Teardroppers of Oregon and Washington
Serving those who are or wannabe teardroppers

TOW Line
Number 26 January 2009
Published whenever
Marty Boehme, Editor
20232 S. Jasan Dr.
Oregon City, OR  97045
503-632-6563
teardrops@bctonline.com
www.teardroptrailers.org

IN THIS ISSUE
1-	First Mid-Winter Potluck in Seattle on February 14th
2-	Second Mid-Winter Potluck in Albany on February 21st
3-	Curtis Transportation Museum Tour – February 28th
4-	A Visit with Ed Colvin  – By Trudy Glassett
5-	We’re so Grateful to Our Teardrop Family of Friends – By Steve Birley
6-	Back in the Family – By Rick Sladen
7-	George Boyd – Teardrop Collector Extraordinaire
8-	Camping with Daphne at the Fall Brigade – By Colleen Farager-Horwell
9-	We did Dutch-Oven Cooking at our First Fall Brigade – By Darlene Boston
10-	Hats Off to the Amazing LeMay Volunteers - By Stacy Vogel & Trudy Cofchin
11-	Jefferson State Chapter of Tearjerkers September Campout – By Eunice Hill
12-	My First Arizona Teardrop Camping Trip – By Larry Snedden
13-	Our First Teardrop Campout at Antique Powerland – By Steve Gaydos
14-	TOW Nametags, Patches and Jackets are Available
15-	Calendar for Upcoming Events

FIRST MID-WINTER POTLUCK IN SEATTLE ON FEBRUARY 14TH 
	This year our TOW Mid-Winter Potluck will be held on Saturday, February 14th.  Ed and Linda Kelson extends the invitation for our get-together to be held in their private museum called “A Touch of Nostalgia”.  They are very excited to have everyone come and enjoy what they see every day.  The museum, located in the South Seattle area, is in the building that’s part of the business the Kelson family runs.  Bring your favorite dish and don’t forget to bring serving spoons.  Dinner will be 12:30 PM.
	Our calendar of events for the coming year will be reviewed with many of the hosts talking about their gatherings.  Come join our family of friends for our potluck and a tour of the museum.  Ed and Linda suggest you bring your camera as there are lots of things to take in – you might see a treasure from your childhood.
	The address is 201 S. Austin St, Seattle, WA 98108.  There are two large Texaco signs outside the building that stand tall in the air plus a sign that well say MID-WINTER POTLUCK.  If lost getting there, you can call the shop phone at 206-762-2227.
FROM THE NORTH – Exit I-5 at #162 (Corson Ave) – Drive 0.8 miles until you come to Michigan St. – Turn Right onto Michigan and drive about one (1) mile until you get to WA-509 – Drive South on 509 a little bit and do a whoop-de-do up to the Right and back over the road to get onto WA-99S – Continue South another 0.3 miles until the traffic signal light at Holden – Turn Left and immediately turn left again on 2nd Ave – Go to the next street and turn Right onto Austin St – You will see the shop/museum on the right. 
FROM THE SOUTH – Exit I-5 at #156 (Tukwila/W Marginal Way) – The highway turns into WA-99N – Drive a total of 5.2 miles until you come to a traffic signal light at Holden – Turn Right and immediately Left onto 2nd Ave and go to the next street and turn Right onto Austin St – You will see the shop/museum on the right.
Contact raisinldy1@comcast.net or cell 253-797-0708 for more information. 

SECOND MID-WINTER POTLUCK IN ALBANY ON FEBRUARY 21ST
This is the first time we’ve had a Mid-Winter Potluck in Oregon.  The kick-off for this annual winter get-together will be hosted by Glenn and Laurie Anderson in their barn located a few blocks from their home.  The building is used for storage of their vintage trailers and classic cars.  It also has a shop area used for working on their current projects.  Part of the barn has been converted to a party room that also displays the Anderson Cast-Iron Collection – a collection of cast iron cooking pots, pans and Dutch ovens that has no equal.
	There will be a chance for visiting with other teardroppers (old and new).  All next summer’s campouts and events will be reviewed.  A shop tour to view their vintage cars and trailers can’t be missed.  If you have any teardrop keepsakes or pictures of homebuilt projects underway, bring them also.  The potluck starts at 12:30 on that Saturday, so bring your favorite dish and don’t forget serving spoons.
To get there, exit # 233 off I-5 heading to US Hwy 20 West.  Drive about 0.5 miles until you come to Waverly Drive.  At that point, turn Left and go 1.2 miles until you come to Grand Prairie Rd.  Turn Right.  Go another 0.4 mile and turn Left onto Chicago.  This street dead-ends into a cul-de-sac, so go to the end and look Right.  You will see a barn in this mostly urban neighborhood.  It’s grey with white trim and a black roof.
The barn address is 2656 Chicago St, Albany, Oregon.  If you have any trouble finding it, the number at the barn is 541-967-3479.  Glenn's Cell is 541-619-2179.  They will send out a search party!  They’ve invited camping overnight.  Just let them know.
If you want more information contact the Anderson home at 541-967-8716 or via e-mail at glennanderson1@msn.com.

