. We have had challenges of serious illness in our family, someone stole our Airstream keys out of our truck, had to order new ones and then needed to make repairs to keep our silver coach safe and road worthy.
In the meantime we did take our Flying Cloud in for a complete service and upholstery change. In essence she is still a new rig of dreams. After we left our trailer at the Bay Area Airstream dealership and service bay we drove up through Suisun Valley to our favorite winery Six Sigma! It was a beautiful drive through cattle and wine country, no traffic just green trees and grasslands.
It was sad to see the after effects of the Lake county fire. The amazing wonder is how mother nature heals herself with beauty and strength! We enjoy peace and greatness of our little piece of the world.
We arrive at Six Sigma and there is a pick up party in process. The people there make us feel at home. The great warmth, friendliness of everyone and fantastic wines create an oasis in a world of crazy noise and cold. As we are sipping our wine we look around and see a campsite! Yep an empty spot that says stay with me and enjoy my peaceful view.
We spoke to Christian Ahlman and were informed they are part of the network of wineries across the United States that allow trailers and RVs to enjoy the beauty, great wine and quiet. This area is like stepping back in time. The fact that this is a working ranch, winery and historic piece of California makes this magic. We can’t wait for our turn to fill this space with our silver trailer at the next Farm to Table dinner and wine pairing. We have the best place to stay! Walking distance to the great food and wine and a little still to our home.
Our coach will be ready in two weeks with a new look to enjoy our next wine adventure. We are looking forward to our first Farm to Table experience just outside our silver door! Bowser!
Oh boy! We are getting in one more adventure before we stop for the vacation season. Yep we are going back to Pinnacles for one more look. Usually we are cleaning and repairing our silver castle for a little rest time while we wait and prepare for fall adventures. We like to travel when the weather is cooler, less crowded and a different vacation perspective.
As we began the process of emptying the coach of all foodstuffs, clothing, doggie treats and linen we received a call from my brother. He got us our newly found favorite spots at the Pinnacles! As we had already started the process of cleaning we decided just finish the job and be ready for the next trip.
Keeping your rolling home clean and repaired means that the surprise trip will not have major “surprises”! This practice is well worth the effort as it protects your investment, your traveling dream maker! I am always surprised how the simple little fixes prevent the big owies.
When we first ordered our Flying Cloud I read and re-read the marketing booklet and then the manufacturer’s recommendations to be prepared to give loving care to our new silver dream!
Meet the Silver Coach Cleaning package!
The how of cleaning small spaces can be challenging or easy and green. The cleansers on the market may not be compatible with the interiors of campers, trailers and RV’s. The surfaces are not to be scrubbed to death and our aluminum walls are special. I have used multiple sprays, antibacterial cleansers and also learned not to use chlorine liquids. Fragrances of cleaners are also a potential hazard for those with allergies, animals and sensitive skin. The solution? H20 Home! Yep I found it was very simple, the difficulty is in leaving old habits behind. I did mention it in a previous blog but now I am really liking it. The process kind of makes you question the new way and then go ahhh.
When we returned home this last trip I really got energetic and thought a study this process was needed. This is what I did. I analyzed storage space for a cleaning kit I could keep in the trailer and make the upkeep ongoing and minimize the pre-rest cleaning time. All I needed was three (3) chiffonnettes, one container of clay cleaner, and water. Yep that is what I was going to us to clean the entire inside of my coach.
I had read on another blog how a traveler used two dish pans that fit the sinks to clean dishes and then disposed of the boiled rinsing water into the blackwater tank instead of the grey water. By doing this it helps keep the level of the greywater tank lower- more room for shower water! This saved overuse of water and disenfectied the dishes at the same time. Check out this blog J5MM to really see how she did this.
