The Vintage Campographer

New directions...

2022-01-25T19:47:00.002-05:00

Hi, friends!

Been a while since we have posted, as things certainly are changing at VCS (Vintage Camper Share). . .

a new website is under consideration, in which we promote vintage camper rental possibilities throughout the country!

Check back often -

Happy Trails,

Catherine Light

(Pictured below, our latest project heading to the Fonda Fairgrounds for her winter storage)...

Whip-O-Will Campsites

2020-01-17T23:25:00.005-05:00

www.Whip-o-Will.com

"Indulge 2020" - VCS CRAFT BREWERY TOUR

2020-01-05T22:15:00.000-05:00

"INDULGE 2020"
2020 VCS CRAFT BREWERY TOURS

There were just 83 active breweries in 1983, less than 50 the following year. . . however, that year the Boston Beer Company was founded, joining both Anchor and Sierra Nevada in leading the comeback of the American beer industry. Things have changed, especially in upstate New York.

Today almost 100 craft breweries can be found within 75 miles of Vintage Camper Share's two locations here in the southern Adirondacks and the Capital District of upstate New York! For those of you with a passion for breweries, wineries, distilleries or cideries, we have created a custom google map that locates the breweries (etc.) as well as the 150 or more campgrounds to which we deliver vintage campers. It also includes the counties (19) in which these are found, your campgrounds, upcoming event and festivals, and even a custom tour created with a starting point at a campground (Birch Haven Campground, located on Great Sacandaga Lake)...

Read more about creating custom tours...
and email us if you would like to have us mail you a .kml file which you can import into the GOOGLE EARTH app you can download on your smartphone.

This makes this information easily accessible!

*To access the Google map's legend, click on small icon, top left corner

Introducing
Druthers/Albany

Click Here

The official "Druther's Intro....

"Druthers doesn't just sell beer; we encourage good-humored, freethinkers who would rather do it their own way to shake free, go for the gusto, and live the lives they have always wanted. Our beer is brewed as a tribute to those who put their life, work, and convictions to the test!"

The naming of this year's tour...
"Indulge 2020"

My partner, Craig (photo shy: you will see alot of pics of his hands. Usually with a lager or two nearby) headed from our home base in Schenectady. Along the way, we passed a local street called Queen Philomena Blvd.

This year's tour is named after her. Philomena, that is. We did a google search along the way to the brewery. Never did find out much about her, but more about SAINT Philomena, and the history of indulgences. She is the patron saint of infants and children. Also read about the Catholic history of indulgences...

Craig's Hands...

With the first sip of our two ales, we certainly felt indulgent...

and when our appetizer was delivered, the name of the 2020 Craft Brewery tour was obvious...

"Indulge 2020"

Craig chose the
DRUTHERS 80 SHILLING ALE -
This copper-colored beer has a caramel, toasty and slightly fruity aroma. The flavor is malty up front, in the middle and through the finish, with caramel notes dominant. Being a great example of its style, it won a silver award at the 2016 World Beer Cup in the Scottish-style ales category!

He was pleased.

Cheese Curds, French Fries, Sausage and Gravy.

I had a Pilsner, and finally,
my first POUTINE!

I am Canadian.
However, I have never ever had poutine. What's with that!

And there it was, sitting on the menu.
I bit.
No regrets.

I was NOT disappointed!

To view the Druther's menu...
click here.

To find out more about the beers and ale, click here...

Order a growler for back at the campfire...

We suggest exploring the neighborhood around Druthers. You will find several other breweries, and a cider mill, too. Do not miss the famous Albany landmark, the RCA Victor dalmation, perched just down the street from Druthers!

Grab a growler to take back to the campfire, should you be camping nearby. Remember, do all things in moderation, especially on the "Indulge 2020" tour on which you have embarked.

There are several state and private campgrounds within a half hour or less of Druthers. You will find them on the Google map above by clicking on the icon at the top left, and enlarging the map by clicking on it, or moving it with two fingers if viewing it on your smartphone.

Campground directly on the Mohawk

Arrowhead Marina and RV Park
They are located directly on the Mohawk River (Erie Canal) in the Town of Glenville, less than 10 minutes from downtown Schenectady. Best feature? The park is situated directly on the Mohawk River, so bring your camera, fishing rod, skivvies, and enjoy the view. There is a great little movie theater in the town of Scotia, within 5 minutes of the marina.

Got kids? They will love this place!

Adventure Bound Camping Resort at Deer Run
Nestled in the hills of Rensselaer County overlooking the Hoosick River, and surrounded by hundreds of peaceful wooded acres, Adventure Bound Camping Resort - Deer Run Camping and RV Resort offers first class service, fine facilities and fun. Fishing pond for the kids, and loads of activities. Sites are close together, however. The park has mostly seasonal guests, so book early.

Enjoy the journey...

"Buy me some peanuts and Crackerjacks..."

2019-12-23T04:03:00.003-05:00

Clark Sport Center - 1 mile south of the Baseball Hall of Fame
(Click here to pre-order your FREE TICKET to the Induction Ceremony)
PS - BEST ORDER VERY VERY EARLY!!!

Introducing the 3-Day
National Baseball Hall Of Fame
INDUCTION CEREMONY WEEKEND SPECIAL (one-of-a-kind!)
Dates: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 24, 25 and 26
Learn more here...

We suspect that if you want to know Otsego County better...a good place to start would be the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
And the best time of the year to visit Cooperstown, the village that birthed the Hall, has got to be when the year's INDUCTION CEREMONY is scheduled.

Sunday, July 26th, 2020 / 1:00 pm

But first, "Why is the Baseball Hall of Fame In Cooperstown?
The game was invented there. 1839. Learn more here...

And thanks to a wealthy local philanthropist, the first Hall of Fame inductees were elected: Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Christy Mathewson, Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner. The year? 1936.

This year's inductees? We will know in January! Many are wondering if Derek Jeeter could follow Mariano Rivera as the second unanimous inductee!
Learn more here...

Don't just come for the ceremony, however:
Events actually begin Friday morning!
Learn more here...

In anticipation of a large crowd in Otsego County, we have reserved a campsite for three days, as the 5-day long celebration in Cooperstown actually runs from July 24th through July 27th, and includes

For a home-run experience, both getting there and enjoying the weekend more fully, learn more here...

Introducing the VCS ONE-OF-A-KIND
HALL OF FAME 3-DAY INDUCTION CEREMONY SPECIAL
July 24, 25 and 26, 2020

Your Hall of Fame Special includes

three night rental of any of our vintage campers (book early for your best selection)
three nights camping at nearby Cooperstown Deer Run Campground
two free tickets for Membership to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Membership includes:
Free admission to the Museum Hall of Fame Weekend and throughout the year, a special members-only entrance to the Hall of Fame to avoid long lines,
exclusive early access to the Museum on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Hall of Fame Weekend, a complimentary copy of the Commemorative Hall of Fame Weekend Program, and priority access to the Legends of the Game Roundtable program on Monday

More to follow...

(click here to view details on our website) and call us at 518 605 3668)

Book your camper early! Click Here...

It's been a while. 3 new campers, however!

2019-12-15T04:25:00.000-05:00

It's been a while...

in fact, almost a year.

I will blame Drew Barrymore.
Why?

Well, back in March, when our fleet consisted of only three vintage campers, I had decided to hold off on doing any more. Be practical. Pay off the debt incurred from starting up this business a year before.

But then I got this call from California. And email. And another call.

I thought it was spam.

Nope. Drew Barrymore's agent called, AGAIN... wanting info on booking one of the three campers for her client... in two days... for her to use when shooting a movie in Manhattan for a few weeks.

