Why do you renew YOUR SOTF membership each year?

A current member recently posed this question on Sister's on the fly Members' Facebook page on the eve of renewing her annual membership ($70 annual dues) and the answers were very insightful. Here are some of those-

Carol M- I love meeting new sisters and I love my friends I’ve met before. I love how supportive this group of women are and how warm and welcome I feel when I’m with them. I hope you can experience the same.

Pat D- I saw an article in a magazine years ago about SOTF and thought "how cool is that?" I put it in the back corner of my mind, but never forgot. I was talking to a friend one say about getting a little trailer, and she started sending me all kinds of pictures. Then, I met a gal at a craft show and we started talking about trailers and both ended up joining and have consecutive Sister numbers! I had bought a beat up trailer and had started working on it before I joined. I found out about an event in McKinney, and Tammie, the hostess convinced me to come, even though I was't finished with it. Before the McKinney event, there was a sister event in Fort Worth at the Cowgirl Museum. I went over on the Friday when they had a public event and realized I had found my "tribe." I met Tammie face to face that night, and she nearly squeezed all the air out of my lungs. Joining SOTF is the most empowering thing I have ever done. I LOVE towing my trailer. It is one of those "happy places."

Ann F- I love meeting all the sisters and enjoy time with woman that are so nice and welcoming. It is fun to travel to places you wouldn’t get to without this organization.

Susan B- If it weren’t for SOTF I’d never have herded cattle on a Wyoming ranch, swam with the Manatees in FL, wandered Custer State Park again, kayaked Lake Superior or been going to New England. I feel sisters support and encouragement in everything I do.

Julie B- Adventures, getting me back to my home state of CA... I wouldn’t be going back without my sister trips. Wouldn’t be a sister if I didn’t do trips. You can find lots of groups on Meetup for lunch and movies but this group is for the travel/camping.

Bette P- I’ve camped since I was a kid, love to fish (hubs doesn't) and I use to own and show horses (urban cowgirl) and I’m a little crazy. When I saw a segment on Travel Channel years ago and knew someday I’d be a Sister. Joined last month Sister #10371?. Presently restoring my little trailer and can’t wait for my first event.

Kristin M- I’m Sister #29. Oh, the stories I have and the fun... Oh my. The friends I’ve made....priceless.

Kathy W- Just one reason..... The sisters I've met are amazing. I would have never met them without SOTF.

Nancy E- I enjoy the friendships I have made, the memories. I wouldn't have met these women had it not been for SOTF! SO looking forward to meeting and having fun with many more! To me, its well worth the money!

Lugene W- SOTF is made up of some of the most kind-hearted, vibrant, FUN, brilliant, talented, welcoming gals in the world. Nuff said! #3333.

Vicki B- The last 6 or so years of my life, I've gone through major life changes. 1) Major surgery with the potential for cancer, but thankfully, no cancer 2) Move away from my *peeps* & support system 3) Daughter off the rails 4) Loss of Mom and Dad 5) Cleaning & packing up parents' & childhood home. About halfway through all this, I joined SOTF and have so much enjoyed, needed and am thankful for the support, friendship and simple hugs I've gotten.

Kris B- Omg....where do I start??? Life changing, fun, challenging, amazing, one of the best things I have ever done for myself and SOTF has brought some of the most amazing people into my life....and did I say FUN? It has brought me laughter, tears, amazement and joy..... Many of my friends and family live through my eyes and adventures...SOTF is a gift to myself.

JoAnn S- So I don't have to travel alone. My husband doesn't like to travel so I probably won't go without my sister's. And oh the places I've seen!!!

Becki F- I've met some of my closest friends in this group. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself. As women, everything is our responsibility. Trips with the girls become my time to take care of me. Unwind, laugh, cut up, do nothing, do something, whatever I feel like. These ladies are my tribe and I'll autorenew until I die.

Ginny McK- I lost my husband five years ago. The Sisters showed me HE died, I did not. I love the sense of community SOTF provides!

