Camping in Vintage Travel Trailers

CAMPING IN A VINTAGE TRAVEL TRAILER

SHASTA.AIRSTREAM.ALOHA.CANNED HAM.RETRO.ARISTOCRAT.

It's ALL GOOD!

I first bought a Vintage Travel Trailer about 8 years ago or so.  I started out camping at State Campgrounds or in my backyard.  Then I started traveling with girlfriends and I got hooked on Camping in them.  I go every chance I get.  My favorite spot is by a river.  I love to watch the river because it is always changing.  The wildlife is abundant by the river, birds, fish, deer etc.  It is very peaceful there.  I camp with a group of women called "Sisters on the Fly".  This is a great organization and a great opportunity to meet new friends and camp either locally or go off on an adventure.  I love it and it has changed my life.  Some of the best people go camping.

     I love to have a fire at night, bring out my ukulele and strum a few chords.  I am not a professional singer by any means but when by a campfire, it's all good.   Last weekend I met about 30 of my girlfriends and we camped by the river.  Some even took a jet boat ride upstream.  I stayed in camp and just enjoyed the peacefulness of the river.  One night we had a lightning storm and I was surprised to see my awning perfectly intact.  Yay!   It pays to tie it down if you know what is coming.  I do have a ropeless awning and I usually just use that but these winds were furious at night.  In the morning the air was fresh and clean and it was a clear bluebird sky.  I love to hear the pitter patter of the rain on the roof but that night I wore earplugs because it was really loud.

     Camp whenever you can,  it is good for you.  The Vitamin D is good for you.  If you can be near water that is the best.  Go for a hike in the day or visit a close town to see anything new.  I love to adventure out and about.

      Wheather you camp in a tent, a trailer, or just cowboy camp it on the ground, it is a wonderful experience and different every time.  I encourage you to spend some time outside.  I don't believe we were ever meant to spend our lives indoors.  Enjoy the Spring!  It's camping time!  Love Happy Camper Girl.

HOW I GOT LUCKY!

How did I get Lucky?

Let me tell you how I got Lucky. 

 

It all started when I went looking for a new dog.  I went to the Humaine Society, never made it through the front door without crying.  It was way too soon after Boomer had died.  A few weeks later,  I finally got through the door and looked at the cats first.  Saw a really big and beautiful one named Jack.  The girl said he was really mean and scratched and loved to bite.  Wrong Cat.  I proceeded to go to where the dogs were.  I saw many dogs,  all except 2 had holds on them.  I didn't know you could hold a dog.  Why would you?  I always believed that every person has a special dog just for them.  Today was not my day.  

     

I started to look for dogs in the paper.  Very very expensive dogs.  Yikes!  I started looking at the rescue pets.  The dogs were all so cute but every time I called,  the dog I liked was taken.  Strike 2.

I looked at the paper every week.  I even went to the animal shelter again and tried to find a dog, no luck.

I waited awhile,  really thought about what it takes to have a dog again,  I knew the dog was out there somewhere waiting for me.  I knew then that I really did want another German Shepherd like my other dog.  I still needed my heart to heal also, so more time is good.  I had time, I had the heart,  I just needed to find the dog.  

I started to look online and one day I saw some cute dogs,  I clicked on pictures and started thumbing through them one at a time.  Then I saw a dog who caught my eye.  He was a male German Shepherd about a year old, neutered, well behaved,  named Lucky.  I looked at his picture over and over that day,  wondering if I should make the call.  Was he taken?  Would I be disappointed?   I called and asked where they were located.  Thank goodness they were only one state away in Washington.  I was in Idaho.  So glad he was not in New York or Iceland. 

 I made an appointment to go and see him.  There were many applicants.  I was not worried because if he was meant to be mine, then it would happen.  I prayed.  Should you pray for a dog?  The answer is yes.  Pray for even the little things.  You may not get whatever it is that you want but God does listen.  I believe that with all of my heart.  I felt good in my heart so I proceeded forward.  I had to wait a week for an interview, fill out an application, get money for fees and then wait.  Do you know how many times I looked at his picture?  Waiting is the hardest thing ever. 

 I finally got to go and meet Lucky.   I had stared at his picture for a very long time over the past week.  My heart was ready.  I met the trainer who had him and was fostering him.  I looked into those sweet eyes and I fell in love.  It is amazing how that happens,  sometimes you just know.  The trainer could not promise anything because there were more applicants after me,  I had to wait.

I went home but I left a piece of my heart there that day at the place where Lucky was.  I could not sleep.  I called the trainer almost every day to see how he was doing.  I dreamt of him all week.  I was just having a hard time getting him off my mind.  I kept on thinking and friends kept on reminding me "If it is meant to be, then it will happen".  Did I say already that it is hard to wait?  

