Airstream Video Upgrade

Somewhere in Ohio....

Morning in Jackson Center, Ohio

     I have owned my Airstream for a few seasons now.  Despite the fact that my model is a 2006 Airstream, the basic design of the 28 foot Airstream has not changed. The new International models have a different cabinet stain color and upgraded Corian countertops, but the layout is identical to my Airstream. One notable and glaring difference between the new models and the Troutstream are the upgraded televisions. The Troutstream came with only one television located in the lounge area.

     Flat screen televisions have come a long way since 2006. My Airstream came equipped with a small Sony flatscreen. I really did not buy my Airstream to watch television but I must admit it is nice to put on a movie at night for the kids while Melizza and I have a glass of wine by the fire. The Sony was adequate for our needs except for one issue. The old Sony television did not have a built in digital tuner. As a consequence, it did not pickup over the air high definition signals. Essentially, that means we couldn't watch television unless we were hooked up to cable. We rarely stay in private parks so that is not usually an option. I could have purchased a digital tuner adapter but I decided that I would wait for the right television to come along. After all, the Sony is a dinosaur in the flat screen world. It is thick and heavy by todays standards.

Before

After

     The configuration in the 28 foot Airstream is such that it will allow for a fairly large television. After measuring the curved walls and researching televisions obsessively, I settled on a 32 inch Samsung Smart LED television. It is thin, light, energy efficient, 1080p and has a great picture. I considered the Vizio models and Samsung and settled on the latter based on the thickness and the location of the HDMI ports on the side. It is important to check on the dimensions of television to make sure you have a proper fit. The actual dimensions of the television depend on the size of the bezel. The Samsung has two HDMI slots on the side which will allow me to easily plug in accessories like Apple TV or video game systems for the kids.

     I have no fear of installing electronics but the thought of drilling holes into the walls of my Airstream is troubling to me. I was able to use the old television mount with a VESA adapter plate which essentially allows my mounting bracket to hold a larger television by converting to a larger set of square holes that screw directly into the television. The installation was a breeze and I am very happy with the results. Now I can receive High Definition channels with my factory installed antenna. 

VESA adapter plate

The VESA plate installed

     As I mentioned above, I did not want to drill holes into the walls of my Airstream. After much consideration, Melizza and I decided to install a second screen in our bedroom so that we could watch movies or television while the kids were using the Samsung. I always look at the newer model Airstreams to see how the televisions are mounted. Most new 28 foot Internationals have a television in the bedroom. Since this would involve drilling into the wall adjacent to our shower, I decided to leave this job up to the professionals at the Airstream Service Center in Jackson Center, Ohio. I purchased a 24 inch JVC LED television with a built in DVD player. I know that DVD's are yesterdays technology but we wanted the ability to watch them in our room. This television has HDMI inputs that will allow us to upgrade the systems as technology progresses. I am happy with the installation job. The mounting bracket locks into place and it can swivel for a better viewing angle. I feel that my Airstream is now up to date and I just can't wait to take it out.

The JVC 24 inch LED installed

     I do still have a CD changer in the front overhead cabinet that I will be replacing with something more relevant in the near future. I will also run HDMI cables from the front cabin to the main television at some point. For now, I am happy with the upgrades and look forward to traveling in comfort and style in the Troutstream

     Here are a few shots from the Airstream Service Center in Jackson Center. Every time a make the short trip north to the factory, I always see some interesting Airstream products being worked on in the bays. This time I caught a glimpse of the Airstream Basecamp.  It was a great idea that never developed into a commercially successful product.

 

John Deere and Airstream.  Two American Icons

Basecamp Interior

Another interior shot

Airstream Basecamp

Vintage Airstream Clipper

What a collection!

     One other benefit of my visits to the factory is the opportunity to meet fellow Airstream travelers in the waiting room. The staff in Jackson Center are pretty familiar with me. They have dubbed me the best dressed customer as I typically stop in before work to drop off my Airstream. Most of the other customers are dressed a bit more casually. It is always nice to share travel stories with kindred spirits. Although I am one of the younger owners in the room, this particular brand attracts passionate owners that are full of wanderlust. I hope to have the time and freedom to travel as they do someday.

