Airstream Life Fall 2011

AIRSTREAM SUSTAINABILITY • ALUMAPALOOZA PEOPLE • BUZZ BUS

Online Edition

Fall 2011

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Editor’s Page

It’s About The People 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: Lisa T. Miller Associate Contributors: Jody Brotherston J. Rick Cipot Fred Coldwell Renee Ettline Bert Gildart John Irwin Forrest McClure Charles Spiher

PHOTO: ALISON TURNER

Once in a while I’ll get a letter from someone telling me that they want to see more Airstreams in each issue of the magazine. I understand that. The exterior of an Airstream is strangely compelling, and the interiors, especially the customized ones, are often marvelous. So we do try to get Airstreams on as many pages of the magazine as possible.

In fact, thumbing through the previous print issue [Summer 2011], I see that an Airstream appears in some form (whether article photo, ad, floorplan, or illustration) on 48 of our 64 interior pages. Not bad, if I do say so myself.

But the magazine is called “Airstream Life” for a good reason. Airstreams would be just collectibles or movable art if we didn’t take them out on the road and live in them, explore the world, and make new friends. The lifestyle of using an Airstream is really where the excitement comes from, so that’s why we also talk about places to go, events, and the interesting people who make up our community.

This quarter’s print issue could be dubbed our “Airstream People edition.”

Our writers have sought out and interviewed a sampling of the fascinating folks who have adopted Airstreams as their homes or business vehicles. You’ve always heard from Bert and Janie Gildart as they have explored America’s great national parks, and Mr. & Mrs. Tin Hut as they have had misadventures across the southland, but now prepare yourself to meet a much wider range of Airstreamers in this issue.

From Kirk MacKellar, who is looking skyward to the moon in our Alumapalooza article, to Junichi Kanasugi in Japan, who bought an Airstream partly because it was bear-proof, Airstreamers are a diverse, surprising, and colorful bunch. Artists are particularly drawn to Airstreams, as you’ll see, working in all kinds of media including photography, oil paint, t-shirts, tattoo, found objects, and print.

There are just as many Airstreamers who aren’t outwardly obvious, but who harbor interesting talents, accomplishments, or ideas beneath a mild-mannered exterior, like superheroes.

You can meet them every day just by looking for the shiny trailers, and knocking in the door. The results are often amazing.

My favorite photos in this issue once again come from Alison Turner, who acted as the official photographer of Alumapalooza 2011 this past June. So much so, that I’ve chosen eight of Alison’s images for a special “Alumapalooza People” spread, and one more for our cover. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Kirk MacKellar looks to the moon from the bumper of his "NASA Airstream."

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Contact Airstream Life 411 Walnut St #4468 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 Telephone: (802) 877-2900 Fax: (802) 610-1013 www.airstreamlife.com Airstream Life Online Edition You can get Airstream Life online, for free!

Each issue we select 15-20 pages of the upcoming magazine and make it available on the Internet to readers who sign up at www.airstreamlife.com/online. It's a sneak peek, with no cost, no obligation!

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 2011 by Church Street Publishing, Inc. AIRSTREAM ® is the property of Airstream, Inc. Licensed by Global Icons LLC. All rights reserved.

Printed in CANADA.

PHOTO: BERT GILDART

About our cover...

Let your Airstream take you to Dinosaur National Monument, where you can travel down the Yampa River by boat to spectacular canyons like Tiger Wall.

Jody Brotherston’s review of an architect’s eco-friendly Airstream renovation should make a few of you “green” with envy, and hopefully inspire thoughtful restorations or customizations of other old Airstream gems.

It’s still prime Airstream traveling season, so I hope you’ll take the opportunity to get out and meet some of the other folks in our community. Maybe you’ll try Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado, as Bert and Janie Gildart have done (see their article in our print issue).

By the way, if you are thinking that you missed out on the fun at Alumapalooza in Jackson Center this year, keep in mind that it’s not too early to register for the 2012 event. We’ve already opened online registration at www.alumapalooza.com,

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Rhonda Coleman's portrait on the cover of this issue was one of over two hundred taken by photographer Alison Turner at Alumapalooza 2011. An occasional contributor to Airstream Life, Rhonda is also known on Twitter as @tknopeasnt and she maintains a travel blog called ‘Streaming at www.airstreaming.net. She travels with two small dogs and her husband Ralph, who she describes as a tall mix of James Woods, Harrison Ford, Anthony Perkins and William H. Macy.

and you can find all the information you need (dates, costs, what to expect) there.

