tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66237530523395713432024-03-04T20:26:37.903-08:00My 57 Airstream Caravannerpbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-17607930017860318072013-04-04T08:40:00.001-07:002013-04-04T08:40:43.280-07:00Building My Awning at Coyote Howls<p> Most of the last couple of months I've been at Coyote Howls campground in Why, AZ. It's minimalist camping in the desert with bathrooms, showers and dump stations, but no power and marginal water. I have been living on my solar panels, but the generator did come out for one big project. The awning has been in the planning stages for a long time. Our boat had a large awning but it was easy to take down in strong winds (that only come at 2 AM) as it rolled up and stored on the radar arch at the stern. Since I'm by myself, that was again my priority. Well, that and shade.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--GqXzab5Zgc/UV2egoAx04I/AAAAAAAAA70/vRfBmi6KZYw/s1600/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525203%25253A56%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--GqXzab5Zgc/UV2egoAx04I/AAAAAAAAA70/vRfBmi6KZYw/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525203%25253A56%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1365090041090.064" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DW41lnrlug8/UV2elzmOpRI/AAAAAAAAA78/hBrAcGkHsLk/s1600/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525203%25253A58%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DW41lnrlug8/UV2elzmOpRI/AAAAAAAAA78/hBrAcGkHsLk/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525203%25253A58%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1365090041026.321" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">The awning factory was a blue tarp, my Honda generator, and my Pfaff 130 on the tailgate of the truck. Oh, also my buddy Jim who sews way better than me and who got me to come down to the winter warmth of Coyote Howls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pLbkaPGEH6o/UV2epL5xL9I/AAAAAAAAA8E/6QuuZ1_y-7k/s1600/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525204%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pLbkaPGEH6o/UV2epL5xL9I/AAAAAAAAA8E/6QuuZ1_y-7k/s500/Photo%252520Jan%2525209%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525204%25253A07%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1365090041105.7734" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">After one long day, we had something that looked like an awning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8CTtrt5gp4o/UV2eti8EwTI/AAAAAAAAA8M/HoWqMsAnBFw/s1600/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8CTtrt5gp4o/UV2eti8EwTI/AAAAAAAAA8M/HoWqMsAnBFw/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1365090041106.8005" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-b6KmhFhgA0I/UV2exbxh0YI/AAAAAAAAA8U/at2YXBC4kBo/s1600/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-b6KmhFhgA0I/UV2exbxh0YI/AAAAAAAAA8U/at2YXBC4kBo/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1365090041072.304" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4FXdg-0W9So/UV2e18JfXjI/AAAAAAAAA8c/4QckCDcCS-M/s1600/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4FXdg-0W9So/UV2e18JfXjI/AAAAAAAAA8c/4QckCDcCS-M/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252022%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252012%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1365090041108.585" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> There is a one inch diameter aluminum tube in a sleeve at the end of the awning. The poles go through grommets in the fabric and through the tube. The main purpose of the tube is to allow me to roll the awning up and to store in a zippered bag on the awning track.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Uc34p0usfuQ/UV2e6N3q32I/AAAAAAAAA8k/96gawwe2zSY/s1600/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A01%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Uc34p0usfuQ/UV2e6N3q32I/AAAAAAAAA8k/96gawwe2zSY/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A01%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1365090041030.6033" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> So far, it's a success after about a month of use, including a road trip to Tucson to hear Antsy McClain sing at Alumafiesta. Never ever miss a chance to see him perform.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_N35ozp889g/UV2e9yi0ADI/AAAAAAAAA8s/8H6BeKQnFY4/s1600/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_N35ozp889g/UV2e9yi0ADI/AAAAAAAAA8s/8H6BeKQnFY4/s500/Photo%252520Feb%25252010%25252C%2525202013%25252C%2525205%25253A00%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1365090041083.849" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">-steve</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-83773918610722193992013-02-22T09:30:00.001-08:002013-02-22T09:30:19.168-08:00Joshua Tree National Park<p> I just loved it here! I've spent very little time in the desert over the years and it has been fun learning about what goes on in this environment (a lot). </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B8wyyjxJOk8/USepxJ04bvI/AAAAAAAAA6I/bXxVmtdem1c/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B8wyyjxJOk8/USepxJ04bvI/AAAAAAAAA6I/bXxVmtdem1c/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252029%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361554213921.8137" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">I spent a couple of days at Black Rock on the north side of the park.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-278cExmFGoA/USep20zEC8I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/Ps2yX-tkaFU/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525206%25253A31%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-278cExmFGoA/USep20zEC8I/AAAAAAAAA6Q/Ps2yX-tkaFU/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525206%25253A31%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361554213943.145" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">My favorite spot was the small Belle Campground with no facilities except for vault toilets and with only eighteen nearly empty sites.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ajCSrULAzDA/USep9yqRAAI/AAAAAAAAA6c/6ZbETRa478w/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525206%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ajCSrULAzDA/USep9yqRAAI/AAAAAAAAA6c/6ZbETRa478w/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525206%25253A33%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361554213911.023" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eu_5stoJXIc/USeqEkxABkI/AAAAAAAAA6k/rHBa3a7_hHE/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525206%25253A34%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eu_5stoJXIc/USeqEkxABkI/AAAAAAAAA6k/rHBa3a7_hHE/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525206%25253A34%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361554213960.2273" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNxJGht2RUUx23OGyOKBfUWGM-XIa8XJnArLjNg8H6Sh9M238QtQc1JDXbr7FN_qv2m4LDYqZ2OoCu6J-WWRyn836qiKgeqfz1YwdFkd_S-2guZIKTVZlOOk4eLHvTMyamsNERV4tYPk/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525206%25253A42%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNxJGht2RUUx23OGyOKBfUWGM-XIa8XJnArLjNg8H6Sh9M238QtQc1JDXbr7FN_qv2m4LDYqZ2OoCu6J-WWRyn836qiKgeqfz1YwdFkd_S-2guZIKTVZlOOk4eLHvTMyamsNERV4tYPk/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525206%25253A42%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361554213918.3662" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V3ahbrsn1tU/USeqS9F1gbI/AAAAAAAAA60/iOU4gULd_6A/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525206%25253A43%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-V3ahbrsn1tU/USeqS9F1gbI/AAAAAAAAA60/iOU4gULd_6A/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252030%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525206%25253A43%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361554213884.8777" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6HY1OVA3FU4/USeqcGasK4I/AAAAAAAAA68/BI6QfYiSQZI/s1600/Photo%252520Dec%2525201%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525208%25253A46%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6HY1OVA3FU4/USeqcGasK4I/AAAAAAAAA68/BI6QfYiSQZI/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525201%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525208%25253A46%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361554213951.984" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">If that leash were just a little longer. . . .</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fjFrQXHSWXA/USeqm7AUkXI/AAAAAAAAA7E/ipG_JV1APMM/s1600/Photo%252520Dec%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252011%25253A40%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fjFrQXHSWXA/USeqm7AUkXI/AAAAAAAAA7E/ipG_JV1APMM/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252011%25253A40%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361554213956.797" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3zXgOcRI1ok/USequwAdjUI/AAAAAAAAA7M/-bCAWltDAAU/s1600/Photo%252520Dec%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3zXgOcRI1ok/USequwAdjUI/AAAAAAAAA7M/-bCAWltDAAU/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A57%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361554213895.8457" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4wc7h99voOA/USeq2VujrcI/AAAAAAAAA7U/M9bkWrslPZU/s1600/Photo%252520Dec%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A58%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4wc7h99voOA/USeq2VujrcI/AAAAAAAAA7U/M9bkWrslPZU/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A58%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361554213973.902" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ueu-X2-Prro/USerA_u-wuI/AAAAAAAAA7c/zta57m4avIE/s1600/Photo%252520Dec%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ueu-X2-Prro/USerA_u-wuI/AAAAAAAAA7c/zta57m4avIE/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A06%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361554213930.464" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nRHfCdgqva8/USerJNPKjLI/AAAAAAAAA7k/Q_1U1QR322Q/s1600/Photo%252520Dec%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525201%25253A51%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nRHfCdgqva8/USerJNPKjLI/AAAAAAAAA7k/Q_1U1QR322Q/s500/Photo%252520Dec%2525202%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525201%25253A51%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1361554213945.2507" class="alignnone" width="500" height="667" alt=""></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Bris says we will be coming back here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">-steve</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-35796784295249036502013-01-17T10:06:00.001-08:002013-01-17T10:06:45.527-08:00Yosemite Valley<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RLXnXm4i-6M/UPg82TlA11I/AAAAAAAAA40/hU2drsLvl9E/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252019%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525204%25253A10%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RLXnXm4i-6M/UPg82TlA11I/AAAAAAAAA40/hU2drsLvl9E/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252019%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525204%25253A10%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1358446002508.7085" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<p>Pam and I were married in the little Chapel at Yosemite on Valentines Day, many years ago.