Where’s Kyle | The Chinese Buffalo

01 Sep 2012

ALUMAFANDANGO, Part II

I am currently at the top of a long weekend off from work. As I write this entry I have an RV specialist over to my site to begin installation of a “skirt” for Ms. Bertha. The company has a great reputation and does quality work (www.rvskirting.com) – the owner (Kurt) and some of his children have been here for a couple of hours in the hot Colorado sun measuring and otherwise custom fitting the 18-ounce charcoal gray vinyl. They return in a few days with the finished product – and the skirting experience will be the subject of a blog next week.

The long weekend gives me a chance to catch up on the blog. Before going on about my recent archaeological project on the west coast of Alaska, the “winter weatherization” of Ms. Bertha, various new recipes I have dreamed up or remembered from past travels, new Colorado brewpubs and restaurants, Et cetera+, I want to say some more things about the Airstream rally – Alumafandango, held a week ago at the Lakeside Amusement Park, Colorado.

As stated before, this was a terrific event: muy impresionante! Not only were the caravans fun to ogle (so too were the tow vehicles and hitches), the event was also a great learning experience – technical details of operating and repairs. The fact that there were about 80+ caravans present (of all makes and models and sizes & many open for inspection) presented my wife and me with loads of ideas for organizing, decorating, modifying, living, and hosting parties in Ms. Bertha. Airstreaming and Airstreamers Gypsies are close to a cult :).

The camaraderie was infectious and not only during the “roving” happy hours! We made a lot of friends – our Face Book amigo list has certainly spiked.

There was tons of fun touring a local vintage Airstream renovation, rebuilding, restoration & re-manufacturing facility – Timeless Travel Trailers (www.timelesstraveltrailers.com) and the historic amusement park. Riding the old-school coasters, Ferris wheels, bumper cars, carousel, and others was a blast. The Lakeside Amusement Park was a very appropriate venue for the rally & thanks to those who organized it and made it happen.

My wife entered the Aluminum Chef competition whipping up a tremendously unique desert – but alas, technical difficulties did not allow Sebbie to proceed as an Aluminum Chef finalist :(. However, next year at the rally in Tucson we shall both participate and be much better prepared.

A hurt and sore back (from working way too hard in Alaska only a few day ago) prevented me from entering the trailer “back-up derby.” Once again, next year in Tucson, but I must practice with the Mrs. in order to come in with a respectable time and no faults.

I was also unable to attend the workshop on solar power and other technical / historical presentations – due to work schedule – but I heard that they were all well done, entertaining and useful. We did attend the parts flea market and the swap meet – and had a good time.

Finally (at least for this particular post), it was very good to meet fellow Airstream bloggers on Saturday afternoon: Deke & Tiffany (www.weaselmouth.com), Laura & Kevin (www.riveted-blog.com), Kyle (www.whereiskylenow.com), Rich (www.airstreamlife.com/maze), Ana (www.glamperanairstreamdiary.com), and another Kyle (www.channelsurfingwithgas.com).