Back to the new process study. I read the directions on the use of the chiffonnettes and thought it was too simple. I wrung out the thickest one for the counter top and began to wipe down the surfaces, hmmm then did the same to the cabinet doors and was really surprised as it shinned with a wipe of the medium towel. I rinsed out the first towel as needed with just warm water. No cleaners, no sprays and no disinfectants. All surfaces and mirrored surfaces gleamed. I then used the clay cleanser product with its little sponge and worked on the sinks and stove top. It has never looked smoother and shinier. I proceeded with this same process to include the aluminum walls and ceilings and got the same results. It was amazing. I did spend a lot of time going end to end but I only utilized water and the clay cleanser. No drip marks and no overpowering fragrance. WOW! Along with this thinking I decided to see what I would actually need to keep her clean on the go and when she rests. How much space, how much effect on the environment and keeping everything easily cleanable and pretty. I also began to think about dishwashing, clothing and towels. I know I can over think a lot but I like to keep things pretty and clean. I came up with a small collection that fits in a small basket under the sink!
Here is the Silver Coach Package: I slips right under my sink and the basket was from the dollar store! It has the three chiffonnettes, two sponges different colors so you can use one for the bathroom, one for dishes with two sides. Clay cleanser for the tough spots and the spots on the floor or carpet, dish cleanser to put two drops on the dish sponge( they can be cleaned and disinfected in the dishwasher at home), the Netepur bar to put on the stains on the camping clothes! Works like magic! Kids clothing actually survives to camp another day without the stains. If you would like to learn more about the super Silver Coach Package from Monica Hein of H2O Home at 1-831-566-5324. She really gets the Airstream dream and of course she cares about the environment.
Well enough cleaning I need to rest to get ready for our next Pinnacle Trip. It is going to be very hot!
How wonderful to actually be hearing RAIN again. The warm weather is beautiful but the rain is what we need. It also makes we want to travel. Yep, weird huh. While everyone is on the road during the good weather the cooler, more unpredictable weather and fewer options for open campgrounds etc make it more exciting.
I must say without the weather challenges, less utilized camp grounds and quieter landscapes we would be bored. No fun, goofy memories. I love reading the many blogs that feature Airstreams and decor. It makes me think, what is our style of travel. We know we love to cook, then Airstream comes out with limited edition gourmet cook version of our dream size coach. Ohhhh bad! The challenge is to make more with less space and re-think the decor, comforts we slowly find we either need or don’t. Oh boy more fun! In two weeks we are traveling far away (90 minutes) to the Pinnacles National Park. Shall we see California Condors, large wing bats, winter flowers, secret vistas that take your breathe away or just the beauty of sitting and drinking in pure wonder given to us from Mother Nature! No not just wine and olive oil that is abundant in this area! That means a trip to Santa Pietra for olive oil, and one of the local wineries we have yet to discover.
I have already thought of our menu, our travel times, reserved our space and have plans to coordinate with my brother and his wife on Saturday of the 3-day adventure. The challenge is, I need to re-think what our creature comforts are and how can we go from ” what we started with” to “okay what do we do now?” That says a lot of laughs and more fun.
Reading “J5MM” blog I am immediately wowed and a little intimadated. She is so vibrant and brings new views of what we can do in our little silver rolling statement! Where do my needs and adventurous energies lead us to?
Ohhhhhhh what shall we do? Dream and go! I am determined to go from where we started our statement to we are venturing out to find our FUN and adventure NOW! Yes Rain makes us start thinking of places to go and things to see. Especially near our home turf! See, the silver wink beckons. We are anxious to get on the road!
Two sites I have found that are inspiring are J5MM and Social Vignerons are two new fun, informative sites that make me think of luxurious, simply fun, tasty adventures on the road! Let’s get traveling.
The time after getting home from our outings equals clean up for storage. We have found a dump station in Scotts Valley that is clean and convenient! Wow what a find as we survived the poopscicle run. Now starts the important stuff.
I bought the H2O at Home, car cleaner kit so we thought we would try it on our silver cottage. What a difference and we saved water doing it. Since we did not use cleaners and only water we did not pollute either. So while the outside was being shinned so nicely I learned sometings about how to easily and quickly keep the inside clean and neat too. I thought i knew how to clean but did I learn alot from Monica! What I learned could be useful to all trailer and RV owners. It feels so good to know less is truely more even with cleaning.
I thought a short video from Monica will show you what I learned. It really made sense and my life a little easier. click on the video to meet Monica, you can contact her at http://www.myh2oathome.com/monica!
Back to the Dream
Canned Comfort 