luxury trailer travel – Canned Comfort

It’s Already October

The first steps in planning for our “epic journey”.

As always I see how many days we will actually be on the road and identify what challenges we may encounter. We have two, two year old Australian Shepards and they have traveled with us since they were 10 weeks old. They are still rambunctious but slowly learning our lifestyle. My husband looks at the roadways and weather. I look at food, medical and doggie needs. I also do a thorough cleaning.

We have planned not to use the big interstate highways where possible. We can travel faster from point A to point B using the fast interstate but that is not enjoyable. I also felt we needed to look for Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome and other no cost places to overnight. We generally travel to see family and take care of annual medical exams. We haven’t traveled in our rig just for fun in years. We are looking to change that!

Our first leg of this journey was scheduled to leave exactly at 7:00 am. I ordered a breakfast order at our local Kneaders for a 7:15 am pickup. We made it by 7:30 am. Then we had to put fuel in our rig. My “pilot” did not fuel up the night before! We use diesel and oh well here we go again.

Hwy 93 from Las Vegas to Fallon Nevada is our first start. It is mostly a two lane highway through deserts, ranches and small towns. We stop to let our doggies do their business and we switch drivers and snack, stretch with the doggies for a small walk. So far so good.

While driving we realize we are not passing any truck stops. We get diesel fuel at up to 30 cents cheaper at the truck stops than the regular gas stations. Hmmmmm. We have passed many really inviting towns but we are on a timeline to Spokane, Washington. Notes for future stops. I was really surprised how different the countryside was the farther north we traveled. Loved the slower feeling of travel without a lot of heavy traffic. People actually waved at us and smiled. A great change.

I had made one strawberry cheesecake and Greek apple cake for the trip and to share with my son’s family on the last leg of the trip. Big mistake. We had slices of the apple cake for the first 3 days but kinda forgot about it. Left the frozen cheesecake until we got to the ranch. The cake was getting weird, kinda got wet because I secured it in the sink while we drove. By the time we reached the ranch it was slimy so thrown away. The cheesecake got watery while it thawed! It was a good idea but traveling in different climates and length of time on the road did not work in our favor. Oh and the new refrigerator was smaller than our Airstream’s. Well oh dear, on with the plan! Always learning.

We we did not make reservations for any RV park or BLM. So we stayed the night in the truck parking of a casino in Beatty, Nevada. It was after 9:30 pm. We had a late start from home. Again such plans. The truck parking lot was all dirt, no donkeys, lots of semis and a few trailers.

We were able to take the doggies for at least 2 thirty minute walks and let them stretch. No feeling of fear. Able to put the slide out and enjoy the bed and warmth, especially since the doggies think the bed is for them.

The next part of the journey is north toward Fernley, Nevada! Whew, they had a space without a reservation. Hopefully the trail will be relaxing and new and without problems.

My Turn To Drive The New Rig!

We are planning a trip that will take us from Henderson, Nevada to Ft. Lupton, Colorado via Spokane, Washington through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado! All using old highways, limited exposure to major highways. Our 2 Australian Shepherds, are also new to this smaller rig. Wish us luck.

Our plan is to utilize as many Harvest Hosts, Cabella’s and mooch docking as much as possible. Our goal is no more than 4 hours on the road per day. Pre planned meals and at least 3 – 30 minute walks with the dogs per day. They are going to be so stressed not to have their regular trip hammock. Do any of you have safety ideas for dogs in a class B+ van? We are used to pulling a rig not driving it.

Many RVs use the same brand of refrigerators, Air Conditioners, Microwave/Conduction Ovens, wiring and plumbing. We have never had or utilized an onboard generator or slide out.

Previously I would pack our Airstream and not fill it with our equipment, clothing etc. This new rig is so much smaller it takes a lot of reorganization to prepare for the trip. This was really not that much of challenge but the murphy bed is daunting. It is really heavier than we realized and the living space is impacted. We really are like newbies in many ways, especially space use with our pups too.

