I had hoped that I'd have some time to explore a few places in Arizona where I had visited 30 years ago & really put my new solar system to the test before I returned to the cold eastern part of the country to help my sister prepare for the birth of my new niece. But alas, I see I am destined to experience every dislikable aspect winter has to offer no matter where I go. Yep, I'm now convinced the Weather Goddess has it in for me.
For the past 3 days I've been high-tailin' it across the country to catch the small good weather window on Sunday that will allow me to get to Pennsylvania & my sister before my niece is born. I left Western Arizona on Wednesday & drove to eastern New Mexico that day, then across Tex-Ass Thursday. Don't try that yourself - Texas in 1 day - Don't do it! Yesterday I drove through Weezy-anna (my first time in that state) & M I S S I S S I P P I (first time in that state too!) & up through Ala-BAM-a to stay with friends in Chattanooga last night (you know you have great friends when they not only provide you with a warm comfy bed, but a bed full of warm cuddly kitties & puppers too! Hot shower I'm comin' for you next!). Today I'm on old stomping grounds going up through Kentucky & hopefully into O-Hi-O so I will be set-up to run over to Pennsylvania on Sunday. Grania & Zelda seem to be holding their own- though it's been tough on Grania since she has to do all the work, Zelda just goes where she's towed. The next few days will be bitterly cold - goodbye 80 degrees, it was nice to feel you, if only for a couple of days.
Oh, look at the time! I have to get back on the road again, I have 3 more states to visit today. Phew! I'm tired just typing the whole journey! Hold onto mommy's fallopian tubes "Baby Matilda", Auntie LaLa is coming!!! Wait for me!!!
I am guessing by now you are almost there. I'm so happy you will be there for your niece's birth and that friends have helped you out along the way. My sis has been visiting and rather than having me make up the sleeper sofa bed, she's been sharing mine, and with the animals lol. They do make things seem more cozy, don't they? :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are doing ok, and the post Christina did on you is awesome!
Yes, I just got to my sister's today (Sunday) around 4:30. Hit a little snow last night in central Ohio unfortunately - the weather had been perfect the whole way here up until that last hour. The Weather Goddess just couldn't hold off a little longer. But, the weather has already gotten and is getting nasty for a good portion of my trip route, so I couldn't have timed it more perfectly. Thank You NOAA Graphical Forecast! I am beyond grateful to my friends who let me crash at their places for the last 2 nights of my trip. For some reason beyond my comprehension, I am blessed with awesome friends!
DeleteSo glad your sister is getting to visit you and it looks like you both are having a blast! I'm so envious of all the great hikes you have done. Such gorgeous photos too! Enjoy the rest of your time together.
Yes, the post Christina wrote was awesome - thanks to you! ;O)
Nice to see someone with a beautiful teardrop. I made mine 5 years ago and we go to Car shows with out 55 chevy pickup. I like your awning it appears to be homemade. Can you fill me in or take some close up pictures? I'll have to find time to read your blog as I just skimmed and looks like you have alot of good ideas Thank You Sara
ReplyDeleteHi Sara,
DeleteThank you for the compliments on my teardrop. I can't take credit for it's design or build, but I do think it is pretty special. I am in awe that you built your own teardrop! That is wonderful. I'm also jealous of your 55 Chevy pick-up. LOVE those trucks!
The awning is homemade by the builder. He sewed a rope along one side that feeds into a channel along the curve of the teardrop roofline. The opposite side of the awning has a sleeve that a piece of aluminum pipe feeds through. Then two shock-corded tent poles feed into slots under the trailer and curve up to holes in the aluminum pole to hold it all taught. Unfortunately, my teardrop is in storage while I'm at my sisters right now, but as soon as I get back to it I'll set up the awning and take some close-ups for you. It really is an ingenious design by the builder.
Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog - I hope you enjoy it!
hi love .reading your report on internet .i live in australia ,built myself a teardrop .best thing i did love the freedom it gives me tony
ReplyDeleteHi Tony,
DeleteThanks for stopping by and joining me on my journey. I was so excited to see someone from Australia commenting! THANKS! I am in awe of anyone building their own teardrop. I think that is really amazing. I agree about the freedom they give - simple, easy and fun. Do you live in yours full or part time or do you use it mostly for camping?