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Yg1dRd6uIAk/UPg8-Q6A1-I/AAAAAAAAA48/TITsY18KtzU/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252019%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525204%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Yg1dRd6uIAk/UPg8-Q6A1-I/AAAAAAAAA48/TITsY18KtzU/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252019%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525204%25253A08%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1358446002426.324" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">There's a nice view towards Yosemite Falls from the front steps of the Chapel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPY2e6vlzHo/UPg9Fbg93OI/AAAAAAAAA5E/vSkmUUfcEUI/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPY2e6vlzHo/UPg9Fbg93OI/AAAAAAAAA5E/vSkmUUfcEUI/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252012%25253A11%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1358446002511.313" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Ahwahnee Hotel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">It's only about ninety minute drive from Fresno where we lived when we met. Sometimes we would drive up for dinner. I was much more comfortable in a coat and tie back then. My current T shirt only wardrobe won't get me in the dining room.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zU4JbYP1f24/UPg9L_qDOII/AAAAAAAAA5M/SuCihf2uABM/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252019%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525203%25253A42%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zU4JbYP1f24/UPg9L_qDOII/AAAAAAAAA5M/SuCihf2uABM/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252019%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525203%25253A42%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1358446002459.9514" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HZhF38_xO0U/UPg9SwJwiYI/AAAAAAAAA5U/qzhKcLbSToI/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252019%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525204%25253A15%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HZhF38_xO0U/UPg9SwJwiYI/AAAAAAAAA5U/qzhKcLbSToI/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252019%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525204%25253A15%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1358446002485.9236" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rCqx98GZx8A/UPg9Z2dZl8I/AAAAAAAAA5c/lBWYGDDsdtA/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A13%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rCqx98GZx8A/UPg9Z2dZl8I/AAAAAAAAA5c/lBWYGDDsdtA/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252020%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A13%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1358446002489.5386" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> Perpetual motion Brissy in the campground. I was surprised how many sites were available there. We had a reservation, but didn't need it.</div>
<p> Lots of changes to Island Girl since that pickup day shot on the iPad!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nRwWwkUC4so/UPg9fseWWoI/AAAAAAAAA5k/uEOHbND-1B4/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252021%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252011%25253A47%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nRwWwkUC4so/UPg9fseWWoI/AAAAAAAAA5k/uEOHbND-1B4/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252021%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252011%25253A47%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1358446002518.795" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GOHa7AIDznM/UPg9mK3BgfI/AAAAAAAAA5s/UzA2gBOcJH8/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252021%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252011%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GOHa7AIDznM/UPg9mK3BgfI/AAAAAAAAA5s/UzA2gBOcJH8/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252021%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252011%25253A37%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1358446002524.6685" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uZEkXU8DGvc/UPg9sFbldtI/AAAAAAAAA50/u4H4GKXL8Fc/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252021%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252011%25253A47%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uZEkXU8DGvc/UPg9sFbldtI/AAAAAAAAA50/u4H4GKXL8Fc/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252021%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252011%25253A47%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1358446002475.1343" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">The weather was nice for the four days we were there, but was wet and gloomy on the way out. The clouds and the lighting was amazing that morning and I just wandered around taking it in. It's an amazing place.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">I was standing by the trailer watching it all when a couple of cars parked nearby. I'm looking at the clouds and the rocks and the trees, when the Airstream draws a crowd and pretty soon the door is open and the tours are in session.</div>
<p> </p>
<p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-21315265666875448102012-12-09T13:06:00.001-08:002012-12-09T13:06:34.121-08:00The Oregon Coast Oregon knows how to do state parks. We made several stops along this beautiful coast, mainly in the state parks where the facilities were good and the prices fair. Many were full hookup.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7H9nQ6MUDso/UMT866hdALI/AAAAAAAAA3w/8dv8ceuemHE/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252010%25253A21%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7H9nQ6MUDso/UMT866hdALI/AAAAAAAAA3w/8dv8ceuemHE/s500/Photo%252520Nov%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%25252010%25253A21%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1355087185985.4214" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">Nehalem Beach</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TKGnp6oZ_NY/UMT9APpHnmI/AAAAAAAAA34/leNsYa_7i1g/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525201%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TKGnp6oZ_NY/UMT9APpHnmI/AAAAAAAAA34/leNsYa_7i1g/s500/Photo%252520Nov%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525201%25253A09%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1355087186000.9622" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">The Tillamook Air Museum has been on my need to go to list but I would have forgotten it but for the sight of the huge WWII era blimp hangar it lives in. I parked next to the fence for a picture with Island Girl under the Guppy. The trailer opens doors so often. A couple of guys came over from inside the fence came over to look at the trailer and I had an invite into the museum's maintenance hangar where they were working on the P-51 and the P-38.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n4PoPE3oZCo/UMT9Fjt5ySI/AAAAAAAAA4I/K9JHnlmJN-k/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n4PoPE3oZCo/UMT9Fjt5ySI/AAAAAAAAA4I/K9JHnlmJN-k/s500/Photo%252520Nov%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A05%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1355087185951.4749" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEguRmY9uhiMBS471Ki1CyWz-PCT7TckJMZJLq8cOM4IGjPsrp_49k4xPgM9fnCBxvZT4riBbKHLf1M6h_4iulN-BwcX6jhw9UcP2ClhdrwfUJ5XC8G-93_ULPaB3pSgL2-csq9e4W-M/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEguRmY9uhiMBS471Ki1CyWz-PCT7TckJMZJLq8cOM4IGjPsrp_49k4xPgM9fnCBxvZT4riBbKHLf1M6h_4iulN-BwcX6jhw9UcP2ClhdrwfUJ5XC8G-93_ULPaB3pSgL2-csq9e4W-M/s500/Photo%252520Nov%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525202%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1355087185988.748" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> It was a thrill for me to sit in those cockpits!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pQtUoy31nDhW-uhD3Nlu3jMBay4T5XpewhM13qW-ciHNp4Gbt_dillCtIiD0HHFRshdJg2_V-B63rVRMCUau60tFpoajGYB8HLIPJ-R7TPcosNZtffF9lNJC2nSsDLkUiYcMkLR8P2U/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525201%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7pQtUoy31nDhW-uhD3Nlu3jMBay4T5XpewhM13qW-ciHNp4Gbt_dillCtIiD0HHFRshdJg2_V-B63rVRMCUau60tFpoajGYB8HLIPJ-R7TPcosNZtffF9lNJC2nSsDLkUiYcMkLR8P2U/s500/Photo%252520Nov%2525208%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525201%25253A19%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1355087186033.067" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> I soloed a Cessna 150 too many years ago when I had around 8.5 hours. My father soloed in a Stearman like this one during WWII in just about the same number of hours. Had to be way easier for me in the 150.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lozBVTiBuXk/UMT9UblmxfI/AAAAAAAAA4g/437XG1vxGVw/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%25252011%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525203%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lozBVTiBuXk/UMT9UblmxfI/AAAAAAAAA4g/437XG1vxGVw/s500/Photo%252520Nov%25252011%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525203%25253A21%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1355087186011.0352" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">This traveling stuff can be hard work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;">-steve</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-48325197413783765192012-11-22T15:47:00.001-08:002012-11-22T15:47:01.445-08:00No plans, sticking to them Apologies for the long lag in posting. Good summer for me hosting at the Oak Bay Campground and I plan to return next year. For now though, Island Girl, Brissy the cat, and I are on the loose for five months with only a general idea of getting someplace warmer for the winter.<br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ClDVPy56yng/UK65VMoll3I/AAAAAAAAA3I/E9J0PP44ZSE/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A50%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ClDVPy56yng/UK65VMoll3I/AAAAAAAAA3I/E9J0PP44ZSE/s500/Photo%252520Nov%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A50%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1353628019729.6648" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div>
