We are in Sugarcreek,
Ohio, population 2,200. We are pretty much in the middle of a cornfield. Well,
there are rows of corn on three sides of the road that winds into the tiny
campground where are parked. The closest structure I can see is two towering grain
silos on the horizon. Very few power poles dot the landscape as we are in Amish
country. Sugarcreek is called the little Switzerland of Ohio, but names on
farms and storefronts hint there are quite a few Deutschlanders here, too
We made the 14-hour drive
across three states to attend a rally of teardrop camper trailers. These modern
versions of the vintage style are made by Nucamp, a company down the road, past
the silos. The campground is fence to fence with these small t@bs and t@gs, all
part of the tiny trailer family. Our “Joshua” was constructed here. This camp
is for the “newbies” that want to learn how to operate their homes for the open
road. There are all ages here and from all walks of life.
I’ve learned so much
more than how to get my trailer level or how to store the black water hose.
Here’s a few of the wise words that have been passed my way.
Sharon from Tennessee
planned on taking to the road with her husband. They made three trips and the
big “C” took him. Her children said “Go mom.” And she is. She is checking off
her list and making it happen. She is surrounded by like minded people who help
and share ideas.
There is an interesting
couple that are from Dearborn, Michigan where the Henry Ford museum is located.
He commented that he had a friend come to town and was delighted to visit the
Ford landmarks. My new friend said, “Wanna guess how many times I’ve been?
Zero, ‘cuz it’s there, and I could go any time.” I think we all are guilty of
that.
I met the nice couple
who slowly rolled into trailer camping. Trip one was in their garage. Trip two
was in a state park 10 miles from their house. His face lit up when he bragged
how nice the park was! Sure, they made a few runs home for forgotten items.
Sure, they were close enough to hit a few of their favorite restaurants for
meals. But they discovered something new by looking at their area through a
tourist’s eyes.
A cute couple from
Wisconsin said when they drove in with their small camper their three teenage
sons wondered what the plan was, as in, what about us? They laughed and hinted
that was kinda the idea. They were looking forward to some escapes without the
whole family in tow. She said sometimes she gets in her trailer at home and her
boys roll their eyes and say “Mom’s in the trailer!” There is a reason the “She
Sheds” are popular, because sometimes moms need to hide. Sometimes hideouts are
in the backyard, sometimes they are a tanning bed or a salon appointment. Ours
is teardrop shaped.
An 80-year-old retired
engineer gave up sleeping on the ground in a tent and pulls his trailer with a
vintage Lincoln Town Car. He is crossing the country, wondering if he should
sell his house or sell his camper. He is headed south after the rally with his
t@g. I think his house is north.
Our neighbor lady is
traveling with her large dog because her husband doesn’t want to go. Her tiny
abode is decorated for her tastes and she remarks that many of her friends are
content to never see more of the world. We both sigh.
These confessions of
fellow travelers, of fellow adventurers are good reminders about making things
happen. There is a big world out there, if you want to see more of it, go. It doesn’t always have to be far or costly to
be fun and interesting.
You’ve just got to do it. Go.
