airstream life fall 2011

AIRSTREAM SUSTAINABILITY • ALUMAPALOOZA PEOPLE • BUZZ BUS

Online Edition

Fall 2011

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• • • • • Editor’s Page

The official Airstreamlifestyle magazine

Editor and Publisher: Rich [email protected]

Associate Editors:

Tom BentleyBecky Blanton

Layout and Design: OneTree [email protected]

Advertising Sales: Brett [email protected](802) 877-2900 Ext. 2

Editorial Illustrator: Brad Cornelius

Culinary Consultant: Eleanor O’Dea

Customer Service: Lisa T. Miller

Associate Contributors:

Jody BrotherstonJ. Rick CipotFred ColdwellRenee EttlineBert GildartJohn IrwinForrest McClureCharles Spiher

Contact

Airstream Life411 Walnut St #4468Green Cove Springs, FL 32043Telephone: (802) 877-2900

Fax: (802) 610-1013www.airstreamlife.com

Airstream Life Online EditionYou can get Airstream Life online, for free! Each issue we select 15-20 pages of theupcoming magazine and make it available on the Internet to readers who sign up atwww.airstreamlife.com/online. It's a sneakpeek, with no cost, no obligation!

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Airstream Life’s world headquarters are the dinettetable of a 2005 Airstream Safari 30 We’re always gladto hear from you, but if you have a simple question,please check our website for help first. There you cansubscribe, renew your subscription, change youraddress, get advertising information, downloadwriter’s and photographer’s guidelines, notify us of anaddress change,and get answers to frequently-askedquestions. See www.airstreamlife.com or call (802) 877-2900.

Airstream Life (ISSN 1550-5979) is published quarterlyby Church Street Publishing, Inc., 411 Walnut St#4468, Green Cove Springs FL 32043. Subscriptionprice is $24 per year. Periodicals postage paid atFerrisburg 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.

It’s About The PeopleOnce 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 exteriorof an Airstream is strangely compelling, and the interiors, especially the customized ones, are often marvelous. So we do try to get Airstreams on asmany pages of the magazine as possible.

In fact, thumbing through the previous print issue [Summer 2011], I see thatan 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. Airstreamswould be just collectibles or movable art if we didn’t take them out on the roadand live in them, explore the world, and make new friends. The lifestyle of usingan 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 folkswho have adopted Airstreams as their homes or business vehicles. You’ve alwaysheard from Bert and Janie Gildart as they have explored America’s great nationalparks, and Mr. & Mrs. Tin Hut as they have had misadventures across the south-land, but now prepare yourself to meet a much wider range of Airstreamers inthis issue.

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

There are just as many Airstreamers who aren’t outwardly obvious, but whoharbor interesting talents, accomplishments, or ideas beneath a mild-manneredexterior, like superheroes.You can meet them everyday just by looking for theshiny trailers, and knockingin the door. The results areoften amazing.

My favorite photos in thisissue once again come fromAlison Turner, who acted asthe official photographer ofAlumapalooza 2011 thispast June. So much so,that I’ve chosen eight ofAlison’s images for a special“Alumapalooza People”spread, and one more forour cover. I hope you enjoythem as much as I have.

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

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About our cover...Rhonda Coleman's portrait on the cover ofthis issue was one of over two hundredtaken by photographer Alison Turner atAlumapalooza 2011. An occasional contributorto Airstream Life, Rhonda is also known onTwitter as @tknopeasnt and she maintainsa t ravel b log cal led ‘Streaming a twww.airstreaming.net. She travels with twosmall dogs and her husband Ralph, whoshe describes as a tall mix of James Woods,Harrison Ford, Anthony Perkins and WilliamH. Macy.

Jody Brotherston’s review of an archi-tect’s eco-friendly Airstream renovationshould make a few of you “green” withenvy, and hopefully inspire thoughtfulrestorations or customizations of other oldAirstream gems.

