Streets lined with vintage cars and trailers. People dressed to fit the scene. Some riding around on their darling vintage bicycles. It really was a sight to see. Especially during open house time when many people moved their modern cars from their spots and dressed up for the 'best vintage costume' contest. There was also a best dressed trailer contest, a potluck and vintage surf movies. My only regret is that I did not go to the open houses or meet anyone. I wish I could say I took lots of pictures and really captured the feel of the rally, but my 'stress response' kicked in and I took shelter in the Pearls cabin and slept while most of the action was going on.
First we had to check in with the Organizers. Their setup was amazing!
The Organizers (sorry don't know their names, never met them)
Sign in
The Pearl looked so happy to be there! (do you see how close those fences are)
Look another Oasis!!
and she's for sale!
I took all these pics walking around in the evening with the crew and Sobe. Was wishing I could see the inside of this black and red one. The open house was from 10 - 2 pm. Almost all the trailers (except the Pearl) were open so everyone could walk around and check them out. I however slept through this portion of the events so did not take advantage of this opportunity. They all had signs in their windows with the make and year of the trailers.
Many towed their trailers there with their vintage cars
There were Airstreams as far as the eye could see...
Loved all the vintage trucks
the diner (didn't meet anyone actually so I don't know any names)
The Baas' Westerner next to a red Westerner. ( I already knew them from Prado).
The cute couple in the red and tan westerner were interviewed by the travel channel for some special they're going to run. The couple were dressed in cowfolk attire and their baby in a cow outfit. So cute!
Oh wait! I did talk to this lovely couple, but don't think I got their names...
This set up was amazing! See the old fan and radio back there? And the couch, coffee table, etc. They looked so comfortable! Behind the two people sitting on the left there was also an old cabinet style black and white tv with rabbit ears that actually worked. It was on the whole time. The evening before as I walked by I spied them watching said tv. So cute! Oh, and this is one of the very few I ventured into. The whole inside was done up in pink! So pretty!!
this one behind the cute truck was the shiniest trailer ever
more airstreams
This was a trailer and truck designed by one of the Matchbox designers. He and his lovely wife were kind enough to let me in at this late hour. There is even a full sized bathroom and shower in there! He said he had designed a matchbook truck first then thought 'wouldn't it be neat to actually build one?"
Loved these. They may have been the most aged. They were completely authentic inside very rustic. The trailer was from before the electricity days.
The crew taking a much needed break. I wish I had taken more pics. I didn't even get a pic of my friend Gretchen and her family, or their lovely trailer. And one day I shall have to show you Nigel. I really only took a few of The Pearl and her crew. I was slightly overwhelmed. Did I mention the Travel Channel was there filming a special on top of everything else? Now that I know what to expect maybe next time I will be better prepared for all the action. Either that or I'll stick to mini rallys. :)
Wow, It's hard to believe it's been a couple of months since I last caught you up on the Pink Pearl and her adventures.
In June we attended our first Vintage Trailer Rally at Del Prado regional park. It was really great to meet the faces behind the names I have seen online for months.
A gorgeous owl that landed in a tree near us
I neglected to mention the wildlife we have seen on our adventures. One of the perks of getting out into nature. This is the second owl we've had fly over us and land in a tree. It's really an amazing thing to experience. Their noiseless flight catching you off guard as they swoop down and land beautifully.
eek a skunk (many many skunks)
I realize this photo looks like nothing, but the shining dots were eyes.
As all the skunks came out after dark it was interesting making our way around the campground. They were everywhere! Especially between us and the facilities.
We gladly learned so much from our fellow Vintage Trailer owners. We were able to get many of our pressing questions answered, and some advice. It was really a joy meeting fellow likeminded travelers.
And the touring begins.
On Saturday we walked around visiting each others trailers and getting a tour. It's amazing to see what others have done with theirs. And how nice they are when fixed up. Some are restored flawlessly to original condition. Each has a personality of its own. And a name to go with it.
Sadly I did not photograph every trailer that was present. Including the beauty owned by a lovely young girl and her dogs who were next to us. But here are a few shots of the lovely trailers I did manage to remember to photograph. I also at this point cannot remember the years or makes of them which is a bummer, it's really cool to know the age of these beauties!
The interior of this one was gorgeous. Redone by the lovely Gretchen whom I enjoyed meeting immensely!
And her gnome who lights up at night.
they just kept coming in
The lovely Chris and Cheryl Baas' Westerner They organized this whole thing.
One of the few I took an interior shot of. The westerner.
The crew at the grub gathering
We ate with all the other Vintage Trailerites
Saturday evening we joined the others for a delicious and varied potluck. Everything was wonderful and the company was great. It was a good time to chat and get to know some of the others.
Larry even showed from cannedhamtrailers.com. It was fun getting to check out his camping trailer.
Here's one of his Youtubes on restoring a Vintage Trailer
He has an amazing and very informative website with many videos on how to restore these babies step by step.
Later that evening one of the Canned ham dads hosted a movie projected on the side of his trailer for all the kids. They really were a fun, and welcoming bunch!
and the sweet little toad I caught outside of the ladies room
Just another example of the beauty in nature that it's easy to forget is there. Right at our fingertips.
Hope you enjoyed this photo memoir of The Pearls first (Mini) Rally. We can't wait to take in more in the future!
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