Friday, July 22, 2022 We were up at 6:00, hooked up and dumped by 7:15. (Gary was already at the dump and gave us important tips for success!) We then drove back to the campsite and got in line for the caravan: Suzie/John, Sue, and Tom/Ella. We were only 70 miles from the Fairgrounds, and our target-time for arrival was 9:30! Suzie driving the lead rig, drove us through small towns and beautiful country scenery. Fryeburg Fairgrounds was efficiently taken over by the Airstream Club machine, and parkers greeted NOVA as a group and parked us all together -- in the further-most field from all the events! As other NOVA Airstreams arrived, they were led in and lined up with the NOVA contingent. We are way out in the “Trackside North” field, and the Airstreams are nicely angle parked on grass with electric and water hook-ups. Some attention must have been given in planning to the angle of the sun, as it turned out a very nice arrangement for our awnings – considering we were in a field with no shade. That was important as the temperature climbed to 90 degrees by 4:00. We were in place and unhooked by 11:00, and spent some time getting situated and having lunch. At 1:00 we went to the Agricultural Exhibition Building to claim our Welcome Bag that held our rally gifts, pins, plaque and Fryeburg information. This excursion discovered that we were a long walk away from all the buildings that held the main events – a long way in very hot weather. We walked all the way down, did our business, and then were able to pick up a golf cart shuttle to get back. HOT ruled the afternoon! I took refuge inside where the temperature/air conditioner worked hard and only got down to 84 degrees! Outside, Tom retreated under the shades of the awning with a few other brave men. At 4:00 I ventured out to watch the parade of Vintage Airstreams around the fairgrounds and at 6:00 we had supper in the Airstream – BBQ Ribs and Roosevelt beans from the freezer! It did cool off finally, but we were so tired from an early start this morning, we each chose a movie on our Ipads and hit the trailer for good at 8:30. Saturday, July 23 When Tom stepped out of the trailer this morning it was 70 degrees with the temperature climbing by the minute! He cooked eggs and bacon for breakfast and at 9:30 we headed off to the central hub of buildings where events were taking place – we took the truck. The vendors were open and Tom stopped for a quick talk with the Pro-Pride man. At 10:00 we headed to the location of the Opening Ceremony, to grab pre-ceremony pictures of NOVA President Randy with the NOVA flag. The building was large and spacious and breezy with lots of large doors open and fans running. We got seats on the aisle, near the front, and settled in for the show. The ceremony is always very impressive and it truly raises a sense of Airstream/WBCCI pride. The concert band played John Phillips Susa in the background while the flags marched in, and did a special performance for the march of each of the armed service flags. We were back at the Silvermine in time for a noon lunch, and took a little ride in the truck to view the town. I was able to rest from the heat in the trailer . . . if a fan was blowing right on me! The sun is relentless, there is no shade in sight, and the air-conditioner can’t keep up during the heat of the afternoon! Tonight was a dinner sponsored by the rally, and tickets were issued for three different dining times. . . we were at 5:15. The meal was pasta, meatballs and red marinara sauce, salad, and rolls/butter. It was good, but the dining area must have been in the 90’s – with not a bit of air stirring. We ate what we could in 12 minutes flat, and headed for the fresh outdoors – where the temperature was still in low 90’s --- but a bit breezier. We drove back to the Silvermine where we found that the temperature had dropped inside quite a bit. As it continued to cool, people ventured outside to gather for an after-dinner happy hour.
The evening event was a “glow walk” where everyone opens their airstream blinds, turns on their indoor and outdoor lights, and walks around admiring the effect. We walked with a few of our NOVA buds, and Pippa enjoyed the walk now that it was dark and cool. By 9:30 we were in the Airstream and ready for cool-down showers . . . and a book.
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October 2021
We don’t go camping any more . . . we go ‘streamin’ ! The “SIlvermine and His” is our 2018 25' Airstream Serenity with Salsa interior and front twin beds., and ‘streamin’ is the name we use to describe our adventures. Stream along as we document everything from weekend trips to longer summer excursions and full-blown vacations. You know what they say: if you’re not in an Airstream – you’re just camping!
Tom & Ella Brown |