Handsome Little Guy

Little Guy is all dressed up with new side walls. The corner is better than new because it now has an outlet. The tail lights are bolted to the frame so should never get "wobbly" again!!

Reunited

These pictures are only a few minutes old as I type this. It's 3:10 PM and Little Guy and I have been reunited for less than one hour. I am back at the MacDonalds / BP truck stop in Wakarusa. (See my KIA and Little Guy beyond the top of my laptop computer?) The repairs are excellent!!

Still waiting....

Just a note from the MacDonalds / BP truck stop in Wakarusa, Indiana (with free WiFi). I've checked my e-mail, and on-line banking, etc., etc. ~~ Here's a little info I found interesting about a business in Wakarusa. I plan to visit if I have time.

Copied from Amish Country Northern Indiana, 2009 Travel Guide & Maps, p. 55.


Wakarusa Dime Store

Candy lovers will never want to leave this sweet retreat that's served Northern Indiana since 1907. The store is famous for its many flavors of custom made jumbo jelly beans--selling more than forty tons each year from the shop and online. You also can choose among 350 other types of nostalgic candies ranging from Necco wafers and Mary Janes, to licorice.

Greetings from Wakarusa, IN

A cold, dark, cloudy morning with rain predicted. In fact, we had rain during the night. I have on my coat while using free WiFi at MacDonalds (in Wakarusa). I just wanted to "touch base" and let you know I'm still in Indiana. The following is a story I copied from the local newspaper.


Tally it up: All the quilts, all the compassion brought in $355,000 in relief.

by Justin Leighty in The Elkhart Truth newspaper Sunday, September 27th, 2009

As the need for humanitarian assistance grows around the globe, the Mennonite Relief Sale takes on added significance.

GOSHEN -- While the setting is distinctly Goshen, the ripples of Saturday's Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale span the globe. With the economy the way it is, nobody expected the sale to break records. Preliminary totals show Saturday's auctions brought in an estimated $355,000 compared to last year's $389,965. That money goes to the Mennonite Central Committee to help people worldwide. "That's what it's all about, all the humanitarian things they do," said David Yoder, spokesman for the sale.

The Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds serve as the venue for the entire two-day event. Amish buggies and apple butter, quilts, cheese and pulled-pork sandwiches all enhance the local flavor. There were the standard features of the sale: The auctions, key among them the quilt auction; the pancake and sausage breakfast, which Yoder said was "crazy," it was so busy; and the food vendors, some of whom highlight food and educational materials about MCC work around the world.

One new feature this year was a tent about a staple food for many of the world's poor people: Rice. The idea started with Louise Claassen of Hively Avenue Mennonite Church in Elkhart. Gesturing to the international food court tent, Claassen said, "So many people are starving and here we are feeding ourselves." As thousands of people walked by, a few stopped in. They got a free dish of rice and a sampling of the various ways it is served across the world. They could add fruit, or curry powder, or soy sauce, for instance. People also learned that a dime will buy a person a bowl of rice in Cambodia. "We've had really quite an amazing response," Claassen said. One man promised a $300. match if the booth raised at least that much. They got it. A young girl came by donating $10. A little while later she came back, donating another $10.

Just like all of Saturday's proceeds, the rice donations go to MCC. Not only do they provide food, they help provide clean water for people in Colombia, or teach artisans business models in Kenya. They'll provide HIV care kits around the world, too, with $2,520 raised toward that end.

In addition to all of that, some food options showed off the world: From apple fritters to hummus, from donuts to egg-rolls to tamales, the people at the sale were reminded they were there for a common cause: "It's communities coming together, donating funds," Yoder said.

Life in the slow lane!!

I've quoted it before: "Life moves a little slower on Teardrop time." Things move slower in northern Indiana, too--in my humble opinion. Horses and buggies; farmland as far as the eye can see, corn and soybeans have not been harvested; blue skies, puffy white clouds; meandering secondary roads; charming old homes. I love it!! While most people were in Church, I've been in Panera Bread for several hours. Except for the cold and snowy winters, I'm sure I would love to live in this community.




On Friday evening, two cousins and I visited the Elkhart County Fairgrounds for the Mennonite Relief Sale. We viewed the beautiful array of quilts that would be auctioned off the next day. We listened to the music and singing by the Mennonite Men's Chorus. Every imaginable food item was available and the crowds of people were enjoying everything from Apple fritters to Z.. (you name it). ~~ Later I learned that one quilt sold for $2,100. (on Saturday). Likewise similar high price on multiple other quilts.

Gratefully, a 4th, 5th, 6th (?) cousin has been very gracious about sharing her home with me. I may be able to pick up my Little Guy trailer Monday afternoon.

