Estero, Fl
November 10, 2010
Time again for one of my favorite TCT rallies, the Florida Homecoming Rally in Estero FL. Although one of the smaller rallies, we seem to have a big time! This year will also be the 75th anniversary of the Florida State Parks, and we are to have about 20 Vintage Trailers on display.
After packing and cleaning up the Spartanette all day, I headed out of Panama City FL at about 6:30 pm and planned on driving about 350 miles before pulling over. I decided to take interstate the whole way, which is a little longer way but with it being late I was hoping traffic would be light and I would make up the time. After a few hours on the road, I was making great time. Hardly any traffic and the time was flying by. By around 2 am I was already near Bradenton FL and was ready to pull over for a few hours, I was glad to at least make it past Tampa to avoid morning rush hour. Seemed like all the truckers had the same idea! I had to pull through three rest areas before finding a place to park, there were truckers parked along the ramps at all the rest areas!
After about 4 hours of rest I was ready to make the last 120 miles to Estero. I arrived at the park at about 9:30 am and was surprised to find out I was the first to arrive. Got my pick of spot and started to set up, it was nice to get here a day early and take my time setting up and doing a few small repairs on the trailer that I have just neglected….I never seem to have time to work on my own trailers unless I am on a trip, Funny….I own a Vintage Trailer Restoration Shop and have to pull my trailer 500+ miles to get to work on my trailers!
After getting completely setup and a quick rest, I decided to take a walk around the park. As I walked out the door I saw Forrest and Jeri pulling in with their 1955 Trotwood. It was good to see them again, it had been a few months since we were at the same rally. After they got their trailer backed in, I helped them get their new awning up an it looked great! After they were set up we all sat around and caught up on trailer talk for a while. After a little while Forrest and Jeri went to pick up a few supplies and I went to grab some dinner. Now it is time to call it a night. Tomorrow will be fun watching all the rest of the trailers pull in!
Tim Heintz
TCT S.E. Rep.
1950 Spartanette Tandem
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Hi Tim- we left Cocoa Beach in our 54 Airstream last night abd drove through the night. On our way to the Home comming Rally. We Slept at Okee… The big lake! Now were having breakfest at an old Dinner and ready to hit the road- should be ariving soon- Tom is in route from St Pete in his 50 Airstream- we will see if we can park near eachother- Dan
“…we will see if we can park near each other…”
Must be your first time here! All 20 of us will be parked in an area about half the size (smaller!) of a football field!!! One of my favorite rallies because of this! Our own little trailer town! Really a great place, I have been here evey year! Right now it is just my trailer and Forrest’s!
See you soon!
Tim Heintz