Now, you know I was excited.
You KNOW I wanted to say YES!
But..... (lost opportunity?) I didn't.

The campers were in winter storage. Had no heaters. And I wanted her to be comfortable. So I said no. That I would put her on my mailing list.

Guess what. First email blast is going out this week.
Sigh...

However.... grinning....
I was so excited about her enthusiasm... I went out and bought and restored three more campers.

Hence, the lack of blog postings.
However, it did lead to twice as many bookings as last year.
And, it gave me yet one more excuse for not keeping up with this blog.

So, I pray I don't get anymore calls from California this winter.
(or not)
I need a chance to recover from the last call.

Go see the newest campers -
the rare '63 Shasta (Campers' Choice), the very old '58 FAN (Tin Can Annie) and the latest, a '71 Beeline (The Bumblebear).

And... gulp.... call.
Oh, and sign up for our email list (lol)
Am working on it... (Sign up HERE. First newsletter going out this week. Promise!)

Chatty Cathy
(518) 605-3668
Vintage Camper Share
www.VintageCamperShare.com

ps.... it was an incredible season - CLICK HERE (2019 Season Highlights).
pps .... ended with a FEATURE article in national blog, as I was chosen "owner of the week" by Outdoorsy, the AirBnB of RV rentals... CLICK HERE (The "Never Idle" Journal. Figures.)

The Bumblebear, a 1971 Beeline Vintage Camper

Both the shots below were taken at the Fonda Fairground last October. I store my campers there in the winter time. Don't Tell Drew.

"Tin Can Annie" - A 1959 FAN Vintage Camper

The "Camper's Choice" - You can choose from 4 Decor Themes When Booking Her - She is a rare 1963 Vintage Shasta Compact - found in a dump off a snowmobile trail while riding in Warren County in the Adirondacks last winter

Complete listing of upcoming outdoor concerts/book a vintage camper and go!

2019-05-31T01:58:00.000-04:00

A Who’s Who of Bluegrass in the Catskill Mountains July 18-21, 2019

Imagine heading back to Yasgur Farm in a '69 Frolic in honor of the 50th Anniversary this June? Or enjoying Keith Urban at Hunter Mountain in the Catskills from our "S'Lumberjack"... Why not see PHISH or the Dave Matthews band at SPAC, then spend the night at any of the 10 Adirondack campgrounds within 20 miles? Like Bluegrass? You don't want to miss Grey Fox, sponsor of this list of upcoming music events across the state!

More info about rentals here: http://vintagecampershare.com

June

Date	Artist	Venue	Location
6/1/19	Twenty One Pilots	KeyBank Center	Buffalo
6/2/19	The 1975	Darien Lake PAC	Darien Center
6/6 to 6/9, 2019	Keith Urban, Rascal Flats \| Little Big Town \|	Taste of Country Music Festival	Hunter Mtn
6/4/19	Sammy Hagar and the Circle	Artpark	Lewiston
6/7/19	Avett Brothers	CMAC	Canandaigua
6/9/19	Zac Brown Band	Lakeview Amphitheater	Syracuse
6/13/19	Chris Young \| Chris Janson	Lakeview Amphitheater	Syracuse
6/13 to 6/16/19	Mountain Jam	Bethel Woods	Bethel
6/14/19	Red Molly	Auburn Public Theater	Auburn
6/15/19	Brian Wilson	Artpark	Lewiston
6/15/19	Zac Brown Band	Darien Lake PAC	Darien Center
6/15/19	Red Molly	The Egg	Albany
6/18/19	Dead & Company	SPAC	Saratoga
6/19/19	Dave Matthews Band	Bethel Woods	Bethel
6/20/19	Jake Shimabukuro	The Egg	Albany
6/20/19	John Prine	Landmark Theatre	Syracuse
6/20/19	Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit \| Father John Misty	CMAC	Canandaigua
6/21/19	New Kids on the Block \| Salt N Pepa \| Naughty by Nature	KeyBank Center	Buffalo
6/21/19	John Prine	Shea's Performing Arts Center	Buffalo
6/21/19	Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes	The Egg	Albany
6/21/19	Zac Brown Band	Bethel Woods	Bethel
6/21/19	Death Cab for Cutie \| Jenny Lewis	Brewery Ommegang	Cooperstown
6/21/19	Survivor	Batavia Downs	Batavia
6/22/19	Joan Osbourne sings Bob Dylan	The Egg	Albany
6/22/19	Michael McDonald \| Chaka Kahn	CMAC	Canandaigua
6/24/19	Riot V	Mohawk Place	Buffalo
6/27 to 6/29	NYS Blues Festival	Clinton Square	Syracuse
6/28/19	Queensryche	Batavia Downs	Batavia
6/28/19	Josh Groban	Turning Stone	Verona
6/30/19	Dierks Bentley \| Jon Pardi \| Tenille Townes	Lakeview Amphitheater	Syracuse
6/30/19	Norah Jones	SPAC	Saratoga

July

Date	Artist	Venue	Location
7/2/19	Phish	SPAC	Saratoga
7/3/19	Phish	SPAC	Saratoga
7/3/19	Third Eye Blind \| Jimmy Eat World	Artpark	Lewiston
7/5/19	Third Eye Blind \| Jimmy Eat World	CMAC	Canandaigua
7/5/19	Kim Mitchell	Batavia Downs	Batavia
7/6/19	Little Big Town	CMAC	Canandaigua
7/6/19	Shinedown	Lakeview Amphitheater	Syracuse
7/7/19	Kidz Bop Live	Darien Lake PAC	Darien Center
7/10/19	Blue Oyster Cult	Hilton Firemen's Exempt Halle PAC	Rochester
7/11/19	Weird Al Yankovic	Landmark Theatre	Syracuse
7/11/19	Luke Bryan \| Cole Swindell	SPAC	Saratoga
7/12/19	Rita Coolidge	Seneca Niagara Casino	Niagara Falls
7/12/19	Dave Matthews Band	SPAC	Saratoga
7/12/19	New Found Glory with Real Friends \| The Early November	Town Ballroom	Buffalo
7/13/19	Dave Matthews Band	SPAC	Saratoga
7/13/19	Lynyrd Skynyrd	CMAC	Canandaigua
7/14/19	Tedeschi Trucks Band \| Blackberry Smoke \| Shovels & Rope	SPAC	Saratoga
7/15/19	Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles	Homer Center for the Arts	Homer
7/18/19	Grey Fox Festival, featuring the Who's Who of Bluegrass Music (through the 21st)	Oak Hill, NY	Canandaigua
7/16/19	Lord Huron	Beak & Skiff	LaFayette
7/21/19	Heart \| Sheryl Crow \| Lucie Silvas	SPAC	Saratoga
7/23/19	Weird Al Yankovic	Artpark	Lewiston
7/19/19	Thomas Rhett \| Dustin Lynch \| Russell Dickerson	Darien Lake PAC	Darien Center
7/19/19	John Mayer	Times Union Center	Albany
7/19/19	Gin Blossoms	Batavia Downs	Batavia
7/26/19	Train \| Goo Goo Dolls	SPAC	Saratoga
7/26/19	Brad Paisley \| Chris Lane \| Riley Green	Lakeview Amphitheater	Syracuse
7/26/19	Chris Stapleton \| Margo Price & the Marcus King Band	Bethel Woods	Bethel
7/26/19	Heart \| Joan Jett & the Blackhearts \| Elle King	Darien Lake PAC	Darien Center
7/26/19	Lake Street Dive \| The Wood Brothers	Beak & Skiff	LaFayette
7/27/19	Chris Stapleton \| Margo Price & the Marcus King Band	CMAC	Canandaigua
7/27/19	Train \| Goo Goo Dolls	Bethel Woods	Bethel
7/27/19	Kidz Bop Live	Lakeview Amphitheater	Syracuse
7/27/19	Three Dog Night	The Ridge NY	Le Roy
7/28/19	Kidz Bop Live	SPAC	Saratoga
7/28/19	JoJo Siwa	Artpark	Lewiston
7/29/19	Heart \| Sheryl Crow \| Elle King	Bethel Woods	Bethel
7/30/19	Heart \| Sheryl Crow \| Elle King	Lakeview Amphitheater	Syracuse