CURTIS TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM TOUR – FEBRUARY 28TH 
	This year’s tour will be in SE Portland.  After the tour we will gather at Jimmy O’s Pizza Restaurant in Oregon City for food and fellowship.  We have invited the local street rod club, Trick n’ Racy, to join us.  All family members and visitors are welcome also.
	The Myron Curtis Family established the museum a number of years ago and has it open for a limited number of tours.  We’re fortunate to get this date!!  The diversity, uniqueness and rarity of some items amaze visitors.  It contains many, many modes of transportation, from horse-drawn 19th century sleighs, vintage fire engines, cars and best of all, to some very unusual vintage vacation trailers.  One was found with a garage built around it that was torn down to free the trailer for the collection.
OK, here’s the drill.  We will be meeting at the End of the Oregon Trail Center in Oregon City at 9:00 AM.  That’s a right turn at the first light after you exit #10 from I-205 going South and then drive about a half-mile.  We will buddy-up to caravan to the museum.  For those north of Oregon City, you should be arriving at the Curtis Trailer Sales Lot a little before 10:00 AM.  Curtis Trailer Sales is a half-mile East of I-205 on the North side of Powell.  For specific driving instructions, please contact Marty at 503-632-6563 or, on that Saturday, via cell 503-997-8425.  The museum address is 10177 SE Powell Blvd.
	After the tour we will be meeting in the Party Room of Jimmy O’s Pizza Restaurant.  To get there, exit #10 off I-205, drive South for three (3) miles to Beavercreek Road.  Turn right, then after the second stoplight, pass the Restaurant on the left and go onto the third light.  Make a U-turn and go back.
	TOW will pick up the entire tab for non-alcoholic beverages.  Tell the cashier you’re with the TOW group. 

A VISIT WITH ED COLVIN
By Trudy Glassett
	How long have you lived in your house-10 years?  20?  Our eldest TOW member, Ed Colvin, was born in his house 84 years ago!  Recently Boehmes and Glassetts had the privilege of visiting Ed in his cozy Portland, Oregon home.
	Ed has things arranged in his living room to be within an arm’s reach.  He can sit comfortably in his remote-controlled easy chair.  With a click, he can turn on his (gas) wood stove.  Another click and his TV is turned on.  Medicines are in a container at his side.  Beverages and snacks are next to his chair.  Ed has an ingenious way of turning on his overhead light - he’s rigged up a Rube Goldberg arrangement of strings and pulleys!  With his sight failing, Ed keeps a lighted magnifier handy.  He enjoys reading his large print magazines too.
	Ever the organizer, Ed has cabinets labeled (like he did in his 1982 “Shortimer” teardrop kitchen).  Photos, tape, pens and pencils, and “junk to save” are all in drawers - a place for everything.  Forever the photographer, Ed pulled out his tripod so we could take a group photo!
	All of us were intrigued by Ed’s collection of brass note holders.  The only type we had seen before were miniature hands - the kind when you press down on the wrist, the fingers go up and your paper/note slides in.  Ed had many of these, but also about 50 others, such as a mouse, a horse, and a shell.
	Although we’ve known Ed since 2000, when he attended Spring Fling #2, this was our first visit to his home.  It gave us a closer look at the personal life of a special man.  Thanks, Ed!
	PS. Ever the “techie,” Ed continues to check his e-mail.  He’d enjoy hearing from his teardrop friends at edcolvin@comcast.net.  Please use size 24 fonts so he can easily read your message.
	PPS To read more about Ed’s “history,” check out TOW Line #11 (May ’05).

