Let’s Look Back at Our Winter 2018

Best plans for starting at the beginning were changed by a rush of plans and invitations to go visit family and friends! img_1037-1

We put 15,000 miles on our new coach in 3 months! I used the H2O liquid cleaner to quickly wipe down the dust and accumulation of the new rig. There were labels all over the inside stating “no abrasives or cleansers”. Cleaning was quick and easy and we then quickly stored everything from the 20 ft FC and prepped for winter travel!

Well, as often happens, on our way to Colorado our water pump had stopped working. We had just had it repaired from a short trip to California and had picked up the rig at the dealership on our way out of time. Luckily we found a dealership in southern Colorado that refreshed the pump for us at no charge!!! What luck.

We soon learned we were not at all prepared for our trip. Yes we had food, winter clothing, doggie supplies etc. We had too much stuff. We really had not really learned much from our last 12 years of travel. This was a longer travel through new roads and byways. We just rushed to get needed repairs for damages made on the maiden voyage from California to our new home in Henderson, Nevada.

My hubby tried to back up our rig into the court we had lived in and introduced our back aluminum panels to the street sign!!! Our new rig needed two weeks of repair! Ouch, ouch, ouch!

The repairs finished just as we had to leave on our 3 week trip!!! Not a great way to start. Grumpy, short tempered, rushed and hopeful that we were prepared! What another adventure we were to have.

We forgot that there was less daylight and lots of semi-trucks zooming along eastbound Hwy 10! Thank God we had a new tow vehicle and the rig was in one wonderful piece. We finally got to our destination KOA in NEW MEXICO! Rolled in at 1:00 am and rolled out at 8:00 am! Not a way to start.

Day two began with sunlight, 46 degrees and a wonderful hot cup of coffee! After taking the dog for a walk we realized why we have our coach! We had a cozy, comfy sleep in our own bed. We did not have to check-into a hotel, lug stuff in and out of our vehicle. We just parked, hooked up the electric and went to bed!

The next part of the trip was rushed, as we were afraid of the snow possibly falling too soon. The great part was the vistas we enjoyed, the road conditions and we had our own good hot food and could stop to walk about to stretch.

After staying at another KOA in southern Colorado, quite nice too. We arrived at the ranch and enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Of course we had an electrical panel problem we tried to repair but all dealerships were closed. We were able to make it home and to the dealership without problems! Thank goodness my son is mechanically inclined and helped out!

Whew home, safe rested and the rig is getting repaired! Still on warranty too! What luck

Hopefully before our next outing in one week we can review the cleaning and updating of our new rig. Happy travels.

The Long Road to Smiles!

After more than 15,000 miles in 4 weeks we realize every turn shows us many new vistas? Our new 26-U Airstream Flying Cloud is being pulled by our 2018 Ford Expedition! My husband had to have this new comfortable “truck” as they are our forever dream. I know our doggie was very happy with her posh back seat all to herself also.

Our first adventure was our roundtrip Thanksgiving loop to Colorado. The last time we drove over Interstate Highway 70 in our old true blue Explorer. We went up through beautiful mountains, deep valleys and truly magnificent canyons. We just knew that our next trip would be even more spectacular because our home was coming with us. The big difference in trips was the snow and steep climbs made us rethink traversing the Rockies with all new equipment on this first big winter trip. So we chose south on Highway 10 then up to Colorado through Arizona, New Mexico and a tiny piece of Texas with 3 days “camping” at the ranch.

We learned a lot about having a tiny home following us wherever we went and also learned how different 12 years makes in Airstream innovations. We grew from a 20 foot cute cozy Flying Cloud to a 26 foot little home. We have a big girl refrigerator and freezer that more than acomodated our needs. Of course I had to over prepare because we were not sure how things would go.

We did not realize that this Airstream did not have a water filter. Our 20 footer did. I did do prep work for making soups etc quickly as we went. We were only staying overnight as we went.

We planned on leaving about 10 in the morning but left at 5:30 pm because our Airstreams pre-flight repairs and adjustments were not ready as promised. This put us way behind. We promised ourselves no more driving through the night to rush anywhere. Well that did not happen. We arrived at our first stop at Gila Bend KOA Arizona. I thought we were lost in the Mexican dessert as there were few to no lights on the highway and we had never driven on this highway before, not even in the daytime. Oh yeah, I think this highway is owned by truckers, great big 52 feet long semi’s that swoosh by you and we felt like ants.

The KOA at Gila Bend was very clean, well maintained and we got a pull through! We were cozy and it was so easy to shower, have coffee, walk the dog and make my morning shake. We prepped for our lunch on the way, made sure we refilled our water bottles and off we went. I would recommend Gila Bend to people going that way as people were very nice, courteous and we felt safe there. I was happy that we got to witness the Air Force flying their wings in the morning sun! What a thrill. We had doggie snacks and water cup for Kona our 9 year old mini Aussie and our protien bars, Fit Chews and Fizz sticks to keep us alert, hydrated and energized.

Looking forward to seeing where we are going this days ride!