August

Date	Artist	Venue	Location
8/2/19	Train \| Goo Goo Dolls	CMAC	Canandaigua
8/2/19	Tanya Tucker	Batavia Downs	Batavia
8/3/19	Lady Antebellum	Turning Stone	Verona
8/4/19	Hootie and the Blowfish \| Barenaked Ladies	SPAC	Saratoga
8/9/19	Hootie and the Blowfish \| Barenaked Ladies	CMAC	Canandaigua
8/9/19	Theory	Batavia Downs	Batavia
8/10/19	Jason Aldean	CMAC	Canandaigua
8/12/19	Cage the Elephant \| Beck \| Spoon \| Sunflower Bean	SPAC	Saratoga
8/13/19	Iron Maiden	KeyBank Center	Buffalo
8/13/19	Cage the Elephant \| Beck \| Spoon \| Sunflower Bean	Darien Lake PAC	Darien Center
8/15/19	Florida Georgia Line \| Dan + Shay \| Morgan Wallen \| Canaan Smith	Lakeview Amphitheater	Syracuse
8/16, 17, 18/19	Bethel Woods Music and Culture Festival	Bethel Woods	Bethel
8/16/19	Carlos Santana	Darien Lake PAC	Darien Center
8/16/19	Chenango Blues Festival \| Rick Estrin & The Nightcats	Chenango County Fairgrounds	Norwich
8/17/19	Chenango Blues Festival \| Rick Estrin & The Nightcats	Chenango County Fairgrounds	Norwich
8/17/19	Darci Lynne & Friends	Landmark Theatre	Syracuse
8/18/19	Janis Ian \| Livingston Taylor	The Egg	Albany
8/21/19	Bad Company	New York State Fair	Syracuse
8/23/19	Carlos Santana	SPAC	Saratoga
8/23/19	KISS	Darien Lake PAC	Darien Center
8/24/19	KISS	SPAC	Saratoga
8/24/19	Florida Georgia Line	Darien Lake PAC	Darien Center
8/25/19	Dropkick Murphys	New York State Fair	Syracuse
8/27/19	KISS	Lakeview Amphitheater	Syracuse
8/27/19	Pentatonix	CMAC	Canandaigua
8/31/19	Pentatonix	Bethel Woods	Bethel
8/31/19	Lynyrd Skynyrd	SPAC	Saratoga

September

Date	Artist	Venue	Location
9/5/19	Jason Aldean	SPAC	Saratoga
9/6/19	Dane Cook	Turning Stone	Verona
9/7/19	Dane Cook	Seneca Niagara Casino	Niagara Falls
9/12/19	Luke Bryan \| Cole Swindell	Bethel Woods	Bethel
9/13/19	Steve Hackett	State Theatre	Ithaca
9/13/19	Rascal Flatts	Darien Lake PAC	Darien Center
9/21/19	Thomas Rhett \| Dustin Lynch \| Russell Dickerson	Times Union Center	Albany
9/21/19	Three Dog Night	The Egg	Albany
9/22/19	Delain with Amorphis	Upstate Concert Hall	Clifton Park
9/30/19	Aesthetic Perfection \| Empathy Test	Mohawk Place	Buffalo
9/30/19	Zac Brown Band	SPAC	Saratoga
9/30/19	Sheena Easton	Riviera Theatre and PAC	N. Tonawanda

October

Date	Artist	Venue	Location
10/12/19	The Chainsmokers \| 5 Seconds of Summer	KeyBank Center	Buffalo
10/19/19	Three Dog Night	del Lago Casino	Waterloo
10/19/19	John Sebastian	Bethel Woods	Bethel
10/29/19	Jenny Lewis	State Theatre	Ithaca

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock...

2019-02-13T06:37:00.001-05:00

Get your "groove" on at the Yasgur Farm

(or wherever the music leads you!)

Time for some mid-winter FUN - Retro-Camper-Syle!

2019-02-10T08:38:00.000-05:00

Life is a balancing act. Right, Mickey?

Been a long time since last I posted.
In fact, almost a year.

Good Lord, so much happened our first season. Lots of new learning, as I began this crazy business of beginning to share the campers I have been restoring/refurbishing the last 5 or 6 years.

I hope to share some of the stories of this vintage camper rental business, the people I met, the places I traveled with the first of (NOW) 6 vintage campers, and the foibles that needed to be un-foibled (is there such a word?)

Not sure yet how often I will find time to post, but my goal is to do so a couple of times a week! This time, throughout the entire year. Wish me luck - as this is still pretty much a one-woman show.

Tomorrow I hope to post "BEFORE" pics of the newest vintage camper, a 1964 Shasta Compact I hope to have ready for rent by mid-May.

Today, however, I hope to merely leave you all with a few vintage-smiles, with an apology.
These postcards reflect the humor of the past. No, not politically correct. I have not edited the selection. Enjoy them, or not, as the product of the times, and the prevailing ethos of an era that like now, went through its own growing pains.

Laugh, live and learn...
a good model to travel by, no matter what the era!

Cheers, from "Chatty" Cathy Light
http://www.vintagecampershare.com
(Mmmm.... Multi-tasking this am..... just pulled pumpkin/chocolate chip muffins out of the oven!)

The first bookings of the season...

2018-05-17T12:16:00.000-04:00

First bookings happening.... and final prep work on the three vintage campers coming to a close.

Exciting to see where these babies will be traveling!

The first booking, for Beam Me Up, Scotty (above)

is at a rally to be held in Rhinebeck, NY in May as part of the Sisters on the Fly camping organization!

Learn more about the Sisters, here and other upcoming events, too!

We feel honored to have one of our campers be part of this well-respected organization's upcoming event, and wish we could join them personally!

Meanwhile, the "S'Lumberack" is headed for Warrensburg Trailer Campground

on Schroon Lake Road for the 4th of July festivities!

A couple will be traveling up from Texas with their little puppy, and will meet up with other family for the week. They are thrilled and so are we!

The 1969 Frolic is getting her wings!

The Flying Cow, from high atop the Catskills in Bovina, NY is ready for takeoff and just listed on Outdoorsy, our rental and booking website.

Find out more about renting her here

Delivery available. .53 cents per mile round trip (first 60 miles free!)

This makes renting from us easy... no need for a tow vehicle!

Over one million in liability insurance provided, and some exciting Add-Ons, including a Deluxe Rental Package...

see this all at our website,

www.VintageCamperShare.com

Happy Camping...

Chatty Cathy

(heading off now to work a bit more

on Thy Flying Cow!)

Curtains! Queen Elizabeth is watching, too!

2018-03-14T08:51:00.001-04:00

Curtains! Curtains! Curtains!

