Teardrop Travel Adventure

                                                       Just a little thing made for fun!

 

 

Just Pure Relaxation

Our tiny trailer is resting in the garage. He has just returned from a 2500 mile trip. He started in Idaho and traveled through Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and California. We took him on a winter get away. The purpose of the trip was to escape the snow, cold, and gray skies of south eastern Idaho.

Unlike most winter escapees, we travel only a few weeks during winter. By February the weather has taken it's toll and our mental health is at risk. Even a few weeks in a sunny, warm climate makes the rest of winter tolerable. There is a magic about sun shine that renews and invigorates us and gives us the fortitude we need to make it to April.

We love the RV resorts as much as the dedicated snow birds. Who doesn't like sun, green grass, and a pool. You don't have to be big to enjoy all the amenities the resorts offer. Our means of accommodations is some what smaller than that of the conventional winter nomad. Heads turn when we pull into our assigned spot, unhook the little guy and push him into place. Our little home on wheels is a classy teardrop called a T@G Max teardrop. We often refer to it as a bed on wheels.

Not too much time lapses before the curious start walking by with a dog that suddenly needed exercise. The first past is just a casual pass by, but the second go around is slower and we receive a definite, hard look.  Eventually they return minus the dog and approach us. "What a cute little outfit. How do you sleep in there? Aren't you cramped? Don't you get cold and what do you do when it rains?" So the tour begins. We hear the same response--so cute, what an amazing little trailer, it has everything you need.

The teardrop proves that big things come in little packages. We definitely can't walk around or turn somersaults, but we don't feel cramped. On those occasions when it does rain, we do what everyone else does: watch TV, read, watch movies, or listen to music.  There is a queen bed, TV, stereo, air conditioning, storage cabinets, and LED lights as well as porch lights. The back opens and reveals a compact, well appointed kitchen. I have a small counter for prep, two burner stove, a sink with running water, under counter cupboards, and a refrigerator.





Yes organization is a must

The one amenity that could not be squeezed into such a small unit is a bathroom, but I see this as a positive. RV resorts have great, clean restrooms and showers for their guests. I am more that willing to use their facilities and let them do the cleaning . After all, I am on vacation.


We have discovered from this winter trip that two weeks is very doable and could easily stretch into three or even longer. Because we travel small we are forced to find outside activities wherever we stay. Meals are eaten outside, which some how makes everything taste that much better. We are travelers and like the ease of mobility. We always have our own bed, kitchen, and necessities. The ease of set up and take down makes it possible to relocate with little work. We fit in any space and backing in is not an issue. The teardrop has handles made for positioning the little rig.   

Ocean Side California

The Little Guy gets to rest for a while as we figure out our next great American adventure. Maybe another RV resort or a state park with dark skies and brilliant stars, a desert or mountains. Who knows where we may end up next. There is always a surprise around the corner,

The Beauty of Remembering the Past

 

 

 

 I had a friend who lived down the street from me when I was in grade school. Her parents had an old travel trailer parked on the side of their house. It was great fun to use as a play house. It was never used for vacations or any sort of travel.  The years took their toll. The sun, rain and snow beat down on it turning it from a shiny silver to a dull grey. The girls in the neighborhood cooked up many imaginary meals and traveled thousands of miles on pretend trips. The door did no close properly and the benches around the table had torn upholstery. It definitely had seen better days and had not been loved.

Move forward to 2016 and you might see that poor neglected tin can in the modernism trailer show in Palm Springs. The first generation of small RVs has found new life through the clever hands of restorers. I find it interesting that so many people, myself included, are drawn to the things of the past. Is it because old is new to us and the nostalgia of a past we can only imagine peaks our curiosity? Perhaps, the past helps us make sense of the present.

The simple little camp trailers brought the post war generation of the 50's and 60's to the road and the travel bug and the desire to explore has continued on. Many of those first homes on wheels have been saved and lovingly restored even down to the dishes and period fabrics. Unique in their simplicity and functionality they are a curiosity. I find myself thinking of families that vacationed in these small units and how they opened up the world of travel.  Parents were able to show their children the  sights of the of the United States in an affordable and exciting way.

The oldest trailer at the show this year was a 1948 tear drop, which happens to be the year I was born.
The wood was polished and the bed covered in a simple cotton fabric. The basic of the basics, but a darling loved once again by an new generation. Today's road homes are without a doubt more livable, beautifully equipped and comfortable.  I have to explore the question--are they as charming and endearing. The answer lies with restorers who take their old ladies on the road and experience the past of trailer life. Ask them how they feel about traveling with the old, newly refurbished charmers and the answer is always the same--I love her. Fortunately, the old and the new can co-exist together and both find travel companions to continue the quest of travel and adventure on the road.