Sweet Sovereign of the Road

Towing

2011-12-05T13:32:00.002-05:00

Check out the 57 Metro and what it's going to look like towing Sophia!! - over at the RETRO METRO blog

A Sweet Soverign little trip

2011-08-13T20:15:00.004-04:00

Ok, we pulled the trailer over to Bowman Lake State Park on Thursday night, where we stayed after doing Thursday night chores. We got up early Friday morning, towed home and did the morning chores ( goat milking, watering all 100 + animals, hay to the sheep and goats, chicken feed to chickens and fed the dogs). We then got underway headed for the Herkimer NY KOA, where we were taking the boys to the Herkimer Diamond Mines to do a little treasure hunting. We had a blast. We arrived at 1pm, got set up and were in the mines around 230pm or so. 30 minutes later, my left index finger was gushing the red stuff... after miles and miles of telling the boys how careful they needed to be.. it was I, that ended up needing stitches.. well - we just glued it together... and a band aid!! Deep cut!! We went back to the campground and walked down to the river to Crayfish Island. Later that evening, we did the KOA wagon ride, Zoe' started the fire, then the kids had the 2100 Candy Hunt by flashlight.
Up this morning, Zoe' made bacon and eggs, hooked up and rolled for Sharon Springs, where the farm market and the Beekman Mercantile were on the list of "Things to do". We made it and it was a blast.
We slowly meandered back home via state routes 20 and 12, stopping for ice cream and food along the route.
What a great and albeit short family outing in Sophia - our Sweet, Sweet Sovereign of the Road!

One of stops this weekend was here in Richfield Springs, NY. It is at the Petrified Creature Museum and the boys have always wanted to stop. I've got a nice vintage Impko water decal for this place, so we stopped in today to earn the decal for the door of the Airstream.

Woah - I think we spotted the Bounder Buddy here at the Diamond mines. Could it be?

Looked in the back seat this afternoon, around 4pm, and Finn was falling asleep... a quick turn off the Route 12 heading south and we landed in North Brookfield at the King's Mills General Store. A really neat place.. like stepping back in time!

The rig parked out in front of the Beekman 1802 Mercantile.

At the Tunclif Creamery, Richfield Springs, NY... a great ice cream stop!

The boys hard at work sifting for treasure.

A short break munching of popsickles

Great fun! Great Memories.

Sweet Hall of Fame 2011

2011-07-25T00:12:00.002-04:00

Here's the Sovereign of the Road as it departs the old Hyde Estate in Cooperstown, NY. It was part of a party Friday night for the Chairman's event at the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction weekend. That's the gate house in the backdrop.

The Sweet Sovereign sitting above Otsego "Glimmerglass" lake in Cooperstown, here on the old Hyde Estate.

The event was a "Diner's, Drive-Ins' and Dives" themed event. Below is one of the props for the event... above was the main feature and according to the Chairman - Sensational!!

Upon pickup on Saturday, Jane presented me with an Old Grand Dad trailer.

This is now one of my prized possessions... signed by the 2011 Baseball Hall of Fame Class - Roberto Alomar, Bert Blyleven, and Pat Gullick... priceless!!

Diamond Brite

2011-07-08T07:09:00.003-04:00

Asked what polish I'm using. Diamond Brite Metal Truck Toolbox Polish... found in your Lowe's in the truck toolbox isle.. usually about eye level on a shelf. I love the stuff.

Here is one bottles worth. Getting there!

A few polishing videos

2011-07-07T07:24:00.002-04:00

As picked up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW1Kj3kr8pA

Polishing on the 1958 Caravanner:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4QpoJcIAko

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHav-OY0b0w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xA43oMS__A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvaoRQ1yVO0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A72oY3xix9s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_WCGA6ZPOQ

Enjoy!!

One of our new projects

2011-07-06T06:48:00.002-04:00

Our 1957 International Harvester Metro Van - http://57metro.blogspot.com/

Mission Successful

2011-07-05T21:34:00.003-04:00

Well, the fetching of the 1958 Airstream Caravanner went well! Actually, extremely well. If you look off the to the right on my "Blog links" you will see one titled "Another 1958 Restoration" - well, this is LeRoy. He was started and now we will finish him!! I used some tires from a friend that I got them from in Frederick.... the photo directly below if gasing up in Frederick, MD - ironically.

Gasing up in Frederick, MD

1 mile into the tow - in Mount Solon, VA

At Dorsey's Market..... making a needed rest stop and checking the hubs. Mounted the new tires on 30 year old grease.... they stayed cool the whole way home!

All in all - it was a great ride home. My Airstream-Into-It-Ness is coming back!

Loose Leashes and our Airstream

2011-06-29T15:45:00.003-04:00

About a month ago, Loose Leashes stopped up at the farm here to take some photos of Anna - our glorious Airstream Sovereign of the Road - that this blog is dedicated too!! Well, in today's mail delivery was a framed portait of the final product.... Enjoy!!

Saturday's Mission

2011-06-29T10:07:00.002-04:00

Making plans to recover this old girl on Saturday!! A 1958 Caravanner! Shell off restoration planned this winter in the Hay Mow!!

57 International Harvester Metro

2011-06-29T10:00:00.002-04:00

This is going to make one cool family Airstream tow vehicle and / or farm market truck. Picking it up on Sunday.

Historic Route 11 Caravan

2011-06-25T06:17:00.008-04:00

This past Tuesday, I towed the old Sovereign of the Road down off the hill to out in front of the house. Zoe' and I began cleaning, unloading and then loading the old girl in preparations for us joining the other Airstreamers that have been traveling on the old Historic Route 11 Caravan. They began the journey last weekend and we had made plans to meet up with them on Wednesday at the Knoebel's Amusement Park in Elysburg, PA. We took the boys out of the last two days of school and set off on a short journey as soon as chores were done on Wednesday morning. So, off we drove a short 3 hours pull south. With a couple stops (we have 4 kids ya know), we pulled in 4 hours later. There were 10 other Airstreams at the J&D Campground.. the Caravan's resting place for the night. We unhitched, plugged in, turned on the AC and then ran (actually drove) over to the park for a funfilled remainder of the afternoon / early evening. It was good to see some old friends and make a few new ones. Here are a few photos. We were planning to remain at Knoebel's for another day, but we were persuaded to join the group and so we traveled on Thursday up to Cortland, NY to the Yellow Lantern Campground. We plodded (towed) along the famed Route 11 through the rain (VERY heavy at times) and arrived to a flooded campground where we all managed to find sites that worked.. soggy..but they worked. We only had farm help until Friday noon so we had to say our goodbyes Friday morning as the Caravan pulled out headed for their final stop over up in the 1000 Islands. It was a fun two days of Streaming!!!

Loading up!!

A full day at Knoebel's

Zoe' and Bryce on the mini boats!

Braedon having a blast!

The J&D Campground.

At the local farm market up the road just north of the campground, we found this sticker on a cooler.... it's nearly identical to the one on our barn. Love it!
Heading North on Route 11.

Braedon outside the Airstream at STEAMTOWN National Park, Scranton, PA. This is an amazing historical preservation right smack dab in the middle of Scranton. Thank you Mr. Scranton for what you did for the US!

The Steamer we all rode on.

In the parking lot (FREE parking) at the STEAMtown National Park.

Just north of Clark's Summit, PA - we all pulled over to get some photos of the old Lackawanna viaduct. While stopped, a train crossed. Perfect!

One of the photos MoparJohn took - awesome shot!

There is Dacia's white truck and her TradeWind, Debra and her 55 Bubble and MoparJohn and his 73 (I think) Trade Wind. A great time being had by all.

Another shot of the bridge.

The kids at the Yellow Lantern Campground... I can't recommend staying here (just a tad run down)... except for the water, not very kid friendly.

And here's a couple video links to enjoy:

Riding on the Pheonix:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khz_lrzpoYk

The Airstreams:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CobDc5-xGBI

and the Kids:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqXwbaYRIkE

Like Dogs & Airstreams... Awesome

2011-06-17T23:08:00.001-04:00

Our Airstream is pictured in one of Loose Leashes latests images!! Enjoy!!

IH 1938 TD-35

2011-06-16T07:57:00.003-04:00

I thought I had a really cool Crawler in my 1954 International TD-6 crawler... but yesterday I visited an old friend and neighbor... it had been a while!! Back a couple years ago, Charlie had called me to keep an eye out for an old TD-40 TracTractor.. well - he has found one. We spent a good hour or so catching up and talking over the old steel girl. She's a mighty fine specimen of good old American Power!! Anyone out there that can help - he's looking for an Injector Block Pump for her!! She runs, starts on gas, switches automatically over to Diesel once she's warmed up (I have to manually switch her over).... Nice find Charlie!! Come on Up to Baker's Acres!!