Attendance is limited and the event will sell out, so registering early is a good idea.

Happy trails,

Rich Luhr, Editor & Publisher

What's Coming: • 1957-1960 Airstreams • Austin's Airstreams • Hymn For Her • Airstream Buyers Guide

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Now, That’s A Happy Couple!

Dear editors, My husband and I recently got married and I surprised him with this cake. We love our 1979 Airstream so much we spent half of our honeymoon in it! We’d love it if you'd share this picture with your readers.

THANKS JENNE KLOTZ We Miss “eBay Watch”...

You had a picture in your [Summer 2010] issue of my totaled Bambi 16 on page 10. It was mine for sure because of the special tape I had on the rear bumper. It was caught in a rare Colorado 4 mile wide tornado with huge hail at 70+ MPH. It looked like a golf ball on three sides and the roof. All roof vents and the air conditioner were smashed flat and broken out. The air conditioner cover was broken into small pieces and never found. The pipes and fins were flat. Total destruction!

I got two bids were at over $28,000 to restore it back to new.

The insurance company totaled it. If someone paid $18,500 you would then add $28,000!

JOCK BARKER Another Rally Option For The Balloon Fiesta Dear Sir: I enjoy Airstream Life; it’s a great magazine.

In the Summer 2011 issue Michael Smith's article on the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta includes a profile of those Airstreamers attending the Fiesta with the Four Corners Unit of the WBCCI. It sounds like they had a great time.

There was another large Airstream rally held in conjunction with the 2010 Balloon Fiesta. The New Mexico Unit 69 held a rally on the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. It was a great rally with about fifty

Airstream units present. We were about five minutes drive time from the Coronado Mall where buses were readily available for the trip to the Balloon Fiesta. The New Mexico Unit did a great job with their rally. I hope you will make an acknowledgement of their efforts in the next issue of Airstream Life.

DAVE WEDDLE

Cover Coincidence Rich, Imagine our initial reaction at our first glance at the cover of the Summer 2011 Airstream Life cover when we pulled it from our mailbox! Our picture was taken at Sugar Pine State Park, Lake Tahoe in July of 2007. It’s just a coincidence. I don't know the artist but do like his rendering.

We gave the Buick a complete body and paint makeover last summer. We display “our” Fall 2008 cover in our Trade Wind and car at classic car and vintage trailer shows. I’ve torn several “subscription offers” from some of our back issues. Surprising how many Airstream owners, and a few “interested” in Airstreams that knew nothing of your … errr, our … beautiful magazine.

BEST TO YOU, NEIL AND LYNN HOLMAN The Holman’s red 1971 Buick Centurion convertible was featured on our Fall 2008 cover in a photo taken by Neil Holman. The Summer 2011 cover was painted by artist Bob Brugger.

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It’s An Addiction I savor each issue of your awesome magazine. When each one arrives I usually leave it alone for a couple days. If I open it too soon I’ll devour it and then the withdrawal pain of knowing I have to wait months for another will set in.

When I’m sure I can proceed by consuming sections at a time and extend my enjoyment over several weeks I crack the plastic and take a sip.

That said, I must tell you I had many emotions when I read the “Short notes” in the Inbox section. I won’t address each note but just need to tell you that I just love this magazine and just keep doing what you’re doing. I’m sure you’ve done some research on what most want and Airstream Life will morph as time passes and I look forward to it.

YOUR DEVOTED FAN AND FELLOW ALUMINUM ADDICT, RICHARD M. “MIKE” MECUM SACRAMENTO, CA

An “Airstream” Range Rover Dear Editor, Thought you’d like to see how the head of Airstream’s PR agency (JMPR) waves the flag. JMPR also handles the PR for Bentley, Bugatti, and Ducati Motorcycles as well as Motor Trend and Automobile Magazines.

When I had my 2004 Range Rover repainted I decided not to put the standard badging back on but instead promote one of our most famous clients. I’m looking to forward to the time I can tow my own 23 footer.

When I wanted a Harley way back, I bought the jacket first as a message to my wife. This is the same tactic. Besides, the Range Rover is a better tow vehicle than my Bentley! It will make the perfect set too. Both silver! Hmmmm...…

JOE MOLINA LOS ANGELES, CA

Parked Out Back And Ready To Go Dear Airstream Life: A fellow artist who is a proud Airstream owner and aficionado thought you might be interested in this painting. It is approx.

18x24 in. acrylic on canvas and painted in 2009.

