I do be a newbie

[iplay10us2]

Hello all!

I have been lurking for awhile and thought I would go ahead and make the plunge into "real' status. I saw my first teardrop this summer as it was heading out of a campground and I finally starting trying to find out what exactly it was several months ago. I am not officially hooked! I started out tent camping eons ago, moved up to a pop-up, sold that to a friend when I no longer owned a vehicle that could tow it; moved on to a log cabin on a river (which I still have), and have now decided I don't want to tent camp, but I don't want the hassle of a pop-up anymore.

It has been hard to find teardrops to view (besides pictures), but I did go out to Camping World and see the regular Little Guys (not for me, but nice), and I noticed one parked in someone's driveway on my way to tennis the day before Christmas, so I stopped in, introduced myself, and got a tour of the teardrop they bought from someone in Michigan. I have looked on Ebay, Craigslist, and any other place I could google, trying to learn what I do and don't want. I even had emailed someone about doing a build for me, but that would have been more expensive than I wanted---even though it would have been beautiful!

I have finally decided upon a used Silver Shadow and am making arrangements for a demo at what is a good price for me. I have been playing with all of my camping gear that in my outside storage shed today and can't wait to get outside and camp.

About me: I am female, mid-50's; retired early; play tennis, kayak, geocache, hike, bike, and love being outdoors. However, I do not like really cold weather or snow.

That's about it for now. Sorry if this was long.

Susann

[mikeschn]

Hi Susann,

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you've done your homework well! The silver shadow is a nice looking, vintage looking teardrop. And you can tow it with almost anything.

Since you've been lurking a while, I hope you dusted off your camera when you were playing with your camping gear. We'd love to see some photos.

And when you get your demo, we need photos of that too.

And when you bring it home, we need photos of that too.



Mike...

P.S. If you need a refresher on photos, it's here: http://www.mikenchell.com/pichelp.html

[iplay10us2]

Mike:

My camping gear is not that spectacular so I haven't taken any pics of it. It is just the basic stuff: propane stove, lanterns, dishes, chairs, and all of the stuff one uses camping. I still have my very large (10x10) tent that I did use several times last year while geocaching with a friend and a total of 4 dogs. I never could make myself get rid of my camping gear even though I haven't had a pop-up or even tent camped (until recently) in years.

I will take pics of the teardrop when I get it and post them, though.

Thanks for the welcome.

Go Florida! Beat Oklahoma!

Nothing personal, Okie fans.

[Steve_Cox]

Mike:


Go Florida! Beat Oklahoma!

Nothing personal, Okie fans.

Welcome to the forum Susann. Former Okie here, watching the game. I'll give you Florida and 10 points

[iplay10us2]

Steve:

You are watching the FOOTBALL game, right?

I mean, Florida, Tebow, and 10 points????!!!!!!

[mikeschn]

So this is what you are getting?





Mike...

[Steve_Cox]

Steve:

You are watching the FOOTBALL game, right?

I mean, Florida, Tebow, and 10 points????!!!!!!

[iplay10us2]

Yes, Mike, that is it. I decided upon a 5 x 8 because I am somewhat claustrophobic. In looking at teardrops, I noticed some that had only one door, and I decided that I needed 2 doors to make me feel less confined.

I didn't really want anything larger, even though I think my Subaru Forester could handle a 5 x 10. I needed it to fit under my carport and still allow some room for other stuff in the carport.

Susann

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Susann! If you check out the South Central and North Central forums you will find lots of people from AR. Lots of great camping groups too. Come camping with us.

Enjoy

[greg755]

It's Great To Be A Florida Gator!

[iplay10us2]

Greg:

Resident, alumni, or both?

Very defense game at the moment, though. Any status report on the guy who went out with the injury?

[greg755]

Both my wife and I are Alumni...


I grew up in Miami, went to Miami for first 3 years and transferred over to U of F my last two semesters.

Lived in G Ville for about 15 years then the job has taken me up north.

Luckily Miami and Florida are not in the same conference any more.

[Roly Nelson]

Welcome to the forum Susann. Sell the tent, you will never use it again after you experience the ease and pleasure of camping in a teardrop trailer. You seem to have made a good selection and you will be thrilled with it. Too bad it's not a woodie, but unless you like to sand and varnish, aluminum is the most popular material of choice.

Do contact some of the local tear owners and try to make it to a gathering when you have a chance. Also check out the Lady Teardroppers section, you'll hook up with other gals with similar interests. When you make your maiden voyage out west, swing by and we'll talk teardrops. Keep in touch, and remember, Pics, pics and post 'em.
Roly

[mikeschn]

Yes, Mike, that is it. I decided upon a 5 x 8 because I am somewhat claustrophobic. In looking at teardrops, I noticed some that had only one door, and I decided that I needed 2 doors to make me feel less confined.

I didn't really want anything larger, even though I think my Subaru Forester could handle a 5 x 10. I needed it to fit under my carport and still allow some room for other stuff in the carport.

Susann

I tow a 6 1/2' x 12' trailer with Chell's Forester. No problems!



Mike...

[iplay10us2]

Mike:

Wow! That looks like a nice teardrop! And it is a 4 cyl. in the Subaru you tow with?

I have had my Subaru for 2 years now, and I really like it. One of my reasons for getting it is the low height for an SUV. It is so much easier for me to throw my 11' kayak up there and take off. Plus, it has good room for my dogs and their crate.

Roly: I will probably keep the tent for a while in case I want friends to come and camp with me. Plus, I might make it the dog house.

susann