WE’RE SO GRATEFUL TO OUR TEARDROP FAMILY OF FRIENDS
By Steve Birley
	As the first anniversary of the Chehalis flood passes, Peg and I look back on the past year and are so grateful for our many friends.
The first wave to arrive here were local friends, Model A friends and our two sons, Tim and Jay along with their wives.  Primarily the first order of business was mud removal.  Mud was truly our biggest enemy.  On average it was five inches thick and covered everything.  Cleaning it off from one place only doubled, tripled and quadrupled it in some other place.  Next came removing everything from the house, then came removing carpet and floor insulation.  Giving credit where credit is due a thousand Mormons from the Church of Latter Day Saints descended on this basin from all over the state and a team worked here for a day.  Our Fraternal Brothers and Sisters, the Masons, Eastern Star, Fraternal Order of Police and Fire Fighters from all over Western Washington, including the Red Cross, United Way, Teamsters and local businesses; all were here at one time or other those first few days.
Having said all that, it was literally our teardrop and vintage trailer friends who came and put our home back together again.  They opened up the walls and the insulation was removed along with the mud inside the walls, the house was re-wired with 1,300 feet of new wiring and 45 new outlets.  Our home was originally built in the late 1910’s and one or two power outlets per room was the rule, but no more.  Next the house was dried out.  The next wave of trailer friends came in with sleeping bags.  We had people sleeping in every room of the house including the kitchen.  That weekend 59 sheets of sheetrock were hung.  Next our trailer group took on the task of taping and texturing.  Our Model A friends came in next, they had groups in each room of the house and in less than half a day the house was painted.
Our trailer friends came back and painted and installed 725 feet of new molding in the living room and kitchen.  New carpet and flooring were installed along with new thermal pane windows, as the seals were broken because of the flood.  All of our appliances and three bedroom sets were replaced.
As many of you know we have a 40-foot 1957 Spartan trailer that prior to the flood was nearly restored.  While our local friends felt it was a total loss only our trailer friends could see that there was still hope.  The mud was scooped and shoveled out, the belly pans were dropped and the floor insulation was removed.  While it may not be back to its pre-flood beauty, by their efforts and willingness to get in and work on it as soon as they did it minimized the damage and soon even it will be back to the way it was.
The flood level on our teardrop was above the fenders.  It was hosed off and towed out of here by our trailer friends.  Before it came back it had been detailed, the mattress replaced and the fenders repainted.
The Model A had mud and floodwater above the seats.  It was towed out, detailed and dried out by a friend who actually got it running in a couple of days.  This last summer we put nearly 2000 miles on it.  
Fifty-seven days after the flood we moved from the trailer we had been living in next to the house back into our home.  This was a record as there are people even today who are still out of their homes.
All of our fences were torn out and this spring they were replaced.  There were a mile of wire, posts and gates.  This past spring and summer the lawns were reworked because of the mud.  In the past month we’ve finished cleaning out the barn.  Four feet of water and mud went through there.  I was surprised to find floodwater a year after the flood still standing in some of the metal containers in the lower drawers in my shop.  We still have flood related projects that will keep us busy for the next year or so but the most important recovery process was our home.
Thanks to our teardrop and vintage trailer friends our home now is even better than before and for that we’ll always be grateful.  Without naming names each of you know what you did and how grateful we are.  We hope that each of you had a Merry Christmas and that the coming year finds us enjoying the trailer season with great friends under sunny skies.
As a side note I had a cousin and her husband stop by a while back.  The house had been put back together by then with little evidence of the damage we had.  As we explained how we went from disaster to what they were seeing we told them how fortunate we were to have our teardrop friends.  These two people aren’t trailer buffs and once they heard our story they asked us if teardrop people were a grief-counseling group.  We had a good laugh but later looking back on it they might have been right. 

