Ilean: Farewell my friend, Rest in Pieces

Isn't she beautiful? Yes, Ilean was a charmer. However, looks can be deceiving. She unfortunately just got real tired and too sick to save. So, Jules and Norm decided to let her "Rest in Pieces" and have a party while making it happen.

Big Shirley

This is Big Shirley. I know, what has that got to do with Ilean? Since Ilean became a problem girl we had to do something for a bathroom at Aluminum Acres. Hence, Big Shirley.

This was Memorial Day weekend, 2015. Ilean's big farewell party.

Home made picnic tables; Thanks Kyle and Kate!

During the trip to Aluminum Acres, in Malden, we stopped for breakfast. THIS is what pulls up next to us in the parking lot! 

Jules & Norm got new picnic tables from KC & Kyle for their anniversary! How cool is that?





KC and Kyle MADE these!  Handy little buggers! Yep, built them in their garage. I love the colors, a perfect match for Aluminum Acres too! You know I could have helped.

With the required connections to Big Shirley made, the process of retiring Ilean began in earnest.

Although Big Shirley is not at all completed, she was thrust into service for this Memorial Day weekend and tribute to our friend Ilean, as she crosses over into the aluminum memory books.






We had a wickedly efficient crew for this job. While part of them were unpacking Ilean's contents through the front door...





The rear of the building was being dismantled.


We elected to save a bunch of her if possible. You know, reuse, recycle, repurpose what you can.

The start of a celebratory bonfire. Or a funeral pyre. I'll let you decide.


Brings back memories of the fire we had when we first got Ilean.

2010 cleaning out Ilean

At the time (2010) this seemed like a big fire. It was a tiny spark compared to the one that consumed most of Ilean's burnable bits. We actually started a tree on fire with the sparks and had to not only hose the tree down, we ended up having to cut off the branch to save the tree! (Its the tree with an X on it in the above picture.)

2015 saying good-bye to Ilean

This was a low ebb in the fire. Notice how the burn ring is so much larger.

Norm & Liz made quick work of the master bedroom.

Ilean didn't stand a chance against this crew.

And the unpacking of the household goods was nearly complete.

A girl and her new picnic tables.


Aluminum Acres is looking more and more like it was envisioned.

LUNCH!!!!


OK, now get back to work.

As Brock would say, "Not quite yet."

"Chief" loved the tire swing.

Thar she blows!! Wait, that's from Mobey Dick.

Seemed appropriate though as the master bedroom came down. Norm III got a bit agitated with me for getting in the way. For someone who is a legend you think he would understand. Sorry Dude.

By this time even the dog (Cindy-Relli) was getting tired.

Jules was doing her Where's Waldo impression. She was really good at it too. I can't find her. Can you?

The master bedroom is now officially gone!

Kyle to Norm...

"Wait, we're saving the awning and not just scrapping it?"

"When did that happen?"

Adapt, Improvise, Overcome. Best line in a movie ever.




The goiter (a growth on her pretty face) is gone...

Probably not the most politically correct, but that is what we lovingly called the room off the living room.

Not much left but a shell now.













Safety first and always.

What might be hiding under here?

Any guesses?

Nothing. But the previous owners did LIKE using old license plates for repairs to flooring and ducts.

See!

The awning is....



GONE!

Now for the last few sheets of aluminum siding.

The best part of the siding is that it is an exact match for our 1958 Hiawatha (Bob the Burger) camper's skin.

A little levity during the process too. Norm III rode Ilean to the ground as the front portion was demolished. Brother-in-laws don't always agree on the madness of the methods. This is the video https://www.flickr.com/photos/beatsworkin/18432489554/in/album-72157654925775335/ I love the banter between Norm III and Jason.



Nothing left except the bathroom and a partial outer wall.

This was chosen to be the last part to come down, as a back-up to Big Shirley. We didn't want her to feel too much pressure being that it was her debut.

See?! 

Another one!


This one is cool though. Vintage and camping related you know.

Once down, everything had to be sorted from the area.


And shortly before the tree fire issue.

Bright and early Monday morning.

The last standing walls came down. https://www.flickr.com/photos/beatsworkin/19029129516/in/album-72157654925775335/ Its a good thing I wasn't in charge, or OSHA.






Big Shirley, we're counting solely on you now sister.

Bathroom is gone.

Some of Ilean's hidden issues. Anyone with a vintage camper knows about this stuff.

Last of the wood demo.

Taking out the floor, sub-floor and joists. A chainsaw was the best tool for that!

Just had to watch out for where those steel frame beams were.





The first of four trailer loads of recycling material to be hauled away.

There were another three trailers full of reusable / recyclable bits that were hauled off.

