TCT Part One

TCT stands for Tin Can Tourists. This past weekend Tin Can Tourists held a get together on Tybee Island at the Rivers End Campground. The group was formed in 1919 in Florida. Its objective was and is to unite fraternally all auto campers whose principles included clean camps, friendliness among campers, decent behavior and to secure plenty of clean wholesome entertainment for those in camp. The name of the group comes from their history of soldering a tin can to the radiator cap of their cars. The group now holds get togethers with vintage campers from the past. The campers on Tybee Island ranged from the late 1930's to the 1980's.

Now to be honest Carol and I have no interest in camping. I haven't camped since sometime in my early college years when we used to go out to O'Connor's pasture over on East Fremont Road and play capture the flag and drink beer. The best thing about this rally was the fact that it was about a quarter mile walk from our house. The weather was beautiful Saturday and we thought it would be a good day for a walk and to look at some really cool old campers.

The first trailer I want to show you is "Bertha". This beauty is a 1952 Royal Spartanette who makes her home in Athens, Georgia. There is something wonderful to me in the polished aluminum and curved lines of this lovely lady. 

This was probably my favorite for the show. The reason for me was simple. It is a late 1960' or early 1970's pickup truck pulling a camper of the same era. You can look at the pair and let your mind carry you back 40+ years to a simpler time in life. When the world was filled with hope and promise as seen through the eyes of your youth. Passing this setup on the  Interstate and thinking what a great life that must be. 

It is tough to miss the beautiful graceful curves of an Airstream. This model featured curved doors and gave the feeling of being a space station on wheels. 

This Airstream was not as polished as the previous one and lacked the curved doors. The owners had however made an interesting addition to the front and rear windows. 

This beauty is a 1960 Airstream Overlander. The stained glass windows seem like a great addition to this classic. I wish I had looked this good at age 54. 

This camper is a 1960's Ace Little King proudly owned by Wes, Kate and Zoey. If you look real close Zoey is the little dog sitting on Kate's lap. Zoey did not think much of old men with beards and tattoos. We stood around and talked to Wes and Kate for a few minutes. They are from Athens,Georgia and this was their first experience at Tin Can Tourists. They seem to be having a really good time relaxing and chatting with anyone who would stop. Since we live close we could hear the music later in the evening. They had a band over that way and I hope Wes and Kate had a good time. They seemed to be good salt of the earth southern folk. 

That is all for today. There will be more of the TCT rally tomorrow. 

T