BACK IN THE FAMILY
By Rick Sladen
	Yes, fellow teardroppers, my 1946 Kit teardrop trailer has returned to Canada and to my family.   My eldest son, Trevor, who was 7 years old when I first bought it in 1984 has purchased it back from the man to whom I sold it over 9 years ago. 
For those of you who have been teardropping in the Northwest for many years, you may remember this little unit being towed behind a 1939 Packard Woodie station wagon.  At the LeMay outing several years ago I did a narrated slide show about how my wife and I traveled around Europe with it including Russia in 1988 and 1989.
Subsequently, upon its return to Canada we did many outings in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia.  Even went to the "DAM GATHERING" in California one year.   In 1999 we undertook our longest trip ever...across the continent.   We went from Whistler, B.C. Canada, where we live, all the way across America to New York.  Then up the east coast to Maine, crossed to Nova Scotia on the high-speed catamaran ferry and north to Newfoundland.  There, we dipped the front wheels of the Packard (without the trailer) into the Atlantic Ocean and drove out to Cape Spear, which is the most easterly point of land in North America.  The return trip was almost all across Canada except for a small area taken through northern Michigan.  All told, over 13,600 miles in 3 months.
There were many highlights on every trip but alas, my two sons had grown up and my wife announced that at age 50 it was time to "move up".  And we sure did!  To a 29-foot  5th wheel RV with every convenience.  BUT....I missed the teardrop.  With all its attention getting and questions..."do you REALLY" sleep in THAT"?  Or,  "is that for luggage"?  You all have heard them.  I threatened to build another, larger, teardrop and even built a Packard axle.  Bought a wrecked 1960 small travel trailer to get some period windows and fittings and, of course, a useable title.  But something kept holding me back. 
When I heard from a friend that the subsequent owners children had grown up and the teardrop was for sale I casually mentioned it to my son.  "Of course I want it", he exclaimed.  "So many of my childhood memories are in that trailer".   Even though he has no children  (or even a wife) yet, he eagerly is looking forward to getting it out on some events next spring.  He resides in Victoria; B.C. so can easily take the ferry to Port Angeles or Anacortes to join up with some others in the Northwest area.  
Who knows, perhaps I just may "borrow" it to tow behind the 1937 Packard pickup truck that I now have.  Not sure if I can convince my wife to come along though??!!

GEORGE BOYD, TEARDROP COLLECTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE
	George Boyd attended the Fall Brigade in 2008.  It was there we learned he had a collection of vintage teardrop trailers.  That got our attention!   Curiosity and his enthusiasm made this interview a must.	
TL - Thanks for sharing your story with us.  First of all, we know that you live somewhere in Idaho.  Do you live in a city or somewhere out of town?
GB - Yes, I live in the northern region of Idaho in the town of Lewiston.  Lewiston is located on the east side of the Snake River where Washington and Oregon meet Idaho.  It’s 275 miles north of Boise and 125 miles south of Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.
TL - Stories abound about the number of teardrop trailers you own.  How many do you have and when did you get your first one?
GB - I do own a few teardrop trailers.  I have six so far.  One is co-owned with a friend of mine.  My first one was purchased while attending a Good Guys Car Show in Spokane, Washington in August of 2003.  It is an original 1946 Kit manufactured on December 17th.  
TL - Do you have storage for all of them and are all of them roadworthy?
GB - I wish I had the proper storage for them.  I just finished building a storage area attached to my shop.  My carport houses a few of them and I keep a few at my friend’s house.  I would say all but one is road worthy.  That one is a 1947 Ken-Skill 10 footer.  It has all the original hardware, lights, propane tank, fenders, tires and wheels, but it needs a total restoration.     
TL - How many factory originals do you have? 
GB - All of my teardrop trailers are factory originals.  I have a 1940 Kal Kamp, a 1946 Kit, two ‘47 Ken-Skill 10 footers and two Tourettes (Maxi Tier).
TL - Have you camped at least once with each of your tears?
GB - Yes, except for the 1940 Kal Kamp. 
TL - When was the first time you saw a teardrop trailer and were you just a kid or an adult at the time?
GB - I was an adult with a friend who explained what a teardrop trailer was and that his parents had one they towed behind their ‘37 Ford Coupe.  I saw his parent’s teardrop at the Good Guys Car Show so happened to buy one from the original owner’s family that was available that weekend.  It was love at first sight.
TL - How did you happen to get more than one and did you decide to collect trailers or did it just happen?
GB - I am a collector at heart.  During my deployment in Iraq, it was one of the things that kept me going despite my involvement in the war.  As I already owned several classic cars, it seemed like an obvious avenue to explore online.  It kind of just happened.  It was a wonderful diversion from the reality of war.
TL - Do you have a favorite and what special things do you like about it?
GB - Like they say, you will never forget your first, my ‘46 Kit, but I like the Maxi Tier the best.  It has capsule-shaped doors and is more spacious inside.
TL - What layout or features do you like the best in a galley area?
GB - I don’t have a specific like or dislike in the galley area.  Mostly, I enjoy seeing what other people do to customize their galleys.  I like the idea of customizing, but I like the simplicity of the original areas so I have yet to bring them in to the 21st century.
TD - Have you ever thought you‘d like to build one?
GB - I think for now I would like to refurbish the ones I have.  I have attended a few rallies and have been inspired to make a few modifications from the custom-built ones I have seen. 
TL - We‘ve heard that you also own a number of vintage cars.  Which one is your favorite and which teardrop would you tow behind it?
GB - Yes, I have one too many cars, but I am partial to my ‘56 Chevy and ‘31 Model A Roadster.  Because of the age of the 1940 vintage year, I would tow the 1940 Kal Kamp behind the Model A.  The Maxi Tier tows well behind the ‘56.  I also have a rare ‘57 Pontiac Safari 2-door wagon that will look very cool towing a trailer.  I also have a growing number of motorcycles and scooters that add to my collection of stuff. 
TL - Have you ever thought of hosting a gathering in your part of the world?
GB - Yes, but I am not sure of the venue at this time. 
TL - On a personal note, we know that you’ve served our country in the military.  What unit did you serve with and are there any special experiences you can share with us?
GB - I recently retired from the Army after 24 years of service.  I enlisted right out of High School into the 26th Infantry Division; served in many capacities and several units over the years.  My last thirteen years were with the 116th BCT (Brigade Combat Team).  In March of 2004, I received notification that I was being deployed to Iraq for an 18-month deployment.  While deployed, thoughts of attending teardrop rallies and events with classic cars filled my mind.  Since my retirement, I have attended a handful of teardrop rallies and have met the nicest group of people.  I have enjoyed the adventures of the teardrop rallies and the folks who also appreciate how special the trailers are that have made many of my darkest days bright.  These gatherings have made a dream come true for me.  I am looking forward to attending the Lake Shasta rally in Northern California this spring and many more with fellow teardroppers. 

