Well...it happened. We asked So Cal Teardrops to make us a trailer and they exceeded our highest expectations. We had a general idea of what we wanted and Gabe and Mike designed something even better that we had planned.
We took delivery a week ago Friday and left for Death Valley the following day. Except for the wind it was wonderful trip ...and just as all of you had said...we met people. We met a lot of people!
A couple approached us in the parking lot Saturday morning while picking up last minute provisions and ice. The first stop for gas in Baker, Ca, more inquiries. As we set up in camp people came over and asked, "We're sorry but can we look inside?" I figure we averaged about 10 different people/groups a day asking for a look and/or telling us of their Teardrop experience long ago.
The Teardrop pulled behind our 2007 Jeep Unlimited with no problems. We cruised the highways with ease and took a couple dirt roads just for fun (Gabe put larger wheels on ours and restructured the framing to account for some off-roading.).
Mid-week we left Death Valley (Titus Canyon Trail was incredible!!!) and headed to Orange County to pick up the grandkids and head to Carlsbad State Beach. When the little ones (5 & 4) saw the Teardrop for the first time they asked, "What is that behind Jeep-Jeep?" We said, "Our home for the next couple days." "Where's Papa going to sleep?" they asked. (They hadn't seen it for three minutes and I was already kicked out!)
As we drove down the 405 Freeway to San Diego county a car pulled up along side of us and the driver was flailing her arms and taking pictures of us. At first I was a little concerned why someone was yelling at me and taking my picture on the freeway but my wife said, "I think she's telling us she has a Teardrop." At this point I re-holstered my middle finger, smiled and waved back. (T'aint never had my picture taken on a freeway before...) The young lady continued here 60 MPH conversation with my wife and in the end, no one was hurt and she fired us up again for the rest of the drive.
Our stay at Carlsbad State Beach was simply too short. Our campsite overlooked the Pacific and again, many, many visitors came by for a look. Of all the people who visited us last week, NONE was rude. Even the giant Marathon Coach owners came by with what looked like a little envious grin...before they returned to their satellite dishes and mirrored ceilings.
On Friday we went to Legoland. The kids had fun (Can you say t-o-u-r-i-s-t-t-r-a-p?) and we went back to camp for what became the highlight of the week...Our 5 year old ("She's a big girl now because she's in kindergarten!") granddaughter had us all gather around the fire while she wore her head lamp and read 'Go Dog Go' and 'The Tooth Book' to us all while we ate s'mores. Meanwhile her brother learned that fire is hot and marshmellows can burn. Truly a lifetime memory for my wife and I!
Speaking of my wife, she's out front stripping down the bed, putting away leftovers and generally cleaning up the Teardrop...I best get out there or I might be spending more time in it thaN I planned.
Hope to see you all on the road. We're in the grey 4-door Jeep pulling the off-road Teardrop.
Happy trails everyone!