Learn more about our Vintage Camper Rentals

- CURTAIN PREPARATION-
(TURN ON VOLUME TO ENJOY THE BRIEF VIDEO)

Beware The Queen! I am Canadian, and so the presence of Queen Elizabeth sneaks in unbid, no matter what I do. She does not look happy, either.

(She needs to go camping)

see video

The Flying Cow Vintage Camper
The Adirondacks Go Funkadelic!

(See Facebook Posts For More Info)

The third of five campers will be ready for renting
this season. It will be a tribute to the 60's
(she is a 1965 Frolic Camper, made, like many, in Illinois)
although she was purchased high in the Catskills,
in a little town called Bovina.

Her name? The Flying Cow.
You can imagine what directions the Adirondack-inspired
artwork is going to go. Stay Tuned.

Learn more about our rentals!

"Soft" Opening of Vintage Camper Online Store

2018-03-08T07:33:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the miracle of on-line marketing,

vintage camper enthusiasts can now find a variety of unique gift ideas, outdoor items, cookbooks, clothing and camping decor in our new

Vintage Camper Store!
- - - - - - -
(Disclaimer: The Items I am promoting are shared with your possible pleasure in mind. “I get a commission for purchases or clicks made through many of the links for products in this post.”) Although it is a small amount, this helps compensate for the time invested in sharing my passion for vintage campers and life in the Adirondacks.)

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR RECOMMENDED

ETSY ARTISTS AND CRAFTSPEOPLE

CLICK HERE FOR PARTY SUPPLIES FOR YOUR

VINTAGE CAMPING SPECIAL OCCASIONS

CLICK HERE FOR OUR GROWING COLLECTION

OF OUTDOOR BOOKS AND CAMP SUPPLIES

CLICK HERE FOR OUR

VINTAGE CAMPER SHARE

GIFT LINE

Looking for games, skits and ideas for throwing a

Vintage Camper Birthday Party

Wedding?

Coming soon... handmade items from both

ADIRONDACK ARTISANS

and also

VINTAGE CAMPER OWNER/ARTISANS

(sample below)

Cosmic Clocks by Vintage Camper Artisan

Niki Antles

We hope you enjoy this "Soft" Opening

and check back often as our online product line grows.

Happy Trails,

"Chatty Cathy" Light

Your Vintage Campographer

www.VintageCamperShare.com

Chatty Cathy - First Talking Doll (1959)

Find us on Facebook - Pinterest - Youtube

Top 3 camping essentials? Your input needed.

2018-03-03T08:12:00.000-05:00

- Your Recommendations Needed -

What Are The 3 Essentials Your Would Take Vintage Camping?

I am looking for your advice, friends.
I am developing a "Camp Store" on my new website,
and so far, have just included 6 books I would recommend
if you were bringing your family to the Adirondacks
to rent a vintage camper.

Most of the products in the store are being shared by me as an affiliate marketer.

Please read this disclaimer:

(Disclaimer: The Items I am promoting are shared with your possible pleasure in mind. “I get a commission for purchases or clicks made through many of the links for products in this post.”) Although it is a small amount, this helps compensate for the time invested in sharing my passion for vintage campers and life in the Adirondacks.)

What 3 items would you recommend
to include in the
VINTAGE CAMPER SHARE
Camp Store?

Please put your top three choices in the comment sections below.

Appreciated!

Chatty Cathy Light
Your Vintage Campographer
www.VintageCamperShare.com

________________________________________________

(Try Your Luck, By The Way)

WIN A FREE WEEKEND IN THE ADIRONDACKS

ENTER THE VINTAGE CAMPER SHARE CHALLENGE

1. Like Our Facebook page

2. Sign up for our monthly newsletter.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

(Drawing held once 250 entrants have completed this challenge)

Meet The Flying Cow, a 1965 Frolic, no. 5 in our growing fleet

2018-03-02T12:28:00.001-05:00

Introducing The Flying Cow, a 1965 (?) Frolic

Wanna find a nice vintage camper?

Head to the highlands, my friends.

I may have to call the most recent vintage camper to be

added to the fleet of rentals at

www.VintageCamperShare.com

"The Flying Cow"

as she comes from Bovina, New York in the Catskills.

Let's just say there are a lot of collectors in the Catskills

who collect everything from toasters to Airstreams.

Vintage cars, too...

Yesterday was my third visit to see the Frolic.

Could not leave without her...

(my friend was very patient helping to get The Flying Cow safely attached to the back of my 6 cylinder Honda). I will invest in a sway bar hitch attachment

to haul her in the future. She made me a little nervous heading

DOWN from the Catskills. Just a little...)

Happily, we made it home before the expected 20-30 inches of snow landed.

The first 8 inches that fell atop The Flying Cow.

My plan is to have her ready to launch for her maiden voyage in June.

We will be attending a Vintage Camper Rally to be held in Herkimer, NY

at the Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.

I have reserved an extra spot for anyone who would like to rent one

of my other vintage campers for that weekend.

Learn more here...

Yes, we will be digging for Herkimer Diamonds while there!

My friends will be saying in one of their newest finds...(sigh!)

So, refurbishing is about to begin.

She is an old camper, with good bones, a few old age spots on her exterior,

and a wonderful interior. She is going to need a wide range of repairs and upgrades.

The back 3/4 bed frame is missing, just below the bunk in the back.

She will need a new floor, some new electric, plumbing, gas lines, exterior lights, the birch paneling needs some repair, a new door, a new bumper... undercoating...

and the beat goes on. See videos below detailing similar restorations...

Photo of old heater. Will just repaint, not replace.

Love the birch interior, which was recently refinished, in part.

The refrigerator is locked shut. Will need to fix that....

Adore the turquoise sink, stove and oven. Hope they function.

First on my "To-Do" List? The cushions.

I always advise my friends to do a checklist BEFORE buying a camper.

You need to know what you are dealing with.

(See Warning Video Here!)

However, sometimes, you just have to act, knowing from experience,

if you have it, that most of the items need upgrades when

dealing with 50+ year-old campers.

By the way, I trust my friend, Ken, from whom I bought this camper.

We BOTH know, from experience,

what you can expect to find in old campers.

This one will be no exception.

It is the leaks, and damage from leaking ceilings,

that cause most of these to need complete frame up rebuilds.

And I will probably have to deal with SOME of these issues in this camper, too.

(I always hope for the best, but prepare for this worse)

Sorry this is out of focus!
I suspect issues around the vent, and will be
replacing some of the birch here, at the minimum.

Repairing a camper is kinda like driving a school bus.

In order to have summers off, I am learning how to drive a school bus. In my first 4-5 weeks of training,

I have seen so many drivers do stupid things just

so that they don't have to drive behind a school bus.

When driving a school bus, I hope for the best from other drivers on the road.

but expect the worse. When restoring a leak in a camper, same.

I hope for the best, but expect the worse.

Will let you know how it goes!

She may be smiling now. . . but time will tell!

ps.... Might want to go from the bottom up!

Happy Trails,

Cathy Light, Your Vintage Photographer

www.VintageCamperRentals.com

See Other Frolics From The Sixties In Youtube Links Below

VideoTour of a beautiful 1965 Frolic,

whose interior mirrors

The Flying Cow

A Major Restoration Video

Nice Romantic Video, to help you recover from

the Restoration Video, Above!

Humor me... I love these flying cow images.

Look up Bovina, NY.... and book a flight if you can!

Buy Your Own Flying Cow!

Weddings and Special Events are a breeze at Pine Lake Park...

2018-02-27T22:15:00.001-05:00

Introducing the 2nd of 8 Preferred

Vintage Camper Share Campgrounds...