MICHAEL CLEVERLY SNOWMASS, CO

Short Notes From Subscribers Someday I will fulfill my dream of owning an Airstream. So for now I will have to settle for “Airstream Life.” – L.V. “Settle”? Well, OK. We’re happy to give you a substitute for the real thing. But hopefully you’ll keep subscribing even when that perfect Airstream comes your way!

I will be retiring soon and will be purchasing an Airstream. Would like to see a “lessons learned” section for rookies. Thanks! – J.O. How about “The Newbies Guide to Airstreaming”? Go to www.airstreamlife.com/store or see the ad in this issue.

Please return to your original ideas. You have a unique magazine – don’t make it like everyone else’s. – K.J. Don’t worry, we aren’t ever going to stop being about Airstreams, Airstream people, and things to do with your Airstream!

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Interiors This 1978 Airstream gets grins from Golden era travelers who recall crisscrossing the country from Mount Rushmore to Plymouth Rock in family station wagons pulling a trailer. Today the remodeled Airstream is the home, office and front door to the great outdoors for 27 year old architect Matthew Hofman.

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Why did he remodel a 150 square foot trailer in his spare time while designing million-dollar villas by day? “I’m at a point in my life where I am trying to live with less,” says Hofman, who parked the Airstream on the site of a Montecito home that burned down in the “Tea Fire” of November 2008. Moving has a way of making one consider the value of possessions, and Hofman opted to live with less and enjoy his new space more.

The quest for inner peace began with finding the Airstream on Craigslist. He rescued the abandoned treasure from behind a chain link fence guarded by a pit bull. The body was solid, but the interior

BY JODY BROTHERSTON, ASID

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Light color values create the impression of a much larger space in this sustainably renovated Airstream. INSET: A complete gutting of the interior and evaluation of the materials was an essential first step. OPPOSITE PAGE: A Häfele Kesseböhmer pullout pantry system is one of the owner's favorite features, much like the ones included in some current model Airstream floorplans.

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was a mess. As many other Airstream renovators have discovered, it was an ideal platform for designing a more environmentally sustainable home.

“Sustainability” and “green building design” are terms that have been tossed around a lot. But what is sustainability? Hofmann defines it as, “Designing something for life, and creating the capacity to endure,” with all the materials selected.

Airstream-based sustainability begins with the knowledge that the buildings we create are the greatest single consumers of energy and natural resources in the United States today. Re-using an existing structure, even one as small as an Airstream, eliminates the large amount of energy and natural resources needed to build new.

Hofman’s Airstream project is, at its heart, an exercise in reusing an existing space.

The design process began by taking away what was distracting and unnecessary, and creating a design with the least amount of elements. The trailer was first gutted and cleaned. Because a trailer by its nature is a small confined space, a primary design goal was

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to open up the space by removing unnecessary visual obstacles. In the Airstream, several walls were removed, and an oak table that was beyond repair was also removed.

Re-use of materials inside the Airstream also helped the sustainability quotient. Much of the existing cabinetry was saved and reused. (The gaucho bed was beyond saving, but the new convertible couch looks like a fine piece of furniture.) The overhead

what is sustainability?

Hofmann defines it as, “Designing something for life, and creating the capacity to endure,” with all the mate-

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ABOVE: The kitchen features bamboo countertops, Moen sink and spray faucet, Atwood Wedgewood stainless steel cook top, Norcold refrigerator, and glass tile backsplash. OPPOSITE PAGE: The dinette does double duty as an office, with an iMac computer on a swivel arm and a dedicated printer drawer.

cabinetry was removed, modified, and re-installed for a more pleasing alignment. All of the overhead cabinetry hardware was saved and reused, including the tambour rollup doors, plastic tracks, and metal pulls. The front dinette set is original, merely refinished and painted.

Another key element of the project was reclamation of existing materials. While some elements may not be used for their original intended purpose, such as the storage drawers beneath the gaucho, by removing and reconditioning as necessary they can ultimately be transferred to a new use in the same project. In this case, the storage drawers made a beautiful base for the new bed. The walls and oak table were reclaimed as shelving in the cabinetry.

In all projects there are elements that cannot be reused or reclaimed. Instead of sending these items to the landfill, they can be recycled. Many materials from the Airstream were stockpiled and sent to a recycling yard, such as hardware, braces, tracks, rods, and plastic paneling. All of the old appliances (refrigerator, oven, sink, and toilet) were either sold on Craigslist or donated to a new user, thus enabling them to continue their lifespan in a different use, and eliminating the need for a new unit to be built.

