Author Archives: Jim

A Dutch Oven Cook-off at Tyler State Park

Teardrop Trail Log: March 23, 2018

No campout would be complete without some outdoor cooking, and we had an extra incentive to make our food memorable on the trip to Tyler State Park — A Dutch Oven Cook-off! I’ve used cast iron since I was a child, and although cookware innovations come and go, an old cast iron skillet or pot never fails. I used to host potluck parties for my staff at the University and there were always bean dishes, cobbler and other goodies cooked in cast iron. Likewise, Marilyn is an old-hand when it comes to cast iron and camp food, having been a trail chef at a dude ranch and learned at the knee of her father, who made some of the best cast iron beans ever. We felt like we could mount a respectable effort in the cook-off.

New cast iron toys

After much consideration, we settled on a Mac and Cheese topped with Pork Chops dish figuring nothing succeeds like “over-the-top” excess. Marilyn prepped carefully, pre-measuring the ingredients at home so cooking in camp would be as easy and foolproof as possible. I prepped our best 12-inch Lodge dutch oven and laid in a stock of charcoal. I bought a few toys as well from a Camp Maid grill and smoker set and dutch oven carry bag to a simple steel feed pan to stoke the charcoal. Nothing left to chance.

The cook-off was on Friday. Preparations were underway throughout the park with dozens of entries from the members of the Southwest Teardrop and Vintage Trailer Association members. Marilyn had cooked the macaroni a little earlier in the afternoon, and all was in readiness. I started the charcoal at about 4 PM knowing that the food had to be delivered to the potluck no later than 6 PM to be eligible. Precision timing was of the essence.

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This photo sequence shows the process from start to finish — delivered to the hungry crowd at 6 PM on the dot. Let’s just say that no one went away hungry!

Southwest Teardrop and Vintage Trailer Cast Iron Cook-off

Leaf Spring Repairs

Teardrop Trail Log: June 21 and early August, 2017

Fender nearly touching the tire

Stopping in Cleburne, Texas for gas, I noticed that the left trailer fender was dragging on the tire. Not good. It didn’t look like any real damage had been done to the tire, but I needed to separate them before it got any worse. Perhaps someone had backed into our trailer and bent the fender. That’s when I saw that one side of the trailer was lower than the other. Ahh — broken spring. The Ambassador was equipped with 500-pound springs on each side, but one had clearly broken. We had probably exceeded the rated weight. Sizing up the situation, I thought we could get home — only about 200 miles — but first I had to bend the fender away from the tire. Fortunately, I was able to borrow a pry bar, and bend it just enough. We got home safely later that afternoon.

The old, 500-pound springs

We had a trip to Inks Lake scheduled for early August, but I figured I had plenty of time. Late July was cutting it close, so I got online and learned that the spring was a standard model, ordered one from the local parts house, and expected to have it in a couple of days. Except when I went to pick it up on the appointed day, they didn’t have it. Somehow they had spaced the order. Now we were really short on time.

Marilyn and I spent most of that day visiting every parts house we could find in Dripping Springs, Southwest Austin and finally along I-35 towards San Antonio. Between Austin and San Antonio, there are several RV dealers and although they all agreed it was a standard (and therefore common) leaf spring, none of them stocked it. Finally, one of them recommended Magnum Trailers in San Marcos and we finally had a pair. It was going to make us a day late, but we would be able to meet our friends at Inks Lake.

New shackle bolts and springs

The installation was pretty simple. Leaf springs should always be replaced in pairs, and so should the shackle bolts that attach them to the trailer. The drill-powered scissors jack made it easy to jack up the trailer and the replacement didn’t take long. I even checked the wheel bearings and repacked them with grease. I think the whole operation took about 2 hours.

Powered scissors jack

All things considered, it could have been much worse. We were close to home when the spring broke, and we made it home with no incident. The replacement springs, once found, were very inexpensive. And, it wasn’t hard to swap them out. All repairs should be this easy!

The Vermeer Mill — A Dutch Windmill Tour

Teardrop Trail Log: June 19, 2017

The star of Pella is the Vermeer Mill — it’s certainly the first thing you notice when you drive into town. Having arrived Saturday evening we were intrigued but could only admire it from the outside. It wasn’t open for tours until Monday morning.

In the Historic Village

One enters the windmill through the Pella Historical Village gift shop. The tours start at regular intervals for whoever is there. We were shown a short film and presentation by Doug Heerema, one of the mill guides. He then showed us another floor of the museum where an astonishing miniature village is located — but more on this in a later post. Riding an elevator to the fifth floor, we were introduced to Jim Brandl, the “molenaar” or miller for a tour of the Vermeer Mill.

