This past Sunday (02.20.2011) we (Wifey, Babe-ah and Grandma) spent the afternoon at TC. It was Grandma's first trip into camp and she had chosen to accompany us because we promised her a ride down to visit with Uncle Paul afterward. A detour that I had planned to do either way. I think she was excited to see camp as well? I took her for the "Grand Tour" and noted the property markers that cut out the square of Jim and I's little piece of PA Heaven. The woods sat wide open with every leaf of every tree fallen to the ground or buried under ice covered snow, so getting a glimpse of the true lay of the land was hardly a problem. It was quite a stark contrast compared to spring/summer where it is impossible to see more than a few feet into the bush due to the obstructed views caused by healthy greenery. Just like we like it! There's nothing like pulling in and tucking away from it all! I can't wait to this spring and another year of adventures.
The late morning / early afternoon was clear and calm and completely different from the snow storm we were forced to drive home through. It was the worst driving conditions that I have ever experience. I'm glad it is over and we made it home safely because it was certainly precarious and frightening at a few points along the trek. All in all, we logged in just about 10 hours of driving and when my head finally hit the pillow...I was out!
To get the point, finally, the reason for the trip up was to mark off the border of where the dozer will do its thing. I made and editted a video detailing the border between the eventual work area and the woods that will remain. I still need to get the OK from Jim, but this is what I had in mind.
This blog was in desperate need of an update seeing that the last one was over 2 months ago! I'd likely have something interesting to post, but the weather has been harsh, not that this is anything you didn't already know, and because of it...we (Jim, me, nor the family) haven't visited in at least several months. To say that I miss the place is an understatement. Jim and I intended on heading out and camping overnight in late November/Early December, 2010 (if memory serves correctly), but a couple days before the planned departure date the NE was slugged with the a deep freeze and deep snow pack. Floatman made the call and nixed the idea of camping and I followed his wisdom with an agreement. The night we were supposed to camp got down to 15 degrees. A good decision, ya think?! There was a reason for this trip, we wanted to plot out (flags, markers, string lines, etc) the continuation of the road into camp (downhill) and where the hardside campers would finally be towed into place. Our work would assist the demo. come spring...more on this further into the post.
Neither the cold temperatures or deep snow accumulation have departed (yet) the top of the mountain. In fact, I would guess that Trout Camp has a 2-3' deep blanket on her right now. This got me thinking...When did the snow leave last year?
A few days ago, I began reading posts I'd made since the blog's inception, If the weather follows the same course that it did last year, the snow should disappear in the next several weeks. One of my entries, mid March, 2010, has 40 degree temps, no snow on the ground and bright sun shine. I've got my fingers crossed that this will be the same time line the weather will duplicate this year! So, in preparation of this hopeful event, I called our friendly neighborhood excavation guy and touched base on our plans. He was receptive to the time line and agreed that what we had planned would be accomplished when I thought it could be.
Over the course of a day, we hope that with the help of the Dresser, Steve will be able to give us a nice smooth road through camp, a flattened area equivalent to the size of the deck (near to the deck), widen the parking area to a two truck width, and level out a 100 ft or so by 40-60 ft or so area on the Northern most edge of camp. Most of the excavation work will be pushing everything downhill. With a 11% gradient, he noted that he'd have to cut back the mountain, digging down a few feet and then drag that dirt to the opposite side and fill it in.
Floatman and I plan on seeding the area as soon as possible then we'll build a storage shed early summer, tow up the Banner camper late fall, add a few rocket bat houses sometime in between and finally finish the fire pit area in there as well.
In the next couple weeks, regardless of weather...we need to get up to camp and mark off the construction area. I'll post that work the day after it happens for your review.
I had mentioned in a previous post on the expense of foam upholstery padding. After a little research on the net, in an attempt acquire the materials cheaper and of better quality than what can be found at JoAnne's Etc., it became obvious that finding them through CList was the best route to take financially. Purchasing and parting out the Coleman Newport camper made a lot of sense as the padding alone would have cost about $150-200 and this didn't count the OSB backer boards or the upholstery!