I wish you many fun adventures in it!
Suggestion for cold weather sleeping. Remember those nalgene water bottles we are not supposed to drink from anymore? They make great hot water bottles. Before bed boil up a bottle of water. After transfering it to the bottle cover the bottle in a sock and throw it down where your feet will be. Suprising how long it will last.
ReplyDeleteHi Greg,
DeleteThanks for the suggestion about the hot water bottle, someone else had suggested that to me as well. I will have to try it! I already have two Nalgene bottles, though I would prefer a Hot Water Body Pillow instead! :O) I just get cold so easily anymore and have a hard time getting warm. Yes, I have become a wimp. I just don't tolerate cold weather like I used to without being able to get and stay warm for a good chunk of time. I know I will run into cold weather, and was prepared for some cold days and nights, but not 3 months of it. I hope I won't have to go through another winter like this one in the Southwest - at least not for a long time.
Thanks again for the great suggestion! Wishing you warmth wherever you are!
Jordon, I just found your blog and am getting a great kick out of it. I'm from Saskatchewan and so am very familiar with the cold. It is really hard on the 'doo but if you wear a toque (stocking cap in Merican) to bed it's as if you had another blanket on. Also for small area heat you could try a Sterno burner or those achocol burners they put under buffet trays. A bottle of high percentage isopropol alcohol is cheap and burns very clean. You just have to deal with the open flame. Another more conventional heat/light source would be a Uco Candle lantern.
ReplyDeleteWhen you were in Quartzsite, did you get to the book store??? If you didn't you missed one of the most unusual attractions in town!
Hi Randall,
DeleteWelcome to my crazy life! Glad you are getting a kick out of it. I've never been to Saskatchewan but it has to be a pretty awesome place since it's so fun to say! :O) I'd have to visit in the summer though, or have a really warm place to warm up in after being outside in the winter. I love snow, just don't handle the cold well anymore.
I went through all kinds of ideas for heating inside the teardrop including Sterno's (great minds think alike!). Most made me nervous for use in the space. I used to have one of the Uco Candle lanterns, but dropped it a few years ago and broke the glass and haven't gotten around to replace it. I always liked it. The best option I came up with, thanks to my friend I met in AZ, was the Olympian Wave catalytic heater that runs on propane. It seemed to be the safest option for my space, but I couldn't afford it. Someday, down the road I might get one - though I would prefer to just not have another winter like this one!
Unfortunately I didn't get to the bookstore in Quartzite, though I had heard about how unique it was and wanted to check it out. I had hoped to have more time there to really experience the town - maybe next year - and NOT go during the busiest 2 weeks! Are you full-timing on the road?
Thanks for coming along for the ride! Stay warm up there! When do you get your "spring thaw" typically?
Jordan
Hey Jordan! I need to connect with you...I start a year (or more) trek across american in my new teardrop. i live in washington DC i am started in the southwest to avoid possible weather issues. i am a writer and using this time to gain clarity on my book. Last summer i did a two month travel - camping- with my dog throughout the midwest, california, northwest, and into canada. it changed my life. so now, i left my 9-5 job to head out and discover more of our beautiful country with my dog. i can't see to find you email so here is mine. i would like to connect to pick your brain and possible meet up. i am also writing a blog but it is more about using nature as a self discovery with some personal issues. Please be in touch!!
ReplyDeleteemail: aimlesswandering1@yahoo.com
Hi LDCool G,
DeleteI am so excited you are going to be living in a teardrop too! They have their challenges, but are great fun to travel with. These kind of adventures are life changing, in so many wonderful and profound ways. Bravo for taking the leap - it's not an easy one, but so worth it. I don't know what your book is about, but no matter what the topic, you will find amazingly relevant material along the way. I am envious you have such a cool pupper to travel with you - he looks like an awesome dog!
I will shoot you an e-mail soon (I thought I had my e-mail contact info on the blog, but I guess I don't). Been pretty tied up with helping take care of my little nephew and new baby niece. Until then, safe and happy travels and I hope you are someplace with warm weather! ;O)
Jordan