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

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

and you can find all the information youneed (dates, costs, what to expect) there.Attendance is limited and the event will sellout, so registering early is a good idea.

Happy trails,

Rich Luhr, Editor & Publisher

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

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What's Coming:• 1957-1960 Airstreams

• Austin's Airstreams

• Hymn For Her

• Airstream Buyers Guide

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We Miss “eBay Watch”...You had a picture in your [Summer 2010] issue of my totaled Bambi16 on page 10. It was mine for sure because of the special tape Ihad on the rear bumper. It was caught in a rare Colorado 4 mile widetornado with huge hail at 70+ MPH.

It looked like a golf ball on three sides and the roof. All roof ventsand the air conditioner were smashed flat and broken out. The airconditioner cover was broken into small pieces and never found. Thepipes 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 youwould then add $28,000!

JOCK BARKER

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

In the Summer 2011 issue Michael Smith's article on theAlbuquerque Balloon Fiesta includes a profile of those Airstreamersattending the Fiesta with the Four Corners Unit of the WBCCI. Itsounds like they had a great time.

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

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

DAVE WEDDLE

Cover CoincidenceRich,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! Ourpicture 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 BuickCenturion convertible was featured onour Fall 2008 cover in a photo taken byNeil Holman. The Summer 2011 coverwas painted by artist Bob Brugger.

Now, That’s A Happy Couple!Dear editors, My husband and I recently got married and I surprised him withthis cake. We love our 1979 Airstream so much we spent halfof our honeymoon in it! We’d love it if you'd share this picturewith your readers.

THANKSJENNE KLOTZ


It’s An AddictionI savor each issue of your awesome magazine. When each onearrives I usually leave it alone for a couple days. If I open it too soonI’ll devour it and then the withdrawal pain of knowing I have to waitmonths for another will set in.

When I’m sure I can proceed by consuming sections at a timeand extend my enjoyment over several weeks I crack the plastic andtake 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 justneed to tell you that I just love this magazine and just keep doingwhat you’re doing. I’m sure you’ve done some research on whatmost want and Airstream Life will morph as time passes and I lookforward to it.

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

SACRAMENTO, CA

Short Notes From SubscribersSomeday I will fulfill my dream of owning an Airstream. So for nowI will have to settle for “Airstream Life.” – L.V.

“Settle”? Well, OK. We’re happy to give you a substitute for the realthing. But hopefully you’ll keep subscribing even when that perfectAirstream comes your way!

I will be retiring soon and will be purchasing an Airstream. Would liketo see a “lessons learned” section for rookies. Thanks! – J.O.

How about “The Newbies Guide to Airstreaming”? Go towww.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!

Parked Out Back And Ready To GoDear Airstream Life:A fellow artist who is a proud Airstream owner and aficionadothought you might be interested in this painting. It is approx.18x24 in. acrylic on canvas and painted in 2009.

MICHAEL CLEVERLYSNOWMASS, CO

An “Airstream” Range RoverDear Editor,Thought you’d like to see how the head of Airstream’s PRagency (JMPR) waves the flag. JMPR also handles the PR forBentley, Bugatti, and Ducati Motorcycles as well as MotorTrend and Automobile Magazines.

When I had my 2004 Range Rover repainted I decidednot to put the standard badging back on but instead promoteone of our most famous clients. I’m looking to forward to thetime I can tow my own 23 footer.

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

JOE MOLINA

LOS ANGELES, CA

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.

Why did he remodel a 150 square foot trailer in his spare timewhile designing million-dollar villas by day? “I’m at a point in my lifewhere I am trying to live with less,” says Hofman, who parked theAirstream 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 withless and enjoy his new space more.

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

AIRSTREAM SUSTAINABILITYAIRSTREAM SUSTAINABILITYBY JODY BROTHERSTON, ASID


Light color values create the impression of a much larger space in this sustainably renovat-ed Airstream. INSET: A complete gutting of the interior and evaluation of the materials wasan essential first step. OPPOSITE PAGE: A Ha ̈fele Kessebo ̈hmer pullout pantry system isone of the owner's favorite features, much like the ones included in some current modelAirstream floorplans.