So much has happened; there is so much to share!! I hope to publish details at a later date. Today is "day eleven" of my trip and en route to Panera the 1200th mile. Conceiv-ably, I will have traveled over 2000 miles before I get back to Shelby, North Carolina.

Little Guy Repair

On Wednesday, I visited the facility where Little Guy Teardrop trailers are built. I was anxious to see what progress had been made since I dropped off my trailer on Tuesday morning. In these pictures you can see that they removed the side walls and are replacing them. I thought I would have it back by now but 2:22 Friday afternoon and I haven't heard from them.

RV/MH Hall of Fame--Must see!!

Lunch in Panera. I spent the morning at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana. Senior admission: $6.00. Boy did I ever walk down "Memory Lane"!! I remember so many of the units that have been preserved. My parents had a Schult; I remember the 1957 Serro Scotty. Two old relics: 1928 Pierce Arrow Fleet Housecar and "yours truly". ~~ I took a lot of pictures and may publish them here when I have more time to prepare well-scripted blogs.

All day yesterday at Shipshewana. Later today a quilt auction at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds. Actually, the auction is tomorrow but we can view the quilts tonight.

RV/MH Hall of Fame--Pictures

Greetings from Elkhart, Indiana

Sorry!! I can't always find a place with WiFi. I'm sure there are many locations but I seldom find them. In truth I seem to go from Panera to Panera!! It's Wednesday and I am in a Panera in Goshen, Indiana. Last blog was Saturday from a Panera in Dayton, Ohio.

It has been a wonderful trip thus far!! Some rain but weather can be labeled "lovely." Speaking of labels: Label me "sentimental"!! I have been walking down memory lane and enjoying every minute. The weekend was spent with cousins.... (More details in a later blog.) I headed toward Elkhart, Indiana, on Monday morning and took a slight side trip to Fountain City, Indiana (near Richmond). I wanted to take pictures of Little Guy in front of the home of a first cousin, eight times removed. The Levi Coffin House is a historical landmark. Levi was known as the President of the Underground Railroad. He helped move fleeing slaves from the South to Canada. Very interesting life; very interesting story!!

Monday night was spent in the parking lot of a Super Walmart in Goshen, Indiana. It has the distinction of having a shelter for the horses, and buggies, while the Amish are shopping. (More pictures later.) All evening I heard the "clip clop" of horses hooves as they crossed the parking lot. All evening I watched the families push several shopping carts of groceries to their conveyance. I surmised that Monday evening must be the designated day for shopping.

Tuesday morning, I took Little Guy to the shop for repairs. Earlier today I visited... and saw the work in progress. I took pictures that I will post when I have time to write, and publish, complete information.

I'm keeping notes; there will be a lot of interesting details regarding my travels. Many pictures, too. For example: This morning I visited a "produce auction." The farmers bring their produce and the auctioneer rattles off the bid so fast I could hardly follow his jargon. The bell peppers were the most beautiful I've ever seen; the Indian Corn was so attractive; the pumpkins so large; the mums so colorful!! The apples and grapes were a delight to behold!! Here is a little barefoot Amish girl with pumpkins.

I'm staying with one of my Old German Baptist Brethren (OGBB) genealogy cousins. Always something to talk about! OGBB are a religious group similar to the Amish (similar because of Anabaptist beliefs but not so extreme that they live without electricity, telephones, cars, tractors, etc.). Here is my cousin with her great grandson (at the produce auction).

This blog is brief and intended to let the reader know that I am at my destination. I have traveled over 1000 miles. Some extra miles are attributed to miscellaneous trips in this area. Call them "pure pleasure." Yesterday, a cousin and I visited Mennohof and had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

Bright & Beautiful

On this trip I saw several TaB trailers. With their bright colors, they are easy to spot.

Brethren Heritage Center, et al

Forty-eight hours after leaving Shelby, 600 miles from my apartment, I had a very refreshing shower at a TA truck stop. Many years ago I discovered that any traveler can take a shower at major truck stops. For a fee, of course. Today it was $10.00 but in the past I only paid $5.00 (inflation, I guess). Now I'll be very honest with you, I don't mind paying $10. for a shower!! They furnish towels and soap (and occasionally shampoo and conditioner). I refuse to pay mega-bucks at a KOA (and RV camp grounds) for the sole benefit of a shower. Management of RV camp grounds stubbornly insist that I have to pay for "full hookup" even though I assure them that I don't use "full hookup." (Six weeks ago I drove away from such an establishment that would not budge from $38.00.)

A very good day!! Nice clean body, shampooed hair, wearing a dress, I saw old haunts and conversed with friends and acquaint-ances. Lunch with cousins. I spent time at the Brethren Heritage Center in Brookville, Ohio. The major amount of my genealogy collection was donated to this library / archives / museum. They have expanded greatly since my last visit and I am so impressed with the facility and the work they are performing!! See the sign above my car? Through the door, down the stairs, and almost the entire basement of the strip-mall is climate controlled and devoted to "Brethren Heritage."