On a Saturday,  I got a call,  I am the chosen one.  I was so happy.  I knew that I connected with him that day.  I was the luckiest girl in the whole world.  I truly was myself again,  I was a Happy Camper Girl.  Lucky is home now,  sitting right beside me.  It is a forever love story.  I will be with him forever.  I will take him camping and fishing.  We will sleep in the tent on a mountain and visit friends in cute vintage travel trailers.  We will have adventures.  I will not be alone.  I know that sometimes things are meant to be,  the heartaches and the victories.  My heart is still healing from my Boomer Dog who died.  Lucky is a part of that healing process.   I learn every day about life's ups and downs, it hurts and pain.  I see things on TV and realized how very blessed I really am.  Every day I find out that the greatest thing really is love.  It is love towards another human,  love towards an animal, it is more giving and less receiving.  I am still after 61 years, still learning to love.

Lucky, thanks for picking me.

BEST TIME TO WRITE

9-18-17 . THEY SAY THE BEST TIME TO WRITE IS WHEN YOU ARE SAD OR HURT OR LONELY OR THAT YOU FEEL ELATED OR ON A MOUNTAIN TOP HIGH.

What if your dog dies?

I had to put my dog down today.  I have been crying ever since.  I cried yesterday too,  I cried a week ago.  I cry because at first, I knew this day would come.  I knew he was getting worse, having trouble walking etc.  Shepherds get that where their legs get paralysis in them.  Their spine starts showing.  I kept him around for me.  I didn't want to do it.  I didn't want to be the one to end his life.  I knew he had a good life, a strong life,  he loved a girl, he had a family,  actually two families,  one of his own and all of us.  He was never on a leash except when I went to the vet or He was in training.  He loved only one girl dog all his life.  He was a very good pet,  he was part of the family,  his real name was Sir Boomerang Avalanche.  He was 11 years old.  I loved him.  I still do.  He is gone now and lives only in my memories.  He had the best life a dog could have,  he lived on 10 acres and could poop anywhere.  He had steak and ribs more times than I can count.  He got to chase anything he wanted.  He got to sleep on a sunny deck and jump in the snow in Winter.  I took him camping and fishing with me.  He lived a very good, long life.  I think dogs should last forever.  I wish he could have lasted my entire life but alas I had to let him go.  I am not sure all this coming and going is very good at all.  I do not like death,  not in the least.  I know it wasn't meant to be like this from the beginning but I understand why things must die.  I understand the circle of things,  I just don't like it sometimes.  So here I am with my heart in my hands.  I am exhausted and tired from all these tears.  I know life must go on but my heart aches.  I will get over it, eventually, but for now, I will lean into the pain and let it absorb me so I can grieve long and hard and then it can be over and I will have closure.  I am not brave or strong today, I am just a sad little girl who loved her puppy.  I know many of you who hurt and have lost and have loved.  It will be another sunny day again,  I promise.

In San Diego

Today's blog will be at
Trailjournals.com/yippee

FIGHT OR FLIGHT

FIGHT OR FLIGHT?

     It's almost time.  I have about 10 days left before I get on a plane with a one-way ticket to beautiful San Diego.  It used to be my hometown.  FIGHT OR FLIGHT?  Yeah,  I am choosing flight this time. 

     I love San Diego, I lived there for many years,  went to school there also.  I love the beaches, the warm air, all of the flowers.  I now live in Idaho.  I still have 2 feet of snow at my house.  I love it here too.  Lots to do but you have to embrace winter or else you can become sad.

     I have been having the fight or flight response recently because I am getting ready to trek a long distance.  Some of it is scary and dangerous.  Other parts are fun, like camping out under the stars at night.  I love to do that.  The walking a marathon every day will not always be a piece of cake.

I have the right equipment, the right shoes,  my smart brain, etc.  I do have all of the pieces to do this thing but yet I wonder how this old body will hold up?  I have the determination and stubbornness to walk this far,  just hope the ankles and knees want to carry me.

It's exciting to go into the unknown.  I love adventure.  I was not meant to be inside four walls for an entire lifetime.  I belong outdoors.  I am very thankful to my family for letting me go.  I did ask them.  I have a feeling if they said No,  I would go anyway.  I am stubborn.

I want to be real for a minute here.  I will probably have some bad days out on the trail,  I may even say a bad word.  Please understand that I want you to know the real me, https://www.gofundme.com/MIGS-PCT-HIKE-2017 life is sometimes raw.

     Please say a little prayer for me when I'm out there.  I will share with you everything I learn.  I will take lots of pictures so you can go there with me.  Please remember why I am doing this, to help women who are going through the pain of breast cancer and also I am trying to send kids to camp who have never been.  Check out the Casting for Recovery site and also the Mazie Morrison Foundation.  Thanks for doing that.  If you want to donate for these causes, please check out this link.

   https://www.gofundme.com/MIGS-PCT-HIKE-2017    I appreciate you guys a lot.  YIPPEE

   

HIGH SNOW YEAR

LOOKS LIKE A HIGH SNOW YEAR!

How does a high snow year effect me?

