July 2012 Photo Contest

[05ModPod]

It has been 12 days and only two entries - ha

I adjusted the rules - don't you know that in life rules are merely guidelines - it is the content and the effort that counts the most - not that everything has to fit into a neat little box...

So how about I just give you an example of something simple....
Here is a short story on one of the 5 AS's that have been in my life - starting with the latest and newest one of the bunch....

FIRST CONTACT:





1. Why you wanted to buy an airstream (or came into the possession of your airstream)?

Why I wanted to by THIS airstream...because I wanted to get out on the road instead of staying in the garage fixing an Airstream - because I bought it to put a little spice into a failing marriage, and because I FELL IN LOVE with this model!!!

2. How long did you search and where?
Three months. I did about 24 hours of power reading on all the makes and models of the years 2000 to 2007 at the time. Decided between a single axle and tandem. Then considered the GVW and the TV I had at the time - the Yukon - baby bur. I found one in Florida - a really cool gay couple had upgraded their AS to a larger one. The deal was almost done - just getting the money order the next morning. Then I got the call - that friends of theirs showed up on the driveway with cash in hand. That happens - no hard feelings but I was in a panic - as my Anniversary was coming up and I was determined to get a new AS. Found one in BC - called them up and talked for an hour by the end of the conversation I think it was me who convinced them NOT to sell it in all that I was planning to do with the AS....Ug Ug Ug.

I am a firm believer of 1 - 2 - 3 it is meant to be.

I remembered that Paula had bought the next size up trailer and that her sister was going to take her little 22' - but I never heard anything - it was almost 2 years later and thought no way it will be long gone by now - but you know - something just said - send her a PM....the rest is history.

THE DEAL:



3. What were some of the things you had to do in order to pick her up?
Set up an entire cloak and dagger story of a kayaking trip with the girls In MI in the mean time - it was a Silver Sister Trip around Ohio and MI that eventually had me pick her up from the Mothership - helping Paula get HER trailer fixed ha ha - all without Peter knowing a single thing. 5 stops into various silvers sisters. a two day stay over with Lou, 3 days with Steph, a speed stop at Carols and of course 2 days at the Mothership - getting the once over and some boo boo fixes. and finally a stop into Fantastic Fan to replace the back vent only with a full three speed rain sensor beauty!
I had to go to my parents to co-sign a loan for 7 days as I could not go to Peter and ask him and ruin our Silver Anniversary Present!

4. Tell us one or two of the major things you had to do to either repair her, or your major first trips you planned with you new Airstream.

Will leave the repairs out of this and tell you of my first trip! - so when I crossed the border she landed on my parents driveway and Peter was invited over for coffee and there she was. I scooped him up and took him straight to Algonquin National Park for 3 days. (go read all about the full story in my thread of many moons ago still in the archives). Two weeks later we did the two week vacation for his Birthday and our Anniversary down through LLBean to pick up his B-Day present the Kayak. and then off to PEI for Region 1 Rally.

However the most significant life changing trip for me was a year later (no details - just that it was!) - to SC Charleston. And for Peter it was the trip that I drove him out to Edmonton Alberta almost 2 years ago now to have his chance at being diabetes free.

5. And lastly add in a bit of humour - and tell us one of the most funny things that happened to you as a newbie with your new AS.

Well I will save that first faux paux for my 1969 story. (if you guys start posting to this contest then maybe I will tell you my next story.)

So I have a billion booboos and funny and scary things that have happened to me in my sweet ModPod - but this one strikes me as the funniest. On the way home from one of my trips to SC - Charleston in June 3 years ago now at 104F - I had a blow out on the I95 north - lucky I was right at an exit - and at that moment I said - good choice for a Tandem Sharon!!! Ended up pulling into a side parking lot of a TA. Pulled way over to the side out of the way - just over a bit were several fresh fruit stands.

