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.
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| Big Shirley |
This was Memorial Day weekend, 2015. Ilean's big farewell party.
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| Home made picnic tables; Thanks Kyle and Kate! |
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.
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.
Brings back memories of the fire we had when we first got Ilean.
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| 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.)
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| 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.
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!
"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!
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.
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...
By the way, does anyone know anyone that hauls gravel for fill?
THE CREW: Family!
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| 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!
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