Pine Lake Park and Campground

136 Timberline Lane, Caroga Lake, NY 12032

Contact owner Jeff Houck, 518-835-4930

www.PineLakePark.com

Offers Seasonal Camping, Company and Group Picnics, Catering, Weddings, Swimming, Boating, Dancing, Golfing, Hiking, a Convenience Store, an Arcade, Snacks, Mini Golf and more.

The picturesque Adirondack setting is the perfect venue for your special day. The experienced staff will work with you to ensure that your reception is a truly memorable event. They offer complete catering and beverage packages. The hall will seat over 400 guests and there is ample parking available. There are two different wedding locales on-premise - beachside or in the shaded grove.

Site Map of the Park

Campground Map of Pink Lake Park

Cabin Rentals

Pine Lake Park is an ideal Adirondack location for your company, church, school and family picnics. Let them cater your next event while you enjoy the day. Any food package can be customized to meet your needs. All food is prepared fresh on a charcoal-fired barbeque pit and experienced staff will help make your party the highlight of the summer season. Call today to reserve your date.

Our Most Popular Beach Buffet:

*$12.00 per person

* Including Hamburgers - Hot Dogs - Two Salads (your choice) - Potato Chips - Beverage

Famous Chicken BBQ:

*$14.00 per person

*1/2 Chicken - Two Salads (your choice) - Potato Chips - Condiments - Beverage

Catering packages include beach admission and use of the covered pavilion. (Subject to availability) Additional items are available.

Directions:

From the Caroga Lake Post Office across the road from Sherman's Park. Head northwest 5.0 miles on RT-10/RT-29A toward E Shore Road West Caroga, make a slight right on to Pine Lake Rd., at the Pine Lake Lodge, about 0.1 miles. Turn right at Timberline Ln, about 0.1 miles.

The end of the season party is a big favorite!

Learn more about the park and about Caroga Lake in the two local books

still available on-line in a limited quantity.

See below...

(Disclaimer: The Items I am promoting above in on my website are shared with your possible pleasure in mind. “I get a commission for purchases or clicks made through many of the links for products in this post.”) Although it is a small amount, this helps compensate for the time invested in sharing my passion for vintage campers and life in the Adirondacks.)

We went to Pine Lakes for a paddle in our canoes. We took about 1.5 hours to paddle. It was a very nice lake. Easy paddle with some really cool mossy stumps poking out. Had a parking area and a nice launch area.

Nancy H. Stevens

____________________

Happy Trails!

Chatty Cathy Light

Your Vintage Campographer

Create your own unique memories

by renting a vintage camper

from www.VintageCamperShare.com

Phone 518 605 3668

An Introduction to history of Camp Culture and Recreational Vehicles...

2018-02-27T14:51:00.003-05:00

Camping in the ADKs - Vintage Photos

Every time a man sees something new in the world, he finds something new in himself. What a man thinks of the trees and birds, of the sea and mountains and the whole panorama of the summer spectacle, is an exposition of himself. What you see reveals you. We do not so much interpret nature — for nature needs but little interpretation ~ we interpret ourselves.

William Chalmers Covert, Wild Woods and Waterways ( 1914), p. 241.

______________________________________________________________

Part One/Excerpts from American camp culture: a history of recreational vehicle development and leisure camping in the United States, 1890-1960 David Leroy Harmon Iowa State University

America is unique.

Even before this great land became a nation, many individuals set out to explore its natural wealth and beauty.
America was considered the "New World." Americans of the late-18th and 19th century believed in that notion, even if they had to modify the idea to fit the vision they had of themselves. Americans identified their nation as a tabula rasa - an Edenic paradise unspoiled by overpopulation and the depletion of natural resources, open and airy rather than choking from hasty industrialization and dense urbanization.

Atop Mount March, the Adirondack's tallest mountain.

,,,from roughly 1815 to 1862, "America was engaged in a quest for a definition of self that would give meaning to the American past, present, and future. The questions 'What is America?' and 'Who are the Americans?' had been asked before, but not with particular urgency."

Americans sought their national "identity in their relationship to the land they had settled." ... tourism provided "a means of defining America as a place and taking pride in the special features of its landscape."

Americans turned to the landscape for a variety of reasons, but one primary reason rested in the fact that Americans did not have ancient ruins or majestic cathedrals to point to as symbols of their culture and civilization.

Instead, Americans pointed to the sublime, pastoral landscape with its unique and abundant natural wonders.

American interest and pride grew with every successive voyage or expedition undertaken to chart and explore the vast American landscape. This appreciation appeared in many forms and appealed to American sentiment. Artists like Thomas Cole and Frederic Church captured these inspiring images while writers like William Byrd II, Henry David Thoreau, and James Fenimore Cooper painted mental images expressed through words.

Among the most popular sites, Niagara Falls had attracted Americans since the earliest years of the nineteenth century. Eastern beaches also proved attractive early on, principally due to their proximity. Other areas as well, like the White Mountains of Vermont, the Adirondacks, the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, and the Chesapeake Bay area, held a uniquely sublime experience for those who ventured there.

Before there were roads they went on horseback, later by wagons....

(To be continued...)

Vintage Photos of Adirondack Camping

provided by

wwww.newyorkupstate.com/camping/2016/06/vintage_photos_of_adirondack_mountain_camping.html

Vintage Camper Birthday Party Ideas - great for kids and adults!

2018-02-24T15:31:00.003-05:00

Looking for a good place to throw an event this summer? Why not consider a "theme'd" birthday party, family reunion or wedding in the southern Adirondacks - using one of our happy little vintage campers?

I have started to follow my own advice and am throwing our first-ever "Family Reunion" in Caroga Lake State Park, so have used this occasion to do some research. The results? A new page on our website, partly geared toward residents who live near our little cabin in the Adirondacks. They may not need to rent a vintage camper for traveling, but they may like the idea of hosting a party, either in a nearby campground, or their own backyards, using a vintage camper as part of the event. Hey, the state campground in Caroga, as are most state campgrounds, is amazingly affordable at $20 bucks a night. Can't beat that.

Many ideas can be found on Pinterest!

So, here is a sample of what you are going to find on the new "vintage camper" themed page called "Camping - Themed Birthday Parties" on my website:

First, you will find three headings, followed by a rash of ideas. The first? Adirondack-themed birthday parties...

Now, this is just an introduction to the concept, but why not give this some consideration. Party favors should be easy enough, and there are plenty of activities to do in the campground you choose, or around it, in the Adirondacks? I suggest a hike to a local fire tower, or to a pond with an incredible rock outcropping from which kids LOVE to leap. You will find a wealth of hiking info on my website, too...

and great places near Caroga for everything from fishing lures to local history. Our Caroga Historical Museum is a sweet little gem. You will find links to it on the party planning page, as well as to the nearby municipal golf course, if that floats your boat.

(Disclaimer: The Items I am promoting are shared with your possible pleasure in mind. “I get a commission for purchases or clicks made through many of the links for products in this post.”) Although it is a small amount, this helps compensate for the time invested in sharing my passion for vintage campers and life in the Adirondacks.)

Speaking of boats, you will find resources for renting a pontoon barge, kayaks and canoes. Fulton County will immerse you in all things Adirondack as soon as you cross the imaginery "blue line" that marks the rims of our park. GREAT fishing.

So... an Adirondack-themed party can be had, hassle-free. We deliver, set up and take down vintage campers for you. Hassle-free. We offer a deluxe package that includes a water resistant gazebo, a new outdoor propane oven, and even 4 comfie Adirondack chairs. We want you to love the Adirondacks as much as we do!