Post Hibernation Systems Check

April 28, 2013  

Centerville, Ohio

Back in service

     After a short hibernation period in storage from Thanksgiving to early Spring, I am always excited to hitch up my Airstream and bring it home for a systems check. I always approach this task with some trepidation as I hope to avoid dealing with expensive and time consuming maintenance issues. I can't enjoy planning my upcoming trips until I run a check all of my major systems.

LED lights

The pump is functioning properly

     After many years of ownership, I have become well versed at the process of winterizing my Airstream. I blow out all of the water lines with a compressor and use RV antifreeze in the drains and traps. Checking the water lines in the Spring is the only way to determine whether all of the lines were fully cleared. There is little room for error in the winterizing process. A small pocket of water can cause a leak. Some owners pump antifreeze throughout all the lines but I am unwilling to do that. I do not want antifreeze in my lines even if it is allegedly non toxic.

     Thankfully, my water lines were all intact with no leaks or cracks. However, the shower head and kitchen sink seemed to have a little blockage, so I used a product called CLR to remove any calcium deposits. After a quick dip in this solution mixed with water, my faucets are now flowing properly. It is important to use a water filter at campgrounds to avoid hard water. I also put some water in the fresh tank to make sure my pump was properly functioning. The sound of the pump functioning properly was music to my ears. I typically fill our fresh tanks at home because we have great water here that does not cause any problems or have a strange taste. A real glamper would fill their tank with Fiji water.

Only a few more bottles of Fiji and my 33 gallon tank will be full.

This product worked like a charm

A quick dip in CLR and my shower head is as good as new.

     After checking the flow of my shower, kitchen sink, bathroom sink and toilet, I moved on to other issues. I replaced a couple more halogen lights with LED's. At some point I will have all LED lights throughout the interior. This will result in energy savings and make it easier to boondock or dry camp. I am replacing my halogens one by one after they burn out. After plugging into my outlet at home, my batteries are fully charged. My tires are properly inflated. The hot water heater and the heater are properly functioning. The refrigerator and the cooktops both function with propane. I also washed the exterior of the Airstream. Although I have never waxed my Airstream, I may try it this year. The finish looks great with very minimal effort. Unlike many of my coastal friends, I do not have any filiform corrosion on my aluminum.

     Finally, I am planning to upgrade my video systems. I have lived with 2006 technology for a number of years now and am finally willing to update my systems to current standards. That will be the subject of a future post. For now, I am glad that all systems are properly functioning and look forward to a great season of exploration.

Maggie Has Been Everywhere Man!

April 22, 2013
Centerville, Ohio

Maggie at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore

     After returning from a traditional airplane trip well beyond the reaches of the roads in the continental United States, everyone in my family agrees that we missed our beloved dog Maggie. One of the big advantages of traveling with the Airstream is that it allows us to bring her along. Maggie is an Entlebucher Mountain Dog. She is a cousin of the more popular Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog. Like many dog owners, we consider her a part of our family and hate to leave her behind. She is a great travel companion and prefers to lay in Melizza's lap like a 45 pound baby or lay at her feet and be lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the engine.  While patiently waiting for us to return to the car, she often sits in Lucy's car seat for a better view.  When she is alone in the Airstream she prefers the platform above the couch so she can look out of the panoramic windows.  She would never dare sit up there while we are home.

Dreaming of our next destination

     Maggie is like one of our children with some notable differences. She never argues about which movie to watch on the DVD player. She also never whines or asks how much longer it will take until we get there. Most importantly, she never picks a fight out of boredom. Maggie is content to be with us wherever our travels take us and is as happy at a Flying J Truck Stop as she is at the best campground. She has really racked up the frequent dog driving miles.

She loves the beach...

Maggie is allowed on the beach at Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina

She enjoyed the animals at Polyface Farms...

She also enjoys the cultural sights like Monticello.  She seems to implicitly understand that Jefferson was a complex figure.

She enjoys the sand dunes in Michigan.  I just wish she were allowed on more beaches throughout the country.

She even enjoys live music in the French Quarter.

Maggie definitely enjoys a good hike like this one in Grayton Beach, Florida.

      She is content to wait in the car while we tour the distillery.

She hangs out while we have some oysters.

Every once in a while she attracts some unwelcome visitors like these gators in the Louisiana bayou.