There is this particularly great site at the Kalaloch campground in Olympic National Park, D-24. It is the only one in the loop that still manages to hang on to the bluff over the beach. We had it for four days.<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E5VX1od61As/UK65XZCnPeI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/SVz5yuE6TAg/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E5VX1od61As/UK65XZCnPeI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/SVz5yuE6TAg/s500/Photo%252520Nov%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A44%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1353628019740.79" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3L0YbfTLLwFI5WL1sTyB4OFwvP4u-dfkUaGIoi2JJ96CHtZacUulqBtExIE0rxlwpQzJAwPN9W_Gc9Sza18hRABhnjSMkNgIuhd5lQ6pKqBGYrd2d5qiB30rUiv60xy_e7e1pJnLm2Y/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A28%252520AM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3L0YbfTLLwFI5WL1sTyB4OFwvP4u-dfkUaGIoi2JJ96CHtZacUulqBtExIE0rxlwpQzJAwPN9W_Gc9Sza18hRABhnjSMkNgIuhd5lQ6pKqBGYrd2d5qiB30rUiv60xy_e7e1pJnLm2Y/s500/Photo%252520Nov%2525205%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525209%25253A28%252520AM.jpg" id="blogsy-1353628019763.9326" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>
Bris had never ever seen a litterbox this big.<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wkmqGIwmHOk/UK65cac6upI/AAAAAAAAA3g/12gPM85kYKA/s1600/Photo%252520Nov%2525201%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525205%25253A46%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wkmqGIwmHOk/UK65cac6upI/AAAAAAAAA3g/12gPM85kYKA/s500/Photo%252520Nov%2525201%25252C%2525202012%25252C%2525205%25253A46%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1353628019665.2534" class="alignnone" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a></div>
<br/><br/><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-27933347885815209032012-04-04T15:50:00.001-07:002012-04-04T15:50:48.678-07:00A New Beginning with Another Ride on a Ferry<p>Last Thursday I said a bunch of goodbyes—didn’t lose it until the last one late in the day.  Pam and I had moved onto our sailboat nearly 24 years ago in Blaine and there are a lot of friends there.</p> <p>Friday, Brissy and I hooked up Island Girl and made the short trip to Deception Pass State Park.  Haven’t camped there since sometime in the early 80’s when I did it by bicycle and it is still just as stunning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JdxQJuI-DxE/T3zP88YBT1I/AAAAAAAAA1k/3I4Dc5pXiMc/s1600-h/P1000223%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000223" border="0" alt="P1000223" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R0UqpzfK3aU/T3zP9d7FKmI/AAAAAAAAA1s/aUNmRzcFbKA/P1000223_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>The bridges were in part a Civilian Conservation Corps work project during the Depression.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sajiGfknuyQ/T3zQCEksvUI/AAAAAAAAA10/8VSOn0Eol4g/s1600-h/P1000226%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000226" border="0" alt="P1000226" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g1G_4b6Itjw/T3zQCysBQgI/AAAAAAAAA18/JFXQcTQYACU/P1000226_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Of course it was windy and rainy just as soon as we found our campsite, but that was OK.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5KwvqMNWN4o/T3zQElvhhHI/AAAAAAAAA2E/xNkrxVL3IXU/s1600-h/P1000229%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000229" border="0" alt="P1000229" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-10TUlkfxDKs/T3zQFUbaiWI/AAAAAAAAA2M/fONt-Xc7A_o/P1000229_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>On Sunday while waiting for the Port Townsend ferry one of the crewmembers  asked about the trailer.  That worked out well as we were first on the ferry with Bris looking out to make sure nobody got too close.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-vZ5VMGFggaWJQ7DAYXTb7hBtMVyn9UU4EFvekQ2TjDZbnSMqHlrkj-ptM6D0B9x1R1UYfGRwBMKbXS83n3oHFMkdExtFupIVMJXKK1Bqy-Qni7biOlqcWMyrst2xtPdL1Wh4LVXgwg/s1600-h/P1000233%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000233" border="0" alt="P1000233" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-75ObSoTbPiY/T3zQJMs-mPI/AAAAAAAAA2c/FiCSr0csxTk/P1000233_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>We were headed for a little county campground just south of Port Townsend called Oak Bay where I’ll be the host for the season.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HdSPZHgC7Bg/T3zQMEISK7I/AAAAAAAAA2k/Bsv6RArIOxY/s1600-h/In%252520our%252520spot%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="In our spot" border="0" alt="In our spot" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKma8z3hB0rJVUbnninOIF9AT_HQEbn1W2OdKfYAuR9N9Ox-5hSzpYx9BusmeKHXQzpYkRPZM2mbTgLd4bPXISVMu4bCg8Jo2POw3uUMi9HiHWPljXM3nNvbXZqr4xXifWRg1RHMp8Ks0/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="145" /></a></p> <p>The flamingos have landed and the anchor is down, so we’re all set.  </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vIrKl6zyaLFGMADts3snzD9fm1pQnljENjjwQJi0n9xjkx0v2I5HCL0qNC3j5ND9lYCQRDzBYRsoWLM8GrMY6RTsfACpl4Y9CChk9a9sDa15jDvlw7-vkEbpJ3qlfBRnw3wznAexUvI/s1600-h/P1000237%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000237" border="0" alt="P1000237" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VttvUjjhvOg/T3zQRRdrRKI/AAAAAAAAA28/8b1cpCtY8Ys/P1000237_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>The campground was also a CCC project during the Depression. There are also a few campsites on the spit in the background.  Lots of birds,  a view of Mt. Ranier on a clear day and a pretty fantastic place for my kayak.</p> <p>I’ll be here all season but should be able to get away to the Olympics a few times.  Feel good about it and think it should help me as I continue through the grieving process and start to put my life back together again.  Things are OK.   Hopefully we’ll see a few Airstreams in here this summer.</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-54501152098931164252012-01-08T16:46:00.001-08:002012-01-08T16:46:36.023-08:00I Will Miss Her So Much<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ByYNxIdfgqE/Two4v7WalZI/AAAAAAAAA0k/FsmepXCW_y8/s1600-h/31%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="31" border="0" alt="31" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhwL1YrLhNJrrakDC8aHtuXkUIrYNv_VD8YcVkeiaWfakWNQ5YXjTC_5aYjhhJywlRflHpkwoD2t15PHCjrJrxanwgXe-XJvVpW6kz55ZQSOH6KM74MZRsb94huPr6y7Hi9rH_cFITOI/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="169" /></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUm-8ALnoZ4wrf8mXU5NeFVLkYPpMmNUXB4nc_pRxtUr9CjXynKNGrACOpa79GudqvIYPevawiOBZ1S6kxlbEWRZYVO1aAJwaKuv8jddOmrq_M1KJ-AsyzhfnRreGmffq98GC0y2iWOQ/s1600-h/Long%252520in%252520Aitkin%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Long in Aitkin" border="0" alt="Long in Aitkin" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yu3BF92VJeX99BO8YKjyfT_H68Ojr8oW84jT-rupbKqualJQiT1giLGctIa_rtrZ6qTDdXXAL0_vYBVvFaEU8-qlWOPa0Wr483WydUAgSYYAirbhYW8N9QGHlp4wNd_mtzQ2PGu9WXc/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="170" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wuTA4GLtda8/Two42HZx9YI/AAAAAAAAA1E/MZ0aUui4ffU/s1600-h/Long59%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Long59" border="0" alt="Long59" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5cPEtyHQOJQ/Two43WBfX2I/AAAAAAAAA1M/kdYIPTLajgY/Long59_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="176" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--_ztyjX7BGY/Two4508wobI/AAAAAAAAA1U/hIHOop9UZew/s1600-h/P8020511%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P8020511" border="0" alt="P8020511" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DowEjfWet0E/Two46tRtKEI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/IzF0syzqxB8/P8020511_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-16516721469644364832011-12-13T20:37:00.001-08:002011-12-13T20:37:20.263-08:00The Pullout Pantry<p>Pam and Brissy the Cat and I are four and a half months into fulltiming in Island Girl now.  I hadn’t really planned on the trailer being able to operate in the cold, but we’ve been doing ok.  Everything works the way I wanted  and I haven’t found anything that needs to be changed.</p> <p>Work is mostly done with the last fairly big project being the pullout pantry in the old broom closet.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--GRh_IwSEMo/Tugn33sk-RI/AAAAAAAAAzk/saUAEWyBwQs/s1600-h/P1000199%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000199" border="0" alt="P1000199" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-shKtTSQwu9k/Tugn404GFBI/AAAAAAAAAzs/lRNfwwSgk68/P1000199_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I used a heavy bottom slider and a guide for the top from <a href="http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=2324&filter=30818&pn=30818">Rockler</a>.  The sides are just simple one inch aluminum  stock from the hardware store.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aM_8HQmz6Tg/Tugn6EdbdpI/AAAAAAAAAz0/tkhTUV-sxTY/s1600-h/P1000198%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000198" border="0" alt="P1000198" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5XEWa96TYR4/Tugn7P1TPkI/AAAAAAAAAz8/tAwq9yROidc/P1000198_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>The top guide mounts to a simple shelf over the top of the pantry unit.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rM3AlsT17xg/Tugn8Y4H2JI/AAAAAAAAA0E/wv3UVG-QlcE/s1600-h/P1000200%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000200" border="0" alt="P1000200" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BF-dOphJKkw/Tugn9KdbIgI/AAAAAAAAA0M/yiho204eHlo/P1000200_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>The original door got reused.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YJsksCo9TRo/Tugn-shQmZI/AAAAAAAAA0U/8f10jRn7LiE/s1600-h/P1000203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000203" border="0" alt="P1000203" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xyp7XZDvEo4/Tugn_oz1SmI/AAAAAAAAA0c/mB8ZkFqgNV8/P1000203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I now have lots and lots of storage and the broom found a home in the wardrobe closet.</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-9308348728737697352011-09-21T22:31:00.001-07:002011-09-21T22:31:04.213-07:00Island Girl Takes Another Ferry Ride<p>Very early and dark on Tuesday morning we headed for Anacortes to make the 0930 ferry to Lopez Island where my trailer spent many of her years.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-spNGUbvbVbw/TnrH1bmwiwI/AAAAAAAAAyo/agBt4fsmVFE/s1600-h/P1000146%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000146" border="0" alt="P1000146" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_zlgtbggVKM/TnrH2HhTixI/AAAAAAAAAys/oMW81p5Tr8E/P1000146_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Fog in Anacortes soon gave way to nice warm and sunny skies as we made the forty minute trip to Lopez.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HRJlKTjT1Xg/TnrH3XhlxwI/AAAAAAAAAyw/aRCA91_VLAM/s1600-h/P1000147%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000147" border="0" alt="P1000147" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tWn2IOAjfRs/TnrH4MMnigI/AAAAAAAAAy0/X4yX0D5F-xw/P1000147_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Even though we’ve sailed in the San Juan Islands for years, I’d not been on Lopez since around 1980 when I was touring on my bicycle.  