1959 Tradewind maiden voyage

Thursday, February 13, 2014

It is time to test out the brand new 1959 Airstream! We drove to Union Grove park on Stillhouse hollow lake near Salado. The HOTC unit is having a camp out here this weekend, and the weather is supposed to be in the 70's all weekend. We were the first to arrive, and set up in site 8. We had camped here about 13 years ago in our first Airstream when we went to the Parker thanksgiving. It is a nice Corps park, and would be right on the water if the lake was full, but the lake looks like Whitney lake; about 12 feet low. We got here without any problems, but did have to adjust the striker plate on the door to allow the deadbolt to latch. Since we were the first to arrive, we decided to go to an estate sale down the road to find junk we didn't know we needed. We did! It was a deacon's bench turned into a double rocking chair. It will be great for the screened porch, and in the meantime we will look like the Beverly hillbillies on their way to California. Only I couldn't talk Shelly into riding in the back in the rocking chair. Oh well, the mental picture still makes me laugh. We built a fire in the evening, and visited with Debi and Jim Rich.

 Friday, February 14

Valentines day! Beautiful morning, but the wind got gusty in the afternoon. About 40 miles per hour gusts. Ugh. We showed the Airstream to several people, and everyone was impressed. By the evening, the wind had let up, and we were able to build a fire by the screened shelters. It was a central location, and had a wind break. Shelly cooked taco soup, and a pecan pie for the pot luck supper. Both went over well. By 8 o'clock the wind was almost calm, and the moon coming up over the lake made for a perfect evening. We sat by the fire until about 10.

Sunset

 Saturday, February 15

Sunrise over the lake

Almost a repeat of yesterday, but the winds were only gusting to about 20 mph. We drove to Salado, and went to several antique stores. We watched a glassblower make a custom vase for a lady, which was very interesting.on the way back to camp, we stopped at the same estate sale to look for a small pan. As we were leaving, we noticed a stack of firewood, and asked if it was for sale. He took $5 for the stack, which was handy, because we were out of firewood after the last two nights. Doesn't everyone buy firewood at estate sales? We stuffed ourselves again at the potluck, and sat by the estate sale firewood fire until about 11. The wind had calmed again, and the moon over the lake made for another great night. 

Sunday, February 16

These days are running together, and almost carbon copies of each other. Which is great, since they are almost perfect days. We decided on staying here another night since there were 4 other couples staying. Shelly and I drove to Killeen, just to say we've been there. We've been there. We stopped at a flea market, and were amazed at how much stuff there was we didn't need. It was a bizarre bazaar, but now we can say we've been there. We sat by another campfire and visited with Lance and Laura, Debi and Jim, Henry and Shari, and Jennifer and Craig. The wind let up again just after dark, and made for another picture perfect evening.

 Monday, February, 17

 Got packed up to leave, and said bye to the others. We called twin lakes rv, and found they don't have any sites for the next two nights. We planned on staying at Stephen F Austin state park, if the rv park was full. It was about a 3 and a half hour drive, but would have been shorter if I wouldn't have got off of hwy 36 in Brenham. Maybe I should drive with my eyes open next time. Checked into the state park, and walked the dogs down to the river. We drove into Sealy to wash clothes and buy groceries.

One of the fun things to do on a road trip!

After waiting at the laundromat for about an hour and a half, Shelly shows up almost in tears. She lost her IPhone! I don't have my phone anymore, so we had to find wifi for the IPad. McDonalds came through again with wifi. We were able to put the phone in lost mode using the IPad, and it showed the phone to be behind Subway on hwy 36. That was close to Walmart where Shelly lost the phone, so off we go! We checked the service desk at Walmart again, but no phone. Shelly retraced her steps again, and found the phone tucked away next to a pink shirt that matched the phone. Whew! We got lucky! Amazing how much we rely on that thing. Back at camp we relaxed after an exciting afternoon.