     Maggie is also a great guard dog. Although she hardly looks like a killer, she has a mean bark. Her breed is very territorial. She is always hyper aware of what is going on with the family. The only downside to living with a dog in less than 200 square feet is that she always wants to get up before we do. Even with that minor gripe, I cannot imagine leaving her home.

Ferocious Guard Dog

More than anything, we love her for her cheerful disposition and positive mental attitude.

     I can't wait to hit the road with Maggie in the copilot seat in Melizza's lap.

Salt Lick BBQ 

Western Campground Wish List

     I am obsessed with taking my Airstream to the western United States.  My only problem is that I just can't seem to find the three months I need.  For now I will just dream and plan.  As a child I took many a trip out west from Ohio with my parents.  Some of the best trips involved long car rides to Colorado through the endless fields in Kansas. My memories of torturing my brother and sister in the back seat are as vivid as touring the kivas at Mesa Verde or driving through Rocky Mountain National Park. I love that feeling when you leave the Plains and see the Rocky Mountains for the first time. I fly to Colorado quite often now and it still feels like I am cheating. Flying is a shortcut. You earn that view when you drive across Kansas and eastern Colorado.

    After college, I went on a western trip across the country with my father.  We travelled through the Black Hills in South Dakota and camped in the Wind River Range in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. I remember that the Wind River campground was gorgeous and my dad and I really looked forward to that part of the trip. We were tent camping and I became violently ill. I remember dry heaving throughout the night making horrible sounds that I did know I was capable of making.  I was horrified at the thought of ruining a dream trip away from civilization for those around me. We had to abort that mission the next day and travel north to Jackson Hole so I could recover in a hotel. I regret missing out on that experience and vow to return to that amazing area in my Airstream.

    The rest of the trip was a series of firsts for me.  I had been to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons and they never disappoint. That trip was the my first visit to Glacier National Park.  It is still one of my favorites. The Many Glacier Lodge and the Going to the Sun Road are among the best experiences that the National Park Service has to offer. We also experienced Vancouver and the Olympic National Park for the first time. Even though it seemed like we had all the time in the world, we had to skip out on many amazing sights.

     During law school, Melizza and I travelled across the western United States together. We hit Mesa Verde, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and then travelled up the coast from San Diego to San Francisco through Big Sur. After that we made our way all the through Northern California and Oregon to Vancouver. We travelled back east through the Cascades and visited Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and many other places before traveling home over the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. At the time, I did not truly realize how difficult it would be to make those kind of trips in the future. I cherish those memories of traveling with Melizza and my father.

     For a moment, I almost forgot what I was writing about. I have compiled a list of Airstream dream destinations that I hope to visit in the near future. Some are specific campgrounds and others are a bit more vague. I love to research and plan my future trips. I am inspired by the many great bloggers out there who love exploring. This is my first attempt at making a list. I have confined this list to destinations west of the Mississippi. This is not a bucket list as that name implies I will see these destinations and promptly keel over. I hope to visit these great destinations many times over my lifetime.

     I hope to launch my first western Airstream offensive from Troutacre West in Dillon, Colorado next year.  

ARIZONA

1.  Saguaro National Park (After reading the Cactus Hotel to my kids over the years, I want to see them out my Airstream window)

2.  North Rim Campground Grand Canyon National Park

3.  Shady Dell, Bisbee, Arizona (I have heard they don't have campsites any longer)

4.  Crazy Jug Point, North Rim Boondocking Site

5.  Somewhere Near Sedona

CALIFORNIA

1.  Kirk Creek (federal campground in Big Sur with dream vistas)

2.  Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

3.  Morro Bay State Park

4.  Malibu Beach RV Park

5.  Joshua Tree Jumbo Rocks Campground

6.  Anza-Borrega Campground

7.  Yosemite (If I can ever manage a reservation)

8.  Kings Canyon Park

9.  Sequoia National Park

COLORADO

1.  Mueller State Park

2.  Morefield Campground, Mesa Verde National Park

3.  Aspenglen Campground, Rocky Mountain National Park

4.  Saddlehorn Campground, Colorado National Monument

5.  Any National Forest Campgrounds near Ouray and Telluride

6.  I am waiting for new ideas from Anna Sullivan next year on her blog Glamper.

IDAHO

1. National Forest Campground near Sun Valley

MONTANA

1.  Glacier National Park

NEVADA

1.  Valley of Fire State Park

2.  Somewhere on the Las Vegas Strip (I will even settle for the KOA)

NEW MEXICO

1.  Albuquerque Balloon Festival

2.  Somewhere near Santa Fe

OREGON

I will defer to my fellow bloggers from the The Small, Small Trailer and Riveted.  They are based in Portland and showcase all that Oregon has to offer.