Kathy C- Sister support

Sister Spotlight: Time is precious for this Road Warrior!

I have worked in an office as a legal assistant at a law firm for 23 years. Now, the older I get, the more fresh air I crave!

Living in the Northeast my entire life, I appreciate every moment of time I can have outside. Favorite pastimes while camping are laying in my hammock with a good book, riding my bike and taking long strolls. Another happy place is in my kayak. I love to paddle long and far to wash away all the stress. I have recently acquired a love for yoga and the inner peace it gives me as well as the physical health.

My favorite motto is “Time is more precious than gold.” I try to live by this to collect memories, not things. When I joined Sisters on the fly I would constantly tell the Sisters, "I’m a Camper, not a Glamper." And yet each trip I take with them finds one more decoration on or in my trailer. I also said that about dressing up for events, but I have found that it’s lots of fun!

I have been a camper my whole life and have always had a love for it. My daughter refers to me as a “professional camper.” My kids grew up spending their summers tenting in Vermont State Parks, swimming in the lakes, riding bikes until sunset and then counting the stars or roasting s'mores. Now that my son is grown, he still chooses to vacation with his tent. Button Bay state park along the coast of Lake Champlain is still my most favorite place to be.

I had never heard of SOTF until one cold November day when an attorney in my office told my about his wife’s friend who was taking this fascinating trip along the Lewis and Clark trail with a group of women. He said, “You should check it out, Tanya. They are your kind of women!!” He was so right. Joining SOTF has been so fulfilling for me. None of my local friends like to camp, so finding a group of women who love it as much as I do has been so exciting. While joining a fellow Sister on her maiden voyage in her newly purchased camper, my 18 hours with her was eye-opening. That's when I learned how glorious it was to camp without my family!

A Sister is a Sister

Not having a biological sister of my own, I have thrived on having a Sisterhood. It’s amazing how bonded you are to Sisters after you have just met after spending a weekend together. When my son found out he was going to be stationed in Texas, I asked to join the Texas Sisters group Facebook page and one sister immediately reached out to me to give my son her number. 4 days after he arrived in Texas she picked him up at the Navy base, showed him all over town, where the best place to get a burger was and even took him apartment shopping!! She will forever hold a place in my heart.

I recently towed my tiny trailer from upstate NY to Texas with my daughter while she was on spring break to visit my son and attend the SOTF event Wonderful Women of Waxahachie. At one point my aunt, exasperated with worrying about my cross country wanderings said “you’re just like your grandmother!” I gladly accepted that as a compliment. One of my many highlights on this trip was teaching my 16 year old daughter to tow. Because we were traveling over 1,200 miles I wanted her to know what to do in case of an emergency. She was elated and so proud of herself! I feel it’s something everyone should learn how to do, just like driving a standard transmission.

My grandmother was a “Girl Camper” before it was popular. She was a truck loving lady who towed a small Frolic camper and would take me camping with her. To this day I cherish those memories. She has always taught me women can do anything we put our mind to! My camper is named Lil Viv after my grandmother and a reminder of our times in her little camper.

I still have a teenage daughter at home and my sweet-strong-willed elderly grandmother to care for so I’m a still pretty much a weekend warrior at this point, but I know my day will come where I will be setting off in my tiny trailer for weeks at a time to explore our beautiful country. My bucket list is long!! Until then, I treasure each moment I can squeeze in this crazy life, especially ones with my Sisters.

Tanya Forrest # 7926
Sisters on the fly
Northeast Wrangler for NY, MA, CT & RI

We ain't Pageant Material, Sisters!

Crazy Fun- The Best Fun

Pageant Material by Kacey Musgraves is saying it best about this fabulous group of Sisters at our annual Northwest Gathering event. A huge thanks to our Sister who created this video, Jennifer Pesko #2662.