 Tuesday, February 18

We packed up fairly early (9ish) and drove through Houston on the north tollway. $10.50 We got to Tyler and Ashlee's about 11. We visited for a while, and then I got to go play in the sand pile with Parker. We walked to a playground about a mile away, and I got to play on the slides with Parker and Dallas. Dallas seems to have no fear of heights, and loves even the tallest slide, giggling all the way down. Parker seems a little more hesitant on the tall slide, but still laughs all the way down.

Parker loves Gramma's and Grampa's camper, and kept asking to go see it. He is in the "why?" Stage and wants to know everything. 

Dallas checking the polish on the Airstream

Parker and Dallas going for a drive

Shelly and Dallas

Tyler and Ashlee

 Ashlee ordered pizza from Dominoes while we were at the park, and it showed up just as we were getting back to the house. Perfect timing, and good pizza. After getting ready for bed, Parker got a bit cranky. I think we wore each other out. 

Wednesday, February 19

We put Parker's model rocket together after breakfast, and drove to an empty subdivision to fly it. We used all six engines, and had fun. I think Ashlee, Tyler, and I had more fun than Parker, but he enjoyed the countdown, and chasing the falling rocket. Ashlee's grandfather got to see the last two times we shot the rocket, and enjoyed seeing it. After lunch, we left and drove south to Shore Acres to see Connie and Johnny. Connie fixed crab cakes and salad. We visited on the front porch until about 11, and tried to make up our mind on whether to go on to galveston. We decided to wait until morning to make that decision.

Thursday, February, 20

 We decided on heading north instead of Galveston because of the weather. Rain and wind are predicted for today.

Connie and Johnny's campsite!

We made it home in one piece, despite the wind. We have several minor fixes on the Airstream, but it was a  great maiden voyage!

1959 Tradewind restoration wrapping it up

Wow, what a project! After about 1000 hours over a period of 9 months, I can say the Airstream is finally done. Yeehaw! The last few weeks has been busy finishing the end table, dinette, and upper cabinets for the bathroom and kitchen. Then polyurethaning all of it and reinstalling. I finished hooking up the vent hood, and added the vanity lights, and under cabinet lights in the kitchen. I cut the cushions to the right size using an electric knife, which worked great. I was able to reuse most of the cushions from the 2006, which saved quite a bit of money. Shelly sewed all the curtains, and shower curtain which turned out great. She told me if I wanted zippers on the cushion upholstery, I would have to do them myself. She hates zippers, and me being hard headed, I thought I would try. Thankfully, they are on the backs of the cushions, but by the last one, I had gotten pretty good at sewing them on.  I only had to make one window screen, and had enough latches to put two on the bottoms of each window. I used mirror brackets on the tops to hold the in place. 

This is the preliminary  placement.

In the meantime, we went to a WBCCI rally at the L B J grasslands near Decatur, Texas. It was a boondocking rally, and the weather was great for January. There were almost thirty Airstreams attending this rally. Just about everyone had their dog or dogs there, and was interesting to see the interactions of all the different dogs enjoying the freedom. 

I got to

 Hike about two miles to another ridge for this shot

The awning was the last major accomplishment. The awning is from the 2006, and apparently is a slight different  curve than the 1959. 

 Rebuilding the awning

 Attaching the awning

I learned a lot rebuilding this Airstream, and still plan on rebuilding our 1957 Overlander. But that will have to wait until next fall before I start. 

1959 Tradewind restoration -- woodworking and mechanical systems

 After taking a break to vacation with Damon and Erica, I am finally back to work on the Tradewind. I plumbed the camper with pex water lines, which seems to be the greatest stuff. It is easy to work with, light, and supposed to be freeze resistant. I'll try not to test that theory. I set the bathtub, and ran the drain lines and vent pipes. Next was the 110 volt wiring, and finishing all the outlets. That took about a day to finish, but the 12 volt system took almost two days to complete. 

I used vinyl composition tiles for the floor, and like the look and the price. It was about $100 for the tiles and glue. It took about four hours to prep the floor, and about six hours to put the floor down. I knew the walls would take time to put in, but trying to be a perfectionist can drive a person crazy. Crazier, I mean. Each wall panel is slightly different, and trying do determine plumb in a round camper is fun. I fitted and cut each panel about ten times each, so I am getting my exercise. 