CAMPING WITH DAPHNE AT THE FALL BRIGADE
By Colleen Farager-Horwell,
	My husband, Roland, and I just returned from our first Fall Brigade held at the Oregon City Elks Park.  We had such a nice time as everyone was so welcoming - we are already planning to attend again next year.
	There was a wonderful combination of socializing, food, day trips, more food, entertainment, free time, history lessons, food again, napping, a Dutch oven how-to, more food, and oh, yeah, did I mention the food?  The contributions to the potluck were tremendous!  I am quite amazed at the dishes prepared on a camp stove in a TD trailer.  I clearly need to expand my own culinary repertoire.
	Everything went so smoothly and was so well planned that the hosts made it look effortless, but I know that requires hard work.  Thank you to everyone who organized and contributed to such a successful event.
Our Welsh Corgi, Daphne, was also with us and was gracious enough to allow us some sleeping space in the TD, although she clearly felt that my pillow was HER pillow, so I’ll have to pack her own next time.  And she promises not to make a snarly face at Rhino or Queenie next time she sees them.  She’s working on her manners.

WE DID DUTCH OVEN COOKING AT OUR FIRST FALL BRIGADE   
By Darlene Boston
 	We went to the Fall Brigade gathering where we were part of a group of about 30 trailers; of which 25 or so were true teardrops.  Some were originals from the 1930's or 1940's and were towed by beautiful antique autos - a cool Model A Ford, a 1937 Ford sedan and a couple of 1950’s Chevy pickups.  Others were towed by "Modern Iron" as they call any vehicle not at least 50 years old.  Before going, we got in contact with the group coordinator and asked if our new 2008 T@B was welcome.  The response was "Come on down everyone is welcome!  Do you do "DO" cooking?”  Not being able to decode what "DO" was, we replied “no”.
"DO" what could it be?  Doughnut offerings?  Pillsbury Doughboy outercrusts?  It had us stumped till the next day and we thought "Dutch Oven cooking"!  Now we always wanted to get involved with Dutch Oven cooking but didn't know anyone who practiced it.  Great we'll go get a Dutch Oven!
First we checked out Dutch Ovens on the Internet and read a LOT of articles on DO cooking.  We decided we wanted a "Lodge" 12-inch wide extra deep oven, thinking that would be best for bread and cakes.  Great - we knew what we needed so off we went shopping.  We found a “Lodge” 12-inch wide extra deep oven plus Lodge Gloves and of course a Lodge Lid Lifter.  We also got some charcoal.
After a very trying experience to purchase our new “DO”, we excitedly arrived back home where we wanted to try it out right away.  So we dug out a recipe for Gluten-Free Corn-Flax Bread and quickly whipped it up and tossed it in the "DO" (notice how often we use "DO" now, Ha!  We’re "DOers" now).  The bread came out perfect and we were pleased.
But what to cook for the gathering?  We finally decided on Chicken Hind Quarters and Rice but we wanted to add our own twist to it.  How about adding Sun Dried Tomato Pesto and Chipotle Peppers?  We had to try it out first.  The recipe called for everything to be just tossed in the "DO" and cooked but we decided to brown the chicken first.  We fired up some charcoal and put it under the 'DO", then tossed in the chicken with tomato and chipotle peppers and stirred till well brown on all sides.  Removing the chicken, we tossed in the rice and dry onion soup mix and cooked it a while in the chicken drippings.  Finally replacing the chicken and adding chicken broth and mushroom soup to the pot we let it cook.  Another success!  After buying some chicken thighs (our only change to our recipe) we were ready to attend the gathering.
