Eggs on the Hiawassee

Molded fiberglass trailers are fondly referred to as "eggs". When they gather for a rally, it is an eggs ramble. It has been on my bucket list to attend one. My Scamp owning friend, Mary, was game to come down and join me, so we met in the beautiful Georgia mountains for the second annual Eggs on the Hiawassee at Riverbend Campground on the Hiawassee River. Seventy two eggs registered and as far as the eye could see, we were surrounded by molded fiberglass campers including many vintage models I had only read about.

This is a 13' Boler from the early 1970s. One of the great advantages of molded fiberglass, besides their ultra light weight, is that they are not prone to leak like conventional stick built trailers. This means that they last very long time and enjoy the support of vintage afficianados.

13' Trillium

13' UHAUL

There were several vintage Trilliums and 4 or 5 vintage UHauls. I learned from an owner (who was currently a manager for UHaul) that from 1982 thru 1986, UHaul rented everything from floor sanders to jet skis including these little trailers. Eventually they decided their main money was in trucks and storage, but in the 80s, for $49 a day, you could rent one of these little beauties.

To give you a sense of scale, the picture to the right is me parked among the big rigs at a rest stop where I was not allowed to park with the cars. There was only one other fiberglass gooseneck trailer at the raĺly, although several manufacturers offer them. It was a 19' Scamp like mine. Still, I look tiny parked next to these trucks but I felt huge among the eggs.  The most elegant camper among us was this new 23' Oliver with granite counters, built in stereo, spotless, mirrored interior and charming awnings. Heavy enough to require 2 axles, I doubt my truck (or my budget) could have pulled it, but it was a treat to see. And it was, despite its added length, no wider than my trailer which is also no wider than my truck, making it easy to find a way through tight spaces.

We did other things besides enjoy other trailers. We paddled Lake Chatuge and enjoyed lunch drifting in the boats.

We explored several local historic towns including Hayesville, NC with its wonderful courthouse of handmade brick.

And we had a grand time with Mary's new puppy, Jack, who charmed the campers and aggrivated the adult dogs with his friendliness.

Bad storms were forecast for Sunday. There is no easy way between Hiawassee and home and I preferred to navigate the winding mountain roads in the dry so I left early. Riverbend was a lovely campground but I prefer smaller, more wooded spots. It was perfect for the rally but for a 7 hour drive, I may choose someplace else for a vacation.