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SilverGate · 06-25-2007, 01:39 AM

In the following pictures, all of the exterior trailer lights have been changed to LED:

SilverGate · 06-25-2007, 01:42 AM

Speaking of LED lights, we really like the portable, lightweight LED lamps using 2 AA batteries that we got from Dixieline Lumber (Hardware) Store for $4.99.

We placed one in the front interior trailer area and one by the Vanity Sink:

SilverGate · 06-25-2007, 01:45 AM

We have been enjoying opening the curtains of those big panorama windows to let in more light and scenery.

We found that a strategically placed flower arrangement can nicely screen that big truck. (My clipboard of Solar Power Monitor notes rests nearby):

SilverGate · 06-25-2007, 01:47 AM

So now, even Diego Flamingo can enjoy more of the view, when he’s inside.

But he prefers to keep a vigilant watch on the top of the trailer:

SilverGate · 06-25-2007, 01:50 AM

While the rest of us…. Rest… or take power naps, as Rich says!

Cheers,

SilverGate

SilverGate · 07-02-2007, 02:22 AM

Power napping: See Rich Luhr’s Tour of America post, "The Joy of napping", June 9, 2007 at:
http://tour.airstreamlife.com/weblog/2007/06/the_joy_of_napping.html

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 01:28 AM

Well, after the joys of napping…

It was time for a mid-summer’s outing…
Dream, comedy and near nightmare!

After camping in San Diego County deserts, mountains, and beaches, we were ready to camp in our foothills. We reserved 3 nights at the beautiful Lake Jennings County Park. Even though it’s only 25 minutes from San Diego, it offers its visitors a relaxing sense of being in the country.

See: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/camping/lake_jennings.html

This park features boating and fishing on the lake, which is also the fresh water supply for nearby communities. There are nature trails featuring scenic views and abundant wildlife.

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 01:33 AM

There are nearly 100 campsites that have fair to good privacy due to the plentiful trees and bushes. There are full and partial hookup campsites.

Beware that sites #1 - #6 are the older sites and, although they are full hookup, they only have 20-amp power. Most other full hookup sites here have 30-amp power (for running your AC!). Also beware that the partial hookup sites only have 20-amp power (we missed that crucial detail when we did our first walk-through of the site prior to making reservations)!

We arrived at our partial hookup site with one of the best views of the lake. And had no trouble backing the trailer down the grade into the site.

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 01:37 AM

We had hoped to place a flag pole holding-board under the Super Jack post, but quickly learned that, if we wanted the trailer to get close to level (lengthwise), we could put nothing under the post and the trailer wheels needed to be up on leveling blocks!

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 01:40 AM

So we adapted to the site…

And placed the flag pole stand under the leg of the picnic table… (which was more effective).

And hung out the Mylar Palm Tree from Party City (inspired by Alton Brown’s Good Eats show on the Food Channel).

This adds a sparkle and festive, liveliness to the site.

(Click on the photo below to see the waxing moon over the lake):

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 01:46 AM

After the struggle (during the hot afternoon) to get the street-side wheels high enough for the trailer to be level, we discovered that we only had 20-amp hookup power, and thus, could not use our AC that we were counting on!

I had also noticed, when pulling the trailer up on the blocks, that one of the truck wheels started to spin in the loose gravel. So then a pervading sense of anxiety set in, as I wondered if I would be able to pull the trailer up the (at least 10 – 20%) grade on loose gravel and dust upon our departure. (Our F-250 PSD is a 2-wheel drive).

And since we were at a partial hookup site, I realized that we would have to limit our production of gray and black water even more than when we were boondocking, to not make the trailer heavier! At least the rest rooms were nearby. But not the best way to begin an outing!

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 01:53 AM

Needless to say, we were not up for an elaborate evening meal. And luckily, we had brought already cooked chicken caciatore and eggplant, and the microwave worked!

For desert, we found Mango pudding topped with whipped cream delicious and soothing.

The following morning, the sun rose early and thus, the awnings were deployed early. And YES, they do help the trailer stay cooler!

After a bacon sandwich, I drove the 25-minute trip back to the house to bring back a bunch (7) of our house doormats (made from tires, see photo below). They would give me the peace of mind that I could get the trailer back on the camp road when the time came. I also enjoyed a cool shower and brought back a pizza pie-baking pan.

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 01:57 AM

So now, everything’s gonna be o.k. and we can enjoy a home made pizza!

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 02:01 AM

Larry had already made the pizza dough from scratch at home the day before.

We raised the charcoal level in the Smokey Joe by 2 in. to provide a hot fire to pre-cook the pizza dough which was placed on a perforated pan prepped with olive oil and dusted with corn meal.

The dough was then cooked for 3-min. on one side, then turned and cooked for another 8 min. Resulting in a crispy, thin crust!

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 02:06 AM

The next 4 steps in making delicious pizza:

Dust pan with cornmeal.
Spoon on tomato sauce.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese.
Lay on pepperoni.

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 02:10 AM

Then drizzle pizza with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and cook in covered Smokey Joe for 10 minutes.

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 02:13 AM

Then it’s a yummy pizza party under the near full moon (& do you see those orbs floating nearby like fireflies?)

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 02:18 AM

After eating and sleeping well, I was ready to explore the area.

There are nature trails in and around the park, offering wonderful views.

... and the reminder about the ever present danger of fires!

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 02:23 AM

And then return to the site and sit out the afternoon heat in the shade…

A second, smaller Mylar Palm Tree hangs from the window…
As it catches the afternoon breeze, we feel cooler.

And I think more clearly, and realize, that if I had originally backed the trailer deeper into the site, the trailer would have been easier to level!

SilverGate · 07-07-2007, 02:31 AM

After seeing John Irwin’s column, Great Ideas, entry and photo (page 74, current Summer issue of Airstream Life), http://airstreamlife.com/, regarding replacing the screen door handle with a larger one, Larry found and installed a handle on ours that perfectly matches the bar handle style on our interior drawers and cabinets.

It is Amerock BP 19010-SS from Home Depot for $6.97. It is made in China for the Amerock Corporation, Rockford, IL. It is 5 & 3/8ths in. long and has a 1" space between the mounting surface and the interior part of the handle, making it easy to grasp. It is called a 3" Cabinet pull (stainless steel) and fits perfectly in the existing holes used by our previous handle.

We also added a Silver bell chain (belly dancer’s chain found at Renaissance Faires) to the screen door so we would hear if the door opens while we sit on the other side of the trailer at certain sites: