My Newest Old Trailer: 1972 Red Dale, 'Meadow'

I pictured it, held out for it, and it finally happened: A mid-sized vintage trailer with bathroom, well cared for and ready for camping, came up for sale in my local area for $1,500 or less. This is her, backed into a soon-to-be-shaded parking spot at my place.

I knew I wasn't going to get 'perfect' in that price range--as you can see, she could use some new paint--but what I did get is a 17-foot 1972 Red Dale with a lot going for her. (Coincidence: My cowgirl-biker trailer, Iron Pony, is also a 1972 Red Dale. But smaller, at 14 feet.)

The previous owners, a retired couple named Ethel and Dave, had upgraded all the trailer's systems and  painted the interior a crisp white and apple-green. Ethel made the matching curtains. So this is what I saw when I opened the door. CLEAN was the word. Dave demo'd the water, battery, electric, and propane systems for me. He said they would work, and they do.

He produced a clean title and a spare tire, we made our deal, and I drove the trailer home. (I know you're dying to ask the question, so I'll divulge: I offered and paid $1,000.)

It took me about three quick trips into the house to get the trailer decorated, because truth to tell, I love green and have collected it forever.

Hubby Dearest, Mr. Ed, took one look and came up with the right name for this trailer:

Meadow.

I love how the various shades of lime, apple, and grass greens update the original avocado green of the stove.

 And I couldn't resist adding some dandelion decals to the little bathroom--for 'going potty in the weeds.'

Meadow will be going on her maiden Girl Camping voyage in a few weeks. Then she'll be going to Girl Camp for the summer.

Fun ahead!

Impromptu Spring Fling

I love it when a no-plan comes together.

First, Miss Mig bought this Aristocrat LoLiner and had to make a 10-hour trip to pick it up. She took Miss Sherry with her. The perfect layover spot, for the trip back, was at the same campground where the three of us each keep a trailer for the winter.

No way could I miss this! I hopped in my truck and 2 hours later, arrived at the campground just minutes after they pulled in with the trailer.

Mig (on the right) set the table, Sherry (on the left) rustled us up some grub, I brought over a bottle of wine, and we inaugurated the 'naked' trailer right then and there.

Miss Anna, who owns the RV park we love so much, got a trailer tour the next morning. This trailer will be for Mig's mom, Dickie, who loves to camp with us.

In her 90s, Dickie reigns as our oldest Girl Camper and possibly the youngest-at-heart. Yes, friends, you are looking at a gal born in the 1920s! This is where Mig gets her spirit!

Here are Mig's trailers, side by side. The huge banner says 'Happy Camper Girl.' Mig is an artist by trade, and probably whipped that banner up in her sleep!

(Tip: Pay close attention to the first photo in this post--it's the one and only time you are going to see this trailer unadorned.)

I took advantage of the beautiful sunshine by pulling out a table and chairs in front of my trailer, The Big Chief. (The Big Chief is a behemoth of a trailer, 31 feet long and weighing in at a tonnage of 5,600 lbs. with nothing in it.)

Sherry set herself up behind the trailers, for a view of the roaring Salmon River.

Sherry's dog Jada had a view, too, but from inside on her cozy bed.

Sherry's trailer, Pistol Pete, has lots of big windows that afford a river view. It always seems light and bright inside, even on cloudy days. Like The Big Chief, Pete makes an excellent semi-permanent camping cabin.

Meanwhile, back outside, we each contributed to a drinks-and-eats bar on a table set up over one of the trailers' hitches. I love this means of providing for a meal between camp breakfast and communal dinner. Everyone can graze on what she likes and no one has to go to a great deal of effort.

We also had campfires, enjoyed visiting with Anna, went for hikes and short local drives, and paid visits to our favorite local emporiums in historic White Bird, Idaho.

All in all, a perfectly lovely time that evolved without a plan. So glad we all acted on the urge to GO, and get hooked up!