I became disenchanted with the popup after awhile because I felt it was in charge of my trips not me. The setup while not hard was time consuming and I decided I only wanted to camp in one location on each trip - too much trouble putting it up and down. Also, I didn't want to pack up wet and toward the end of each trip, I was constantly checking the weather because I had to leave when it was dry - not much flexibility. The final straw for me was at Maumee in June when the daily temperature was in the 90's. If I went away from the trailer I had to close the windows in case of rain and the popup became a furnace. Every time it rained and I was in the trailer, windows had to be zipped up, then zipped down and then up - drove me crazy!!! I totally felt ready for a change and after a talk with Larry, the decision was made to sell the the popup and buy a Ford Extended Transit (15 passenger). So, the trailer is gone and I'm the proud owner of a Transit and have already converted it into a camper van. The van is large enough to make the conversion while still leaving enough seats for family.
The conversion was easy to do because basically I just visualized my black van set up and duplicated it as much as possible. I had so many camping supplies that my expenditures were only about $60. The first project was seat removal and then setting up a frame for bed and this was accomplished with the help of Larry and Jill's husband, Steve. We had an old futon frame and that was modified to be used for the bed frame. Changes were made and it is perfect. It can be lifted at the end of the frame (close to a back seat) so that someone can sit in the seat and have leg room.
Instead of that blue mattress I used foam and blankets to make a mattress that is comfortable for my very sensitive back. I have storage space under the bed and have most of my screen house supplies there.
I have a pantry area, microwave, chair, TV table, potty pail, gate to keep Mitzi in and screens for side and back doors. Some people might think it's crowded but I think it's perfect - totally fits my needs and even Mitzi's chair is ready for her when we travel together.
Now when I travel I can stop whenever I want and simply plug in and I'm setup for one night or extended stay. I also don't have to worry about packing up dry - I'm free to come and go as I please - I love the flexibility.
I still have some work to do but basically ready. My plan is to head for Savannah, Georgia mid October and maybe down to St. Marys for a short visit and a quick trip out to Cumberland Island.
I'm once again taking along my little travel companions Specs (my mother's nickname) and Ellie (for Eleanor Roosevelt) - two women who inspire me in so many ways.
Of course, best travel companion ever - Mitzi - will be right there with me too.
So, as I prepare to celebrate my 73rd birthday, it's a new beginning for my camping adventures. I'll continue doing solo camping but sometimes I'll share them with family and friends. And with that, onward and upward.
