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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Camping


I just got back from yet another camping trip.

Guess which lady in this picture represents me, while I'm out there in the wilderness...

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No, not the one with the big smile.

It would be the little lady to the right of her.

Sans the hair net though ;)

I wish I could be like the gal with the big smile and I've tried so hard.

Really, I have.

I don't hate it, but...

For one thing, it's dirty and there's no getting away from the dirt no matter how much water or baby wipes you bring. 

Washing pots, pans, flatware and dishes... forget about it.

Not taking a shower... yuck.

Weird bugs.

Getting up in the middle of the night to go out and use the potty... shoot me.

Although, I never camp where there isn't one. This girl is not going out behind a tree.

 Thank. you. very. much.

I suppose this makes me sound high maintenance, but I can't help it. My mother's idea of roughing it was sleeping at a hotel without room service.

I mean, look how happy this woman is...

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I did however find happy people camping, but I want you to guess the theme of just exactly why they're smiling...

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Booze.

And I have to say that it does help, but not entirely.

The problem is that I had never been camping until I was 24 years old, unless you count sleeping out in the back yard when I was a kid.

But, I was the one that ran to the door at midnight ready to hop into my own bed.

It's just not my thing.

I keep trying though.

It was better when I was in my 20s, but now that I'm 45, it's not as easy.

But I do it anyway, because I get sucked into doing it I'm nice like that ;)

What I probably need is a sweet vintage camper like this:

source

Then I might be as happy as that lovely lady in the picture.

A few of my bloggy friends have gotten one and they seem pretty darn happy about it.

Have you seen Cathy's or Amy's Campers?

So stinkin' cute!

Anywho, that's where I've been.

Now back to painting, after I get all our stuff washed and put away.

Do any of you like camping in a tent?

xo
rue


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58 comments:

  1. craftylesSeptember 22, 2015 at 5:01 PM

    I'd be the one in the vintage camper, too. At least you gave it a try, which is more than I would do. Love the vintage ads!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rose of SharonSeptember 22, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    I totally get your feelings about tent camping. I did it for many years and even made bottles and changed diapers while tent camping. Finally when our youngest was about 3 we bought a camper and I felt like I was in heaven! No more washing dishes outside with cold water and trying to prepare a meal from plastic totes! We had a little kitchen with a stove, oven and fridge and best of all we had running cold and hot water!!! We even had little bathroom with a toilet, shower and sink! For me one of the best things was that there was a lock on the door, so we were all safe at night. We had so many good times in that camper and still have it. I can't wait to get out there and do more camping. We still occasionally tent camp when we take river trips and it's not so bad, but I really do prefer the camper.

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  3. Linda @ A La CarteSeptember 22, 2015 at 6:05 PM

    I use to love camping but I'm too old for the tent camping for sure!

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  4. UnknownSeptember 22, 2015 at 6:16 PM

    Oh fun memories for me, but then I was a kid. We had chores to do ( like blowing up the air mattress and not with a pump! ), but basically it was mom and dad setting everything up and what a mighty find job they did, bless them:). But as the years progress my parents rented cabins and I thought we were living the high life! Wonderful memories, Kathleen in Az

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    Replies
    1. RueOctober 29, 2015 at 3:15 PM

      Now a cabin... that's something I'd "camp" in, no problem ;)

      xo

      Delete
  5. StaceySeptember 22, 2015 at 6:27 PM

    Rue, you are sweet to go. I just don't. My husband is totally into camping - wilderness camping not state parks. No thanks is what I say. However, I've recently realized that as I get older the little things that are important to my husband should be more important to me. I'm thinking about working up to a night or two out there with him. That vintage camper looks much more fun.

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  6. Doreen@foxdenrdSeptember 22, 2015 at 7:30 PM

    That vintage camper looks like Cathy's :)

    Well, you know we have an RV, and we took a short trip this past weekend. Saturday night we went out to dinner to a place with white tablecloths and crystal glasses. Our toast? 'Here's to camping' lol

    Tent camping? Nope. Not my thang. I don't think there's enough booze or bone to get me to like that ;).