The mill is connected to the museum by a wooden bridge, and on it, you find a panoramic view of Pella. Ahead is an enormous ship’s wheel — used to turn the mill structure to direct it into the wind. It was a clear, fine day with a light breeze, and the miller made a few adjustments. The massive cloth-covered sails began turning as we walked around the platform. Moveable barriers prevent absent-minded tourists from walking into the sails which swing by with impressive speed.

Inside, we found a profusion of massive wooden beams supporting the roof of the mill, which rises two more floors above. Equally massive wooden gears turn a large, wooden shaft which turns the mill stones at about eye level. Grain from a hopper is shaken into the center of the top stone and flour falls from a chute to a waiting bag below. A beautiful modern example of an 1850’s “koren molen” (grain mill) that still works today.

Built by the Verbij Hoogmade BV company in the Netherlands and re-assembled in Pella in 2002, the Vermeer Mill stands on a 40-foot-high brick base to reach a height of 124 feet at the tip of the tallest sail. Made of 16 different wood species from 6 countries, the mill supports two, five-foot in diameter, 3500-pound mill stones. 500 pounds of flour can be ground in one hour with a brisk wind. With woods like Purpleheart, Ironwood, Acidwood, Oak, Scots Elm, Teak, Lignumvitae and the exquisite joinery needed to build with them, this is a feast for anyone interested in fine woodworking.

The third floor is a small museum showing Dutch mill technology. Scale models show the mill’s inner workings, while a series of framed prints show the many variations of mill developed for specialized uses.

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The second floor is a recreation of the molenaar’s living arrangements. Compact but comfortable, it is the ultimate in thrift and short commute. This way, he was always nearby in case of bad weather to turn the mill cap into the wind. The “bed stede” or bed is interesting. The doors could be closed for warmth, but it was shorter than we’re used to, as people in the 1850’s believed it was unhealthy to sleep lying flat.

The Molenaar’s Home

Who Doesn’t Like a Parade?

Teardrop Trail Log: June 17, 2017

Morning coffee and tea

The third day of Red Power dawned humid with a light overcast, but we still enjoyed our morning coffee before heading into the fair. Catching up on Instagram and eMail, it was a pleasant way to spend an hour or two. Marilyn had a book signing event though, so we had to shake a leg.

Three-buck Breakfast Bowl

Normally we fix breakfast in camp, but our laziness and the late hour combined to encourage a little fair foraging. The breakfast croissants had been good, but we wanted something different. On the way to the Varied Industries Building, we encountered a breakfast stand hawking the “Three-buck Breakfast Bowl”. Promising eggs, cheese and potatoes skins, it looked interesting — we decided to indulge. Very tasty, it was arguably one of the most inexpensive but delicious breakfasts we had enjoyed on any of our trips. Definitely unique.

Mid-80’s monsters with a 40’s model “M”

Marilyn headed in to sign books, and I checked out the machinery behind the building. This time, I made for the large machinery, the brontosaurs and tyrannosaurs of the tractor world. They certainly dwarfed the “letter” tractors of my grandfather’s era. As I perused them, I noticed a line of tractors around the grounds. Apparently, a parade was forming up, and with a little haste, I could enjoy it. I headed for Main street.

The Land of Large Tractors

I’ve seen these parades at every Red Power, and they never fail to entertain. Like a family business, each machine seems to be driven by the owner/restorer or a member of their family and range from the tiny Cub Cadets to the enormous and rare 7488’s. I decided to capture a few in pictures and video:

After the parade, it was time to collect Marilyn and take a few last passes before the fair closed down. We wanted to say “hi” to our friends from Austin, Minnesota, Rachel and Charlie. We found them at their trailer on the machinery lot where Charlie, always busy with customers for his tractor parts and machinery stands were completing the last bits of business before the end of the day.

: Charlie with his customers

: Rachel and Marilyn

It looked like rain — we had a campsite to pack up before a trip to Pella. Better get a move on!

Leaving Red Power by way of the Varied Industries Building

Finishing Day-Two at the Red Power Roundup

Teardrop Trail Log: June 16, 2017

Iowa State Fair Agriculture Building (built in 1905) Interior

By this time, we’d had a full day. From touring the grounds and seeing the Hit-or-Miss engines to seeing the tractor patriarchs, we were about ready to stop. There was one more large building to investigate though — the Agriculture Building.