I’d forgotten how beautiful it is.  Island Girl’s former home actually has shoreline on both the front and back of the property.  We backed in behind Harold and Kathy’s motorhome, just a few feet from the water and surrounded by Douglas Fir and the distinctive Madrona tree, common in these islands.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-04KomAMualI/TnrH6pjvkRI/AAAAAAAAAy4/QFCVC3p09o4/s1600-h/P1000162%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000162" border="0" alt="P1000162" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zzgCwHXXxBw/TnrH7hXu31I/AAAAAAAAAy8/CEjCxuUbaSM/P1000162_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Edith has her 94th birthday next month.  I know she was excited to see her old trailer again, but I don’t think she could have been more excited than I was.  Meeting her is really special to me.  I know the trailer is just a collection of aluminum bits and pieces, but it was an important part of the lives of those who have used her before me.  She’s taken great trips, served as a home (just as she’s doing now for Pam and me), and even for Harold and Kathy’s honeymoon.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z3PDyf2FZaI/TnrH9TP9KJI/AAAAAAAAAzA/4rK2cZQVWj4/s1600-h/P1000153%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000153" border="0" alt="P1000153" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a5ruqBnnJM0/TnrH-NaoF_I/AAAAAAAAAzE/a1-9wgfwvcw/P1000153_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SeVRTgH2Jks/TnrIAIikf9I/AAAAAAAAAzI/8GO3wOknpeQ/s1600-h/P1000154%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000154" border="0" alt="P1000154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXYZKn5uDLiWUeHvvj9WoVVm3nm_Fjrh90t3nkgwHU9dtfzXN_UFs9fMDVL7O7nUYDA82YdBbQszU-7aMyRKqfBD4Bpwv-dQiGyZ2mKNFPdu1EcQBQUr4H3nLEdU8HDxi93aDOloBTbk/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Edith is a cat person, like me.  My Brissy is not the first cat to travel in the trailer.  She is adjusting well to the move from her sailboat, but it has been a huge change for a cat who has spent her life on a boat.  She had a fun two days too, walking on her leash, just like Edith told me she had done with her Siamese cats.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OKhSVw80Y2Q/TnrICvZ4u_I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/xMXk9_5qJgY/s1600-h/P1000165%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000165" border="0" alt="P1000165" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fHW__LAKJrE/TnrIDU15RZI/AAAAAAAAAzU/Jc3P45B1XKI/P1000165_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>But Brissy was more than ready for a nap while waiting for the ferry for the return trip home this afternoon.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AaQp4ceJRyk/TnrIE8kktoI/AAAAAAAAAzY/LmvqLv4Zgk8/s1600-h/P1000169%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000169" border="0" alt="P1000169" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lOrCWy-e-Nk/TnrIFsBKUVI/AAAAAAAAAzc/6FVSWbjx1WY/P1000169_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Those of us that love these old trailers really do so because of people.  We love the old aluminum and the way it shines, but we feel a connection to the guys that put them together at the factory.  And, we feel a connection to the people who have owned and used the trailers in the past.  It is about aluminum, but it’s mostly about people.  I feel so honored to have been able to make that special connection this week.</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-40180325801344272492011-09-11T17:27:00.001-07:002011-09-11T17:42:03.420-07:00Something Really CoolWe took the trailer to our first rally last year at the Tin Can Tourist Rally in Lynden, WA, only twelve miles away. Island Girl was an empty shell then, Alzheimer’s wouldn’t let us stay, and the weather was lousy. This year we got to do it right with a nearly complete trailer, and no problems from Alzheimer’s as we’re living in the trailer fulltime anyway. And, the weather was perfect. Lynden is a great, laid back rally where everyone is just into old trailers and some cool old cars as well.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J3oQsGJZyzc/Tm1R0wr7YLI/AAAAAAAAAyY/jPpFDEQcfPA/s1600-h/P1000135%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000135" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6-qt_QFpeyU/Tm1R1ysFkCI/AAAAAAAAAyc/Gp7GYZ9nTFQ/P1000135_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1000135" width="244" /></a><br />
Saturday afternoon a fella came to the door who greeted me with “You have no idea who I am.” When he said his name, though, I did know him as Harold was the son of the original owners of the trailer. He and his wife (they celebrated their honeymoon in the trailer) were visiting friends, had no knowledge of the rally, but happened to drive by when their planned route was closed for construction. They figured they’d just take a drive through the fairgrounds and look at some trailers, but happened to drive by one that was the same model his family had owned.<br />
But, he saw the wheels and knew it was <b>the </b>trailer, not just the model. If you’ve followed this blog, you know we’d earlier made an email and telephone connection. He’d seen pictures and knew, even though we’d not been in contact for a year or so.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LCzvRGMxs1k/Tm1R3g3rhrI/AAAAAAAAAyg/4v9DibNVetw/s1600-h/P1000141%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000141" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gDFQhjJpr0E/Tm1R5KjwdTI/AAAAAAAAAyk/TG9HlwWGGdM/P1000141_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1000141" width="244" /></a><br />
He and his mom have been on my mind. We’d earlier made tentative plans to ride the ferry out to Lopez Island to let her see her trailer when we got done with the work. The weather is good, things are fairly stable with Pam, so it’s a good time to make the trip, especially since Harold and Kathy are heading to Lopez for a month to celebrate his Mom’s 94th birthday. We’re going to try really hard to make the trip out there next week.<br />
Very very hard to wipe the smile off my face right now.pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-411026121983086132011-08-21T20:29:00.001-07:002011-08-21T20:29:17.767-07:00Swallowing the Anchor<p>is the term for a sailor moving ashore.  We’ve now swallowed ours after almost 23 years aboard our little 31’ cutter.  We’re three weeks into life on Island Girl, our new yacht.  Three hectic weeks, especially for Brissy the cat and me, but thankfully Pam has made an easy transition.  It is a necessary change for us, but it is a big one.</p> <p>The boat will soon be for sale, but I am so lucky that we were able to do so much more with her than we ever dreamed.  Pam was able to experience all of a sailing voyage around the world and I have my memories of it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YYT0WJGOZSY/TlHMiP_fWGI/AAAAAAAAAwk/9Ro5rSJLwU8/s1600-h/1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DksQwS5GCO8/TlHMi5UsXaI/AAAAAAAAAwo/fvVOlCtp5YE/1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="161" /></a></p> <p>First winter aboard in 1988.  Nothing worked.  We knew nothing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Uo3-DufR3Bk/TlHMjy_V9vI/AAAAAAAAAws/5NUXNQr_Fms/s1600-h/13%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="13" border="0" alt="13" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2LVWQKz_GvE/TlHMkjKuCiI/AAAAAAAAAww/GZWRHxbFBoY/13_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="167" /></a></p> <p>Tracy Arm in Alaska, 1996.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AVj6RVBovH4/TlHMmK3UG8I/AAAAAAAAAw0/zxZbf9jtrns/s1600-h/16%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="16" border="0" alt="16" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3nppAL6gMFs/TlHMmmmdd8I/AAAAAAAAAw4/TLHB_Rny0Ak/16_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="166" /></a></p> <p>Baja, Mexico, 1997.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WfjHa34pk44/TlHMn0eK6iI/AAAAAAAAAw8/NtYTIvWG7pw/s1600-h/24%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="24" border="0" alt="24" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qqg832gfFaY/TlHMoq-76KI/AAAAAAAAAxA/23fxGJm-KJE/24_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="166" /></a></p> <p>On passage to Galapagos, 1998.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SEWfbLFZGss/TlHMqjz97qI/AAAAAAAAAxE/yD6NrYylVo0/s1600-h/27%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="27" border="0" alt="27" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pGd3ALsjbXo/TlHMrJVoDaI/AAAAAAAAAxI/8TzTRPK4nh8/27_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="161" /></a></p> <p>A very dirty hull after a 30 day passage to the Marquesas, 1998.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_qywEdK-xzM/TlHMsK2MaPI/AAAAAAAAAxM/Nsf5ay-cF1I/s1600-h/31%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="31" border="0" alt="31" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0v8STVHNGWE/TlHMsqixJCI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/Jq-2ui1Ez7Q/31_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="169" /></a></p> <p>Paradise on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, 1998.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LDeB44MnJ0Q/TlHMuJQn5hI/AAAAAAAAAxU/7UJcD8tCeMw/s1600-h/37%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="37" border="0" alt="37" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KreritwaN5c/TlHMu-QZj2I/AAAAAAAAAxY/Ov4tQgwapyY/37_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="168" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Pago Pago Yacht Club in American Samoa in late 1998.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MSeiObnrl6Y/TlHMwl1F1CI/AAAAAAAAAxc/TqxedAsL8a8/s1600-h/85%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="85" border="0" alt="85" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U-SXw2xiORg/TlHMxdYCvII/AAAAAAAAAxg/Vg3fxdXaPAE/85_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Approaching South Africa, 2002.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--KuWUTTUUd4/TlHMzsIzwaI/AAAAAAAAAxk/PPqHivUFEkI/s1600-h/88a%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="88a" border="0" alt="88a" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o7nMuhPLqh8/TlHM0MYSBWI/AAAAAAAAAxo/a8oD3ly1M-4/88a_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Haulout in Richards Bay, South Africa, Christmas, 2002.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ayfua_grWsA/TlHM2D3ZRpI/AAAAAAAAAxs/aN6OEChb7XI/s1600-h/Zebras%252520at%252520water%252520hole%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Zebras at water hole" border="0" alt="Zebras at water hole" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-deHOTrU3Ru8/TlHM2-879CI/AAAAAAAAAxw/Sii-c-hEPpE/Zebras%252520at%252520water%252520hole_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="160" /></a></p> <p>The fabulous game park near Richards Bay, 2003.