Quiz time...

What do you call camping, but in a glamorous and stylish way?

Glamping of course.

Don't feel bad. I didn't know it either until the weekend of May 9 thru 12.


We camped in a place called Warren Dunes, in Sawyer, Michigan.


It turns out that Jules' way of camping has an official name. She has been camping all decked out like this since 2007, when she first got Bob the Burger. Now we find out that there is an actual term that identifies our way of camping. Glamping. I think Over The Top Fun Camping would be a good name too, but it doesn't have the catchy ring of Glamping.

But the best part of going to Warren Dunes? Meeting a whole bunch of other Glampers. They all belong to a group named  The Loyal Order of the Glamper. A very welcoming group! No stuffy attitudes here! So I'm a member now too. This was their third annual Mother's Day Camp Out at Warren Dunes. I must say though that we men types are outnumbered considerably.

Clearly these folks like to dress their campers up. They totally embrace the philosophy of making a camper their own. If you want to make your camper all original, go ahead. If you want to make it into something totally different, go ahead. If you are in the middle of decorating your camper and you change your mind and redecorate, that is perfectly normal. All of these folks like to color outside of the lines! Free spirited I guess best describes the group.

The weather wasn't quite as balmy as the forecast had called for. It never made it up to 60 like the weather people predicted. It did rain though so they got it half right. For the most part it was in the 40s and lower 50s.

Mmmmm, toasty buns. Whoa, easy there! I'm talking about what is wrapped in the tin foil. Sheesh.

As for the group and the camping weekend, it was great fun. I got to meet a whole new bunch of folks and even ran into others that we had met before.

Ginger even got her own new sign (gumdrops of course) just for this get together. This gathering wasn't an official rally so it was a gathering. It really didn't matter to me, rally, gathering, either way I was camping with Jules and Norm and a lot of other great people.

The unofficial, or maybe official, I really don't know, hostess of the event was Alana. Here she is with her hubby, Dave and son, Will.

Will is real cool, like Brock. Brock and Will standing next to each other would be awesome. Brock all blond and blue eyed and Will with his dark brown eyes and black hair. Like a Ying and Yang of little guys.

This is Sue. She is such a jokester! How anyone can have so much fun and energy I don't know.

Check out her chandelier!

Woo WHO!

I just hope that if I run into her hubby at the next gathering that she can explain this better than me. We were posing for owner and camper shots outside of her camper Crackling Rosie when Sue spun me around and landed a kiss on me. Curled my toes! Its a good thing she was married and I am all smitten with Jules or I might have been moving to Michigan.

I think my being a celebrity just overcame her for a second. It happens you know.

Being a Glamper does not require your camper to be vintage either, just glamped up. Like vintage, it doesn't have a certain standard, just what works for you.


This is Beth. She and her husband Don were our neighbors for the weekend. Beth is all about turquoise. See I can learn. Initially I commented about how she liked blue. The school bell rang LOUD! Blue is way different from turquoise. Beth was laughing all the time while school was in session, but I still was taking notes.

No, I was not holding his leash! Do you see that I wasn't looking at him and he not at me? He wanted to chomp me! Norm thought it would be great fun to get a picture. I was VERY quiet and VERY STILL. Do you see that collar?

Actually this is Finnegan. He is very friendly and patient. He did do a lot of sniffing though and poking with his nose in strange places. Dogs are weird that way. I prefer to just say hello and share a tasty beverage.

Okey dokey, less chatter, more pictures.

This is Lynn and her camper Lady Rose.


If I had gotten this updated sooner I might remember more.

This is Judy. I can't remember the name of her camper though.

I just hope that she doesn't hold it against me.

 


Stephanie and her son were our "across the road" neighbors.

They didn't seem to mind the late night bear sounds that Norm makes when he snores.




Zoe and her little Frolic.

Just the name of her camper reminds me of my childhood, frolicking in the forest. Mom said we were running amuck, not frolicking.

This is Nancy and her trailer Chick-a-dee. I am guessing on how to spell that though.

You know with names these days there is no regular spelling. It might be a picture of a chicken and the letter D.

Rhonda and her hubby and grand baby Payten.

This is one of those pictures where my age causes me problems. I recognize Karen (on the right), but for the life of me I can't recall her friend's name.

This is Diane. She did a major crash and burn to get her camper ready for this rally. It is all red, white and black everywhere. Very cool camper and easy to find when one has a few too many tasty beverages at another campsite.
Wait, we were in a Michigan state park. Those kinds of beverages were not allowed. Disregard the tasty beverage comment.

Mary and her daughter. They belong to Finnegan. At least that is what Finnegan told me and I was not about to argue with him. Anyhow, Mary has a business that is all about wholesome cooking with real good ingredients. Nothing like the places that I usually eat at. I don't think she has an eel recipe though.

These two crazy folks are Mike and Sandy. They have the worst case of aluminitis that I have ever seen. They currently own more than 21 campers. I had to take my shoes and socks off to count that high and ran out of fingers and toes at 21. So I don't know exactly how many they have.

Mike just smiled when I asked him. I don't think he knows for sure anymore either.