This is the kitchen and bath walls with the refrigerator opening.

This is the riveted aluminum shower wall. 

Next was the bath vanity. It has to cover the drain pipes, fit on an angled wall, allow for the water, drain and vent pipes, and fit next to the tub. It also has the shower control built on the side, and the sink and faucet on top. 

I started the wardrobe closet next, which was basically the same fitting, and cutting. I am going to use the wardrobe door as the bathroom door to save weight. The biggest problem is the frame for the door has to be perfect both directions so it will close properly. The vent pipe goes through the wardrobe and I built a cover for it from oak and oak plywood. 

The next project was the bath storage, and cover for the water heater and breaker box. All of these pieces are only set in place, and will be taken out to polyurethane and finish.

 The kitchen cabinet took quite a while. It has to fit over the wheel well, allow for water, and drain pipes, and fit up against a curved wall. And then try to get the most storage as possible, while maintaining symmetry and fitting a sink and stove top. My parents don't want a microwave, but I am putting a space for one below the stove. 

The bed frame was almost easy after the kitchen, but still took some thinking and fitting.

Next will be the end table, and dinette last. Then, I get to take everything out again to polyurethane. Then the final assembly. It is slow, but it is coming together.

We have had great weather for a few days, so I decided to stop making cabinets, and polyurethane the ones already done. Everything came out without a problem, and now I am ready to install the cabinets for the last time. Yea! 

 I have reinstalled the cabinets, and the refrigerator, and got to check out the propane system. Only two small leaks. The water system had a few more issues. The three way switch in the bathroom did not work, and the water pump quit working after about 30 seconds. I took the water pump out of the 2006 wrecked Airstream, and hooked it up. There were no leaks, but apparently a wasp had built a nest in the hot water line. The nest stopped up all three faucets, and I had to disconnect each faucet to   use air pressure to blow the line out. What a pain. Oh well, it is done now, and I was able to check out the water heater and furnace, and both worked like they should. Six weeks ago, I thought I was about a month away from being done, but I think I am about a month away from being done now. We'll see in about a month. 

It is starting to look finished!

Wurstfest rally

Steve and Amy Hosted another Airstream rally at Wurstfest in New Braunfels. We weren't able to make it last year because of that job thing. We camped at Rio Raft on the Guadalupe river. Driving down here, we left around noon, and decided to take the shortest route, which was on I35. Mapquest said it was less than 4 hours this way, and it is amazing how easily we forget the traffic in Austin. We started running into stop and go traffic around Georgetown. About an hour and a half later, we were already through Austin! Somewhat unscathed, but asking ourselves what were we thinking. It is going to be US 281 going home. We arrived a little after 5 on Friday, and set up camp, and started making the cherry dump cake for the potluck supper. Steve had made several kinds of sausage, and all that I tried were good. There were several pony kegs from New Braunfels brewery, and one that Channing had made. They were all darker than Shelly and I like, but Channing was telling me how simple it is to make the beer. I have been thinking about trying to make beer, and guess it is time to try my hand at it. Terry and Mary were here when we arrived, and Connie and Johnny got here an hour later. We stood around the fire until about 10, and decided it had been a long day. We still haven't gotten used to the time change. On Saturday, we drove with Connie and Johnny to Wurstfest. Johnny bought several kinds of sausage, as well as a pork chop on a stick, and some ribs. They were all good. We walked around listening to the polka bands, and decided there wasn't a whole lot to do here. We decided to meet Connie's friend at Gruene hall, and drove there. There was a band playing there, and we found a table, and got a round of beer. Shelly and I danced a few times. 

Terry and Mary showed up and we all had several more rounds of beer. The band was decent, and played Silver Wings for us. At 5, the night band started getting ready, and spent what seemed like two hours doing a sound check. One, two, yep. One two, yep. One, two, you get the point. I'll stop now. They should have also. We walked to Adobe verde restaurant, and had a great meal. Shelly had quesadillas, and I had their enchiladas verdes. Delicious. We got back to camp about 9, and walked the dogs. The rest of the Airstreamers were watching a movie outside of their camp, but we decided the dancing and beer made us sleepy. It couldn't be "getting old" doing that to us. 

