Reconstruction Update

So we're working on the cleaning and mechanical reconstruction of the Airstream. The carpet, floor tiles and walls in there were very stinky!! Now that we've got it almost completely gutted, it is ready for reinstallation of appliances and redecoration.

It is starting to smell good.

The water heater and all the plumbing are still out and need a great deal of attention. There are ancient patches on the black water tank that cannot be repaired again and the potable water tank is non-existent. In a halfhearted attempt to clean the outside, I discovered that those scrubbing bubbles really do the work for you!!

Steve's been working diligently on the electrical system and I am quite impressed with his results. We have lights, fans, and working receptacles. We will reinstall the refrigerator next weekend!!

The beginning

This is Katie the last day I had to rake leaves in the Fall of 2005. It took a few months, but we finally sold the house and got ready to move on with our big adventure.

We began this plan to travel around the US in May of 2004. By now we have sold our stuff, including the house, and secured our travel vehicle. This 1965 Airstream Sovereign trailer has been parked on my Uncle Jim's cow farm since 1999. He sold it to us for $72. The new (safe) rims and tires were much more costly than the whole trailer. It's been sitting empty for many years so it was full of mouse poop and snake skins. It also smelled bad and the outside was covered in mold.

After removing all of the carpet, foam mattresses and appliances, we've discovered that the trailer is in great condition as are most of the appliances. There's only a small area of rotted wood in the back, so we're very lucky. By now, the floor is gone (along with most of the smell) and we're ready for the new (recycled) toilet. Today Steve is working on the electrical wiring and I am learning to make this blog.

Steve & April in New Harmony, Indiana--September 2006