    ReplyDelete
  7. MelanieSeptember 22, 2015 at 7:32 PM

    Heck, NO! I don't like camping for all the same reasons that you mentioned. I slept in a tent a few times when I was a teen - once camping, and the other times on our own land when we lived in KY. I never did like it. I have always needed the comfort of a bed. And a real toilet close by. And shower facilities. My husband's never been into camping either, though he did it with the boys when they were in Scouts.

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  8. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesSeptember 22, 2015 at 7:49 PM

    I'm a resort kind of girl...and it can be a rustic cabin...but no tent lol.

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  9. Miss MerrySeptember 22, 2015 at 7:51 PM

    I love to visit camp. I like to cook over the campfire, make s'mores, go for a short hike. And then I like to go home, take a shower and sleep in my own bed. Luckily, my dear husband prefers the same thing!

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  10. MarigeneSeptember 22, 2015 at 8:14 PM

    I would rather scrub a toilet or wash windows, both of which I detest, than go camping! I love the outdoors, but I want my own bed, come nighttime, running water, refrigeration, electric lights...all the amenities of home! I applaud you for being a good sport and appeasing your mate by going camping.
    Have a wonderful week, Rue.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Vickie @ Ranger 911September 22, 2015 at 8:31 PM

    Not one bit! I need a bed, and a full bathroom to be happy. Our oldest daughter and her husband bought the most adorable vintage trailer, but her hubby has a problem with claustrophobia, and their young children were up all night (no sleep for anybody), so they've decided to sell it next spring. I'd love the campfire part, though, even without alcohol.

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  12. P.September 23, 2015 at 2:08 AM

    How I understand you ! I never went camping because I can't stand the idea of not having a bathroom. And I'm not going behind a tree !

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  13. FlowerLady LorraineSeptember 23, 2015 at 4:06 AM

    My dear hubby and I camped a few times and we had fun, but it wasn't something we were all that fond of to do on a regular basis. We were home bodies. :-)

    Glad you made it home. Happy Fall ~ FlowerLady

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  14. DebSeptember 23, 2015 at 4:40 AM

    Rue, you are a hoot! My youngest girl, Laura, and I would camp out for the weekend many summer days and we loved it. I think it was because we finally had peace and quiet! We haven't been camping for about 5 years. I miss it so much, but I don't think I could get her in a tent nowadays! She would need the hotel with the room service :)

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  15. Rustown MomSeptember 23, 2015 at 4:54 AM

    Ok, even with our "new" little Tab trailer, I have to say that booze has to come with or it's a no go for me. I am a big fan of indoor facilities. Not into roughing it even one tiny bit. So, the only way Hubby will be able to get me out there is 1. electrical and water hookups, 2. Real potties nearby, and 3. wine. Even so, I have already told him that once every four months is more than enough camping for me. Tents are for Boy Scouts and college kids who are hooking up out in nature over the weekend. For real.

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  16. UnknownSeptember 23, 2015 at 5:18 AM

    Oh Rue, you are such a sweetheart for mentioning our little camper! And yes, a camper IS the only way to go for gals like us! I was raised with a mom like yours too :) I tried tenting with the family YEARS ago and hated it big time, turned me off to camping at all for like 15 years! Then we bought our little second hand pop-up and the angels are a singin'! I swoon! Thanks again for the mention my dear!

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  17. chateau chicSeptember 23, 2015 at 5:36 AM

    Found myself laughing the whole way through your post because these are my exact sentiments. I'm not a camping girl...never was, never will be! But I must say, the photos you found are fabulous! No one really looks like they're dressed for the camping experience. :-))
    Mary Alice

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  18. BarbaraSeptember 23, 2015 at 5:58 AM

    I like the idea of camping. I tried it and, like you, I really need a potty and a place to wash my face and brush my teeth. And, my dog climbed in a hole in the rocky hill and we thought she was a gonner but luckily she found her way out.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Pepper MedleySeptember 23, 2015 at 6:28 AM

    I don't do tents, campers or trailers... ugh. A swanky hotel suits me just fine and dandy. Don't like dirt, or bugs or critters that happen to show up in the tent at night, or bears. And who wants to pack up food to take with? A House of Pancakes is my main staple... LOL Those little vintage campers are cute, but I don't want to have to clean out the poo poo tank. ACK... just shoot me now please.

