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wheel interested · 06-02-2011, 11:19 AM

At this time there seems to be some interest in a gathering of Rivettes and Silver Sisters in the Canada Michigan Ohio area. Please add your comments and ideas and availability and help us build the best rally yet!

How about a not so old-fashioned pajama party? Need a little girl time to have a giggle fit and find your way to a friend?

As Airstreamers we have the opportunity to meet many amazing women along the road, women who are strong, caring, independent, creative, opinionated, kind, unique and truly inspirational. Let's make it a point to come together to enjoy the friendship and sisterhood we as Silver Sisters can share together. The PJ Rally can provide a unique experience for sharing wisdom, stories, secrets, support and laughter with each other - as only women can. Let this be a celebration of girl time that we can cherish with each other. We know that in good times and bad, through all the cycles of our lives we are always there for each other.

Forge new friendships, deepen old ones and most important of all have fun. Come on your own, with a friend or gather the gals in a caravan. Come enjoy spending quality time and some good giggles with the most important women in your life.

tin sista · 06-02-2011, 12:13 PM

I can do Michigan!

I have limits on distance/time/and money. But I'd love to meet up for a bit with the girls!

uluwene · 06-02-2011, 01:46 PM

It would be fun if the dates fit my schedule. I also can do MI.

tksbaskets · 06-02-2011, 03:10 PM

I might be able to do Michigan. Starting a new job soon so we'll have to see.

05ModPod · 06-02-2011, 11:28 PM

If at all possible and the date we may settle on is good for me - count us in. Only girls! - may have my fur girls with me...and ModPod well we all know she is of the female persuasion.

Although I will try my best to make any date that is proposed - my schedule would fair me better nearer the end of August as I have to be home for School starting on the 7th of September.

I hope to be starting some work in the next two weeks and it could be anywhere in Canada - so not sure on scheduling at all.

Now if you hired me as your personal Security Guard for the weekend - I could quite possibly make it by switching shifts

- seriously - We will need to land some sort of date sooner rather than later so that we can all work around it.

How about everyone posting state their starting location and max Miles you would be willing to travel. And either a specific date or range....

Moi:
Belleville - willing to drive 500 miles. North or South of the border.
Date - prefer late August.

PS I don't care about the park as long as it has water and 30 amp. When it is dark and Black Current wine - no matter how ugly the park - it becomes a haven

Oh and dry wood must be available or at least a truck full close by

I really really hope we can all pull together on this one.

And any newbies out there - that are not quite ready to solo tow - I have space for one in my trailer for someone to bunk in - and I can pick up on the way. Anyone living from Niagara - through top of OHIO to lower end of MI. That is if I am coming from Belleville. (temp home)

uluwene · 06-03-2011, 05:42 AM

I do not want to go too far, this would be my first solo trip. Er well, solo, if the sites are pull through - otherwise the hubby would have to get me into the spot and then go home, so not too far away from Lapeer.

wheel interested · 06-03-2011, 07:51 AM

Thanks gals this is shaping up nicely. Additionally I have also had some e-mails from Sally in Poughkeepsie, NY and Ardis in Northern Wisconsin! I will be looking to see what is available in the Michigan area that will be conveniently located. Please continue to post.

Steph, Nancy, Terry, Sharon, let's DO this thing!

Sharon thanks for your suggestions and perhaps a caravan from your origination will work out. I will contact Diane from PEI to see if she can join us this year too. Perhaps Brook can come out to play.

They might also be able to meet up along the way.

I am very excited to see old friends and to make brand new ones.

Nancy is going for her first tow!

05ModPod · 06-03-2011, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uluwene

I do not want to go too far, this would be my first solo trip. Er well, solo, if the sites are pull through - otherwise the hubby would have to get me into the spot and then go home, so not too far away from Lapeer.

Nancy - DON'T do it....don't bring the H - don't give him the satisfaction - tee hee.... Tell ya what - if you can tow solo to the park - there will be enough of us here that will get you parked no problem. Once in - we can then pull her out for you and I bet with all us women around (instead of the men folk) you will have all the confidence you need to try it - we can spot and make sure you would not hit a fly....think about it -

uluwene · 06-04-2011, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT1963

Nancy - DON'T do it....don't bring the H - don't give him the satisfaction - tee hee.... Tell ya what - if you can tow solo to the park - there will be enough of us here that will get you parked no problem. Once in - we can then pull her out for you and I bet with all us women around (instead of the men folk) you will have all the confidence you need to try it - we can spot and make sure you would not hit a fly....think about it -

I don't know - I have never towed solo - sure I have driven but with H in the other seat. I would probably be more confident on a short haul too, at least for the first time. And I am not at all sure he would trust me with his baby to back it in somewhere. . . . .

I am finding some really nice looking places in the thumb of Michigan either close to or on Lake Huron. And even some nice little local parks on small lakes.

wheel interested · 06-04-2011, 06:52 AM

Good morning! Nancy sounds like some nice settings you have found.

Let's post some links of various parks and how about discussing some possible dates.

Since we are already into June perhaps we should plan for July or August to give everyone ample time to arrange their schedules. I know rallies are usually held on the weekends but we might also consider camping during the week to expand possible dates. I work the weekends but will take off for the rally once we decide when we are going.