I meandered back roads and recalled the pleasant two years I spent in the vicinity. I was en route back to Panera, and Wal-Mart, when I suddenly saw a Harbor Freight store. I safely navigated into the parking lot and spent about an hour browsing. I haven't seen a Harbor Freight since I left Lancaster, California!! Yes, I made a small purchase of several small items for Little Guy.

I have a quiet corner in Panera and I'll be here for several hours!! I purchased a sandwich, and iced tea. While on the computer, I also have my cell phone charging. Free WiFi, delicious food, beautiful classical music, attractive environment.... What more could a gal ask for? [Prince Charming!!]

I'll be back in the Wal-Mart parking lot later tonight. I have a full day tomorrow: Church with one set of "cousins" in the morning and another set of "cousins" in the evening. (I'm related to these families but we're fourth and fifth cousins.)

Wal-Mart & Panera--Dayton, Ohio

The sleeping bag was warm and comfy when I crawled in at 9:00 PM Friday night. The trailer was a cool 59 degrees when I got up at 7:00 AM this Saturday morning. It was 57 degrees outside Little Guy as I walked across the Wal-Mart parking lot. I made a few purchases last night so did not linger in WM this morning. Washed my face, brushed my teeth, etc. I did not sleep well last night because noise from Interstate 75 all night. Strange noises in the parking lot, too, that I could not identify. ~~ I'm in Panera reading messages and enjoying my favorite whole grain bagel, veggie cream cheese, and Hazelnut coffee. It's a bright sunny morning!!

Tennessee, Kentucky & Ohio

Brutal honesty: I love the "back roads"; I hate the Interstates!! Here I am 23 hours later--at Panera in Dayton, Ohio (5:30 PM). Such a grueling day!! I actually spent the night in a Cracker Barrel parking lot (not WalMart) in Pigeon Forge, TN. I departed at 6:00 AM and was, essentially, traveling for ten and one-half hours. I covered 345 miles--and 33 mph is a very poor "average" for traveling the Interstates.

There were times of torrential rain followed by gray sky and sometimes a hint of sunshine. The Interstates, and weather, had a lot in common: A few miles were delightful, a few miles were stressful. There seems to be a lot of construction on Interstate 75 and sometimes we crept along at a snail's pace. The last ten miles into Dayton, Ohio, were the worst!! I was determined to get to this Panera but my body was screaming at me to pull off and get away from the construction and congestion. I didn't want to overheat the KIA so did not have the air conditioning on. (Beautiful weather in Ohio, probably 82 degrees.) I had the windows down. The fumes were so bad I was sneezing and had itchy, watery eyes. But, Praise the Lord!!, I'm here safe!!

I plan to spend the night in the WalMart parking lot less than a block away. Tomorrow I want to visit with some genealogy "cousins" and see the new features at the Brethren Heritage Center (in nearby Brookville, OH). Normally I would put links to names like Panera and Brethren Heritage Center. Not tonight!! ~~ I hope it doesn't sound like I am complaining. Just being brutally honest.

Great Smoky Mtns Nat'l Park & Pigeon Forge

We had rain all night but it ceased long enough for me to load a minimum of things into the KIA and Little Guy. I left at 11:11 and I thought that was a good sign because I am rather fanatical about a sequence of numbers for the time stamp on my blog: 2:22, 3:33, 4:44, etc. ~~ It is 6:30 PM and I am using WiFi at Atlanta Bread Company in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I'm 200 miles from my apartment.

It was raining when I left my apartment but had weak sunshine thirty miles down the highway. Rain off and on all day!! While we had sunshine, I decided to leave I-40 for the drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (My first time.) It was raining when I stopped at the Visitor's Center. I used a big umbrella for the first time!! (It is top quality at a Tuesday Morning bargain price!!) Extremely hard rain driving through the Park. Unlike my earlier travels on the Blue Ridge Parkway where very few vehicles were seen, in the Great Smoky's it was a continuous stream of traffic both directions. I had the thought that it looked like a funeral procession; everyone driving slowly, with their lights on.

Driving through Pigeon Forge was an experience!! There are thousands of classic cars parked in all the spaces close to the highway. Every strip mall, every motel, every hotel, every restaurant..., with every model imaginable. Vintage automobiles in mint condition!! What a sight!! Mile after mile of cars. Folding chairs were lined up on the grass between the parked cars and the street. I thought everyone was getting ready for a parade.

Having visited Pigeon Forge a year ago, I knew of Atlanta Bread Company (with WiFi). I didn't need to eat there (here) but wanted to inquire about the event. Last weekend and this coming weekend--and all week in between. Just imagine the tourist dollars that poured into this community!!

