[VAC] USA Flag

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi VAC owners,

Several years ago when we began using our '67 22' Safari, it didn't have a
flag pole holder.  After numerous garage sales (somewhere in Nebraska), we
stumbled onto a "three pole holder," but no poles. I figured that sooner or
later I'd find a set of matching poles (I find everything eventually).

Last month, with our trek to the Adirondack Mountains about to start, I
scrounged up 3 sections of 3' poles from my endless supply of "stuff you
should take to the dump," plus one 4' section of pole that DOES fit the flag
pole holder.

With my scruffy 12' flag pole, some venetian blind twine and a USA flag, we
now fly our USA Flag proudly while traveling with our pewter colored, beat
up looking (well traveled), old but clean and mechanically mint Airstream.

It's been a week now (today is Sunday, 08/05/01) and we've been parked at
Fish Creek Campground (operated by NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation)
near Tupper Lake, NY.  We are one among are three to four hundred families
using primitive campsites positioned directly on the water. Each site has
its own private beach, picnic table, fireplace, trees, shrubs and nothing
else.  Water spigots are nearby and outhouses (with flush toilets) are here
and there. There's a dump station, too (somewhere).

A favorite pass time among campers is to walk along the road, look at each
others's camping equipment,  notice how each campsite is set up and decide
if they could use that site with their equipment when they return next year.

Many people (us included)  keep track of site numbers (little black book) so
we will know which sites are preferred when next we step up to the Ranger's
Gate wanting to rent a site and are asked, "What site do you want to be
assigned to?"

Most of the rigs are tents, tent trailers and small or vintage RVs, with a
handful of newer motor homes and fifth wheel trailers.  This is low key, low
impact, family style camping with very few amenities.  There is even a guy
who plays "Taps" on his bugle at 10 pm each night while the moon reflects
off the lake.  At first, it seemed cornball, but we look forward to it now.

During the day, one thing continues to impress us whenever we are outside.
The comment begins with, "That's a good looking Airstream. It's sharp with
the flag." Which often leads into, "We used to have an Airstream. It was a
great little rig. I wish we had never sold ours 20 years ago."

Occasionally, someone mentions wanting to buy an "old Airstream" but has
heard how difficult it is to get parts for repairing. If they say, "Yes" to
my question about whether or not they have email, then the conversation
becomes an eye opener for them.

Most people have no idea there are 500+ guys and gals who freely share
insights for fixing Airstreams OR that there is an alternative to getting
service from a dealer. That concept gets their full attention.

Bottom line: Flying our USA Flag leads into Airstream discussions well
beyond the topic of flying a flag.

Terry 
mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net