My wife Lori and I both remember camping with our families in big green canvas tents. This seemed to be the “standard” back then. Once when I was about 7 years old, our neighbor bought a trailer, so I went over to take a peek. I remember looking up to see it had WINGS, how cool.
Fast forward 45 years to 2008, and we found ourselves looking for a camp trailer of our own. We agreed the trailer had to have some character and a natural wood interior. Soon we spotted an ad for a 1960 Shasta Airflyte. The seller assured us the trailer was sound, so we said we’ll take it. We were so excited. It ended up being a LITTLE LESS than described. The roof bowed in, with no tail lights or wings, but the Elvis Presley curtains were a bonus. Still, we couldn’t wait to get started.
We made it home (somehow) and backed it into our garage. We were sitting in the trailer with a glass of wine, making big plans, when our 3 kids came by for a look. They seriously thought we had lost our minds. This first trailer project (along with future endeavors) underwent a complete teardown. When you remove the siding, and half the framing falls on the floor due to rot, you know that you have to keep going. Soon it was just a steel frame with all the components set off to the side. We kept as much of the original parts and pieces as possible. An interesting aspect of these trailers is they were built with excellent materials. The steel and aluminum are very good. The original interior wood had minimal flaws, and once the old finish is removed, it can be quite beautiful.
It’s funny how a project like this will start to take on a vibe or personality of its own. We were about halfway finished when we began incorporating souvenirs from Hawaii. The floor was bamboo, and the original gas lamp got a tiki shade. One day Lori and I commented on how the trailer reminded us of our daughter, who is the beach type. It was then we decided she should have it to enjoy with her family. A few days later, it occurred to us we have 2 other kids! So yes, you guessed it, we were now on the hunt for 2 MORE trailers.
The second Shasta “appeared” at a school auction, and the third Shasta “found” us while on vacation, but we still didn’t have OUR trailer. One day we answered an ad for some parts and came home with a 1959 Airsteam. OF COURSE, it was a wreck. Lori says these trailers seem to find us, and it’s just coincidence they’re all consecutive years (1959-62). Over the next 10 years, all 4 were completely redone.
We had plans for a rally this spring to So-Cal sponsored by VCT magazine, but as you know, this pandemic changed all that. It certainly has been trying times, and our hearts go out to front line medical workers. Lori’s been making masks for local nurses, and I donated at the blood bank. Still, it’s unnerving at times. On Mother’s day weekend, we rounded up all the trailers and had our own rally in the back yard. It was WONDERFUL to be with everyone and a relief for all.
The pandemic has changed us all with certain levels of anxiety for everyone. In some ways, maybe the change has been for the better. We talk more with our neighbors, ask how they’re doing and really mean it. We’re also reminded how cherished we are to have our family.
