Holy Crap! Is That an Airstream?

So a couple weeks ago, I called and made a reservation at the Holiday Park Campground in Traverse City, MI. When I called, the operator asked what type of trailer we had and I stated a 23’ Airstream and he replied, “Is that one of those silver ones?” Of course I replied with pride…”Yep”. Nothing to exciting, but the reservation was made for the weekend.
So a couple weeks passed by and we did some research on the area and plotted our course to visit as many of the local wineries as we possibly could until we could not drink any more free samples…it was gonna be a fun weekend!
But then we arrived and as we pull into the driveway of the Holiday Park, the Safari heaved a contented sigh…ahh…She was finally home!



Nestled among the trees and gracefully lined up along the lake are more Airstreams than our 30 fingers could count.

We even saw several "Squarestreams" throughout the park.

It seems that the Holiday Park is “Michigan’s Airstreamers Park”. So close to us…only 200 miles from where we live…and we never heard their calls.











As we entered the park, Kim noticed drops of moisture pooling in my eyes…she was unsure if they were tears of joy or just beads of excited sweat. (In fact, it was both).
There was no stares or points as we found our campsite…we were so common and we blend right in. However, ours is still the prettiest…our love for her only grows.

That '70s Guy

Throughout the weekend at Oak Grove Resort, we met some wonderful individuals including a Tin Can Tourist that parked his ’68 Buick Wildcat in front of our ’68 Surfin’ Safari. We also camped next to a guy who is in the process of restoring a 70’s Ambassador.

As we were talking, he was marveling over the condition of the Safari and couldn’t believe how original it was. I too, am very happy that the only thing we have had to change are the cushions and covers for the gaucho and couch. However, I have always wanted to strip an Airstream down to the shell and do a complete restore and build it “my way”…but after looking into his eyes…

…I truly appreciate the condition of the Safari. I don’t have to replace the floor…I don’t have to worry about making sure the refrigerator works…and the furnace, don’t even get me started on that.

As he was camping in an SOB, I was able to sit in the Safari, show her off and enjoy the weekend with my family.

…However…it would be really cool to get another trailer and build her up…and of course, I would have the Safari to go camping with…hmm…

Oak Grove Resort, Holland, MI

Over Memorial Day weekend we stayed at the Oak Grove Resort in Holland, MI and boy did we have a great time. When I arrived Friday evening (dropped Kim off a day early) she had a wonderful surprise for me. A gentleman named Don walked up and and asked about the Airstream, Kim shared with him what she knew...at which point he got VERY excited and began to share with her that he was a Tin Can Tourist and owns a 1930's Bowlus (the exact year escapes me). To her, he was speaking a foreign language, however, she told him that he needed to come back when I arrived because I would be just as excited as he and we could probably talk all night about our beautiful Vintage kin (when I finally did arrive, we did talk for hours...and his Bowlus is beautiful!).

She then gave him a quick tour at which point he asked what year the Safari was and she told him it was a 1968...again he got REAL excited and dashed away. He pulled a 1968 Buick Wildcat up to the Surfin' Safari and they took this wonderful picture to surprise me...and boy did it!

After talking with Don for quite some time, I realized how cool it would be to attend a rally. So I am in the planning stages to attend my first rally (probably next summer). I'm not sure which one it will be...but I can't wait!

Up next...Camping next to another Airstream freak who is restoring a 70's trailer...sucks to be him...

And then...The Hungry Horse Campground in Dorr, MI.

Just for Frank...

While visiting some stores in Saugatuck, MI we came upon a couple of interesting signs...and of course, when I saw them, I thought of Frank... So here you go...

Camping over the weekend...

Like many others, we had an opportunity to camp over Memorial Day weekend. We tried to do it a little different in order to "beat the crowds". Instead of heading out Friday, Kim took that day off and we dropped her off Thursday night. Zach and I then came back home to go to work/school...and mom got a much needed day off (from work, not Zsch and me...hehe).
Zach and I came up Friday night, stayed both Friday and Saturday and then headed out Sunday morning. Again, to beat the crowds...it worked out very well and gave us a nice day at home to "relax" from our mini vacation.
I will post in a little bit regarding some of our adventures over the weekend, including, meeting a "Tin Can Tourist", camping next to another Airstream freak who is in the process of restoring a 70's era Ambassador and I also got a special picture just for Frank...so stay tuned!

The Polish Continues...

Polishing the Airstream Surfin' Safari from Chuck Tansey on Vimeo.

It's Ready!!!

For the first time...a video post on the Surfin' Safari!

Airstream Opening 2009 from Chuck Tansey on Vimeo.

Almost Ready...

In the last post, I mentioned that I was going to unveil something "new" for the blog this year...and am I excited...it's almost ready...can you feel the anticipation...it's like Christmas morning all over again...what's inside that present...what is Santa bringing me this year...oh boy! I can't wait!

The Snow Has Melted...almost

Well here in Michigan, the snow has finally melted and it's time to start working on the Surfin' Safari again...and I can't wait. I have a special feature that will be added to this year's blog postings and I'm very excited to begin, however, I have a couple finishing touches that need to be added so stay tuned!