Hello from Joshua Tree, Ca.

[Stvevjtree21]

Hello,
I really like this site. The amount of info is great.

[Roly Nelson]

Well, S21, it seems you might be interested in teardrop or vintage trailers, so welcome to the forum. We encourage folks like you to let us know a little about yourself and what your interests in camping trailers are. I think you are just the person I've been wanting to talk to, since I am interested in exploring the various campsites in Joshua Tree, which by your post, seems to be nearby. Fill us in a bit, we're here to help.
Roly ~~

[Stvevjtree21]

Hello Roly,
Yes, I'm quite interested in building a Tear, my wife suggested it when she saw a TD web site with teddy bears on it, she was nuts about teddy bears. My Debby & I where married for 36 years. She passed away in Jan. In honar of Debby I'l be building an ultralite, at least that's what I'm thinking right now.
I was a mechanic from 1970 till 2006 when I got a prosthetic shoulder & lost the ability to use my right arm in any normal way & you can't be productive as a mechanic w/1 arm. So now I am a service consultant.
I love camping. I used to do it from my motorcycle but I don't ride any more. One of my favourite campsites is Onion Valley. It's 12-1/2 miles to the end of the road, Market St. which turns into Onion Valley Rd. outside of Independence, Ca.
It's really something to see. 9,350 above sea level, absolutely zero ambient light & no smog or haze to drown out the view of the stars!! I love JT National park at night for the stars but the view dose not compare with Onion Valley Camp Ground. I have many other "favourite" camp grounds.
I love the "Half Nelson TD! I'm quirious as to how you got the compound curves, using plywood on the lid of the toung box, it's beautiful!
I have not settled on a final plan/s for my Tear such as the galley, storage, etc. I really want to work out as many details as I can before starting construction. I only want to build it once.
Steve

[ohiocamper]

Steve,

I'm sorry to hear about your loss this year. Losing a loved one changes everything.

On a different note, I am glad that you were can claim 36 yrs of marriage. Many folks don't seem to be committed to making it last, and I'm glad you did. I'll pray you find strength to cope with the loss, one day at a time.

Also, I'll look forward to your build. I'm in the same spot. I want to figure it out before i start. I'm getting analysis paralysis, I think.

Brad

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Steve, good to hear from you, regarding the campground you so enjoy. I have been using the 1/2 Nelson for 9 years, and you are only the second person to ask about the compound curves on the lid of my tongue box. Well, the secret is, there are no such curves. We all know that a sheet of plywood will only bend one way, so I made the underside of the lid, kind of like long bows going from side to side, then adding cross members between them to strengthen the lid. Actually the top of the lid is made of 4 narrow seperate pieces of 1/8 inch plywood. Each one had to be cut to fit the shape from center to center, between the long bows, which meant a concave curve on one edge and a compound curve on the opposite edge. I did this to all 4 of the spaces between the bows. This means that there is a glued and nailed joint at each supporting bow, and if you notice, I hid the joints and nails with a narrow strips of wood, glued and nailed to the bows below. Ta Da, there you go, no compound curve, it just looks like it. By the way, this kind of chest or steamer trunk is called a camel-top chest, and it was often placed at the very top of the trunks by stage coach drivers to discourage passengers from sitting on them. I understand that some had a shallow tray below the lid for transporting ma-lady's fancy hats, that were popular years ago.

I would like to know more about some of the campgronds in Joshua Tree, perhaps you can fill me in. Also, if you are ever down this way, which is about an hours drive, just swing on by and we can chat teardrops, and I'll be happy to show you 3 of mine. An actual viewing is worth a thousand words. The coffee is always on, so come on down.
Roly ~~

[Stvevjtree21]

Hello Roly,
I think there aree 8 or 9 camp grounds around the park, I don't think there is power or showers. The park is huge with lots to see & explore. I have never camped in the park, only visits for the scenery & taking pics. Black Rock is at the end of Joshua Lane & was close to our home so the wife & I used to go there for the walk/s. There is no water in the park also, so bring all you'll need or plan to go into town for some.
I would love to take you up on that coffee sometime.
Steve

[Stvevjtree21]

Hello Brad,
Thank you, your right about it changing everything. Thank you for your prayers, I'm greatful for them.

When I learn to post pics I will share my build. I will be building for the lightest thing I can & still having it safe. I would rather spent more time planning than re-doing it, besides for me that is half the enjoyment of the experience.
Tip later,
Steve

Steve,

I'm sorry to hear about your loss this year. Losing a loved one changes everything.

On a different note, I am glad that you were can claim 36 yrs of marriage. Many folks don't seem to be committed to making it last, and I'm glad you did. I'll pray you find strength to cope with the loss, one day at a time.

Also, I'll look forward to your build. I'm in the same spot. I want to figure it out before i start. I'm getting analysis paralysis, I think.

Brad