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 havebeen tossed around a lot. But what is sustainability? Hofmanndefines it as, “Designing something for life, and creating the capacityto endure,” with all the materials selected.

Airstream-based sustainability begins with the knowledge thatthe buildings we create are the greatest single consumers of energyand natural resources in the United States today. Re-using an existingstructure, even one as small as an Airstream, eliminates the largeamount of energy and natural resources needed to build new.Hofman’s Airstream project is, at its heart, an exercise in reusing anexisting space.

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

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

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

what is susta inab i l i t y? Hofmann def ines i t as , “Des ign ing

someth ing for l i f e , and creat ing the

capac i ty to endure ,” w i th al l the mate-


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

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

In all projects there are elements that cannot be reused orreclaimed. Instead of sending these items to the landfill, they can berecycled. Many materials from the Airstream were stockpiled andsent to a recycling yard, such as hardware, braces, tracks, rods, andplastic 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, andeliminating the need for a new unit to be built.

Sustainability calls for placing a high priority on using regionalmaterials and suppliers. The “embodied energy” of a material orproduct is how much energy is required to get a specific productfrom its natural state to final installation. There are many factorsthat contribute to embodied energy, one of which is shipping. Ittakes more energy (and hence produces more pollution) to get aproduct from China than it does to get a product supplied locally.One focus on the Airstream project was to use regional material and

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

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

Additionally, an often overlooked aspect of sustainability is toselect paints and finishes that are made from natural raw ingredientssuch 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 dyesthat can be used in the finishing process. Water-based naturalpaints give off almost no smell. The oil-based natural paints usuallyhave a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils. Allergies andsensitivities to these paints are not common.

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

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

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

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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 questionsand typical new owner challenges. Includes sections on all kinds of “newbie” topics: understanding all thesystems, 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" paperbackformat 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!

and typically takes just 5 to 7 years to mature, makingit a good choice relative to hardwoods such as oak thattake from 20 to 50 years to mature.

Hofmann is clearly comfortable with his sustainablehome-office interior design. Heating is accomplishedwith an integrated propane heating system. Amplecross ventilation provides cooling thanks to southernCalifornia’s sea breeze. He also uses the exteriorawnings on each side to shade the open windows.

The electrical system utilizes a typical 12-volt batterysystem with integrated charger, and a solar panel battery charging system is currently being installed.Fluorescent and halogen lights are utilized throughoutthe interior.

The re-designed interior now has a feeling of alarge 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 intothis architect’s home and office. The dinette cushionswere hand sewn using Sunbrella indoor-outdoor fabric,and the table top was replaced using Cali Bamboo natural strand bamboo. This area also serves as aworkspace and media lounge. The 27” iMac can beused to watch movies or draw design plans. The officeprinter is tucked into a custom-built pullout drawerunder the bench seat.

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 completelychanged the appearance and sustainability quotient.


The galley has a Moen stainless steel sinkwith a Euro-modern chrome 23-inch pull outspray faucet. The other new appliances includean Atwood Wedgewood stainless steel three-burner propane gas cook top, a Norcold refriger-ator, and a countertop stainless steel toasteroven. One of Hofmann’s favorite items is theHäfele Kesseböhmer pullout pantry system.Häfele also makes a very slick Moovit drawerbox system with cutlery inserts in addition to theoverhead cabinets. These German designs addsome shipping mileage to the sustainabilityequation, but they are unbeatable!

The bathroom was Hofmann’s greatestindulgence. Traditional small glass tile is installedover a porous flexible foam with adhesive tarapplied to the back. The tile is HotGlass “ClassicCartGlass Blended.” An adhesive primer wasapplied over the wood base of the shower structure. Then the foam backer was adheredand secured with screws every six inches of ver-tical surface. The mortar for installing the tilewas applied directly over the foam. The porosityof the foam allows it to secure to the mortar, anda flexible grout additive decreases the risk ofcracking.

