my first weekend out in my new to me pop up....woohoo!!!

[yycken]

Spent this past weekend in the new to me trailer and am for the most part pretty happy with the experience.  Its a 1994 Sundance Freeport (from what I'd gather they were a small Canadian manufacture who's no longer in operation), 10' in length and fairly basic amenities.  It has a pump operated sink (which I didn't use) and an indoor/outdoor stove (which I also didn't use and until I sell the unit will be kept in my garage).  The trailer was bought about a month ago and its in decent condition.  The canvas is in good shape with only one tear I need to fix.  All the electrical and gas works well.

Prior to going out I only made a few changes/fixes including:
-replacing the a-frame jack, the old one was in pretty rough shape.....picked up a new one from Princess Auto (for the American readers Princess is sort of a Canadian equivalent of Harbor Tools....all kinds of different stuff at decent prices) for $40 bucks.....went in fine other than having to cut out a small piece of steel on the lower part of the frame (wasn

[tlhdoc]

Other than hitting a deer it sounds like you had a good trip.  Do you have any photo's of your camper and what kind of dog do you have?

[yycken]

yup there are a few pics but posted that while I was at work.....will get them up later tonight

Kaiser is a mini-schnauzer

and ya, great weekend other then bambi meeting an untimely end

[Jim K in PA]

Congrats on a great first outing.  It sounds like everything went well, and you will find it takes less and less time to set up the more you get out and camp.  I would get that furnace going and keep camping as long as it is safe to tow!  Heat will also improve the GAF (girlfriend approval factor) on the camper.

Sorry to hear about Bambi bumper tag, but as you know, these things do happen.  Been there, done that.

Where is your next trip?

[jeezy]

Sorry about the deer.  I'm glad you found your dog.  And yes, setting up the door is also the biggest pain in the rear for me, as well.

[yycken]

Congrats on a great first outing.  It sounds like everything went well, and you will find it takes less and less time to set up the more you get out and camp.  I would get that furnace going and keep camping as long as it is safe to tow!  Heat will also improve the GAF (girlfriend approval factor) on the camper.

Sorry to hear about Bambi bumper tag, but as you know, these things do happen.  Been there, done that.

Where is your next trip?

Thanks and ya, keeping the GF happy means I'm happy.  Funny how that works.

The next trip will probably be to either McLean Creek or Little Elbow, both located in Kananaskis Country.

I'm glad you found your dog.

Had I not found him I'd still be out there looking.....sort of a "we all go back or none go back" approach


Here are a few pics, unfortunatly not many of the trailer.  Will take more of it the next time I head out.


setup....the sites are fairly level with only two lynx blocks needed on the one side


rear bed


this is the cleat/hook setup to keep the door shut


four legged bed warmer


before the wicked rain


camping zen


mountain dog!  the red collar lights up so you can see him at night


being cute is a tiring job


one of the worst sights I've ever seen


on the drive home...."are we there yet"

[Dee4j]

congrats! camping is great..can't wait until I can go again

[cyclone]

Love the pics of the dog - I can see why your heart stopped for a second there.  My dog has managed to escape a couple of times when camping.  The first time we probably spent at least 10 minutes looking for her.  She was blissfully ignoring us.  The second time we enlisted the help of friends and there was a whole crew of us looking for her (in the dark).  Again, she was having a good time "exploring" while ignoring our calls to come.  

The camper looks like a good one. Enjoy!

[jeezy]

Yep, I definately would not have left without that one.

[ScouterMom]

Kaiser is adorable - LOVE the ears! so cute!

a leash is OK, but it's a good thing you thought to bring along his crate.  While I don't always use a crate at home, but often bring one camping. I have found it really helpful to have a crate trained dog.  It really gives you a safe and secure place for the furbaby!

Especially in a camper or tent, I know that if I HAD to leave Fizz for bit - say to go to the bathroom or shower - that she would be content in her crate and could not get out and wander. And it's a handy place to keep them secure and out of trouble when doing set-up or teardown - or cooking. Kind of like having a playpen for a toddler!

The camper looks to be in great shape. the heat will help - and if your camper doesn't have a working furnace, those Mr Buddy propane heaters work VERY well.  If it's just for sleeping, and you are at a site with electricity, you can also try an electric mattress pad.  They are much better than the old-fashioned electric blankets, and you can buy one fairly inexpensively at stores like WalMArt, etc.  They don't have to be made specifically for campers.  I used regular double bed-sized ones in our camper, and I use a Queen-sized one on my bed all winter. They do a much better job of keeping you warm at night - as they are 'zoned' - they make more heat near your feet and less at your head - and it's usually your feet and legs that get cold while camping.  

I have also noticed that the person who sleeps on the 'outside' gets colder at night than the 'inside' person - as the bunk roof is lower and the inside person blocks some of the camper heat.  (however, my 1978 starcraft has less headroom, I  think, on the outside rail of the bunks than yours.)

Laura

[eanddrice]

:S Ahhh yes, the joys of camping with a dog!!!  Our little doxie feels like we can't go unless he does, which in reality, we don't.