59 Buick

2011-06-07T22:23:00.002-04:00

Took the Buick out for a ride tonight.. a nice 20 mile drive... I love driving this thing!

Pictures in the field

2011-05-26T06:43:00.004-04:00

Ron from Loose Leashes drove up from NJ to take some photos last night.. here are a couple shots I took with the Droid.. what a gorgeous night it was up on the hill!!

Our 1958 Sovereign of the Road

The 52 Farmall Super A tow vehicle

Gonna be a great hay season!!

I love this shot!

For the Quantico Marauders!!

2011-05-24T10:20:00.002-04:00

The mystery has been solved.

The Ross

2011-05-21T13:58:00.001-04:00

Picked this sweet little jem up.. an old Ross vintage cruiser bicycle, complete with siren and rollfast speedometer!

The Pond

2011-05-18T13:29:00.002-04:00

Let it snow, snow, and more snow!!

2011-02-19T14:55:00.003-05:00

Our 1958 Sovereign of the Road tucked in the snow!

The new tow vehicle

2010-12-24T11:14:00.003-05:00

I just bought this for Zoe' as her new vehicle. 2006 Jeep Commander Limited with the 5.7L HEMI!!!

The Torohome

2010-10-30T18:40:00.001-04:00

1972 Toronado 455v8 Front wheel drive Motorhome.. my next new toy!!

The Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary

2010-09-02T08:05:00.007-04:00

The history of the Blue Ridge Parkway is remarkable!

Peaceful!

Back in February, I applied to be one of 11 participants to be on display at the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary Festival Sept 10-12. We were one of the chosen. It's taking place at the Cumberland Knob Recreation Area. Out of 11, I've been told there will be 7 total attending. Should be a great time!!

So, if you're down in the area - stop on over for a visit!

Polish - let her shine!

2010-08-02T21:52:00.008-04:00

Ok, this past weekend, we took a little Airstream trip. I apologize up front, because my good camera was left outside and it's not working. We towed down to Hanover, PA and dropped Sophia off at 1st Impressions, a polishing place that Frank's Trailer Works is using these days. I like what I saw and thought we'd take her down for a touch up because Sophia hadn't had her annual touch up yet this year, and I'm very busy between now and Sept 9-12th where I'm gonna have her on display at the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th anniversary. So, we dropped her off on Saturday morning. We spent the day touring Hanover and Gettysburg - and had a great time. So, here are a couple photos.

Enjoy!

Here we are at the Milemarker 78 on I81 northbound rest area. We picnic'd on the hill, the boys found 2 GeoCaches... it was fun!

This was us parked in the exact same spot in Nov 2007.

Pulling out of Chuck's at 1st Impressions.

Here we are stopped on the side of the road, cause Mater said to "Stop!!" He had to check out Sophia.

If you like it, Chuck will help you out too!! Prices are $60 per foot ($90/ft if you require stripping). His number is 443-277-0509 - tell him Rob sent ya!

Next trip, Maine over Labor Day weekend, then it'll be off to Cumberland Knob Recreation Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sophia was selected to be one of 11 vintage campers to be on display for their Anniversary Festival.

Haying the fields

2010-07-08T07:52:00.004-04:00

Since the Bash is over..we're haying the fields around where it was held. It's a couple weeks late, but oh well. Enjoy some pictures. It's been perfect haying weather this week.

Glad that the field is now mowed.

Maybe next year I'll have some equipment like this.

The sheep are gonna love this.

Sweet International.

We got two full wagon loads.

Got to love kickers!!

Full load in the mow waiting to be off loaded.

The result.

Birthday Bashing it!

2010-07-02T06:51:00.006-04:00

Old school AIRSTREAMING at its best!!!

Well, this past weekend we held a huge Airstream event at our farm here at Baker's Acres of Chenango ( http://bakersacresofchenango.blogspot.com ) It was a huge success. I'll let the pictures do the talking. It was almost a year in planning, and it came together great and was everything we envisioned.

One of our honorary Hosts, Dale "Ace" Goldberg, rented a plane and did some aerial shots on Friday. Not all of the 84 guests had arrived yet, but man, I love the shot and it was alot of fun watching the plane buzz the farm. Thanks Ace!!

Below is Flo, our 59 Buick Electra Bourbon enjoying the Bash!

I was so busy I did not take one picture.. here's are a few links to some photos of some of our guests:

From Nick and Jill: http://zonaspawprints.blogspot.com/2010/06/one-after-bash.html

From Obie: http://picasaweb.google.com/AirstreamHobo/BirthdayBashKids

From Bob and Liz: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobfowler/sets/72157624317703978/show/

From Frank: http://annalumanum.blogspot.com

From AirForums:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f290/birthday-bash-61113.html?highlight=birthday+bash

Here is a video of the Saturday night Fireworks!! They rocked!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/ZonasPictures/Bash2010#5487904567283459522

We also had a Barn Artist (the same one that painted all the barns in Madison County - Scott Hagan) come and paint two images on our old barn - WE LOVE IT!!

Now, to get working on the Farm Stand and Sugar Shack!! Oh yeah, I have to polish Sofia too.. I ran out of time and did not get 'er done!!

I'd like to thank my wonderful wife Zoe' for putting up with all of this for the past year!! Thanks honey!!

Flo's crashing the Bash

2010-05-31T07:21:00.002-04:00

My one and only 7 pole flag pole holder.

59 Electra Bourbon - 75 Suburban Trailering Special underneath... 454 power baby!

Tried to trade in for this tow vehicle. Sweet!

Up on the hill!

Here is a shot of Flo and Sophia up on the hill... checking out where they'll end up parking... look at that golf course manicure!! Birthday Bash in 25 days!

Hybrid Streaming

2010-05-29T17:14:00.003-04:00

Just got home from the show!

In the turn at the car show.

She made it all in one piece.

It is Memorial Day afterall... just had to fly the colors.

Well, the poor old Buick had been sitting up behind the barn for the past 8 months or so, and with this weekend's Norwich Car Show, I figured I'd get her out, put the new Holley carb on it, and see if I could get her going... and going I did.. this morning, I decided to hook up Sophia to Flo and see if she could handle towing down the 5 miles to the fair grounds... I'm happy to report, there and back with success. Here are a couple pictures... many people went in and out of the trailer... having a good time! The Buick is a 59 Electra on top, but a 1975 two wheel drive trailer special Cevy Suburban on the bottum with a 454 power plant mated to a Turbo 400 tranny. It was fun!

Camping on the Hill

2010-05-17T16:12:00.002-04:00

If I can only find the owner

2010-04-17T08:39:00.002-04:00

Found this out in the woods... if I can locate who owns it, it's mine!!! A vintage Silver Dome made in Kalamazoo, Mi

An old Fan Camper

2010-04-10T18:18:00.003-04:00

Well, today I towed this old girl home today. I kind of like the old girl!! What do you think? Can anyone tell me the year by looking at her?

Maple Syrup

2010-03-31T08:44:00.004-04:00

The Syrup haul from this year!

My dad went with me to get this evaporator. When Zoe' saw it in pieces, not all shiny, I thought she was going to shoot me.

Man this thing really burns off the H2O.

Fire box is a roaring.

The mighty Hemlock!

Cutting down about 40 large Hemlock before they go to waste.

Timber!

Well, we've been playing with nature and this spring we tapped some of our maple trees - 11 trees in all with about 23 taps in total. I bought a used 4x6 Leader Evaporator too, to help boil off the water. The season is over for us, but it was a fun spring. Zoe's been busy over on our Baker's Acres blog with our new chickens and guineas. I've also been doing a little logging in our woods, to get siding for our 10x30 shed and hopefully lumber sawn for building a Sugar Shack later in the year.

Go Team Baker

2010-02-20T16:32:00.003-05:00

Team Baker and good friend Hanna K - all but one are Baker's - out hiking in the woods.

Stanton Baker and Hanna Baker - right before the jump!

Braedon Baker and Brenna Baker coming down the hill!

Here's a shot of the Sovereign of the Road here in the cold... we spent today sliding and then a hike into the woods. It was a good time. The Olympics have nothing on these kids!