When I stood and looked at the trashed tire only for a few seconds I was wringing wet with the humidity...OMG!!! how am I going to change this tire in this heat...no shade!! Then I noticed ha - it was the awning side - so down came the awning and out came the Endless Breeze fan and about to start the job from you know where, and a little security car came up along side me. He got out and asked me for my Fruit Stand License - I thought I'm a fruit case alright trying to change my first tire - told him my issue and he left with a smile.

And just so you know it is okay to add a before and after so to speak

She had the dinette - after my first trip I was grumbling - Peter fit perfect and good thing we did not have kids but the bed was way way too small for us to fit so down came the dinette. Then I spent 6 weeks in it by myself - I was tired of the table cutting into my boobs! And tired of jabbing and catching my hands and breaking nails on the drop down table contraption. Tired of no where to just sit and relax without inviting people to my bed as the couch! get your minds out of the gutter!



So hence came the concept of entertaining in a small space!
I would have taken a shot today - but my trailer is a pig pen at the moment. But there is a double table system that can be set up side-by side - or no tables. The couch pulls out to two distances - one a nicer wider couch for watching TV with the doggie and the next level is full out for the 7' by 41" bed - which was perfect for Peter at 6.2.



The colour scheme went from blue and orange to Red and Black - kind of like a LadyBug - for LadyB - you can take the B any way you want....

......So really folks it is not all that hard is it...This took me all of 10 minutes.

But to be fair I do need to take a current shot in July - so I will tidy my place up tomorrow and show you what it looks like inside today - you already know what she looks like out side from the June Photo Contest......

So which story do you want next - the 1969, 1961, 1999, or the 1963???

[RangerJay]

Like others – owning an Airstream was just a part of the family DNA.....

So there was really no choice.....

Once married ...... and after evolving through the family tent and then the pop-up, and finally a trailer (after the kids left and hitting retirement) .....

The selection was inevitable.......

In the fall of 2003 we purchased a new 2002 Bambi .....
But the actual “making it happen” took a little work ......
Here is my AirForums post describing the process in a thread begun by “funhouse” last year and titled:

Give me reasons to Buy and Airstream .....

“I'm speaking for my wife here - she is quite a devout Catholic - different from myself - so maybe you can appreciate the shock that I felt when we (she) made our (her) final decision on what trailer to purchase for our retirement years ....

.... we had looked at what felt like 100's of trailers .....

.... over a 6 month period .....

..... narrowed things down to three manufacturers ....

..... Bigfoot, Award and Airstream .....

..... and at the 11th hour ....

.... her words of wisdom .....

..... "get the best ..... and f**k the rest" .....

..... I agreed .....


Jay”

So ..... for this months contest we need to go back to that first year of our purchase .....

This additional post was written and posted in an AirForums thread begun by myself at the end of the 2004 camping season – after we’d had one full season under our belt:

“... on being an Airstream Ambassador

Well, the Bambi is still being tucked away for the winter but we’re already reflecting on our travels over the past year. We were out close to 60 days, put 10,000 km on the trailer (6,000 miles) and visited 28 parks.

The number of people we met – exclusively because we were travelling in an Airstream –has struck both of us. Without a doubt – Airstreams are eye-grabbers and conversation pieces – and – Airstream owners are the companies Ambassadors.

People came up to us absolutely everywhere – in addition to what you might expect (at the campground) we met people at stoplights, at gas stations, in grocery stores and even at dumping stations – and it didn’t matter what we were doing – whether we were setting up, taking down, on the can, cooking, eating, sleeping, standing under the awning in the rain, dumping our tanks, filling up with gas, shopping, fixing or just plain sitting around there was someone, somewhere who wanted to talk about the trailer.

Although we’ve always found fellow campers to be a friendly lot we’ve never noticed anything on this scale. We were tent campers up to and through most of our 30’s, then pop-up campers through our 40’s and into our 50’s. Our introduction to travel trailers – through the Bambi – has been just this past year. I don’t think it would be much of an exaggeration to say that we’ve probably talked to more new people this past year than all the rest combined – all good folks.

