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wheel interested · 01-19-2008, 08:26 PM

Live from Sweetwater Tennessee where the sky is clear and the air a might brisk tonight...

(Mr.) Wheel Interested or Big Wheel as he likes his friends to address him, has found his very own bachelor pod for man and beast, leaving the fru-fru appointments and cleaning to the other half of the family that enjoys that type of thing and needs much storage. Remember gals... she who travels light travels shabbiest. So we left Michigan together with one Airstream and two tow vehicles to travel to Airstream of Arkansas and meet Airhog 1 and pick up our new to us 2007 23' Signature International CCD. From there we would be caravaning on to the forums Can Opener Rally in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Who knew it would be freezing down South?!

Now some of you already have been teasing us about the idea of his and her Airstreams and finally perfecting our 37 years of marriage to actually accomodate a family vacation together periodically... But I say this, our fifty plus feet of Airstream is much easier to back and to park than a single length would be, and secondly, the factory continues to be unresponsive to the priority of a two bathroom unit. A lot of newbies seem to think it's the sleeping arrangements that are critical, but sleeping is NOT the problem, it's waking up that causes the trouble... This simply accomplishes two significant solutions to some very common situations which can often prove problematic for couples traveling together on extended journeys. And just as an extra silver lining to sweeten the entire deal, we both get to be boss. Now, show me a ship with two captains and I'll show you mutiny on the bounty. We have chosen to be practical individuals and pursue peace at all cost$ and display some cents.
We arrived in Searny Arkansas after hours and were able to pull up next to the service building and plug in to run the furnace and lights through the cold night. A quick tour around the lot and we spotted Brad's new Airstream gleaming in the night lights and as a siren we were drawn quickly to it and peeking in and around it with admiration and excitement. The dealership was larger than we had expected and there was every new model we had been curious in seeing. Under the port out front was the new 17' Safari Sport model, a 22' sat closeby in a line of intoxicating silver. There was a Basecamp, a new Designs Within Reach Bambi, Ocean Breezes, Signatures, Special Edition Safaris and more sizes and styles of Airstreams than we had ever seen before in one place. We spread out and called to each other to come see this one.

cosmotini · 01-19-2008, 09:03 PM

Now that's travelin' in style!

Question: If Mr. Big Wheel is pulling his own rig in front or behind you ...

is he still wrong?

wheel interested · 01-19-2008, 09:13 PM

Gene Morris greeted us in the morning with fresh coffee and a walk through of the Airstream and we were immediately at ease with how smoothly and easily everything goes in the hands of a proficient dealer. We spent the night again to give all the systems a workout. The RV shop is very well stocked and we came away with several new finds and goodies. Gene patiently gave us a tour of all the Airstreams we were curious in seeing as well as his very own custom restoration project. Brad was enraptured with a vintage Corvette that caught his eye. We were treated to some choice scoops and stories and had a very pleasant visit our entire time at Airstream of Arkansas. It felt like we were meeting with old friends. Next time you are passing through stop in and say howdy and ask to hear the story of their sassy logo. : ) Gene even gave the Burb and the Classic a wash and rinse so we would both glitter in the sun of the Can Opener. What a special touch! Our caravan was all ready to head on out.

wheel interested · 01-19-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmotini

Now that's travelin' in style!

Question: If Mr. Big Wheel is pulling his own rig in front or behind you ...

is he still wrong?

Well probably Dennis, but until we stop and get out of the Airstreams, he may blissfully delude himself with the belief of correctness.

airedale · 01-19-2008, 09:27 PM

Looks great!

soldiermedic · 01-19-2008, 09:44 PM

Oh Carol.....

The G man didn't want to post about the VIP treatment you received at his lovely sales location. Fresh coffee in the morning? A guided tour to all the Airstreams you wanted? Two free car washes? Oh G...we're gonna talk buddy! Please tell me the G man wasn't out there in his spedo washing those cars for you. That is scary enough when it isn't 15 degrees outside.

Steve

wheel interested · 01-19-2008, 09:53 PM

We had such a good time looking around the dealership. Here's a sneak peek at Gene's stunning restoration work and a close encounter with a classic Corvette.

soldiermedic · 01-19-2008, 09:59 PM

Looks like Gene's trailer will be ready for his trip to Branson this October. He told me he didn't use a stain grade wood, but the cabinet doors look like hickory to me and would look good with some polyurathane on them. Just needs a floor and he is good to go!

Steve

ROBERTSUNRUS · 01-19-2008, 10:20 PM

Hi, Carol. I always thought people with twin beds in their Airstreams were in the first step towards divorce court, but two trailers? I don't know what to think. Will Mr. Carol [Brad] start posting on this forum now? [if he is already, I missed it] That's an expensive way to get two Airstream bathrooms. Good luck and enjoy your Airstreams; As us poor people say, "Must Be Nice". Oh, one more thing; This doesn't look good for those who said the economy in Michigan is bad.