On Friday, we went to the End of the Oregon Trail Center in Oregon City to meet up with the other teardroppers and caravan to the Oregon City Elks Park.  Being strangers to the group we didn't know what kind of reception to expect.  But Bruce Smith; a teardropper whom we had met in LaPine, Oregon assured us they were a group of real nice people.  Bruce was correct - we were welcomed and had a great time.  We were not the only first-timers to attend this gathering and all of us were received with open arms - a really great group of people.  Our T@B stood out as not being either a true teardrop or a vintage trailer but many people told us that because we had our kitchen outside in the back like a true teardrop we fit in quite well.
We made some new friends that we intend to keep in touch with and fully intend to keep poking our nose in on TOW's gatherings now and then as they make gate crashing such fun.  Unfair I guess - how can you gate crash if they say "Hey stranger.  Welcome, come and join us"?
P.S. - The "DO" class held Saturday afternoon was amazing - instructive, funny, entertaining and best of all it tasted great.  Our one regret is that we couldn't taste all the food prepared for Saturday night’s potluck - there was just too much to eat!

HATS OFF TO THE AMAZING LeMAY VOLUNTEERS!
By Stacy Vogel & Trudy Cofchin (LeMay Museum staff)
	Can you believe it?!   Another successful LeMay Car Show & Auction has come and gone, and we were all fortunate enough to take part in this fantastic event.  This year, with the help of over 400 volunteers, the LeMay and Marymount Grounds were organized and spotless by the day of the show and volunteers were in place to greet over 6,000 visitors who came to enjoy the spectacular LeMay Collection.  We had over 380+ local collector cars on site, and many people also participated in the eagerly anticipated auction.  
We are proud to share this annual tradition with you each year, and we’re so grateful for all the support you provided to make it happen.  Obviously, we couldn’t have accomplished anything without you.  Thank you for your contribution.  Whether you think it was big or small, it sure made a difference!  The LeMay Car Show is all about preserving this national treasure, but it’s also about building camaraderie and having fun, so we hope you enjoyed yourself, too!
If you DID have a good time, we hope you’ll spread the word and encourage others to visit the LeMay Museum sometime throughout the year, become a Museum member, or perhaps even continue as a year-round LeMay volunteer.  We’ll be looking forward to seeing you again next year on the last Saturday in August.  It’s not too early to mark your calendars for the 32nd Annual LeMay Car Show & Auction – Saturday, August 29th, 2009!  
Thank you, again, for all you did to make our LeMay Car Show & Auction such a success - We certainly appreciate you!

JEFFERSON STATE CHAPTER OF TEARJERKERS SEPTEMBER CAMPOUT
By Eunice Hill
	Our second campout for 2008 was at Old Station, California at the Cave campground.  We had 11 teardrops, one vintage trailer and 11 dogs.  For one couple it was their first gathering and for another their first Jefferson State gathering.  We also had people come out to visit for the day and most all of the other campers in the campground came to check out the tears. 
It was really nice weather.  There is a lava tube (tunnel) across the street that is 1300 feet long and pitch black inside.  It’s very interesting to walk through.  Hat Creek runs by the campground and it is very fast moving.  One camper, not with our group, jumped in to save his dog that got caught in the fast current.
	A couple of ladies drove about 27 miles to Birney Falls for a swim.  Kenny and I did some fishing but didn’t catch anything worth keeping.  We saw several people get their limit everyday with 8" to 12" Brown Trout.  It’s usually good fishing because the creek is stocked twice a week.
We had waffles for breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings.  What a fantastic potluck on Saturday night!  It featured chicken with all the fixings to go with it.  Jefferson State members are great Dutch Oven cooks.  A wonderful time was had by all.
Lake Selmac for next June has not worked out - too many restrictions and other groups trying to get the campground at the same time.  We’ll post news of a new location on Tales and Trails web site www.teardrops.net.  (Editor:  See this issue’s Calendar for Upcoming Events)