Watch the fun and sing along (lyrics below)---

Learn the Lyrics

[Verse 1]
There's certain things you're s'posed to know
When you're a girl who grows up in the south
I try to use my common sense
But my foot always ends up in my mouth
And if I had to walk a runway in high heels in front of the whole town
I'd fall down
And my mama cried
When she realized

[Chorus]
I ain't pageant material
I'm always higher than my hair
And it ain't that I don't care about world peace
But I don't see how I can fix it in a swimsuit on a stage
I ain't exactly Ms. Congenial
Sometimes I talk before I think, I try to fake it but I can't
I'd rather lose for what I am than win for what I ain't

[Verse 2]
God bless the girls who smile and hug
When they're called out as a runner up on TV
I wish I could, but I just can't
Wear a smile when a smile ain't what I'm feelin'
And who's to say I'm a 9.5
Or a 4.0 if you don't even know me
Life ain't always roses and pantyhose
And...

[Intstrumental bridge]

[Chorus]
I ain't pageant material
The only crown is in my glass
They won't be handin' me a sash
And that's okay, cause there's no way
You'll ever see me in a swimsuit on a stage
I ain't exactly Ms. Congenial
Sometimes I talk before I think, I try to fake it but I can't
I'd rather lose for what I am than win for what I ain't
Yeah I'd rather lose for what I am than win for what I ain't

Livin' in Aluminum Fun!

Trailer Park Anthem

Antsy McClain and The Trailer Park Troubadours are saying it best here, ladies!

Watch this Sister-made video by SOTF Jennifer Pesko #2662now!

Learn the words and sing along!

[Verse 1]
There's allot to be said about contentment
Some folks ain't' never get enough
Well let me ask you honey which is better
A mansion full of money or a trailer full of love?

[Verse 2]
There's allot to be said about acceptance
Liking who you are and having peace of mind
The secrets being happy with your lot & life baby
Then I'm pretty happy here in lot number nine

[Chorus]
Living in aluminum
Living in aluminum

[Verse 3]
I don't need a house of tiles
I don't need a house of wood
There ain't no better way to test your metal
Than in a semi-gracious metal neighborhood

[Chorus]
Living in aluminum
Living in aluminum

[Verse 4]
There's allot to be said about conviction
You live the golden rule with God on your side
Now don't forget another quote of living
It's the aluminum rule "thou shalt enjoy the ride"

[Chorus]
Lii-ving in aluminum
Living in aluminum

[Verse 5]
Having it all is like putting up a wall around you
You'll be a slave to the treasure as you measure every nickel and dime
Soon you're gonna see a big pile of debris surround you
And ill be sure and send you a postcard from freedom sometime

[Outro]
Living in aluminum
(living in aluminum)
Living in aluminum
Living in aluminum
Li-i-i-ving in aluminum

The Junk Gypsies tour vintage trailers with Sisters on the Fly

Travel Channel Coverage

The Sisters on the fly were invited to camp and show off their trailers with a trailer tour for the Junk Gypsy Sisters and friends down in Round Top, Texas. Thanks, Amie & Jolie! The Travel Channel was there and covered the tour.

It's a SOTF Lifestyle Thang

For Sister on the fly members in particular, camping is a lifestyle and their beautifully outfitted vintage RVs help them do it in style. Take a tour of their charming Southern trailers in the video below.

Travel Channel features SOTF Dutch Oven Divas!

Find the full article and video HERE

Our group of outdoor enthusiasts gathers throughout the year for camping, food and fun. The secret to delicious campfire food? A dutch oven!

Watch the video above to see how the SOTF pros do camp cooking and follow this recipe:

Hatch Chile Pork Verde

Ingredients:

For the Chile Verde:

8 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
6 hatch chiles rinsed
1 jalapeno, stem and seeds removed
2 large poblano peppers, stems removed
2 medium onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
6 cloves of garlic minced
3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pork:

4 tablespoons corn or sunflower oil
5 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 1” pieces
2 medium onions chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
3 cups water or chicken stock
3 tablespoons lime juice (about the juice from a lime)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Chile Sauce

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Cut onions in half and place in a large bowl, place whole peeled garlic cloves in a bowl, place the washed tomatillos, hatch chiles, jalapenos and poblanos peppers in the bowl too. Add the oil to the bowl, toss the peppers, onions and garlic until well coated. Line a baking pan with parchment paper, spray with non-stick spray. When the oven is at temperature place peppers, onions and garlic on the parchment-lined pan and cook for 30 min, turning every 10 minutes.