Antsy McClain is coming to Baker's Acres

2010-02-12T17:56:00.003-05:00

He'll be living in aluminum while here at the June Birthday Bash!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCeaE891iS0

Check him out at http://www.unhitched.com

Enjoy everyone!!

Steroids

2010-02-02T14:03:00.002-05:00

Just picked up this massive Flag Pole Holder on Steroids. Custom made, it hold three 16 foot 2 1/8 inch flag poles. It might require an extra u-bolt or two. What do you think?

New toy

2010-01-16T16:31:00.002-05:00

The new shed.

1990 SKi doo Safari 2up w/ 462cc

Here's the latest toy for here on the farm. Lots of fun!

1st Annual Birthday Bash

2010-01-05T05:43:00.005-05:00

Put the weekend of June 24-28, 2010 on your calendar... I've been working away on the 1st BB with Frank, Steve and John to be hosted here on our farm. It's gonna be a blast! Click here to see what we're talking about!

Enjoy!

Work on the farm!

2009-12-26T16:17:00.004-05:00

Been skidding logs with the Farmall out of the woods.

With the ground hard, it's not tearing it up all that bad!

It's nice have the rear hydraulics to lift the log off the ground, it pulls alot easier.

My brother built this about 2 weeks ago. It's three 10 foot bays. This end has a overhang on it, but the other end doesn't so that we can build onto it to put a couple more bays if we need too. On the lower side, we will eventually enclose that with windows to make it a 6-8 foot x 30 foot greenhouse.

This lower side will face the sun in the am. Perfect for a greehouse in the spring.

Well, it's been a while. Been working around the farm some. We just had a fabulous Christmas with the 4 boys getting a ton of stuff - we need to have a garage sale!! I've spent the day skidding a few logs I sawed out of a few downed Hemlock in the woods. The guy that hays our fields has a portable sawmill and I'm hoping he can come over and saw me up some boards for our new 10x30 pole shed that we've put up. Enjoy everyone!

It's a boy!

2009-12-03T23:55:00.007-05:00

Got milk?

Finn Patrick Baker - look at all that hair!

=

Born around 1050pm on the 3rd of December 2009. A boy! 8lbs 2.1ozs and 21 inches long.

Some pictures from Madison

2009-10-22T14:50:00.002-04:00

Forrest McClure sent me a few photos from the International this past summer in June. Thanks Forrest. Enjoy!

Flag Pole holders

2009-10-12T16:55:00.004-04:00

Front side of pole holder. Nice welds!

Back side solid plate aluminum.

Another shot of the 5 poler up front with a 3 poler in the background.

I've been asked alot lately about my flag pole holders.. and yes, I still am having them made! I have three, five, and even do a 7 pole holder. Email me at airstreamnut@gmail.com if interested. I offer them in patina or polished. These things are solid and rugged..and shown not polished and will outlast your trailer! They have 1" holes - I use the telescoping 12' painter poles from Lowe's. Christmas is coming - it would make a nice Christmas present.

Our farm

2009-10-09T16:42:00.002-04:00

Here is a link to a new "Baker's Acres of Chenango" blog I'm going to be posting on... We're hosting the 1st annual Wally Byam Birthday Bash here on the farm next June - June 24-28. There will be breakfasts, potlucks, a steak and corn dinner, birthday cake celebration and fireworks here on the farm. Enjoy!

http://bakersacresofchenango.blogspot.com/

The image! The icon! The bike! The Frenchman?

2009-10-06T07:17:00.003-04:00

The man on the bicycle is a Frenchman M. Latourneu, in those days a very famous bicycle rider and racer. Wally Byam was an avid fan of bicycles and heard the Frenchman was invited to the United States and it got him to thinking.
Former president of the California factory, Art Costello, called the staff together to discuss an idea. Art and Wally had heard many people say they wanted to travel, but they did not care to have a heavy trailer pulled by their car. Wally remarked, "I've got to show them that an Airstream isn't any such thing as that. If they would
like to travel with an Airstream, it is not a heavy weight to pull with your car. In fact if you wanted to you could pull an Airstream with a bicycle."
Wally located Mr. Latourneu and arranged for him to come to the Airstream factory and bring his bicycle. He arrived on a May morning in 1947 and agreed to take part in the experiment. Then with Wally taking the pictures and the entire staff watching, Mr. Latourneu actually managed to pull the full size travel trailer behind his tiny racing bicycle. Airstream chose this picture as a Trademark in 1947 and it is has been used throughout our Club history. We have seen it on stationery, articles, advertisements, cups, and clothing.

The latest addition to the fleet!

2009-09-27T11:15:00.005-04:00

I picked this truck up last week on my way down to Quantico just outside of Harrisburg. It's a 52 Studebaker Pickup model 2R11-22 with a long box and original V8. It's a project for way down the road, but I have one. It was $300. Enjoy!

Picking Apples

2009-09-26T19:43:00.007-04:00

Sorry everyone for the long delay in photos... been on the road alot lately for work and not much has been happening in the world of Airstreams lately. Today, was a great family day. We went apple picking up here to Windy Hill Orchards up in Cassville, NY - about 30 miles from our place. It was a blast. The leaves are a turning and the apple picking was great - 1/2 a bushel of McIntosh and 1/2 a bushel of Cortlands - good eating and good for baking. Next week they open their Ida Reds and their trees were just brimming full! Here are a few photos. Enjoy! Oh, by the way, Steve "Dancin Hansen" from Minnesota was the winner of the 1964 Trade Wind raffle the town's Watershed held. Congratulations Steve!

Here we are up in Cassville, NY at Windy Hills Orchard

The Baker Boys out picking apples

Nice shot of the family leaving their market.

Stanton, Bryce and Braedon in front of Zoe's burning bush.

A long day

2009-08-17T20:18:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I departed for Big Run, Pa where the latest Airstream we purchased was located.. ya know, the one I've been eating Crow Stew for... the 73 Sovereign. Well, I drove over, hooked on and rolled! And rolled I did.. about 262 miles worth taking my time and going easy (especially on those PA mountains (and the Suburban knows PA mountains)). So here it is all set up at the Travel Trailer Village here in Dumfries, VA - that's right - I'm staying in it this week. It's very nice - for a 70s... will make the perfect home office. I will admit, I did the 70s fiber optic readout on the rear drivers side that pipes the light from the rear tailights to the side of the trailer so that the driver can see what's happening back there. Pretty ingenious if I do say so myself. More pictures later.. I'm beat and heading to bed!

1st Annual Baker's Acres Just Camping Get Together

2009-08-12T21:02:00.003-04:00

Here is a link to our weekend - enjoy! It was awesome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npbMmDHrWuA

Thanks Amanda!

Stole it!

2009-08-01T14:55:00.001-04:00

For $750, can you blame me?

Eating Crow - part II

2009-08-01T08:20:00.007-04:00

Yeah, I've got a big fork here.. but look at what this one has on it.. first, it comes with the original aluminum propane tanks - not pictured.

It has one of these on-board 12v propane powered Onan Generators for charging the batteries - perfect for boondocking (which may end up in the SOTR)....

It has a nice little catalytic heater that will take the chill off the office on those chilly fall / spring days.

It has one of these night double step aluminum steps

And it's one of those International models.... love the Red, White and Blue.

Now, for an office, how can I go wrong. Plus, it'll probably be hid in the barn so people don't know I have a 70s Airstream.

Eating Crow

2009-07-31T21:50:00.003-04:00

Well, we knew it would not be long... but I've got another Airstream related birthday present coming.. I could not resist this one... and yes, it's a 70s Airstream.. actually a 1973 Sovereign (not of the road) that is sitting in Pennsylvania in a field.. Thanks Marc! This one will be brought back to life while I use it as my home office (Zoe' wants me out of the house)..... So, here are a few pictures.. Plan right now is to go fetch it mid August.. Thanks Zoe' - my fabulous, wonderful, wife.. if she were a Native American - her name would be OneWhoPutsUpWithTons! It is in remarkable condition. Rear twin beds, front gaucho, center bath. It has some hail damage outside but nothing major. We'll also turn this one into a little guest cottage as well for here on the farm.

Knoebels

2009-07-28T18:04:00.004-04:00

Here we are on Ole' Smokey!

The boys waiting on the log car!