MY FIRST ARIZONA TEARDROP CAMPING TRIP
By Larry Snedden (who recently moved from Longview, Washington to a warmer climate)
	I thought I would share with you my first teardrop trip in Arizona.  In early December, I took off in my ‘46 Chevy pickup with my teardrop in tow.  It was just myself and my pup, Tilly.  We went about 85 miles southeast of our home in Oro Valley to Patagonia Lake.   The lake is located nine miles northeast of Nogales near the border of Mexico.  It is a state park and has armed park rangers.  So, it seemed to be a very secure park.  It was extremely beautiful down there.  It has the nicest restrooms of any place I have ever been with the trailer.
The daytime temperature was around 75 degrees and at night it dropped to about 42 degrees.  During thirty days prior to my arrival I learned there were 97 different species of birds spotted.  While I was there I saw deer every day.  Patagonia Lake is so different than in Oro Valley.  At home, when I look out over my fence I see numerous varieties of cacti and small trees.  At Patagonia it was mostly rolling hills of beautiful grass lands and very few cacti.
The first day I was there I met a couple from Seattle that were towing a teardrop.  Their teardrop was built by the Amish back in Pennsylvania.  It seems somebody from Spokane bought it, went to Pennsylvania to pick it up and by the time they got back to Spokane they decided it was too small for them.  So, they turned around and sold it for about $1000 less than they paid for it.  This Spokane couple bought it and headed right out on a four month trip.  They seem to be enjoying themselves.  I gave them one of the TOW fliers that we passed out last year and told them to get in touch with Marty to get on the newsletter list.  I also told them about the Tales and Trails web page.
All in all, Tilly and I had a great first trip.  We returned home and wished we could have stayed longer.  In March of 2009 the Arizona Tearjerkers chapter is having their spring meet.  Terri, I and Tilly all plan on attending.
I hope all is well in the Northwest and that everybody is in good health. 

OUR FIRST TEARDROP CAMPOUT AT ANTIQUE POWERLAND
By Steve Gaydos
	My wife, Gretchen, and I first saw the teardrop trailer on the Discovery channel and fell in love with them.  After signing up with Teardrops & Tiny Travel Trailers chat room I planned on building one of my own.  But in December 2007, our town of Astoria was hit with a hurricane and our house had extensive damage.  This put a setback on the TD build.  After six months of rebuilding our home and still not complete, we needed a break.  I started a search for a teardrop to buy.  I found a Mobi teardrop in the Spokane area.  After looking at it and then buying it on the web we made the trek to Eastern Washington to pick up our first teardrop.
When we saw our teardrop for the first time we were not disappointed.  I really liked this five-foot wide tear.  It tows great.  Every time we stopped for gas on the way home people had to come and take a look.  
We are no strangers to camping but the Antique Powerland Great Oregon Steam-Up was the first time sleeping in our teardrop.  There were seven other teardrops that camped with us.  It was nice to see that when each teardrop arrived everyone joined in and helped the new arrival setup.  Being a “newbe” everyone made us feel very welcome. Seeing all the teardrops in person was very impressive.  One thing we did was to keep a running list of things that we could use to improve our teardrop. 
One of our fellow campers had a portable propane hot water heater that we thought was wonderful.  We just had to stop on the way home to pick one up.  We used it on our next campout the following weekend and it worked great.
One thing we noticed was that teardroppers are a close family - when anyone needed help everyone pitched in to help.  Again I can’t say enough about the hospitably of everyone.  We can’t wait to attend another campout.  Visitors to the Steam-Up that came to look at all the Tear’s were asking a lot of questions.  Some were really interested in getting rid of their larger trailers due to the high gas prices.