Remove the baking pan from the oven and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit for 10 minutes. Uncover and remove as much of the skin from the peppers and tomatillos as you can. You can also remove the seeds from any of the peppers if you don't want it too spicy.

Add the roasted tomatillos, peppers, onions and garlic into a large blender. Be careful the mixture will be hot, blend until smooth. Set-aside until ready to use.

Cooking With a Dutch Oven

Heat charcoal briquettes, place 12 hot coals in a circular pattern under the base of a 12-quart Dutch oven and place 12 coals around the lid. Allow to heat for 30 minutes. While the Dutch oven is warming, cut the pork shoulder up and place in a bowl. Add the chopped onions, salt, pepper and oil, toss well and make sure the oil coats everything evenly.

Refill the charcoal starter and light the second batch of charcoal.

Carefully remove the lid of the Dutch oven, do not discard the coals, place all of the pork in the Dutch oven and stir well. Next, add the hatch verde sauce, stir well and add the water or chicken stock, stir again then place the lid back on the pot. As soon as the second batch of charcoal is ready, replace all the coals, please do this carefully in the same pattern they were in when you heated it in the beginning. Cook for one hour and stir, add more liquid to the chili if needed. If you feel the temperature is falling place a few fresh briquettes under the Dutch oven. The residual heat will light the new coals. Cook for a total of two hours, once finished remove lid, stir well and add the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.

While you wait for chili to cook, enjoy a cocktail:

Lemon Drop Martinis

Becky Clarke (Sister #2) is famous for her elegant lemon-drop martinis, served with powdered sugar on the rim of the glass. “It makes like the trail just much more civilized,” Becky suggest making the simple syrup in your home kitchen and putting it into a canning jar for use on the trail.

Serves 16 to 20

2 cups of Citron vodka
1 cup lemon juice
1 cut Triple Sec
½ cup simple syrup

Simple Syrup

Makes 1 cup

1 cup water
2 cups sugar

Bring the water to a boil. Dissolve the sugar into the boiling water. Remove the pan from the heat. Let it cool.

Mix all the ingredients together in a pitcher half-filled with ice. Stir well. Pour the mixture into sugar-rimmed martini glasses and garnish with a twisted peel of lemon.

Be a Savvy Shopper of Vintage Trailers

Anna Ousley, SOTF # 3206 & Swiftwater RV Park owner, has contributed this article. Her vast knowledge of vintage trailers & what to look for when shopping for one is shared here.

*****

WHERE TO START

Tempted to buy and restore a vintage travel trailer? It can be a big step! There are plenty of fully restored ‘toothbrush ready’ vintage trailer beauties on the market to buy – all you have to do is dole out the cash, back up and hook it on to your vehicle’s hitch, throw in your toothbrush, and hit the road for camping adventures.

Vintage Trailer Buying Tips

If your budget doesn’t allow that approach, or if it just seems like loads of fun to find a ‘diamond vintage trailer in the rough’, first become a savvy vintage trailer buyer. Some of my friends like to hop in their rigs and ‘troll for trailers’, but they do so with eyes wide open. Want to join them? Put to use the following pointers to ensure your vintage travel trailer experience is long-lasting and happy!

TITLE

In my mind, the very first question to ask the seller – whether in person, on the phone, or by email– is about the trailer’s title. Is it valid? If only a Bill of Sale is available, you could end up with a trailer that’s been stolen or has a pile of old liens on it. Not a good way to start, so the rule of thumb: No title? Walk away…. fast! However, if the buyer assures you the title is good, then let’s get started!