UTAH

1.  Dead Horse Point State Park (near Moab)

2.  Kodachrome Basin State Park

3.  Bryce National Park

4.  Zion National Park

5.  Arches National Park

6.  Canyonlands National Park

7.  Capital Reef National Park

8.  Shooting Star Drive-In (check out the experience from Dan and Marlene from Mali Mish)

9.  Monument Valley
10. Goblin Valley State Park (at the suggestion of Kim Buzan)

WASHINGTON 

1.  San Juan Islands

2.  See all the amazing destinations in the vicinity of Seattle from the blog Just 5 More Minutes by Monica Bennett. 

3.  Olympic National Park 

WYOMING 

1.  Gros Ventre Campground, Grand Teton National Park

2.  Colter Bay Campground, Grand Teton National Park

3.  Jenny Lake Campground, Grand Teton National Park

4.  National Forest Campground in the Bridger-Teton National Forest

5.  Yellowstone National Park

6.  Devils Tower

     

Advance Planning

Centerville, Ohio

Airstream Advanced Planning Headquarters

     

     It is cold outside in the Ohio winter season. During this lull in our Airstream travels, we dream and plan our destinations for the next season. With some advanced planning, we hope to avoid getting shut out of the best spots.

     When I bought my Airstream a few years back, I had a lot to learn. One of the first lessons I learned involved the laws of supply and demand. Melizza and I bought our Airstream in October of 2009. After our purchase, I was eager to use my new toy before it was necessary to winterize it for the season. I quickly learned that it was difficult to secure a good campsite in the peak fall season on short notice. While the United States has a number of camgrounds from coast to coast, the best places are in much higher demand than the best hotels.

     The competition for the best campsites at the peak times is fierce. If you want to enjoy a popular state park in Michigan on a summer weekend, you had better plan ahead. In the past few years, we have spent a great deal of time camping along Lake Michigan.  We have learned the hard way that you must book a site six months in advance to the minute for a summer or fall weekend.  Otherwise, you will be left high and dry. The lessons of Michigan have made Melizza and I vigilant with our campsite acquisition plans.

    Unlike many of my fellow bloggers who can work anywhere they have an internet connection, I must travel with the masses. Our work schedules coupled with the kids activities do not provide the same flexibility many of my friends have. As a result, we have to be on the ball with our advanced planning to make the most of our time in the Airstream. With some advance planning we have achieved great results. Since we are traveling to Maine in August and the Florida Keys during the holiday season this year, our planning skills will be put to the test.

     The only place more difficult than Michigan that we have encountered is the Florida Keys. I hear Yellowstone and Yosemite are worse but I will figure those out next year. The Keys are popular in the RV world because of the great weather and water views.  There are four state parks in Florida Keys. From north to south, they are John Pennekamp, Long Key, Curry Hammock and Bahia Honda. Since Melizza and I decided to plan a trip to the Keys for New Years Eve this year, we knew we would have a difficult time getting into any of those parks.  There are so few sites and the demand is enormous. We must compete with traveling families and snowbirds.

     We had no trouble booking sites in Savannah, Saint Augustine and even Fort Wilderness at Disney World a year in advance for our trip down.  The Florida Keys are a different story. First, we tried to book a site at a private park called Bluewater Key.  Most of the sites in this park are perched on the water. Each site is owned by an individual.  Many of them have little tiki huts. The place is the perfect Florida Keys experience. The problem is that most private parks have a seven day minimum stay requirement plus a holiday premium to secure a site during the Christmas season. We looked into staying there but ultimately rejected it because of the conditions.  We will try it out in a slower season.  Ideally, we wanted to snag a spot in one of the great state parks. Melizza and I were poised at our laptops eleven months in advance and ready to book our campsites. As soon as the reservations were opened, all of the sites immediately disappeared.  We tried this for several days with little success. I did secure a spot at John Pennakamp Coral Reef Park for two nights. As for the others, we will have to wait for a cancellation to have any chance to stay in the lower Keys. We hedged our bet by booking a campsite at Boyd's near Key West. It has a great location but lacks the isolation that I crave. Sometimes you have to make compromises. We will be within biking distance of Key West and the Hogfish Grill. I still have to decide if I will take my kids to watch the New Years bacchanalia in Key West. 

