Getting Closer All the TIme!

I had a good day at the Airstream broker yesterday – interesting pas de deux between parties pertaining to what seems like interminable wait for my modifications to happen (parts arriving from The Mothership in Ohio and then installation). Good news is “Bertha” will be ready in a couple of days! However, a few days later I leave (without her) and head to Montana for business.  I am now spending time getting supplies and items of living & interior decoration ready – and studying up on Airstream HVAC, electrical, water & sewer systems, etc. Associated blog well underway and will be officially released soon. Needless to say – I am stoked and ready to rock.

Today, while looking through boxes I brought out to Colorado I came across some of the Massai tribal accouterments I obtained in East Africa some years back – the Shúkà (a beautiful red plaid cotton cloth traditionally worn wrapped around the shoulder and longer down the body), wooden lion club, misc knives and necklaces ought to make the new RV absolutely beautiful. Also, have the order placed with the Mrs to bring out my small (but cool) collection of Haitian & Burmese art and other interesting items from places that I either worked or traveled to.

I am happy to report that the dealership did a great job implanting an oven, installing a whole bunch of day/night window treatments, and moving the television “up and over” a bit. All that is left is to get the “streetside” and rear (bedroom) awnings on.

I am trying to be as “Green” as possible

(Im-) Patiently Waiting for Mods to be Finished

Yep, we sure do luv you Ms. Bertha!

Dreary day in Denver – spent all day getting three different presentations together that I am to give this coming week in South Dakota (1) and Memphis (2). However, interspersed throughout the day were thoughts of the new Airstream. I popped into the dealership yesterday to see when she would be ready for the run-through and transit to her new home a few miles to the south. Unfortunately, the modifications my wife and I are making are taking a bit longer than anticipated – no real worries though as I am on the road all next week and then a bit more over the next fortnight.

Apparently, the delay is parts getting to Denver from the “Mothership” in Jackson Center, Ohio. My wife and I want awnings on three sides; are replacing the dinette with one made of real wood (actually, a table from a Classic); having an oven installed; fitting all the bedroom windows and the front (main) window with day/night shades (again, as seen in a Classic); and finally, having the brackets for the television sets moved higher and closer to the wall. Some of these items I could do myself. However, with no tools to hand and limited time – I am letting the Airstream folks handle it. I have met my mechanic and he is tops!

So, I wait …  I spent some time over the past week shopping to outfit my new home. It is a shame that I have a house back on the East Coast filled with all sorts of tools, hoses, ladders, and kitchen, bath, & bedroom gear that I could easily transfer to Bertha, but all those things are almost 2000 miles distant. I literally have been living out of a couple of backpacks and a duffel bag for the past 42 months. I loaded up my truck with a variety of clothes and gear when I was last home, but I am still wanting for a lot of the basics. In any event, my wife tells me that shopping is fun!

An old friend in Denver is loaning me a teak picnic table and chairs for my patio – a real touch of class and appropriate as the patio will be a focal point during the lovely Colorado spring, summer and fall – have not thought too much about Old Man Winter yet.

My wife and I will do a major league shopping spree when she comes out for the walk through and move. In the meantime she is slowly bringing me (& sending) out many of the chachkas and items of superb coolness that I have steadily accumulated from years of globe-trotting – and I cannot wait to have her help me decorate our new home!  I also look forward to hearing ideas proffered by an architect colleague regarding use of space.

I have not yet begun to stock up in the booze and food department, but that day will soon arrive as I anticipate quite a lot of visitors will be stopping by to set a spell and ogle Ms. Bertha.

Here are some more pics:

Happy colleagues voicing approval.

Proud Papa!

Sebbie certifies the "green-ness"

Aft section of Bertha.

Bertha's extended familia.

More of the extended familia.

A tired, but happy Mrs.

 

My Airstream Blog Goes Live

The purchase of our new 30-foot International (Serenity) occurred six days ago. Quite a lot of research and thinking (many months) went into the acquisition – and I (we) are satisfied so far. I intend for this blog to be platform to share my experiences – so, here’s the story (warts and all). I will try to maintain correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, but make no promises as to changing style, train of thought, or anything else.

