This is the second one I have fished out in the last few weeks. I like having them around but these big ones eat too many eggs. She was relocated well away from the house and will hopefully stay away for a while.
On the Road
This was our trial run of the nearly finished vardo. I had to stop tinkering long enough to pack it up and get ready to head out.
Packed for camping and ready to leave.
I should find a way to better secure the steps as the steep mountain grades caused some movement.
Taller tires have now made the wagon sit a little tilted. I shall need to fix this with a drop down hitch.
First RV style campground… ever. I was actually very impressed with the facility.
The little vardo drew quite a bit of attention here amidst the $100,000+ RVs.
Skins
Vardo Table
Third try is the best. After trying two other solutions for the table front, this is what I decided upon. Oak with a simple brass sash pull. Not very exciting I know, but still an important detail.
The two visible screw heads will be plugged to hide them better. I just haven’t made it that far yet.
There are more small fixes and additions that have been made, just waiting to be posted here.
Finished Roof (nearly)
I finally put the final layer of roof on the vardo. I suspect this will really help keep it cool in the sun.
I still have quite a ways to go with paint and other exterior trim but my next focus is to finish installing the stove. The plan is made, most of it has been “dry fitted”, now it just needs some cutting to plumb the chimney pipe.
Beer & Running
Staples of the ancestors.
I have been away from the wagon quite a bit lately while brewing and bottling beer, traveling to see family, and dealing with a fairly ridiculous amount of hours of low paying work. All while trying to keep current in anthropology by reading recent research and keeping up with playing music when I find time.
On the fun reading side, I was truly impressed with Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run. If you want to know about research on humans as runners, think the athletic shoe industry is a bunch of soulless racketeers, or just think the Tarhuamara Indians of Mexico are cool, then this is a pretty good read. If you are interested in the ever-growing barefoot or minimalist shoe movement, Barefoot Ted’s is a good place to start.
Steps
Oak treads, 8″ rise. Nothing fancy but very functional.
Door Redux
I wasn’t fully satisfied with the door so I rebuilt it. It isn’t quite done but it is functional. Hardware is being added, the front window nearly finished, and interior is underway. More come. The complete Vardo picture page is here for anyone interested in more.
Gypsy waggon painter
How I missed this one before I do not know. This gentleman does amazing things that one doesn’t see much in this century. I intend to take much inspiration from his work when I get to painting my wagon. It doesn’t look to be updated often, but who am I to talk. He’s probably painting something.
http://gypsywaggonpainter.blogspot.com/
and the website proper:
http://www.gypsycaravanpainting.com/
Slow to load but worth the wait if you want to see some excellent painting.
Details
It is slow going with details currently but photos will come soon. Little bits and bobs take a lot of time when you are limited to short evenings after work. Here’s a look at the Vardo as she looks today.
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 