Trailer Shopping - Permission or Forgiveness?

A couple weeks ago, after BJ & Jeff left, I continued some low key trailer shopping. We'd already looked at new stuff and didn't find anything we liked. When I spotted this one, I had to stop and chat with the caretaker for a bit. At first, I thought it might be an 1940's Westwood, but the more I look, the less I'm sure.

The repaint is long faded. The trailer had been on this property for decades, used as a desert cabin.

It has air conditioning. I think that's what they call the broken windows. The door is a suicide style which is appropriate to the vintage.

It comes complete with a 'retro style' tongue jack that will look really cool if it can be resuscitated.

I was especially enamored with the 15 inch split rims, retained by a few bolts, but not as many as the manufacturer intended. The tires are very low miles and still have good tread, or at least that's what the Craig's List ad would say...

There was still some interior in place and that's where I started questioning my Westwood theory. These cabinets appeared to be built from fir plywood rather than birch.

It does have a cool looking, free standing, heater by the door. Not sure how long it's been since this unit was used, but the wind deflectors for the vent pipes are still with the trailer.

It's a bit of a fixer-upper. Needs some tender, loving care. Not only is the ceiling vent gone, but it's leaked enough that the ceiling is gone and I suspect the framing is as well.

Near the door you could see daylight at the bottom of the wall, and see where the wall framing was cracked in a few places. It think this project could best be called a "frame-up" restoration.

One of the reasons I don't think it's a Westwood is that they were all built with aluminum. This is clearly not aluminum...

And did I mention that it's a toy-hauler? At some point after they quit using it as a cabin, they removed the rear panel to provide a larger access area,

But the panel and window frame are still there, complete with an old California plate and the single brake/tail light.

This could prove I'm certifiable, but it sure looks like fun! No title and an unknown brand, but it could be configured however we want it. I think I'll go back to see if they'll pay me to haul it away. Or maybe I should get in line to put a deposit on an Escape TA...

Maps, Maps, and more Maps

I've had my head stuck in maps for the past couple weeks. With the New Year and retirement, there are lots of places I'd like to visit.

In the very short term, the map of interest covers the area between Key West, Mexico, and south Texas. Our son surprised us with the opportunity to join his family and his sister on a cruise with Mickey in the very near future.

Starting with the MLK weekend, it is looking like more than three weeks on or near various sections of the Colorado river between Hoover dam and Yuma as well as some time with friends in Quartzsite. Part of the river time will be quiet solo time where I can continue studying options for the anticipated summer trip to Alaska.

In spite of all the maps, books, and advice, we recognize that no matter how much planning we do, we don't control the future. My hope for this new year is that our lives will reflect Christ's love to those around us and that our decisions will be consistent with His will for our lives.

I trust that the New Year will be a happy one for each of you.

The End of the Road

While the title might be applicable to a number of situations, don't go jumping to too many conclusions! I've always enjoyed traveling to the end of the road, be it the west end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, the north end of 101 in Lund, BC, or the end of an occasional logging road. Our son made my day when he sent a couple pictures from Deadhorse, Alaska. This is the stop sign at the north end of the Dalton Highway, aka the Haul Road. I really want to include this road on the Alaska trip next summer.

The second picture is self explanatory and all the more reason to visit. The sign was hanging on the counter in the terminal while he was waiting for his flight to turn around.

Just a bit over four months until we can start visiting the ends of more roads!  If our shingle is hung out, stop by to visit.

Tempting

While we're watching the calendar, waiting to leave on our three week loop trip later this week, we're also looking forward to an Alaska trip next year.  In the process of researching info about the Dalton highway to Prudhoe Bay, I ran across a blog that I've been enjoying following ever since.

Ann & Jerry have a 27' Lazy Daze motor home that they purchased new in 2010.  They crossed the border northbound on May 6, 2012, and left Fairbanks for Prudhoe Bay on May 29th.  Yesterday they were in Kenai.

It's interesting reading blogs from others - hearing about what they've discovered.

Like I say, tempting!