There's a Super WalMart about a mile down the highway. (I stayed there last year.) However, there is a large motorhome at the curb of Atlanta Bread Company. They appear to be there for the duration!! I might be able to spend the night right here?? I'll keep you informed of details regarding my trip.

I confess, I'm guilty

It's reprehensible!! America's Got Talent is my favorite program but I fell asleep on the finale' of the Finale'--I missed Susan Boyle and the winner!! I was enjoying AGT one moment and then suddenly awaken to the Jay Leno Show. Perhaps I should sit on an uncomfortable wooden bench when I'm focused on a TV program I enjoy?!?!

Trimming Your Fuel Consumption: A Few Tips To Increase Your MPG

According to the department of energy, in 2008, the United States consumed roughly 137 billion gallons of gasoline. Of course, not all of that was used by your car (although I suspect the guy down the street from me is using more than his fair share) but let’s face it, anyone who drives a petroleum-fueled vehicle is a part of this problem. Gasoline has always been an odd thing to me. We take for granted that it will just be there, and be relatively cheap at that. We fill our tanks and drive off, but for the most part, never really think beyond that.

But of course there are ramifications to our petroleum addictions. Natural settings are destroyed and turned into oil fields. Young men and women are shipped across the world, and die protecting these oil fields. Pristine waters are ruined by oil tanker spills. Children the world over suffer from asthma attacks brought on in part by exhaust fumes. The list goes on and on, and beyond a small minority making a lot of money, it’s not a very good looking one.

So it seems like the least we can do is work towards using a little less, and eventually weaning ourselves off of oil completely. For now, maybe we can all start by consuming less and learning to make the petroleum we have go a little farther. You may have heard some of these ideas before, but if you are like most people, a little reminder never hurts.

Let go of your lead foot. Face it, gunning the engine to speed up and get to that next light where you’re still going to be waiting, isn’t doing anyone any good. Every time you pound on the gas pedal, you use more fuel than you need since the engine is working harder to quickly move that mass of metal you are riding in. Take it nice and easy, slowly get up to speed and slowly hit the brakes, maybe even coasting a bit in between. Studies show you can save up to 20% of your fuel by driving this way in city traffic, and as an added benefit, you won’t spill your coffee!

Kill the AC. OK, if you are living in the middle of the desert, this may not be a possibility, but let’s face it, not everyone needs the AC on all the time. When you hit that button, the engine needs to start driving the compressor, which requires more energy, which uses more fuel. Open those windows and let your hair down from time to time. Also, try to park in the shade so you don’t need the AC as much to begin with.

Inflate those tires. Remember when Obama said if everyone would simply check their tire pressure and make sure it was spot on, we’d save a heck of a lot of oil? Well, that may have gotten a few laughs, but it turns out he was right. Tires are designed to have a certain rolling resistance, and work best when properly inflated. Think about a tire that’s going flat. A lot more rubber is hitting the road right? Well, that translates to friction, which means the engine needs to work harder, which means, you guessed it, more fuel. Properly inflate your tires and you’ll see an increase of 1-2% in your gas mileage. Spread that across the nation and you’ve got a fair amount of conservation.

Drop the weight. Do you really need all the stuff you are carrying around in your trunk? Of course not. You shouldn’t be buying that case of bottled water anyway right? So why not clean out the car and shed a few pounds. Generally speaking, for every 100 pounds of weight, your vehicles mpg will decrease by 1%. Don’t have 100 pounds in the trunk? No sweat, 20 pounds will do and over time, will still add up. So ditch your collection of Victorian era bowling balls and leave it in the living room where it belongs.

Properly maintain your car. I know, we all do this right? Wrong. How many of you have checked your air filter recently? Fuel filter? Oil Filter? Timing? I could go on and on and I don’t even know my way around an intake manifold. Proper maintenance will keep your vehicle running efficiently and give you a crack at efficiency right off the bat. Think about just your air filter. If the engine needs to suck air through a sock that’s got 50,000 miles of road gunk on it, it’s going to have to strain to do so. Check these little guys regularly and keep your car happy.

Don’t think of your car as a climate controlled musical environment. How may times have you seen someone sitting in their car, windows up, engine running, talking on their cell phone? It’s shocking. Turn your car off and go sit under the tree over there, the one with the nice overhanging shade and the grass all around it. Yeah that one. Go ahead. It won’t hurt.