This past weekend we traveled down to Catawissa, Pa to go to Knoebel's Family Amusement Park.. we LOVE this place. So, on Friday afternoon we departed and headed south. As we were leaving our place, the sky opened up on us and it rained all the way to Scranton... and in Scranton, it was really a deluge!!! I got off of I81 due to the construction and traffic and took the Turnpike there in Clarks Summit and at the first exit, I bailed and headed for US Route 11 south... it was alot of fun in and out of small towns, all the way to Bloomsburg, PA.. where we then headed south to the Springbrook Family Campground. When we pulled in, there was Hunt and Sue Jones of New Jersey waiting.. a pleasant surprise. I knew Jerry and Sonia McConnell were coming too, with their daughter Colleen, who is my son Stanton's age. It turned into rain that night.. so we hit the hay early. The next morning, I awoke to Hunt's 50s GMC rumble and went outside.... Hunt and Sue were headed out.. seems his truck insurance was expiring that day, so they headed for home.. they'd been up to Michigan to the Tin Can Tourists Rally.. and had a blast...we missed you guys. So, around 11am us two families headed for Knoebels.. it was a beautiful summer day and we had fun.. well, my second ride was a motion ride and it took me a few hours to have fun... but I did none-the-less.... for some reason, roller coasters make me laugh... and laugh I did... some say it's screaming like a little girl.. but, I'm laughing - really I am...
Here are a few pictures.... we departed early on Sunday and took our time meandering along in the spitting rain... a nice weekend. Our next outing is our very own 1st Annual Baker's Acres of Chenango Family "Just Camping" Get Together here on our farm, August 7-9. I'm working on getting things ready for it..

My new plaque - sneak peak

2009-07-17T12:13:00.003-04:00

A while ago I purchased a "Wally Byam Cravanner's" plaque off Ebay and I had some stickers from it made for our WDCU and joint METRO DETROIT Caravan members. Then, I sent it off the Vintage Trailer Supply (link at left) to have then re-created.. and when I got home from this week's trip, this is what was waiting for me.. it's a nice treat after a red-eye from California. Now, I've got to mount it! Thanks Steve. He'll have them on their web site soon - within the next week I'm told but here's a little sneak peak.

Haying it!

2009-07-10T21:47:00.005-04:00

Ok, here are some pictures I took around the farm today.. the two bigger upper fields are getting the hay on them cut and baled. Then, since we've been gone, I've been mowing around the farm too to get the lawn under wraps.. We are hosting a Baker's Acres Family "Just Camping" Get Together August 7, 8 and 9so I've been working up at the Rally site too... Enjoy!

This is the upper drive up to the back of the barn. You can see Sophia sitting on the land bridge into the hay mow in the distance.
The pool is waiting for the August Rally goers.

There's the mighty Buick Electra.. thought I'd throw a picture of it in here. You can see Sophia up on the hill behind the barn.

Here's a cool shot from up above the barn.

And another of Sophia patiently waiting for her next tow.

Look at all that hay... You can see the 64 Trade Wind that's up for raffle up where the Rally site it located.

More hay... it'll be baled tomorrow.

A nice sunset tonight.. the property line is those pines in the distance.

Take care everyone and thanks for stopping in.

Some photos of our family trip

2009-07-06T21:17:00.003-04:00

Ok, so here's some shots from our trip. As you may of may not know, here was where our trip took us.. We left on the 22nd of June and returned on the 5th of July.... around 3000 miles on the Suburban (it rolled over 100k miles about 3 miles from home)... house to Covington, Pa to Pittsburgh, Pa (about 10 miles from the Airport - again - THANKS Roy), to Jackson Center, Oh to Peru, Ind to Elkhart, Ind to Jefferson, Wi by way of LaSalle, Ill to Madison, Wi to Waubasha, Wi to Green Bay, Wi to Houghton (Atlantic Mine), Mi to Marquette, Mi to Omer, Mi to Sandusky, Oh to Jamestown, NY and finally home via some of the finger lakes going through Hammondsport, Watkins Glen, Ithaca to home... wow! What a trip... memories to last a lifetime....

This photo is of our rig on State Street in Madison, Wi outside of Wisconsin House of Cheese - all for the store owner, Jeff.

Above, find us on the driveway of the Braeloch up in Atlantic Mine, Michigan. This is where we stayed on Wednesday evening, on the shores of Lake Superior.

This is us at a rest area overlooking the Mighty Mackinac Bridge on the Upper Peninsula side of Michigan. That is Ken Faber's rig that we met up with just outside a smoked fish shack.

One of the big things in the Michigan's UP is smoked fish.. we bought some smoked trout... and snacked all the way across the UP... it was something good!

This is a shot where in the background is the Mackinac bridge... that's Ken Faber in the shot on the right.

Here Stanton, Bryce, Braedon and I are with the Donovan's - Karen and Bill. We left the International early to go up near Houghton, Mi to visit longtime family friends. In 1989 there son and my twin (yes, my twin - I even fooled his mom we looked so much alike) and one of my teammates as well as one of my best friends, Will, was killed in an auto accident with three of my other teammates (Packo, Donnie and Andy) on the Navy Cross Country team. This was a special trip for me since it was 20 years ago that the accident happened up in Gifford Pinchot State Park near York, Pa. I've kept in touch with the Donovans over the years and we even named our middle boy Bryce Donovan with special thoughts of Will. Spending time (although only a day) with Will's parents on our trip was the best part of the trip for us! They have a wonderful summer get away on the north shores of the UP outside of Atlantic Mine, Mi looking out towards Minnesota and Canada. It was a wonderful time and visit. I'm so glad we went. I loved the walk on the shore Bill and Karen, the talking, the chance for you to meet our boys, and collecting the sea glass to capture the special moments. A special time and very special memories for us that we will talk about for a long time I'm sure. We look forward to share our farm with you too and we're looking forward for more courtesy parking on Superior.

There's the rig parked in the Donovan's front yard with the water of Lake Superior in the background. Special memories formed here!

Now, this is the shot of the Sovereign of the Road parked at the VAC rhendevous in Jefferson, Wi in the morning around 5am.. I forgot about the time change. What a sunrise it was! I've got more photos.. just need the time to upload them.

Happy Hour challenge

2009-07-06T21:07:00.002-04:00

This post is about Happy Hours... and a comparison of what we experienced at the VAC Happy Hours as compared to what we in the WDCU are used to. First, there were somewhere near 66 vintage rigs at International.. and at CBR, around 50 or so... so this is Apples to Apples in size comparison... The first picture is what we at WDCU do for Happy Hour... quite the spread where everyone pitches in. After a WDCU Happy Hour one needs not to have dinner.

Now, below is what we experienced at the VAC Happy Hour. Of the 60 or so people that say around the pavillion... I'd say some did not pull their weight by bringing a small dish... by the time we got there, about 15 minutes into it, this was what there was.. a few 7 or so bowls of pretzels plus a bag of pretzels.. we brought a Boss Sub that was sliced into about 10 or so mini sandwiches and it was gone in a flash...

Just one of the experiences we had... where our expectations were that of a huge spread / feast... we did spend $390 on our rally fee (and no meals given) and only 3amp of electric. What did my $390 pay for? More on our trip in my next post.

On the way home

2009-07-02T23:18:00.003-04:00

Our boys out in front of the House of Wisconsin Cheese!

On State Street, downtown Madison, Wi

Well, we departed the International Tuesday after the Delegates meeting. We headed over to Waukashaw, Wi for dinner with the Klohn's and it was great. Thanks Kelly for the fabulous dinner. We headed out of there around 845pm for Houghton, Mi - making it about an hour before we crashed in a Walmart parking lot. We slept in and got back on the road around 9am then next morning, arriving up in Atlantic Mine, Mi outside of Houghton at our friends the Donovan's ( Bryce's middle name after their son Will ).... more on that later when I have photos. We spent last night there at their house on the shore of Lake Superior looking out towards Duluth, Minn. It was great and we did not want to leave. We headed for home this afternoon, making it to just east of Marquette, Mi - again on the shores of Lake Superior. We're here at a little Campground. Tomorrow, we're on the road early for a long day of trailering - I hope to make it to Ohio. Today was the VAC awards for the Concourse d'Elegance that I entered and I hear that Sophia took the Silver in the 50s... at least something positive came out of the rally. More on that later too! So, I'm headed for bed to get ready for tomorrow. See ya down the Road everyone! Ps - when we pulled out of International - I headed for downtown where I paraded down a No Cars road - State Street and then around the capitol. Check out Obie's blog photos as well as the House of Wisconsin Cheese's website. Thanks Obie for the photos! The VAC parade blew so we decided to go parade downtown on our own on the way out of town! That store owner had a sign out front - Airstream Parking - so I just had to take him up on it... it was worth an $8 bag of cheese curds he gave me for doing what I did so he could get the photo - and no, I did not get a ticket.