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SytmqkSbW1s/TlHM4RuDc5I/AAAAAAAAAx0/BdkxfRUXUeY/s1600-h/P1010003%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1010003" border="0" alt="P1010003" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3vXtii9gtpc/TlHM5ZJisPI/AAAAAAAAAx4/w7fEFSWKJ_8/P1010003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Thousands of dolphins passing by us in a feeding frenzy as we near Cape Town, 2003.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAEZ7gSmsTWgiDgcH2XnM_rgnRBPza4k_BKQLSUfvZ5aa2dhMBhqrdPl2lhXwXFsXjyT8umaIojk1iq3p3W0-8IGR7FmI5ryTxtwuLSy9x6pcg9EDpaCLcNh-N0Ga_EW_UmwpQ50IwmU/s1600-h/128%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="128" border="0" alt="128" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dAvk69Sq2PY/TlHM71Lhf9I/AAAAAAAAAyA/hJNyd9mmIjU/128_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>The best sailing in the world, South Atlantic, 2003.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_jG4Jm0GSLw/TlHM9xAZOrI/AAAAAAAAAyE/RpdmOuODnmA/s1600-h/136%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="136" border="0" alt="136" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ydjnhinJAYE/TlHM-jXNndI/AAAAAAAAAyI/gTOpVlNP1-E/136_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>The crew that helped us through the Panama Canal, 2004.</p> <p>* * * * * * * </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vnl_9hCx0yE/TlHNBl9H7KI/AAAAAAAAAyM/bOsRcrSWzsk/s1600-h/photo%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PU1qNS0_VSU/TlHNCnNXyEI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/i9bmqtGKSw0/photo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>And the new home is going to be just fine.</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-47723818359068787342011-06-27T20:53:00.001-07:002011-06-27T20:53:44.342-07:00Island Girl Ceases Being My Shop<p>Since my subfloor has epoxy and a layer of fiberglass cloth on it, I've not needed to be careful with it and the trailer and its subfoor have been my shop for a couple of years. That ended today and I will now have to be careful.  Last week I made a stupid epoxy spill on the subfloor but it was easy to clean.  Tomorrow I shall move the epoxy out of the trailer.</p> <p>Pam has bunches of bears, but mostly Pandas.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2U0KwR_yZdg/TglQEL34nDI/AAAAAAAAAvo/WxPgCqzd3os/s1600-h/P1000097%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000097" border="0" alt="P1000097" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--lVon-M1TJc/TglQE65mJQI/AAAAAAAAAvs/SSYfwYiN_NA/P1000097_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7Qk5iXXfeu8/TglQHsK9LDI/AAAAAAAAAvw/B20KE_r4Njg/s1600-h/P1000100%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000100" border="0" alt="P1000100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETbJFk-UqINbMc9MPlvuBqHLvNZ9YKrMclGqnvCvMF7f4AQq7MYIcrg856cMhkQFhRockpQLU7xHZZXv99UkjyArT7Te1DtVsWsX2auHmdIm2yUTCypXyQ3smd7t4kIoYQBAHrf9gx8k/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_lmn1FmJfME/TglQLL0-lvI/AAAAAAAAAv4/tfIIS-p7lwk/s1600-h/P1000098%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000098" border="0" alt="P1000098" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JwwBScYlIyU/TglQL7LiRiI/AAAAAAAAAv8/4q1Z-PqaFgo/P1000098_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Those pandas dictated the choice of bamboo for the floor.   It was fitted around the cabinets as opposed to under mainly so I could replace it later if bad things happen to it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lBfP712iouc/TglQOtzLgKI/AAAAAAAAAwA/BaC4ra0LPpQ/s1600-h/P1000094%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000094" border="0" alt="P1000094" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WnGpROb8_xY/TglQPApbI-I/AAAAAAAAAwI/hDmmG79-reQ/P1000094_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>It went in easily in a couple of work days, even with all the fitting. Still have the moulding yet to go, but that should be pretty simple. Shouldn't have been in hindsight, but I was surprised by the amount of waste. I'd gotten three boxes and figured I'd barely use more than two, but there are only 5 or 6 full pieces left and a lot of cutoffs thrown away.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LvM6mWNDE3A/TglQRQ1d_YI/AAAAAAAAAwM/TM5pnTyVUFE/s1600-h/P1000095%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000095" border="0" alt="P1000095" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8YXi218J-T4/TglQR6gQ5lI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/lpGVhtLF1T0/P1000095_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I'm afraid to walk on it now, but I'm hoping that feeling goes away.</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-77258774710624071392011-06-08T21:00:00.001-07:002011-06-08T21:00:18.541-07:00Holding Tank Venting<p>Island Girl had no holding tanks originally and only one vent that exited through the bathroom.  I utilized that existing hole along with the original scoop type vent cap for the black tank.  The gray tank vent runs through the wardrobe closet.  For both vents, I decided to use marine through hull fittings.  They make a watertight seal and terminate with barb type ends.  I stayed with barb type fittings for the tank as well and used marine sanitation hose for the actual vent lines.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FT-Wus33H1Y/TfBFDkT668I/AAAAAAAAAuo/frxm_7zIEsI/s1600-h/P1000074%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000074" border="0" alt="P1000074" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ooODyiNPkCk/TfBFEK21jRI/AAAAAAAAAus/_fIl-mSUDes/P1000074_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F4RXuLbkCWY/TfBFGnlNCMI/AAAAAAAAAuw/pKgsqsA7qCU/s1600-h/P1000075%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000075" border="0" alt="P1000075" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uqBwmp7Rq4s/TfBFHFw_rjI/AAAAAAAAAu0/IeyHLI4rFM0/P1000075_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>The inside hole is large to allow access for installing nutplates that will let the vent cap be easily removable for maintenance.  I’ll add a trim plate to cover the hole later.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uu0eQkRstAI/TfBFKAHfAoI/AAAAAAAAAu4/m86QDFSv7Ps/s1600-h/P1000076%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000076" border="0" alt="P1000076" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EuHFKbkUQEY/TfBFK1rVH1I/AAAAAAAAAu8/XFmEWsrePZk/P1000076_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>The vent cap came from a posting on Airforums about finding these neat little caps at some mobile home supply store.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HTsxkG5bUpY/TfBFNIBCwSI/AAAAAAAAAvA/R9MgsvvGQeA/s1600-h/P1000081%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000081" border="0" alt="P1000081" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TgpRgAKjnto/TfBFRMg3kqI/AAAAAAAAAvE/ZHckdck1N0g/P1000081_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Here the nutplates are installed along with the through hull fittng, ready for some Vulkem for a seal and 6 machine screws for the cap.</p> <p>I also used Vulkem to add a bit of screen on the top of the fitting to keep the critters out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tf8S11TFYtI/TfBFTxGzLZI/AAAAAAAAAvI/Sk5Q4WaxsCk/s1600-h/P1000082%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000082" border="0" alt="P1000082" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e80vTeIh9r4/TfBFUaL9JDI/AAAAAAAAAvM/WrnY-sWpUx0/P1000082_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Today the toilet got its final install as well.  Other than the flooring install, all the big systems are now in and functional.  Still several hundred little things to finish, but we’ve made it to the point that Island Girl is now totally useable.</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-56229479480736314512011-05-30T15:51:00.001-07:002011-05-30T15:51:01.215-07:00Ice Cream<p>I like it.  I like it too much.  In the 23 years we’ve lived on our boat, though, we’ve never been able to keep ice cream onboard.  We have a good refrigerator, but it does not have a freezer.  During the years we were away from the U.S. cruising, ice cream was what we craved after a long and usually hot passage.  As soon as we anchored in a new port, we’d head ashore with our passports, boat papers, and two spoons.  Once the paperwork was done, we’d find a store, buy a two liter container of ice cream and usually eat it right on the steps of the store.</p> <p>Ice cream is now one of the few foods that Pam can eat pretty well, so we often go to the grocery store on the way to the trailer and pick up a pint for her to eat.  I help.  I do.</p> <p>Yesterday I got two half gallon containers of ice cream (coffee and vanilla bean) and put them in Island Girl’s fridge.  Today I was only there for a short time and did little work, just installed a cabinet door.  But, the ice cream is frozen solid in the freezer, so it’ll be ready for Pam tomorrow when we get over there.  How cool is that?  Ice cream in our own freezer!  I’m a happy boy.</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-20502730395387784612011-05-26T15:47:00.001-07:002011-05-26T15:47:41.870-07:00Island Girl’s Systems are Go<p>Not much actual work today, but a big step forward. Yesterday I moved the trailer near a faucet and filled our fresh tanks. Today, the water pump and water heater got their electrical hookups done. Note to self: always make sure that you've hooked up the wires to the circuit breaker panel before you wonder why the pump doesn't work. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NpkOroBmyLM/Td7YfoxTJ1I/AAAAAAAAAuY/Xh4Em5h62AE/s1600-h/P1000057%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000057" border="0" alt="P1000057" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AEU4YtRJTmk/Td7YgSd5cTI/AAAAAAAAAuc/LExSrht-K0I/P1000057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> No leaks at all in the PEX. There's a drip at the water heater drain that needs attention and one at the strainer basket in the sink. Easy fixes. I will never like plumbing, but the PEX with the copper crimps and brass fittings works really well.</p> <p>So we've now got heat, a cold fridge, hot and cold water, and a stove all functional.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ykqC6wJOxhw/Td7YibyzOPI/AAAAAAAAAug/h3D6WkAB-HM/s1600-h/P1000052%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000052" border="0" alt="P1000052" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j0zhmtGgdp4/Td7YjN6ptHI/AAAAAAAAAuk/R8zpT_v1G60/P1000052_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Little by little, polishing continues.  Rain has about made it impossible for the last few days, but I’m planning to do it just a little at a time anyway.  Compounder and F7 Nuvite is all I’ve used so far.</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-82769837926012289272011-05-17T22:16:00.001-07:002011-05-17T22:16:58.245-07:00Plumbing Water and Plumbing Gas<p>I still hate plumbing, but it's almost over. Fill lines for the two tanks and the sink drain remain to be done with the water. The pics show the layout in the galley with a few ball valves instead of check valves.