 Most of the Airstreamers packed up Sunday morning, and wanted to watch the game that afternoon. We decided to stay another night. 

This is a panoramic view of the bluff on the river. 

Shelly's roses from Don and Sheron. 

We went with Connie and Johnny to Gruene again, and walked around some of the shops. We listened to a band at Oma Gruene's secret garden. Shelly decided the singer sounded like Janis Joplin. It was neat sitting outside listening to the band. We decided to eat at Gruene river restaurant. We sat on the deck overlooking the river, and met Damien and Stacy there. Damien is a firefighter Captain from Lewisville. Now, with Terry,  there are three firefighters with Airstreams. We spent about two hours enjoying the food, drinks, and talking. The food was good, but a little pricey. We got back to camp, and sat outside of our camper and talked until almost 11. 

 Monday morning we packed up and  drove to Blanco and north on 281. Much nicer drive. We stopped in Johnson City and saw Sean in his shop. We needed a handle for our oven and knew he probably had one. He did, and asked how many we needed. Only one! We stopped in Lampassas in the parking lot by the pool to eat lunch. Shelly heated up leftover shrimp and quesadillas from eating out this weekend. Unusual combination, but still good. 

Fall in Arkansas

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

 We are ready to slow down and relax for a change. Erica and Damon are ready to try their Airstream on a road trip. So we decided on Arkansas. We had planned on leaving Tuesday, but the forecast was 100% chance of rain, so we delayed leaving for a day. We drove to Beaver's bend state park. With the national government on shutdown, we are limited to state parks and private camps. Apparently everyone else is too, because the park was almost full. The local kids are on fall break also. It is a beautiful area, but too crowded to suit us. It drizzled all evening, but the next morning was beautiful and sunny. We hiked along the river Thurdsay morning, and decided to head to Hot Springs. The government shutdown finally ended, and the national park was open again. 

After pulling the Airstreams on the scenic tour through downtown Hot Springs, we made it to the campground. There was some confusion, because of few signs, and no one to ask, we finally decided on sites 21 and 23. The electronic kiosk in the headquarters took cash only, and returned change in the form of dollar coins. Erica laughed when I jumped up and down and said "I won" when the coins came out! The temperatures dropped into the forties at night, and in the 70's in the day. I hiked up the trail to the top of the mountain before we went into town. It is about 1 mile to the top, and perfect weather for hiking. We drove to the bathhouse row, and walked around town for a couple of hours.

Most of the time we were sightseeing and people watching. Back at camp, we ate supper and decided we needed exercise, so Erica suggested jogging on the trail I went on this morning. We jogged about half the way up, since it is a fairly steep trail. It was much easier jogging downhill, and felt good when we got done. We played cards in our camper until bedtime. 

  Saturday October 19

Erica had the great idea of jogging again this morning. At least it was a great idea until we actually started. Then it became what were we thinking kind of idea. But it is done, and once again it feels so good to stop. We drove to town again, so Damon could exchange the pants he bought yesterday. They were too big. I guess the jogging is working. We went to a few junk and antique stores, but just looked. Erica wanted taffy after seeing some at the fudge factory yesterday. Shelly said she could get it cheaper at the dollar store, so we went looking for a dollar store. Funny how they are everywhere, until you need one. We finally found the dollar stores, but no taffy. By this time, Erica decided we needed to go back to the fudge factory to get the taffy. So, back to town, which was really crowded on a Saturday. We dropped Erica off near the store, and we parked about a half a mile away. But she got the taffy. I'm not sure what lesson we learned today. Stop being cheap? Probably not going to happen. Erica is hardheaded? Yup. She must get that from Shelly. 