Sustainability calls for placing a high priority on using regional materials and suppliers. The “embodied energy” of a material or product is how much energy is required to get a specific product from its natural state to final installation. There are many factors that contribute to embodied energy, one of which is shipping. It takes more energy (and hence produces more pollution) to get a product from China than it does to get a product supplied locally.

One focus on the Airstream project was to use regional material and

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suppliers. An example is the bamboo flooring produced by “Cali Bamboo,” used for all flooring, countertops and table. This supplier is less than one hundred miles away.

Paints and finishes can release low-level toxic emissions into the air for years after application. The source of these toxins is a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOC) which until recently, were essential to the performance of the paint. New environmental regulations and consumer demand have led to low-VOC and zeroVOC paints and finishes. Using low-VOC paint is especially important in a small space such as a trailer, and it is safer for both your health and the environment.

Additionally, an often overlooked aspect of sustainability is to select paints and finishes that are made from natural raw ingredients such as water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils.

There are also many natural minerals such as clay, chalk and talcum, milk casein, natural latex, bees’ wax, earth and mineral dyes that can be used in the finishing process. Water-based natural paints give off almost no smell. The oil-based natural paints usually have a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils. Allergies and sensitivities to these paints are not common.

The paint used in this project is Sherwin Williams Harmony zero-VOC Interior Acrylic Latex, in Extra White color. The surface was first sanded and prepped using Harmony primer, then a semi-gloss top coat was applied.

Sustainably grown materials are those natural materials that take less time to grow, and may be replanted and grown again such as bamboo. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth

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S U MFMA EL R L 2011

and typically takes just 5 to 7 years to mature, making it a good choice relative to hardwoods such as oak that take from 20 to 50 years to mature.

Hofmann is clearly comfortable with his sustainable home-office interior design. Heating is accomplished with an integrated propane heating system. Ample cross ventilation provides cooling thanks to southern California’s sea breeze. He also uses the exterior awnings on each side to shade the open windows.

The electrical system utilizes a typical 12-volt battery system with integrated charger, and a solar panel battery charging system is currently being installed.

Fluorescent and halogen lights are utilized throughout the interior.

The re-designed interior now has a feeling of a large space, with light color values used on all the surfaces. The Magritte print, from a 1964 painting titled “Son of Man,” at the entry is a welcoming piece into this architect’s home and office. The dinette cushions were hand sewn using Sunbrella indoor-outdoor fabric, and the table top was replaced using Cali Bamboo natural strand bamboo. This area also serves as a workspace and media lounge. The 27” iMac can be used to watch movies or draw design plans. The office printer is tucked into a custom-built pullout drawer under the bench seat.

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 Available on Kindle at Amazon.com too!

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INSET: Before renovation this Airstream looked like any other neglected trailer, but the value of the durable aluminum shell inspired Hofman to make it into a showpiece. BELOW: A glass vessel sink, bamboo countertop, Grohe faucet, and glass tile completely changed the appearance and sustainability quotient.

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The galley has a Moen stainless steel sink with a Euro-modern chrome 23-inch pull out spray faucet. The other new appliances include an Atwood Wedgewood stainless steel threeburner propane gas cook top, a Norcold refrigerator, and a countertop stainless steel toaster oven. One of Hofmann’s favorite items is the Häfele Kesseböhmer pullout pantry system.

Häfele also makes a very slick Moovit drawer box system with cutlery inserts in addition to the overhead cabinets. These German designs add some shipping mileage to the sustainability equation, but they are unbeatable!

The bathroom was Hofmann’s greatest indulgence. Traditional small glass tile is installed over a porous flexible foam with adhesive tar applied to the back. The tile is HotGlass “Classic CartGlass Blended.” An adhesive primer was applied over the wood base of the shower structure. Then the foam backer was adhered and secured with screws every six inches of vertical surface. The mortar for installing the tile was applied directly over the foam. The porosity of the foam allows it to secure to the mortar, and a flexible grout additive decreases the risk of cracking.

The 14” glass vessel sink fits under the single-lever faucet on the Cali Bamboo countertop surface. Water temperatures in the shower are controlled by a Grohe “Euphoria” chrome fixture.

Water flow control devices are installed on every water fixture, and a small hot water tank encourages short showers. Lighting is custom LED with two light levels, from ultra-low to high-voltage bright.