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  20. Recycled Cottage & GardenSeptember 23, 2015 at 7:11 AM

    I used to love camping, in a tent, in a camper, didn't matter. However now with sciatica and arthritis....I'll take a hotel or a cute little camper with something soft to lay on. The dirt doesn't bother me and a decent campfire will usually keep the mosquitoes away.

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  21. CarleeSeptember 23, 2015 at 7:24 AM

    I'm with you, I don't need a ton to be happy but I do need flushing toilets and hot water for showers. I don't feel like that is asking for too much. We can always make a camp fire in the back yard and make all the fun camping treats and then sleep in my bed and have functioning facilities! I do like to canoe occasionally or go on hikes, I just want to end up somewhere nice ;-)

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  22. Tessa~ Here there be musingSeptember 23, 2015 at 7:54 AM

    I went camping with my family once, when I was 13 years old.

    I have NEVER gone camping again!!!!

    End of that story.

    -grinnnn-

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2015 at 8:57 AM

      This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2015 at 11:19 AM

      Sorry, I'm having to post this as a reply instead of a comment. The comment box isn't coming up. Anyway...

      Love your post, Rue! My dad loved to go camping, and my mom tried to be a good sport about it even though it wasn't her cup of coffee. So I have nice memories of camping during my childhood. Then I grew up and my husband and I decided to take our daughter camping. First, we had a big fight trying to set up the tent... Then we couldn't get a fire started... A nice man came over and said that our wood was "green", and helped us out. Don't even get me started on the pit toilets...In the morning I was up first starting breakfast and coffee, and it was so cold that I had to sit in the car with the heater going just to thaw out. Yes, camping was totally different when my parents did all the work, God bless them! Don't tell my husband, but I think that my camping days are long gone. ;) LuAnn

      Delete
    3. tammy jSeptember 23, 2015 at 7:19 PM

      i don't know why! i also couldn't find the comment box! LOLOL.
      i have no idea where this will pop up.
      i love the vintage pictures in this post!
      and two great minds...
      i actually have mentioned camping in my most recent post too. and a BAD experience. well...
      in some ways.
      i'm too old for it now. comfort is the name of the game. with NO spiders and a flushing CLEAN toilet . . .
      INDOORS. :)
      xo

      Delete
    4. RueOctober 29, 2015 at 6:01 PM

      My camping day would be long gone too! Oh wait... they never really started ;)

      xo

      Delete
  23. Art and SandSeptember 23, 2015 at 12:30 PM

    When I was in my 30's and 40's, we did lots of camping, but I haven't camped in 20 years.

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  24. JunkchiccottageSeptember 23, 2015 at 1:29 PM

    Rue,
    I am so with you. Camping to me is a hotel without room service like you mom. I cannot stand the thought of no shower, dirt and especially bugs. Not thank you. Glad you were a good sport about it.
    Kris

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  25. Celestina MarieSeptember 23, 2015 at 1:32 PM

    Hi Rue, I am smiling at this post because I feel the same. We did go camping in a pop up camper early in our marriage a few times but never in a tent. Those days are past. Not a fan or roughing it any longer. It's not a vacation if I have to clean a campground, set up for cooking, makeshift kitchen, and shower with handy wipes! LOL
    Loved your photos! Happy Fall, cm

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  26. boulderdamcottageSeptember 23, 2015 at 1:44 PM

    Ok Rue, ah NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I would not only be the one not smiling but it would take me prob an hour or so of rolling around to get the heck up! hahahahahahaha! OMG you have me laughing out loud here! Thank you so very much and oh BTW, BACK in the day, I did have a cute little camper, not as cute as the ones you link to and I loaded that thing and unloaded that thing all my myself, not fun either, NO, I would say camping is WITH room service at this time in my life! HA HA Thanks for the belly laugh! I needed that it is still SO freaking hot here I can't go in my she shed and play without my face falling off and landing on top of my feet! not pretty! Not pretty at all :) I hope you are at least painting in the AC or if it is cooler, way good for you! kat =^.^=

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  27. Rose LSeptember 23, 2015 at 3:55 PM

    My husband and I did a lot of tent camping and I so enjoyed the experiences we had! Of course, we had a few that were "difficult." like the time he pitched our tent in a dry river bed and it began raining during the night, and I woke to feeling like I was on a waterbed! But those are great stories! The inflatable mattresses worked great and we had wonderful sleeping bags we used for 30 years! Now at 63 (and alone as hubby died 2 yrs ago) I would prefer renting a cabin, yurt or a motel.