Some of the more common ice-breakers:

· I didn’t think they still made those …
· I didn’t think they made them that small …
· Is that new or have you just taken good care of it …
· I always wanted to have one of those …
· I used to have one of those ….
· I just love your Airstream …
· Look at that - it’s so “cute” ….

Some of our more humorous times:

· the gal that chased us down in a large grocery store after seeing the trailer in the parking lot. She asked everyone she didn’t know if they owned the Bambi in the parking lot. When she finally found us she spent 10 minutes talking Airstreams – while blocking access to the dairy section (we were finally asked to move). After we purchased our groceries and went out to the trailer – there she was – waiting – “just have to have a peek inside”

· the kid about 8 years old – a clone of “Dennis the Menace” – who came up to me and said: “Mister, that is one UGLY trailer ….”

· the guy who wanted to know about the merits of owning an Airstream while I was rubber gloved and in the middle of a dump – before I was able to take the gloves off we had also covered much of the Lake Superior Circle Tour and the construction and operation of saunas – by that time there were 3 other units waiting for their own turn to dump.

· crossing the border - customs officers absolutely love Airstreams – we crossed 4 times – each officer (2 Canadian, 2 U.S.) went through the obligatory questioning procedure – then spent a lot more time asking about the trailer – how it towed, did we like it, how much did it cost, was it easy to look after, sure looks good ….. and on … and on … and on … and the line ups grew …

Our key observation in all of this is that Airstreams really seem to bring out the best in people – whether you’re an owner or not (except for that 8-year old kid – obviously a future criminal!).

The other thing that I think could be said is that the folks at the Airstream Service Centre in Jackson Centre really set the standard in being Airstream ambassadors. They are second to none in hospitality and service – and could sure teach the rest of the industry a few lessons (if they cared to listen). We were down for some warranty work – were treated like royalty – and yes – got to meet another bunch of good Airstreamers.

I guess the point to this note is to say that we’re pretty impressed with the trailer – have thoroughly enjoyed all the good folks we’ve met as a result – and love being Airstream ambassadors.

So for now – it’s just kind of dreaming till the next trip … hmmm … Arizona in February? – maybe Texas?? ….

Happy Airstreaming,


Jay”

And since that first year? ......

We still give tours – lots of them – can’t say that we can report on being able to top the story of the gal who chased us down in the grocery store our first year – but there was a close second when we pulled into the Hinckley Casino RV Park a couple of years ago ...... before we were able to plug-in and unhitch we were greeted by 5 people – I gave the 3 men the outside tour (my job) – my wife gave the 2 women the inside tour (her job) – it was a lengthy tour that included intense scrutiny and animated discussion of the Hensley – in the end it turned out they were from 3 separate and entirely unrelated campsites!! – when it was all over my wife and I just looked at each other and said “what the hell was that all about” – then laughed till our sides hurt and the tears rolled down our cheeks .....

The excitement of a new trailer may have worn off – but the excitement of owning an Airstream has not - no question it has matured – and is now tempered with the seasons – but it is still very much alive and well ...... closing the trailer down at the end of the season still pulls at the old heart strings – and firing it up in the spring gives us a level of comfort that assures us our world is right and good.

Over time we haven’t done a lot to modify the trailer – but there is no question that we’ve had a number of “defining changes” that have dramatically improved our “Toaster” travels:

· Fantastic fan
· TV/DVD player in the pantry
· Bunkbeds
· Yamaha 1000W generator
· Hensley

Today the routine for our most memorable camping experiences is pretty much the same fundamentals for each trip:

· Site in a public park (conservation area, provincial, state or national park)
· Site with a view
· Site with privacy
· Cooking and cleaning outdoors
· A campfire
· Crisp, cold nights
· Lots of stars
· Great coffee

Our bucket list when we first purchased the Bambi was to hit all the major parks on the continent (at least the ones we could drive to) – 80,000 KM and 450 camping nights later we’ve made a helluva dent in them – but we’ve still got a few years left before we can say we’ve achieved the whole list – even so we’re already finding ourselves shifting gears and talking about hitting our favourites again .....