The "Beam Me Up, Scotty" Outerspace - Themed Party... why not think outside the box?
I was first introduced to the beauty of the night skies by an unemployed local astronomer living in Long Lake. He had a homemade telescope and observatory in his backyard. I learned the value of the Adirondacks for star-gazing. The first vintage camper I named "Beam Me Up, Scotty" with that experience in mind. She can be rented for $75 nightly. We offer $25 OFF discounts for local

Caroga Lake residents.

For a hassle-free OUTER SPACE Birthday Party, we have also provided a wealth of resources, including games, songs, skits and party ideas. My favorite?
The Astronaut Game. It begins with, "I am on my way to Mars, and I am bringing...." and the play begins.

Switching gears, why not consider throwing a "S'Lumberjack Party" - you will find links to party supplies, paper goods, and gift ideas on our Birthday Party page, too!

My favorite gift idea is the Urban Lumberjack Magnetic Poetry kit.... (LOL)
and I really look forward to using some of the Lumberjack-themed Photo Props available, too.

The S'Lumberjack camper is my favorite, and when you peek inside, you will understand why. It is Adirondack to the max! If you have spent much time around native "-dackers" you will notice their dry wit, and that is something I have tried to capture in the interior decor of this sweet little 1970 Serro Scotty Sportsman I picked up in Pennsylvania last summer.
Her exterior is a combination "red and black Buffalo plaid" and Adirondack "schtick" and the interior, well, more of the same!

She sleeps 2 adults and 2 children. The front table folds down into a single bed,

and there is a single bunk over the double bed in the back. The interior is full of handicrafts made by local Adirondack craftspeople, such as the prints on the walls, and the handsaw hanging over the front door.
The walls are wallpapered with faux log siding on the

inside: last fall I hand-painting the exterior to match... I think the neighbors thought I was sniffing wallpaper paste, especially when they saw me blowing glitter on to the pine cones.

So there you have it.

When you check the website, make sure you visit the page showing this year's projects. My hope is to have 2-3 more campers ready by fall, however, they all take longer than I imagine.

Thanks for your enthusiastic encouragement -
once you have the vintage camper bug, you find all sorts of interesting folks out there who are enjoying
adventures all over the US and Canada - heck, "caravanning" is so popular in the Netherlands that the highways there are always packed with campers heading out to explore new places.

Look forward to the possibility of meeting you.
(PS: They say that beards are man's way of hugging their faces, or something like that!)

Happy Trails!

Cathy Light
Your Vintage Campographer
www.vintagecampershare.com

Here is the direct link to the
Camper-Themed Birthday Party
Resource Page (and store)

The Serro Scotty 1970 Sportsman

CLICK HERE

1981 Serro Scotty Hilander

CLICK HERE

1968 Norris (one of several being refurbished)

To see others, click here.

On-line dating and love affairs - with vintage campers

2018-02-23T07:22:00.002-05:00

We would (all!) love to see your before and after photos of your own vintage camper restorations and/or refurbished trailer!
Please post your photos below (before and after shots, if you would like)
We would love to hear from you, friends.

This photo was taken on the Ohio/Kentucky border.... it is a 1981 Serro Scotty Hilander.

Oh, No! Another Adventure? (Andy)

The story?
Well, it was my first love.. And like most first loves, especially when one is online dating, is not all it is cracked up to be. Funny, Scotty really did not look like his online photos. Sound familiar?

It was a long drive from here in Albany. I had sent a $1000 deposit, sight unseen. Was told the Scotty had no leaks. She looked great, so I took my new-to-me 1998 Ford 150 truck, brought Andy, my faithful Springer, and headed south. Did I mention the truck had no air conditioning?

Raggedy Ann, our tri-color springer, chose to stay home. It was a long ride. The owners had to be at work by 8, so using the GPS I found them, at the end of a country "holler". Now, if you know hollers, you know that they often are narrow dirt roads along the edge of a mountain stream. Often full of trash.
You have the picture.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the door of the camper was the smell. Yeah, smell. As in mold. And the partially collapsed ceiling. Sigh.

Sure, doesn't look bad. But I quickly smelled a rat. However, I took the leap, as lovers often do.

See that window?
We reframed her... and the rot around the vent in the roof. And the front windows frame. And part of the floor.

I still love her.

A shot of the same corner. Reframed.

So, I asked Andy's advice. He gave me that look. You know the look.
I still love Andy, too. He passed away several years ago, and is buried under a cherry tree at our Adirondack camp. And the Serro Scotty? He is swell, and safely stored in the chicken building at the local fairgrounds. $4000 grand later and she doesn't leak. But boy, did I holler the whole way home. Andy and I spent our first night together in the tarp-covered Scotty in a rest area on the way home. We had to stop along the way to fix the lights which did not work, having gotten lost, in 95 degree weather, in downtown Columbus.

My first love, like Andy.
I now have 4 springers, and 4 campers...
so far.

So, my advice?
Before buying a vintage camper, do your homework.
Whenever possible, look before you leap.
Or not.

Right now, it is a seller's market. Buyer beware,
Its a love affair - and we all know how that can go!

Happy trails!

Chatty Cathy Light
Your Vintage Campographer
www.VintageCamperShare.com

Here is that Andy look...

From Our Caroga Lake cabin

To build or purchase a Teardrop Camper? Your thoughts welcome!

2018-02-22T07:04:00.000-05:00

In 1947, Mechanix Illustrated was the first to actually publish plans on how to build your own teardrop camper (so named because of its unique shape). It was the end of World War II, and the country was enjoying a new-found optimism.

Remembering how many soldiers had been lost in the war, the nation needed a healthy escape. Trailers of every sort were being manufactured, but the teardrops were for do-it-yourselfers. It was no more than 4x6 in length, and featured a double bed, with a lift up compartment in the rear that featured a propane stove, water storage, and even a pull-out table.

Today, there are many modernized versions and DIY kits online for building your own teardrop camper, and we are seriously considering purchasing one for Adirondack renters to take on the road and explore the park on their own.

Here are some of the many new versions of the teardrop currently being offered to those who do not find themselves handy.
Would love your input as to which one YOU might want to rent, own or try building yourself!

Please add your recommendations or comments below...

The American Teardrop Company offers many variations.

Your thoughts?
Click link...

Big Woody Teardrops (gotta love the name!)

They also offer DIY plans and kits, too.

Your thoughts?

Click link...

The Cricket Camper is a unique variation!

Your thoughts?
Click here...

Again, we welcome your input and discoveries.

(I will add more info in the comments section over time as well!)

Happy Trails!

Cathy Light

Your Vintage Campographer

www.VintageCamperShare.com

Addicted to vintage campers? Get creative!

2018-02-21T08:35:00.002-05:00

Niki Antles' Cosmic Clocks

Introducing "Boom Boom Boomerang" clocks. Vintage campers tend to be a creative bunch, in desperate need of finding ways to support their camping addiction. This is especially true in the winter months in the northeast. I speak from personal experience. Last night, while randomly trolling Facebook to discover inspiration while the boyfriend, who is addicted to Judge Judy, was engaged in his own mindless passion, I came upon these wonderful handmade cosmic clocks. A brand new facebook page, created by a brand new facebook friend who restores vintage campers. Her sweet little Shasta is pictured below. It's been three weeks since she started crafting her cosmic clocks, and she is sold out. Surprised?

Keep your fingers crossed. May buy one this week.

It was love at first sight, and I am definitely going to try to buy one for the interior of "Beam Me Up, Scotty" before I go to the Vintage Camper Rally to be held in Herkimer, NY this June (see previous blog post). Niki Antleshas restored this sweet little vintage Shasta.

