bugeyedriver

BB looks pretty good in that red hat . . .

The Nest egg looks great Now how 'bout some pictures of the two live Teddy Bears, Woodstock & Rascal . . . Oscar is looking forward to meeting them.

Tom, You're correct on why I don't use the Swift Hitch going down the highway. Wouldn't want to lose it due since it's a magnetic mount. Also, it runs on an internal battery, so I'm not sure how long it would last in a constant video mode. You're right, if you had one for use, Karen's ticket sales for the show would go WAY down . . . remember I was on the Natches Trace when you sowed up for you're maiden voyage How about this? Buy the backup camera but have Karen back up the Ollie as you sell the tickets! Who knows, you may triple the receipts. I have found that instead of placing the camera on the rear bumper washer for tight spots I'd rather step out of the truck and get a personal look at the obstacles in all areas (rear, right, left, and above). If I need to ensure I don't hit that tree behind the Wonder Egg I pace off the distance and then repeat that pace from out my driver's door toward the rear and place down a marker. I then simply back up until I'm abeam the marker. Simple, yet effective.

There are two types of "back up cameras" we are talking about: 1 - The one that allows a solo traveler snug up to the Ollie's bulldog hitch without putting a ding in the TV. 2 - The one that allows the TV driver to see the traffic behind the Ollie and the distance to the nearest tree behind your campsite while backing the whole rig. (It also gives visuals to other cars behind you as you go down the road) They both have their advantages. What I like about the Swift Hitch system is that it can act as both, depending on where I mount it and whether I am backing up the truck to the trailer or the trailer to a tight campsite. (Not used while going down the road) Since it is magnetic mounted, for the latter I put a metal washer on the aluminum bumper for a mounting point. For the solo travelers with the type 2 system, what do you use for hook up assistance day & night?

Well done, my friend, you have more than earned your time off in retirement to head out in your Ollie and go where and whenever you want . . . there will always be bad guys to be caught and put in line, now it's someone else's turn to tangle with them as you and Butcherknife head out to the great outdoors . . . Find the most difficult geocaches . . . Catch the juiciest catfish . . . Go to the best RV rallies . . . Who knows, you may even find a little time to get Betty's "Honey Do" list completed . . . he, he, he

The "Route 66 and Little Plastic Trailers" thread was started some time ago on the Casita Forum by Lane, of "Lane and the Poodle Girls" You can read all about it at: http://www.casitaclub.com/forums/index. ... opic=11600 Sounds like it could be a blast! For a while, I've been calling the twins Thing One and Thing Two Now that they have been determined to be a boy and a girl I will start calling them by their names: Luca Antonio and Paloma Alynna. Luca is Tony's grandfather's name and Alynna is a form of my wife Lynn's name. Now I'll have two granddaughters named after birds - Paloma (dove) and Sparrow, who is three years old now and carries a name from her mom's side. Sorry Karen, no Pete & RePete . . .

Great pics Phil! You captured the fun of the rally just right. Looking forward to seeing you at the Bluebonnet gathering.

The veritable "Trip to Alaska" is something that Oscar and I have on our bucket list. But, alas, it is not to be this season as my daughter is expecting twins in late July and starting the third trimester we'll be remaining within a one day's drive to home in case any help is called for on the baby-watch. Next year will likely be the Little Plastic Trailers on Route 66 parade. How about a replay in 2011. I'm sure you experienced Alaskateers will be raring to do it all over again by then.

Tom, FYI . . . Oscar has been howling at me for days for my pedestrian response on that one . . .

Tom, Are you and Karen going to WIMP OUT from our catfish extravaganza by callin' the yummy food names?!? Oscar would be so disappointed. Pete ps Ya think any of that there pork you've enjoyed at the BBQ ever had a bit of "slop" fer dinner?

JuniorBirdMan, I can imagine Woodstock and Rascal riding shotgun with their paws in front of their eyes forming the secret BirdMan goggles. If they are anything like Oscar, it'll be best to simply go along with their directions and always remember . . . You're not lost , you're exploring I see you're from Texas. Any chance you and the furkids might be able to join us up at Lake Greeson, AR for the Catfish Extravaganza? Congratulations on your Ollie. I'm not sure if Nest Egg has been mentioned on this forum yet. I think I've seen it over on the Casita forum. But hey, the pups are gonna name it whatever they want anyhow. Might as well just to go along with them.