Our Baby is Home

Finally we have our 26 footer and a beautiful tow vehicle! We had planned our first trip would be for our Thanksgiving celebration but instead it was in Davenport California Costanoa. Why? Because we were renovating our home for sale! But what a wonderful gift.

We needed to go back and forth from Davenport to our home everyday for clearing and cleaning and packing our stuff. It was at least 60 miles round trip each day. It sounds like a very long trek. It was and it wasn’t.

I have lived almost all my life near the ocean and Monterey Bay in particular. I had never really looked at the ocean or enjoyed its various changes throughout the day. But the drive each way at various times from early morning to late evening was a magnificent gift.

Our new baby made the stress and physical strain bearable. We had to clean her up but that was a work of joy. I used non-chemical cleansers that had little or no scent. She shined and sighed and even smiled. H2O home is what I have used on all our Airstreams and home. Airstreams are “green” so I have kept her clean the same way. Her linens, dishes and our clothes are also cleaned with H2O products. For traveling it is easy and economical and safe for us and our doggy.

We put our cooking utensils, clothing and food in our “tiny” home and were quite comfortable. We could sleep listening to the ocean waves and feel at home. We had beautiful views as we drove back and forth. Clean ocean air as we walked in the evening and early morning and have coffee looking out at the morning sky. It is a wow.

We lived in our tiny home working on our big home for over a week. In that time we really learned about what real needs were and letting go of stuff. It was an eye opener. I donated so many clothes I no longer wore, furniture we really did not like or need and helped a new SJPD officer fill his apartment with pots and pans, dishes, and a TV stand. We felt so blessed that what we did not need or want could help someone else.

I got to start cooking after a long recovery from an accident and the tiny kitchen was fantastic. The sights of the early morning fog, wave action and fishing boats were like tiny miracles I never really saw in my lifetime of living near it. We were also able to buy fresh caught fish that was so very tasty and healthy! What fun to live like a tourist in our own back yard.

A really great part was on our very last morning at Costanoa KOA we happened on the new owners of our very first Airstream! We couldn’t believe it and we all hugged and cried. They live nearby also and happened on an overnight fun trip just to relax. They have traveled often and “Cynthia” as she is named is loving it. We also found out they love utilizing Harvest Host through out Central California, Washington and Oregon. They have found many wineries and farms that allowed them to stay over night at no cost. It is a great organization and we are going to use it ourselves. Wonderful things happen on our journeys and we are so thankful to be able to travel comfortably and meet so many new friends.

Next going to Las Vegas to remodel another home and then travel for the Thanksgiving vacation to Colorado! We are such lucky ducks.

Picking Up Our Kona Bear

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.

I Did It —– All by Myself!

A work trip doesn’t need to be hotels, no pets and no privacy. My new adventure was to drive the silver coach all by myself. We have a small 2007 Sportrac that is only 4.5 liter engine. We have a twenty-foot Flying Cloud Airstream. I really had to convince my hubby that I can and will take out the rig all by myself.

I bet lots of women wonder why the guys have all the fun. They get to drive all over the place. I am not Miss Daisy! hmpf!!!! Women are great drivers and we all need to share the fun. Enough said.

At the time of this adventure my hubby was stationed at an Army base three hours from our home and I was given temporary orders to an Air Base for my reserve duty. This is also three hours from our home. So different orders and different locations! Great reason for me to take the rig out by myself and be able to take the doggie too.

Hmm winter weather with rain. The challenge was Hwy 17 in wet weather or an alternate route Hwy 129, flat, a little curvy and two lanes. Safer in silly wet road driving. Not a bad choice, Gunny and I were cozy and ready for any contingency! Well Prepared.

I took us approximately 3 hours from door to door. Not bad as we traversed a commute mess, toll bridge and the main gate to Travis, AFB. We checked in, drove to our space and had personal, very experienced ground guides help us slide right into our home. Took us less than 30 minutes to set-up and be cozy.

Very easy way to report for duty, then relax at a “home” not full of noise and lots of door noises! Our little doggie was very comfortable too. However, I found that our oven knob was a problem. I couldn’t turn on the blasted oven pilot light! So gave up and used my trusty old cast iron dutch oven. Yummy! I do feel like the pudgy little squirrel a little “squirrel” house! Full tummy, warm and toasty listening to the stormy Delta breezes outside.

I did entertain a fellow officer and it worked wonderfully, She was surprised at the clean, bright and roomy interior. We can do it again! I did notice however I needed to revamp my decor, reorganize the cabinets and re-think staples in the pantry.

As we readied ourselves for the return trip home I felt a sense of accomplishment! I can do this on my own. Not scary and I can take care of business too. Onward we go. Gunny and I did do this again many times on multiple duty requirements with a big old grin on my face!

It is after spending time on a Family Camp site that I really admire and respect all our retirees. We are a great bunch of people and to see the active duty, reservists, retirees and families utilizing a place that they can commiserate about the times they spent defending our country is invaluable.

Very Proud To Have Served!

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

Our Travel Dreams for 2016

Back to the Dream

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!