Airstream Life SUMMER 2014 by Church Street Publishing, Inc.

STORING YOUR WARDROBE • ARCHITECTS’ AIRSTREAM • PENSACOLA FOOD TRUCKS • ON-AIRSTREAMING STUDIO

SUMMER 2014 AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION | A IRSTREA ML IFE .CO M

TABLE OF CONTENTS

traveling well

Summer 2014

The official Airstream lifestyle magazine

EDITOR’S PAGE

INBOX

Best Storage Options

AIRSTREAMING

14 M obile

Design Turns An Airstream into an “Archistream”

Al Fresco Pensacola

Streaming Audio In Austin

RIVET BIT

airstream food

RIVET BIT Mobile Design Turns An Airstream into an “Archistream”, Page 14

Streaming Audio In Austin, Page 18 2

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Al Fresco Pensacola, Page 16

love is in the air

It was 2003. They met on the fairgrounds in Mount Vernon. Weeks later, when they

2014 22 Sport

reconnected in a chatroom for sword swallowing enthusiasts, Alexander and Charon knew it was destiny. And, with so much in common – the circus, eating fire, and all things unconventional – no one was surprised when they fell in love, and married in 2010. They hit the road in a lovingly restored 1966 Airstream Overlander and never looked back. A toast to our nomadic friends… For them, Airstream is home.

Get the rest of the story at

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EDITOR’S PAGE

Ten Years of Airstream Life

ABOUT OUR COVER Recognize the style of our cover? It’s the distinctive work of artist Taralee Guild, who was also on the cover of our Fall 2010 issue. This painting was commissioned by Bill Nebeker, who had this 1961 Airstream Bambi restored in Arizona. Taralee’s work often features polished aluminum vintage travel trailers, including Airstream, Spartan, Airlight, and Aeroflight. For more images of her work, visit her website at http://taraleeguild.com/ The Bambi’s reconstruction was completed with the goal of keeping the Bambi “true to its roots,” while transforming it into a thoroughly modern travel trailer. For more of the story behind this trailer, see Bill Nebeker’s letter in our “Inbox” section.

With the publication of this issue, we’ve hit a milestone: ten years of Airstream Life magazine. I have to admit, I’m a bit shocked to find myself here. I started Airstream Life as a direct result of my personal interest in traveling by Airstream, but I never thought that a decade later I’d still be happily publishing and traveling. I figured I would find something else to do eventually. You know why Airstream Life continues today? Because of people like you, who subscribe and enjoy the magazine and travel. When traveling as a family, we meet you on the road and at rallies. We meet you online. We’ve made lasting friendships as a result of this. It’s not an overstatement to say that Airstreaming has changed the course of our lives, for the better. So, thank you for being part of that. This anniversary causes me to think about how Airstreaming has changed in the last decade. In 2004 the International CCD line, with the then-revolutionary exposed aluminum interior, was still fairly new but already capturing the attention of new buyers. Airstream still made a Class A motorhome, and the now-popular Interstate series of Class B motorhomes didn’t exist. Things were ticking along pretty well back at the factory, and we had no idea that a few years later the RV industry would be hit by the worst economic storm since the Great Depression. Airstream more than recovered from that The new Airstream Life iPad storm, by the way. The company enjoyed a 59 app offers access to every issue percent sales increase in 2013, and production is at published, even those that are no a level the company hasn’t seen since the 1970s. longer available in print. Baby Boomers are retiring in droves, and as they do, a lot of them are going straight to Airstream to get their long-awaited fantasy retirement vehicles. Lots of other changes have happened as well, but the people in our community continue to be the same: an interesting and adventurous group who recognize the value of traveling in a way that allows you to slow down and have genuine experiences. We’ve tried to explore every aspect of Airstreaming over the first decade of Airstream Life. (I’ve discovered that it’s a concept that can never be fully explained— you have to live it to understand it, but it’s fun to document anyway.) The problem is that ten years of Airstream Life amounts to quite a lot of paper. Like a lot of people, I’ve saved a copy of every issue so I could refer back to them later. There’s a lot of great information in the back issues that I don’t ever want to lose. But years ago the stack of back issues got so tall and heavy that I stopped carrying them around in the Airstream during trips. Fortunately, the solution is finally here. Our iPad edition is now available! This means you can now read every issue of Airstream Life magazine ever published, and take all the information accumulated over ten years with you on your trips.