I was proud of myself that I did do some minor decorating in our rig to make it feel more ours.

Galley, added peel and stick tile and command strip shelf. Oh yes and paper towel holder!

Packing the galley was easier than I thought it would be. It is small but the large window and burner cover make it look larger and comfy. It makes me smile to see it and use it. When the Murphy Bed is open. The doggies can easily place their paws on the counter. Another training moment. Goodies are to be placed as far away as possible after dinner.

I do like that we do not have to go outside in the in the cold dark, rain or snow to utilize the interior for our comfort. The automatic steps are a death trap for short people with knee problems. The doggies are small and the smallest one takes a minute to prepare to hop into the rig. Once the battery had dropped and the steps did not come out. My hubby did not notice, jammed his right knee and even the doggies were challenged to go out of the rig.

All new learning experiences. In my next blog I will review what we did as far as planning and you can shake your head and laugh.

Until the next time.

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!

Winter wonderland and travel

OMG! Here I am making gifts of herb butters and planning a New Years trip. How do we plan our destinations and missions due for completion. Ohhhh that does not sound like fun.

Our cozy Airstream awaits its new mattress pad especially made for our 20 foot Flying Cloud . We are planing a quick 5 day jaunt to Idaho. The aroma of the herbal butters and cookie dough makes me think . . . . Oh what we could do to use these to enhance our travels.

We just did a pick up of our favorite wines in Lake County California, Six Sigma! It made us remember that friends, associates and the journey mean so much more and enhance our gentle luxuries. Great wine, great friends, and the feelings of the moment.

Our special wine connection! Six Sigma Winery and friends!

As I prepare luscious herbal butters for gifts I think, oh what a wonderful treat as we traverse the winter highways to our special destination . . . Eagle, Idaho and our daughter and grandchildren. We had not ever thought this would be a destination over the holidays but what a thrill!

Sumptuous plans for a gentle road trip. The snow will dictate our travel time as will our time restraints. We have five days and how do we plan? The Airstream makes the travel a breeze. We do not worry about warmth and comfort as it is so well insulated we are always comfy. I have come to appreciate the thought put into its design. There is no wasted space, we can hunker down in a monsoon, wind storm and blizzard! It has taken me five years to appreciate the design and thought put into our Flying Cloud.

So we plan for our creature luxuries, menu for New Years Eve, nosh on the road and reservations on the way to our destination. Just think herbed butter, we made, rib steaks, garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans with butter and shallots, Six Sigma 2009 Tempranillo and French press coffee with espresso shortbread cookies to bring in the new year! No matter where we are, if in our Airstream, we know we are not only warm and safe, we are more than comfortable.

We hope to bring in the New Year with style and panache! We do not need to be ever stylish but we know less is more and it is the little luxuries that make our lives special.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND A WONDERFUL RIVETTED AIRSTREAM NEW YEAR

The inbetween time . . . . .

Waiting for the next trip or is it planning for the next trip that seems soooo frustrating? This is also of time of restlessness for me. I know where I would love to be going but there is no time yet. There are things I should be trying out, planning, researching and yet I sit.

I know what I want to put next into my grown-up glamping pantry but I procrastinate. I should be taking a photo of the next addition and typing a blurb about what I would add to the experience of our outings but I don’t. So I think alot like a certain bear we all know and dream about the perfect trip.

Yesterday we drove to Pietra Santa winery in the hills south of Hollister, California AGAIN. We learned there was to be “Music in the Vines” event. Driving from our home to the winery is beautiful and alot less treacherous without our silver friend behind us. Our truck was happier.

Thankfully we knew where we were going because there were no signs pointing to the event. We arrived and there indeed was music! The setting was beautiful. Very green with vistas that could have been set in the 1800’s of California’s past. Ohhhh so breathtaking.