Almost there

2009-06-26T06:31:00.002-04:00

We've gone from central NY to an overnight stay in Covington, PA to Pittsburgh (wrong Cracker Barrel directions in the GPS took us right downtown to the not so nice part of Pittsburgh) to a nice stay at the Log House Gardens (thanks Roy in a huge way!). We then departed Pitt on Wed am heading for Jackson Center where we arrived at 130pm in time for the tour, spending the night in the heat! I put our Dometic AC to use on the Terraport. Up and at em at 7am, departing for Elhart at 730am. We cruised by Dan's at Vintage Campers where we had lunch then cruised up here to Elkhart arriving around 220pm. It was so hot, we decided on the Elkhart Campground about 4 miles away. The pool and power was nice! Now, we're rising and hope to be Caravanning at 8am heading for Jefferson, Wi by way of LaSalle on I80 - I-39. The VAC rhendevous is tonight and we parade into International tomorrow. Almost there!

On the side of the road!

2009-06-19T16:39:00.004-04:00

Here I sit.. dumb @#$ me I left my spare at home. Sitting on the side of I-380 here in the Poconos waiting for my hero from the Good Sam emergency Road Side Service to arrive. I called a tire shop and found a 7X14.5 and bought it over the phone and the tire guy is going by there to get it for me on his way. Front curb side blew again. Something is amiss as I keep blowing that tire. So, while I sit I am surfing the net! Take care everyone. We depart Monday night for Madison, Wisconsin.

Busy, Busy

2009-06-18T07:07:00.002-04:00

Well, I've been on the road for work for the past two weeks, and next week we depart on Monday for International! I hope our Caravanners are ready - I know I am. I've got the trailer down here this week working on a few things (refilling the propane tanks, cleaning, going through drawers that have become junk drawers... three weeks and the five of us - we'll need all the room for storage we can get. I'll post about the Pageant Rally I held tonight - I just need some pictures..... my main computer motherboard died so I'm a little hampered digitally right now. Hope for good weather next week!

Dickinson Heat

2009-06-14T20:08:00.003-04:00

We (DickPerkins and I - thanks Dick!) installed the Dickinson propane fireplace today... it's been a hectic day and it's not over yet! Enjoy... short and sweet - like the Sovereign of the Road!

2006 CBR Video - Check it out!

2009-06-03T21:02:00.002-04:00

What IT'S ALL ABOUT - A really cool video - I remember when they did this and it really turned out well.

I just took these photos tonight of our place... except for all the mowing - we love it!

I can live with it.

2009-06-03T16:16:00.003-04:00

Deciding on the roof top ac was a no brainer this year - my wife's almost 4 months pregnant and there's no way I'm going through a summer of camping without AC - that's what she said.. lol. Seriously, these pictures were what my big deal with my rooftop unit was about. I have a center 12v/110v ceiling light that I thought was going to be interfered with more with the inside control panel. It's not too bad once installed. So, we'll live with it for now. Let me know what you all think. Take care!
Rooftop AC inside the trailer.

Note how close the light is.. it should stay cool.

I can live with it for now.

Thanks again Dick and Doug! You are Zoe's hero!

AC Install - yes, the Hehr Vent is out!

2009-06-03T13:39:00.012-04:00

Today, sitting here at work dialed into a teleconference for work, our dog started barking and I knew someone was here. I went outside and low and behold it was Dick Perkins and Doug Rowbottum, fellow WDCU members and good friends. They said, hey - we're here to install your Air Conditioner. I knew Doug and Terry had pulled down early for the Pageant of Bands Rally and were courtesy parking over at Dick's place. Doug opened up his truck door and he had 65 tubes of Vulkem that he just scored for $1 a tube at our local $ store. Good score.
So, I said, "Seriously?" and they said if you want...... and so I took them up on it. WDCU spirit in full swing!!! So, we went down to my old barn, got the AC and then we drove it up to the hill where the sweet SOTR is sitting. So, here's a picture essay of the install. Thanks Dick and Doug - this summer we'll be thinking of you while chillin in the trailer!

See Dick climb. Don't fall Dick!
Doug's up on top taking out the Hehr Vent.

Doug's cleaning up the old vent.

More cleaning and putting down the grey butyl tape.

Putting up some cardboard to put the AC unit on to line it up.

The unit to be installed.

Up and on from the back of Doug's truck.

Lining it up.

Making sure all the foam shipping pieces are removed.

Doug says, "It looks good." Now to the inside.

Here you can see the light and vent hole.

The light might be able to stay.

The old Hehr vent recently rebuilt.

Thing 1 and Thing 2 - thanks guys! These two guys get around inside Airstreams (see below)

Who's got my glasses?

Putting the cover on.

And now all we need to do is to paint that brite white top cover aluminum color. Oh, by the way, this is a Dometic Duo-therm w/ Heat Pump 13,500 BTU (I think) AC / Heat unit.

Got AC!

Up on the hill!

2009-05-31T08:42:00.002-04:00

The View from the hill - about 15 miles or so!

Well, next week we're hosting a boon-docking "Just Camping" rally here on the farm. So, we spent this past weekend up on the hill to get the feel and the layout. I'll be doing some more bush hogging later today - I think there are 10 coming. So, here's a picture from last night of our little campfire in my homemade stainless fireplace, and then one of the view! Enjoy. We are!

Car Show this weekend!

2009-05-25T06:57:00.005-04:00

I got the first cut completed in time!

Norwich Rolling Antiquers, 2009

It was work and alot of time, but I got the Watershed's Trade Wind's first cut of polishing done on Friday night. I had promised to tow it to the car show for the Watershed and that is what we did so they could show it off, and for good cause - as they had record crowds this year. We also took the SOTR down on Saturday for a couple hours and all day on Sunday. Tickets on the Trade Wind are still available. It's a sweet little trailer with the new axle, wheels and tires along with the first cut of polishing done!

Oh, yeah, isn't the Sovereign "Of the Road" looking sweet! Gave lots of tours and got lots of compliments. Even met a guy with a 67 Ambassador for sale too - good price too! Later, it's Memorial Day and my son Bryce's 6th birthday - Happy Birthday buddy!

Just down the road

2009-05-18T12:00:00.003-04:00

14 miles or so, in a nearby town, on Saturday night, a tornado touched down... I was away, but I guess the weather was a rocking. This farm was in the direct path and pretty much lost its roof. Got to get insurance on the trailers!! One of my things to do this week!

More polishing

2009-05-17T19:01:00.003-04:00

I got home from Reserves early tonight... and so I went out and did some polishing. I did the front street side end cap and started on the top side of the street side. It's coming out nicely for first cut don't ya think. I'm thinking I'll have to buy a few more tickets!

Polishing a Fundraiser Trailer

2009-05-13T20:09:00.005-04:00

The 1964 Airstream Trade Wind, part of our Plymouth Watershed fundraiser that will have a raffle drawing drawn this September ($25 a ticket), is now in my yard after getting a new axle installed by Chevy Ave Restoration. It is getting a good 1st and possible 2nd cut polish job. Here are a couple photos. If you want tickets, see below on how to get them... there are like 100 tickets left.

Sure is nice and green now!

New wheels, new axle and soon a nice new polish!

About a 1/3 of the way there!

I'm doing this backwards as the sides were 1st cut once a while ago.. I'm going over those panels and then I'll attack the top! Once the top is done 1st cut, I'll go over the entire trailer once more.

HOW TO GET TICKETS? Mail $25 x (# of tickets requested) to:

Plymouth Watershed
c/o: Margaret Kreiner, Chair, Ply. Watershed

3668 State Hwy 23

South Plymouth, New York 13844

Patience Grasshopper!

2009-05-04T20:26:00.003-04:00

Well, a while ago, I posted pictures from "A break from splitting firewood" - in where I posted photos of a 1949 22' Liner. That was a fun day on a Sunday going over for a country drive to look and drool over it. I ended up writing the elderly gentlemen a letter about it asking that if he ever decided to sell it to give me a chance. Well, last Sunday, he called. We talked for a bit and he asked if I was still interested in it. I said - "Heck yeah!!" and so now, the 49 is ours - well, it will be when I get payment to him. To tell you the truth, we're excited about it...

Getting back into shape... one step at a time

2009-04-29T12:29:00.002-04:00

I've made some goals for myself since I'm turing 40 this summer... and one is to train and run in this years October Marine Corps Marathon. So, to help cross train, I purchased this old Roadace road bike to switch up my running days with some on the bike. I'm looking forward to riding this summer! About 6 months before the race!