Beth was camped across the road too, next to Stephanie. Her camper used to be known as Bee Bee but got a new name when Beth got her. Beth calls the camper Wanda Jean.

I was a big fan of Norma Jean, Wanda's little sister. But that is a story for another time.

Donna is Sandy's sister. She is almost as crazy as Sandy, but not quite. Perhaps it has to do with Sandy being married to Mike, I'm not sure.

Great people, slightly off center is all. Which of course is in no way a problem! We love them all the same.

This is Richard and Dianna. They drew the other side of Jules and Norm for the weekend. Great neighbors. Very tolerant of me and Norm. I would say something funny about Richard's line of work but I just don't want to become part of his work, so I'll be nice.






Pot Luck Meal

While we were camping in Michigan for the first time at this gathering. I came to the realization that what I've heard about Michigan being in a financial mess must be true. Somebody didn't pay the heating bill for the state and the heat got shut off. It was chilly the whole weekend. I really shouldn't poke fun though. Being from Illinois we just have our governors retire to federal prison when they leave office.

We had a great time and met a whole bunch of new friends.

 

 

I promise I'll get better at getting the entries done sooner. I have been so busy lately that I just had too many things on my plate. Desert included.

 

 

Until next time,

 

Travis

 

 

 

 

Our Vintage Campers- Before and After

I must apologize to you my readers and followers. I thought I had a fairly good handle on my blog. Not so much.

Jules was perusing my blog the other day and mentioned that I might be a tad remiss in my photos of her campers. She said that even though I have entries and pictures of all three of the campers, there isn't one specific blog entry with ALL of the campers, before and after they were rescued by Jules. I made visitors have to search multiple entries if they wanted to see Bob, Walter and Ginger.

Let me tell you a small secret that I learned from Norm; 'if Jules suggests something, a smart man will take that suggestion, make it his own idea and run with it.'

Here are a few pictures of our campers, what they looked like when we first got them and what they looked like after Jules' design and decorating ideas had been applied.

1958 Hiawatha camper

This was Bob the Burger in the very beginning. A leaky, soggy floored, ugly duckling looking to be a swan. Well, a tired vintage camper waiting for Jules' to give it a new life.





Jules actually had the idea of Bob the Cheeseburger long before they got the camper. Finding a camper shaped like a burger was the first step in making the idea into reality.


1958 Hiawatha camper, Bob the Burger


 

Roughly 12 weeks later this was Bob in all his glory. A new lease on life and making a new name for himself.



Everything inside Bob was decorated with a McDonald's theme.

This is the kitchen.

Don't worry, I thought the drawers were broken too. They were designed tipped like that to stay in while travelling.

The dining room and living room.

Considering that Bob is all of ten feet long inside, you need to maximize the space. (It is also the bedroom when the table is down.)











Ginger the man having morning coffee with Jules.











1965 Aristocrat Lo-Liner

Here is Walter the Hippie at the beginning.

This is where we found him in Necedah, Wisconsin. He had been parked in this spot for over 17 years.

1965 Aristocrat Lo-Liner, Walter the Hippie

Yes, I said Hippie. He HAD to be considering that he is a 1965.

Peace, Love, and Groovy. Far out man...


 
 




Walter is bigger than Bob. Walter actually has three beds hidden away. Here is the dinette. What hippie theme would be complete without a lava light?

Walter's kitchen and living room.

The couch converts into a full size bed and it has an upper bunk.

Jules does great work. She made all of the curtains and seat covers.

1959 Shasta Airflyte

Lastly, I introduce Ginger the Gingerbread House. I know, I felt the same way. Gingerbread house? Where? I don't see it!

But Jules has vision like nobody else I know. She looks at something and doesn't see what is, she sees way past that to what it will be.






1959 Shasta Airflyte, Ginger the Gingerbread House
 

See what I mean? Yes, this is the same camper.



Although this picture makes Ginger's wings look white, they are actually pink to match the wheels and step.











The interior of Ginger is tasty with a lot of pink, caramel colored paneling and candy. The dinette like most campers converts into a bed.







This shelf is above the dinette. See what I mean about tasty?

Makes me hungry.

The kitchen and rear couch. The seats in Ginger are covered in a lovely pink Naugahyde.


As you can see, Jules is very talented. But she isn't a magician. The exterior body work and paint on all of the campers is done by her son Norm III. He is very proud to be Jules' son and would do anything for her. He also likes to color outside of the lines like her. So he paints her campers the way she wants them and we think he is crazy talented. It must be genetic.



 Well, those are our campers.

Happy Trails, see you in a campground!

Travis

Visiting Jules' Mom - Florida - Jan 2013

Jules and three of her sisters (Joan, Jackie and Jean), that live in Illinois,decided to take a trip to Florida to visit their oldest sister (Janet) and their Mom (Miss Lorraine) who now lives with Jan. Considering how much fun I am and how well I travel, Jules decided I could tag along.

The best part you ask?

We left Norm and Big Bill home!