Now to the pictures .......

• Parents Airstream:
  • The seed was sewn – 1976? through 1992? ..... or thereabouts
• Our Bambi
  • Dealer was a 2 day drive away – sent us our first picture of the Toaster
• Time travel:
  • 1st years 4 inch B&W TV
  • Installation of Fantastic Fan
  • On-board flatscreen
• The outside perimeter of our Journey so far:
  • East Coast: Arches Provincial Park, Newfoundland
  • West Cost: Homer, Alaska
  • SW States: Monument Valley
• The family:
  • Kentucky Horse Park: keeping in touch

What can I say ......

Our Toaster has allowed us to see a lot of places, do a lot of things, meet a lot of people ..... and the end is still a long way away .....

Time to stop writing ...... seem to have gotten a bit of sand in my eyes .....


Thanks,



Jay

[05ModPod]

GREAT entry Jay! "your so cute".

Absolutely right - the newness wears off but the excitement of taking the "baby" out never does.

That is some serious K's my friend, and what a great bucket list...

Very cool modification too by the way!

I just have one very serious question...who sleeps on top

[RangerJay]

Originally Posted by GT1963

........

I just have one very serious question...who sleeps on top

Of course that wouldn't be me ....... I'm banished to the "Bambi Dungeon" each night .....

...... you'll note that the height of the lower bunk is the perfect height for a certain Border Collies cold, wet nose - which is the main tool she uses to check on me in the middle of the night - try to imagine being awakened with that little nose-on-nose contact - then a lick - at 3AM when you are in a deep sleep, the sky is black and you can't see your hand in front of your face ......

...... you might also note that getting into and out of that lower bunk is best accomplished with a little youthful flexibility and grace - these are attributes that left me more than a few years ago ...... they've been replaced with basic grunting and a kind of structured flailing of the limbs ......

Thanks,



Jay

[aceflys]

This is my Airstream story. It goes all the way back to the first time I ever went camping. Back in the summer of 1976, my parents rented a tent trailer to take us to the beach and to Philadelphia for the Bicentennial. This trip had many firsts. One was the first time I ever saw the ocean and the second was the first time I ever saw an Airstream. After that, our family brought a trailer and we made many trips to the beach and other great places.
I met my wife in high school and we went camping in our late teens. After college we got married and were very busy working and starting a family. After working for a company for 12 years and taking very little time off, I started working for myself. I found I had much more free time.
One December about 14 years ago, I decided to take my two kids to Florida to visit my parents and go camping in the Keys. My girl was four and boy two. After spending few days at P’s we headed to the Keys in a Chevy van with a little tent and an electric frying pan. People were shocked that I was there with these two little kids and without their mother. We had a great time. After that we got a 28 foot SOB and then 31 foot SOB. We made many more trips to the Keys.
On one of these trips south we pulled into one of our favorite state parks in the Keys, where we ended up parking next to three Airstreams. They were all owned by the same family, a dad and two sons from Michigan. The dad was the original owner of a 1971 and the sons also had vintage Airstreams. After a week of being parked next to them, I finally got the nerve to ask for a tour. I was shocked at how nice they were and how proud they were to own them. Well after that tour I was hooked and I had to have one.
The hunt was on. They say the first Airstream you buy is never the right one. That held true for me. My first one was a 1978, 31 foot owned by a deceased monk who had let it sit for ten years. It needed everything but I was unable to pull the trigger on it. I just never fell in love with it. That trailer sat in my yard for two years. I end up selling it to guy who fixed it up and put it on a permanent lot. After that we almost brought a new 2007, but I just couldn’t stomach the $500 a month payment. We then went and looked at a 61 Pacer that was on Ebay. My wife loved it but it needed restored. I ended bidding it up over $8000 and didn’t win it. It sold for over 9k and I was glad I didn’t win it.
After that a 66 Caravel came up on Ebay. The seller only put 4 small photos on the ad and a very vague description. I was the high bidder at just over 6k. The reserve was not met. Well, I got a hold of the seller and made a deal for it. The next day I was off the NJ to pick it up. That was in 2008. The story was the trailer was only used once a year from 66-76. Then it sat unused for 30 years. The original owner died and then it was put up for sale. Its was a true time capsule with all kind of vintage stuff still inside.
We are so lucky to have found it. It has needed very little work and has served all our needs for now, and hopefully many more years to come.