05ModPod · 06-04-2011, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uluwene

I don't know - I have never towed solo - sure I have driven but with H in the other seat. I would probably be more confident on a short haul too, at least for the first time. And I am not at all sure he would trust me with his baby to back it in somewhere. . . . .

I am finding some really nice looking places in the thumb of Michigan either close to or on Lake Huron. And even some nice little local parks on small lakes.

Hey that is okay - no worries....

- I remember my first trip - Picking up our 69 21' down in Louisianna - a long long way from home. I had pulled our boat once and while but never a trailer. Peter took the helm and it was just bucketing with rain. I knew he was getting tired and new that I was going to have to take the wheel - I was so very dang nervous sitting in the passenger seat no matter thinking about taking the wheel.

Then those words came...Hun - can you take her for a while? "Oh um are you sure"...ahhh absolutely sure you can't keep driving...oh come on please keep your eyes open a little longer!!!" Problem was we had no time to stop - we had to make that trip in 1.5 days to get him back to work on time.

Stopped for a real strong coffee and took a deep breath and off we went. When it was time to pull out there was a huge parade coming into town OMG so I had to wait for an age to turn onto the road. With that big silver thing in the back staring at me wonder why I was not moving!!! I had to put her in park as not to ride the brakes for so long. It stopped raining the whole time the parade went by - I thought great at least I don't have to drive in the rain.

Pulled out finally and hit the I whatever north...Just as I was saying hey this is not so bad - the skies opened up and it was then torrential rain, with semis everywhere and him sound asleep beside me. Lot of help he is tee hee.

But all of a sudden - the confidence just flooded over me - and I said hey I'm doing this and it is not so bad - okay everyone was passing me but I did not care I was towing solo - in a sense. But the big thing was - all my fears as a passenger were washed away (pun intended) the reason was because I could now both FEEL how the vehicle was reacting and could FEEL and know the response of the truck and trailer together. I had CONTROL - it is hard to explain. But when you are a passenger and the control is with someone else you just did not know and were unprepared for any response.

Now as a passenger I can feel the wind and vibrations although slight to actually tell him the speed he is going and can give him a gentle reminder of this and that - Men are not as sensitive to the feelings of the rig - or maybe they are just completely oblivious to them who knows.

I then took the half duty with Peter for the next three years.

We had to laugh - in boating - he would not feel comfortable taking the boat up on plane - so I took the helm - me I was not confident in docking and he was great at it. With the trailer - he hated backing in - so I would do it - he is more concerned about people judging him - me well I could not care what people think of me - I am me and what you see is what you get so bring it on.

My very first solo trip was a 10 hour drive down to the corn field in Ohio...in a trailer that was barely road ready - brand new everything in the running gear - but nothing inside but a few pieces of furniture rigged to the floor and house hold appliances to plug in the walls with no counters tee hee.

I was on the phone with him a 1000 times about this and that. I was burning rubber, loosing power cords out the side of the trailer, lost all my lights both in the trailer and TV at one point - gave the connections a kick and a few swear words and all was well for the rest of the trip. OMG but what a laugh.

And even on the way back It was such a relief to have Carol ahead of me - but even then I had to stop on the side of the high way cause my flippin battery was jumping out of the side compartment. - Popped that back in and duck tapped. But then could not find my keys - had left them in the trailer door eeekk so I had to pull right off again on the off ramp and grab them...

Oh my the trials and tribulations I have had on the road by myself since - have been fun - but I am still here - and it has been a huge boost for life survival of late.....

Okay so bring the hubster - that is quite all right!!! (I was just pullin your leg - we have all been there at some point) You will not be the first - but see if you might try to do a little bit with his help when you arrive - even just the first part and that is line up the rig for it to be put back into her spot - then he can take over. Or just try as far as you can - and when you are no longer comfortable then you have done marvellous - GETTING there!! and having the COURAGE to TRY!!!

Then WE DRINK!!!! Coolaid

05ModPod · 06-04-2011, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uluwene

And I am not at all sure he would trust me with his baby to back it in somewhere. . . . .

Ha just looked at your pisca photos - what a beauty...

My baby when I picked her up - had just had cosmetic surgery at the plant - compliments of a tree or whatever when I was about to buy it from my friend.

But being knowledgeable in the making of the airstream - I knew the fix would be peachy.

The bumper had a dent too that was pulled out as best it could - but I did not care - as I knew one day it would be my turn to be human and put a ding on her some how....

Lets see - I pulled her through a little lane at a camp with white pine trees and put scratches down the full length of her - but they buffed out. Next time was a few rocks picked up and dented my rock panels. Next I set my lawn chair a bit too close under the awning during a rain storm sat in it and scratched the trailer - hmm buffed that one out too. And my final one - a couple of years ago in NC I had a tight parking backed up to leave me an inch spare from a deck overhang. I was so pleased that I did not hit it. But then when I powered up the jack to take her off the tongue and bring her back down to level - her ASS lifted enough to touch the under side of the deck without me knowing - and I put a nice dang crease above the airstream lable at the back - OMG I did not notice this until I got home several weeks later and giving her a good wash.

