I did not go out with Prairie Flower much this summer 2018. There were many reasons...but mostly it was because the weather was very hot. We had over 40 days in a row with temperatures above 90 F. It was very smokey from forest fires burning in Oregon. The smoke is something that I do not want to be in...it causes me respiratory issues.  I have no AC in Prairie Flower, just 2 small battery fans. 

I became restless to get out from the farm, and hook up Prairie Flower. I needed a week away. There was no reason to delay any longer.

I need some me time. I really needed some me time. I need to take care of myself. I will take care of myself. I must....

I looked across the Deschutes River from my campsite and saw a hiking trail. Intrigued, I got out my small hiking pack and hiking stick. It was loaded with just a few things, jacket, water, snacks, cell phone, and whistle / pocket knife on lanyard. I guess that I went about a mile, thinking that I shouldn't push it. My left foot might become painful, and I do not want that to happen.

The early fall weather had turned the Quaking Aspen a beautiful golden yellow, and I took this photo on my hike from the campground.

 This photo of Prairie Flower is from the hiking trail across the river.

This photo shows the lovely campground that I used. It is a small campground with just 10 campsites. It is rather primitive, and the nightly fee was just $5 with my senior passport card. The road is fairly busy during the day, but it is very quiet at night (7pm-7am). I feel safe here. It is just a few miles from a major resort area, and about 30 minutes from Bend Oregon. I can play that I really have a vacation cabin here. I sit by the river to see wildlife and kayaks go by, see hikers and fishermen on the shoreline.

For now, this little trailer is my cabin in the woods.....I would go back, but, the weather was turned quite cold. 

A July Camping Trip

I am sorry for the blurry pic.....this is the kitchen area of Prairie Flower. I hope that you enjoy this photo anyway.

I just returned home today, from a 5 day camping trip in Central Oregon. I selected a campground that I have never stayed in. My choice was good, I got a good site. The view was OK, the breeze was good, the mosquito's were zero!

I do need to go out into nature for my well being. I need quiet, and nature to center myself - to balance myself - to think and relax. Good sleep and simple eating, are important. I have easy to make backpacking food, fresh fruit, and some special snacks.

I did some organizing and got a good amount completed. I completed 2 books, and played the ukulele. 

And................I am very happy to report....no mice got inside. I chose the campsite partly due to the fact there was no grass nearby...I think that mice live in areas where they can hide. Now, I am not afraid of mice.....they are just a darn nuisance #$%&* when I have to trap them in my trailer. 

I keep all food inside a vintage metal camp cooler, and a heavy duty pink Yeti ice chest. There is no food they can get to. In fact, I often keep the metal cooler and ice chest outside on the picnic table. All food waste is put in the garbage daily.

PS - I finally got the comment section turned on.

Dreaming of Summer Camping

I don't know about you...but I am ready for some nice, warm, sunny weather. This area has been in a rainy, snowy season for 5 months. The snowpack is deeper than normal, and my home just got another 7" of snow. The daffodils are coming up a couple of inches....and I still haven't been able to clean-up the dead plants in the garden, or trim the fruit trees, and berry plants.

I have made my peace with this situation, I have a good fire in the fireplace, and park myself nearby in a comfy chair, with a book, nook, tablet, and music. 

Vintage Camping Stuff...the Snack-Toaster

I went to the Brownsville, Oregon antique/junk faire today. This pretty little town has held this event for 25 years, and I have been many times, it is always the first Saturday in August. The event is held in Pioneer Park where there are many lovely large Maples and grass. There was lots of good stuff and the prices are good. One vendor had some old camping stuff, and vintage things that caught my attention. I saw her booth as I entered the park, looked at some things but decided to look at all the booths before making a purchase. You see, I only had $40 with me as a budget measure. I was tempted by other things that I saw....but didn't buy anything. My last stop was back to the old camping stuff. She still had the things that I liked. A price negotiation and the deal done.

This photo is not mine, and my item is a double unit, to make 2 sandwiches at the same time. These are from about 1958-1962, made in the USA. The maker was Federal Mfg, of Brooklyn NY. Mine has been used maybe one time.

Many families had these for camping. I don't really remember using this with my family, I didn't have one until about 1976 (I still have it and it is in my trailer). I did some research on these devises and found that it is a unusual collecting item...although the history and value is hard to find. Hum? 