My First Airstream(Big and Ugly)





My 1966 Caravel the day I got it(Small and Cute)





How are Airstream looks Today(So Cute and Loved)

[aceflys]

Here are a few more photos of my Airstream story.


Our First trip to the Keys



Our Proud Airstream Family Now



Where It lives when we are not on the Road

Enjoy Ace in PA

[05ModPod]

Ahhh the cuteness virus syndrome strikes again.

There is just something to be said about the compact little airstreams ain't there. And how big and spacious just seems less important when it comes to camping.

Evidence of the photos the entire load of camping equipment is spread out for all to see - where do you put all that stuff?

Yes it is funny how the first is just not the last in the airstream world. And the "hunt" is by far the most exciting part of it all.

Some people out there just don't know what they have. I remember the fellow we bought our 1963 GT from - through his up on eBay thinking that his reserve of $800.00 was way way out there and said he did not think he had a hope in heck of getting about $500. When he returned from the SuperBowl to check his bay sale he could not believe it and had to run out and tell all his friends that some lady in Canada just paid $2500.00 bucks for "that thing"!Not surprised with it sitting along with all his fathers possessions with the back window missing and it filled with bags of fertilizer!

Nice family story AceFly - Bet the kiddies are all grown up now? Maybe hunting for their own first airstream....

[nilesrob]

Originally Posted by aceflys

Attachment 163648[/B]

Where It lives when we are not on the Road

Enjoy Ace in PA
[/CENTER]

Clearly the most interesting tow vehicle I have seen on the forum - nicely done, although I don't know how you do weight distribution.

[aceflys]

Originally Posted by nilesrob

Clearly the most interesting tow vehicle I have seen on the forum - nicely done, although I don't know how you do weight distribution.

No bars needed. Half full tanks and a long long runway My wife always asks is it still back there? I always say (Yes) "It goes where it's toad"

Ace in PA

[05ModPod]

Well only one day left for all you Airstreamers out their that completely chickened out with your submissions. And here I thought Airstreamers were exciting, innovative, gabbers - who take a ton of photos of their rigs and tell stories every time they hit a Rally...Kinda disappointing really.

Sorry I did not give you a lame easy no brainer photo submission topic - like ahh pick up camera and take a picture of Balloons or campfire or patio lanterns, or reflections, or tourist traps, or vintage signs, or your frame off this and that restorations - or even take a pic of your in-laws standing beside the trailer....


HOWEVER - for those who did submit an entry - YOU are TRULY what Airstreaming is all about. You have pride, you have excitement, you like the challenge and adventure. You live your life in a way that you are proud to tell your story - not just tell it - but take the TIME to SHARE it!!! As far as I am concerned anyone that went above and beyond the EASY stuff in life - deserves first place!

Anyone can buy an airstream and hook it up and reap the benefits of an American Icon - but only a FEW actually believe and live the Iconic DREAM!!!

So LAST CALL folks - is there anyone else out there that has the RIVETS to SHARE their story????

Oh and PS - to judge this contest even with only a few entires - will be far harder than any other Photo Contest ever RUN on this site...