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNVfOoZ5_I/AAAAAAAAAtI/THMjK-4teW4/s1600-h/P1000037%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000037" border="0" alt="P1000037" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNVgWSn2eI/AAAAAAAAAtM/opc4ZLNEXa0/P1000037_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNVkI7Pu4I/AAAAAAAAAtQ/KqdF-kLE3Z8/s1600-h/P1000038%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000038" border="0" alt="P1000038" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNVmkXMGmI/AAAAAAAAAtU/YbjcwNXvGRI/P1000038_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> The low point is right at the water heater and using the heater bypass, I'm able to get away with a single drain line for the system.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8XNH-jXmLrfrXaDnzFJ-Rwh6DPlLALQYhZnmqjEvICUUJCmEOeqIpVpgBSDnfNkQ6E8PrSwtLp-1dMPxgcVyAKzE_xvjGaEsTbeasgIvwQD9742x-zG9RZHBR8XXXa12l7yCPqhZ9h4/s1600-h/P1000043%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000043" border="0" alt="P1000043" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNVsJN698I/AAAAAAAAAtc/eks3jNKc19I/P1000043_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNVwEAD6NI/AAAAAAAAAtg/fzNNp8pfPts/s1600-h/P1000044%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000044" border="0" alt="P1000044" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNVxvnOYjI/AAAAAAAAAtk/YRt3rc1VAxQ/P1000044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> Double flares have been keeping me busy for a week or so. I've been lying under the trailer on rain and mud soaked cardboard surrounded by the state animal of western Washington, the slug. I put in shutoff valves for each of the four gas appliances. The propane system is all hooked up now, but the tubing still needs to be secured to the frame. I'd never done the double flares before, so it was scary turning the gas on this afternoon after the last connection was made. Had a couple of joints that needed another pull on the wrench and one just plain crummy flare that evaded my quality control and had to be replaced.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNV06zYDKI/AAAAAAAAAto/5GsziT0LJr4/s1600-h/P1000042%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000042" border="0" alt="P1000042" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNV2IPHh_I/AAAAAAAAAts/9NoSuv8Wqw0/P1000042_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> Even though we've had temporary gas lines run for the heater for 2 years, it was still pretty cool to fire up the stove for the first time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNV6fhMe2I/AAAAAAAAAtw/qAeng6nWGbM/s1600-h/P1000045%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000045" border="0" alt="P1000045" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNV7SVIHwI/AAAAAAAAAt0/QuhSJIZZQoI/P1000045_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNV_MIVACI/AAAAAAAAAt4/DzmJJAtQQwI/s1600-h/P1000046%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000046" border="0" alt="P1000046" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNWAM3c3fI/AAAAAAAAAt8/3vDu6XFy9NQ/P1000046_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p> And, despite the rain, polishing has begun. Weather looks good for the next few days, so I'm planning on getting some more compounding done.</p> <p>The curtain sewing project has given me the sewing bug.  I’m going to try to sew my own awning and window shades and bought an old Pfaff 130 sewing machine on eBay for the task.  It is a year older than me and six older than the trailer.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t well packed and arrived with the base for the case pretty well destroyed.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNWDaeZUfI/AAAAAAAAAuA/EO6X8vATRXY/s1600-h/P1000028%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000028" border="0" alt="P1000028" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNWESrmJxI/AAAAAAAAAuE/rdisq1sGBkQ/P1000028_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNWIENszUI/AAAAAAAAAuI/J7ND3sIse6s/s1600-h/P1000036%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000036" border="0" alt="P1000036" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNWJ5WJHXI/AAAAAAAAAuM/1qBcgf7kOe4/P1000036_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>I took it completely apart and repaired it with epoxy and fiberglass, so it’s back in pretty good shape now.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNWO7okFxI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/1LXcxtDk6rI/s1600-h/P1000039%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000039" border="0" alt="P1000039" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TdNWRrwINnI/AAAAAAAAAuU/SwMYKfY2els/P1000039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>The machine came through it fine and should be able to handle any awning work I throw at it.  My own capabilities are limited to throw pillows right now, but at least an awning is on the horizon.</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-70932683674898207302011-04-19T22:08:00.001-07:002011-04-19T22:08:16.629-07:00I Still Don’t Like Plumbing<p>but this PEX stuff is really nice.</p> <p>I’m using the brass fittings with the copper crimp rings and it all goes together really quick.  My system is very simple with only a galley faucet and and shower and toilet.  It’s being made outside in modular sections, one for the bath and one for the galley.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/Ta5py8VAaNI/AAAAAAAAAso/mnilbYECCSM/s1600-h/P4190786%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P4190786" border="0" alt="P4190786" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/Ta5p23VEHPI/AAAAAAAAAss/svpFyeZ3oKo/P4190786_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>The plumbing for the shower and toilet sits inside a still to be finished cabinet between the bed and the bath with the feed coming from under the bed.  Almost everything was done outside except for the last two elbows connecting the feed lines.  The crimper needs quite a bit of room.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/Ta5p8EJ9TzI/AAAAAAAAAsw/mqQqLDxyJvw/s1600-h/P4190787%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P4190787" border="0" alt="P4190787" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/Ta5p_0-dg2I/AAAAAAAAAs0/OmLd1gBFEJ4/P4190787_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>So the only crimps that had to be done inside are the two at the top left in the above picture.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/Ta5qD8TYa6I/AAAAAAAAAs4/A9V39aEOvw8/s1600-h/P4190788%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P4190788" border="0" alt="P4190788" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/Ta5qHb2sgKI/AAAAAAAAAs8/5NYmHKc4fQM/P4190788_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Then everything slides into place inside the cabinet.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/Ta5qKTxaHDI/AAAAAAAAAtA/LCpGIA1O8_U/s1600-h/P4160785%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P4160785" border="0" alt="P4160785" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/Ta5qOCOzkwI/AAAAAAAAAtE/wdKvynBCW5U/P4160785_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Outside, the fills for the two fresh water tanks, the city water hookup, and the fresh tank vent are all mounted in place.  They’ll just need Vulkem and final fastening to finish.  These four fittings are all marine style.</p> <p>58 degrees is forecasted for Saturday, so we might head for the car wash tomorrow to get ready for some outside polish work.  It’s way past time for my summer uniform of shorts and flip flops.</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-31510071209627799302011-04-11T17:53:00.001-07:002011-04-11T17:53:27.113-07:00Progress That Shows<p>Most of the time I feel like I work and work on Island Girl and nothing really shows. Lately, though, things are beginning to come together and often a little work yields big results.</p> <p>The chrome plater finally got my pieces done and the scare light and the Bargmann H20-2 I doubt have ever looked quite this good. Nice to be able to get rid of the vice grip door handle I've been using for the last two months.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Nfwg9qpk53rI5zqLbG7AB7EcyOHmJ5ESe6a482eOaCRWr-GhD5o757OgHThhu5OO3t1RNbsjqMfXE68LBIcRYUqlB6pY14K7fp4ALzSwh6vmOeuzf49kLHEzieWi78M2HaMpM2tUuoM/s1600-h/P2140715%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P2140715" border="0" alt="P2140715" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TaOiKHgoZ4I/AAAAAAAAAr0/BzbY6gnURsg/P2140715_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TaOiNdVrpzI/AAAAAAAAAr4/e46SPLn9KtA/s1600-h/P4110776%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P4110776" border="0" alt="P4110776" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TaOiOAK5ezI/AAAAAAAAAr8/jIpKL6O1lHY/P4110776_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TaOiQjKv5nI/AAAAAAAAAsA/48hiHVi8bg4/s1600-h/P4110778%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P4110778" border="0" alt="P4110778" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TaOiRC4jUBI/AAAAAAAAAsE/li5Nw7ugYGg/P4110778_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Woot.com had a really good deal on a full size mattress and it is now cut to fit and in place. I wasn't ready for it, but the deal was too good to skip. When it arrived, the package firmly said it had to be opened to expand within 3 days, so it's in, ready or not.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TaOiTs0NdsI/AAAAAAAAAsI/ukj4RbGFtyY/s1600-h/P4110780%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P4110780" border="0" alt="P4110780" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TaOiUQvaEsI/AAAAAAAAAsM/aZ_yavLqeJg/P4110780_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>On the big job front, my buddy Jim, who usually mans the rivet gun, is sewing curtains. I'm a wiz at hand sewing, but hopeless with a machine, so his help is really appreciated. It's a bark cloth fabric that I was afraid was going to be too bold for my taste, but I'm really happy with the way it looks.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TaOiXKL2SCI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/O6iMLePEChU/s1600-h/P4110781%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P4110781" border="0" alt="P4110781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_LsI0Qi9zlD_5w0DzjHv2jYwAx-qdJlYhQSbVg8Nt31JBO8f2VQmCmU71KekXUF03v-ZN12XpLgzAu2oFehPGlJ6UhtCstfjSI7C75e2OobbZ80zCRRgNlgAA-QfFWfngssOzTWACDU/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TaOibbdYWpI/AAAAAAAAAsY/RFl6PHcNXkU/s1600-h/P1000009%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000009" border="0" alt="P1000009" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TaOicJQLX6I/AAAAAAAAAsc/HjmdC_2Dz7w/P1000009_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TaOig6DajyI/AAAAAAAAAsg/cl-QJTE31XY/s1600-h/P1000010%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1000010" border="0" alt="P1000010" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TaOihsffafI/AAAAAAAAAsk/M3F2KeogEcs/P1000010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>There's a sink and a faucet visible in the pics too, holding tanks now have fittings, and I'm collecting the last of the crimp fittings for the PEX.</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-73060449860173101142011-03-19T17:34:00.001-07:002011-03-19T17:36:58.925-07:00A Toaster in My ToasterGot a package in the mail a couple of weeks ago that I wasn’t expecting and inside was a wonderful old toaster for Island Girl from Pam’s sister. It’s perfect!! Thanks, Barb.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TYVLOh-c5-I/AAAAAAAAAqw/cZINJvaRxuo/s1600-h/P3190772%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="P3190772" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TYVLQvHXNXI/AAAAAAAAAq0/ZXWQROuXu3Q/P3190772_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P3190772" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TYVLYHkYC6I/AAAAAAAAAq4/vA_uD8q4BX0/s1600-h/P3190774%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="P3190774" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TYVLalR9FEI/AAAAAAAAAq8/dDxtSmswumQ/P3190774_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P3190774" width="244" /></a><br />