We then walked into the winery and were abruptly met with a table with sales people ready to sell bottles of their wine and picnic goodies and water. I asked if we could taste any of the wines first and was told NO. I also asked about their olive oil and was also informed not at this function. Had we arrived during regular tasting hours it was available. We bought a bottle of red and one bottle of white, water and the cheese bundle they were selling. Wine good, the cheese bundle gave me ideas. The cheese etc were from Trader Joes and were tasty enough to compliment the wine. Why not Trader Joe’s for a large group you may meet on the road as we travel the riveted lifestyle? Well because the local cheese we find on our journeys is more of a find and story.

As we left for home we turned right onto the two lane road going south not north toward our home. The ranch lands were vibrant, quiet, glowing with the rays of the setting sun. This vast, vital landscape was worth the disappointment, again with this winery. If you are going to the Thousand Trails campground, now open to the public, or on your way to the Pinnacles, Cienega Rd is a road less traveled and full of beauty. It would take you maybe an hour out of your way but you end up on Airport Hwy and can continue on your journey.

If you are lucky you may actually get to taste some little known wines and taste local olive oil from 100-year-old trees!!! We are planning on actually camping at the newest National Park the Pinnacles. Happy wanderings.

What is luxury trailering?

What do you think of as luxury trailer travelling? I thought about that a long time. I know where to go to find good food but it is how we live while we venture out; ‘are we able to sleep cozy and warm, is there a beautiful little touch to have my morning coffee and toast seem as though we are in a B & B, or are we camping?

We get so caught up in the prep, stowing, time frame and destination we forget why we have such a nice trailer. We decided on an Airstream to learn to enjoy the journey, explore the little off the busy tourist trail places we missed as we served our country all over the world AND be very comfortable. We need to have the means to make the adventure a cut above and EAT VERY WELL as we learn to savor the journey not just the destination. With this in mind. . . . I love great foods, great wine, comfy cozy evenings and the knowledge we have the tools to take advantage of yummy things we come across as we “press on” in a fun way! We are always on the hunt to bring these items to you and let you know how to get them.

I have changed my focus. I will look for the items we can use on our travels that make it that much more luxurious yet are beautiful, lightweight and have multi-uses! The easy part was choosing the Airstream! It has clean lines and lots of well thought out storage spaces. I will start with the empty coach and then add the “things” that will help us be able to relax and really feel pampered while we travel into the hidden surprises of our quests and adventures.

Here is where we start! This is the place to store the special ingredients that will enrich any foodie finds on the journey. I have measured the diameter of the adjustable shelves and use a guide to see if bottles of yummy fit, store well so we can enhance dishes, beverages and ” ?” while entertaining ourselves and friends on the road less traveled.

Meandering thru the new old wine region of Lake County California

After many years of tiresome crowded wine tours and tastings it is refreshing to find great wines in hidden valleys. Lake County California boasts many small gems. This Monday we rolled into a bucolic, picturesque setting that held a reward. A jewel in the search for great California wines that offers you great vistas, warm friendly care and flavors that match the newer tastes in wine is SIX SIGMA Winery and Ranch!

We pulled our little silver bullet from Scotts Valley California over 150 miles to Lake County California. We traversed the Santa Cruz mountains to get to the Lake County wine region. Our little 6 cylinder engine was truly the little engine that could. We drove along the Silverado Trail up the winding St. Helena mountain road that would scare anyone pulling a trailer. Crawling up the mountainside at 20 miles an hour we finally found Middletown and got a sandwich to get us the rest of the way to our destination. . . . . Six Sigma Winery and Ranch (only 20-30 minutes later).

Six Sigma is located on Spruce Grove Rd. just off Cal Hwy 29. The road winds around dry hills and homes to the turn off to the wine tasting “room”. Our little Airstream was going bumpity bump down a dusty, gravelly road. It was in the 90’s, the wheels stirred up dusty puffs, cattle and sheep were grazing freely in the fields and the vines were green and well cared for. At the end of a 2 mile slow crawl we came upon the Six Sigma Winery tasting room.