Thanks again to all those who submitted an entry....and for the rest of you that just enjoyed the free stories - shame on you for not joining in on the fun! well of course to those who are still searching for your dream Airstream please disregard this last comment

Yep I never mince words do I...as a fresh out of school photojournalist this was kind of a lunch bag let down that more people did not have fun with something different and new - but don't worry after tomorrow you can all go back to your living in a box cookie cutter never try anything different lives and keep sluffing off those snap shots of.....campfires, reflections and balloons

[2005 ford]

"Never mince words"'

Neither do I. Just maybe there are more folks who are living the dream that are too busy having fun and adventures then to submit photos with a lengthy essay on their life with their Airstream. I for one prefer more photos and less words. Thanks for the contest, I enjoyed the pics.

Bill

[casa3805]

Originally Posted by GT1963

Yep I never mince words do I...as a fresh out of school photojournalist this was kind of a lunch bag let down that more people did not have fun with something different and new - but don't worry after tomorrow you can all go back to your living in a box cookie cutter never try anything different lives and keep sluffing off those snap shots of.....campfires, reflections and balloons

Thank you.

[aceflys]

Originally Posted by 2005 ford

"Never mince words"'

Neither do I. Just maybe there are more folks who are living the dream that are too busy having fun and adventures then to submit photos with a lengthy essay on their life with their Airstream. I for one prefer more photos and less words. Thanks for the contest, I enjoyed the pics.

Bill

I was thinking the same as you. People are out enjoying there AS. But that was no reason not to post your story. I am no writer but I was able to throw my story together in 30 minutes. But as a professional photography for over 20 years. I feel the photos tell the story much better then word ever could.

Ace in PA(A Real Airstreamer)
Proud Owner of a all orig. 66 Caravel and not afraid to use it!

TAC PA-1
WBCCI 2169

[RangerJay]

One of the neat things about this months theme is that it allows you to do a bit of reminiscing and match those old Airsteam memories to the pictures you have taken through its life - this really isn't a chore - it's much more a campfire story than an essay - and the kind of campfire story you've probably told a million times before ..... in truth - the idea of putting the story to words sounds a lot more onerous than it is - the reality is that once you string a few pictures together the story pretty much writes itself ......

A great theme - and a great opportunity to share.

24 hours to go - it would be great to see a few more pictures and read a few more stories .....

Thanks,



Jay

[Fly at Night]

Ladybug, oh please, please PLEASE pick me!!! I have narrowed next month's topic down to three; they are just so exciting, I cannot decide:

1. The Airstream at Your Favourite Sani-Dump
2. The Airstream with Your Favourite Garden Chair
3. The Airstream with Your Least-Favourite In-law/Out-law

*Hint* Anyone who submits a photo of their least favourite in-law/out-law with the Airstream at the sani-dump after experiencing a massive high-pressure failure of the connection hose (taken from the submitter's favourite garden chair at a safe distance) wins! You could say that one covers all bases.



p.s. You tried. Sorry it didn't elicit the kind of response you wanted. I am disappointed too.

[05ModPod]

Nothing ventured nothing gained!

Yes a photo is worth a 1000 words, but there is nothing like hearing it from the horses mouth

PS anyone who forks up the 1000 to repair the broken frame on my nearly new Airstream will most definitely win the July contest - entry submission or not

[aceflys]

Originally Posted by Fly at Night

Ladybug, oh please, please PLEASE pick me!!! I have narrowed next month's topic down to three; they are just so exciting, I cannot decide:

1. The Airstream at Your Favourite Sani-Dump

I do have great black tank story. Of a newbie I met at the beach in MD. But no photos. I will have to change the name to protect the innocent.: lol:

[SeasideSteph]

I'm covered in fiberglass, rust, and rat poop from all the renovating, I wish I had a cool story to share. I'm no where near beginning to live my dream yet. I spent every last dime (this is no exaggeration) buying my dream home. I can't wait to get her on the road!

[05ModPod]

Originally Posted by SeasideSteph

I'm covered in fiberglass, rust, and rat poop from all the renovating, I wish I had a cool story to share. I'm no where near beginning to live my dream yet. I spent every last dime (this is no exaggeration) buying my dream home. I can't wait to get her on the road!


Attachment 164251

Ha see there are lots of women out there that like to hang out under their airstreams...

