As we haul our Airstream throughout North America, we often spotlight camping destinations along the way. But how about the PEOPLE we meet? Cities and parks are nice and all, but people are unforgettable. RV campers are generally a warm and friendly lot.
We were stopped in a West Virginia Walmart parking lot when a man approached. This is not unusual. People often approach to chat about our Airstream. Even the uninitiated are often curious. (“Hey, do they still make those things?”)
I stepped outside our Airstream and we started talking. “Hi,” the man said. “My name’s Jim…”It turns out that Jim is a fellow Airstream owner. He also shares an enjoyment of photography. So we had a couple of things in common, right off the bat.
After chatting about Airstream and Alaska for a while, Jim noticed a problem with our hitch. Specifically, the emergency brake release wire was severed. (This can happen if the wire gets pinched between bits of steel while in transit.) Next thing you know, former electrician Jim is repairing the damaged wire.
“I’m a stickler about small details,” he explained.
After this impromptu session of Tool Time with Jim, he escorted our Airstream safely to downtown Wheeling. We went to a local restaurant together (Coleman’s Fish Market) where I enjoyed a delicious fish sandwich with a side of alligator soup. It’s always fun to “dine with the locals.” But sometimes you need the guidance of a local to find the right spot. Coleman’s was the right spot.
The moral of this story? The media likes to remind us whenever something goes wrong in the world. But a lot more things go right. The media tells us about bad people every day. But throughout our travels, we encounter good people everywhere.
When you travel, you never know when or where you’re going to make a new friend. Case-in-point: our friend Jim.
Awesome! What a great guy! Sear, Kristy….I must so comment you on the blog. After a wonderful and much needed vacation I now see just how incredible what the two of you do!
After a week in the great state of South Carolina I found such wonderful people. We stayed at lake Hartwell at the corps of engineers Springfield site. If you have never stayed at a COE you must do so at once. Awesome clean and cheap! I will post some of the pics we took on the RV Gypsy. While we were there I tried to take photo’s and film but could not get the time to do so.
The fact you and Kristy set up for the shoot write the story edit it and push it out on the net is just beyond words! You and I travel differently. The two of you look for what’s beyond the next bend I, try to push to the destination. I wish I were more like the two of you. While there, we met some of the most absolutely nicest people on the planet!
I spent a great week with my lovely wife, two kids and two dogs and a great camping spot bar none. I did think you you two during our week stay…we had ants….tons of ants and I thought of your stay in CA. While the power cleanser didn’t work to well the other things didn’t wort too well either we just delt with them.
On our way home Saturday we had a bit of RV trouble….double flat on one side of the trailer scary. The tires looked like something out of the horror movie! While trying to change the tire to the single spare I had SDOT (Richard) come to my aid! I think he was sent by GOD! He was a god send and one of the nicest people I have met in a long long time. Trying to find a tire place to help us calling around we finally came across Discount tire in Greenville SC. I pulled up purchased 4 new tires by the time I was walking out the door to get in place “the pit crew” was waiting for me.
They backed me up and before you knew it they had all 4 tires off and changing them as fast as some Nascar pit crews. I was in and out in under an hour.
Did it suck that I had to buy 4 new tires….yes! Was I the better man for meeting these people you betcha!!! That day I was the recipient and SC warmth! After changing tires we decided to to go back to the COE and head out the next morning due to the 12 hour drive home. Did I mention it was 100 degrees that day. If South Carolina is what they say southern charm is all about, SIGN ME UP!!!!!!!! We had to wash clothes during the week and met Vivian. She is an indication of South Carolinian’ s warmth, how wonderful..just a great lady.
On the drive home as soon as I hit Durham NC the angry drivers were out in full force. BTW don’t take 95 through Virginia…..horrible road.
To so I lucked out on the site…you betcha. To say I lucked out on the people I met….I made out in spades!
Sean and Kristy please keep doing what you doing. It’s hard time consuming but there are people who and now fully appreciate what you do and I lover it even more! Great book to pick up in you’re travels “Camping with the corp”.Camping at $22.00 a night you can’t beat it with a stick…not even with a big one.
P.S. the tee looks a little hammered in the pictures, the girls decided to use dad’s tee shirt and a napkin. It laundered well. Thank you sooooo much for all you do. Safe travels
Matt!
Matt, as always thanks for your comment and enthusiasm.
All I can say is that there are good reasons that most people don’t try to produce quality video on the road! It’s very challenging. Take all of the issues normally associated with video production — it’s tough even in controlled environments. Add in variables like random uncontrolled locations, tech issues like lack of electricity and wifi, editing on a laptop, etc. etc. It’s a LOT of work.
Honestly, it would be easy for me to say that our “Long Long Honeymoon” will last forever. But nothing lasts forever, at least not in its current format. How much longer will we do this? I don’t know. We are on state #43 and will complete all of the lower 48 this summer. Next year, Alaska! Once we’ve visited all 50 states, who knows?
Anyway, I appreciate that YOU appreciate what’s involved. It ain’t easy. 😀
Also glad to hear that you had a great trip to South Carolina! As you know, we have also had our share of tire issues. One thing I’ve learned is to expect some trouble and then you won’t be surprised when it happens! It sounds like you handled a tough situation with good cheer.
Oh, and someone told me to attack the ants with … Oreo cookies! They say to spread the Oreos outside your RV. The ants will thus focus on the cookies and not your rig, ha ha
Jim’s photos just blew me away. Amazing!
Camping and shooting in Alaska must be the pinnacle of camping experiences in the USA. I’ve not made it up there yet, but hopefully I will soon. My tiny teardrop trailer might feel a bit out of place in such a big state.
Christina, I’m a little concerned about taking our Airstream up to Alaska (I’ve heard the highway is a bit rough on RVs) but I think we gotta do it. It will probably be our big trip next year — our 50th state!
Yep, Jim’s a talented photog. I will encourage him to set up a website to display his talents!