As you can also see, the laminate for the countertops is going in. Had our caregiver today and I didn’t want Pam with me when I did the stinky gluing, so it was a good day for it. Ran out of time with one piece still to go, but that’s OK.<br />
The entry for the bathroom has been an ongoing project, laminating the upper and lower parts, one piece of Baltic birch at a time.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TYVLeF4XufI/AAAAAAAAArA/KBwgi1VvJn8/s1600-h/P3140749%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="P3140749" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TYVLf9AH7II/AAAAAAAAArE/Tq__M-M0vRE/P3140749_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P3140749" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TYVLixnu0AI/AAAAAAAAArI/DDe4zYzBDD8/s1600-h/P3140748%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="P3140748" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TYVLl2tScCI/AAAAAAAAArM/sG8pRZOSCmw/P3140748_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P3140748" width="184" /></a><br />
It’s not much different than the original, just a smaller opening and more curves, but I’m happy with the way it looks.<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TYVLozk-l7I/AAAAAAAAArQ/ODawPunA--w/s1600-h/P3140757%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="P3140757" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TYVLqGpbSMI/AAAAAAAAArU/pWsYT1B9Gag/P3140757_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P3140757" width="244" /></a><br />
And the old vanity with its curved top is morphing into the new computer station. That curve was a tough one.<br />
-stevepbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-16187726050070486932011-03-12T19:04:00.001-08:002011-03-12T19:04:46.145-08:00Rain and Wind<p>It seems like we’ve had rain and wind nonstop for a month.  I know it’s really not that bad, but it seems like it.  The boat has been heeled over in the wind and gloomy and dark down below.  Pam continues to slowly get worse and I still try to get her off the boat for awhile each day, but it’s a big effort getting her on and off as she just about can’t walk anymore.  If you know anything about sailboats, think bosun’s chair.  So, this morning, even though I had our caregiver coming to give me a break, I was dark and down and gloomy and depressed, mostly from the weather.</p> <p>As far as trailer work goes, things are pretty good.  Having to work slowly and deliberately as I’m in one of those stages where it’s easy to make stupid mistakes and I have little patience for myself on that stuff.  But, it’s almost magical the way the trailer is coming together after all this time.  So many things I’ve thought about and planned for during the last two years are actually in the trailer now and they mostly look and work like I wanted.  That’s way cool.</p> <p>Outside, I’ve got the louvered panel for the fridge air intake installed.  Louvered panel came from <a href="http://www.hotrodlouvers.com/">Fergie's Custom Louvers</a> and I used the <a href="http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Drip_Cap_p/vts-515.htm?1=1&CartID=0">Vintage Style Drip Caps</a> from VTS.  Fergie’s louver polished up nice and easy, but Steve’s drip cap was a pain.  I knew it came white and need to be stripped, but it didn’t strip—even Aircraft Paint Remover didn’t touch the finish.  Only sanding got it down to bare aluminum and it was a lot of work.  It was also too long but that was expected and an easy fix.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TXwz1ZmOTpI/AAAAAAAAApo/fIjJsgilHag/s1600-h/P3050734%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P3050734" border="0" alt="P3050734" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TXwz2ZTixVI/AAAAAAAAAps/17HHhwizZjY/P3050734_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TXwz5R6A-II/AAAAAAAAApw/CWe8RjRKOLk/s1600-h/P3070735%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P3070735" border="0" alt="P3070735" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TXwz62z-ewI/AAAAAAAAAp0/_z8pscNdN8Y/P3070735_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TXwz95z8qRI/AAAAAAAAAp4/gBycT0egLBU/s1600-h/P3080737%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P3080737" border="0" alt="P3080737" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TXwz_xoHizI/AAAAAAAAAp8/p_jg-NdKNEI/P3080737_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>I used nutplates and machine screws to fasten the louvered panel after making up some C channel to reinforce the huge hole I cut in the trailer.</p> <p>Chris, Aluminium Idler, put up a post in his <a href="http://aluminiumidler.blogspot.com/2011/02/door-in-door-infinally.html">blog</a> about using a torch to heat and bend his door back into shape.  I used the same technique after his inspiration to put a huge bend in a straight piece of trim for the bathroom entry sill.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TXw0CkfA1-I/AAAAAAAAAqA/w9ZftQWcCb0/s1600-h/P2280733%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P2280733" border="0" alt="P2280733" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkioF9Kcgj0qZTzCgm6EYbZj2QwID_-5tHnb6jmpJyVBCJ8s4kZwVSc-zJizQpe8qdluRoZAnz-k-osiDk9_5dm6FjQq3qZ8fSjpexSjp7Mmw5PEK0FIsrVXc3KWbpaBHzV0eznRneH0Y/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Today I worked on the upper piece to that bathroom door and on the curved top for the former vanity cabinet just forward of the bathroom.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TXw0I-fLx3I/AAAAAAAAAqI/caJQPP_OY-M/s1600-h/P3120738%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P3120738" border="0" alt="P3120738" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TXw0JyqBb3I/AAAAAAAAAqM/_cHpw_t7elY/P3120738_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TXw0MjRvjFI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/OwVCl5dfM-k/s1600-h/P3120739%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P3120739" border="0" alt="P3120739" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TXw0OYperoI/AAAAAAAAAqU/vYulkqW70rE/P3120739_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TXw0SSvuLNI/AAAAAAAAAqY/oBK6kiqH2VI/s1600-h/P3120740%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P3120740" border="0" alt="P3120740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcoxwV9vktcsGSUcZLDApH0wYBk8UA4lzJLI3eve_AuMJ3qg_y0EQ4L3TQs0QcCM9lNB4TUhOOJzhgSrau8QjhKGdl_hyRMM7j5XP5UwOeMLNRUGIjLM_uVklQIQ0rf1TQFVZh0r_zpo/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>That little cabinet top has a really sharp curve on it and I could not get the usual 1/8” Baltic Birch to make the bend no matter what I tried.  I ended up using a couple pieces of 1/16” Aircraft Birch laminated together to get it done.</p> <p>But back to the wind and rain. . . I worked about half the day on those two projects above and decided to spend the afternoon sitting and reading in front of the fire in the heater.  I’m parked in a storage lot which doesn’t sound very pretty, but Island Girl is in the back on the grass with lots of trees around and a couple of eagles often overhead.  The trailer doesn’t heel in the wind like the boat and the rain sounds really soothing on the aluminum.  And nine Caravanner windows are much better than tiny portholes.  My gloom was pretty well gone.</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-81228589293884994072011-02-14T19:04:00.001-08:002011-02-14T19:04:17.124-08:00The Wardrobe Makeover<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TVntE3mw6-I/AAAAAAAAAo4/ESW_dxAEct4/s1600-h/IMG_0325%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0325" border="0" alt="IMG_0325" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TVntFYE6JpI/AAAAAAAAAo8/q-x_IfkyS18/IMG_0325_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" height="244" /></a></p> <p>The original wardrobe was a huge hanging locker.  I really like the <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/elfa/components/elfaDrawersAccessories?productId=10009304&N=80348">Elfa Bins</a> that I used in the cabinet between the recliners and the plan has been to use them in part of the wardrobe as well.  The bins are on sale in January, so I waited until last month to get 4 more of the platinum mesh drawers.  The last couple of days I’ve been dividing the wardrobe and making the hangers for the bins.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TVntHEs6rFI/AAAAAAAAApA/ZyRIRU7nLRk/s1600-h/P2140717%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P2140717" border="0" alt="P2140717" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TVntILyxlPI/AAAAAAAAApE/vAksHPBLHOw/P2140717_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TVntLlNbg7I/AAAAAAAAApI/7tsd9tnPZX4/s1600-h/P2140720%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P2140720" border="0" alt="P2140720" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TVntMBHjh5I/AAAAAAAAApM/gwW4xrBepns/P2140720_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Lots of finish work still to go on them before they’re done, but I think they’ll work well with lots of storage that can be used in several different ways.</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-11226039449518628772011-02-06T19:18:00.001-08:002011-02-06T19:18:26.320-08:00How is It Possible to Work 6 Hours in This Space?<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TU9kcomUkCI/AAAAAAAAAoo/X6goQZkAR44/s1600-h/P2060708%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P2060708" border="0" alt="P2060708" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TU9kdWRiIcI/AAAAAAAAAos/tDDcdw_a578/P2060708_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I had care for Pam today and figured I'd get a bunch of stuff done. Instead, I spent 6 hours inside this little 2x2 space, mostly finishing the fridge vent hood and putting the floor of the cabinet back in.</p> <p>Sometimes it is just amazing to me that I can work so many hours and seemingly get almost nothing done. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TU9kfpmxDsI/AAAAAAAAAow/NQGyB7xY4J0/s1600-h/P2060710%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P2060710" border="0" alt="P2060710" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TU9kgW5vFFI/AAAAAAAAAo0/2fXytJ1LCRE/P2060710_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>It does all count as progress, though, and some projects actually get done these days instead of being bits of ongoing projects.</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-69846678326988867502011-02-04T22:09:00.001-08:002011-02-04T22:09:42.403-08:00Refrigerator Install<p>For the two years I’ve been working on Island Girl, my hope has been to face  new refrigerator with the original 50’s door from the old Marvel she came with.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TUzpW-tvKGI/AAAAAAAAAoA/i-mdWp4YVtc/s1600-h/IMG_0320%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0320" border="0" alt="IMG_0320" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TUzpYZjIZXI/AAAAAAAAAoE/4Ea8tymiiL0/IMG_0320_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" height="244" /></a></p> <p>A Dometic RM2510 seemed to be the closest in size and among the most important measurements was the width of the freezer door which was just small enough to clear the Marvel door frame.  The inside height of the Dometic was greater, but everything looked like it could be done.</p> <p>When it arrived, almost all the measurements worked out.  Depth would be tight in the cabinet, but the door mod could be done.  Second thoughts began to creep in when I opened the Dometic door and looked at all the storage in the door itself and all that would go away if I used the Marvel door.</p> <p>I asked everyone I knew, including all the great people from Hospice who have been coming by for Pam (and me), for their advice on how I should go forward.  Function is going to win out, especially since I’ve departed from the pure original vintage trailer in quite a few areas.</p> <p>Depth, though, was a problem not solved until I removed a bit of interior skin.  I made up an airfoil shaped piece of aluminum to replace my cutout and my riveting buddy Jim came over to  help put it in place.  At the same time, I lowered the fridge mount as far as I could in the cabinet, down to the top of the wheel well.  Then it finally agreed to slide right in with a perfect fit.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TUzpa-n9tyI/AAAAAAAAAoI/dWanyUwicuA/s1600-h/P1270688%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1270688" border="0" alt="P1270688" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TUzpcGPH88I/AAAAAAAAAoM/eV8Ldx0rUC4/P1270688_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>I’ve been working most recently on the vent, making that out of some of the salvaged aluminum interior skins that I’ve replaced with birch.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YfP22ZbPrQN0-l4s1d9r113X2LJ7iyO8NtOdDtlYPCHg9j8LAgiqkpVWpritk_EXvhqAXLcLSXr-dgtHPV1p4SX19oE6WnZREnKPNNohpDN48t8XHqM19-JtRd0ct3v3odeK7MP2Z2o/s1600-h/P2040705%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P2040705" border="0" alt="P2040705" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TUzpfqpHB8I/AAAAAAAAAoU/uhD_bx1zU0U/P2040705_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>And instead of that cool Marvel door, it’ll be standard Dometic, but done in birch.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TUzphoRYZ-I/AAAAAAAAAoY/JLIe5XO7UO8/s1600-h/P2040703%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P2040703" border="0" alt="P2040703" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TUzpixLOknI/AAAAAAAAAoc/LSQ2SWYE1MQ/P2040703_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>No vintage fridge door also means that the vintage stove makes less sense, so I’ve got a new stove going in opposite the refrigerator.  The new one avoids a clearance problem with the water heater that would have been an issue with the original.  If anyone needs a 50’s Princess stove, you’re welcome to come pick mine up.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TUzpnYAe2fI/AAAAAAAAAog/-i7RvB2oee8/s1600-h/P1280697%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1280697" border="0" alt="P1280697" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TUzpo0vxdNI/AAAAAAAAAok/Dn0mg7epXcM/P1280697_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>On the left in that last picture is the platform on casters that I made up to make it easier to move the new fridge in and out during the install.  It’s made life much easier.</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-22190578011881953532011-01-08T17:56:00.001-08:002011-01-08T17:56:43.337-08:00When You Simply Cannot See the Obvious<p>I’ve been hard at work in the bathroom and what I’ve done has been going slowly, but well.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TSkVsxCGIrI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/QnOgRM3BCNc/s1600-h/P1080687%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1080687" border="0" alt="P1080687" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TSkVtiUGrqI/AAAAAAAAAnU/KrNODP5xTVo/P1080687_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>There is one problem that I’ve spent hours and hours thinking about, trying to solve it in the best way.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TSkVwZWSBNI/AAAAAAAAAnY/tEgjuIlf-Cg/s1600-h/P1010044%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1010044" border="0" alt="P1010044" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TSkVxvfKU9I/AAAAAAAAAnc/9CX4S_RwXrw/P1010044_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p>In the original, Island Girl had a flat shower pan, water lines for the shower running around the perimeter, and the shower head mounted on the bulkhead to the left in the picture above.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qpXZgevhQSRRSVyzWj0k32qE6E1eqfKtHMVcnWrJVv3npaiKYHzWa5xY5YMk_7ajsyOWmRToqvnhInSxGiGcH1uZG72lJjtXx5wtV4CBFLal2IAjacsvRfN4wkqRaLSAtnz81ujv-hc/s1600-h/P1080684%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1080684" border="0" alt="P1080684" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TSkV2ascgiI/AAAAAAAAAnk/1rvO3K1p0Q8/P1080684_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>The new bulkheads are slightly wider than the old and there will be a small cabinet on the right, between the rear bulkhead and the bed in an area that used to be a narrow strip of tile.  I’d very much like to route the water lines in a cleaner appearing way than just screwed to the wall as they were.  I want the wet bath to function well as a shower and be easy to clean.</p> <p>There will be a new laminated piece going around the curved door opening and I’d thought I might make that piece wide enough to hide the water line routing inside it.  Complicated, but it would work and keep the clean appearance.</p> <p>Usually, when I’m struggling with how to execute an idea, I ask my friend Dusty for advice.  He drove over today while Pam and I were at the trailer and he took a look at what I’d planned.  I don’t think he had any real reason to be there except that I had asked for help earlier in the day back on the boat.  Didn’t take him long to ask me why the shower had to be mounted on the side bulkhead as original instead of the rear bulkhead.  Clearly there was no reason.  Using the rear bulkhead the water lines and shower mixing valve could easily be hidden in the new cabinet next to the bed.</p> <p>He’s exactly right and it’s a much better way to do it:  simple, shorter water run and keeps the water lines and fittings away from a space that will later house the computer.  Good friends are good to have.</p> <p>Why couldn’t I see this on my own?</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623753052339571343.post-47506704133491394652010-12-30T15:58:00.001-08:002010-12-30T15:58:13.594-08:00The Bathroom Begins<p>The trailer originally had no holding tanks.  Not many changes in the space except for the addition of the holding tank, but I really want it to function well as a wet bath.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvRH1H8N1oZO7cFreru33BlL_7JK99QV7sfR4YHHhnfAE-XrtgDcXkNET6TnN9-PMqM67RbR1J7eW6_xmzgRPpbRnL3Ddm_OoRC-gboJiY2756Z_tzF5YCCjMyB2CQyt6TMKhFxspT5dU/s1600-h/P1010080%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1010080" border="0" alt="P1010080" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TR0cSPBPa0I/AAAAAAAAAms/2bhvakHbcis/P1010080_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>That’s the way the shower pan looked when I took it out in the gutting process.  I’ve decided to reuse it, just shortening to fit the new space and a bit of polishing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TR0cVix9NQI/AAAAAAAAAmw/X6ayE1rpOyg/s1600-h/PC270675%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC270675" border="0" alt="PC270675" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TR0cW6CF4HI/AAAAAAAAAm0/YDpGAluLFCU/PC270675_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>New bulkheads are rough cut, the tank is in place, and the shower pan is smaller.  I’ll be using white FRP panels on the inside of the bulkheads and the aluminum will be painted white.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TR0catQh5JI/AAAAAAAAAm4/nA4_2cFXONU/s1600-h/PC300683%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC300683" border="0" alt="PC300683" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TR0ccJ6X-yI/AAAAAAAAAm8/o6eo0Nu-RvA/PC300683_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>5/8’s ply will sit on top of the tank and 1/2” King Starboard will form the visible surface.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TR0cfS3J0SI/AAAAAAAAAnA/8b6YVYwEkq4/s1600-h/PC300679%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC300679" border="0" alt="PC300679" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TR0cgz3Z_aI/AAAAAAAAAnE/p8d0dQrrYT8/PC300679_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>I’ve seen Starboard, but have never used it.  It works like wood, cuts easily, and can be fastened with screws.  It should give me a nice waterproof surface that will be easy to keep clean.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Y87hb-Myr7kKA6O_a7qlKKDZ5SC53BMYprAcTOjDbIntW12uByafa52Kni7uDioZNxdwc-Ezt630QtLV_EakAArGAc1I-WX-FXGFZCQO3Ij1IceU9ViGfPnK_miXzJgr3h8fKQ1gvLc/s1600-h/PC300680%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="PC300680" border="0" alt="PC300680" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_RjeSVjux36E/TR0ck2ghCkI/AAAAAAAAAnM/IMDkfIO98ig/PC300680_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>This Perko marine scupper drain (used to drain the cockpit on a boat) is the shower drain fitting.  It has a simple check valve in it, just a floating rubber ball.  It’ll use marine sanitation hose to form a P trap before running forward to the gray tank.  I’ve also dished out the subfloor surface around the drain to encourage the shower pan to drain.</p> <p>Last post of the year and nearly two years into the project.  Hard to believe it’s been that long, but there’s clearly light at the end of the tunnel now.</p> <p>-steve</p> pbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02693893008288202409noreply@blogger.com0