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traveling well

Plus, you can subscribe to future issues of Airstream Life on iPad, which means that as each magazine comes out you’ll get it digitally—faster than it arrives in the mail. No more worries about mail forwarding or finding a place to keep the paper copy. Best of all, digital subscriptions are less expensive, so you save money too! You can try it out for free just by downloading our iPad app, from the Apple App Store. (Sorry, we don’t have an Android version yet but we will if there’s enough interest.) We just launched an updated version of the app, so if you’ve already tried it, be sure to get the update and see the many improvements we’ve made. Now I wonder what the next ten years will bring? Our travel “wish list” is still long (including hoped-for trips to Alaska, Labrador, and Chaco Culture National Park, as well as some vintage-oriented rallies we’ve never managed to reach). Airstream keeps developing new products (I’d like to have an Interstate some day). And, Airstream continues to expand its dealer network to countries that we’d like to visit, which means more interesting people to meet. It looks like the next ten years might be just as interesting and fun as the first! I hope you’ll join us as we continue to document it all in the upcoming issues of Airstream Life. See you on the road!

Rich Luhr Editor & Publisher

The official Airstream lifestyle magazine Editor and Publisher: Rich Luhr rich@airstreamlife.com Associate Editors: Tom Bentley Becky Blanton Layout and Design: OneTree Marketing lisa@airstreamlife.com Advertising Sales: Brett Greiveldinger brett@airstreamlife.com (802) 877-2900 Ext. 2 Editorial Illustrator: Brad Cornelius Culinary Consultant: Eleanor O’Dea Customer Service: David Winter Associate Contributors: Jody Brotherston J. Rick Cipot Fred Coldwell Renee Ettline Bert Gildart John Irwin Forrest McClure Charles Spiher CONTACT Airstream Life 411 Walnut St #4468 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 Telephone: (802) 877-2900 Fax: (802) 610-1013 www.airstreamlife.com

Don’t Miss The Next Issue! Now it’s even easier to change your address when you move, find out when your s ubscription expires, or renew your subscription to Airstream Life. Just visit www.airstreamlife.com/renew, and identify yourself with your email address and zip code.* With just a click, you can see what issues you’ve received, which issues you are still due to receive, change your mailing or email address, and renew your subscription!

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CUSTOMER SERVICE Airstream Life’s world headquarters are the dinette table of a 2005 Airstream Safari 30 We’re always glad to hear from you, but if you have a simple question, please check our website for help first. There you can subscribe, renew your subscription, change your address, get advertising information, download writer’s and photographer’s guidelines, notify us of an address change,and get answers to frequently-asked questions. See www.airstreamlife.com or call (802) 877-2900. Airstream Life (ISSN 1550-5979) is published quarterly by Church Street Publishing, Inc., 411 Walnut St #4468, Green Cove Springs FL 32043. Subscription price is $24 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Ferrisburg VT and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Airstream Life, 411 Walnut St #4468, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 © Copyright 2014 by Church Street Publishing, Inc. AIRSTREAM® is the property of Airstream, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in CANADA.

INBOX

A Bit More About Our Cover Rich: Thank you so much for considering my 1961 Bambi and the painting for your cover. I am a lawyer and I have been involved in a trial for my biggest client since November 4th of last year. The Bambi was not completed until November 1, 2013. As a result, I have not had the opportunity to take it anywhere other than my back yard! In any event, my trial will end in two weeks, so I am looking forward to camping in it this coming summer and perhaps taking it to some shows if I can find them. I bought it in Las Cruces, New Mexico in August of 2012. I had not owned an Airstream before, but had been interested for about a year. One afternoon while waiting for my wife to get ready to go golfing on a Friday afternoon, I was killing time by Googling Bambi Airstreams. A Bambi for sale popped up in Las Cruces and looked recent (hours). I sent an e-mail response and went to play golf. The next morning, I decided to call the number and was greeted by a very nice man who said he had been bombarded with inquiries. He also told me that he had offers from England and Memphis TN, along with many people wanting to come see it. I played the “my mother was born in Las Cruces” card (which is true!) and said I would come out the following weekend. There were some other negotiations, but I bought it and picked it up. It took a while for me to determine who I wanted to restore it. The interior was gutted and the exterior needed work. However, I would rather be lucky than good as the saying goes, and stumbled upon a great duo that did a frame-off restoration that is magnificent. It took from December, 2012 until November 2013, but was well worth the wait. The 1961 Bambi now has a sink, microwave, flat screen TV, surround sound stereo, Zip-Dee awning, tankless water heater, generator, ducted air-conditioning, shower, toilet, dinette, double bed, and LED lighting. The painting shows the rear of the Bambi which includes the re-purposed original water tank that was polished and turned into storage. The restoration work was done primarily by James Horne, who liked the work so much he opened his own vintage restoration shop. It is called Atomic Jimmy’s in Apache Junction, AZ. Regards, Bill Nebeker