Rainbow Terrace - Waikiki

2009-04-28T12:11:00.004-04:00

A view from the room - 12th floor!

Looking out at Diamond Head - that's where I just got back from running to.

Another shot from the room!

A better shot from Diamond Head from the balcony.

From the VIP terrace

VIP terrace view of the Pacific

Someone has to do it.. I'm out in Hawaii for a 3 day meeting... this morning, I'm up at 0 dark thirty because I'm on east coast time, 6 hours ahead of these guys out here. I'm here sitting on the VIP Terrace overlooking the Pacific, a nice breeze blowing and probably 70-75 out... I can't complain. It's 5:30am and very peaceful... people are starting to stir - probably all east coasters. Take care!

This needs to be updated! For Lance if he checks!

2009-04-26T00:50:00.003-04:00

Why is a Frenchman pulling an American Icon?

Lance - this should be you!!!

Got Sheep?

2009-04-23T21:43:00.002-04:00

This is our newest edition to the farm. Zoe' and the boys went and picked these two up, momma Ewe and baby lamb. We're looking for a few more. Zoe' wants to learn spinning to go with her knitting hobby. Enjoy!

Motivating!

2009-04-18T21:48:00.008-04:00

Some people out there say I'm not into Streaming as much anymore.... since I've bought the farm and have sold all but our pride and joy - the SOTR.. so, I've been out mowing the spot out back that will be our own little slice of Airstream heaven alot this summer. Now it only has to get green! So, here are my motivating photo shots for those out there that can not come close to being "Into Streaming" as much as I.... so - what's the formula for AirstreamIntoItNess? I know it has the following variables in it that cover 1 Jan - 31 Dec... (# of rallies attended, # of miles towing your OWN Airstream, # of thumbs ups or walk ups at gas stations, # of years in the WBCCI, year of Airstream (bonus if it's in the 50s) (minus points if it's a 70s), # of nights spent in the trailer, # of Caravans particpated in, a visit to the factory, WBCCI member, VAC member, TCT member - what other variables are there and then what's the formula??) - enjoy the photos!

Thanks for the motivating shot Paul!

Thanks for the motivating shot Marc!

These guys are motivating!

This advertisement is SO Motivating!

This guy motivated me so much I rallied in Michigan last year!

Of course, any SOTR and Torpedo in the same shot is M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-N-G!

Our 59 Buick towing WILL be motivating!

Getting stuck on a hill is Motivating too! Go Dick, Go!

If Dick only knew what was ahead - the last motivating photo!! Anyone coming to a rally motivates me!

Of course, flying flags are MOTIVATING!

Vintage Water Decals drive the motivation!

An Airstream returning 50 years later to its birthplace is VERY motivating! I wonder if Fleetwood gets pictures like this?

Off to the races - of course the SOTR is in the lead! By four Globetrotters at least. Racing Caravanners motivate me.

Polished aluminum - nothing motivates me more!

The fabulous 50s motivate some... what were the 60s and 70s... not so motivating, right?

My 400th Blog post - can you say M O T I V A T I O N ?

November 21st....

2009-04-16T20:07:00.003-04:00

Well, that's the day the doctor is picking for our 4th child - yes - we're expecting our 4th. Now that we've told our 3 boys and parents, we're letting the cat out of the bag. So, I bet it'll be Thanksgiving timeframe. We're excited to say the least! The boys hope for a girl. Who knows!

Planning a Caravan

2009-04-15T13:26:00.002-04:00

Ok, now that CBR is over with, my next big Airstream outing will be our WDCU Caravan out to Madison, Wisconsin for the WBCCI International Rally that starts on 27 June and goes through July 4th. For that, I'll be leading a Caravan out and Frank Yensan will be my Wagon Boss making sure our stay-overs are good. I am looking for someone to work at bringing up the rear of the Caravan each day ensuring that all Caravanners on the route make it to each way point / layover and to collaborate with me and the WagonBoss. Our plan is to meet somewhere near Pittsburgh, Pa on the afternoon / early evening of the 23rd to have a check in around 530pm at a site soon to be identified. We will then travel on the 24th to Jackson Center to the Airstream Factory and the plan is to be there by 1pm to make the Factory tour. We will stayover at the factory that night and then get up and head for Elkhart, Indiana on the 25th where we will be staying at the RV/Motor Home Hall of Fame on the night fo the 25th, to get up and roll to Jefferson County Fairgrounds on the 26th to meet up with the VAC Rhendevous for the Parade of Vintage into the International on the 27th. I'm working on my CB installation for the Caravan as well as working up a roster of who is coming. I need to know if you are participating by the 15th of May to have good numbers of who is participating. It will be a good time. If you are looking at just caravanning out to the factory with us, you are more than welcome, or even if you want to Caravan out the hole way and turn around for a neat trip. Either let myself of Frank know if you are coming. My email is airstreamnut@gmail.com if you want to participate.

Obie's Blog Video Link

2009-04-09T15:21:00.000-04:00

Obie, a good friend, and fellow Airstreamer, has posted a video of our Caravan coming into the field at CBR - enjoy!

http://airstreamhobo.blogspot.com/

Check it out.

CBR and home again!

2009-04-06T20:06:00.008-04:00

On Tuesday last week, I pulled from Jacksonville, NC to Lake Fairfax County Park in Reston, Virginia to get close to our rhendevous for the Caravan into DC on our way to the 10th annual Cherry Blossum Rally.. the CBR! There were two other Airstreams there at the park.. and one surprise - Dacia and Pee Wee "Dale Schwamborn" were there as well. I spent the evening chatting with Pee Wee about Wally and Airstreams and Caravans.. Pee Wee was to be our guest at CBR and wanted to be on the Caravan with us - how perfect!!!!

I had no idea as to how many were going to show up for the Caravan. So, at 7am, I got underway and headed for the Great Falls National Park - our rhendevous. I had a couple from Montreal in a 63 Globetrotter, who was the other Airstream at park, follow me over to the Falls.

The plan was to meet by 0930, get a group photo near the falls and start the Caravan. One by one, trailers rolled in. There's the big red Suburban I'm towing with.... I'm glad it still has the Fire Department air horns on it.

There's Frank and "Anna" below with the Fowler's right behind:

The Great Falls and our group shot below:

We departed about 15 minutes past 10am...not bad for my first Caravan. We had a total of 8 trailers in all, I would think perfect for a first timer.

Below, we are parked around the top side of the Marine Corps War Memorial.

One of my favorite shots taken by the Fowler's:

Below is on our way out of the Memorial, with downtown DC in the background.

This one below is one of my favorites out on Marshall Drive looking towards the city.

Here we are on Madison coming back towards the Washington Memorial:

And then turning left and down around the Jefferson Memorial:

On the tidal basin pulled over on Ohio Drive in Washington, DC below:

Heading for Mt. Vernon on the George Washington Memorial Drive:

Below we are parked out behind (in the employee lots) the Mt. Vernon facility:

Below we are parked out in front of Mt. Vernon. If you take the two shots you can get a nice panoramic shot.

Heading for CBR site heading north on the George Washington Memorial Parkway:

CBR - Arriving!

And then, Frank, Pee Wee and myself at the CBR chatting with Marcus, Steve and John.. how cool is that:

The weekend was a blast. Zoe' and the boys pulled right in behind our Caravan and it was so nice to see them and spend a great, memorable weekend there in Maryland. We went over to Annapolis on Saturday to see the Academy (my alma mater) and the new field house they've built. There were 49 Airstreams in all in attendance, including my uncle Donald - see it was his dad, my grandfather, that got me into Airstreaming - thanks Grandpa - I know you were watching us this weekend and guiding me during the Caravan!!!! Next rally - my own Pageant of Bands boondocking rally - if not the Region 2 rally here in NY.

A little bit of chimney

2009-03-30T20:51:00.003-04:00

Well, tomorrow I pack up and head for DC... for Wednesday's Caravan into the city and Mt. Vernon.... and ending over at the location of the 10th annual Cherry Blossum Rally where 53 Airstreams are signed up for a good few days of Streaming. Here are a few pictures! So, about 300 miles tomorrow, where I'm staying at the Fairfax County Park tomorrow night.