I totally get the group of Airstream loyalists out there and I appreciate all the help through face-to-face intercourse as well as their truly great presence on the Internet (http://www.airforums.com) and all sorts of blogs / web pages that I will eventually provide links to.

I have taken a new job with the Federal government in Denver, Colorado and, as my wife will remain home on the east coast for at least the next couple of years, I can think of no better way to shelter myself than cocooned in an Airstream! I have been a nomad at heart and in my psyche from as long as I can recollect. I have also been a traveler for fun and profit for the past many, many years – I have lived in so many hotel rooms that most folks would totally freak out at even my most conservative estimate.

I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania where for many years the Wally Byam Caravan Club held rallys during the summer and fall – I used to attend these with my Dad and still remember marveling at all those fine beauties. I have been watching Airstreams for a long time – never passing up the opportunity to take a photo of a vintage model or even a newer one in a unique setting.

As luck would have it there is an Airstream dealership literally about a thousand meters or so from where I work at the Federal Center on the outskirts of Denver – how convenient! I never even considered some other brand (SOB). Needless to say, I spent a lot of time at lunch and after work lounging in and crawling under all the models they have on premises (& they have a lot). I also had the good fortune to deal with a knowledgeable good-old-boy salesman who loves Airstreams as much as I do!

My intent from the get-go was to purchase a new (& big)  unit – having spent too many years working on old cars and older houses. Plus, my living and work situation required immediate action and something that would not need fixing. I was also prepared to order one and wait for it to be shipped from the plant in Ohio – foolish me. As the five or so weeks it took me to finally come to a decision ended, I realized that I was not the only Airstream shopper in town! Spring had sprung in the Rockies and the delivery wait (& cost) increased to the point where I freaked :). I knew I wanted (needed) a 30-footer to live in permanently for at least a couple of years. As mentioned, the dealership has a lot in stock, but only a couple of the big ones.

I took a fancy to the Flying Cloud model, but in the course of spending far too many days going back and forth to the dealership with a variety of work colleagues, Skyping my wife and sharing data, visiting RV parks and credit unions, and cogitating/ruminating, etc., etc., the Flying Cloud was purchased by a pilot from Texas right under my nose. This was my come to Jesus moment – I was ready to commit (& had the approval & support of my lovely wife & a good credit score) – all I needed was to see the right unit.

Lo and behold, a 30-foot International had arrive a week or so before and was in the “way-back” lot being prepped for showing. To put it bluntly, I gazed upon the lovely lady and was totally smitten. The only things was that the price tag was higher than what I really wanted to spend, but again – foolish me (Airstream quality, coolness and iconic beauty, and re-sale value).

I still took me a couple of days going back and forth with my wife and colleagues to get to the point where I actually signed a document that held it for a couple of days until the Mrs could fly out from the East Coast to give the final blessing – which occurred right on the spot!

I am happy to report that the delivery and move to the RV camp is set (more or less) for the end of this month – after I return from a couple of weeks of biz travel. Future blog entries will cover the add-ons and changes we are making to “Bertha” – the name given to the Airstream by my wife (& yes, indeed a Grateful Dead reference – what did anyone expect!).

One final thing I want to note is that in anticipation of the “deal going down” my thoughtful wife brought me a very useful item of clothing — my fav Carhardt bib overalls for crawling under the behemoth and setting up the mechanicals and working on my old F-150 4×4.

Here are some photographs of our gal:

Stove top - waiting for installation of oven.

The Chinese Buffalo at the dining table.

Purchase of Bertha

April 5, 2012 – purchase of our Airstream 30-foot International (Serenity), Denver, Colorado.

After lots of research and thinking – this is the baby!  & yes, this will be my full-time home for the next two years at least.

Chinese-Buffalo & the Mrs.

Sebbie and Bertha

Bertha, Chinese-Buffalo, Sebbie and mates from work.