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Visit The Real Florida Rich, Winter camping is no fun in lots of places, but we had a fine time in January at two of Florida’s fabulous State Parks. We take our Airstream to several of these parks every winter, including one new one. Aptly called “the Real Florida,” we love ‘em. This photo was taken January 25, 2014, at Highlands Hammock State Park near Sebring. This Park offers trails through old growth live oaks and bald cypress, and a museum dedicated to the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Carolyn made the custom draperies that add an orangey shine to the front windows of our Airstream, a 2008 23' Safari SE. Our whippet Mikey was so interested in me taking the photo that he stayed pretty still for eight seconds, but Carolyn’s hand is blurry from patting him. After taking this, I returned to my chair by the fire. Travel well. Tom (and Carolyn) Riggs Clearwater, Florida

Yes, We Want Your Photos! Dear Airstream Life Magazine, My wife and I have taken your magazine for years and enjoy every issue. I have noticed you print people’s artwork and photos from time to time. I have wanted to send you this photo for a couple of years, so here it is. This is our 21 foot Airstream Sovereign taken during a summer trip to Moab, Utah. I hope you can use the photo… the trip was wonderful! Thank you, Matthew D. Connolly Yes, we love to see your Airstream photos and trip reports! Don’t hesitate to contact us via email (editor@airstreamlife.com) with something you’d like to share.

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INBOX

Airstream Weekends, Even In The Winter Mr. Luhr, Loved the editorial “Take A Different Path,” in the Spring 2014 issue. My wife and I are both in the Air Force and we are weekenders. I just got my wife back from a deployment to Afghanistan and we are already planning our next trip. We have two young boys, 4 & 2, and while my wife was gone I would go over to the Airstream for 2-3 hours one weekend a month to relax with the boys. We’d watch one of their movies and have fun. Here in Washington we have to winterize, so it is nice to spend time in our coach. Life is better in the Airstream and our 4 year old yelling, “I love the trailer, it is awesome” each time we go out is soooo worth it. Thanks for the good articles, keep them coming. Mike Roberts

Your “quick start” guide to traveling, camping, and owning an Airstream travel trailer! This fun guide is filled with succinct, practical and tested answers to the most commonly-asked questions and typical new owner challenges. Includes sections on all kinds of “newbie” topics: understanding all the systems, camping, towing, solar & generators, maintenance, winterizing, simple repairs, packing, backing, dumping, filling, winter travel, Internet, cleaning, tools, myths, and sample checklists. Makes a great gift for new Airstream owners, and a handy reference even for experienced owners. Includes over 30 illustrations, and an indispensable eight-page “Jargon Guide” with definitions of commonly used Airstreaming terms. Spiral bound (so it lays flat while you're reading it), and 6x9" paperback format so it will fit on Airstream shelves. 104 pages. Written by Rich Luhr (Editor of Airstream Life) with contributions by Airstream Life staff. $9.95 at the Airstream Life store at www.airstreamlife.com/store and Amazon.com. Available as an eBook for Kindle and iPad/iPhone too!

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The Journey of 10,000 Miles Dear Rich, We enjoy Airstream Life magazine and look forward to each issue. I’m recently retired so now I have time to travel in the Airstream. Last summer (2013) we went across country from Virginia to Washington in our Airstream, with two dogs and a cat. We put over 10,000 miles on the truck. We spent over six weeks and saw the Badlands, Rushmore, Yellowstone, the Tetons, Glacier, the coast of Oregon, the Redwoods, the Sequoias, the Grand Canyon, the Bill Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, AR, Memphis and the Mississippi River, and the Great Smokies. We were home for a week in Lynchburg, VA and then spent a week at Huntington Beach in SC again with our pets. The Airstream is currently winterized but we can’t wait until this summer to travel. We need to see Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico in depth. Also, the New England states, Canada, and Alaska. There’s so much to see and do in this great country we’re thinking seriously about full-timing. The photo below is going into Yellowstone. There are many more pictures of the trip if interested. Also, see Doug Ashwell’s Facebook page for more photos of the trip.