Well you have the makings of a great future story - are you already posting your progress somewhere - would love to follow it.

Well if it gives you any support - I am about to spend every penny I have on getting my baby back on the road too...just mine is a lot newer than yours - but nevertheless we seem to have the same stuff going on - fiberglass, dust, and I will sub in the road salt for mice poop! Cause I ain't got no mice in my trailer - that at least is a silver lining to this messy story - yours will be fantastic when all finished. And can't wait to see the before and after shots

[AldeanFan]

As with my University days I'll submit my assignment as close to the deadline as i can!

Our Airstream Story

My wife and I both camped as kids, me and my brother in our family's tent trailer and my wife and her brother in their family's truck camper and later a motorhome that has plenty of it's own stories.

Our first trailer was a green fiberglass 1976 Trillium 13' that my parents restorred but outgrew when they retired. (we still have it and my father and I use it for car shows). My parents generously donated it so we could have some weekends away during our busy lives and we had lots of great but short holiday's in the Glass Egg, until we spent one rainy weekend in less than 90 sqft. That weekend I decided it was time to move in to a larger trailer.

I had a capable Tow Vehicle, a 2005 Toyota Tundra SR5 that my brother had purchased new shortly before he passed away. I'm now the caretaker of the Tundra and I'm sure my brother would have appreciated that I bought his truck something to pull. Truck were made to work!

After our rainy weekend we started visiting RV dealers and looking at options. New airstreams were far beyond our price range, and we had settled on a 21ft Visa, when I saw a vintage 31' Airstream on Kijji about 30min from home for $3200. We had to look at it for that price! It needed alot more work than I wanted to get in to, we didn't want to wait years to camp while I restorred a trailer, and it was longer than I was comfortable towing so we moved on. On the way home I said if it was 6 feet shorter I would have brought it home.
We had the bug!
Shortly thereafter, on a Sunday Afternoon, I found a 1977 Safari, 23' north of Toronto, about 2 hours from home. I emailed right away and said we wanted to see it after work Monday and we drove up in the Tundra with every tool and peice of towing equipment I could need hidden under the tonneau cover of the truck incase I bought it on the spot.

It was our dream trailer! original enough that I knew it wasn't messed up by a previous owner, but very well maintained. I signaled to my wife i wanted it and she agreed. The owner, Ken, was a great friendly guy, just like all airstreamers, and obviously loved the trailer and spent lots of time showing us every inch of the little beauty. Finally I made him what I thought was a very reasonable offer, but was supprised when he didn't accept and proceded to show us more of the trailer. Finally I asked if he really wanted to sell. He replied that he was worried his grandkids might want to go camping one more time before the end of the summer. This was mid August, and my wife and I agreed that if he wanted to camp one more time with this grandkids that wouldn't change our minds. I told him to call me when he was ready to sell and my offer would still stand.

That was Monday Night, and I got a call Thursday evening, no the grandkids didn't have time for a camping trip before shool resumed, but Ken and his wife were comming to Niagara Falls on the weekend and would it be ok if he delivered it to my house! I'm sure you can guess my answer.

We took delivery Saturday morning, and I almost missed a wedding that day I was so excited about our purchase. We did some minor renovations, counter top, replaced the carpet with vinyl plank flooring and fixed a leaking waste valve. Later we replaced the plumbing with Pex and a new water pump. some day I intend to polish her. We're trying to start a family so I've been closely following any threads on bunk beds

That was last August and we've spent 19 nights in her and traveled over 5,000km in less than a year.

She's been to Nashville, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Jamboree in the Hills in Ohio, the Finger Lakes in NY and Friday we'll be heading to Emily Provincial Park in Ontario!

Pictures are as follows:
1) At Ken's house the night we went to buy her
2) Delivery day in our Driveway
3) On the way to Nashville last November
4) at Jamboree in the Hills 2012 - two weeks ago
5) At New Hampshire Motor Speedway - three weeks ago