Monthly Archives: May 2010

"Inspiration"

Several friends and family members have asked how we came up with the design of our retro campers. Model A owners and enthusiasts will recognize the classic retro design but we realize that not everyone has been bitten with the Model A bug or the desire to traverse the continent without the normal luxuries associated with todays modern vehicles. The camper design as you can see from the photo is very similar to the 1930’s Model A station wagon. This toy model served as inspiration during the long process of designing a camper that would weigh under a thousand pounds fully loaded. Our stock Model A engines “should” be able to safely pull this amount of weight over the hills and mountains that we will encounter on our cross-country tour.

Alaska Plans on a Napkin by:Danny Godbey

One day on one of our tours we were gathered around a table like we always do, and the subject of driving our cars to Alaska was discussed.  We knew it would take money, retirement and a appetite for seeing new things and places. What Model A person does not want to do that.

At that time to save cost we thought camping would be the fun and less expensive way.  No one thought that would ever happen.  Danny Godbey sat down and drew up the plans on a napkin.  That was 2004.  Those plans started it all.

Retirement was the other drawback.  Tammy and I were still working  and Danny had a few more plans before retiring.  Plans were pushed aside for another four years.  After going through some medical issues and deciding life was precious and she needed to experience more of  it, Tammy approached us with “if you still want to go to Alaska, Danny and I will go with you”.  I could see the gleam in Michael’s eye.  He started that day with plans to build a camper.  He and Danny sent pictures back and forth with all the great ideas they had found on-line.    So here we are 6 days away and it has all come together.

"We're getting close!"

We’re so close to the big “departure” and there’s still a million little details that I keep adding to the lists of things that have to be done before packing up and leaving our home for such a long period of time. Friends and family members keep dropping by to check out the little camper that will take us all the way to Alaska and back. They all leave shaking their head in disbelief that Danny and I will actually survive this mammoth road trip in such a small space. What they don’t seem to realize is that Judy and I both have the same secret weapon guaranteed to provide us with a trip that will not only be a success but also the adventure of a lifetime that we’ve always dreamed of. That simple guarantee is the fact that we’re both married to great guys that are also our best friends. When you know that whatever crazy adventure or twist of fate that awaits down the road will be met with patience and lots of  laughter by not only your spouse but also with your like-minded friends, then every new day is simply something to anticipate. Our campers may be small but there is a huge beautiful country out there just waiting to be explored! We hope everyone enjoys the ride along with us through our “blog”.

Retro Camper

Our retro camper is finally ready and Alaska is calling our name.  There are many chores left to complete but if the opportunity arose -we’d be ready to travel. We would have to pack a few more items such as tools, maps, clothing, food and of course – more tools. Our friends and family have been very encouraging and supportive and have provided a lot of helpful information and advice. I especially appreciate all the bear emails and jokes that they have sent. Thanks a lot!

Michael and I got to see the unveiling of Tammy ad Danny’s camper last night.  I will not give any details, because Tammy and Danny will put pictures on blog very soon.  

I just got to say Tammy and I are very lucky to have such talented guys.  They have worked really hard on these campers.  Long hours of planning, fitting and refitting and finally putting together went into building our home away from home.  We appreciate all their work.  That was the serious side of me that you may never see in this blog again.

We do plan to keep this blog going everyday when we start on our journey, unless there is absolutely no service at our location.  I hear that may happy once in awhile.

It seems like only  yesterday  - but it was a year ago – when Danny and I were visiting Judy and Mike  and watching the weekly progress of their new “vintage” camper taking shape. We were in a long awaited building project at that time and unfortunately couldn’t start on our own camper until the spring of this year. As of today we now have our camper “under roof”! We are not publishing a picture of the “almost” completed project at this time because we want Judy and Mike to be the first to see it.  Don’t they look so young and ready for an adventure in this photo?

A year ago!

Made by "Judy's Country Curtains" Inc.

It is now time for everything to be finalized and thought through.  Tammy and Danny now have curtains on the windows of their camper and looking very homey.  Danny says everything is on schedule to start this trip on time. We are finalizing all the lists.  Danny and Michael have a parts list and are checking it over and adding to if needed.  It is an extensive list but something will probably be missed.  That is were we may rely on the directory of MARC members across the states.

Tammy and I have the chore of stocking the camper with food.  We will try take only what is needed. I think a jar of peanut butter will be our staple item.  You can fix a whole meal around peanut butter as far as I am concerned. I think each one of us is adventurous enough for this trip.  Keep up with us along the way and see which one of us gets homesick first.  It won’t be Michael, this is his dream.

It is one month from today, when we start our trip to Alaska.  It has rained so hard this week end.  I sure hope it does not do this while we are camping accross the states and Canada.  Driving or riding in the rain in a Model A is good, it seems very relaxing.  Driving in the rain at darkness is a nightmare.  We will try to get to campground every evening before dark. We have added canopies over each door to the camper so we can get out the door without getting soaked.

I have started to pack some clothing.  I have to pack for warm weather as well as cold, and limit the amount of clothes I can take because of the weight we have to haul.  If there is any good ways to do this, I would like to hear them.

Everyday we think of something more that has to be done or need and time is getting scarce.  Camping is a sport where you have to make do with what you have.  That will be interesting.