There’s so much to see and do in this great country we’re thinking seriously about full-timing.

Ron and Doug

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is on call 24/7 if they should ever need help. will call the road their home this weekend.

24/7 roadside assistance. Your weekends are spent on the open road. What makes it even easier is knowing that with Progressiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 24/7 Roadside Assistance you will never be stranded. In fact, Progressive will tow your RV and your vehicle, even if your vehicle isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t insured by us. Drive comfortably. Call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, go to progressive.com or call an independent agent.

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Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. and its affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. Roadside Assistance is subject to policy terms. 10D00070 (06/10)

AIRSTREAMING

Best Storage Options For Your Traveling Wardrobe By Ramona Creel

Pare Down First Creating organized storage spaces in an RV is a challenge in and of itself, and having “too much” just compounds the problem – so the first step is to trim down to only those items you love, wear all the time, and truly enjoy. Start by pulling out anything that no longer fits and asking yourself when you realistically plan to be that size again. Unfortunately, wishful thinking equals clutter. If it isn’t going to happen within the next couple of months, it might be time to let that size 6 go and accept yourself as a beautiful and confident size 10. Finally, take a look at those bits and pieces of your wardrobe that you always seem to skip over when asking yourself, “What should I wear today?” Maybe you hate the color of that lime green jacket, or those shoes pinch your feet, or that pleated skirt just makes you feel fat – lose ‘em! Life is too short to wear clothes you hate. Everything you own should be flattering, comfortable, and make you feel fabulous.

PHOTO: Ramona Creel

When friends visit my Airstream for the first time, they always comment on the size of my closet. Folks who know me and my crazy outfits laugh at the idea that I can fit my entire wardrobe into such a teeny space – until they see how how organized everything is. That’s when they stop snickering and start taking notes! If you’ve got an unlimited number of closets and drawers, it’s easy to be cavalier about your storage – but in a travel trailer you have to be a lot more deliberate about what you own and where you keep it. That’s why I suggest that full-timers and weekend warriors alike consider setting up their traveling wardrobes according to the following principles:

Think Outside The Box Hangers may be the norm in a brick-and-mortar house, but they’re often nothing more than space-wasters in a traveling closet. Maximizing storage is about making the most of your horizontal and vertical space. When you think about it three-dimensionally, hung clothing only utilizes maybe half (if not less) of the available top-to-bottom acreage. And those ribbed closet rods that prevent your clothes from sliding back and forth while your rig is in transit can even further cramp your storage style. I’ve found that a hanging canvas sweater/shoe shelf which straps to your closet rod allows me to spread out vertically by creating a series of small softsided cubbies. You can get even more bang for your organizing buck when you roll your clothing rather than folding it (a military-packing-a-duffel-bag trick my father taught me years ago). Grouping items by type (shirts, skirts, pants, etc.) and then by color family (all the reds together, all the blacks together) makes it that much easier to concoct an outfit as you’re getting ready in the morning.

Contain and Conquer I know it’s easy to drop your shoes by the door and toss your jacket on the back of a chair (because you’re just going to need them again tomorrow), but keeping clothing items “out” for convenience sake is one of the quickest ways for a small space to become cluttered and chaotic. Having a “home” where things can actually be put away goes a long way toward keeping the piles and stacks at bay. Don’t have room for a dresser or armoire in your rig? You don’t need one! Hanging shoe pockets are great for belts, scarves, or socks. Earrings A IRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION | A IRSTREA MLIF E .CO M

AIRSTREAMING and necklaces can be stored in divided craft organizing boxes. Small open baskets or bins work like a dream for hats, gloves, and other random accessories. Also remember the multitude of options you have for camouflaged containerizing, using existing furniture. For example, you might keep shoes in an enclosed storage ottoman, or store extra jackets in the arm of your gaucho).

