Chicago 19'

[asianmack]

Greetings from Chicago! We got our 2011 19' Flying Cloud last weekend. This weekend we're going on our maiden camping voyage. I'm pretty sure this may be the only Airstream parked in Chicago city limits. We don't see many Airstreams around here!

Looking forward to getting to know you all on the forums!

[Kevin245]

Welcome and congrats on the new FC.

Kevin

[Michigander]

Nice looking unit! Congratulations on your purchase and first post.

Watch out for the neighborhood association. A letter from them is always a rude awakening.

[blmitch5]

Congrats! We love our Bambi! 19" is a great size and fits almost anywhere. Post pics from your maiden voyage. Where are you going?

[asianmack]

Thanks everyone! We're going to Starved Rock (Starved Rock State Park - Starved Rock State Park). I'll be sure to post pictures!

[robert claus]

Our 19' resides in Des Plaines - not too far away. A great weekend destination for a shakedown is Chain O' Lakes State Park. Boat rentals, lots of road for bike riding, and a rental stable - not sure if everything is open yet, but no crowd this early. Starved Rock State Park is another good choice, and was our first shakedown destination a few years ago- it was in April, and it snowed!
Hope you have decent weather - if not, you have a cozy cabin to enjoy.

[robert claus]

If you don't have a destination, consider Sugar River County Park north of Rockford in Winnebago County. This weekend is Birdfest at the Sand Bluff Banding Station nearby. I volunteer there occasionally, but will be in NY and will miss it. Bird banding is demonstrated and explained, and there are food stalls, crafts and a silent auction. You can accompany a volunteer out to the nets to collect birds. If it's something you're into, as I am.........

[asianmack]

Robert, Thanks for the tips! We're going to Starved Rock this weekend. Should be a bit chilly and rainy. Hey, it beats the tent (which is what we're used to!).

Do you have any advice on Winter storage around here? We bought ours from Joliet. They have storage space, but it is outdoor. We'd like to store the trailer inside during the Chicago winters. Do you have any good places?

I know, Summer's not even here and I'm thinking of Winter. That means I live in Chicago. :P

[robert claus]

I own a commercial building in DP, and keep the A/S in the yard behind it. Indoor space is hard to find, but I'll keep my ears open. Watch for someplace where they offer winter storage for classic cars, and ask if they have an overhead door with enough clearance (10'?)
Outside in winter is not too bad, as long as you winterize. The snow doesn't hurt the trailer. Indoors during thunderstorm season would be wonderful. Threats of hail give me the greatest concerns.
I love sitting in the trailer, in the rain, with a good book and coffee. If we can find a Sunday paper at the park store or nearby, it's Nirvana.

[blmitch5]

Nice looking campground. But what's with the no alcohol in IL campgrounds?

[robert claus]

Keeps it peaceful - no drunks up all night long. OTOH, they don't search you going in, so a glass of wine or beer enjoyed inside with dinner is still possible..... I, uh, guess.

[blmitch5]

I like a glass of wine or a martini every now and then but I have been in a CG that was way to wild and loud so I get it but I'd probably sneak in a bottle for dinner.

[TBRich]

Welcome to the party, asianmack! Love our 19'... When we went to Texas on a trip we discovered that you can't enjoy alcohol outside in Texas state parks, even in your campsite. I don't think it stopped anyone from enjoying thier beer and wine... They just put it in a glass (non-wine glass) instead of carrying around a beer bottle wine glass or martini glass ... or whatever. "But don't get caught," is what we were told by locals. Who figured... in TEXAS!

[DCtraveler]

Welcome to the forums and Congratulations on the 19'! I was born and raised in Joliet and there are lot's of great places nearby to camp. I think you'll love the 19'. It will fit anywhere and it's easy to tow.

[Johnco]

Welcome and congratulations on your new 19'. Lots of great information here. Enjoy your "maiden voyage"!

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by TBRich

Welcome to the party, asianmack! Love our 19'... When we went to Texas on a trip we discovered that you can't enjoy alcohol outside in Texas state parks, even in your campsite. I don't think it stopped anyone from enjoying thier beer and wine... They just put it in a glass (non-wine glass) instead of carrying around a beer bottle wine glass or martini glass ... or whatever. "But don't get caught," is what we were told by locals. Who figured... in TEXAS!

Texas is crazy like that. In Austin, there are neighborhoods in which you technically can't drink a beer on your front porch, and others where you can walk down the street drinking one. For a while a few years ago, TABC was really on a power trip in the DFW area and they were arresting people for public intoxication who were inside hotel bars, guests of the hotel and NOT causing any problems. They got their hands smacked over that and a couple of other egregious incidents and have toned it down a little, but it's still a weird system. You can buy a drink in a bar on Sunday morning after 10 ONLY if you buy food as well, but you can't buy beer or wine from a store until after noon and nothing stronger than wine can be sold on Sundays except by-the-drink in a restaurant or bar.

[dznf0g]

In all parks I stay at w/no juice allowed....just pour it in a mug and behave yourself on your site...no one will bother you. They just want to keep the ruffians out and keep it family oriented.

[Michigander]

Originally Posted by blmitch5

Nice looking campground. But what's with the no alcohol in IL campgrounds?

Use large coffee mugs and avoid drawing attention to your site.

[Naper]

I guess the sound of ice in the mug is a give away.

[Michigander]

Originally Posted by Naper

I guess the sound of ice in the mug is a give away.

Not if you're quiet.