T@b-MOD-ifications

I have spent the entire week redecorating the interior of the T@belot with some custom touches.   As I mentioned, I am going with the euro-modern look inspired by the european sisters of the T@b and the great offerings at IKEA.  Check out the euro-T@b's made in Germany at http://www.southdownsmotorcaravans.co.uk/tab/index.php. 

The T@belot is a work in progress, but here's what I have done so far.  I had covers made for all the cushions by a seamstress I found on Craigslist.  I think she did a great job.  I got the fabric at IKEA.  I am really excited about the covers and think they really transform the interior.  They will also make it really easy to remove the covers after each trip and throw them in the wash.  This option is essential since we plan to travel with dogs. 

I added some dish towel rods on the two front cabinets in the kitchen area to make clean up easier.  I also added rods above the sink and in the back sleeping area.  These rods come with extra hooks that will come in handy to hang water bottles, toiletry bags, pots and pans, and other miscellaneous necessities.  I added a nice little spice rack on the wall above the stove that will add some convenience when cooking.  Finally, I upgraded the speakers in the back with some nice Kenwood 140W speakers.  The sound system could still use some work, but this is an improvement over the originals.  Although I haven't done it yet, I plan to install a floating cork floor to soften the feel and add an eco-friendly feel to the interior.  Let me know what you think of the upgrades.  Feel free to share some of your own T@b-MOD-ifications or suggestions.

We Brought Her Home

We finally brought the T@belot home from the dealer.  It took us over 3 hours to drive home from Sunset to Salt Lake City since we didn't dare get on the freeway.  We had a nice leisurely drive through the back roads of Davis County, Utah.  We managed to get the T@belot in the driveway and have been happily working on some interior decorations and modifications.  We are going for the euro-modern look inside with brushed aluminum and orange accents.  Stay tuned!

Etymology of T@belot

T@belot’s name derivation is from the famous castle of Camelot associated with the legendary King Arthur. In Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, Camelot is defined as: \’kam-e-,lat\ n. 1: the site of King Arthur’s palace and court in Arthurian legend; and 2: a time, place, or atmosphere of idyllic happiness. Although most scholars regard Camelot as being purely fictional, there is some evidence, and at a minimum, extensive historical lore, regarding its existence. Other than vague references to “somewhere in Britain,” the precise location of Camelot is unknown. Camelot’s lack of precise location, uncertainty as to actual existence, and symbolism of idyllic happiness is a perfect and quintessential representation of my idea of the travel trailer. Thus, the name for our trailer and the experiences it renders shall be referred to as T@belot.  For more information on King Arthur and Camelot, check out the Camelot Project at the University of Rochester at http://www.lib.rochester.edu/camelot/cphome.stm

We Bought a T@b

Although we haven't been camping in years, and perhaps decades, we decided it was time to get back to the simple pleasures of life and to learn some lessons that only a good roadtrip and the chill of the fresh outdoors can teach. What better way to hit the road than with a cool retro-ready camper like the T@b. After very little research, given my typical obsessive nature, and a somewhat impulsive purchase, we are now the proud owners of what we refer to as our little T@belot. In preparation for our travels, we have re-read Thoreau's great masterpiece and are in proper mental form to explore the world, or at least our small and inconsequential piece of it, and to meet the people it has to offer. Thus begins our greatest little grand adventure. Please feel free to join along.