Why do I love Niki's camper? Well, in part, because I am waiting to hear back from an excavator who has one for sale in the Adirondacks, and I have the bug. You will be hearing more about that purchase if it comes to fruition, trust me.

An example of what is available on Amazon

I wish I had the creativity and time to venture more in the direction people like Niki have done, to support my own particular addiction to vintage campers!I have recently signed up to become an affiliate marketer with Amazon, to help support my own addiction. I apologize if you don't like ads showing on your blogs. I am only promoting specific items that relate to camping, retro decor, and vintage restoration. Things I love, and assume, if you are reading this, you might find of value.

You will find an entire set of these mid-century atomic starburst mugs and plates in Beam Me Up, Scotty, should you rent it, by the way. Yes, vintage camping is a hoot.

Boom Boom Boomerang Clocks

Visit Niki's new Facebook business page
if interested in helping to support her addiction by buying one of her marvelous cosmic clocks. Here is the link, and let her know "The Vintage Campographer" says "Howdy, Friend!"

Her Facebook handle is "Cosmic Clocks"
and her business is Boom Boom Boomerang Clocks.
She is one hep chick!

Happy Trails!
"Chatty Cathy" Light
Your Vintage Campographer
www.VintageCamperShare.com

The first of my five (and growing) number of vintage campers
this 1981 Serro Scotty Hilander, which celebrates the atomic starburst theme of the fifties...

More here...
https://vintagecampershare.com/beam-me-up-scotty

Nothing Like A Vintage Camper Rally! You will Dig This One!!!

2018-02-20T07:30:00.001-05:00

You will dig the upcoming Camper Rally at the Herkimer Diamond Mine - rent a vintage camper and join us there (www.VintageCamperShare.com)

You can learn more about the Rally itself and/or contact the organizer, Christine, at her event/group page on Facebook by clicking here. 38 campers are signed on board, and only a few spots left in the campground so make your reservations asap!
Herkimer is just off Rte. 90 between Utica and Albany, and just south of the Adirondacks. The campground is small but unique - and the custom cabins are worth considering, OMG. You will love the tree house cabin and the observatory for stargazing!

Click here to learn more...

Activities beyond digging for diamonds include a Friday Night HOT DOG fest, with brief intro to all the participants. Saturday we visit all the trailers in the campground area, go tubing, fishing along the W. Canada creek, with a potluck around 5:30, and a group fire for anyone interested. Sunday, hang out at campers, share the best coffee and say goodbye and/or continue to engage in more river fun! Get your fishing license. Why? Fly fishing is very popular on the W. Canada!

May do a tour of the nearby Mohawk Antiques Mall during the weekend, too!

Both Herkimer and nearby Little Falls have amazing old factory buildings full of vintage goodies. Bring your pocketbook!
Not sure we can barter with our Herkimer diamonds, but it might be worth a try!

A few more resources to wet your whistle...

More about Herkimer diamonds,
click here.

More about other campgrounds in the immediate area, click here.
and do check out the upcoming blog post tomorrow, with a growing list of big vintage camper rallies, all over the United States!

Nothing like sneak previews, eh?

Happy Trails,
Cathy Light
Your Vintage Campographer!

To rent a vintage camper
for the event, or anytime...
www.VintageCamperShare.com

Great Trail Find! The "Alma!" - Would you buy it?

2018-02-19T08:35:00.005-05:00

In the 50's, an average income for the average family was about $4000, an average new home ran about $17 grand, and a new car? About $1500 - $2500.

Found in a dump along the snowmobile trail yesterday

However, a top of the line mobile home? Only ran between $3,000 and $6,000 dollars. These older trailers are fast becoming as collectible as the little campers I have been restoring - and getting harder and harder to find. (To see vintage advertisements from that time period, click here.)

Oh, Baby!

Which is why I like snowmobiling. Yesterday, the first of two vintage campers found along a snowmobile trail in the eastern Adirondacks was this Alma trailer.
A fellow rider said, "You would never buy THAT, would you?"
Mmmmmm..... thoughts?

Still being used, recycling center along the trail

A little history is in order (I love the Adirondacks - as you are immersed in history as soon as you cross "the Blue Line").

The Alma "Badge"

The Alma Trailer Company manufactured travel trailers from 1930-1962. It was located in the vacant Republic Truck Company on Michigan Ave. in Alma, Michigan. To learn more contact the Alma Public Library or chase down local historian, Dave McMacken.

But back to the question - "You would never buy that, would you?"

Restored 1947 Alma trailer. 20 ft.

Here would be part of my decision-making process:
First, for fun, I would look to see if anyone else has restored a vintage Alma.

Doesn't this photo inspire you?

I would then do a "google photo search" to see what turns up.
Oh, boy! I have included a wealth of photos, with links to further information. After enjoying this photo history, ask yourself...
"Would you buy this trailer?"
(or just enjoy the trip down memory lane!)

Here are a few shots from the company's first location, and the interior of several 1938 Alma trailers....

Here are other restored, or restorable Alma trailers, found during my photo search...

1954 Alma "Weekender" Model

1942 Alma.... under restoration

Found for sale, online...

Once you have the vintage camper bug, the only cure, it seems, is bankruptcy, time, and running out of room to store them!

Any time you would like to snowmobile with me in the Adirondacks, let me know! You never know what you will find along the trails -

Chatty Cathy Light
Your Vintage Campographer

For further information about the history of vintage campers and trailers, click here.

1952 Advertisement for the Alma Trailer Company

The Adirondacks - Four Seasons of Fun!

2018-02-18T08:27:00.003-05:00

Loving The Adirondacks - Any Time of Year!

Heading up the northway this morning...

My partner, Craig, shoveling off the trailer

Heading north with a trailer of a different color this morning, after my one mile swim at the Y, to stay in shape for summer camping and hiking.

It looks as if winter snowmobiling in New York MIGHT be coming to an end this winter, so am taking a break from working on this new blog and website, to ride the snowmobile trails in northern Warrensburg, on the eastern side of the Adirondacks.

Caroga Lake State Campground/winter

The Adirondack Park is huge - and there is so much to do, all four seasons of the year. Just because my vintage campers are safely covered up (the Fonda fairgrounds), it does not mean there are not wonderful things to do in the Adirondacks. My cross country skiis have not had enough use, nor our snowshoes. The dogs (4 springers) all have cabin fever, as do I.

So the sun is shining, and away we go!

One thing, summer or winter.... always bring a map when exploring the outdoors. I also carry a GPS enabled snowmobile app, and trail maps when hiking in the ADKS.... which I have often done in the winter!

Chatty Cathy
Your Vintage Campographer
www.vintagecampershare.com

Home. Caroga Lake, NY

Cosmic Events for your 2018 Camping Calendar

2018-02-17T07:09:00.002-05:00

Nothing like a cosmic camping event!

One of my fondest memories of camping in the Adirondacks was a night spent in the middle of Moss Lake in Eagle Bay. Andy, my springer, and I had set up our tent then paddled out to just under the osprey nest parked in a tree in the center of the lake. It was August. The Perseid meteor showers... amazing.

2018 Meteor Showers

To Access Video Click Here

Moss Lake is a beauty... no sites for vintage campers, sadly, but it does boast 9 primitive sites for tents. Get there early Friday morning if you hope to secure one for the weekend. Moss Lake was the home to a Girls camp from 1923-1972 — a historical marker tells the story. ) It includes an easy 2.5 mile loop around the lake. Saw my first wild MINK when hiking there recently. From the intersection of Route 28 and Big Moose Road in Eagle Bay, 1 mile south of downtown Inlet, follow Big Moose Road for just over 2.25 miles to the Moss Lake trailhead and parking area on the left. The Adirondack Mountain Club offers further information (CLICK HERE).

