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09-17-2011, 11:17 PM
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#401
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Rivet Master
1957 22' Caravanner
Port Hadlock
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 864
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Thanks Tina and Jim.
If all goes well, we're planning to take Island Girl on the ferry trip to Lopez on Tuesday morning.
-steve
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09-22-2011, 12:03 AM
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#402
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Rivet Master
1957 22' Caravanner
Port Hadlock
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 864
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Then She Took Another Ride on a Boat
Very early and dark on Tuesday morning we headed for Anacortes to make the 0930 ferry to Lopez Island where my trailer spent many of her years.
Fog in Anacortes soon gave way to nice warm and sunny skies as we made the forty minute trip to Lopez.
Even though we’ve sailed in the San Juan Islands for years, I’d not been on Lopez since around 1980 when I was touring on my bicycle. I’d forgotten how beautiful it is. Island Girl’s former home actually has shoreline on both the front and back of the property. We backed in behind Harold and Kathy’s motorhome, just a few feet from the water and surrounded by Douglas Fir and the distinctive Madrona tree, common in these islands.
Edith has her 94th birthday next month. I know she was excited to see her old trailer again, but I don’t think she could have been more excited than I was. Meeting her is really special to me. I know the trailer is just a collection of aluminum bits and pieces, but it was an important part of the lives of those who have used her before me. She’s taken great trips, served as a home (just as she’s doing now for Pam and me), and even for Harold and Kathy’s honeymoon.
Edith is a cat person, like me. My Brissy is not the first cat to travel in the trailer. She is adjusting well to the move from her sailboat, but it has been a huge change for a cat who has spent her life on a boat. She had a fun two days too, walking on her leash, just like Edith told me she had done with her Siamese cats. But Brissy was more than ready for a nap while waiting for the ferry for the return trip home this afternoon.
Those of us that love these old trailers really do so because of people. We love the old aluminum and the way it shines, but we feel a connection to the guys that put them together at the factory. And, we feel a connection to the people who have owned and used the trailers in the past. It is about aluminum, but it’s mostly about people. I feel so honored to have been able to make that special connection this week.
cheers,
steve
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09-22-2011, 07:12 AM
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#403
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,226
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Steve
I have been looking forward to reading about your visit with the former owner. It was beautiful. I am glad you enjoyed it so much. Thank you.
Dan
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09-22-2011, 07:35 AM
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#404
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Rivet Master
Vintage Kin Owner
HOUSE SPRINGS
, MO
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 625
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Steve,
You are very inspiring and your story is awesome. I love that Island Girl was able to "go back home" for a visit. You are wonderful to bring so much happiness to so many people.
Mike and I have a special fondness for the San Juan Islands, we spent our honeymoon there. Words really can't describe all the emotions one experiences when visiting. We hope to be back one day and meet you in person.
Tina
__________________
Tina and Mike
1959 Avion e-20
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09-22-2011, 07:37 AM
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#405
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
1963 26' Overlander
1961 26' Overlander
Central
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,919
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Awesum post. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.
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09-22-2011, 09:04 AM
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#406
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Rivet Master
1957 22' Caravanner
Port Hadlock
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 864
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Thanks.
Some things are just meant to work out. Got home last night just before dark, got Pam and Brissy settled inside, set up the trailer, and within 15 minutes it was raining. Hasn't stopped raining since.
cheers,
steve
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09-22-2011, 09:10 AM
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#407
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Rivet Master
1956 22' Flying Cloud
1953 32' Liner
1955 22' Safari
Valley View
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,971
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This is great! I have the same feeling now that I have when I finish a great book... set it aside, and rethink the story. Tell me more about the rain...(Robin in Texas.)
__________________
"If it can't be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted
then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production."
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09-22-2011, 09:20 AM
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#408
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Rivet Master
2007 23' Safari SE
Central
, Connecticut
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,652
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That is a lovely story. Thanks for sharing it. It helps to remind us that as much as we get mired down in the "stuff" of Airstreaming, these trailers are owned (and admired, and restored, and enjoyed) by people.
Tom
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09-22-2011, 09:23 AM
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#409
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Rivet Master
1957 22' Caravanner
Port Hadlock
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 864
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Melody Ranch
This is great! I have the same feeling now that I have when I finish a great book... set it aside, and rethink the story. Tell me more about the rain...(Robin in Texas.)
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I've been feeling your pain from the drought and the heat down there, Robin. Grew up in Texas. We've been the fortunate place this summer and fall, especially the last few weeks, but I suspect the rain is here now. If you're willing to come pick it up, we'll just give it to you.
-steve
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09-29-2011, 01:25 AM
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#410
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3 Rivet Member
1958 18' "Footer"
Danville
, California
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 119
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Wow Steve! This is an amazing journey! I am inspired!!
Carolyn
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11-09-2011, 09:17 AM
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#411
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
san jose
, California
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 12
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Just finished reading your beautiful story. Tears in my eyes. Thank you for sharing. What a inspiration you are. Please keep us posted on your and Pams' progress in life.
