Almost a year ago we sold our very first Airstream. She was a 20 ft Flying Cloud and a sweet home on wheels for our 2 miniature Australian Shepherds, me and my hubby. We do plan to get another gem and then see all the 49 landed states (Hawaii to far for a swim!). We now realize we feel so stranded as we only have vehicles, one doggie and have to use hotels!
This will be the beginning of our new movements, cooking, cleaning and enjoying our new world! We are leaving California, my family roots go back to a Spanish sea captain and a native California indian woman whose marriage was noted in the Mission San Diego registry (1759). I love the central coast climate, the sound of the ocean but now so does everyone else! Its time to see the rest of this great nation too.
I love the green-ness, clean lines, efficiency of the Flying Cloud we are planning on getting in the fall of this year. I am thinking of how I want to keep her clean, stay “green”, keep our foot print light and cook up a storm as we travel about. Before I wrote about our travels as new owners and very small geography covered. We were working and had family responsibilities that limited time and miles traveled. We are now retired and free to stretch our horizons leisurely, no military orders or other career restraints.
I am reviewing our re-start with a new gleam in my eyes and eagerness to photograph our best thoughts on keeping our forever Airstream as pristine as our first one. Just this time we will have more room and one less doggie. We lost our first doggie 6 weeks ago now his sister will be at the helm. The Airstream is made for our little family and really is a dream come true.
I look forward to sharing thoughts about our little travels for the next few months in an SUV and our preparations for our new gal. Travel up to Six Sigma Winery and Ranch if you are near Lake County California and stay overnight at no cost! Its beautiful and the wines are even better.
We’ve had our baby for about months now. We have been on 4 outings and now preparing for another local weekender. We had made a promise to utilize our new silver dream as much as possible on doable weekend jounts. We drew a circle the was a distance of no more than a four hour drive to anywhere.
My brother asked us to join them at a local camping place within an hours drive from our home! Not only is it nearby but it is a wine festival featuring wines from Santa Clara County. The festival is next to the Casa De Fruta Campground and fruit stand. This is awesome.
We were still newbies so we overthought everything. OK I overthought everything. I planned for every moment, every snack, meal and even multiple clothing options!!! I tried to coordinate with my brother’s wife alternating breakfast and dinner menus. We were staying Friday and Saturday night and returning home Sunday afternoon.
April in the Hollister canyons are mild and beautiful. What we did not realize is that the wine festival was the local dog show used the campground for participants.
Saturday morning was beautiful. Clear skies, warm gentle breeze and morning quiet. Six in the morning is the best time for quiet coffee and gentle wakeup. Ohhhh, my hubby was starting to cook bacon and eggs. Wonderful aroma, so off I went to take the doggies for a little morning walk about to see our area. There was a whole bunch of rigs this morning that were not there last night! I was starting to wonder how guiet it would stay.
Breakfast done, my sister drives over to join us at the wine festival and we get tickets to get in. The temperature is climbing and music and people are joining in the fun. We dance to a little country music under the shade of oaks and madrones and its so fun. We sample wines and want to buy some to take back to the campsite. Unfortunately at this wine festival they are not allowed to sell the bottles to the tasters and participants due to the festival actually being in San Benito County and the wine was from Santa Clara County. Don’t know kinda goofy to me but we enjoyed the music and the dancing! we were so proud of how cute our little baby looked amongst the other rigs around.
The evening was not as wonderful. There was loud music, partiers and hooting and hollering until the wee hours of the morning! The campground had no security and no one enforcing campground courtesy. The spots were uneven and difficult if you had to walk to use the facilities. The rigs were very close together and it was not restful at all. We were learning to be more decerning in choosing our campgrounds.
I made too much food, was cranky and tired and just wanted to go home. We still had a lot of learning to do about living in a very small space with another human and 2 doggies. At least I did not have a meltdown this time. Was great to get home. Will not be back to this campground again! We bought our wine at the Casa de Fruta market, and had a nice walk.
We will find our fun areas and we are not giving up! We need to learn how to plan better, prep better and RELAX!
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!
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!
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.
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!
Canned Comfort 