Store in Layers When working with my stationary organizing clients, I generally recommend not putting things behind or under other things, because they’ll get lost. However, in a radically small space like an RV, you really have no choice. Open any of my cabinets, closets, or drawers, and you’ll find two rows of belongings. In front are the things I use all the time, and in back are the things I still need but get at less often. That means special-occasion clothing is behind the more casual stuff, and off-season accessories are tucked behind those things that are currently being used. In short, take just what you need, find a place for everything, and make the most of your space. You’ll find traveling to be easier and more fun when you’re spending less time sorting through your stuff in the Airstream, and more time exploring the world outside!

rental

airstream

journeys

For the first time ever, you can rent a current-model Airstream, fully outfitted including a GMC Yukon Denali. We provide custom travel, or just take it & go. Exclusively authorized by Airstream, Inc., please visit airstream2go.com or call 800-780-9880

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COME

S JO

KIDS

New activities, new panel discussions and tech talks, and for the first time ever, off-site tours! This year we’ll be visiting the Kitchen Aid Experience, Bears Mill, Bicycle Museum, Temple of Tolerance, and have a special Airstream lecture at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum.

NING

Come get the full Airstream experience! It’s like an all-new event!

GAN

May 27-June 1, 2014 at the Airstream factory in Jackson Center, OH

ERI

Music by Josh Rogan Magic by Eric Henning We’re bringing back your “old favorites” too, including: Daily yoga, the Backup Derby and Rivet Masters competitions, kite flying, talks and meetups with Airstream Inc. staff and leadership, the Aluminum Gong Show, Happy Hours with doorprizes, Dutch Oven cooking, unlimited socializing with your Airstream brethren, and twice-daily factory tours, of course. New Airstreams will be on display courtesy of Arbogast RV All activities and events are subject to change before event dates.

$80 per adult. Camp 3 to 5 days, your choice, from $155 to $205 per site. All sites have water hookup and dump station. Choose generator section or 3-amp rally electric. Register now with your smart phone by scanning this code

FREE Memorial Day cookout for early arrivals (boondocking only). Full info & online booking at alumapalooza.com or call 802-877-2900 ext. 4 Be a friend of RB Alumapalooza on Facebook for regular updates Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/alumaevents

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PHOTO: © CarolynBates.com

RIVET BIT

Mobile Design Turns An Airstream into an “Archistream” By Becky Blanton

AIA Vermont Executive Director Carol Miklos poses with other AIA members (L to R): Diantha Korzun, Tom Bachman, Lisa Rovner, Diane Gayer, Cam Featherstonhaugh, Larry Dean, Katie Hill, Maura Wygmans, Kevin Racek, and Steve Clark.

The shiny surface of Airstream trailers has captivated many an RV buyer intent on a “white box” camper. It’s such an eye-catching surface that, when looking for a project trailer, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) was willing to look past the cost and difficulty of finding an Airstream just to capture that shine. They considered other options, architect Diana Gayer said, but in the end decided the timelessness and iconic design was just too great to pass up. Gayer, who wrote the proposal that got AIA the $42,750 grant to purchase the Airstream, said the Airstream rallied the group’s energy for the project: a mobile design gallery and education center. “That grant for was everything, the trailer, materials and labor,” she said. Even with student labor to keep costs down, the group hopes to be able to pick up some sponsors along the way to provide solar panels and material for the interior of the trailer. Dubbed the “Archistream” — a combination of Architecture and Airstream that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue in a memorable way — the 1969 Globetrotter is about to become memorable in its own way. After purchase, the trailer was towed from its home in Castleton, VT to Norwich University in Norwich, VT. The architecture committee stripped and gutted the trailer to save time, and then handed the Airstream off to a team of 12 undergrad architecture students. The committee will act as a client for the students.

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“It gives them a chance to work with meeting client design requests,” Gayer said. The students will transform the Airstream into a rolling showcase of design education and architecture. An AIA member who can scan the trailer will provide a three-dimensional model for the students to work out their ideas, and (acting like a client) the committee will say, “Wow,” or “Try again.” “It’s going to be kind of a demonstration and educational center combined. It’s a way to get architects out into the community, engaged with the community to see what is happening,” Gayer said. The public is welcome to tour the exhibits that will be housed inside the Airstream. The AIA is hoping the exhibits and the Airstream will spark conversations among architects and their communities about planning, climate change and architecture in their communities. Part of the challenge will be to combine classic vintage Airstream design with contemporary design. The vintage Airstream will have no problems pulling in curious community members, but will the group be able to advocate effectively for contemporary design in traditional design communities? “We’ll see,” Gayer said. “We’re in the design process now. The students are doing the research and we’re not quite sure what we’ll have come spring, around the beginning of May [2014] when it’s completed. But we’re excited about it.” The committee is in the process of creating a website and a place where architects, towns and interested organizations can sign up to have the trailer visit. For more information about where the Airstream will be visiting, go to the Vermont AIA website: http://AIAVT.org.