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11-10-2011, 10:14 AM
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#412
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Rivet Master
1957 22' Caravanner
Port Hadlock
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 864
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Quote:
Originally Posted by suzyq54
Just finished reading your beautiful story. Tears in my eyes. Thank you for sharing. What a inspiration you are. Please keep us posted on your and Pams' progress in life.
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Thanks, Suzyq. We've been pretty quiet in the thread lately. Pam isn't doing very well, but still smiles and that's worth everything. Really hadn't planned for the trailer to be a cold weather rig, but we're trying to stay ahead of the weather. Always nice and warm and comfy for Pam and I've been happy that everything in the trailer has worked just like I'd hoped it would.
With the help of the Hospice bath aide, we're even getting Pam's showers done in the tiny Caravanner bathroom.
cheers,
steve
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11-11-2011, 08:59 AM
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#413
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2 Rivet Member
1955 26' Cruiser/Overlander
Parowan
, Utah
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 30
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Steve,
Sue and I want you to know what a pleasure it was to meet you, Pam, Bissy and of course your beautiful Island Girl. We have enjoyed watching the progress on Island Girl, and were delighted to see it all in person.
All the best, Spike & Sue
__________________
On the Road, Somewhere in North America.
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11-11-2011, 11:08 AM
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#414
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Rivet Master
1957 22' Caravanner
Port Hadlock
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 864
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 55-ArtStream
Steve,
Sue and I want you to know what a pleasure it was to meet you, Pam, Bissy and of course your beautiful Island Girl. We have enjoyed watching the progress on Island Girl, and were delighted to see it all in person.
All the best, Spike & Sue
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That was such a cool visit! I will make it over to Utah to see you guys someday. Nice to see another great old 50's Airstream in here next to ours in this sea of fifth wheels and motorhomes we live with.
Pam's caregiver Charlene was thrilled with that pair of pop rivet earrings from Sue. That was really appreciated.
Aren't these a couple of really cool trailers?
cheers,
steve
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11-11-2011, 02:54 PM
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#415
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Rivet Master
Vintage Kin Owner
HOUSE SPRINGS
, MO
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 625
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pbearsailor
That was such a cool visit! I will make it over to Utah to see you guys someday. Nice to see another great old 50's Airstream in here next to ours in this sea of fifth wheels and motorhomes we live with.
Pam's caregiver Charlene was thrilled with that pair of pop rivet earrings from Sue. That was really appreciated.
Aren't these a couple of really cool trailers?
cheers,
steve
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Yes... they are WAY cool trailers!!
Pop rivet earrings??? I'm gonna need to check out their site now.
Glad to hear that you are having smiles from Pam and it's working out in the trailer. Sending good wishes your way!!!
Tina
__________________
Tina and Mike
1959 Avion e-20
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12-14-2011, 02:35 PM
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#416
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Rivet Master
1957 22' Caravanner
Port Hadlock
, Washington
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 864
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The Pullout Pantry
I've been planning to make a pullout pantry for quite awhile, but trailer work has slowed down a lot since we've been living in her, four and a half months now. Everything is still working well and we're coping with the cold ok. Fresh water is still coming in and gray and black water are continuing to go out. Pretty sure that's a good thing.
Anyway, the pantry fits into the old broom closet, the first part of the big curbside cabinet in Caravanners. A bottom slider worked the best and it came from Rockler, a little pricey but a perfect fit and very strong. There is a guide at the top fastened to a new shelf and I used simple one inch aluminum stock from the hardware store to fence in the sides of the pantry. The structure is very simple and made from hemlock. The original door faces the pantry.
Still have to come up with a solid latch for it when underway, but for now it's done enough to give me a bunch of food storage I didn't have before.
cheers,
steve
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12-15-2011, 06:25 AM
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#417
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Vintage Kin
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 8,014
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Impressive.
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12-15-2011, 07:33 AM
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#418
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4 Rivet Member
1956 22' Flying Cloud
Dallas
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 369
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Furnace
Steve, your recent photos of the pantry caused me to do some investigation on your furnace, the Dickinson Newport. I suspect that it is what I will install in my 56 Flying Cloud.
Any advice as to installation of that furnace? Did the chimney pipe and exhaust cap that came with the furnace work for you?
Thanks for a great (and inspiring) thread.
Hank
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12-15-2011, 07:45 AM
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#419
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Rivet Master
Vintage Kin Owner
HOUSE SPRINGS
, MO
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 625
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The Pullout Pantry
Steve,
Wow - that is awesome! What a clever way to make that skinny closet super useful! I am impressed!
Tina
__________________
Tina and Mike
1959 Avion e-20
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12-15-2011, 08:28 AM
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#420
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2 Rivet Member
1955 26' Cruiser/Overlander
Parowan
, Utah
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 30
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Steve, I see the Rockler web-site declairs this slider will hold 225 Pounds. How does it feel to you when it slides in and out when fully loaded?
Spike
__________________
On the Road, Somewhere in North America.
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