2airishuman · 01-19-2008, 10:26 PM

great shots wheel!

but did g' give ya a copy of his country n western single on cd?

it's the only thing that's played on my sony...

so come on girl tell us some more of the story.

btw i never saw u and mister wheel in the same spot at the same time...

sort of like bruce wayne and the green hornet....

where are u guys now?

cheers
2air'

wheel interested · 01-19-2008, 10:46 PM

Steve, we heard your rallies are alot of fun. What a crowd. And oh G! vehicles and body cladding can be a real passion. But the cold didn't seem to affect me though, in fact I was feeling a bit warm.

Laura thanks. You'll have to give us some ideas on decorating, yours is so cool.

wheel interested · 01-20-2008, 12:26 AM

The coldest night we have spent so far was in the Alabama rest stop. BRRRR But not wanting to pull into Top Sail after hours in the dark we decided to get a good night's sleep and be raring to go the next day. You know rallies, no rest from beginning to end, just go, go, go! I think there were 50 or so Airstreams and plenty of meet and greet opportunities. However with sooo many Airstreamers and so little time, I guess we will just have to keep coming back until we get her done. : )

A lot of us went to the reknown Red Bar for Seafood Friday night, in a couple of different shifts. We were part of the early seating and were entertained by a singer/guitarist while the later crowd had a jazz band. Great food, hearty portions and tira misu to die for. Yum.

pictured at the Red Bar: Mike and Tina (Clancy Boy) Michelle (ThecatsandI) Pat and Randy (Silver Cabin) Kevin and Ronnie (Silver Hobby) Brad (Big Wheel)
Lewis, Debbie and Dustin (swampbillies) and Jim and Teresa (Stratman)

wheel interested · 01-20-2008, 01:05 AM

We gathered together and Steve (Devoman) gave the announcements with the Open House immediately following.One of the highlights for Brad and for me is the scheduled open house of Airstreams. It is utterly amazing that every one is as unique and individual as it's owner. After a quick regrouping for announcements we were on our festive ways investigating and picking up tips and tricks on decorating, entertaining, maintainence and more. The entire dynamic is inherent to our Airstream experience and Airstream villages we encounter. The children, pets, memorbilia and treasures shared with interesting conversation and refreshments has all the quaintness and comradery of nostalgic small town living.

wheel interested · 01-20-2008, 01:13 AM

Lots of personality and tlc gone into these Airstreams.

aturner4u · 01-20-2008, 04:43 AM

Thanks for sharing your trip. It sure makes me want to go back to the beach.

The can opener was a lot of fun.

overlander63 · 01-20-2008, 06:43 AM

Carol, the new coach looks great, have you posed both trailers together for a family photo yet?
Also, I just checked, and "BigWheel" and "Big_Wheel" are both available for your hubby.

SilverCabin · 01-20-2008, 06:53 AM

So what are you doing and where are you in Sweetwater, TN? We have family there. Be sure to visit the bakery. People come from all over just for the bread and pastries.

Randy

wheel interested · 01-20-2008, 10:51 AM

Randy we are at the KOA off of I-75 North. Brad vows to look up the bakery since I am long overdue for my staple treats for travel.

Terry that is a great idea. I like it, thanks. We'll have to work on that one. And I am working hard on Brad to have him post. Everyone, when you see him you have my permission to apply pressure.

Aturner the rally was a blast, but who turned the lights off when we were still in the can?

I would have posted in the rally thread along with all our thanks to everyone, most especially Steve for making it such a cool event. Besides the food and music, name tags and lanyards, maps, hand crafted flamingo earrings and terrific flamingo beaded necklaces every participant added to the blend to make it all a huge success.

Robert thanks for the good wishes and we will have to put your concerns to bed for now but we promise to keep you posted on our progress in the step program.

But being fiscally responsible, we certainly didn't want to find ourselves out on the street living in a box.

2air, Gene sings? No he didn't give us a cd of his song. I want one! Right now the shuttle and the mother ship are a day's drive from Ohio and we are planning to winterize before continuing on to the deep freeze. It was only 8 degrees last night but the Detroit area is in the subzero temperatures now. Oh look...it's that special shipment of an Airstream "part"...hmmm...now where could that have come from I wonder?

soldiermedic · 01-20-2008, 11:06 AM

Who's silver/grey painted Argosy is that?

wheel interested · 01-20-2008, 11:20 AM

Tom and Becki (Minnie's Mate) had mentioned there would be a little cocktail hour over at their place but it turned out to be quite the large event. No problem there though, there was plenty to nosh on and drink. The site was all decked out with cover and party lights...you did see the Mickey mouse lights too, didn't you? But with so many attending it was more like a block party. The raffle was held and there were lots of winners and great donated prizes to be given away. Thanks!