Turn your car into a planter bed. Probably the best piece of advice I can throw out there. DON’T DRIVE! Seriously. It’s the number one way to save on fuel - just stop using it in the first place. Now I know this isn’t the easiest thing for everyone out there to do (but if anyone has planted their Hummer I’d love a pic), but surely we can all make a concerted effort to drive less if not stopping completely. One thing I offer up in the seminar I teach is to take a map and draw a half-mile radius around your house. Then pledge to not drive anywhere within that radius unless you are coming or going to or from somewhere else. What this will do is significantly cut down those quick trips to the store that are so bad for your mpg. It’s not a major shift, but it will have an impact.

But the real answer to all of this, as far as I am concerned, is for all of us to get and ride a Conference Bike like the one in the video below. Come on, you know you love this. Just think, it’ll keep you in shape, slow us all down a bit, and make for better communication between friends and neighbors. Just look at how happy they all are! Conference Bikes, that’s the ticket.

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Dave Chameides is a filmmaker and environmental educator. His website and newsletter are designed to inspire thought and dialogue on environmental solutions and revolve around the idea that no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. “Give people the facts, and they’ll choose to do the right thing.”
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Lorraine here with a comment: I'm that proverbial "little old lady from Pasadena." I drive 60 mph, or less, and stay in the right hand lane. Yes, that's the "truck lane" but they have no trouble passing me!! ~~ I confess that I am guilty of hauling too much stuff in my KIA and Little Guy. Recent-ly, I've had an opportunity to sort through and weed out.
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Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Trip to Elkhart

I'm really in a quandary! Do I take one last long trip before it gets too cold?? Do I stay home and work on "down-sizing" my overabundance of "stuff"?? I can expedite the repair on Little Guy if I take it to Elkhart, Indiana. MapQuest indicates it is approximately 700 miles and would take "11 hours 32 minutes." (I drive slower than the average so I speculate two full days. I don't drive at night.) MapQuest suggests approximately $80. in gas (one way). ~~ I can visit genealogy "cousins," in Indiana and Ohio, on the return trip. Undoubtedly I will see beautiful autumn colors. ~~ Staying home is the "safe and sane" answer. But I bought Little Guy so I could see the country!! My immediate angst is having to reload a portion of the gear (not all, just a bare minimum). The mattress is so heavy (and I am so weak). As I write this, after a sleepless night, I don't have an answer.

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Postscript, 10:30 AM Thurs. 9/17/09: It was difficult to decide... but I am leaving in a few minutes. This is the last thing I'm doing before packing the laptop into its case. I'll try to find WiFi along the route and publish an occasional blog. It has been raining, and is supposed to continue raining for several days. It cleared long enough for me to load a minimum of things into the Little Guy.
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GoRVing

I must be firmly associated with RVing because I now get "pop up" messages and "banners" regarding GoRVing. Have you received this one? Furthermore, I may have just published a "blog" and Google has immediately scanned the contents and puts a corresponding advertisement along the left side.

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Another perspective

I read this on the Yahoo Teardroptrailers group and thought I'd share with you. We don't know one another but Greg and I have kindred spirits. We own Little Guy Teardrop trailers, we like to write about our travels, and we love bagels.
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Hi,

I have been reading the messages here [Yahoo teardrop trailers] for awhile, but I have not posted before. I have been setting up my teardrop trailer, but have only started using it this summer.

Although I am pretty new to teardrops, I wrote up a road trip that I took this summer and, if it is OK with the group, during September, I would like to post my trip report here in installments.

Along the way I will be adding photos to the photo album: North Dakota teardrop road trip.

I am interested in feedback and discussion with the group and I would like to read about teardrop trips taken by others.

Thanks for the chance to share my trip report over the next few weeks.

Greg Noose, Helena, MT

Road to Bottineau

I left Helena, Montana on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at about 10:30 AM. The purpose of the road trip was to pick up my wife in Wisconsin. She had gone there on the Amtrak passenger train, the "Empire Builder", to join her two sisters for a week. They needed to work out some of the property issues that were still outstanding since their father passed away late in 2008. Her train ride freed me up to make my own way from Montana to Wisconsin. For this trip, I intended to tow my teardrop trailer.

The objective that I had in mind was to drive through North Dakota on a few roads that I had never been over before, the northernmost highways, camping out along the way in my Little Guy Teardrop Camper/Trailer. I wanted to use my teardrop and confirm what I had been reading about on the Internet; that there really is a mountain range in North Dakota, and a nice one at that. I wanted to see that mountain range as well as a few of the surrounding towns like Bowbells, Bottineau and Belcourt. I had spent a lot of time setting up my teardrop, the trailer that I had named "Bismarck". I had my tools and my safety equipment ready. I had my camping gear laid out. Now I wanted to enjoy my teardrop trailer while I visited a less well-travelled part of North Dakota.

