Taking advantage of the warm and basically "balmy" fall weather of 30-50 degree temperatures I drove to Colorado Springs to check out an Airstream I have had my eye on.
Leaving Michigan on Friday afternoon, I stopped at a truck stop for a few hours sleep and then arrived in Colorado Springs Saturday evening. It was 1482 miles from home. The rest of the trip was much more leisurely.
Iowa has the best rest stops with free wi-fi and very nice facilities.
While I looked over my shoulder for "Too (2) Air," the closest I came was this wind farm as I breezed by...
Colorado Springs reminded me of Estes Park and it had all the makings of an interesting place to spend more time. My excursions were limited to the Colorado RV dealer, a meet and greet with an Air Forums member and a tour of Garden of the Gods.
The dealer put me up for a couple of nights at the Garden of the Gods Campground. There were rows of motorhomes but few if any trailers. I did see one other Airstream. It was a very nice campground but had perhaps decided hot water in the shower house was not necessary this time of year and half way in I discovered that no amount of running the water improved the temperature. That shower involved much less water than usual, one foot in and one foot out and much more shivering and squealing... It did serve as the days eye opener however.
The Garden of the Gods was an unexpected find and I happily took an afternoon to drive through the park and walk around.
I love the old motel signs and curiosities I encounter on my travels so I had to grab a few shots to add to my collection of favorites along the road.
I also had the opportunity to meet Zeppelinium from Palmer Lake. Much like a Currier and Ives print his landscape was breathtaking and charming. His vintage restoration work and craftsmanship were top notch and I wish I could go back to his state of the art workshop and watch the magic unfold.
Ahhh, yes the Airstream... I was interested in a 2005 28' Classic.
Unfortunately the unit had much more wear and tear than I was willing to accept, including a hallway flood upon final walk through that sent me immediately hitching up and driving away into the only snow to fall on my journey, but adreneline was high as was my ire. However that actually has turned out to be my good fortune as I called upon another Airstream owner with a 2004 28' Classic to sell and arranged to swing by and check out that unit on my way home via St. Paul Minnesota of which that traveling and living on the road was also very enjoyable and something I have sorely missed and appreciated after having been homebound since summer!
At first I was amazed at how far an individual would travel for an Airstream...not any more. I would do the same thing. It's not only a purchase...but an adventure. Enjoyed hearing about your trip. Good luck with your search!
I overnighted at rest stops, or truckstops, or Walmart. I then courtesy parked in Balsam Lake Wi and was offered the use of a bedroom and a private shower and was treated to a couple of fine home cooked meals. I met the most incredible woman and her 185 pound Saint Bernard Yogi Bear. It felt like being home for the holidays and the tree was up and a roaring fire warmed us as we sat and talked late into the evening. Yogi is wearing a red shirt because of hunting season here in Balsam Lake Wisconsin. We watched deer and the neighbors try to urge "their" deer back deeper in the woods and not to cross into the hunting grounds across the street.
As soon as I can find a buyer for the 2007 27' Classic FB I will return and take home my new silver palace, a 2004 28' Classic. I simply adore it.
From Wisconsin I drove East to Upper Peninsula Michigan and then down across the Mackinaw Bridge to Wilderness State Park where my DH Brad met me with a turkey breast to roast with the trimmings and all our animals (two dogs and a cat) to celebrate Thanksgiving together dry camping for the next couple of days before finally returning home to Lapeer.
Trip miles 3461.1
369.6 gallons of gas
62 driving hours 39 minutes
average of 9.4 mpg
9 days
I overnighted at rest stops, or truckstops, or Walmart. I then courtesy parked in Balsam Lake Wi and was offered the use of a bedroom and a private shower and was treated to a couple of fine home cooked meals. I met the most incredible woman and her 185 pound Saint Bernard Yogi Bear. It felt like being home for the holidays and the tree was up and a roaring fire warmed us as we sat and talked late into the evening. Yogi is wearing a red shirt because of hunting season here in Balsam Lake Wisconsin. We watched deer and the neighbors try to urge "their" deer back deeper in the woods and not to cross into the hunting grounds across the street.
As soon as I can find a buyer for the 2007 27' Classic FB I will return and take home my new silver palace, a 2004 28' Classic. I simply adore it.
Congratulations on finding the trailer you were wanting. They can be elusive no matter how many miles one travels in the search. It seems to be very hard to get a "real" status on a trailer over the phone - very frustrating, but as long as you enjoy the driving what the heck. A chance to see some new country, meet some great people (and pets) and get out of the house. Glad it worked out for you.
Barry
For those who wish, go ahead and drive a Prius. It leaves more gas for the rest of us
__________________ Barry & Donna Life is short - so is the door on a '51 Flying Cloud (ouch)
Just wondering what features are making you prefer the RB to the FB?
THanks
I like the couch as opposed to cushions on plywood that separate and move, the opening kitchen window, the tinted window protector around the panoramic window for privacy and insulating properties, the open floor plan of a convertible dinette and the galley counter not protuding into the walkway, the size of the bathroom with his and her closets inside the bathroom with wooden pocket doors. I like the entrance door being more central to the unit and under the awning. The location of the heating ducts and the position of seating in relation to outside walls will make for warmer lounging and it is easier than scooting and contorting to enter the booth. The outlets are located under the table and the dinette storage is awkward to access and you must crawl under the table on hands and knees. The couch storage is easy to access. The FB dinette made into a bed is much higher in the middle than at the foot and the head, whereas the couch makes a comfortable and large bed.
We may be taking more work camping positions and a larger more comfortable space will be more condusive to relaxing and spreading out with two adults, two dogs and a cat. The unit itself is also another foot longer and has twin beds for additional storage, extra walk room, another day use area and large rear opening exterior storage door. It will fit my ladder and much more. I also like the carpeting and the formica tabletops more than the lino and beautiful hickory wood that I worry so about not scratching! I have also heard that the rear bedroom is easier to exit from in an emergency than the side window would be.
Carol, it looks like a good find and a lot closer to home. It also appears it has 40# lp tanks instead of 30#. Am I correct? Certainly we are biased but the amount of room in a 28' twin is amazing. I know you will enjoy it. And remember, time and money can fix anything so if you want vista's and sky lights just drop by Jackson Center!!!!
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It did serve as the days eye opener however. 
However that actually has turned out to be my good fortune as I called upon another Airstream owner with a 2004 28' Classic to sell and arranged to swing by and check out that unit on my way home via St. Paul Minnesota of which that traveling and living on the road was also very enjoyable and something I have sorely missed and appreciated after having been homebound since summer!
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