International Harvestor Memoribilia from 1939

Built in 1905, it is a giant wood, steel and brick assembly that encloses an astonishing amount of space. Surrounding the main floor are elevated galleries reached by grand staircases at each end.

1950 McCormick Farmall “C” Demonstrator tractor

International Harvester memorabilia was the focus, but there was a white demonstrator tractor and a display of cream separators that were interesting. We were hoping for a ride in Octane’s golf cart back to the camp grounds so it was time to high-tail it to their booth.

: Cream Separators

: and more Cream Separators

We enjoyed stepping into the refrigerated air of the Varied Industries Building. I wanted to cruise the booths — especially the tool vendors, and Marilyn decided to hang with her friends at the Octane Press booth.

The vendors are always interesting, but I had the most fun watching the crowd. As I shot video of the place, I started noticing little vignettes all around me. A couple of friends looking at a tractor here, a father showing his son a truck there, a couple photographing the displays, a group of tractor enthusiasts rebuilding an old Model “H”. There were little stories all around me, and I began building a narrative in my imagination. They all came down to this: a sense of shared experience and community, families sharing fun and the timelessness of passing the torch from one generation to another.

Pre-1940 IHC and Farmall Tractors with a Titan 10-20 Engine Start

Teardrop Trail Log: June 16, 2017

Marilyn had completed her obligations at Octane Press for the day, and we decided to look at other exhibits around the ‘Roundup. The next stop was the Pavilion, a very large covered arena where the Pre-1940 International, IHC and Farmall tractors were gathered. As we climbed the bleachers to get a better look, a late-teens Titan model 10-20 was starting in the arena. A few minutes later we were standing next to the now-running tractor, marveling at the meticulous restoration and intricate, visible workings of the engine. I was able to capture some video of it in the parade the next day. Magnificent!

Other restorers were holding forth next to their antique machines, to knots of interested, young farmers. It seems the passion for old machinery is wide-spread with enthusiasm that spans generations.

Red Power Roundup – 2017 Hit-or-Miss Corn Sheller

Teardrop Trail Log: June 16, 2017

I always look forward to seeing the “latest” in really old technology at the ‘Roundup, and this year encountered a great display of International Harvester model LA “hit-or-miss” engines shelling and grinding corn, as well as pumping water. I’ve mentioned them on the blog before, but this was unique. Over a half-dozen beautifully restored engines, all running, and many connected to applications with canvas belts like a McCormick/Deering Corn Sheller, a small grain mill, cob mill and a well-pump.

In order to show the entire workflow, small, functional elevators lifted the corn kernels from application to application. Best of all, a supply of dried corn — complete with cob and husk — was provided so observers could try it out. Passing children at the ‘Roundup were fascinated as they fed shucked corn into the sheller via a pipe and could watch the result. Several club members were running the exhibit; keeping the machines serviced with water and fuel and answering questions.

These small engines were common back in the day, and provided vital extra power before rural electrification. They could pump water, grind corn and lift grain into bins and cribs — saving farm families from much difficult work. I still remember the well pump on my grandparents farm, electrified by the time I came along, but no doubt once powered by one of these versatile engines.

Red Power Roundup 2017 Walkabout

Teardrop Trail Log: June 15, 2017

This was my fourth experience with the Red Power Roundup. Huron, Sedalia and Union Grove had been memorable, but the Iowa State Fair was the largest layout I had ever seen. Previous attendance had been between 15,000 and 25,000, but the estimate for this gathering was 50,000. This was going to be special!

Marilyn safely ensconced with her adoring public at the Octane Press booth, I set out for a quick tour of the nearby environs. The vendors, including Octane, were mostly located in the “Varied Industries Building.” I spent about and hour in its air-conditioned interior and headed outside.

I was immediately introduced to the “Machinery Grounds,” and beautiful red tractors were visible in every direction. Not surprisingly, much of the grounds were large concrete lots. But a pleasant wooded park was also nearby and crowded with the fascinating machines. In one curious display, 15 progressively-sized tractors — both toy and real — were connected together end-to-end. I couldn’t help wondering what the point of that was, but I would find out while watching the parade a couple of days later.

I enjoy looking at old machinery, in part because my grandparents were farmers and I had free reign of their place on summer visits as a child. There was plenty of old machinery there to look at and play with, and the fascination was born. As mentioned in an earlier post, my morning walkabout ended by meeting a new friend, Ron. The young man with the pedal tractor Marilyn and I had encountered earlier in the day (and would see again later on) made a cameo appearance also.