     Melizza and I approached our trip to Maine in the same way we handled Florida. We figured that it would be difficult to secure a great spot anywhere in late July or early August. Maine has a unique reservation system compared to Florida and Michigan. Instead of opening up sites six or eleven months in advance, they open up the whole season in early February. We had done our homework. Melizza and I had analyzed the data and checked out the best spots on campsitephotos.com, rvparkreviews.com, and the All Stays app on the iPhone. All three of these sites are invaluable resources.  Smartphones and the internet have made planning so much easier.  We were poised and ready to go as soon as the campsites were released. Unlike Florida and Michigan, we were able to get our first choices at Cobscook Bay and Camden Hills State Park. This was too easy. No one beat us to the punch this time. We were also able to grab a site in Acadia National Park without much of an issue. This early planning will pay dividends when August comes around. I can smell the lobster rolls already.

I am ready to launch

Dreaming of warm destinations like Grayton Beach, Florida

     As you can see, with some advance planning, you can hit the popular spots during prime time. For all of you newbies out there, the best advice is to be flexible or plan ahead. Now, we are waiting to take the Airstream out of storage and enjoy the fruits of our advanced planning. If you have any tips to secure the best sites, please share them. I won't tell a soul.

Houston, We Have A Solution

Cricket Trailers

Made in the USA

 
     The problem with the RV industry in the United States is a lack of inspiring design. There are only a handful of recreational vehicles that are truly works of art. Airstream will always be the pinnacle of iconic American design for me. However, this design comes with a hefty price tag. After a few years of travel around this country, I am underwhelmed by the quality and look of most recreational vehicles. Do they all have to be white fiberglass boxes with giant eagles on the side? If it weren't for the classic teardrop trailers, vintage buses, T@B campers and the Volkswagen Microbus, there are very few RV's to drool over. All of the examples cited above are not currently in production. Why can't someone come up with a great design that is relatively affordable?

     The Cricket Trailer maybe the answer to this design void. This RV was designed and conceived far from Elkhart, Indiana where most RV's are manufactured. This funky travel trailer was designed and built by a former NASA engineer in Houston, Texas. Garret Finney worked on the habitation module at NASA before following his dream to build a better travel trailer. He has filled a void in the market for those individuals or families who want something more than a tent for their outdoor explorations but do not want to invest in a new tow vehicle. He has created a trailer that marries great aesthetic design with well thought out functionality. This trailer is a product of American ingenuity. Even though I own an Airstream, I want one of these too.

     The Cricket trailer has a number of great attributes beyond its good looks. With a gross weight of 2,200 pounds, it can be towed by a Suburu or even a minivan. My Airstream has a gross weight of over  7000 pounds by way of comparison. The Cricket trailer can sleep a family of four or more depending on the configuration. The interior design looks like a marriage between a NASA space module and IKEA prefab furniture. It has a pop up tent top that is reminiscent of the VW Microbus. It also has a Thule rack on the roof to carry bikes or kayaks. There is a rear hatch that allows easy access beyond the side door. This is the perfect vehicle for the weekend warrior who wants a little bit more than a tent but less than a gargantuan RV.

The rear hatch

The utilitarian kitchen

     If you need a full kitchen and bathroom and a couple of flat screen televisions, this is not the product for you. The target market for this product are active individuals who love to be outside but are turned off by the uninspiring options in the current travel trailer market. Although it is very utilitarian inside, this is the coolest product I have ever seen under $20,000. I am impressed by the look and function of the Cricket trailer. I also admire Mr. Finney for creating such a great alternative for consumers.

The kids can sleep suspended above the parents.  How cozy!

     I am trying to convince my sister and my friend and travel companion Phil to buy one. I hope they both get one so that we can travel together in style. I am not ready to give up my Airstream, but I am a big fan of the Cricket trailer. I hope this company blows up. This is not a paid endorsement. I just like what this guy is trying to accomplish. Check out Cricket Trailer here and support this innovative American product.