I had a little free time a couple days ago so I used it sizing the longer than required seat cushions from the Newport to fit the dinette seating of the Banner.
The end result looks as if it came with the camper straight off the production line. The only exception is that the pads are bit wider and therefore they don't lay perfectly flat when converted to the bed. I thought about cutting down one of the pads, but liked the coverage of the current dimensions. So, we'll see how the craftmatic-bed like pillow area is over a night's sleep and adjust later if need be.
I've got a couple more things I'm going to try my best to get done this week as well. There is a stainless steel tank in one of the seat compartments that I'm going to remove. It was part of a "Steven's" pressurized water delivery system that is found on many of these old time campers. The pressurized systems are prone to leak as the copper tubing and fittings age. I'd have to inspect every run and squeeze into some confined areas underneath the camper, in the walls and in some of the cabinets. A scenario that I'm going to pass on. We'll have water at Trout Camp via an auxiliary tank. I'll likely run new flexible tubing and use a gravity fed delivery system for both the sink and shower. It'll be something that we can use when we're there and take down and store when we're not. Having a tank out in the open just invites destruction and/or damage whether on purpose or by accident. Over the course of removing the 12volt air pump that pressurizes the water tank, I was able to finally locate the source of that sweet yet rancid smell in the camper. I'm hoping that I don't find more, but it is unbelievable on how one dead field mouse in a semi-enclosed compartment can make an entire camper reek so badly! He's found a new resting place and purpose; fertilizer in the garden!
I'd also like to remove and resell the 510A Dometic Propane fridge. It isn't in incredibly bad shape, but whether it works or not is the question. I'm sure there is someone out there in CList land that'll buy it and I'll use the proceeds toward the re-roofing in the spring.
Finally, there is another galvanized tank under the fridge that I believe to be the "gray" water tank. That'll be removed as well after the fridge comes out.
I'll put up some photos later this week to show you the removal steps and progress.
Well, this trip was bittersweet. On the way into camp Saturday evening, I was informed that my wife was driving my 10 year old son to ER for stitches. While playing some aggressive football with the neighbor's son and friends a head-on collision occured. My son's eyebrow got the brunt of the force exerted by the other player's teeth. The result was the peeling down of his eyebrow from the midline out toward the right side of his brow ridge.
I'm happy to say that a dozen stitches fixed him all up. And, the report I got, was the ER at Hillcrest treated him well and did a great job. He's still swollen and the blood is beginning to drift down and under his eye. In a couple more days, he should have a nice shiner to go with the son of Frankenstein stitches he's sporting. Poor guy! What a bruiser though!
So, with that on my mind and a whole host of other stresses that I'm trying my best to cope with....traveling to trout camp was supposed to be a welcome relief. But, I can honestly say that I didn't feel the stress reduction that normally magically happens upon crossing the Ohio / Pennsylvania border this time around. There were just too many things going on for me to attempt to forget. The calming / healing properties of Trout Camp weren't working on this trip. I'm hoping that it was me and not lost majical properties at our little hide-away in the hills.
The buzz at the local tavern was the influx of bear hunters. Jim and I hadn't seen this packed in like forever. In a stroke of luck we were able to snag a table just as some patrons finished up and left. We ordere our "usuals" and chased it with a couple of ice cold bottled Yings. We spoke to a few guys in from Ohio and made small talk about football and dealt with the "flat landers" comments from the locals. Even the Steelers fans seemed to be optimistic that in a couple years our Brownies might be up to the task of walking on the field and battling it out like we had years ago when the rivalry was bitter and a celebrated event. We can only hope that we're on the right track now with the current staff. I believe we are.