The immediate task at hand though was to pull my teardrop through downtown traffic in Bozeman, an eclectic, busy, Montana college town that is always chock full of vehicles and people, especially in the middle of the day. It would have been easy to drive right by Bozeman on Interstate 90, heading on to Columbus where I intended to spend the first night. But I had a taste for bagels, and as far as I am concerned, the best bagels in Montana are found at the BagelWorks at 708 West Main Street in Bozeman. This small restaurant / bagel shop is tucked in near a crowded intersection of narrow, misaligned streets. Pulling any trailer through these streets and downtown neighborhoods, even a small trailer like Bismarck, can be somewhat daunting. Negotiating these streets while pulling my teardrop would be worth it if I could obtain a bagel for lunch, plain or perhaps salted, nothing fancy though; my taste in bagels is fairly straightforward. I could get a cranberry bagel for an afternoon snack, and a poppy seed to have for a light supper. Crispy on the outside, soft but chewy throughout, always flavorful, BagelWorks bagels could motivate any kind of trailering within the tightest quarters of any town. So downtown Bozeman is where Bismarck and I started out for.

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Another perspective--#2

Road to Bottineau - Part Two

Greg Noose
Helena MT

Bozeman

Bozeman is 100 highway miles from Helena, and my scenic drive through North Dakota began by travelling up the Missouri River on Highway 12, crossing the river bridge at Toston and then driving to the headwaters at Three Forks and the junction with Interstate 90. I headed east on the Interstate, but due to the likelihood of traffic congestion in Bozeman, I left I-90 at Belgrade and followed the two lane roads that lead into Bozeman. One advantage of my particular truck / teardrop combination is that the trailer is narrower than the pickup. I have become confident that if my tow vehicle will squeeze by, then my trailer, Bismarck, will follow (as my wife likes to say "riding-along, riding-along"). Ride-along it did, up the Gallatin River, past Belgrade, past Four Corners, past the turnoff to Montana State University, past the Mall and right onto Main Street in downtown Bozeman. I was headed for my favorite backstreet bagel shop: the BagelWorks.

High, Low, High

Granted, I was not pulling my trailer through the Loop in Chicago or along I-25 under construction in Denver, but Bozeman, Montana still had things to teach me about trailering in congested traffic. For example, even on narrow streets in town, it is still possible to widen my turns. I remember what was told to me by the driving instructors that I used to work with: use the lane lines. The instructors' mantra was summed up with "high, low, high". Effectively using the space between the lane lines will straighten out corners and make them more negotiable. The tactic is safe and works at higher speeds on winding highways, but it also works at slow speeds through tight turns. High, low, high. By taking my tow vehicle to the high side, the outside of the corner, then to the inside, or the apex of the corner, then back out a bit, I was confident that my teardrop would negotiate the corner without jumping the inside curb or coming too close to some green haired, iPod® toting college kid who happened to be standing nearby. As I eventually learned on this road trip, even the drive-through lane at MacDonald's is negotiable while pulling a teardrop trailer as long as you can straighten out your run at it. Mmm …good coffee.

Local Access Lanes

Everything is easier if you know your way around, and during the 1990's, I lived in Bozeman for several years. Knowledge of the area grants local access to shortcuts, especially the off-highway lanes that serve restaurants and shopping malls. Local access lanes usually lead to parking lots that are wide enough to turn around in with open space at the far end for unimpeded parking and an easy exit. Of course, it helps to know the individual town, but in most urban areas, the location of local access lanes seems to be somewhat predictable. In towns like Dickinson, Fergus Falls or St. Cloud, I have had good luck locating and utilizing these calmer roadways that are out of the main flow of heavy traffic.

Time-of-Day

Timing is a big part of this, and pulling a trailer through a town is almost always more convenient early in the morning or at mid-afternoon than it will be during the noon hour or around 5:00 PM. However, local knowledge counts here, too. Whenever a movie starts or ends at the Multi-Cineplex, for example, the parking lot at the Gallatin Valley Mall is usually packed and hard for any vehicle to manage, let alone a pick-up / teardrop combination. That rules out a trailer-toting, movie-time stop at the nearby Barnes and Noble Bookstore (nice bathrooms).

Blind Spots

You have to know your vehicle, too, especially the nature of the blind spots. In my own truck, one quick move of my head assures me that I will spot a passing vehicle that momentarily does not appear in any rearview mirror. I move my head a lot, and I do it deliberately. Starting with a quick look over my left shoulder, with specific checks as I turn back to the right, I am sure that I will see whatever is around me. By being deliberate, I have avoided some near-misses. So far, so good.

Around the Block

When towing my trailer, it seems to me that three or four turns of lesser consequence are usually more manageable than a single hard turn across a multi-lane road that is frequented by heavy, fast moving traffic. So I tend to drive around the block, and I still end up in the desired location. In town the default position is to stay in the right lane, but the more sophisticated goal is to use the traffic lanes in a manner that avoids any need to have to merge right or left while traveling within a congested area. Anticipate a merge, and set it up in advance. While keeping to the right in town, I watch out for immediate hazards such as drivers who are about to open their car doors to exit their vehicles, and I use the lane lines.

