Flying Cloud

One of the travel trailers that we've always been in love with is the Airstream.  They are sleek, modern, functional, and just amazing to look at.  We first saw them at one of the first RV shows we went to in Cleveland, and since then we gawk at them where ever we see one.

We made a stop during our last adventure in Columbus to Haydocy RV.  As soon as we walked up to the lot we were amazed - I don't think we'd ever seen so many Airstreams in one place.  It was a row of glistening, polished trailers like I imagine an RV park would look like in heaven.  And like snowflakes each one was different which of course meant we had to go into each one.

We seemed most enamored with the variety called the Flying Cloud.  We looked at two 25FBs - one had two twin beds and the other one queen size.  Surprisingly they weighed in like a featherweight at about 5500lbs - looking at them I thought they would weigh more due to all the metal and build quality. 

Inside, everything felt well thought out.  It seemed that every spot that could be storage inside was indeed storage.  There was even a small cabinet that slid out as a pantry to hold more and allow easy access to it.  That's not revolutionary I realize, but it was a good use of space that I don't often see in other trailers.  Like a fine piece of furniture the couches and cushions were all the softest leather - what I saw on the bill referred to as "uleather." (ultraleather?)  There were skylights and vista windows and windows above the windows.  I love windows.

 It had a smart layout - these had a split bathroom where the shower is on one side of the hallway and the loo on the other. The model with the two twins was nice because it made the floor plan seem longer as you could see the floor all the way to the back instead of stopping at a larger bed. This thing seemed just our style.  Even our cat would like it I'm sure.

Along the way we met a salesman named Eric who was very knowledgeable and passionate about the brand.  We talked with him for quite some time about the details of the Airstream, how they are built, and the history behind them.  I recommend having a chat with him if you are in the area and want to know more about the Shiny Silver.

We thought we had seen them all until we walked into the showroom and saw yet another - this one a 30ft Flying Cloud.  It had two recliners in the front of it made of that same buttery soft leather that you could sit in for days.  Inside we could better see all the LED lighting which was glorious as a spring day.  This one also came with window awnings on the side opposite the main awning which was quite large.  It seemed pretty well loaded with options, and weighed in just about 6400lbs.  GVWR was right around 8800lbs which could be towed with less than a heavy duty truck.  I could live in something like that...

The only thing missing were larger storage areas accessible from the outside of the trailer.  These would be the ones where we put our outdoor chairs, grill, and all those nasty parts that go along with hitching up and setting up camp.  Maybe I missed them as I ogled the shininess of the aluminum finish.

The part that I haven't mentioned yet is at the bottom of each of the window stickers and the bottom line.  These are premium trailers and carry a premium price.  I think we might be able to afford one if we sold our house.  If I were just a little crazier I might smell a for sale sign...

Stuck

I mentioned before that we were expecting rain today.  We even got up early to try to get ahead of it, but it came earlier than we anticipated.  We awoke to rain that got steadier and heavier by the minute along with some rumbles of thunder.  Eventually we got hitched up after waiting several hours for the rain to die down, but we were still soaked by the time we were done.  The drive home wasn't too bad, but I drove slowly since the roads were still pretty wet.

The real problem came when we tried to get the trailer back into its parking spot next to the house.  The grass was soaked and slick, and the area we park in had turned into a mud pit.  We thought we could do it, but we got the trailer stuck and then even the truck got stuck.  I think I might have lost half a tire spinning out of the mud.  It was almost funny trying to unload because our little house was tipped so much to the side it felt like going through a fun house.  Except it wasn't all that fun.

The result is that now we will probably have to wait until Wednesday or Thursday when the rain is supposed to stop and we will try again.  Until then, the trailer is where it is...  I think we will be getting some gravel soon.

End of the first camping trip of 2014

We are nearing the end of our first camping trip of the year. It's a nice end though because we are here on a Sunday night, and I love Sunday nights at the campground. Most folks have gone home, and the place is quiet. It's always interesting to watch the rv parade around noon or so as everyone leaves knowing that you still have one more night. Granted this isn't always the case for me, but an extended weekend now and then isn't bad.

Today we visited Cabela's in Columbus which was a 2 hour excursion. We probably make it there once a year so we take our time looking through everything. They have interesting stuff there that you don't find at the local Dick's or Gander Mountain. Plus they have RV parking which we actually used the first time we stopped there. They even have a dump station which means they're really serious. Of course we ate at the cafe which isn't too shabby, and because there are no clocks or windows it's like a casino, and you know you have to leave because your bladder reminds you that it's been several hours already.

We also went to a local Metropark and walked a few miles through the woods and some bird filled meadows. I love the beginning of Spring when all the birds return. It also seems like Columbus is about a week ahead of home in terms of things blooming back to life. Although I'm going to be interested to see if my pear trees are in bloom when I get home.

Tomorrow rain is in our forecast so the awning is coming down tonight. Taking down and hitching up in the rain isn't so much fun.  Hopefully we'll be able to get the trailer back into its parking space when we get home.  So tomorrow we will join the very small RV parade leaving around noon. Until next time.

The long wait is over

The big day finally arrived, and we hitched up and hit the road after work yesterday. Now we're just north of Columbus at Cross Creek Campground. We cheated and we're doing a full hook up site because we had to complete our dewinterizing process. Not so easy to dump the tanks at home! But now everything is all clean and sanitized. Hopefully no more freezing weather! Next time we can go to a state park. Although there is something to be said for taking a shower in your own camper.

Almost ready!

It was a year ago this week that we picked up our new Gulf Stream Visa and set off for our first camping trip of the year at Alum Creek State Park near Columbus, OH.  So in honor of that we're going there this weekend for our first camping trip of 2014.  I'm ecstatic!

I've had the camping bug since some time in February.  Alas, this year's winter did not cooperate with my camping plans.  Despite the bitter cold I would have gone camping.  However, getting the trailer through the snow in the yard would have been like towing a boulder through a mud pit with an RC car.

My last weekend off would have been a good one, but the trailer was in the shop for some warranty work.  Some lights had water in them, cushions were wearing prematurely, and the fresh water tank had developed a crack where it connects to the piping.  Wheel bearings needed taken care of and propane filled.  We ended up doing some much needed yard work instead of camping so I suppose that's good...

Now I just have to make it 3 more days of the work week and we're off.  I think it's going to be a long 3 days!

We're famous!

Well, not really famous.  But I'm kinda stoked that a photo with our camper is on the front page of the Streetsboro KOA website. (see the Visa camper on the right? That's us!)