To answer your questions: Why I bought Little Guy & why I travel alone

A recipient of the Teardrop Tribune sent me an e-mail asking why I bought a Teardrop trailer--and why I travel alone.

Over the years, I (we) have owned many Recreation Vehicles (RVs). One of the first trailers was purchased (in 1959?) while my family lived in Paris, France. It could be compared to an old-fashioned "covered wagon." 1) Visualize an ordinary utility trailer 2) add several metal arches, and 3) cover with a bright orange canvas cover. Inside, on each side, two canvas bunks (sleeping for four). It was just a step above tent camping!! With sleeping bags, portable cook stove, etc., we traveled all over France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It was used for a camping trip to Oregon, after being shipped from Europe to California.

Later I bought a very conventional used small travel trailer. It had all the features usually found in travel trailers. It was used for camping trips with my sons, and a trip to a very special Square Dance Convention along the Colorado River.

In June 1977, while vacationing at Big Bear Lake (in Southern California), I saw and purchased my first "Teardrop trailer" (for less than $1,000.). It was already old, had been homemade, and was terribly neglected. It had an inside height of about five-&-one-half feet--and we could stand up in it. Eventually we purchased an old Dodge Explorer Class A motor home that took the family from Southern California to Alaska--and back.

When the family was grown and out of the home, and my husband had gone to be with the Lord, I became interested in genealogy. I wanted to "explore my roots" and "climb the family tree" but could not afford to stay in hotels and motels. While working at NASA, at Edwards Air Force Base, I bought a used 13 foot fiberglass Trillium travel trailer (from a military family being transferred). (1987, I think, and the price was $3,000.) I pulled it all over the State of California with a 1980 Toyota Corolla. I loved that Trillium!!

When we're strapped financially, the RV is usually the first to go. As much as I loved camping, sightseeing, genealogical research, etc., etc., over the years, the RVs were sold.

For several years I owned a Dodge van that I could sleep in on trips out of the Lancaster, California, area.

With retirement from Los Angeles County (12/31/99)--and plans to travel East for research and reunions--I bought an old 20 foot Kit travel trailer. I loaded it with everything I'd need for months on the road--including copies of my published family history. Sadly, I didn't make it to the Nevada State line. I had a terrible accident that totaled my van and trailer (no other vehicle involved). It is by God's grace that I am still alive!! I was not injured.

Two weeks later (mid-May) I flew to the first of several family reunions. Cousins picked me up at the airport. Then a Greyhound bus to the next scheduled reunion. Understandably, I was traveling much lighter.... In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, God--in His goodness--provided an old Ford Escort that I drove all over Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio and Indiana. I slept in it but it wasn't comfortable!!

It was late September 2000 when I started my return trip to Lancaster, California. In Richmond, Indiana, I stopped at Tom Raper RVs--advertised as "the world's largest RV dealer." Again, God-my-Heavenly-Father was providing for me. I bought the beautiful blue 1990 LER Industries Class B Dodge mini-motorhome. I loved that RV passionately!! I drove it back and forth across the United States. It never had mechanical problems. For several years it was my only transportation.

I thought my traveling days were over when I was hired by Hallelujah Acres. I anticipated that I would be working there the rest of my life. (I loved Hallelujah Acres more than I loved traveling!!) The mini-motorhome had been sold, the job vanished. I was in a part of the United States that I had never visited--there was so much to see!!

I began to search eBay for "light weight fiberglass trailers." I hoped to find another Trillium. I was shocked by the prices. Thirty year old fiberglass trailers were selling for $10,000. (I sold mine for $2,500.)

While shopping eBay, I saw a picture of the Little Guy Silver Shadow "utility" trailer (totally empty inside, and no kitchen). I called the company and discussed a "buy it now" price. As soon as the snow melted in Ohio, I drove to Canton and took delivery (late March 2008). I already had ample "camping accessories"; I bought a new 3-inch foam twin mattress from a Thrift Shop for $30., and a used portable toilet (from a Thrift Shop) for $40.

Some people like to fish, or hunt, or play golf, etc. I like owning a recreation vehicle so I can travel. Yes, I travel alone. It would be enjoyable to have a companion but God hasn't sent a traveling companion my way. I don't want to sit at home watching TV.

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To follow my recent trip chronologically--to see the next blog--click Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Marion, NC. Furthermore, to follow my earlier Teardrop Trailer Travels--to see the first blog--click The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.
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