The Collected Adventures of

The 1969 Globetrotter is about to become memorable in its own way.

Tin Hut VOLUME I

At last the complete story of Mr. and Mrs. Tin Hut can be told! If you love the Huts, or haven’t read all of their memorable adventures, here’s your opportunity to get 22 stories in a single volume. From nightmare trailer park to traumatizing family reunion to disastrous Now Available Mr. Ed Convention, Mr. Hut somehow manages to find the silver lining in every episode. His lifelong love, Mrs. Hut, tells her story too, while standing by her man as best she can in the wake of enraged farmers, insulted performers, horrified fellow campers, bewildered contest judges, and pierced in-laws.

in Print!

Long a favorite of Airstream Life magazine readers, this is the first collection of Tin Hut stories ever published. It might be the last, too, considering that in this collection he manages to get stuck in a horse costume, hung from a tree, nearly electrocuted in bed, diagnosed with Fainting Goat syndrome, and set on fire. Includes all the hilarious illustrations by Brad Cornelius!

Order your copy now from www.airstreamlife.com/store, just $14.95

Also available as an ebook for Kindle and iPad. A IRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION | A IRSTREA MLIF E .CO M

AIRSTREAM FOOD

Al Fresco Pensacola Story and Photos By Tom Riggs

Q: What’s more fun than an Airstream food truck? A: Four Airstream food trucks. And that is exactly what you will find on the corner of Main Street and Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola, FL. Like a lot of American cities and towns, Pensacola is serious about making downtown a destination, and this little flight of Airstreams fits right in. Together called Al Fresco, this “Fun Urban Dining” food court features four different Internationalseries Airstreams from the 1970s. Better yet, all four kitchens nail their various specialties. If you’re in the mood for veggies, many of them organic and locally-sourced, consider the Greenhouse. Next door, the Gun Shot BBQ serves up some fine slow-cooked pork and beef brisket. Third, for those who know that a grilled cheese sandwich can be a thing of beauty and a joy for a moment, there’s Gouda Stuff, turning out some of the prettiest crosshatched grilled cheese sandwiches you’ll find. And last, there’s Z Taco Fresh Mex. Beware the habañero hot sauce; it’s the real deal. (The complex also includes one indoor restaurant not housed in an Airstream, Shux Oyster Bar.) The menu options among these take-outs accommodate groups with different tastes. Then, once you’ve ordered, set up a table in the common area, pop an adult beverage, and watch the people go by. Or, you could just admire the Airstreams, shiny classics sporting colorful awnings. After acquiring this parcel of land with his partners, developer Michael Carro got the idea of featuring Airstreams, “for their cool, hip factor.” Carro ran the idea by an architect and a city council member, who both loved it, and then began searching for vintage Airstreams on Craigslist. He found all four, two 31-footers and one each 25-foot and 27-foot length, in various Florida and Alabama locations. Al Fresco opened in April 2013, and has generated lots of enthusiasm. Each restaurant is run by a separate entrepreneur, offering independent operations, but costs such as advertising can be shared, along with some equipment and labor. “What’s most amazing,” Carro says, “is the amount of photos and videos that people take. Al Fresco is showing up in magazines everywhere and not just for the food. We see the Airstreams used as a backdrop for fashion shoot and wedding photos.” Which does not surprise us, Airstreamers that we are.

Al Fresco Corner Main and Palafox Streets • Pensacola, FL 850.438.1999 • www.eatalfresco.com 16

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Experience the Haydocy Airstream & RV Difference!  One of the largest Airstream inventories – Home of the Sharpest pencil in the country  Service, collision and parts staﬀed with Airstream Factory trained technicians  Visit and enjoy a meal on us from the “Fabulous Land Yacht BBQ!”  Located next to the Hollywood Casino Columbus, Ohio  Located 1 hour from the Airstream Factory tour – Pick up and delivery anywhere in the United States  Airstream trades, purchases and consignments welcomed  Welcome International clients! Let us help you with customs  Special “Airstream Discount available on all New Trucks at Haydocy GMC & Haydocy Chevrolet HA Y

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VE TI

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1954-2014

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PHONE: (614) 279-8880 TOLL FREE: 800-233-5700

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RIVET BIT

Streaming Audio In Austin By Tom Bentley

Los Angeles-based band “The Dawes,” getting ready to gig in the new On-Airstreaming studio. OPPOSITE PAGE: A multi-member band makes for a resonant trailer: the Atlanta-based “Constellations,” working it from Austin’s historic Pecan Grove RV park.