TOW NAMETAGS, PATCHES AND JACKETS ARE AVAILABLE
	At last year’s Midwinter Luncheon the new TOW jacket patch went on sale.  It was designed by Herb and Elaine Kipp and featured the TOW logo.  It can be seen on the TOW website www.teardroptrailers.org.  The new nametag everyone is wearing at our gatherings is shown on the site also.  There is an additional supply of patches available.  Unfortunately, the price has increased due to the reduced order quantity.  They are quite attractive and have to be seen to be appreciated. 
	Along with these two items, a jacket for both sexes can be purchased with the patch sewn on the back.  But, many prefer to sew the patch on a favorite jacket.  Look for the order form on the website.  The order form has pricing information.
	If orders are received by January 20th, free delivery will be made at the two Mid-Winter Potlucks.  What you pay is what TOW buys them for.
We also have a source for small patches used for hats and shirts at a cost of $6.00.

CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING EVENTS

FEBRUARY 14TH – Mid-Winter Potluck (NORTH) – Seattle, WA
Our traditional potluck; this year at the Kelson Shop Museum.  Contact the Ed & Linda Kelson 253-797-0708 or raisinldy1@comcast.net more information. 

FEBRUARY 21ST – Mid-Winter Potluck (SOUTH) – Albany, OR
A new event at the Anderson Cast-Iron-Collection Barn.  Contact Glenn & Laurie Anderson at 541-967-8716 or glennanderson1@msn.com for more information. 

FEBRUARY 28TH – Transportation Museum Tour – Portland, OR
Joint tour with Trick n’ Racy at the Curtis Transportation Museum.  For more contact Marty & Katie Boehme at 503-632-6563 or teardrops@bctonline.com

APRIL 30TH – MAY 3RD – Shasta Dam Gathering – Lakehead, CA
The 16th Dam Gathering just 25 miles north of Redding, California.  Contact Grant & Lisa Whipp at 530-275-6728 or info@teaardrops.net for registration form. 

MAY 22ND – 25TH  – Spring Fling – Morton, WA
The 11th traditional gathering at Gust Backstrom community Park.  Contact Rod & Trudy Glassett at 360-293-1108 or glassettgang@junio.com for more information. 

JUNE 5TH – 7TH – NWTTT Gathering – Creswell, OR
This is the 11th gathering behind Larry Boehme’s barn near Creswell.  Contact Lonnie & Sherry Aaron at 541-688-9595 or aaroncruiser@aol.com for more information.

JUNE 5TH – 7TH – The Svard Yard Meet – Vernon, B.C. – Canada
One of the first international teardrop traditional three-day campouts.  Contact Ingvar & Pat Svard at1-250-545-5865 or email kisvard@shaw.ca.

JUNE 12TH – 14TH  – Kelson Kampout – Roslyn, WA
The Kelsons host a really laid-back event on private property in Roslyn.  Contact Ed & Linda Kelson at 253-797-0708 or raisinldy1@comcast.net more information 

JUNE 19TH – 21ST  – Jefferson State Campout – Cave Junction, OR
The second Tearjerkers Fathers’ Day Campout at Chinquapin Campground in S. Oregon.  Contact Eunice Hill at 707-725-4674 or keneunicehill@sbcglobal.net 

JUNE 26TH – 28TH  – Vintage Trailer Rally - Sweet Home, OR
This campout is nearly sold out.  Located at River Bend County Park.  For more, contact Jerry & Linda Kwiatkowski at 503-831-4991 or jerryk20002000@yahoo.com  

JULY 1ST – 5th – Carnation Fourth – Carnation, WA
A great place for teardroppers to fellowship.  Lots of fun for all.  Contact Ken & Marty Masden at 425-333-5219 or 36fun@centurytel.net for more information. 

JULY 31ST – AUGUST 2ND - Antique Powerland – Brooks, OR
On the campus of the Northwest Vintage Car and Motorcycle Museum.  Contact Marty & Katie Boehme at 503-632-6563 or teardrops@bctonline.com for more info. 

AUGUST 28TH – 30TH – LeMay Display Campout – Tacoma, WA
This will be the 12th campout and display started in 1998.  For detailed information, contact Pat & Jan Estes at 253-538-2859 or opasgang@yahoo.com  

SEPTEMBER 10TH – 13TH – Vintage Trailer Rally – Lynden, WA
This is a new and better location at the NW Washington Fairgrounds.  Contact Pat & Joanne Ewing at 360-966-4253 or pre47airstream@aol.com for more information. 

OCTOBER 9TH – 12TH Fall Brigade – Mulino, OR
At Oregon City Elks Park.  A n optional three-day rally.  For more information contact Marty & Katie Boehme at 503-632-6563 or teardrops@bctonline.com