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  28. DonnamaeSeptember 23, 2015 at 4:00 PM

    I totally understand. Hubby and I went camping on our honeymoon...it was the 70's...we were poor. The next time we went, we rented a pop top...better...but there's still that outhouse thing. Years later, with 3 kids in tow, we rented a class c motor home. Much better...more room, air conditioning and indoor bathrooms. Just visited my cousins, who were camping in a 5th wheel. That is the ultimate luxury...they even had a fireplace! Bottom line...I can no longer do tents! ;)

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  29. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsSeptember 23, 2015 at 4:24 PM

    I grew up tent camping. And when I was a freshman in HS my parents bought a campground about 2 hours from our house and we ran it every summer for 4 years. We camped in trailers those 4 years thought. The last time I tent camped I was 25. My new husband and our combined 4 kids and a dog spent the summer tent camping in two tents in Tennessee. I don't like tent camping anymore :-)

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  30. Deborah MontgomerySeptember 23, 2015 at 4:33 PM

    I grew up tent camping, very backwoods, primitive stuff, and my husband and I took our children tent camping too. It really was a wonderful time for all of us, my husband always did the cooking and heavy stuff, and it was so peaceful, unplugged from everything. Great memories.
    Now? not so much :)
    Loved this funny post. Yes, the beer drinkers always seemed to be having the most fun!

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  31. Wendy JohnsonSeptember 23, 2015 at 5:16 PM

    No tents...use to do a camper with a potty and an ex who did all the work..lol. Now I need a hotel. Enjoyed your post.

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    Replies
    1. RueOctober 29, 2015 at 6:51 PM

      Thanks, Wendy! And I totally understand ;)

      xo

      Delete
  32. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaSeptember 23, 2015 at 5:19 PM

    I. Hate. Camping. All of it. Everything about it. Refuse to go. I am not a diva, just like to be clean and rested! I have seen Cathy's sweet camper and I MIGHT reconsider about camping if I had one! Love your post and your great pictures!!

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  33. Jessica JarrellSeptember 24, 2015 at 3:15 AM

    Oh man, I love camping. I love everything about it. Except when me and the hubby go with our friend that even when he puts his tent 25 ft away, I can STILL hear him snoring :) We've never gone in Kentucky, I think mainly because no one camps here. It must be more of a Pacific Northwest thing. And you are right, the booze makes it sooooo much better!!

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  34. TinaTxSeptember 24, 2015 at 3:44 AM

    Don't feel bad, Rue - I HATE camping! I'm an indoor plumbing, air conditioner kinda girl. Hubby loves it but and went with the boys all the time when they were young and in Boy Scouts. I went with my cousin once when I was in elementary school and came home covered in insect bites, swore I would never go again.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Gabrielle MaderSeptember 24, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    awww, I LOVE camping but my husband is not a fan. We went camping in Malibu a few years back and it was horrible for him now he wants to stay in a hotel. I have such fond memories camping in our VW bus growing up so I think that's why I love it so much!

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  36. Gabrielle MaderSeptember 24, 2015 at 7:46 AM

    awww, I LOVE camping but my husband is not a fan. We went camping in Malibu a few years back and it was horrible for him now he wants to stay in a hotel. I have such fond memories camping in our VW bus growing up so I think that's why I love it so much!

    ReplyDelete
  37. BenitaSeptember 24, 2015 at 9:04 AM

    Oh, honey, I am right there with you! The whole camping thing just eludes me...I'm way too OCD and girly-girl to enjoy roughing it for a few days! LOL. I like my comforts of a restroom with running water and a toilet that flushes...and I have to have a hair dryer and shower and place to brush my teeth, that I'm not sharing with 12 million mosquitoes. My idea of camping? A night at the Ritz-Carlton! I think I might be able to suffer through with one of those ritzy motor homes though...LOL Hugs!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Lowcarb team memberSeptember 24, 2015 at 9:11 AM

    Camping and me just don't go together ...
    Many enjoy it, which makes me very happy for them ... but not for me!

