See those two folks running on the beach? That's gonna be me and Kerri this summer. Our Apache Summer...
When the impulse to learn about Apaches became the impulse to buy an Apache, we really lucked-out. As it happened, in late April we returned to craigslist to hunt and we found the selection to be pretty choice. By choice I mean there were TWO for sale. On the SAME DAY. Now, that is remarkable because Vesely made a ton of these Apaches for a 30 year period but you don't find them everywhere. Luckily, we live in Portland, Oregon, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
(Oregon is the most amazing place in the US of A!!! There are mountains, coasts, deserts, rain-y forests...got it all! If you haven't read about the Columbia River Gorge or the Cascade Mountain Range, treat yourself and do it right after you finish this post.)
(random apache photo to break up the block of text. not the chocolate brown apache we saw in hillsboro)
The gentleman camper and his wife demonstrated to us how it opens and sets up. All in all, set-up took less than ten minutes. He was sure to tell us that it gets easier and quicker with practice. Kerri and I were not deterred for once we got inside the thing we were already speaking in low whispers about how much cash we had between us. This things was COOL! Oh man, the first time to see the whole lay-out in person was a trip. The Eagles are spacious, especially for just two and a dog. And the chocolate brown Eagle had some great qualities. This Apache had a complete set of bed and dinette cushions, not original but custom made and in great shape. The dinette table was in working order. But the canvas was pretty shot. Still...it was cool and they were only asking $400.
We had another Eagle to go and see on Sauvie's Island, one that claimed to have been stored inside for most of its life. So we thanked the folks for showing us their Apache and told them we would let them know as soon as we saw the other one if we wanted the choco-eagle.
So, we drove over the west hills to Sauvies Island. And we promptly became owners of THIS:
A 1972 Apache Eagle in AMAZING condition. This thing HAD been stored inside for 35 years. The body is in great shape, the canvas almost 100% intact and working. The zippers work fine, the brake and turning signals fully operational, original sleeping pads, table fully functioning... Just in great shape. Just like in this ad:
Kerri and I didn't need to think long about what to do. We put a deposit on our new 1972 Apache Eagle and made an appointment to get a towing package installed on the Forester! ($300...yikes!) Next day, we brought it home.
About the only things it was missing were the dinette cushions and a set of hangers for the shell when the unit is completely set up. The tail light covers are not original. It is missing the "E" in the prominent "APACHE" hard plastic decal above the door...so it just reads "APACH". And we think the floor covering is not original. It kinda has a linoleum herring bone pattern...brown...meh, but still awesome. Other than that everything was great!
And now...we are Apache owners. We join a nerdy national club of camping geeks who love their Apaches. Our '72 Eagle is in great working order but we dream of sprucing it up a little each year. We found a pretty great example of a 1970 Eagle in mint original condition that we'd like to emulate:
It would be sweet to find a outdoor awning canvas like the one pictured above. Especially as we gear up to take longer trips staying in one camp site for multiple days. AND, we really dig the bright orange and yellow striped cushions of this 1970 Eagle. Looks as if they have added a orange chest of drawers for additional storage and seating. Not a bad idea, but as it is that chest of drawers is right where Tilford's doggy bed is.
Before I go on to other homework, take a look at some interior photos of our Apache Eagle '72. Next post will finally include photos from our first trip with our Apache, out to Deschutes State Park!!!
Peace and happy camping!
Ulysses