INSPECTION

Bring a couple things when inspecting a vintage travel trailer for the first time- don’t go empty handed. Take with you a ladder, headlamp and/or flashlight, screwdriver, ice pick, electric outlet tester (small appliance like a hair dryer), camera and notepad (digital or old-fashioned paper & pen).

JUDGE THIS BOOK BY ITS COVER

The most knowledgeable folks recommend that initially, it’s best to stay outside! Plan on spending up to a half an hour with the exterior inspection. A thorough outside investigation helps you stay realistic before stepping inside the trailer and subsequently falling in love with the interior cuteness or ‘potential.’

Here’s where some of those tools come into play. Climb up the ladder to inspect the roof – how is the roof firmness, seal job, paint condition, and status of areas around the vents?

Adorable Vintage Trailer

Next, look underneath the trailer. Get down on your hands and knees – even strap that headlamp on then lay on your back and scoot underneath the trailer to check the under carriage. Literally poke the underside. Is it soft anywhere? Is there rot around the wheel wells? My friend Geri recommends to pay close attention to the underside skin….is it intact and without holes? How does the axle look? Does it show signs of stress?

Then, stand up to walk all around the trailer, opening each cargo door. Closely look at the bottom and walls where they meet. You don’t want to see water stains or feel softness! What about a rock guard? (The adjustable cover over the front window). My friend Juli - who owns at least five vintage beauties - says it’s okay without one, but the glass can cost a lot to replace if a rock hits it going down the road.

Remember to inspect the under chassis and then the drawbar that attaches it to your vehicle. Is it solid? Replacing metal structures can add another $1000!

At each of these areas – top, bottom & sides – snap pictures and start a list of everything that needs to be fixed, repaired, or updated.

Gorgeous vintage trailer appliances

THE INNER SANCTUM

Don’t stop and go ga-ga over the adorable appliances, fixtures, or layout! With camera in hand and notepad nearby, open every cupboard and storage compartment to find current or past damage from water leaks. Use the flashlight or headlamp to look inside and check for softness or water stains or other types of damage – especially where the bottoms & tops meet the sides. Pull back all cushions and do the same with carpeting, floor rugs, or window curtains. Some folks take along a moisture meter to really scrutinize the water issue.

My friend Melanie suggests jumping up and down on several areas of the floor to make sure there are no soft spots! Put that ice pick to use. Anywhere water damage is apparent, nicely stick the ice pick through the wall, preferably at a seam, to see if the wood below is soft. If the floor is rotted, it really can’t be properly repaired without removing the trailer frame – which probably isn’t worth the trouble!

Focus on every inch of the ceiling, from where it joins the walls to the areas around vents. Don’t be afraid to touch and push! Open and close every window, noting any difficulties or missing pieces. Sit inside the trailer and face the door after you’ve firmly closed it. Are there any gaps around the frame? Check the electricity and if at all possible, plug in the trailer to an outlet to ensure the interior lights work. Plug that small appliance you brought with you into every outlet .

If any of the above scrutiny reveals problems that need fixing, another $1,000+ can disappear from your bank account – seems like everything adds up quickly, from flooring, curtains, upholstery to window glass, etc. Keep using your camera and adding items to the ‘negotiation’ list!

"WHAT ELSE?" IS KEY!

WEIGHT
Many vintage trailers, the ‘canned ham’ types especially, are petite and thus aren’t so heavy that they can’t be easily towed with a small SUV vehicle. Pay attention to this detail. Read your vehicle’s manual to understand the maximum weight it can pull. Remember that when you own the trailer and fill it with all your ‘stuff’, the weight increases. Otherwise – as friend Geri points out – you may end up buying an inexpensive vintage trailer, and a very expensive tow vehicle!

KEYS
Are there working keys to the door and all the cargo doors?

Vintage Trailers Glamping at Swiftwater

PROPANE TANK
It should be updated as the older ones can no longer be filled, so those old tanks need to be replaced. Can you tell if the propane tank hoses are in good condition, or are they cracked and dry? After buying the trailer but before using any gas appliances, ensure gas fittings and connections are checked by someone licensed in this area.