    Welcome home

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  39. Lowcarb team memberSeptember 24, 2015 at 9:11 AM

    Camping and me just don't go together ...
    Many enjoy it, which makes me very happy for them ... but not for me!

    Welcome home

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  40. Kim September 24, 2015 at 9:29 AM

    I'm with your mother...Holiday Inn is the closet to camping I get. ;) You are a really good sport!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Cathy @ My 1929 CharmerSeptember 24, 2015 at 12:01 PM

    I loved camping and started in my twenties. I love being outdoors and really don't find anymore bugs than one finds in their homes in summer! But as we got older tent camping became to hard on our knees (being on the ground) so we just bought Minnie and I LOVE HER it's like being in a five star hotel to me. Can cook inside, sleep, potty and kitchen. Thanks for mentioning Minnie and understand you don't like it. But being in nature makes my soul feel comforted.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Ramblings of a Southern Girl ~ Rhonda GSeptember 24, 2015 at 5:03 PM

    My husband, kids, and I rented a RV... not once, but TWICE, just to see how we liked camping! We couldn't even survive that, so I can't imagine us in a tent! LOL! I have all the respect for those that do love camping, they sure make it look fun! :) ~Rhonda

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  43. DewenaSeptember 24, 2015 at 6:38 PM

    I am with you, Rue! I only went twice, both time in my 20s with my husband beside a trout stream in the mountains of SC. It was fun then and I have to say that nothing was better than breakfast cooked outside by the stream, but getting out in the rain at night to go behind a tree, no thank you.

    I love Cathy's camper and admire her so much for taking it solo to girls' camping outing but tent camping? Nope.

    Your mother sounds like my kind of woman!
    Dewena

    ReplyDelete
  44. MicheleSeptember 25, 2015 at 4:35 AM

    Rue, I wouldn't have been in the picture next to you because I would have been sitting in the car, impatiently waiting to go HOME where there are amenities like hot water, air conditioning and electric lights! Like you, the pleasure of leaving those behind escapes me!

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  45. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowSeptember 25, 2015 at 6:08 AM

    Not thrilled with it the few times that I did it, no : ) As soon as I saw the vintage red camper I thought of Minnie, Cathy's new baby :)

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  46. MichelleSeptember 25, 2015 at 9:52 AM

    I tolerated camping better when it was just me and my husband. Sharing a tent with four kids is not my favorite thing, but I'm outvoted so I do it. (And hope like crazy that I won't need to make a 2am trek to the bathroom!)

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  47. MelissaSeptember 25, 2015 at 9:46 PM

    Oh, this made me smile, Rue! Even though I grew up camping and backpacking (that's really roughing it), I've gotten less fond of roughing it as I have gotten older. My idea of camping now is to 'camp' in our fifth wheel, which has a small kitchen and tiny bathroom (with a shower, thank you-- I also hate not being able to shower). And even after a week, I get tired of that too.

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  48. Jillian's Bella Rosa AntiquesSeptember 29, 2015 at 11:23 AM

    Yes, oh yes, I am a reluctant camper too. You made me remember the last time I went camping, which wasn't too bad. Here is the link to a post on my old blog in 2007: http://jillianspages.blogspot.com/2007/10/miss-jillian-goes-camping.html
    Enjoy your week!

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  49. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiSeptember 29, 2015 at 6:53 PM

    LOL!! My husband refuses to camp as he is afraid of wild animals! We got a cabin at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estse Park a couple years ago and he stayed up all night because he sould hear the male elks bugling--lol! My daughter and son-in-law camp but they went forma tent to a pop up camper--it's much warmer and more comfortable now that they have a child.

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  50. Row homes and CobblestonesSeptember 29, 2015 at 6:54 PM

    Isn't camping staying at the Holiday Inn? OMGosh how did I miss so many delightful posts of yours that make me smile?

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  51. SherryMarch 8, 2016 at 9:09 AM

    visiting a long ago post and glad i did. :)
    what you need, sweet rue, IS a vintage trailer.
    i've owned 9 .. and currently 2. restored/refurbished
    them and love(d) them all. my trailer is clean,
    has a potty room, i take showers every live long day,
    and no bugs. :) come camping with me - i have twin beds.

    ReplyDelete

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