Independent musicians usually don’t have the money, the industry connections or the media savvy to put their artistry in front of a wide audience. So when a guy like J.B. Hager—who’s been hosting a popular radio show in Austin, TX for more than 18 years—offers to make a high-quality music video of a band and stream it from his site, musicians listen. And so do their fans. A shiny angle to this story is that Hager and his partner Paul Boukadakis record the performances in or around Hager’s 2009 Airstream International CCD. It’s the third Airstream Hager has owned, so you know he’s a fan of more than just good music. As he puts it, “They are amazing. I’d wanted one of these since I was a kid. I am a fanatic of all things 50s and 60s. Airstream is a slice of Americana that no one has been able to replicate. I love seeing the surprise on people’s faces when they step in.” Hager has heard lots of good music since he began hosting the JB and Sandy Morning Show in Austin years back, but he and Paul, music fanatics both, constantly seek out new music, inviting artists from all over the country into the International’s studio. (Those two are complemented by audio engineer Reid Mangan and Sam Shaw, their handler of artist relations.) Not a musician himself, Hager loves to discover new bands. The company’s focus is on being a trusted music filter for listeners to discover their next favorite band. “We don’t charge the artists for the sessions,” says Hager. “We are able to produce a beautiful, intimate, pared-down session that the band can release to promote their new music. We in turn get to share the videos and recordings, and the bands help us grow our fan base.

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“We started this because of our love of music and film, and the Airstream gave it a memorable hook. Because the artists are confined to a smaller space, it challenges them to perform the song differently than they do on tour, often the way it was originally written.” They removed one half of the trailer’s dinette to provide more space, since they often use three to four handheld cameras to capture the close-quarters music. Since they’ve moved the trailer to a spot indoors in downtown Austin, they’ve conquered the extreme challenges of the Texas heat. Otherwise, the trailer has proven a sound medium for good sound. “When we started doing the sessions we thought we were going to have to modify all the walls with soundproofing material. Miraculously, the sound is very vibrant and lovely, so that wasn’t necessary,” says Hager. “If we could convince Airstream to send some engineers to make the side-wall drop out for our audience we would be thrilled.” There is a complete recording studio in the Airstream, but it’s mobile, and the audio processing can be run into a laptop. The trailer was originally parked in a historic RV park, but the On-Airstreamers has since re-created that RV park indoors, filling the space with artificial grass. That setting lets appreciative audiences come to sessions and watch a taping, sprawling on the faux grass and seeing what’s going on in the trailer projected on a big screen to the outside audience. Hager and his wife and daughter also used to take the Airstream down the Texas coast, but now that it’s installed indoors, the wheels are at rest. “I’m itching to get another one for personal use again. For some time it was doing double-duty for work and pleasure. It’s solely a working trailer now,” says Hager. Hager has fond memories of his first Airstream, a 1966 22-foot Safari: “I bought it from a woman in Houston that was a mid-century furniture dealer. She had put in wood floors and these incredible Knoll fabrics that made it look amazing. I polished the entire thing to a mirror finish, which I stupidly thought I could do in a couple of weekends. It took me almost a year. It was gorgeous and I miss it.” He and his wife also bought a 2004 22-foot CCD, but they wanted the extra room of the 28-footer, which later ended up coming in handy for recording groups with a full band. Boukadakis is also on his second International, more proof that Airstreaming runs wide in Austin. “It’s safe to say we are ridiculous fans of the brand,” says Hager. “I am obsessed with all things mid-century and Airstreams are iconic from that era. I’ve never been brave enough to pull my vintage trailer with my ’62 Thunderbird, but I often think of how brave people were back then, pulling them around with station wagons and sedans.

I love seeing the surprise on people’s faces when they step in.