The 14” glass vessel sink fits under the sin-gle-lever faucet on the Cali Bamboo countertopsurface. Water temperatures in the shower arecontrolled by a Grohe “Euphoria” chrome fixture.Water flow control devices are installed on everywater fixture, and a small hot water tank encouragesshort showers. Lighting is custom LED with twolight 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-out-door fabrics. Clothing is stored in two wardrobes:one at the end of the countertop and one in thebathroom. Under the countertop there are sixdrawers which function as a dresser. For readingbooks, Hofmann uses his iPhone, and he readsonline periodicals via the iMac.

Design is about choices, and the intention ofsustainability in design is to eliminate negativeenvironmental impact on our world. It is aboutdesigning something for life and creating thecapacity to endure within the design. For moreinformation, go to www.hofarc.com •••

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From the ArchivesFamily Vacation in FloridaSummertime weather is still abundant inFlorida, so it’s time to pack up the Airstream,gather the family and head for the beach. Theconcrete is going to be hot before you reachthe cool ocean breezes, so have your localgarage’s Red Ball service change the oil andcheck the tire pressure and fluids in your ’57Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Coupe. Hitch upthe 22’ double bed Safari and you’re ready tohead out in the morning.

Pack the cooler with bottled pop for thegirls and canned Schlitz for you and the missus.Top it off it with plenty of ice. Fill the propanetanks and start cooling the fridge the nightbefore you leave. Coppertone – check. Babyoil – check. Beach blankets – check. Bingo –check. Remind the girls not to sit under thepalm tree where they could get bonked witha coconut. And don’t forget the tire pump forthe beach ball! It’s going to be a greatAirstream weekend.•••

- FRED COLDWELL

It’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 actuallyshowing up. That’s why Kristi Konieczny bought an Airstream.

For fifteen years, Kristi’s business, The Spa Buzz, hasmarketed products and services for the spa, health andwellness, and salon industry. As she watched her marketsbecome more Internet dependent she realized the “humanconnection” was being lost in these very personal markets.

Kristi wanted to find a way to tie sponsors, vendor’scustomers and consumers together. A tour to visit her customers during special local events seemed to be a wayto reestablish that lost connection, and her customersagreed. 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 hasbeen touring since March 2011, visiting spas, fitness

• • • • • Rivet Bits

Samantha Silver learnsthe process of setting upZip-Dee window awnings on the Buzz Bus.

F i n d i n g T h e

“Human�Connection”

By Tom Palesch


TOP: From left to right, Buzz Bus team membersKristi Konieczny, Vanessa Notman, Catterina

Calderon, and Samantha Silver.

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

The team–consisting entirely of women–workfrom the Airstream. At events, they put on demonstra-tions and give presentations about wellness. They alsoparticipate in local newspaper, radio and TV interviews.The Airstream add cachet to the tour, as well as attractingattention. But most importantly, it allows the professionalwomen of The Buzz Bus Tour to keep the “human connection”in their marketing business. As it turns out, there really is nosubstitute for being there in person.

The complete tour will cover 20,000 miles of the US andCanada, 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. •••


The longer you own an Airstream, the moreyou realize that this community is as muchabout the people as it is the trailers.Airstreams are a bit different from the vastmajority of recreational vehicles, and soit’s not surprising that they attract a crowdthat’s a bit different too—in a good way.

At the recent Alumapalooza 2011 inJackson Center, OH, we sent photographerAlison Turner around to document some ofthe faces of our community, and she cameback with hundreds of magnificent photos.You can see the full collection online athttp://alumapalooza.com/?p=324

By Rich LuhrPhotos by Alison Turner

Michael DepraidaMichael Depraida has been a roamingartist since 2000, when he left behindNew York City for full-time life in asolar-powered 28-foot Airstream. Evenbefore then, he was well-recognizedfor his paintings and photographic art,but now he is beloved by Airstreamersfor his many themed t-shirt designs,posters, and joie de vivre. His art wasa cover for Airstream Life, Winter 2009.