  Sunday, October20

 We enjoyed a relaxing morning, before packing up and heading north. We planned to stop at Sylvia lake, before going to Petit Jean. It looked like a neat national forest campground, but it was closed when we got there. Apparently the shutdown has not completely ended. We drove to Petit Jean state park and arrived about 2 in the afternoon. Our spirits sank when the receptionist said they were full, and the guy in front of us just got the last campsite available. Now what? Apparently ask again, because now, if we don't need sewer hookups, there are a couple of sites available. She started marking the sites available for 3 nights, and showed about 15 sites. Cool. We found two sites in the pines, that are fairly secluded, and without sewer hookups, they are only $21 per night. It keeps getting better. We thought it was funny that there were no sites available, and after the 3 o'clock checkout time, there were only about 5 sites taken. After setting up camp, and eating bratwurst, we hiked the trail to the waterfall. Shelly's leg had been hurting, so we took our time on the trail. We got back to Mather lodge just about sunset, and took pictures.

On the trail

Erica and Damon on the footbridge

Neat pool by the falls

There was not much water in the waterfall

Sunset at Mather lodge

The view framed by the log columns

A close up of us. Maybe too close up of me.

Erica and Damon

Back at camp, we built a fire, and Erica decided a margarita would be good. The first two were great, and the third was apparently stronger than the others. Maybe it was because I complained I couldn't taste the tequila. I don't remember the s'mores, but apparently I was entertaining. 

 Monday, October 21

Ouch! Ugh! Ow! Mmmmgh! What happened? My head hurts. What is wrong with me? Being funny is not easy. I finally felt good enough to get out of bed after noon, and we walked the trail to rock house cave. It is a beautiful hike through the canyon, and probably just over a mile to the cave. There are several pictographs on the ceiling of the cave, and we noticed they show up better in pictures. The clouds had rolled in, and started raining after we got back to camp. 

Tuesday, October 22

I took some neat pictures of the sun's rays highlighting the morning mist.

This is just down from our campsite. 

 The guy from nucold called and said our refrigerator cooling unit was ready. I guess I'll back up a bit. When we got back from buying a wrecked Airstream in St. Louis, we found out the refrigerator in the 2006 Airstream did not work. I checked online, and found a repair place in Morrilton, Ar. I knew we were going to Petit Jean State park, so I took the cooling unit with us. I called nucold yesterday, and he said he could come get the unit, repair it, and bring it back to us. He picked it up yesterday afternoon, and brought it back this morning. Wow, what service! I hope it works! We went to several antique stores, ate pizza, and washed clothes. Came back to camp, sat by the fire, and enjoyed the great weather.

 Wednesday, October 23

We drove to bear cave and hiked in and on the rocks. I even managed not to kill myself. It is like a big kid's jungle gym, with climbing rocks everywhere.

The office is decorated for fall

The old rock bridge

The overlook at cedar falls

On the way back to camp, we stopped at the cedar falls overlook, and walked down to the cliff. The rock formations are worth the short hike. I'm still puzzled how the rocks formed like they did. We loaded up, and headed to Blanchard springs caverns. It is a beautiful drive with lots of twists and turns, and ups and downs. The trees are starting to turn colors, and will be really beautiful next week. We were not sure if the campground was open or not, but knew we could stay at Gunner pool like Shelly and I did last year. It is about 5 miles from the caverns, and is a pretty campground, but the gravel road is long and steep. We were in luck, and the camp we wanted was open. There were only 4 other campers in the park when we showed up at 4:30, but several others showed up later. The camp is on Sylamore creek, and has trees everywhere.

Sylamore creek

That is good for scenery and privacy, but not good for the solar chargers. Erica and Damon said I tricked them into boondocking, but I thought I told them there was no electricity. They both agreed the quiet will be worth it. The price is great also, at $10 per night. We sat by the campfire, and talked until about 9. The bathhouse has showers and flush toilets. Not exactly roughing it. 

