Hyde Park, NY

We made plans with Rich and Eleanor to met up in Hyde Park New York for the weekend. Rich and I had a bit of magazine stuff to go over and Sandi and Eleanor had a great time catching up. We had never been to this part of New York so it was a treat for all four of us. Emma was kidnapped by her grandparents so it was just the four of us.

We were treated by Rich making the reservations for us on this trip. We had several options including inviting them to spend time in our driveway which we had discussed but since Sandi and I will travel anywhere anytime we opted for the camp ground.

Well whenever there are two or more Airstreams in one location you have to take a photo.

We went out on Saturday to visit the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park which happens to be the smallest Vanderbilt mansion. Actually our Ranger was a really great guy but I just had to post this photo, gives the appearance that he didn't like the question the visitor asked him.

The grounds are just beautiful even this early in the season. We weren't allowed to take photos inside so that you would buy the many books available in the gift shop. The story of how the mansion became a National Park is very interesting and the interior a perfect example of the Gilded Age.

One of the only plants that were blooming were the Tulip Tress.

Of the many gardens, I think the Pool Garden is my favorite, but another trip will probably change my mind. The rose garden is probably incredible.
Eleanor and Sandi walking the grounds. We were treated to an overcast day and the rain held off for the most part. After leaving the park we stopped at Duncan Donuts for good conversation and some coffee, they had the local radio station playing and we heard the National Emergency Alert and it wasn't a test!
We ran back to the camp ground with the threat of 65 MPH winds, ground stricking lightening and hail a very strong possibility. We fired up the laptop and tracked the storm.
It didn't take long for the sky to turn that very strange green-black color and we had some very intense lighteneing and thunder. As we stood outside watching the storm move north we counted our lucky stars that it tracked exactly seven miles north of us.

As many of you may know, Sandi and I love diners and Rich and Eleanor are of the same mindset. We hit paydirt in Hyde Park! The Everyday Diner is a must stop. Fair prices, great service, large portions and very good food.

I wasn't kidding about the amount of food either. Happy Campers.

We haven't come across many Diners with Mascots, but here is Ed!

Memorial Day 2008

Memorial Day weekend at Housatonic Meadows is always a great get-a-way.

We were joined by our friends Tony and Nikki. They packed their tent for the weekend

and we had a great time. Tony brought along his best cooking gear

and Nikki supplied her hand-tied flies.

It was really great to be back on the river again, now with the river flowing

naturally the water levels are perfect for the fish. I had forgotten how slippery it can get out there

and it took a while to get my "river legs" back.

Nikki had a good time out on the river also. She had never fished the Housatonic before so it was a great weekend for both of us. It was enjoyable to have someone else out on the river with me.

We both had several hits and we each landed a fish at one point during the weekend. We made sure we got into the river each day. It was tough to read the river and we really had to experiment with our flies to see what would work.

We were provided with gourmet meals three times a day by our great chef friend Tony. Each meal was perfect, we are trying to figure out how to get Tony and Nikki into an Airstream so they can follow us around; Nikki and I fishing and Tony cooking!

It was a wonderful weekend eating and fishing. Oh... Tony taught us this evil dice game that Nikki seems to win every time. Weather was perfect, food was wonderful and the friendship welcomed.

Sturbridge, MA

Sara and I had fun doing some shooting.

She is really starting to shoot some good stuff!




Of course you will have to decide who shot what....








Most of Sturbridge is the same but it is different with each visit and each season of the year.



There is always a good composition everywhere you look.





Sara was getting really creative with shadows and colors.





We had a really good time and look forward to our next visit and photo shoot.

New Season - Sturbridge, MA

Hurray! The camping season is here.


Sara and Donal out in front of the campground with Yogi Bear.











It sure is nice to have the two trailers back out again. It has become a familiar sight see them parked side by side.








The newest member of our Camping Family; Bodhi, Donal's new puppy.






Sara, Donal, Amanda and Sandi coloring Easter Eggs in the Argosy.










Yes, I was there too!








Donal and Sara, camping together for seven years.










Amanda and Don enjoying Easter morning beverages.

Salem, MA 2007

Richard, Robin & Sandi decorating for the weekend.
With the downpours on Friday we ended up inside for the night.
Flying our now traditional Witch Flag in Salem.
Monsters of Salem.
Happy Birthday Richard!
Donal in his awsome King Tut costume.
Here I am playing African Drums with Kevin.

Just a reminder on one of the tablecloths how much everyone

missed Bubbles at our Rally!

My very good friend Chuck made us a FinnishFire Log for the Rally

The lighting of the log.

One log for the whole night.

And it did burn all night.

Tradewind Update

Getting ready for the first thrip with his two daughters Jody and I needed to get the front bed conversion completed.
Fridge forward wall completed with heater, step light and switches.


Jody getting the splinters out of my woodwork.


The brand new spare tire with a red Bullseye!

I guess Jody had a tough day!

Freeport, Maine

Almost a full moon over the bay.

It's official, I am now a Trustee of our Unit.

We love bringing our dogs to rallies!

Here are Belle and Abby.

Welcome to Maine!

Being right on the bay we had lots of fog.

There were plenty of helpers with breakfast.

Here you can almost see half of the Airstreams.

Our good friend Jim who always keeps the home fires burning.