But the fun thing is - they are all reminders of the GREAT times you had at the time - just like scars.

That year I did my own wrist in with a knife - horrible stupid mistake that cost me my whole golfing vacation and set in motion a ton of things. 17 stitches two sliced tendons and I thought I would not use my hand again - thus drive my rig and have that so badly needed freedom in which solo towing affords you.

My friends gave me a T-shirt that says. Scars are Tatoos With Better Stories

BrockLives · 06-04-2011, 05:14 PM

Woot woot!

Sounds like so much fun. Not sure if I'll be able to make it or not, but it would be my first solo tow also

05ModPod · 06-04-2011, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrockLives

Woot woot!

Sounds like so much fun. Not sure if I'll be able to make it or not, but it would be my first solo tow also

Really? in all this time. Have you finished the inside of your baby yet? I thought you were going to live in it? Go to school or something too.. so tell all what have you been up to?

uluwene · 06-05-2011, 02:14 PM

Wow Ladybug!!!!

Carlita · 06-05-2011, 02:48 PM

Hi all you wonderful gals!!! Love reading about the life streaming adventures!! Can't wait to get a few booboo's myself 'cuz that means I'm livin' my life instead if sittin' it out on the bench!! I would love to meet you all at the PJ Party in Mich or wherever you have it. I live in Eugene, Oregon and this would be my first tow ever with my 16" Sport or any travel trailer for that matter!!! I'm nervous but pumped!!!! So any dates set yet?? Any specific city in Mich? Can't wait to start planning the trek!! Thanks!! ~Cari, Oregon silver sister.

05ModPod · 06-05-2011, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carlita

Hi all you wonderful gals!!! Love reading about the life streaming adventures!! Can't wait to get a few booboo's myself 'cuz that means I'm livin' my life instead if sittin' it out on the bench!! I would love to meet you all at the PJ Party in Mich or wherever you have it. I live in Eugene, Oregon and this would be my first tow ever with my 16" Sport or any travel trailer for that matter!!! I'm nervous but pumped!!!! So any dates set yet?? Any specific city in Mich? Can't wait to start planning the trek!! Thanks!! ~Cari, Oregon silver sister.

Now that is what I call a courageous first solo tow - YOU GO GIRL!!!

I have taken lots of trips from here to Charleston - exactly a 1000 miles.

My really big one though was taking Peter out to Edmonton -but going out was just fine - even though he was only capable of towing about 500 miles of the whole trip - he was really not doing to well with his diabetes - thus the roads being long and flat would put him to sleep in seconds

We took a nice 10 day holiday to get out there - did all the tourist traps. Spent the week for his assessment to get into the islet cell transplant program then dragged him off to the airport to go home. Then turned the trailer to head through the Canadian Rockies - hmm I will admit with all honesty I was quite nervous at the prospect of doing that trip by myself all the way back home wit the girls with me.

But after a few hours, that feeling of FREEDOM just washed away any fears I may have had.

Headed to Monatana where my Girlfriend met me for 10 days of Golfing. We had glorious weather. Rented a cabin for half the time then stayed in a campground near the gates of the Glacier Park for the other half.

Put her on the plane and then started my trek home - stopping in at various friends along the way to break up the trip - I had a fabulous time. Burned out my one trailer brake on some Indian Mountain name I can't remember. Picked up a stone chip on my windshield and the rest was smooth sailing - other than being the hottest summer I think in history. When I was in Kansas it was 107F OMG had to stay in my friends house it was so hot.

Just be very careful - be aware of your surrounding and anticipate anticipate anticipate!!!!! Make sure you have lots of great music too

benjisgal · 06-05-2011, 06:12 PM

As a woman who has never been married, I tackled a lot of things solo. It is scary...but when you do it...you realize that anything is possible. I'm getting ready to head to Alaska from Georgia solo....it's a scary thought....but based on all I did in my life before...I know I can do this, too.

pinktrailer · 06-06-2011, 04:45 PM

I am going to keep an eye on this thread, to see if you decide when and where you are going to meet. There are a couple of us in New England who travel solo most of the time.

05ModPod · 06-06-2011, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinktrailer

I am going to keep an eye on this thread, to see if you decide when and where you are going to meet. There are a couple of us in New England who travel solo most of the time.

Hi Pink Trailer - Listen how many are from your neck of the woods?
We could always shoot for more Rallies...the key is to get as many Silver Sisters together in a camping season as possible.

Like The PJ Party - The Eastern Sequal

For many here where ever the site may be will either be too far or not hit on an amicable date - for various reasons.

I would love to see one more east (although I am somewhat in a central location for both areas.) If I can make one - heck one not make two.

Even a bit of a Caravan idea might come into play as well.

I am so up in the air as to confirming any plans right now. All depends on when we can list our house, how our financial crisis pans out, and if I end up picking up a job either here in Canada for the rest of the summer or, looking at padding my present Education efforts in photojournalist a volunteer experience in South Carolina Daily or Weekly Newspaper environment.

So please toss out any ideas you might have, starting point locations and silver sister friends that might be interested.