Jim and I headed up to camp and went through our normal routine of scoping out the property and prepping for snoozing in the Mountaineer. I quickly took note of the overturned 55 gallon drum and the scattering of all our trash that we had left. What had scavenged our refuse? Raccoon, deer, cougar or maybe even a bear? Who knows? Whatever it was, it was strong, because that steel drum isn't the lightest thing to topple over! I was hoping that the culprit wouldn't show while we were up there either! I spent a few minutes cleaning up the place which wasn't so difficult. The full moon in the sky was shining a bright blue hue down on the woods. Almost all the leaves have fallen and the lush fern vegetation has taken on a rust-brown color. It was very cool out causing ice crystals of frost to form just about everywhere. The frosty white color reflected the moon's radiance effectively. Within a few minutes, my eyes adjusted to the point that I could see anything and everything without the use of a headlamp. I won't forget that pale blue hue though. It seemed to just make everything glow eerily.
Jim and I also took notice that someone had traveled via our gravel road. The rock we laid down smoothly just a month ago had settled some and the surface was scarred by a half dozen thin wheel marks. They seemed far to thin for quad, automobile or wheelbarrow. I'm guessing that it was either a dirt bike or game cart pulling out a prized kill? Any trace of the wheel tracks was erased with a quick once over by the rake.
The next morning, bright and early, coffee was served, a bagel was eaten and the next installment of 10# of gravel arrived and was spread. During the course of our discussion with our local excavator contact, Jim and I made mention of some flattening that we'd like done in preparation of the Banner Camper's arrival next spring. A short while into the video, you'll see me pointing out to Steve our ideas and what we're were looking to accomplish. Steve quoted us on the spot and with a very reasonable amount. If the stars align, we may just have him back to camp with his track hoe to level things out. I had considered borrowing my buddy Greg's Kubota again, but the time and energy, gas, etc associated with it just didn't make sense. Steve told us that he'd be able to push everything down, stumps and all, level things off, smooth the drive in and out all in one day. What he'd be able to do with his heavy machinery would take me and the little tractor many trips and alot of work. It just makes sense to go with a professional. I can't tell you how happy I am that Jim and I were referred this gentleman and his abilities. He's reasonable, on time, makes special delivery accomodations (Sunday mornings) and has worked out great for TC improvements.
I shot a video of the second go round with the gravel delivery, the before and after of the full drive and a little bit of what TC looks like now that all the vegetation is pretty much dead and void of green. It is boring, but I'm sure someone will enjoy seeing our progress and speedy work in fast forward mode. I can't wait to shoot Steve down there with the track hoe pushing out the stumps, the hillside and anything else in his way. That is a "Bob the Builder Day" for sure!
Sitting on the sidelines, I've waiting patiently for the perfect moment to pounce on another great CL find. It would appear, for at least the last couple months, that every opportunity had several others waiting to make the grab as well. Almost like a broken record, either the item was sold minutes prior or would sell before I could punch out of work and make the journey to acquire it! As a matter of adaptation, my searches were broadened to include Erie, Youngstown, Akron/Canton, Ashtabula as well as Cleveland.
Finally the stars aligned and another Craig's List find made it back home with me. On Sunday, my son and I traveled to South Akron and hitched up a 1984 Coleman Newport. You might be thinking to yourself, why does Dj (don't forget Floatman too!) need another camper? And you would be correct, we really don't need another camper! LOL! But, we do need a hauling trailer and we definitely needed the four pads that complement the dinette area of the 22' Banner. Without them, let's just say sitting on 3/4" plywood and a vertical back rest is very uncomfortable! Not to mention, converting the dinette to sleeping would have all the luxuries of a foreign prison bed!
If you have ever researched upholstery padding, you know that it isn't cheap! The good stuff is a small fortune and then you have to become a seamstress to make the covers. Well, I can sew, but this isn't as simple as putting a button back on a shirt. Finding a set of seat cushions that would fit the size we needed for the Banner was a priority. Another nagging "want" was a trailer that Floatman and I could use to tow supplies up to camp as needed and facilitate trips to H.Depot when we make building additions to the property (steps coming off the deck anyone?). Plus, Floatman, Packmule and I are planning on a doing a inflatible pontoon trip down a class A stocked trout stream in late spring of 2011 and we need a way to haul the pontoons! This pop-up fulfills them all!