A sneak preview

2009-03-28T20:48:00.004-04:00

On my way down here to North Kakalaki (Camp Lejeune, North Carolina), I took a detour through Washington, DC to scout out our Caravan route to make sure the SOTR would fit. It was a blast...and alot of people were snapping pictures of her along the route. Here's a shot at the Marine Corps Memorial - Iwo Jima, a place I've never been too in my 18 years as a Marine. Then it was over past the Lincoln, down Constitution Ave and a right just past the Washington Monument, over to the Jefferson Memorial, around the tidal basin splitting the Washington Monument and the Jefferson, onto I395 for a short 1/2 mile and onto Route 1, down past the Reagan National Airport, through Alexandria and down to Mount Vernon... I almost ran out of gas in Alexandria again... why isn't there a gas station when Rob needs one... then it was down I95 for a long 700 mile tow in 13.5 hours.. I was beat. Down here, just up the road, this guy has 2 2000+ model Airstreams in need of repairs.. he's parting them out.. Parts anyone?

If you are interested in parts for these two trailers, contact Pierce's Cars and Parts at piercescars@yahoo.com or call 910 455 0214

My deer!

2009-03-25T21:57:00.003-04:00

This morning, as I was driving down the road in the dark, saw a deer jump out and realized that with the 30 foot trailer in tow, that the deer was going to hit it... so I induced a sway, and just when I thought the deer was going to hit it, I whipped the truck back... boy did it sway.. the result, I have permanent deer fur in the back end trim line... check it out. No dents - really lucky...

I wonder if the thing knew what it hit... like - what the hell was that shiny thing? Man - must have been one of those 58 Airstreams.... I would have dented a 70s model. Phew!

Single Pane to Double Pane!

2009-03-23T20:22:00.006-04:00

So, here are two more windows installed... a little finishing off and we're done with the saws. Now, it's just some sanding on the old hardwood floors, a new finish and we'll be installing the stove, sink, fridge and dishwasher... cabinets will be from Ikea and I'll get a few each paycheck and put them together over time. Here's a few pictures.

Before:

After:

Here's the stove, a commercial South Bend 60 inch range and griddle combo - Ebay purchase. Remember, Zoe' is cooking for four boys.

It's a tight fit!

2009-03-22T17:53:00.005-04:00

Well, the new room is coming along nicely... below are some pictures. This afternoon, I drove down the 400 yards to our old place and hooked onto the Sovereign that's been out in the middle of the yard since November. I hooked on and pulled it up here, wondering if I could get in our driveway that has a garage on one side and trees on the other with a nice telephone / cable box right on the corner. Well, with a little patience and stopping to get out every couple of feet, I was able to get the old girl in! So, now she's up here and later tonight I'll be going through the drawers and closets cleaning her out and packing her up for a departure tomorrow afternoon for northern Virginia, then down to Camp Lejeune, NC for Reserves and then back to Northern Virginia on the 31st for our 1 April WDCU Caravan for the 10th Annual Cherry Blossum Rally. The old Suburban - our tow vehicle for most of this summer, had a prodigy brake controller installed this past week as well as a new round 7 way plug in the rear. The old Fire Chief suburban (which still has the sirens and lights w/ PA system) is a ready to go as well. Enjoy!

It took me a while to get it in here... Zoe' was in with the boys and dog.

It'll take me a while to find her / or make her the right parking space... most likely it'll be out back up on the land bridge that goes into the hay mow... it's really wet to get up there right now.

As you can see, not much room going in

Can you say tight?

Panel replacement anyone? Not me! Those trees have Frank's Anna's names writen all over them.

Making the turn.

Coming or going?

At first, we did not like the brick... but it's growing on us.

The floors will be sanded this upcoming week.

The breakfast nook with bench window seats. Those two big windows get replaced tomorrow with dual pane sliders.

The stairs going up have been closed in with risers and sidewall sheetrock.

The new awning style windows are in. Put the sink on that cabinet and imagine all butcher block countertop with an island in the center, stainless fridge in that corner there with stainless dishwasher and you can start to imagine the finished project.

Getting there

2009-03-18T08:06:00.004-04:00

Well, it's quite muddy up here and so the SOTR still sits about 500 yards away at our old house... not sure when I can get it up here.. it has to dry out a bit.. the snow here is all but gone (just some in the low spots where the sun doesn't shine). The kitchen is almost done with the construction phase - painting is occuring now. Zoe' went with a smokey slate color. The new windows should be here today, which with those and some white cabinets the light in the room should be perfect. Also, one of my almost 2 year old with our large puppy Cricket. Enjoy!

Out and about

2009-03-08T20:01:00.003-04:00

On point!

Cricket flying across the hayfield

Big old post and beam barn above

The snow is a melting

Today, with the snow melting away (which is nice) we took the Chessie out for a walk in the woods. She had a blast. She's been challenging, but when she's good, she's very enjoyable. Today she had a blast in the woods. Also, some shots of the pond and barn and us closing up the window openings on the new kitchen.

New windows

2009-03-06T17:13:00.002-05:00

New framing for the new windows.

This is what the view will be. The sink will centered underneath with a butcher block countertop. Dishwasher to the right, then wine rack with fridge to the right of that.

Below was the hole remaining after the old windows were removed.

Removing the old windows. Two new awning style 42.5" wide by 40" high will be installed. They should be here early next week.

The old windows were huge single panes.... should save some more on the heat bill.

I fought the stick, and the stick won!

2009-03-04T18:13:00.004-05:00

So, here are some pictures of the kitchen under progress. The sun room is coming together.

We'll be tackling the ceiling and walls on this side tomorrow and Friday.

Luckily, behind that dark paneling was nice sheetrock that will get skimmed, sanded and then primed and painting.

When Wayne comes to re-do the dark floors hopefully he can match the two and refinish together so you won't be able to tell.

You can see here where the benchs will be. Those windows will come up a little even with the top of the 18" benchtop. There will be bench seats around two of the three walls with storage underneath. It's looking good.

A nice little nook to have coffee with future Courtesy Parkers.

Today, during lunch, I took a load on the dump truck to the dump. What my brother Marc did not tell me was that he had put a long board in the back of the truck... I knew it was there, but when I was using the tie downs for the load cover, I forgot about it..... and ran right into it, just missing my eye... man it hurt.

The beam is in

2009-03-04T08:06:00.004-05:00

These big single pane windows that DO NOT OPEN above will be removed. The smaller ones will be eliminated, so that the kitchen sink and countertop can go there... with same width but not as high dual pane awning style windows installed over the sink. Love that view!

These two single pane will be replaced with dual pane slider windows in the same size with window bench seats underneath installed. This room really gets the sun in the morning!

The new fridge will go in that corner.

There will eventually be an island here in the center of the room.

We had a 10" x 5.5" 10 foot long beam custom made at a sawmill over the hill nearby - cost $50.. not too bad I thought. Yesterday, we put it in, allowing our temporary support studs to be removed. Now you can get a better sense of how the room will come together. This room gets a ton of sun in the morning, and having coffee out there in the mornings will be very nice! You can also see that the new oak flooring is in the new room too. Sorry for the haze - I just brought my camera in from the car and it was only 7 degrees outside. It's supposed to be in the 50s this weekend, so this is when Sophia will move to the farm! CBR is only 27 days away!

A nice walk in the woods!

2009-03-01T07:27:00.002-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, Braedon, Zoe', Criket and myself (the two older boys were at my parents) took a short walk in up the hill, over the meadow and through the woods. It was a nice and sunny day albeit a cold one. Here are a few pictures. The snow is melting and will hopefully be gone soon enough.

No Airstream Work

2009-02-27T19:20:00.005-05:00

Well, we're all moved in, mostly.. just a few more miscellaneous items left at our old house. So, the demolition has started on the room that will become our new kitchen. We are removing a load bearing wall (framing it out with a 5X10 beam) to punch out into part of the porch to make a eat in sun room / breakfast nook. This will make the kitchen 23' wide at that part of the room x 22' the other way. We've removed the old wall (ribbon construction) and put in a temporary support system while we wait for the beam to arrive. The new sheetrock will go in next week, then the oak flooring will be finished off and then Zoe's appliance will go in. I'm waiting on 4 large double pane'd windows (2 - awning style and 2 sliders ) to replace the 4 picture windows in that room.. these were ordered 2 days ago and will take approximately 2 weeks to come in.... it's coming along! I've got to get Sophia up here so I can work on the heating and get her wheels over to my Powder coater!! Here are a few pictures of the progress.