Vintage Campers With Panache

For details on the upcoming 2018 Cosmic Calendar events, to add to your personal Camping Calendar for this season CLICK HERE

To rent our Beam Me Up, Scotty mid-century vintage camper CLICK HERE

Have an astronomical camping season -
in the Adirondacks!

Chatty Cathy Light
Your Vintage Campographer
www.VintageCamperShare.com

Your Cosmic Calendar for 2018

February: Black Moon

February 2018 will have no Full Moon, making it a month with a Black Moon.

15FEB

Feb 15: Partial Solar Eclipse

A partial solar eclipse can be seen in southern South America, the Pacific,
the Atlantic, and Antarctica.

See an animation of the eclipse and follow its path

20MAR

March 20: March Equinox

The March equinox is the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of fall in the Southern Hemisphere by astronomical definitions.

Solstice & equinox times worldwide

31MAR

March 31: Blue Moon

2018 will see a rare event—two Blue Moons in a single year. The second Full Moon in the month of March will be the second Blue Moon of 2018.

What makes a Full Moon a Blue Moon?

22APR

April 22/23: Lyrid Meteor Shower

The Lyrid meteor shower is expected to peak between April 22 and 23. A First Quarter Moon may make viewing conditions difficult.

What is a meteor shower?

06MAY

May 6: Eta Aquarid Meteors

The best time to see shooting stars from the Eta Aquarid meteor shower is in the early morning, just before dawn, on May 6.

21JUN

June 21: June Solstice

This solstice is the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, where it is the longest day of the year.

In the Southern Hemisphere, it's the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year.

28JUN

Jun 28: Full Strawberry Moon

At 4:53 UTC, the Moon will turn into a Full Moon. It is called a Strawberry Moon because it coincides with the strawberry picking season in North America.

Traditional Full Moon names

06JUL

July 6: Earth at Aphelion

At 16:46 UTC on July 6, 2018, Earth will be at aphelion: the furthest point from the Sun in its yearly orbit.

The opposite happens in January when Earth reaches perihelion.

13JUL

Jul 13: Partial Solar Eclipse

The first solar eclipse in this eclipse season is another partial solar eclipse. It can be seen in southern Australia including Tasmania, the Pacific, and the Indian Ocean. See an animation of the eclipse and follow its path across the globe in the link.

What will it look like?

27JUL

Jul 27/28: Total Lunar Eclipse

The second lunar eclipse of 2018 will also be total, a Blood Moon. This one will be visible in much of Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, and Antarctica.

What will it look like?

11AUG

Aug 11: Partial Solar Eclipse

The third solar eclipse in 2018, and the second of the season, is another partial solar eclipse. See it in north-eastern Europe, north-western Asia, northern parts of Canada, Greenland, the Atlantic, and the Arctic, or see our animation of the eclipse in the link.

What will it look like?

12AUG

Aug 12/13: Perseid Meteors

The shooting stars of the Perseid meteor shower, are known as the most active and brightest meteor showers of the year.

Check the weather

What is a meteor shower?

23SEP

Sep 23: September Equinox

Also known as the autumnal (fall) equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the September Equinox is considered by many as the first day of fall.

September equinox celebrations around the world

24SEP

Sep 24/25: Harvest Moon

The Full Moon closest to the September Equinox is called the Harvest Moon. In the Northern Hemisphere, the time between successive moonrises will be shorter around this period.

What is a Full Moon?

08OCT

Oct 8: Draconid Meteor Shower

The best time to see the shooting stars of the peaking Draconids is just before nightfall on October 8, 2018.

Check the weather

21OCT

Oct 21/22: Orionid Meteor Shower

Orionids are the second meteor shower in October. The best time to see these shooting stars is just after midnight and before the Sun rises.

Check sunrise times

17NOV

Nov 17/18: Leonid Meteor Shower

The Leonids' shooting stars will peak on the night of November 17 and early morning of November 18 in 2018.

Check the weather

13DEC

Dec 13/14: Geminid Meteors

One of the best meteor showers of the year, the Geminids will peak on the night of December 13 and early morning hours of December 14, 2018, but will be visible from December 4-16.

What is a meteor shower?

21DEC

Dec 21: December Solstice

The December solstice will take place at 22:22 UTC. Also known as the winter solstice, it is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the longest day of the year and is called the summer solstice.

What causes seasons?

22DEC

Dec 22/23: Ursid Meteors

Catch the shooting stars of the last major meteor shower of the year, the Ursids, when it peaks between the night of December 22 and 23, 2018.

What is a meteor shower?

Vintage camping in the atomic age

2018-02-16T08:46:00.000-05:00

If, like me, you grew up in the fifties and the sixties, you were adjusting to living in life in the Atomic age. It affected your decor choices, clothing styles (my favorite sweatshirt was bright orange, and sported this phrase - "Blow your nose, not your mind...")

Ok, no wonder drugs became increasingly popular.

And no wonder the first camper I restored harkened back to the mid-fifties. Heck, I was born in the middle of it (1954) and as an official boomer (emphasis on BOOM here) I remember the

constant practice of air raid drills, in preparation for a nuclear bomb attack. Even in Canada, where I grew up. Yes, I remember Mrs. Hillis' fourth grade class, and the announcement that JFK was assassinated.
Life in the fifties and sixties was not all a bed of roses. Ask any of the kids, pictured above.

However, there was a flip side. In fact, my high school nickname was Flip, now that I think of it. There was this incredible optimism, too. We would prevail. These days I am not quite so optimistic, but the first camper I remodeled and refurbished was designed to transport me (and others) back to the beginnings of that period. The optimistic side of it.

Much has been written, and for those interested in a good blog, full of design ideas, click here - to an article entitled, The Atomic Age, Beauty and the Bomb...

The Serro Scotty Hilander is full of references to mid-century design from that time period, from the silverware, glassware, and plates, and more.

It also celebrates the fact that the Adirondacks are one of the most popular places to go to stargaze! Light pollution destroys the experience of stargazing, so it is no wonder that the Adirondacks are so popular. In fact, a trip to Tupper Lake's Adirondack Observatory should be on your bucket list!

Learn more about stargazing in the Adirondacks here, and plan your trip with atomic ardor! You won't regret it!

Book a week in Beam Me Up, Scotty - in celebration of the atomic age.
More info at www.vintagecampershare.com

With ardor,
Chatty Cathy Light

Taken en route to Long Lake and Tupper Lake, 2015 along the upper Hudson

What to look for when purchasing a vintage camper

2018-02-15T22:07:00.003-05:00

There are wonderful online resources to help guide you in the purchase and restoration of an old vintage camper. Some of the best advice I have read, especially concerning what to look for when purchasing a camper, can be found here: http://www.vintagecampers.com/restorationinfo.php

Perhaps, like you, I am fairly new at this process. I have read a lot, viewed plenty of websites, facebook pages, and scoured Craigslist and ebay, knowing my limitations, both financially and experientially. Yet still, I plow forward, seeking help when able, and making mistakes, in spite of access to the wealth of information.

Over the next few months I will be sharing the resources I have found, and invite your questions and contributions. I am also considering the purchase, over the next several years, of a new reproduction, too, for both personal use and rental.
I will be including a list of resources and choices as well.

Happy Trails,
Chatty Cathy

1960 Chatty Cathy - Canadian version