Look forward to seeing you guys when you're in Texas. Either at the Bluebonnet Rally or perhaps even some other "Unsanctioned Central Texas Oliver Gaggle" since we seem to be getting quite a good little population of Ollies around here. Oscar looks forward to meeting Kiki . . .

Kyle & Karen, Nice looking interior and list of options. Well done! The charging station and mounted rechargeable flashlight are especially nice. On trailer # 40 can you turn on all of your exterior lights from inside, to include those on the street side? I see you are fly fishermen. I've only been once with the Wonder Egg and found that a suction cup hook attached to the outside makes a great place to hang up waders for drying. (Something I learned from camping with SeaDawg in the Appalachian Mountains - Sherry is the Queen of Suction Cups ) Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy

Jam49, Oscar & I enjoyed meeting you and showing the attributes of the Wonder egg. We know your grandchildren are very lucky that you are planning ahead for many wonderful adventures! Hope to see you again soon at some egg gatherings.

Oscar & I shall arrive with the Wonder Egg tomorrow afternoon . . .

I've been using a system called "Swift Hitch" for the last year. While not cheap, it is failsafe. It works in daylight or complete darkness . . . I love it! Here's a video of it working:

Methinks yer somthin' of a crossbreed betwixt Jed Clampet and George jetson, what, withe that there satelight receever . . .

Some National Parks are pet friendly. Just at at most RV parks, your pets must always be controlled with a leash, usually no more than 6 feet in length. Also, the awesome wildlife you are able to encounter in the great outdoors may look at your two yorkies as morning and afternoon snacks. NEVER leave them unattended, even for the briefest time. Oscar was resting outside (on a dog tether) in the Sequoia National Park as I read a book nearby and "Wile-E-Coyote" was stalking him as easy prey. You can read about it on my travel blog's Sunday, October 26, 2008 entry. A good explanation about pets in National Parks can be found at: http://usparks.about.com/library/weekly/aaq042589.htm And a book with specific park information can be found at:

JuniorBirdMan, "Up in the Air!!!" and welcome to the Oliver forum. Being another recently retired and single father of a furkid, I have to tell you how great it is to have Oscar as a traveling companion. He & I hit the open road last fall for a 3 month, 12,000 mile walk-a-bout that took us from Florida to Washington state and many points in between. There are few very minor inconveniences, such as the occasional cold early morning walk instead of simply opening the back door at home and the every present "courtesy bags" . If it's hot outside and you need to run an errand, leave the a/c on for them in the trailer or take them along in the car, run inside with the car & a/c on, the doors locked, and an extra car key in your pocket. Their companionship is well worth any minor hassles you may encounter. As you hit the road in your trailer, you'll discover just how many of us are wandering around the country with our four legged friends who seem to enjoy the journey as much as we do. (So many smells to smell, so many trees to water, so many other dogs to sniff . . . ) Pete Don't leave home without them.

Cherie & Chris, Great interview! I especially loved the comment about staying at remote wilderness areas and waking up with stunning settings for your viewing pleasure. You are sure to make many yearn for the open road life, with all of the freedom and beauty that it entails. I heard Kiki get in a meow during the interview as well. Was she speaking from her cabinet hideaway? Happy traveling . . .

We know (from experience, sadly) that some of the racks whistle when not under load. Glad yours is properly engineered. Congrats on a great (and great looking...) choice. Yeah, but will Butcherknife be able to tolerate Mountainborn's whistling as he goes on down the road lookin' so "Spiffy?"

Patty, Come on by spot #7 and you'll find Oscar the Smiley Dog and me hanging out, unless we're visiting many of our good friends in the Casitas surrounding us. We JUST returned from the Miller Creek RV Resort and you couldn't find a more hospitable place to camp. When you own your own trailer, of whatever flavor, you must check it out. If you can't find me, call me on my cell and I'll hoof it back to the Wonder Egg. (830-688-9809)

Wow, Mountainborn I'm glad you & Butcherknife came through that experience with only a flat spot on your tire to contend with. Pepe-le-Pew was very fortunate you were behind the wheel. Don't know what would be worse, your harrowing "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" or doing the skunk smack-down and having to camp in one very odiferous Ollie! What brand 8-ply tires will you be going with?

Chuck 'n Gri "n 3 furkids, Are you saying you might join us? Woohoo! That'd be great. We'd have 4 Olivers; three 17' & one 22' on site with all of our other fgrv buddies. Come on Over!!

Kyle, PM on the way . . . good luck to you!