I had arranged an interview with one of the winery’s owners, Christian Ahlman, to have him walk through the Airstream and give us his ideas on how to properly store wine while we travel about. We don’t have space to put a built in wine refrigerator so we had learn some basics.

Q- What is the best temperature to store wines?

A- Wine should be stored at a minimum of 60 degrees F or less. He suggested whites be stored in the frig and if unsure of a potential raise in the inside temp, put a couple of reds in the frig too.. Take the reds out about one hour before opening to get to room temperature before serving.

Q- Is a wooden wine box any better than the cardboard case boxes for storing?

A- Christian felt both were good. The separations in case boxes keep the bottles from rattling and possibly breaking in transit. We find that the under bed storage area in our Flying Cloud is the coolest spot in the trailer.

Q- Do you really need to decant or aerate wine to help it quickly mature for a better taste?

A- The oxygen is what helps its flavor and a simple trick is to open the bottle, pour a glass, then re-cork the bottle and gently shake the bottle. The air in the bottle helps it mature and smooth. Hmmmm one less gadget to stow but an effective action to make your wine more enjoyable.

We found the history of the 4,300 acre ranch lands, the Six Sigma philosophy of always searching for the best quality in all they do on this sustainable ranch and winery impressive but the real find is the wine and the staff. If you like your reds smooth but not in your face, rich and flavorful the Tempranillo is my favorite. You know you want a great steak or lamp chop to compliment your glass or is that the other way around? The real challenge is Pinot Noir vs Cabernet vs Diamond Cuvee! With so many great choices just have a bottle of each to take on your travels.

A wow is their Sauvignon Blanc and Marianne’s Blush, both refreshing with a great crisp flavor just right for hot summer evenings and picnics. We chilled ours in our ice bucket and sat outside the silver suite to enjoy our favorite summer wine.

We thought how wonderful to be able to pull our Airstream to the winery and park it under a great wonderful oak without a problem. Of course we are only 20 feet long! We appreciate the time Christian and his staff spent with us at Six Sigma and plan on returning often. For a real treat take the time to experience old California hospitality and outstanding wines.

NOTE: Did you know they were growing more wine grapes in Lake County than Napa County before prohibition?! The vines were torn out and the famous California Bartlett Pears were grown and shipped all over the world. Now Lake County is producing great wines again.

Sooooo where do we go next to find more fantastic people, wine, and tastey tidbits to make the trailer travels even more luxurious?

Why We Are Here

The learning curve to get the galley ready for your travel experience is steep. I obsessed about the how to, flow, ease of use, what to use and the permanence of tools and staples (spices etc.).

My military experience taught me heavy stuff makes it harder for the truck/car to pull the trailer. Also I did not want lots of stuff but multipurpose items/tools/plates. The trailer moves along behind me and things can get thrown around, breaks and makes messes. Don’t like those kinds of surprises!

I know what my research lead me to for my galley and now I am going to have some fun with it. I love to eat good food, drink yummy wine and experience nature’s beautiful scenery. Now let’s see what the great California chefs say is a must have for your little cooking area and what/how to store precious wines, spices and serving dishes.

You can spend hundreds of, ok thousands of dollars, on stuff but it may be too big, too heavy and you find out it doesn’t work for you or your travels. I planned for dinnerware etc for four. This is easily expanded with all the friends you meet but remember, your galley is your pivotal launch for entertaining and luxury. But less is truly more!

I find inspiration everywhere especially stores like Napa Style, Williams and Sonoma and Sur Le Table! No I don’t get money from these guys but they sure have nice stuff that really meets the needs of traveling light!

Whew that is how this blog got started! The Silver Suite will be posting the interviews and lists of the “stuff” the chefs recommend!

The Silver Suite

A small bundle of potential that will follow you anywhere. It’s up to you, let’s explore the possibilities together.