JACKS
Are they provided with the trailer, and do they work?

SPARE TIRE
Is it there? Is it a decent one that could be used if required? Does it have a wheel?

TIRES
Rubber deteriorates rather quickly in the elements, especially if the trailer has been sitting for awhile, so inspect tires and ask about the trailer’s recent use. Inquire when the bearings were last packed. (Tires and bearings can be worth about $200-$250). Some people even jack up the trailer to remove the tires and take them to a local tire dealer for inspection!

OLD CONSTRUCTION
Vehicles built over 30 years ago may contain substances such as leaded paint and flooring, stove/fridge back boards and even some interior panels may contain asbestos. Pay attention! Wear gloves and masks when removing or restoring some of the older material.

SAFETY CHAINS
Are they present? In good usable condition?

STOVE
Does it work?

LIGHTS
Brakes, marker lights and turn signals should all be tested.

Vintage Trailer Beauty

Finally…..
THE SELLING PRICE
What price should you pay for a vintage trailer? The answer certainly depends on the condition. If the price tag is over $1,500, it better be "camp-able" as is and ready to roll! When the asking price is over $1,500 and the trailer is structurally solid and all systems work, the additional money should take into account your happiness regarding bathroom/no bathroom, desirability of make and model, refrigerator vs ice box, attractive floor plan and how much cosmetic work is potentially needed. On the other hand, expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,500 for something roadworthy and functional inside. Some people say that if the title is good, but there is lots of damage, a price of $500 is fair for a good title and trailer frame.

BE REALISTIC

Ready to take the challenge and become a vintage trailer owner? Keep in mind what my friend Juli recommends: “If you aren’t excited about the trailer itself, don’t try to talk yourself into it. This will be your ‘other boyfriend/girlfriend,’ so you need to like it without big reservations!”

Friend Geri again recommends being firm in the knowledge of your own skills and limitations. Ascertain whether you are capable of doing substantial repairs if you buy a cheap fixer-upper, or whether you should buy that "toothbrush ready" camping trailer that you can just add your decorator touch to and go.

Thanks for reading this article. If you're ever in the White Bird, ID area, please stop in at my l'il piece of heaven by the Salmon River, and say 'Howdy'! Will be fun to visit
Anna. O
Swiftwater RV Park
White Bird, ID

Sister Spotlight: "Ladies, DON'T hold back!"

Straight from the heart in this Sister Spotlight from Janie Miller, Sister #8333

“Live life, be passionate and don't hold back!”, that’s my motto!

Seizing Big Moments in Life

I think back and "seizing the moment" is how I met my future to-be husband although neither of us knew it at the time! At age 23, we met over the phone working as dispatcher and freight broker in our respective businesses, flirting and so forth. Two months later I moved from Maine to Washington state and met him in person for the first-time and never left! I had already sublet my apartment and shipped my belongings; I never looked back! 31 years later, we are still so very passionate about our life together! We eventually moved back to Maine in 1994 to be closer to my family.

I joined Sisters on the Fly in February 2017, #8333, and by June of the same year I was so floored and honored to be asked to take on the NE region Wrangler role. So, I said... I’ll figure it out as I go! I guess about now you might get an idea already of my ‘jump in with both feet’ personality, right?!

The Warm Blanket of This Sisterhood

I’m not one to rely on destiny but instead I have created my own way. Like many of my SOTF Sisters, I feel very strongly about this organization and sisterhood... has been a godsend to me. Ever feel like mid-life kind of just jumped out at you all of a sudden and smacked you full-in-the-face and you wonder, what the hell?! I’m a pretty tough cookie, but dang, Mother Nature likes to take a wack once in a while! It’s been the warm blanket of sisterhood that enveloped me with love, friendship, excitement, adventure... with such Kindred Souls, that truly has brought me back to life! I instantly connected and bonded with women from all over the country, who understand and accept ‘we are who we are’ and help empower each other.

Glamping Camping Passion. Just Breathe!