As tentative as I am about towing my teardrop, I tend to be willing to walk rather than try to park nearer to a local destination. But when I drove around the BagelWorks, I hit the teardrop jackpot. Behind the restaurant there was an open, double-sized parking space on the left hand corner of a one-way street, West Babcock. This is a peaceful, tree-shaded street just a block south of Main. There is a pleasant mixture of homes, apartments and small businesses, and this particular parking spot was less than 100 yards from the alley entrance to the shop. In no time, I had obtained a baker's half dozen of all my favorites and I was back in the truck for an easy merge into traffic. I was able to shortcut the primary business loop by keeping south, then jog back to catch an interchange onto I-90 eastbound. In no time I was making the interstate highway climb up to Bozeman Pass. With teardrops, and with bagels, straightforward is usually best.

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#14

I've said in a previous blog that my trailer is plain and primitive. Likewise, my cell phone is plain and primitive. I use TracFone: No camera, no unique features. Best of all, I don't have monthly charges!! I prepay for my minutes. ~~ The point I'm trying to make: Even with limited resources we can travel!! That's "howIdoit".

Eureka! (means "I found it")

I've often said that I don't have the strength to set up an EZ-Up tent. I keep looking for something else I can use to shelter me and my Little Guy. The product information says this Eureka is easy to assemble. ~~ Has the reader had any experience with this type of tent?? Do you have any suggestions?? E-mail me?!

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Searching the Internet, I found the possible solution. Smaller... but better than nothing!!

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-do-it--#11

(See September 6th for beginning of this series.) More on the theme of "Be Prepared." ~~ For one week I camped in deep grass at Tom Johnson Camping Center, Marion, NC. We had several days of hard rain!! ~~ I thought my Lewis & Clark "all weather outdoor foot-wear" paid for itself that week. On the box, the characteristics are listed as: 1) All weather grip soles, 2) moisture-wicking breathable lining, 3) 100% water-proof, flexible, and buoyant, 4) protective, full perimeter wrapped outsoles, and 5) stretch-fit, top binding to keep dirt and debris out. As I recall, about $15. from Sam's Club (I've had them for several years but I have a fairly accurate memory). That's "howIdoit".

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-do-it--#12

Not absolutely essential but it's good to protect your tires from the elements. If you are a "bargain hunter" like me, you might find them for a fraction of the retail price. If you have some plywood laying around, cut the top to fit the curve of the fender. That's "howIdoit".

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-do-it--#13

Recently a friend told me about a new "discount" store in Shelby. (I thought I knew them all but one I didn't know about!!) She said "RV covers for $100. and car covers for $15.) Yesterday I browsed the establishment (like a Big Lots) and purchased the "mid-size" car cover. ~~ As you can see in the picture, the cover is large enough (and "small" might be too small). I did not cinch the cover; I was just testing to see if it would meet my needs. The fabric seems very sturdy and the information on the box says "triple layer fabric provides heavy duty protection against dirt, pollution and bad weather." It says "Three year warranty." (How could I go wrong with this pur-chase??) In small print: "This cover is designed to be water resistant but is not waterproof. It will not stop moisture from reaching the surface of your vehicle." ~~ Look, it has a zippered flap where the door is. ~~ That's "howIdoit". ~~ Yes, covers are available at Little Guy but I'm a Senior on a budget.

Is the "recession" over?

The traffic on I-85 was heavy. I was en route from Shelby to Concord, NC. There was a near "pile up" (around me) but I never saw an accident that might have prompted four lanes of traffic to come to a standstill. At the exit for Concord Mills Mall, cars were backed up from the signal to the Interstate. It was at least six signals before I was able to make my turn. Likewise six or seven signals before I was able to enter the Mall parking lot. Is it possible that people chose to stay home on Labor Day Weekend, and venture out the following weekend?? I did!!

Outdoor World was incredibly crowded with customers--or browsers!! I think that store covers five acres--it is incredibly huge. Everything for archery, camping, fishing, hunting, marine (boating), and RVs. It's fun to "browse."

Is the "recession" over? If traffic..., and stores full of customers, is any indication, the economy has turned the corner and recovery is on the horizon. Yes, I made a purchase at Outdoor World--and next door at Bed, Bath & Beyond. I did not browse the enormous Mall but noted that the corridors were full of people. Honestly, I don't "need" anything so why should I browse and perhaps be tempted by something!? Furthermore, (in my humble opinion) things are "too expensive"!! I'll continue to browse the Thrift Shops and make moderately-priced purchases.

