Raindrops are making a rhythmic noise at they hit the roof of the travel trailer. The pitter-patter sound provides a good, positive and secure feeling. This part of the Great Outdoors is welcome no matter if in a tent, a building with a metal roof or in our travel trailer.

Outdoor adventurers expecting dry weather for their activities might be disappointed, but this is not my feeling as farmers need the spring rains for their crops. My wife, Garnet, and I had no plans involving adventures in the outdoors today, so we are not frustrated or dissatisfied in any way.

My position on the couch provides a view of the northeast edge and end of Steamboat Rock while looking out the kitchen window. Our picture window, located at the rear of the trailer and taking up three-quarters of the wall space, is pointed toward Banks Lake and the east edge of the Grand Coulee across the water. We are parked at Steamboat Rock State Park, occupying Site 87.

The floor plan of this Hideout travel trailer indicates the picture window area is termed a rear lounge and is complete with two easy chairs which swivel. The space lives up to the name and we take advantage of the opportunity.

Preparing to leave home

This is our first camping trip of the year. We finished our shopping for the trip yesterday morning, Sunday, April 15, and stocked the vehicle. The slide-out was retracted, tires checked for the correct pressure and step placed in travel mode.

The tongue was raised, the ball backed under it and lowered. The safety chains were attached, sway bars installed, electrical plug connected and lights tested. We conduct a walk-around inspection before turning a wheel, just as a double check to make sure we haven't forgotten anything and every connection is in the proper place.

The Ram 1500 is a perfect match for our trailer. We left Moses Lake at 1 p.m. and arrived at the state park at 2:30. Our set-up time was around 30 minutes, with Garnet conducting the inside chores and me on the outside.

The manufacturer titled the pattern of the interior furniture and window valances as tropical, with black, bronze, gold and green colors. The walls are beige and the counter tops brown; neither are solid, but mottled and attractive.

Garnet has had great fun providing additional fixtures to the interior. The first was a long runner in front of the couch and two shorter ones in front of the dining area and the sink.

We both enjoy fleece throws for warmth on a cool day, but Garnet purchased several extra for use on the back and seat of the couch and lounge chairs. Plus there are two on the bed for decoration.

A need was obvious for some device to hang keys, hats, a calendar, a clock, towels, potholders and other items throughout the trailer. After much study, Garnet found a special hook which is easy to install and leaves no mark when removed. The name is Command Brand and different size hooks hold 3-pound or 5-pound items, although we have yet to hang an object weighing 5-pounds. This brand make poster strips for hanging photos or other items intended to be flat to the wall.

Storage for hand towels

The bathroom is lacking storage space. There is a cabinet under the sink, but currently it is used to store the toilet chemicals, toilet paper and assorted other items. Garnet found small plastic containers, similar to milk cartons, which, when placed on edge, make a perfect place to store hand towels and wash clothes. The towels are then placed on a hook to dry.

Larger cartons are used for storage in the bath tub and can be easily removed when time for a shower. Garnet uses dishpan-type plastic containers for storage during travel. Upon arrival, items are taken out of the containers and placed in the proper place.

Examples include cooking utensils and spices for the kitchen counter, napkin holder for the dining table and some food items, such as potatoes and onions. The containers stack nicely when not in use.

Unstable table

Our U-shaped dining table has been a sore spot for me. The base is bolted to the floor and can be removed for use throughout the trailer. This would appear to be a positive aspect and make the table multifunctional. However, because it is comes from the base to the table top on one post, it wobbles, tips and moves at the slightest touch.

After consulting with friend Bob Chudomelka, a mechanical and design genius in my book, tightening the bolts and other connections would do little to stabilize the table. Then Garnet brought home a tension rod for a window curtain.

A rod of appropriate size at each corner of the table would make it rock solid, but we would not be able to slide into the seat. The solution was to place a rod at each corner at the back of the table and one in the middle of the table in the front. The three-point stance has increased stabilization 80 percent; problem solved.

Outdoor carpet

We purchased a piece of indoor-outdoor carpet five years ago for use with our first trailer. It prevents tracking a bunch of dirt into the living space when placed along the door-side. Every year since, we have considered purchasing a new one when this carpet is not usable. However it is in place as this is written and will be used for another year.

Learning and discovering new and better ways to camp in a travel trailer is never-ending for this mechanically-challenged camper. Stay tuned for additional learning experiences.

Note: Readers are invited to submit their trailer-camping tips and experiences. Send them to dclay@atnet.net.