Since Hofmann is 6’ 4”, he designed a generous convertible bed using locally supplied, lightweight materials and Sunbrella indoor-outdoor fabrics. Clothing is stored in two wardrobes: one at the end of the countertop and one in the bathroom. Under the countertop there are six drawers which function as a dresser. For reading books, Hofmann uses his iPhone, and he reads online periodicals via the iMac. Design is about choices, and the intention of sustainability in design is to eliminate negative environmental impact on our world. It is about designing something for life and creating the capacity to endure within the design. For more information, go to www.hofarc.com •••

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From the Archives Family Vacation in Florida Summertime weather is still abundant in Florida, so it’s time to pack up the Airstream, gather the family and head for the beach. The concrete is going to be hot before you reach the cool ocean breezes, so have your local garage’s Red Ball service change the oil and check the tire pressure and fluids in your ’57 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Coupe. Hitch up the 22’ double bed Safari and you’re ready to head out in the morning.

Pack the cooler with bottled pop for the girls and canned Schlitz for you and the missus.

Top it off it with plenty of ice. Fill the propane tanks and start cooling the fridge the night before you leave. Coppertone – check. Baby oil – check. Beach blankets – check. Bingo – check. Remind the girls not to sit under the palm tree where they could get bonked with a coconut. And don’t forget the tire pump for the beach ball! It’s going to be a great Airstream weekend.••• - FRED COLDWELL

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• • • • • Rivet

Bits

F i n d i n g

T h e

“Human Connection”

By Tom Palesch

I

Samantha Silver learns the process of setting up Zip-Dee window awnings on the Buzz Bus.

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t’s not news that Airstreams are commonly used to promote businesses, but in this era of online social networking, one might think that Facebook and Twitter are replacing the personal touch that comes from actually showing up. That’s why Kristi Konieczny bought an Airstream.

For fifteen years, Kristi’s business, The Spa Buzz, has marketed products and services for the spa, health and wellness, and salon industry. As she watched her markets become more Internet dependent she realized the “human connection” was being lost in these very personal markets.

Kristi wanted to find a way to tie sponsors, vendor’s customers and consumers together. A tour to visit her customers during special local events seemed to be a way to reestablish that lost connection, and her customers agreed. At this writing, the Buzz Bus Tour has 25 sponsors, many of whom joined as the tour was on the road.

A 2007 Airstream International CCD became the centerpiece of the tour after Kristi spotted one at a stoplight.

Unmodified except for exterior graphics, the Airstream has been touring since March 2011, visiting spas, fitness

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centers, community festivals, farmer’s markets, road races, health fairs, and other events.

The team–consisting entirely of women–work from the Airstream. At events, they put on demonstrations and give presentations about wellness. They also participate in local newspaper, radio and TV interviews.

The Airstream add cachet to the tour, as well as attracting attention. But most importantly, it allows the professional women of The Buzz Bus Tour to keep the “human connection” in their marketing business. As it turns out, there really is no substitute for being there in person.

The complete tour will cover 20,000 miles of the US and Canada, and conclude in October 2011 in New York City.

You can follow them along the way through their website, www.buzzbustour.com, as well as Facebook. •••

TOP: From left to right, Buzz Bus team members Kristi Konieczny, Vanessa Notman, Catterina Calderon, and Samantha Silver.

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By Rich Luhr Photos by Alison Turner

The longer you own an Airstream, the more you realize that this community is as much about the people as it is the trailers.

Airstreams are a bit different from the vast majority of recreational vehicles, and so it’s not surprising that they attract a crowd that’s a bit different too—in a good way.

At the recent Alumapalooza 2011 in Jackson Center, OH, we sent photographer Alison Turner around to document some of the faces of our community, and she came back with hundreds of magnificent photos.

You can see the full collection online at http://alumapalooza.com/?p=324

Michael Depraida Michael Depraida has been a roaming artist since 2000, when he left behind New York City for full-time life in a solar-powered 28-foot Airstream. Even before then, he was well-recognized for his paintings and photographic art, but now he is beloved by Airstreamers for his many themed t-shirt designs, posters, and joie de vivre. His art was a cover for Airstream Life, Winter 2009.

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David Winick David is known in the Airstream world as the designer of the 75th Anniversary Bambi, the creator of the “Home Sweet Home” and other aluminum screen door guards, and the genius behind numerous high-end trailer customizations. Most recently he published a book, “Airstreams: Custom Interiors.” His interest in mid-century modern arts is obvious in many of the trailer customizations he has done. At Alumapalooza he was charged with picking the winner of the Airstream Life “Wally” award for Best Trailer Presentation.