Wednesday - 18 Feb 09 - RECOVERY

2009-02-21T20:52:00.006-05:00

This past Wednesday morning, I was taking care of errands, when my cell phone rang - Zoe' called and said that the our friends Dick and Ethyl were having issues near Binghamton with their Airstream. I gave Dick a call, and he said when he pulled into the gas station they always stop at, he could smell something and the manager said he saw flames in the wheel well - a couple blasts to the wheel well with his fire extinguisher ( a must for future recovery efforts!) and when Dick jacked up his trailer, the wheel and hub fell off - on his single axle late 50s Globetrotter. Dick and Ethyl were lucky the tire hadn't fallen off while going down the road - another 20 feet and it would have for sure! How it did not, I'll never know. So, Dick asked - you know anyone with a flatbed... so I began the quest for a suitable flatbed that could fit an Airstream on it - my Uncle Don at ChevyAve@gmail.com has a nice long flatbed and so I went over, hooked on, and was on my way to recover Dick and Ethyl's trailer... and when I backed up, I seriously did not think it would fit - but fit it did - it took us about 1.5 hours to load it, taking our time to ensure we did not hurt the trailer. Here are some photos of our efforts - and now, the Perkin's trailer is safe at home!

Arriving with Flatbed for the Recovery

Will it fit? Dick and my dad checking things out.

Dick's trailer sitting out of commission.

Nut remains, but wheel and hub are free - a new axle is in Dicks trailer's future.

I'm glad I brought my boards to use as ramps and to get the rear of the trailer up with a less angle of approach while loading. I wish I had more!

Hoping my loading ramps hold!

Rear wheels are on! Whew!

Notice we doubled up the boards once she was loaded! Needed the clearance for the fenders of the trailer to clear the belly pan.

Now to get the tongue onto the trailer - thank god I brought the come-a-long!

All loaded. Now to cinch her down. 40 miles to home! The owner makes some last minute checks! This put my 84 3/4 ton Suburban to the test - complete with sirens and lights. She did just fine!

By By Luna

2009-02-16T11:23:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the long delay on posting to the blog... we've been JUST a little busy with my work, travel for it, and trying to get things in order to help purchase the farm. So, now we are closing on the farm tomorrow - yippee! By tomorrow at this time it'll be ours and we can begin the moving. We did some packing and some friends helped us move a few small items up into the barn. One friend, Frank Yensan and his daughter Ava, drove up from Baltimore, Maryland yesterday morning and arrived around 11am. They helped me load some things onto our little trailer, and then I gave them a tour.. unfortunately - I was a little under the weather with a stomach bug that put me out of comission in the afternoon... I'm slowly coming back around today... Frank's other pursuit for the weekend was to pick up his new Airstream named Luna - our 1954 front kitchen Safari that he's going to just love! Frank's Trailer Works will restore her to her former glory we hope - not for us - but for Frank and his lovely wife Beth... they just departed for Baltimore with Luna in tow! Here's a few pictures of Luna from a few weeks ago when my boy Stanton was helping dig her out. Good luck on the tow home Frank!!

KOA and Airstreams

2009-01-26T21:09:00.004-05:00

I've heard of Airstream's and KOA doing an advertising bit... and today a friend of mine sent me this - one of the week's USA Today's photos.

With rooms at Las Vegas' Circus Circus Hotel and Casino going for $25 a night earlier this week, forking over an extra 20 bucks to bunk in a trailer at the Circus Circus parking lot might feel like a gamble.

Then again, this isn't just any trailer: Under a new promotion with Kampgrounds of America, hipsters and nostalgia buffs can stay in a new, 27-foot Airstream — the aluminum-sheathed, aircraft-inspired travel trailer that's been a king of the American road since the 1930s and a favorite of such Hollywood stars as Matthew McConaughey.

Ten of Airstream's Flying Cloud models, which sleep up to four and retail for an average $53,000, are available at KOA's Circus Circus campground. Five more at KOA's location in Sugarloaf Key, Fla. (near Key West) rent for $170-$220 a night, and the program will be expanded to Bar Harbor, Maine, in May.

A few other places feature vintage Airstream accommodations, including the Shady Dell in Bisbee, Ariz., and the Belrepayre trailer park south of Toulouse, France.

Additional WBCCI International Rally schedule

2009-01-26T06:32:00.002-05:00

I've been asked for the actual schedule that covers the actual rally - as the previous schedule takes us up to the start of the rally. Here is the actual Rally Schedule.

Right now I'm working on closing the deal on the farm... the Pageant of Bands Rally will be up there on the farm somewhere! I'm finally back home from 2 weeks on the road, so now I can get things that need attention completed! It's -5 out right now - Brrr!

International Schedule update

2009-01-20T22:40:00.001-05:00

Here is a link to the new International VAC Parade date and International Schedule. The parade IS on Saturday, the 27th of June at 10am.

Caravel for sale on Ebay

2009-01-12T10:01:00.006-05:00

Here are some interior shots:

The puppy's growing

2009-01-09T19:57:00.003-05:00

Here's a picture of the puppy - Cricket - boy is she growing.

Old barns and a pool!

2009-01-08T21:58:00.004-05:00

Some more development on the farm... things are looking promising, only time will tell. Here are a few more pictures. There will be many a Airstream Rally here in the future - I hope! Zoe's Caravel is up on the auction block and we've sold our 54 Safari to FTW. Now, do we sell the Jeep? Maybe I'll keep the Jeep and sell my 3/4 ton Chevy..Hmm... I'll have so many projects restoring that old farm house that I don't need a ton other projects distracting me. Enjoy the photos - we are enjoying the excitment!

The Gazebo down by the pond.

The view from the Gazebo looking back up the barn.

The large in-ground pool. Looking north.

A sideways shot... whoops.. you can see our current house in the background (the tan house in the trees).

Above is the old 1916 1 room Plymouth school house with additions. This is the property (about 8 acres) between this farm and our current house.

Things in my barn!

2009-01-07T12:34:00.005-05:00

Over on the side of this blog, there are links to other bloggers that are friends of mine. One of them, I chat daily with a few of them, posted that he noticed the round glass light cover that is in the old Bargman tailight housing on his Airstream was cracked. I posted that I might have one, and that I'd have to check in my barn... this picture is for him - Marcus - you need one?

Now, as to why I haven't been posting lately... well, it's because we've been contemplating purchasing a 62 acre farm that is about 1/4 mile down the road from us.... we put in an offer, and the company has accepted.... so stay tuned, as this might (and I am sure it will) have an affect on my Airstreaming this summer... however, maybe a rally here on the farm! Stay tuned. Here's a picture of the farm!

Our good friends lived here, and were re-located out of the area due to their job relocating. It's been empty since July and it's Zoe's dream place - dead end dirt road, large house, large barn, in a beautiful Burl Ives like setting. I've been dreaming of a Baker's Acres and it might just happen!! So, I'm serious about selling eggs now - I told Zoe' she better get advertising!!

As for eggs, this post goes out to one of my faithful blog readers - one of my Aunts. We've got some nice eggs over here for my uncle.. word is he says you're a heck of a short order cook when it comes to eggs! he.. he....

Happy New 2009 Year to All!

2009-01-01T08:18:00.004-05:00

And what a crazy year it’s been. No need to elaborate, we all feel it - be it the election, our 401ks (ouch), my back onto Active duty and then back to civilian life, all our Streamin (can't wait for 2009 season), and just our life in general! It's all GOOD! So, the Baker's wish all of you a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Today we're gonna kick back, organize (one of my resolutions), go for a run (another resolution), and watch the Rose Bowl Parade. So, take care... another 8 inces of white stuff yesterday!!

2009 looks to be promising...lots to do, lots to see, and lots of time to spend with all our friends out there! Take care, and here's to another year ahead of us!

New York - the Empire State

2008-12-30T18:34:00.006-05:00

Tonight, my two oldest boys and I went out and spent some time with Sophia (albeit with two electric heaters going).... it wasn't that cold at all... and it felt great to be back in the trailer spending a little time with her. I turned on the 22" HD TV with a DVD for the boys - Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emplorium (a neat movie) and so they were entertained while I set out to install my wonderful patch that Frank's Trailer Works sent me a few weeks ago. The patch is for where my over the door outside light switch is installed. I was trying to figure out what to do there, since my switch was not installed when we did the wiring and I needed something to cover the hole I'd need to create to get the switch inside the wall. It works perfectly!

Here is a before and an after shot. I know the patch needs a little polishing, and I will do that, but I wanted to get it installed.

It was a good time for just the three of us and it gave Zoe' a little quiet time too! Thanks Frank!