At Outdoor World, I bought some collapsible poles that I hope I can use to erect an awning (with a tarp) extending from my little Teardrop trailer. I do not have the strength to set-up and fold-down an EZ-Up tent. I'm trying to "piece together" satisfactory items.

I was so embarrassed!!

I was so embarrassed!! A knock on the door about 5:30 last night. When I opened the door, a well-dressed man--with a brief case--was standing there. "Mrs. Edwards?" ~ "Yes." ~ He is a life insurance salesman!! I did send a card... but expected information in the mail!!

My living room is crowded with all the things offloaded from the little Teardrop trailer!! I can't invite anyone into this mess!! I'm amazed at the amount of stuff I was hauling around!!

True to my word, today I hauled a trailer load (half load?) of things to a mission Thrift Shop. Mostly pillows, sheets and blankets... but kitchen, and a small analog TV, too. I am determined to "downsize"!!

My collection of aluminum, glass and plastic was delivered to the local recycling center. There is no provision for recycling at my apartment complex. I try to do my small part for the environment.

Oh, by-the-way, I sent the salesman away. I didn't invite him into the clutter.

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--I meet the nicest people!

During my travels with the Little Guy, I meet the nicest people!! One memorable couple was traveling in a motorhome--and parked adjacent to me at the Lake Powhatan campground near Asheville, North Carolina. They have returned home to Switzerland but we exchanged e-mail addresses and they continue to correspond with me. ~~ Another acquaintance--at Lake Powhatan--was walking his dog and stopped to chat and admire the "cute" little trailer. He called last week to tell me that (since our meeting) he bought a Little Guy. He called today to tell me about his first campout. ~~ While on my trip I received a phone call from a lady that lives in Asheville. She was in Canton, Ohio, to pick up her Little Guy--and the staff told her about me. Tentatively, we will camp together in the near future (we only live about eighty miles from one another).

Here I am ready to leave Little Guy International Headquarters, Canton, Ohio, March 28, 2008. Everyone was so gracious, and helpful!! I'm standing with the owner of the company, Joe Kicos.

Tales & Trails--The Teardrop Times

It's no secret, I'm a "newbie." I'm in the process of learning my way around the Teardrop community. This evening I received my copy of Tales & Trails, from The Teardrop Times, via e-mail. I savored every word of the 16-page newsletter. (I had no interest in watching the President on TV!!) ~~ So here I am at 9:09 PM of 09/09/09 and I think it is the perfect time to promote the labors of Lisa and Grant Whipp.

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--Index

At this hour (09:09 of 09/09/09) everything is in big round numbers. It seems the perfect time to publish the Index regarding the questions about my solo travels with the Little Guy Teardrop Trailer.

Calling all Lady TearJerkers

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#1: "What do you do when 'Mother Nature' calls in the middle of the night?"

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#2: "What about privacy? Don't people peek?"

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#3: "Where are the comforts of home? No TV; no microwave!"

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#4 : Plain and primitive.

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#5 : Just a "step" above tent camping?!

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#6: Security

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#7 : "Be Prepared"

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#8: Essentials? Non-essentials?

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#9 : "Big Box"

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#10: Accessories

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#11 : More "Be Prepared"

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#12 : Tire Covers

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#13 : Trailer Cover

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-Do-It--#14 : TracFone

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Another perspective--#1: Travelogue of Greg Noose

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Another perspective--#2: Travelogue of Greg Noose

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Another perspective--#3


~~~~~ More in the near future!! ~~~~~

If you missed my travels, click The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and follow my 1193 mile trip chrono-logically. Travel with me on a 622 mile trip while I visit the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. Preceded by the Southern Gospel Jubilee in Marion, North Carolina.

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--How-I-do-it--#9

(See September 6th for beginning of this series.)

At Tearjerkers there is a saying "Life moves a little slower on Teardrop time." All I think about lately is "teardrop"--and sleep is "slow" to find me!! So many sleepless nights!! I spent the last several hours working on this blog; look at the time-stamps: 2:22, 3:33, 4:44. (I wait patiently for those exact numbers.)

Yesterday, I emptied the large box on the tongue of the trailer. Too much stuff!! I had forgotten I had some of the items!! I'll eliminate some...; I'll do "Spring" house-cleaning in the "Fall."











The picture is deceiving; the "box" is not wider than the Little Guy. It was a "special order" (many months after I purchased the trailer) and I had no idea it would be "humongous"!! The storage space is good; the temptation to haul too much stuff is bad!! Half of the things were out when I remembered to take a picture. This is where I keep the electric cord, heater, fan, extra flash lights, tarps, Coleman propane stove, tea kettle, pans, food, etc. Also two heavy pieces of wood (wrapped in plastic) for under the dolly wheel if I am parked in grass. (Like Tom Johnson Rally Park, Marion, NC.)