Nate WebbNate’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 beeninstalled on Airstreams for decades. At age 22,Nate already has five years of experience workingfor Zip-Dee. “I do a little bit of everything, prettymuch anything that needs to be done,” he says,including service work, talking to customers,shipping, and demonstrations at several major RVindustry events each year.

David WinickDavid is known in the Airstream world asthe designer of the 75th Anniversary Bambi,the creator of the “Home Sweet Home” andother aluminum screen door guards, and thegenius behind numerous high-end trailercustomizations. Most recently he publisheda book, “Airstreams: Custom Interiors.” Hisinterest in mid-century modern arts is obvi-ous in many of the trailer customizationshe has done. At Alumapalooza he wascharged with picking the winner of the Airstream Life“Wally” award for BestTrailer Presentation.


Kirk MacKellarAfter years of tent camping, Kirk MacKellar got intoAirstreaming in 2004 with two vintage trailers hefound on eBay. “A friend of mine was hooting on mefor buying something that looked like a piece of dis-carded space junk [a 1967 Caravel]. So, as to not lethim get the last laugh, I started traveling with ‘Gusthe astronaut’ and the NASA door decals.” Thisturned into eventually “re-creating” the Apollo 11moon landing at an Airstream dealership, and even-tually a series of Airstream silk screen prints, oldsigns, magnets, and other items from vintageAirstream photos. You can find many of Kirk’s prod-ucts in the Airstream company online store.


Charon HenningTattoo artist, sword-swallower, andfire-breather, Charon Henning livesin a 1966 Airstream Safari full-timewith husband (and fellow “carny”)Alex Kensington, and two hairlesscats named Brundlefly and Cesare.They spend summers at Penn WoodAirstream Park and travel extensivelythe rest of the year, performing, tattooing, and visiting friends. Nextwinter they plan to move to a largerAirstream Overlander that Alex iscurrently restoring.

Rhonda ColemanAfter years of traveling in a sixteen foottrailer with a large yellow lab, OregonianRhonda Coleman downsized to a moremanageable, pocket-sized breed. Shenow explores the Northwest and beyondin a (still-crowded) 2007 Design WithinReach Airstream with her tall mate and two wet miniature dachshunds. Shekeeps a travel blog called ‘Streaming atwww.airstreaming.net, and occasionallycontributes to Airstream Life magazine.


Bob Wheeler and Kristiana SpauldingAirstream President/CEO Bob Wheeler poses with KristianaSpaulding, of Silver Trailer. Kristiana designs jewelry, customfurniture, 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 loveof Airstreams and designing,” she says. “One of my

favorite feel-good moments at Alumapalooza isduring Happy Hour when one of my pieces ofjewelry is given away. It makes my heartsing to hear the ‘ooohhhh’ and ‘ahhhhhs’ inthe room and see the happy winner’sexpression when his/her name is announced.

That makes my year.”

Hunter HamptonIt’s hard not to notice Hunter Hamptoneither in person or online. She personallycustomized the interior of her Airstream(her full-time home) so elaborately that itwas chosen to win the Airstream Life “Wally” award for Best TrailerPresentation. At every rally she attends,you can be sure to find Hunter hostingHappy Hour under the awning and regalingnewcomers with tales of her colorful past.Online, she manages several discussiongroups including the long-time YahooGroup simply called “Airstream List.”


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 | LOCAL AGENT | PROGRESSIVE.COM

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

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Here’s what’s in the Fall 2011 print edition of Airstream Life! Subscribe today to get this issue!

The official Airstream lifestyle magazine

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Fall 2011

6 Inbox

9 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

42 Dinosaur National Park

47 Finding the Human Connection

49 Fun Page

50 Alumapalooza People

56 Homeschoolers Become “Space Travellers”

64 Last Mile: Old Glory and the Unicorn

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airstream life fall 2011

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