A Day at the Red Power Roundup

Teardrop Trail Log: June 15, 2017

IH Curios

Marilyn had duties in the Octane Press booth, so I decided to see how much of the fair I could survey before lunch and her afternoon Irma Harding presentation.

Driving a Hard Bargain

The vendors were mostly located in the “Varied Industries Building.” and it took about an hour to look over the displays. You tend to see the same folks year after year. It’s always interesting though, and fun to catch up with the folks you know from previous ‘Roundups.

A new friend

After the vendor displays, it was time to venture out. The Fairgrounds are huge, and there were tractors everywhere. I started on the “Machinery Grounds” and spent the rest of the morning looking over the assembled equipment. As I was shooting a tractor, a fellow struck up a conversation. We had both noticed a youngster peddling a toy tractor down the sidewalk, and I mentioned that I had seen this hard-working lad earlier. As we talked, Ron told me about his years of farming, love of cows, work with animal breeding and avocational clowning. Quite an interesting fellow. We exchanged business cards and said we’d keep in touch. You just never know who you’re going to meet at a Red Power Roundup.

: Machinery Grounds

: Traffic Jam

: Just a walk in the park

: Nesting Tractors

Lunch at Red Power

It was time to prepare for Marilyn’s presentation. We found her hall along one side to the Varied Industries Building and with the help of Lee’s staff, got the projector set up. Hungry with plenty of time for lunch, I wandered over the the food concession. Hamburgers and fries were the delicacy of the day, and we chowed down.

: Rapt Attention

: Irma Harding and her ghostwriter

: A grove of tractors

: Mass transit at Red Power

: What did you say?

Marilyn’s presentation went perfectly (see separate post), and the afternoon was ours to explore. I took her around Machinery Grounds for a little while before we decided some air-conditioning would be nice. The “4H Building” was relatively close, so we headed there. Inside, we discovered ranks of Cub Cadet garden tractors and IHC Autowagons.

: IHC Auto Wagons

: Cub Cadets Galore

: Resto-mod Cub

: Cub Cadets Galore 2

In one corner of the building, they were setting up the annual auction and I noticed an enormous chest freezer. It was immaculate, and the owner was supervising the load-in. Inside, there were packages of mock food all wrapped in authentic Irma Harding freezer paper. We chatted with him for a few minutes before he had to go out for another load. We both wondered: did he realize that the Irma Harding paper he had used was more valuable than the freezer itself?

: Loading in a freezer

: Valuable food

On the way out of the building, we spotted the toy tractor operator. It looked like he was done for the day.

photo of boy with toy tractor resting on a bench

That’s enough for one day

On to Des Moines: Windpower in Adair

Teardrop Trail Log: June 14, 2017

I’ve been across Iowa many times. My friend Bob and I used to promote the Surplus Sales business at area Hamfests, and there were big annual gatherings in Cedar Rapids and Chicago. It has been 20 years or more since then and things have changed. Wind farms. Since Iowa produces corn, which was once called the fuel of the future when used to make gasohol, I assumed it was the main renewable energy industry in Iowa. Poor assumption. What a great surprise!

A little research around the Web told the story. Although Texas has the largest capacity of wind power generation in the nation (20,321 megawatts at the start of 2017), Iowa is second with a capacity of 6917 megawatts. The real surprise, it leads the nation in percentage of generation by wind — supplying over 36 % of the state’s power needs (as of 2016).

There are several reasons for this. First, Iowa is located in the wide swath of land reaching from South Texas up through North Dakota blessed with ample, year round wind. This includes other states located east of the Rocky Mountains and west of the Mississippi River. These states enjoy 50 to 100% more wind than most other states with Iowa coming in as the seventh-windiest.

Second, the Renewable Electricity Portfolio Standard, signed into law by then-governer Terry Branstad in 1983. It required utilities to purchase electricity from renewable sources at a fixed price. The state was in a farm crisis, and this was seen as a way to provide extra income to farmers who really needed it. The law was the first of its kind in the nation and was the first guaranteed market for wind energy.

On top of that, Iowa has available land, and practical farmers who saw wind “farming” as just another crop. The icing on the cake? The state attracted companies that manufacture turbine components.

When we arrived at the Iowa State Fair later that day, the first thing I noticed was the giant wind turbine on the hill next to the campsites. I never fail to learn new and inspiring things about our country as we travel in our teardrop trailer.

Wind Turbine at the Iowa State Fair

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