Nate Webb Nate’s not an Airstream owner yet, but it is in his blood. His father is Jim Webb, president of Zip-Dee, makers of the awnings that have been installed on Airstreams for decades. At age 22, Nate already has five years of experience working for Zip-Dee. “I do a little bit of everything, pretty much anything that needs to be done,” he says, including service work, talking to customers, shipping, and demonstrations at several major RV industry events each year.

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Kirk MacKellar After years of tent camping, Kirk MacKellar got into Airstreaming in 2004 with two vintage trailers he found on eBay. “A friend of mine was hooting on me for buying something that looked like a piece of discarded space junk [a 1967 Caravel]. So, as to not let him get the last laugh, I started traveling with ‘Gus the astronaut’ and the NASA door decals.” This turned into eventually “re-creating” the Apollo 11 moon landing at an Airstream dealership, and eventually a series of Airstream silk screen prints, old signs, magnets, and other items from vintage Airstream photos. You can find many of Kirk’s products in the Airstream company online store.

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Charon Henning Tattoo artist, sword-swallower, and fire-breather, Charon Henning lives in a 1966 Airstream Safari full-time with husband (and fellow “carny”) Alex Kensington, and two hairless cats named Brundlefly and Cesare.

They spend summers at Penn Wood Airstream Park and travel extensively the rest of the year, performing, tattooing, and visiting friends. Next winter they plan to move to a larger Airstream Overlander that Alex is currently restoring.

Rhonda Coleman After years of traveling in a sixteen foot trailer with a large yellow lab, Oregonian Rhonda Coleman downsized to a more manageable, pocket-sized breed. She now explores the Northwest and beyond in a (still-crowded) 2007 Design Within Reach Airstream with her tall mate and two wet miniature dachshunds. She keeps a travel blog called ‘Streaming at www.airstreaming.net, and occasionally contributes to Airstream Life magazine.

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AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com

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Hunter Hampton It’s hard not to notice Hunter Hampton either in person or online. She personally customized the interior of her Airstream (her full-time home) so elaborately that it was chosen to win the Airstream Life “Wally” award for Best Trailer Presentation. At every rally she attends, you can be sure to find Hunter hosting Happy Hour under the awning and regaling newcomers with tales of her colorful past.

Online, she manages several discussion groups including the long-time Yahoo Group simply called “Airstream List.”

Bob Wheeler and Kristiana Spaulding Airstream President/CEO Bob Wheeler poses with Kristiana Spaulding, of Silver Trailer. Kristiana designs jewelry, custom furniture, and interiors in a “streamline moderne” style, inspired by her collection of seven vintage Airstreams.

“It’s been my good fortune to build my life around my love of Airstreams and designing,” she says. “One of my favorite feel-good moments at Alumapalooza is during Happy Hour when one of my pieces of jewelry is given away. It makes my heart sing to hear the ‘ooohhhh’ and ‘ahhhhhs’ in the room and see the happy winner’s expression when his/her name is announced.

That makes my year.”

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YOUR RV ISN’T A CAR. DON’T INSURE IT LIKE ONE. Progressive covers your RV in ways auto policies don’t. So if you ever get in an accident and need to leave your RV at the shop for repairs, we’ll cover the cost of your hotel. Keeping family trips on the road, now that’s Progressive.

1-800-PROGRESSIVE 1- 8 00 - P R OGR E S S I V E | LOCAL LO C A L A AGENT GENT | P PROGRESSIVE.COM R OGR E S S I V E .C O M

Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Emergency Expense coverage is subject to policy terms. 11D00457 (06/11)

Here’s what’s in the Fall 2011 print edition of Airstream Life!

Subscribe today to get this issue!

Fall 2011 The official Airstream lifestyle magazine

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Inbox

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Interiors: Airstream Sustainabillity

16 Artists in Other Airstreams 20 Changing Tire Sizes for Better Towing Performance 26 From the Archives: Family Vacation in Florida 28 Airstreams to the East Find Common Ground 32 Is Caravanning for You? 38 “Wall Dogs” in an Airstream

Interiors, Interiors, page page 99

PHOTO: COURTESY OF MATT HOFMANN

42 Dinosaur National Park 47 Finding the Human Connection 49 Fun Page 50 Alumapalooza People 56 Homeschoolers Become “Space Travellers”

Buzz Bus, page 47

Caravanning, page 32

PHOTO: RENEE ETTLINE

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF SPA BUZZ

64 Last Mile: Old Glory and the Unicorn