Camping At McSwain

It has taken me a while to get this posted...by favorite camping photo...we had a fabulous time at McSwain Lake just a half hours drive for us. Makes sense to go the short distance for just a short stay...weekend. We would never camp here in the summer as the temps are high 90s and mostly low 100s, but the Spring and Fall are fabulous times to visit. This photo was taken at near sunset giving the foothills that golden auburn color (the chair was mine as I gladly returned to after my shoot). No, we didn't fish at all, but just relax the entire stay!

All Windows & Vent Covers Out!

Cliff has taken all the windows and the vent covers out...time for a break! Gone campin' for the weekend!

Trashing Walls

Cliff braced the inside with 2X4's and the walls are coming down!

Cute Treasure

This little gem was found in the trailer about 6 inches by 3...small enough to fit in the tiny freezer compartment of the frig. Unfortunately, there are holes in the tray. Instead of throwing it away it will be used as a Christmas tree ornament on our 2007 Christmas tree this year.

A better shot of the inside from the window...cabinets still intact, but not for long. From left to right, the frig on top, then a cabinet, and a cubby. Next to that is a closet and next to that is the restroom.

The Original Step...

The original metal step had to be removed before the trailer was moved to our house, as it was just dangling. So, basically we had been pulling ourselves up into, and jumping out of, the trailer since...until there was a suggestion to make a wooden step. What a difference! Cliff will manufacture a new metal step later in the restoring process. Oh yes, the stack jacks now keep the trailer from teetering back and forth when walking inside!

Copper Tubing

All the copper tubing (used for water lines and gas lines) must go...some of it had weak spots and some of it had actually burst. Cliff is scrunching it up and throwing it in his copper barrel to redeem.

The Throne

I have posted a picture of the throne before, but it was covered in junk. We think we are going to be able to salvage the stove/oven, the refrigerator (where we thought not, early into the game, but hopefully we'll just have to replace some parts instead of trashing the whole thing), sink and the toilet/shower. The bathroom walls will have to be replaced, though. Everything is so gross right now, but with a lot of soap/bleach, and a little elbow grease, they'll be like new.

Trashing Interior Walls

We will not be able to salvage any of the inside walls and so the demolition begins. This is where the bed was and will be, but for now, it's the best location for the trash pile. Cliff will be taking the cabinets out soon, but before he does, he will have to shore up the walls on the inside with 2X4's as the cabinets are holding the outside skin in place. We are only two weeks today, into restoration.

Windows Coming Out!

Cliff continues to tear things out...he has not only removed some of the windows, but also has removed the bed inside along with cabinet doors. He is frothing at the mouth to have it all down to the bare bones...as he puts it, "Then it gets fun!"

Enjoying the day...

A Little R & R

Cliff and I have the most awesome friends...Dave and Cathy swept us away to the Sierra Nevada's yesterday, to Shaver Lake (mountain community and lake). The weather was beautiful and the company irreplaceable! We had no time constraints and/or agenda and just enjoyed each other as friends and God's creation. We are so blessed!!!

More Discoveries!

Okay...while taking out the frig, Cliff discovered that pigeons (or some kind of bird...found a bird skeleton and bird doo doo) had built a nest behind and on top of the frig in the walls (entered through the vent on top of the trailer). There was so much straw that it filled the garbage can shown!