Hello Friends!
Welcome to my blog, so glad you’re here. In my last post I told you the first thing I was going to write about was van camping and some of my adventures. So, I have been van camping (vamping), for over 10 years now, and am on my second van. In this post, I will talk about my first van–‘Etta Mae.” The next post will be about my second van, the one I currently have. After that, I will discuss both models and the pros and cons of high top conversion vans as campers.
One of My Own
As you may have read on the Home page, my love for RVing began with my Barbie Camper in the 70’s. However, I never had a real one until 2005/2006, when my then husband, purchased a Class A model–the “bread truck” style. Technically it wasn’t mine since he owned it. I never had a say in the matter, but it wasn’t what I would have chosen. (I sure would like to have my clothes and personal belongings that were in that RV, but that’s another story!) The divorce was final in the fall of 2007 and that’s the part where I mentioned that I picked up the pieces, packed up the dreams, and really started LIVING!
In 2008, in my birthday month of March, I purchased my very own RV. RV stands for Recreational Vehicle you know, and just because it’s not an expensive, sleek, traditional motorhome or camper, doesn’t mean it’s not an RV. A single gal on a single income improvises, she adapts, she overcomes. My only child was now in college and not having hardly any family, I only needed something for one or two people.
You Gotta Be Creative!
You may have read how I often use things for unintended purposes. Well, I thought what kind of vehicle could I afford that would come remotely close to a camper or RV? The answer came in the form of a high top conversion van. But, have you looked at the price of a new one? You might as well buy some sort of real RV! However, a single gal on a single income improvises, she adapts, she overcomes!
So, I started searching the used market and finally found a 1989 GMC Vandura high-top conversion classic. No, that’s not a typo, 1989. Yes, it was 19 years old, and no, most people would not even consider it—especially a woman. You could read their minds and their faces: My God, what is she thinking ? Is she seriously going to drive that anywhere? It’s a gas hog, it’s so old, she seemed like such a smart girl! Where is her husband or boyfriend?!
You Gotta Be Positive!
Always seeing the positive; what I saw was a beautiful, mature, vintage, luxury van in great shape, under 100,000 miles. A blue beauty with royal blue velour interior, wood trim, power button everything, a back bench seat that made a full size bed, those lovely ambiance lights in the ceiling, storage compartments everywhere, and at 5’3.5 I could stand fully upright in it. The fact that it was a 1989 model was nostalgic—that was the year my son was born; just another sign that it was meant for me. On top of all that, it had the cool hippie factor and it reminded me of my Barbie Camper! Long live the 70’s!
The Adventure Begins…
I never will forget that day. My dear, precious friend Pam, who passed away that same year, was
My dear friend Pam and me
with me when I bought it. We took it for a test drive, and from the moment I sat behind the wheel and headed down the road, I felt free. This was me and this is what I wanted to do! This is what I was meant to do! We got back to the car lot which was in Prestonsburg, KY. I cannot remember the name of it, and don’t know if they are still in business, but I’m sure they won’t forget that day either, because when we pulled in and got out of the van I accidentally pushed the power lock button and locked the keys inside! The windows were rolled completely up, so no easy fix. They couldn’t even get it open with that special tool that garages use. We ended up having to call a locksmith to get it open. WOW, my first adventure with my new camper van and I hadn’t even left the lot!
My first camper van, the Etta Mae
So the deal was made, and for $2,500 I became the proud owner of my very first RV! I put down a deposit and made arrangements to pick it up in a few days. The day finally came to pick up the van. I was so excited to be driving it alone; just me and the road! I couldn’t wait to get it home and start adding all my personal touches. It was low on gas, so I stopped at a station I don’t normally stop at. (I still hate that place to this day!) My only experience driving a van was with a Chevy Astro as a company vehicle, I had never driven a big “camper van.” The gas tank was on the passenger side so I had to turn around. I pulled up to the pump and heard that dreadful “what the ____did I hit noise.” It was that stupid cement gas pump guard! Are you kidding me??? This can’t be happening! I hadn’t even made it home yet!! I got out to inspect what I hoped was nothing I could see, but there it was, a noticeable dent in the back fender. Heartbroken and hating myself, I headed home.
‘Etta Mae’
In the end, it all worked out, and I named my camper van ‘Etta Mae,’ after my grandmother who I was so close to. I had lots of trips and adventure with her, including: Charleston, SC, Savannah, GA, Natural Bridge in Slade, KY—to hunt for the legendary Swift Silver Mine, two or three trips to the KY Horse Park in Lexington, Emerald Creek in NC to hunt for emeralds, Canton, OH to a big trade show, just to name a few. How I wish Mamaw Ett could’ve been with me on some of those adventures. She would’ve thought my RV was grand! I know she was with me in spirit, just as she always is.
Me and Etta Mae
For five years ‘Etta Mae’ and me were together, but with a heavy heart, I had to let her go when needed repairs were more than I could afford at the time. She brought me much joy, satisfaction, independence, confidence, and many, many wonderful road adventures. As soon as she was gone, I knew I had to have another camper van. So, the search began…
Until next time…Don’t Wait to LIVE!
See ya down the road….
Catrina