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“I had a permanent spot in Pecan Grove RV Park. We would have sleepovers anytime we wanted, get up and walk next door for pancakes. We would often pull it to the Texas coast on a whim to take my daughter surfing—it was those early trips to the coast that led us down this path.” Members of bands that are exposed to the Airstream take to the path easily. Hager says the challenge is to get them to leave after a session. “We usually relax over a few beers after filming, chat and get to know each other personally. Hanging out at the Airstream takes people’s minds off of everything else they have to do. We usually make them late for the sound checks or gigs.” Hager is able to see his relationships with Airstream from a long rear-view mirror, saying, “My original goal as an Airstream owner was to create memories and have quality time with friends and family. Any time we would invite friends down to the trailer to hang out, they were skeptical at first. They didn’t get it. Then they would realize that they were Subscribe on iPad and save! unplugged for the day and got to just hang out and talk. Normal Just $18.99 per year, delivered digitally distractions didn’t exist when you are hanging at the Airstream. It right to your Apple iPad. No more need really does take you back to a simpler time. for mail forwarding. Identical to the paper “I hope my daughter has the fondest memories that last version, plus up to four free back issues her a lifetime. I would have never guessed that a trailer would just for trying our new iPad app. have kickstarted her wakesurfing career (she’s now a two-time You can also get every past issue of Airstream on the same app! Free World Champion) and launched an iconic music series out of download from the Apple App Store Austin, but it did. All because of an Airstream.” (search for “Airstream Life” or visit our See and listen to the On-Airstreaming broadcasts at www. website at www.airstreamlife.com). on-airstreaming.com.

Producer J. B. Hagar flanked by siblings Julia and Angus Stone, top-selling artists from Sydney, Australia.

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September 2-7 2014 Back in southern Oregon by popular demand! Join and meet fellow Airstreamers for a fantastic five days of fun at the top-rated Seven Feathers Resort! • Lots of educational seminars, demos, and Q&A • Five nights full hookup plus cable, wi-fi, and indoor swimming pool • New Airstream showcase by George M Sutton RV • On-site Airstream service (by appt) • Catered dinner on Saturday • Music by Josh Rogan • Daily Aqua-Zumba fitness and other activities • Open Grill nights and firepit gatherings • Daily Happy Hours and other opportunities to meet fellow Airstreamers • Rogue River jet boat expedition, bicycle rides, and wine tour! 97% of last year’s attendees would recommend Alumafandango to a friend! Come find out what they loved about it—and then expect more. We’re adding more activities, more seminars, and on-site service! Seven Feathers RV Resort is just off I-5 in southern Oregon. This resort has every amenity including landscaped campsites, heated indoor pool, and free wi-fi Internet, plus a full service hotel with three restaurants and a casino. Space is limited to 100 RVs, so don’t delay! $485 for two adults and five nights premium camping with full hookups, dinner, complimentary drinks for adults, seminars, door prizes, and shows. “Walk-in” tickets for the entire week’s events (no campsite) available for $140 per adult. Kids are just $30. Visit www.alumafandango.com for full details and online registration. Or call 802-877-2900 ext. 4 All activities are subject to change prior to event dates. Please check our website for the latest information. “Like” Alumafandango on Facebook for regular updates Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/alumaevents

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY to get the complete Summer 2014 print edition of Airstream Life! See what’s inside... TABLE OF CONTENTS

traveling well

Summer 2014

The official Airstream lifestyle magazine

EDITOR’S PAGE

INBOX

Al Fresco Pensacola

Mobile Design Turns An Airstream into an “Archistream”

RIVET BIT

Streaming Audio In Austin

RIVET BIT

Big Horn National Recreation Area

FEATURE

Wyoming By Airstream, 1962

AIRSTREAM FOOD

FROM THE ARCHIVES

MARKETPLACE

What’s Wrong With The SAE Towing Standard?

TOWING

Best Storage Options

AIRSTREAMING

How to Flip an Airstream—Or Buy One

BUYERS GUIDE

1962 and 1963 Airstream Trailers

PHOTO: TOM PALESCH

Streaming Audio In Austin, Page 14

OLD ALUMINUM Big Horn National Recreation Area, Page 18

Bicycling the National Parks

NATIONAL PARKS PUZZLE

49 50

Surviving Bumps in the Road

Dreaming In Styrofoam

Replacing Airstream Shocks

LIVING THE LIFE RIVET BIT TECH TIPS PARKS SHOWCASE

PHOTO: BERT GILDART

Bicycling the National Parks, Page 42 2

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