As you can see, I really enjoyed myself!
        (and my red solo cup)



(L-R) back row: Janet, Joan and Jackie
front row: Jules, Miss Lorraine and Jean



Who wouldn't enjoy themselves when accompanied by beautiful women in a tropical place? Woo Whoo what a time I had!

This is Jules and all of her sisters and Mom. A rare event to say the least. Don't worry, they have another shot that I am not in for the family album.

I know some folks think that I am a bit of a freeloader. I don't go along just to look good you know. (Although as eye candy, I am tops. Just sayin')  I am actually helpful!

I taste test things so nobody gets a bad meal. The Chinese we had at the airport was ok. Nothing spectacular, but palatable just the same.

Who would want a skunky beer? I make sure that doesn't happen to anyone in my party!

Or BBQ sauce that is made from catsup. Eeww!

Or bad ribs. Luckily everything was quite tasty.

Ok, so the beer and ribs were mine. I still gave everyone a review of what I ate.

Since Big Bill stayed home with Norm I felt that I needed to step up and contribute more and be less of a prima donna.

It was my chance to impress Jules and get her to see the real me!

Well, I was pretty safe as a tester. Kristy and Taylor worked at Keller's BBQ, in Lake Mary, Florida, and they made sure everything was perfect for our meal. Thanks!

Have you ever shared a hotel room with four women?


A word of advice -

DON'T!

Although it is entertaining in the morning BEFORE they get all dolled up. I thought I was going to get whomped big time when I took these pictures.

I don't think you can see through Ginger the Man and I know he doesn't wear glasses!

I had to promise not to take anymore morning pictures without authorization. Having four women mad at you is very unhealthy!

Ok, maybe just one more...

Something I found out. ONE of the sisters has a thing for chocolate donuts. Another thing I found out, the sisters DON'T tell. So I can't say which one for fear of reprisal.

Especially if I ever want to get invited to go on another trip with them. 

Or get another donut from them to buy my silence!

All dressed and ready we left the hotel and headed for lunch near Jan's house.

I tried to help Jules with the directions and I was informed, "we left Norman at home, don't make us regret that we brought you."

I enjoyed the scenery after that. Tough crowd those sisters.

Aah family... I tried to get Derek to understand that I am not a Patriots fan but he insisted that I give them some props since they made it to the playoffs.

Jan was cool about the whole thing and said I could support whomever I wanted. Thanks Jan!

Just because I'm vertically challenged does not mean that I can be picked up and hung upside down!

Actually it was somewhat thrilling! Even though I nearly lost my lunch. Thanks Lynette & Tim! I didn't think it was possible but I miss you guys already!

Nothing wrong with just posing for a picture. No photo-bombing, no acrobatics, just a simple pose and picture.

Saying "stinky feet" to get everyone to smile was weird, but it worked.
Kayla thought the stinky feet were mine. I said they were Tyler's. Tyler bopped me and agreed with Kayla. For the record, I don't have stinky feet!

Hey, Lynette.....

Do you see how Dave was holding me? Notice my face isn't all red from the blood rushing to my head. Much less exciting, but I look better.

Right after lunch on the way to the cars we stopped for a game of checkers. They didn't know that I am a past checker champion. Well, not champion, but runner up to the runner up of runner ups. Basically I'm pretty good. Anyhow, I showed Kayla some of my patented checkers moves. We whomped Tyler and Derek!

Then we went to Jan and Derek's 's house to visit. I have to admit, I really like the backyard.

We took a stroll down the street and stopped for this picture. Nice neighborhood don't ya think?

We had a really good time visiting with the southern members of the family over the next couple of days.


Fact warning: Being a blogger is great and sometimes people ask about time lines and such regarding my entries. Occasionally I remember things a tad different from others. Other times I might have had a few too many tasty beverages and when I write about the event some facts could be a little jumbled. Call it creative license. Or just throw a buffalo chips penalty flag. Either way is ok with me.

Normally people go home at the same time on family trips right? Not these sisters. Jean and Jackie had to get back a day before Jules and Joan. Jules said it had something to do with airline reservations and overbooked flights. Not that I was complaining! Another day in Florida in January is better than two weeks in northern Illinois.

This is Wanda, she checked us out of our room at the Hampton Inn, which is where we always stay when visiting Jules' mom. Thanks for always keeping the coffee fresh and we will see you next time.

Since we had to stay an extra day Jules got a different hotel near the gulf coast. Look, I don't ask why, I just enjoy the trip. I know Jean and Jackie missed out though. Maybe next time ladies...

Jules and Joan decided to relax and hang at the pool for a few hours instead of my suggestion, going shopping or site seeing.

Visiting family is fun, but chillin' poolside with a tasty beverage, awesome!

Aaahh. Does it get better than this?

The answer my friend,

a resounding YES!

Sadly, our time in Florida had come to the end for this trip. This is Dean, he works for TSA, at the airport. Him wearing rubber gloves had me VERY nervous. This was the first time that I got randomly selected for a search. But the search wasn't as bad as some have said it would be.


Besides, I like a TSA agent with a sense of humor and a smile for the customer.
Thanks Dean, see you on the flip flop.

Until next time,

Travis