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Back when I used to run modified JetSkis, breakdowns were somewhat common, and my JetSkiing buddy and I used to rag each other with the line, “Are you ready to roll to California if the President should call?”  Although the chances of the President of the United States calling either of us up and requesting our services for some long distance, clandestine mission on an inland waterway were somewhat remote, the joke was a good sentiment to keep in mind since both us ran older (piston port timing) engines, and my tow vehicle at that time was even older.  Although my JetSkiing has now slowed down significantly, I still keep the President in mind when I look at either my ’67 Overlander or ’84 Suburban.

 

Since the camping season opening trip to Florida’s Topsail Hill was to be our first outing after the Overlander’s “summarization”, I figured the President would understand if a minor delay became necessary.  Although we ended up leaving the house on time, the schedule was threatened not by the Airstream, but by the Suburban.  Treated to a new water pump, and belts & hoses after last year’s trip to Disney World, the ‘Burb gave every indication of being ready for the trip until the week before departure.  Interpreting what I heard & saw, the alternator appeared to be on its way out.  And, with the weather warming up, my suspicion that the new thermostat, which had been replaced along with everything else cooling-related, was opening too soon was proving to be valid.

 

Since I do not like to do anything more than routine maintenance before a long distance trip, I agitated over when to do the work necessary to “make it to California”.  The thermostat opening too soon was simply going to waste gas.  If the alternator quit, I could run off the battery until finding somewhere suitable to work on it.  With the Airstream’s battery in the circuit, there was a good chance that I could make it all the way to the campground.  But if I did end up having to run off the battery, it would mean no A/C for all, and no TV for my preschoolers.  So, with that scary latter sentiment in mind, the afternoon before we left found me in the driveway replacing everything that bothered me.  Luckily, after I was done, my wife needed to run some errands, so she was able to test drive the repairs.  Success!  All issues had been resolved.

 

Part of the summarization effort included finally installing a potable water pump in the Airstream.  Although we made out well during last year’s Disney trip, there were a few times while on the road when it would have nice to use Airstream’s toilet.  The positive difference the full water tank’s weight made while towing was surprising.  Towing with Reese’s dual cam anti-sway control, the Suburban had always been very stable at any speed.  The added tongue weight made it extremely stable.  Plans are to now always travel with a full potable water tank.

 

After an uneventful seven hour trip, we found ourselves in excellent company:

 

AirstreamNeighbor

 

Our neighbor’s Airstream was a 2002, 22 foot CCD that he lamented not being able to get out more than he does.  Cool looking interior.  Although I have seen CCDs before, Airstream’s “office” layout in his particular trailer was new to me, and it appeared to suit his needs extremely well.  I was surprised, however, to find that he has a soft floor issue in the aft area.  I was also surprised that his 35-year-newer-than-mine Airstream was using the same Camloc fasteners to secure the bumper access door.  Although the fastener itself is a wonderful design, Ya’d think by now that Airstream would be making them out of stainless steel.  There was another WBCCI Airstream a few sites over, but they left before I had a chance to say hello.

 

Wonderful campsite:

 

PondView2

 

The grounds were well maintained, and the staff was friendly & knowledgeable.  The bath houses appeared to be in good order, but I’m glad I’m not tent camping anymore to have to care about things like that.  In an act that I considered up & beyond the call of duty, one staff member came over repeatedly to help a retirement-imminent couple make camp with their fifth wheeler.  Brand new unit, brand new Silverado 2500HD, and they had never camped in an RV before.  Although I loaned him a wrench to assemble a stabilizer, he had everything he needed; he just did not necessarily know how to use it.  Nice people;  I’m sorry our visit was not any longer than it was.

 

Of course everyone enjoyed the beach:

 

BoyzInWater

 

But for late April/early May, there’s a reason the beach was not packed – That Gulf water was cold!  Lots of fun though because neither boy had ever been to a beach before, and the waves were nothing they had ever seen while on my boat at the local river.  Topsail also had a swimming pool which the Boyz found much warmer.

 

But it was not sun-shiny all the time:

 

Weather

 

Although stormy weather kept us inside one day, the park provided CATV to supplement our DVD collection.  My wife particularly enjoyed the Weather Channel.  I personally thought it was cool to kick back with a beer & listen to the rain hitting the Airstream.  The rain knocked out our planned meal of grilled food so we opted to drive in to Destin and eat at a restaurant.  The Boyz were thrilled since we do not eat out that much at home.

 

The trip home was just as smooth as the trip down.  We’re thinking about a repeat trip later in the summer after the water warms up.  But if we don’t make it, this trip to Topsail Hill State Park will be fondly remembered as a great 2005 season opener.