 Thursday, October 24

 I hiked up the trail by the creek and took several pictures, before building a campfire. We had a lazy morning, and went to the caverns about 1:30. The next tour was in 1 hour, so we drove to Gunner pool campground. It is nice, but the campground we are in now is better. We walked down to the swimming hole on the creek, and took pictures. The caverns are beautiful, and it is the first cavern that Damon has been in. The drip stone tour is only an hour long tour, but the cathedral room is amazing. They also offer the wild cave tour for $75, which allows you to go into the undeveloped part of the cave. I did that last spring, and was a neat experience, especially for someone who likes climbing on rocks. We drove into Mountain View and did some shopping. Back at camp, Shelly and Erica made supper while Damon and I gathered firewood. The fire felt great, and will be almost a necessity in the morning. It is supposed to be 30 degrees. Brr.

 Friday, October 25

Another relaxing morning. Erica, Damon, and I hiked down Sylamore creek, to give the dogs and us some exercise. Blitz got to go swimming. He was reluctant at first because of the cold water, but the rocks I was skipping across the water were too tempting to not chase after. 

Finally, some fall color

The amphitheater.

The hike was about 4 miles, and the dogs were tired by the time we got back. The campground filled up today, and there are lots of kids enjoying the outside. We sat by the fire again discussing where to go tomorrow. 

 Saturday, October 26

 We had planned on canoeing the Buffalo today, but I had a cold yesterday, and am not feeling up to a canoe trip. We decided to go to Devil's den state park, assuming they have spots available. We drove toward Devil's den, and tried to call all morning. They finally answered about 1 o'clock and told us they were full. We were in Harrison, and called Withrow Springs state park. They had one site available, and possibly one more, because someone had cancelled. We wouldn't know about the second site until three. We arrived at 2:30, and they said we could have both sites. They were full hookups, and were next to each other. What luck! The campground is nice, but the sites are a bit too close to each other, and the full hookup sites are $33 per night. There were lots of kids in this campground, and was nice to see them having freedom to run. The couple across from us had their outside tv on a football game, and assumed we wanted to hear the game. Erica and I walked the War Eagle trail. Shelly started walking with us, but her leg was hurting, so she decided to pick us at the other end of the trail. The trail is only a mile long, but overlooks the War Eagle valley at the top, and runs along the river at the bottom.

The top of the trail

There is a cave at the bottom, but it is closed to prevent the spread of white nose syndrome in the bats in the cave. Back at camp, Shelly finally got her wish, and we played bean bag toss until dark. We made s'mores and talked s'more. The weather was quite a bit warmer than it has been the past few nights

 Sunday October 27

This is Withrow Springs campground. Erica and Damon are planning on going to Tulsa today to visit with Gary and Grace before going home. Shelly and I will head south from here and see where we go. We decided on trying Devil's den again, and since it is a Sunday, we shouldn't have a problem getting a spot. We left around noon and decided on taking the back roads. They were very scenic, and the trees are starting to show their fall colors. Mapquest does not understand where state parks are, so we used Winslow as a destination. As we got closer, we realized the town of West Fork was closer to the turnoff to Devils Den. Mapquest then took us down several dusty gravel roads with steep hills. At least it was scenic. We set up at the state park, and I went for a hike up to the Devil's Den trail. It is about a mile and a half trail, but very pretty. And popular. The pictures don't do justice. At least mine don't.

A cave opening

When I got back to camp, Shelly had slipped on a step going down to the picnic table, and hurt her good leg and arm. Now both of her legs are sore. The steps are 6" by 6" logs made from plastic, which I always thought was a good idea. Now I am starting to rethink that, at least for steps. 

Shelly at Campsite # 26

Unusual mushrooms

We ate hamburgers and sat by the fire until dark, and decided to watch a movie. 

 Monday, October 28

Shelly's left leg is now feeling better. I guess falling down was good therapy for it. Amazing how fast this trip has gone by. We are planning on heading toward home today, and getting home tomorrow sometime.

These last four pictures are where Ar. 220 crosses Lee creek south of Devil's Den

We decided to take a shortcut out of Devil's Den, and went south on Ar. 220. It is a gravel road, but the Airstream was already dusty from yesterday. We stopped where the road crosses Lee creek and took some pictures. It is very scenic here. 

We made it to Eisenhower state park just inside the Texas line, after driving until about 4 pm. It seems to be a great stopover place, but I probably wouldn't plan a vacation here. $23 for full hookups and drive through sites.