Planning Our Airstream New Year's Resolutions

December 31, 2012
Dillon, Colorado

Airstream Camping in Breckenridge (Not Ours)

     As I sit here with my family in the heart of ski country, Melizza and I are busy planning our travels for next year. After three full seasons with our Airstream, we are still hungry for more. The Airstream has lived up to our expectations. Melizza and I love to travel and experience new things as a family.  Our Airstream travels have allowed us to experience travel in a new way. My resolution is to keep exploring in the new year.

     Airstream travel is not without challenges. My oldest son is starting to request more airplane and international travel. He is getting to the age where nothing will satisfy him. I love international travel and will try to work some in but I enjoy the control I have when I travel with the Airstream. For instance, on this trip our plane was delayed for our ski trip to Colorado. With three inches of snow, our flight got cancelled and they could not reschedule us until the next day. Those kinds of setbacks are a part of airline travel. That is especially true with a family of five. I remember our trip to London, Paris and Barcelona where we were stuck with the kids in JFK for two nights. I like being in control of my destiny.

    Next year, we have some exciting trips in the works. Since we travel around work and school schedules, some long range planning is required. Just like being in Colorado during the peak season, planning a trip to Maine in August and the Florida Keys over New Years requires almost a year in advance to secure the best spots.

    Our first Airstream adventure in 2013 will be a ski trip to West Virginia. We are going to attempt winter camping in our Airstream at Canaan Valley. While East Coast skiing leaves a lot to be desired compared to our current location, I am looking forward to camping in the snow. Canaan Valley is a four season resort in West Virginia that offers electric hookups year round. I may have to winterize twice next year but I am excited to give it a go.

     We have also booked a Father's Day trip at Roan Mountain State Park in Tennessee. This is a park hidden in the mountains of western Tennessee. It is about an hour north of my sister's home in Black Mountain, North Carolina. We will celebrate the holiday with my father and my siblings. That weekends also coincides with the Rhododendron Festival. I hope to enjoy a nice weekend of hiking and fishing with my family.

     I also hope to spend more time in western North Carolina near Asheville. We had to cancel a trip to Davidson River near Brevard, North Carolina last season. It is a mecca for fly fishing and mountain biking. I will make every effort to get there this year but I may not be able to work it in until the fall.

    Michigan is always on the menu for us and I expect a weekend escape or two on the shores of Lake Michigan. We have visited so many great parks in western Michigan that it will be hard to decide where to visit. One of these days we will explore the Upper Peninsula. I hope to work in a fly fishing trip in West Virginia as well. Ethan has become quite the young fisherman and I want to encourage this hobby.

     Our first epic trip for next year will be a journey to Maine. Ever since our first Airstream rental in Acadia National Park, we have been waiting for the right opportunity to return in our own Airstream. We are planning to visit Maine in late July and early August. We will start our explorations in Down East Maine at Cobscook Bay. This park is off the beaten path. They allow clamming at the state park which I think the kids will love. It is also very close to the Canadian Maritime Provinces which I expect we will explore. We will at least take a day trip to the Bay of Fundy. No trip to Maine would be complete without a visit Acadia National Park   This is where our love affair with Airstreams began. We will also stay at Camden Hills State Park which is located on a mountain above the towns of Camden and Rockport. I can already smell the lobster rolls. Finally, we will try to hit Baxter State Park. This park happens to be the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Mount Katahadin is a spectacular sight to behold and I can't wait to hike to the top with my family.

     We will end the year by spending Christmas at Disney World. I hope to visit Savannah and Saint Augustine on the way down. After Disney we will head down to Miami and the Florida Keys for New Years. We have always wanted to take our Airstream to the Keys. We know several Airstream owners who have made the journey and they universally love the experience. While I have never spent Christmas away from home, I am willing to give it a try next year to spend some time in the Keys. Melizza and I have a long tradition of spending New Years in great locations. Next year we will spend it in our Airstream.  Now I just have to figure out where to put my kayak.

     My next project will be planning a trip out west.  I have been itching to head west since I purchased the Airstream.  Sadly, that may have to wait until 2014.

     Happy New Year to everyone. I wish you all health, wealth, happiness and adventure in the next year.