Did I mention that Heath (aka Chief) loved the tire swing? If he could find someone to help push him, he was going!

But its not always just about fun and games. Sometimes you have to stop playing and look out for someone else.

The happy recipient of Heath's thoughtfulness. His "G" getting a bottle of water from him.

How a 3 year old thinks of these things on his own amazes me!

With the shadows growing long...

There is nothing left of Ilean except her frame (which was cut up and hauled away 3 days later), a giant hole in the ground and cherished memories.

By the way, does anyone know anyone that hauls gravel for fill?




THE CREW: Family!



L-R back row Joni, Heath, Jason, Jules, Kyle and Kate
middle row Brock and Norman (aka G)
front row Relli and Yours Truly; Travis
missing Norm, Liz and Marah

Not in the picture is Norm, Liz and Marah as they had to leave a bit earlier in the day on Monday.

This is one proud set of parents; of their kids, their kids' spouses and significant others and grand-kids.

It could not have been done without all of your help. Thank-you so much!!

A Dee...
A Dee...
A Dee...

That's All Folks.


Travis

Oh for cry-Pete,

Another one!

Camping Season 2015 is Underway! Marengo Ridge, Illinois

 

 

 Ahhhh. I love camping. A peaceful time of relaxing and visiting with friends. Well, at least its advertised that way in the brochures.

I was able to introduce Vito to our way of camping too. Vito was a bit apprehensive and said where he is from going on a trip is usually a one way ride.

It didn't make any sense to me either, but I have learned some things with Vito are better left unexplained.

This was the campsite for the weekend. We stayed at a little place called Marengo Ridge. Since it doesn't have a shower house one must be prepared, or be stinky for the weekend.

I chose prepared.

Luckily Vito stood guard outside the door whilst I was occupied. No peeking allowed.

This was the first rally for Jesus Presley too. He is Elvis' little brother. I know, I'm probably going to get hit by lightening. Notice I am not sitting with him, Vito is.
Jesus Presley came to be because BJ found a guy at a garage sale and wanted him fancied up. Well, between Julia and BJ, Jesus Presley arrived. BJ told Jules, "fancy him up and make him look like Elvis."

He shows up in people's campers unannounced.



Its pretty unnerving.

The turn out for the gathering at Marengo Ridge was small. It reminds me of just camping with a few friends, rather than a rally. Its really a change of pace and quite nice.

We did meet some new folks. Mike, his wife Lesa and Mike's sister Vicky.

Bill and Anna were there too. They were just hiding in the background.

I like Bill's attitude of hiding in plain sight.

Mmmmm. Chicken bites. With a bit of BBQ sauce these were an amazing treat during dinner.


The magic pitcher by Vito was well guarded too.

Vito and I made sure to protect every drop.

Later in the evening we went and visited everyone's camper.

Even Elsa got to walk around with us. Elsa is the GIANORMOUS puppy with Bill. She is only a few months old.









It was nice being able to see how everyone set theirs up without having to wait in line.

See what I mean?

Good food, good friends and coolers full of good beverages. What a great way to spend a weekend.

The last time I saw one of these I remember someone yelling fuzz and we all jumped out the windows. I don't have anything to do with these anymore. The commercials during the 70s and 80s worked for me. You know, the commercials with eggs frying.

There was plenty of wildlife to observe too. This guy was headed toward the outhouse. Honestly, I think he has to start for the outhouse a day before he needs to use it.

Cutie Pie was NOT his name.

I'm fairly sure this one was originally waiting for the other one to return.

I don't know if I would have that kind of patience.

There was a lot of other wildlife too. It just moved a lot faster than I could get the camera ready for.

Saturday morning instead of making breakfast we opted to head into town and have someone else make it for us.

Norm and Jules.

Anna and BJ.

 


Bill and Anna.


 We decided going garage sailing in the area would be a fun thing to try.

While garage sailing a few had to use a bathroom. What better place than a park with a playground?

I really liked this slide with the castle look.

After garage sailing we decided to play a few rounds of dominoes.

No, those are NOT all of my beers. Only the empty ones are.

Saturday evening what else?

More eats!!

I can honestly say that these guys eat very well for "camping".





I recall, as a youngster, that camping meant going out and catching dinner. We often went to bed hungry. Not anymore thank-you.

A little help here please. I would like a drink of water.









Thank-you.



The drinking fountains in the campground are a bit antique. Cool looking, but a real work-out just to wet your whistle.






Well, that about does it for Marengo Ridge. We had a wonderful time.

Our next camping adventure will be at a place called Horicon Marsh, in Wisconsin. We haven't been there before so it'll be cool seeing new stuff. Or it'll be a nightmare. I can't wait to find out.

Till next visit.

Travis