The Newport is slightly larger than my Columbia and comes equipped with a 9.5' long box, so naturally the pads for the dinette are longer than we need which works out great. Another benefit is the longer box makes for a longer trailer frame which is really great. The previous owner tried to convince me that all it needed was a new tree and cable hoist system, but once I pried the top off...it was evident that it needed A LOT more than that. I'm very glad that I wasn't purchasing it for camping purposes or the $200 I spent would have been waisted and my hopes at camping dashed. It was a pleasant reminder that the $250 I spent on the Columbia several years ago was money well spent and reinforced what a great deal I got on that one.
It took me and my son about 5 hours to dismantle the popup parts and remove them from the trailer. I meticulously chopped up the pieces into sizes that could be disposed of properly. I have no doubt that the aluminum and steel will be on my tree lawn for only a few minutes. The area's traveling metal recycler is quite efficient when it comes to picking through everyone's trash of valuable scrap. It is a "service" I don't mind as the trash collector usually rejects anything that can't be hidden within a can or bagged.
My hopes are that the parts that I was able to salvage through the tear down and relist on CL will sell, thus lowering the amount of my investment to the point that Floatman and I can say we got the padding and the trailer for free. We'll see, it is the end of the camping season. Many of them may sit in the garage until spring of next year, but that's ok!
Recap:
It's not free, but here is what a $250 1984 Coleman Newport Pop-up Camper gets you:
(4) perfectly matched seat/backpads for the Banner's dinette/bed area
(2) 3" foam queen size mattresses for use in the Banner.
(1) 7' X 9' long utility trailer frame w/brand new tires (I forgot to mention that!)
(1) Full set of privacy drapes for the Columbia camper (since they were removed due to age)
(1) Entrance door with door-to-canvas seals that are in perfect condition (I'll swap the door with mine and sell the door on CList) These plastic pieces sell for $30 a side at the RV store!!!!
This past Saturday, Jim and I headed out to trout camp so that we could be ready at first light on Sunday to receive what may be at least a few deliveries of gravel. Saturday night into Sunday morning brought with it some fairly cold temperatures with the dash temp. gauge reading 34 degress at one point. The sky was crystal clear for much of the evening and I was even able to catch a shooting star in the 3am hour while using "the facilities". What a jolt going from the comfortable warmth of a synthetic sleeping bag to the ice cold chill of the early morning air!
The landscape has changed considerably since my last visit only a couple weeks ago. The cooler temps have caused the leaves to turn just about every color imaginable. It truly has become a decorated canvas as the forest takes the slide into hibernation! October's cooler temperatures are great for working. The abusive gnats that left welts on the skin are now long gone along with the unbearable heat and humidity. I left camp from my previous outing soaking wet with sweat feeling as if I had been the main course for a flurry of insects.
This time around, even in full sunlight, working was almost enjoyable! ALMOST! No humidity, a cool breeze, 40-55 degree temps. Ahhhhhh, now we're talking! It was like having a personal AC unit on your back. I don't mind work, I've done my fair share and I'm always willing to help others regardless of the time and energy involved, but of all the consequences including sore joints, back, tiredness, etc...I can stand sweating my (you know what's off) the least. If I'm cool, then I'm cool to keep going until I fall over. So, experiencing a day like this was more than welcome to me.
Three videos are linked within this post. The first is video/gif file of the trail/road into camp after I moved several large boulders from the path to a better, out of the way resting point. I used a tow strap, trucker's chain, low gear and the hitch on the mountaineer to tow them from the grips of the earth to the entrance into camp. It took a few changes of direction and I had to unhook and re-hook the chain after moving the mountaineer to a better pulling spot, but the work wasn't all the difficult. Kinda fun, to be honest. I found it nice that the owner of the next camp up the road stopped down to make sure I wasn't stuck in the mud. He had heard the slow reving of the motor and the multitude of car door slams and was compelled to come down to see if everything was OK. Thankfully, I was not stuck and it was only the rocks that were temporarily. It is a comforting to know that even when you think you're alone, you're not and there is always someone within at least a 10 minute walk that is willing to lend a hand and help out if you need it. Anyway, if you look closely at the .gif images as they scroll, you wil be able to make out the dark streaks from smashed earth and ground up soil. These paths were left from dragging the two boulders. One of the stones was resting above ground and wasn't too difficult to strap and tow to the beginning of the driveway. The other one, the less flat one, the one that is darker due to dampness, was only slightly pertruding from the hole pictured near the end of the series in the .gif. I strapped it up and began to pull only to find out that the rock was way bigger than I thought. I would have left it where it was, but the way it was jetting up from the surface of the soil, it would have always been in the way and a major hazard to our suspensions when entering camp. It took a much more time to move and left a huge hole in its place. Jim and I had figured we'd have to get gravel eventually, but this hole and the nearby rocky ravine made the decision an expedited one to make.
