I like to go, but I don't like to come back.
Planes? Trains? Automobiles!
In these perilous times, driving is widely emerging as the safest form of travel. But I find I need a substitute for by-the-night accommodations on the road. This is not an original notion, but the solution can well be one-of-a-kind.
The first bump in the road for me was the obstacle of driving to and returning from Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, the only official Dark Sky Park in Florida, for a chance to see the Milky Way and the planets. The going would be great, with so much to look forward to, but the two-hour return trip after some hours of sky watching would just be daunting without a rest and a respite.
Enter the Teardrop!
Little more than a bed on wheels, this beautiful, personal space will soothe and settle me for long enough to look forward to going home again.
I will build it. Let the fun begin!
Google searching got me here - TeardropBuilder.com - which got me started. The author and builder has created an invaluable resource for the resourceful among us who are determined to experience the whole process and savor the outcome.
In the beginning,
The Trailer
Click any image for a larger view
The trailer, acquired from Northern Tool, came to me as a kit on a semi, which the driver knew could not safely navigate Mississippi Avenue in the historic heart of town, so we met behind the Southgate Shopping Center where such trucks come and go regularly. His lift gate was not operating so the two of us wrestled the 265 pounds in three boxes into my Nissan Xterra, and I dashed home to unload and dive in.
There's a joke (on me) hiding in the gallery above, but the assembly instructions held an even funnier one.
STEP 4:
Turn over the trailer assembly.
I started by following the directions which indicated which way was front and which way was up, but thankfully I did a little look-ahead (as is my wont) and noticed this humorous step before I had gotten too far. I made a couple of flips and flops and raised the whole frame onto saw horses and roller supports, opting to assemble it right side up and then lower it onto the ground. You might notice a red Director's chair in some of the gallery shots. It was put too good use to put me in a comfy position for adding nuts and bolts without bending and rending my back.
It also served to support the axle while I fastened it to the springs. Now have a nice close look and a nice big laugh!
The photo shows a little impatience on my part. I just couldn't wait to hook-up and roll off. But the sharp-eyed observer will notice the absence of the tongue jack, and the interested among them will read on for that chapter!