A high snow year in the Sierra can be dangerous.  The Snow is a lot higher in the Pass so it is hard to cross.  When the snow melts, it creates fast flowing rivers which are harder to cross.   When you cross a river you must be very careful.  First, you have to look to find a safe place to cross, that is if you can find one.  Sometimes you have to look upstream and downstream and find the safest place.  Sometimes you may have to walk a few miles to find that safe place.  People sometimes make a human chain to get across.  Others use a rope.  Some wait for enough people to come and then trek across together.   Whatever way you chose,  the best time to cross is usually the morning when rivers are lower because when Snow melts, the rivers are higher.
I am glad I am traveling with a friend on the PCT.  We can both scout out the river and decide which path is the best.  My friend will use special camp shoes or river shoes to cross.   I will just walk through in my trail runners,  they dry quick and that will not take up too much time.  If you were to fall in the river, always point your feet downstream so you can push off a rock if you had to.   That is an old river rafting trick.  Before you ever cross a stream, you need to unbuckle your pack and also your sternum strap.  If you fall, the weight of the pack will not take you down and you can release it quick.  Snow has other worries, that is why you need an Ice Axe sometimes.  When it is steep and you need to traverse across, you need stability, right?   I have watched videos on this and this coming weekend, I will be actually doing a self-arrest on snow near Snoqualmie pass in Washington.
There is so much more to this trek than just walking in pretty scenery.  I do not want to talk about the dangers but you have to be prepared no matter what.  I have been in a state of limbo this week, just waiting for my plane to get me to San Diego.  It is so hard to be here mentally.  I want to be on trail every time I look outside my window and see two feet of snow.  Where is the sun anyway?  It is March now and nothing seems to be melting.  I have all of my gear,  I have my base weight around 11-12 pounds, which is good,  I have a couple days of food in my pack and about 6 liters of water to cross the desert.  I have paid all of my bills ahead of time,  I am giving my dog extra love and making sure Hubby is all situated.  We have been spending more time together and watching a lot of movies at night.  I love old films.  Life seems pretty good right now with the exception of the weather.  I leave on March 29th and start the trail early April.  I can hardly wait!

GOT THE PERMIT

I GOT THE PERMIT! I AM OFFICIAL!

Everyone wants to hear those words "My Permit Came!"

I am one of the few (so far 3600) TO GET INTO THE PCT.  

Many people did not get their permit,  many people did not get the date they wanted.  I did receive my permit by e-mail last night.  I was planning on Easter morning but I ended up getting April 3rd, which is fine.  It is going to be a high snow year in the Sierra.  Does that scare me?  Sure, a little it does.  I will need to buy a "whippet"  which is like an "Ice Axe".  I have watched the self-arrest video and I will practice with it I promise.  When you do a trek like this, you have fears,   I am perfectly honest with you,  yes, I have some.  I do not like being cold.  I do not like ice except in summer in a cold drink.  I have never done a self-arrest.  I prefer Summer over Winter.

Let's talk about "The wizard of Oz"  "Lions and Tigers and Bears oh my",  Well yes there are bears and mountain lions and scorpions in the desert.  There will be high rivers because the snow melts,  there are lots and lots of scary things out there but do you lock yourself in your room and never go outside?  No,  You get up get dressed and go to work or go to town almost every day.  I will be walking.  I will go slow.  I am not in a race.  I will be with a friend. I have read all about the dangers.

I will be re-supplying along the trail which means I will buy food as I go.  People get bored of food, the same food so it makes sense to just buy as you go.  I will try to eat the best food I can get, the healthy food but sometimes a convenience store does not have good choices.  I will do my best.  I do not want to send a box from home that costs $20.00 to ship and then try to walk to a Post Office 18 miles from the PCT trail and wait for it to open, make sense?

I worry about my family members whom I love.  Will they be alright without me?  What if something happens?  These are all real fears and as you know, most fears and worries never happen.  I know that my family and my dog know that I love them very very much.

If I didn't do this trip, I would regret it the rest of my life.  I must do it.  It is something deep inside of me that I just know I have to do.  Hard to explain really.  Everything has just fallen into place.  I went to my dentist and my doctor and I am all checked out.  Sometimes in life, you have to just take a risk, you have to step outside the boundary and see what is on the other side.  Is it curiosity? is it wanderlust?  Is it Gypsy blood?  I don't know but I do know that God made me an adventurous person.  He gave me a drive, a motivation, a stubbornness.

When I look back on my life, it seems that everything has groomed me up to this point,  it has lead me straight here for this moment in time.  I think everything that has happened to me, the good, the bad and the ugly has just made me a whole lot stronger for the trail.

Most of all I am looking forward to the beauty of nature.  I am looking forward to helping women with Breast Cancer (Casting for Recovery) as my fund-raiser.  I am so very Happy that I get to raise money for kids to go to Camp (Mazie Morrison Foundation).  I am privileged to do all of this,  I am also very grateful and thankful to my family fro letting me go.  It's not going to be easy but I think it is going to be fun.

I hope you follow along on my adventure.  It's going to be a wild ride.   YIPPEE!