I have many passions... but glamping out a camper takes the prize! I’ve been solo camping for decades starting with paddling out to remote wilderness sites on lakes and streams, so getting up off the ground and finding creature comforts was heaven!! I found my first camper in 2006, a 1990 Fleetwood pop-up. My second camper was also a Fleetwood pop-up, but this one bigger and I Glamped her out entirely, christening her MyZen for all the comforting moments she provided; I/she was even featured on PopUpPrincess.com! I fell in love with discovering textiles, glampy accessories, and making all my own fabric coverings and curtains!

In 2016, I sold MyZen and bought a 24' FunFinder 215wsk TT, naming her “Stella” (my husband’s nickname for me). Yes, it was intimidating a little bit, but I love her. I only couldn’t see behind me. Who cares?! And now I had to rely on my mirrors solely. Okay! So with both feet, I jumped behind the wheel and just figured it out with a little helpful guidance along the way. Yes, bigger and two axles is easier! The best advice I can give to any Sister starting out with a trailer for the first time... BREATHE and don’t let some anxiety or a little intimidation hold you back! When you run into a problem – stop, breathe, and try again! This is how I got comfortable backing her up my 250’ driveway! So the tire tracks looks like a snake’s path at first; who cares?!

From Here to There... to Where?

I have been so very fortunate to live in WA and ID states, and still miss them both. I really more consider myself a Western girl, even though I was born/raised here in Maine. I've lived on a 120-head horse ranch, raising, training and showing absolutely stunning Arabian horses, (I was even an Equine Midwife and breeder!). Lots of different experiences. I’ve owned three motorcycles and still love to feel the wind in my face and hair. I’m a tomboy and a yet girlie girl... I’m a Libra!

Where do I go from here? I’m looking forward to retirement in another 6 yrs so I can become a Gypsy! My plan for Winter 17-18?.. taking Stella to the Southwest for 2 months of snow-birding for the first time (with my hubs, Murphy our Border Collie, and Tinsel my loving feline appendage) and look forward to hooking up with my SW Sisters! Who knows where life will take us, but I know I’ll always have my SOTF Sisters with me.

peace n luv ~
Janie, SOTF #8333

"Airstreams are like chocolates..." Indeed!

Thank you, Sister of the fly Melissa Y, for sharing this great article about the almighty Airstream and how you can make something that looks like everyone else's on the outside look and feel so unique and personalized on the inside. Gorgeous! Safe travels & happy trails!

See the full coverage below:

https://www.airstream.com/blog/vintage-travel-trailer-on-the-outside-modern-convenience-on-the-inside/

Where (and who) is Tiffany?

Wonderful Women in Waxahachie

Sister #1, SOTF Founder Maurrie Sussman and I had the pleasure to represent our Sisterhood at this event within an event. The big event being the Crossroads Film & Music Festival put on by the Waxahachie Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Texas Draw

It was an over the top event and drew so many "Wonderful Women" campers & attendees to it. I fell in love with the Texas Sisters I met, the locals, the town, the history and local tastes and color. The blue bells were still in bloom for us and the weather was kind of classic for Texas- gorgeous until the flash flood downpour hit! If my husband's ex wasn't from Texas, I would've make a seriously hard pitch to relocate from Boise there and may have had a chance! C'est la vie, y'all...

The Stories

There are so many great stories to tell from this event but there was a first-time camper there who tells hers so well and when we asked if we could share her blog article about her experience this was her reply:

"Thank you. I wish I had more time to spend with everyone as well. I hope our paths cross again and we get a chance to camp out or hangout. I enjoyed my time hanging out with so many likeminded people. I walked away with a whole new perspective and love for camping. Yes, please share. I created the blog to inspire, encourage and give hope to those that dream of traveling or traveling solo. Thank you for reading my story. Part 2 will be up on May 13."

Her Story

Tiffany attended this event as a tent camper having not camped much and wanting a sense of what women campers were all about. Here is the link to Tiffany's blog article. Enjoy her story and her amazing photos:

BEST FIRST CAMPING TRIP EVER