Glamping - Use an Umbrella Light

This small light is terrific to take along camping, when there is only battery availability for lighting. I took this one along last weekend. I put up the umbrella beside the picnic table and attached this light. I found the light to be very useful. A few AA batteries, and 4 LED lights make a good thing for me. The lights can be found for $10 and up. I think that I got mine at an off season clearance somewhere, it was inexpensive.

Glamping Tip - Stanley Thermos

This tip can be useful for many people, and not just for camping. There are several kinds of thermos' around our house. This brand is worth the extra price. Or, maybe  you can find one at the thrift store that is like new. I have two 16 oz bottles that I use in Prairie Flower. I have no water heater, so I must heat water on the stove. My favorite practice is to heat water in the morning for tea, and I heat enough to fill the two Stanley thermos bottles. I fill my two Stanley 16 oz Bottles, and usually have plenty of hot water. The water is still extremely hot 12 hours later, and the next morning it is only a little cooler.

I like the 16 oz size because they store easily in the trailer, and are a good size to handle. 

I tested other brands that I have around the house, and none kept the water hot like these. Most were quite lukewarm, if not cool. These will probably go to a thrift store...why keep the ones that are inferior?

This is a landmark blog post for me....I now have 1000 posts!

1960's Therm a Chest Cooler

A perfect find, a 1960's era metal cooler. I found it a a thrift store. It is in good condition considering that it is 55 yrs old. There is a small bit of rust, that is something to be expected...in this wet climate...and people store them in damp garages.

The size is about 18" long, by 10" wide, by about 15" tall. It is all metal and made in the USA. The red drain plug is really cute, and I am happy that it is still in good condition.

It is mouse proof, and I am currently putting non-perishable food inside it.

There is some type of foam insulation around the upper lid. It is crumbling, and I removed it. I will be able to find an alternative at the building supply store...some kind of home weatherization product will work.

No more plastic tubs for mouse proof storage...that I keep inside the SUV when camping. This is a classic, era appropriate container.

I think that if I had a summer party....this would be fun with crushed ice and cold drinks!!

Cute Little Trailer

I was driving thru a small town, Brownsville, Oregon...down Main St...and look what caught my eye. I have no idea what brand of trailer this is. I would guess it is 1960's era. I wish that the owner had not parked right beside a speed sign.

This paint is very cute. It is nicely done...with the fun shapes in green. I am inspired to paint my trailer myself. Note that each side of the front window there is a plate sized metal ornament attached with sheet metal screws. Over the back window there is a name Wabai Sabai.

I think that this trailer is 6 ft wide and about 9 ft long. Small and light...and it can be towed by a jeep. The back window had the curtains open...I do that when towing so I can see right thru my trailer. I peeked in the window, and there is a tiny kitchen across the front, and bed/table combination across the back. It is very small....and very cute. I wish the owner would have been around so that I could have talked with her/him.

I stopped at the building supply store, got some custom tinted paint made to match Prairie Flower. I am going to touch up some spots...someday I will do the entire trailer.

Destination - Crane Prairie Campground

By the time you read this post, I will be in a campsite at this location. I hope that I find a lovely site like this one. I think that this is the perfect view. I have not camped here before. Camptown Girls at Crane Prairie, this is wonderful. There will be some Thunderstorms and rain, however....I will be inside Prairie Flower if that happens. I hope that this weekend will be less busy, because the July 4 weekend is incredibly popular in this area.

Camptown Girls at Windy Point Campground

I just got back from the weekend trip, and a friend had already posted photos on meetup. Here are three photos for your amusement. A great campout weekend. I enjoyed getting out into the mountains, with friends. Many of the women have kayaks and really love being on a lake. The weather was good, the storms were east of us...so we had no thunderstorms and rain. There was a bear in the area near the campground so we took extra measures to avoid having any food out, therefore if the bear walked thru....we didn't know it.

Hitting the Road

Oh Yeah! Happy, Happy, Happy! Heading out to East Davis Lake CG, and then to Crescent Lake Windy Point CG for a Camptown Girls weekend camping trip. The weather is forecast to be 70's, but a threat of thunderstorms. I will have Prairie Flower and will stay comfortable. I love the East Davis Lake campground view shown in this photo by RV Sue. The Mountains in the background are L to R, the South Sister (in the 3 Sisters Wilderness), Broken Top, and Bachelor Butte (Mtn Bachelor Ski Area). The central Oregon Cascades are majestic.

