1962 Airstream Globetrotter

The first time I ventured out on my own with this new flyfishing adventure, I went to The Flyfishing show in Denver, CO. This was a typical outdoor showing of equipment, seminars, demonstrations, and booths saleing goods, expect it focused only on flyfishing.

At the show I met two ladies, Maruee and Dianne that had set up Vintage trailers. These little one and two person trailers were decorated in cowgirl themes. I learned the Sisters on the Fly were a group of ladies that enjoyed flyfishing and the company of other women interested in a variety of adventures. The SOTF's moto is "We have more fun than anyone". In addition to fishing, the Sisters have embraced the restoration of vintage trailers. Many of these ladies have trailers and if you check their website www.Sistersonthefly.com you'll see a variety of units.

The fishing, the trailers and the ladies were very intriquing to me.

Since that initial meeting I have contacted and meet several Colorado Sisters for lunch. Dianne, Vicki, Peggy, Crista, Doreen, Irene, Bev, Lisa, Lane, Ellen, Drea, Malita, Jan, June, Cathleen and I went last Saturday to the Timeless Travel Trailers for a tour of the reconstruction and restoration plant operated in Wheatland, CO.

As I investigated and learned more, I started thinking about owning a trailer of my own, one that I could manage and one that Henry and I could use to have "mini" holiday weekends together. Near our home, in a field of weeds, was an unused 1962 Airstream Globetrotter. The 19 foot trailer was a shiny symbol of days gone by. I learned who the owner was, Jim, and I contacted him to see if he was interested to get rid of the trailer.

Jim was very kind on the phone and asked me if I had looked at the unit to know if I was up to the task. I told him I didn't want to snoop around without permission , he gave it and I tromped into the field to look inside of the trailer. Oh my, the insides were a mess. There was an open window and probably lots of holes where varmits of all description had visited the interior. The smell alone should run animals and humans away.

I was not deterred. I called Jim back and told him I thought I'd like to try and restore the Globetrotter. It was two weeks before I heard any news. I had just returned from a business trip to Texas when there was a knock on the door. There in a black cowboy hat as a tall stranger, Jim. We talked awhile and he then asked if I really thought I would like to work on the trailer, to which I answered yes. "It's yours", he said. "Really?". Yes.

I asked him a little about the trailer. He said his father had bought the Airstream and he and his mother would come out to this property and camp. He would hunt. Later they purchased a bigger unit for long trips to Mexico and he set up the Globetrotter as a permanent camp site. Jim said it had been years since the trailer had been used, which was obvious. Jayne was his mothers name, he said.

So now, this Jane owns a 1962 19' Airstream Globetrotter. I know it's going to be a lot of work which Henry and I will enjoy together. Watch for updates as I post some pictures, descriptions, and details of the transformation. I hope I can do the little trailer justice and honor the gift that was given so generously.