The second video is a 5 minute condensed version of the 55 minutes it took to receive, spread and level the 10 tons of gravel!
This video is the walk from the street, through the entrance, down the drive and where we usually park our vehicles (noted by the deep ruts in the dirt). The next load of gravel will be closer to the street and come spring the next two loads will cover where the cars park at the end.
What a "banner" find thanks to the generosity of some kind hearted people from Tallmadge!
This past Sunday, the wifey, Nick and I took a drive out to Deerfield to view a "freebie" that I had gotten a call from the CL "want ad" I placed. We arrived with minimal expectations, figuring the worst that could happen is I would deliver on the promise to assist Mike in installing a new tire on the beast before they figured out a plan "B" to remove it from their private campgrounds. What I knew was that the hardside had been in the family for MANY years and had been taken care of as well as any camper that had just celebrated 44 years. Arriving and greeting Mike and Wendy and being introduced to their family's 1966 Banner Travel Trailer, I knew that THIS WAS THE ONE and plan "B" (finding another home for it) wouldn't have a chance. She was going home with us!
The camper was exactly as I pictured in my head with the exception of the extent of real wood in the interior! I can't express how delighted I am to have the "Banner" as part of our family. It needs a little work, especially a good cleaning, but for the most part this camper is PERFECT for "DaJtcha"! At 22' long, she's got more than enough room for either family. What I like most about the camper is the storage space, there is a ton of it! (2) closests, (4) full length under-seat storage boxes, (3) soffets and more drawers than I can count all made from 100% wood, not press board or cheap-o plastic. Calling this camper a "tank" is a bit of an understatement! I was also pleased to find that the undercarriage is in excellent condition and (even though the roof is in BAD shape) it does not leak! I believe Mike's diligence to re-sealing it each year and the fact that it has several layers of highly sticky flat roof sheeting on it has kept it in such good shape.
You'll notice the camper is equipped with decent sized bathroom including a sink, toilet, shower and closet! The kitchen is very nice and more than enough size to take care of the feeding frenzies that Trout Camp has been known to create. The exterior, although dirty, was repainted years ago and is in really good condition. If you're into nastalgia, you'll love the stove, it is really cool looking and it works! The pressurized water system is certainly different. In the storage locker under the bench seat for the dining area, there is stainless steel tank and an air pump. Fill the tank up from the exterior, seal the valve, turn the pump on and you've got pressurized water throughout! We don't plan on using the indoor stove, fridge or water system (due to its age), but they're present and accounted for in the event we change our minds! We also, if you can believe it, don't plan on using the indoor propane lighting! DUH!
Getting It Home
My Dad came through (again!) and allowed me to use his F250 to pull the camper the 60 miles. We took the back roads and non-highways for safety's sake. Jen escorted me by trailing me for the drive. 2 hours later and she's parked at the house getting a good scrub down (in and out).
I'd like to thank the following people:
Mike and Wendy, you two are good people!
My Dad, for the use of his truck!
My cousin Dave for getting me a good used tire for the trailer's ride home!
My Wife for her escort and helping the family with the cleaning of the Banner camper!
We plan on having the camper parked at our home until next spring. Jim and I must discuss and work on having a driveway installed at camp as there is no way that this camper will make the trek back through the woods in the trail's current condition. From a camper perspective and a tow vehicle's, it would be abusive and/or downright torturous!