Speaking of RV Sue, she is a retired full time RV'er, who travels all over the USA, and has a blog about her journey and adventures. She is currently staying in this campground, maybe she will still be there tomorrow...when I arrive. That would be cool.

If you are interested here is a link to her blog. RV Sue and Crew

Only 16 days until the first Glamping Trip of 2015

I am very excited for the first trip. I will have to tow Prairie Flower about 50 miles. My friend Debbi from Vintage Women with Trailers (an Oregon group), own a small farm with her hubby. This is the third time that they have hosted this event at their lovely farm. They are wonderful, and generous to invite us to come for a weekend. The farm is beautiful, and they share it with us.

There are 24 women planning to bring their vintage trailers, a good number I think. I hope to find some gals who I would like to camp with. I have been on a camping trip with this group when 40 women attended. 

This group usually goes to expensive RV parks with full hook-ups. I like a more rustic camping experience, and a less costly one. This is good and bad....the good is that there are no fees, dues, meetings, etc. Each gal is responsible for her own reservations and payments. The bad is that I really do not care for the RV resort parks, although I admit that they are safer and that is important.

The highlight of the weekend will be attending the spring Old Farmhouse Sale. This open air sale is free and very fun. There are great vendors and a good time for us.

Prairie Flower - On the Road Again!

I am spending the next several days with the ladies from "Vintage Women with Trailers". We will be staying at a hot springs resort, and enjoying swimming and relaxing there. This group stays in RV parks exclusively, and I am not really that kind of camper. I enjoy regular campgrounds...I don't need full hookups and large motorhomes around me. I will let you know how everything goes. The weather is going to be sunny and in the 70's...and cool at night. 

Oh, and BTW...sister refused to look at the trailer........why do I try?

Solar Lamp Crafting Idea

from Pinterest

I am a fan of Pinterest...so many great ideas there! I saw this one, and thought to make it with a solar light for camping. I thought that drilling the hole in the cap...make it the right size for the solar light that is going to be used. There are small lampshades that are made to fit down under the bulb...but that one might fit under the cap, or be glued down to the cap. The solar light would be even with the top of the lampshade, so that will recharge in the sun. There might be need to add some weight inside the thermos, some sand would work. Find yourself an old thermos at a garage sale, or thrift store. A unique light that everyone will comment on, and you will be thought to be very creative! Yes! Go for it!

Vintage Red Coleman Water Jug

A good idea for my trailer, that has no water tanks. A vintage 2 gallon Coleman Water Jug. I have 2 of these in the dark forest green. I saw this one in great shape and after checking it out for gunk and smells... I brought it home. I think that a little outside cleaning, and filling the inside with fresh water with a few drops of bleach should make it just fine. Now...I will be able to bring 2, 4, or 6 gallons of fresh water, if needed. I carry them inside my tow vehicle when full of fresh water, to cut down the weight in my trailer. Sometimes a campground will not have fresh water available..and this is a good alternative for me. 

Prairie Flower is Heading out for Fun!

I am so excited! I am taking Prairie Flower out for a Campout...a week! I will be in the Bend Oregon area. There are no forest fires in that area. Yes, it is going to rain a tiny bit....but I will be cozy and very happy anyway. I will post again in about 8 to 10 days. Hip, Hip, Hurrah!! On the road again.....

Old Food Tins

I must find one of these...with a lid...of course. There isn't a better way to store Marshmallows in my trailer. On the other hand, I do have some other old tins that could be used..............

When Camping....

I think that this old photo shows how simple a gal can be when she goes camping. A blog that I follow has a great post about the current trend of women's camping groups. I will tell you from experience that many (50%) of the women that camp with Camptown Girls stay inside their vehicles or in small backpacking tents. A woman doesn't need to get a trailer or go beyond her means to participate. Here is the blog for you to read, Girl Camping

September Glamping Retreat

I just returned home from a 5 day Glamping Retreat. I met up with some gals and we camped together, near Sisters Oregon. The area is beautiful, and there are many activities. It rained lightly over the weekend. Meanwhile on the home front....it poured about 4 inches of rain. This is just a quick photo of my water heating pots or coffee pots. The travel mug is in the photo to give you an idea of the sizes. The tiny pot heats just enough water for the travel mug...and very quickly too. The large blue has been living with us for a long time now, and going on many trips. I just have to make certain that it is totally dry, or it will rust inside.  A junking and antique trip to nearby Redmond was really fun...and I found....next time...........

Going to Glamp Again......

I am going to be gone for about a week.....Happy Trails!