AIRSTREAM LIFE Summer 2010

CHECKLISTS • VIRGINIA CITY, NV • HOMECOMING FOR OLD NUMBER 1

Online Edition

Summer 2010

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Editor’s Page

Discovering Our Roots One of the pleasures of publishing this magazine is watching the history of Airstream come to life through the writing of our contributors.

When Airstream Life began publishing in 2004, there was a tremendous amount of folklore about Wally Byam, the genesis of Airstream, the history of streamlined design, Airstream’s heydey caravans of the 1950s and 1960s, and the evolution of the travel trailer.

Over the past six years, we’ve gradually corrected and expanded the body of historical knowledge through a series of carefully-researched articles. Authors like Fred Coldwell, Forrest McClure, Douglas Keister, Bob Fish, and Molly Butterfield, have dug into the actual historical documents and interviewed the people who were “there” to bring you the true story.

In this effort we are particularly indebted to those folks who hold personal treasure troves of Airstream history and are willing to share. Dale “Peewee” Schwamborn is one person who deserves particular praise for sharing his late mother’s extensive collection of Byam family, caravan, and club memorabilia. We have also benefited from literally dozens of other small collections, including those held by Ardean “Randy” Miller IV, Caroline McNamara-Zimmer, Pete Turner, Fran Hall, and Tony Ruiz. These folks all hold priceless pieces of a story puzzle that we have been assembling to present to you.

Now add to that list the name of John Long, from Toronto, Ontario. For years, John has been digging up the true story of the famous but short-lived Bowlus travel trailers, and he presents the first part of that fascinating history in this issue. It has been known that the current design of aluminum Airstreams owes a debt to the pioneering work of Hawley Bowlus in the 1930s. But more often than not, that story has been twisted – the result of decades of re-telling based on incomplete facts. Now, thanks to John’s work, we have a much better understanding of exactly how Wally Byam connected with Hawley Bowlus and began producing the aluminum monocoque trailers that are the ancestors of our modern Airstreams.

To get the answers, John traveled to Oregon to interview Hawley’s nephew (now 90 years old), and read 1,400 pages of handwritten daily journals kept by Hawley’s father. He pored over depositions and exhibits from a 1935 lawsuit involving Bowlus, and captured oral histories from people who knew Hawley’s wife, Ruth. Finally, he closely examined about a dozen different Bowlus trailers and four Airstreams from the period to understand the “archeology” of the story.

Why would someone do all of this work? In John’s own words, “There has been a lot of mis-information in the Bowlus story over the years and I wanted this story to be as correct as possible as it could be.

It has been a great deal of fun.”

John’s history of Bowlus is published in the print edition of Airstream Life (and a second part to be published in our Fall 2010 print issue). By itself it’s a good reason to consider subscribing to the print magazine.

Even though you probably don’t own a Bowlus trailer, this is a “roots” story that explains how a genius aircraft designer (but a poor businessman) worked through the Great Depression and ultimately inspired nearly eight decades of Airstream travel.

John Long

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AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com

The official Airstream lifestyle magazine Editor and Publisher: Rich Luhr rich@airstreamlife.com Layout and Design: Ellicott Design lisa@airstreamlife.com Advertising Sales: Brett Greiveldinger brett@airstreamlife.com (802) 877-2900 Ext. 2 Editorial Illustrator: Brad Cornelius Chief Financial Officer: Eleanor O’Dea Associate Contributors: Jody Brotherston Interior Design J. Rick Cipot Features Fred Coldwell History Renee Ettline Features Bert Gildart National Parks John Irwin Great Ideas Roger Johnson eBay Watch Charles Spiher Crossword Forrest McClure Cartoonist 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 2010 by Church Street Publishing, Inc. AIRSTREAM ® is the property of Airstream, Inc. Licensed by Global Icons LLC. All rights reserved.Printed in CANADA.

In the same vein, this online issue also includes an article about “Old Number 1,” the first trailer to be made in Jackson Center, and a companion article explaining how we researched another trailer that was reputed to be “Number 1.” Researching Airstream history is hard work, but rewarding as well.

If history isn’t your interest, there’s plenty more in our print edition to keep you occupied as you relax in your Airstream this summer. Andy Thomson is back with the second installment in his popular series about towing and hitching. Very few of us will be able to read his article without learning something new.

New author RG Coleman joins us in the print edition to talk about mobile technology. A fan of social networking tools, she explains how Twitter and an iPhone can be useful to you as you travel.

Also, in the print edition, Bert Gildart celebrates his 24th consecutive article in Airstream Life magazine with a wonderful piece about the Yukon. As always, Bert’s photography and writing capture the Yukon experience in an way you’ll never find anywhere else.

There’s a lot more! We’ve got eBay Watch, Tin Hut, a few Rivet Bits, From The Archives, and a few small surprises. To get all of this, subscribe today to the full print edition of Airstream Life magazine at www.airstreamlife.com/subscribe .

See you on the road,

Rich Luhr, Publisher and Editor

About our cover...

Our cover depicts a 1950 Airstream camped in Alaska, drawing from the theme of Bert Gildart’s article on the Yukon, which appears in this issue. The art was illustrated by Eli Clark who, with his wife Jen, has been traveling around the country for the past ten months in their 19 ft. Airstream Bambi. Eli is currently a full-time freelance designer, working remotely with clients from around the nation, while immersing himself in the inspiration and lifestyle of the open road.

Originally from Montana, Eli and Jen plan on returning there to build a home, but they’ll keep the Airstream for further journeys.

You can view samples of Eli's work at www.elibclarkdesign.com

What's Coming: • Bowlus, Part II • Zion National Park • 1949-1952 Airstreams

SUMMER 2010

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Inbox

Dancing Palmettos To The Editor: As an artist, I was so pleased to see you’d used Michael Lambert’s painting as your Fall 2009 cover. In this issue I especially enjoyed the “Best Beachfront Camping” article featuring three South Carolina state parks.

Thank you for recognizing the treasure trove we have in our state parks.

Last week I delivered my “Hunting Island Series” of paintings to the Hunting Island State Park gift shop. Inspired by your article, I decided to camp at Edisto Beach State Park on the way home, and, happily I was able to stay in a restored 1965 Airstream Caravel. The warm sunrise colors on the live oaks, palmettos, and maritime forest at the edge of the ocean moved me to paint an “Edisto Beach Series,” starting with the first in the series, “Dancing Palmettos.” Needless to say, I’m a huge fan of Airstream Life and just renewed my subscription.

JENNIFER BLACK CHARLESTON, SC

I’m lookin g forward to the nex t issue of Airstream Life.

I've already taken my shank in do be redrilled. It will move the ball in two inches. Also, I have a 140" wheel base truck and could never manage to get the same drop in the front as in the back. Because my Tundra rides slightly higher in the back, it actually sits level when towing my Airstream. Now, I don’t have to worry about that anymore. I can’t wait for your next article on the ball mount angle.

THANKS AGAIN, TOM LAWSON TULSA, OK Editor’s note: You don’t have to wait any longer! Andy’s second installment on hitching is in this issue.

A Guide To Scary Roads Airstream Life: I just finished reading “America’s Scariest Roads” in the Winter 2009 issue of Airstream Life. The book “Mountain Directory—West,” published by R&R Publishing, covers all but three of those passes (nothing for Minnesota or Texas).

They give good descriptions of the road grades, turns, etc., so that if you are pulling a trailer you should probably avoid them!

The book costs about $10 and is available at most RV stores. I bought mine in Camping World several years ago and it has helped me avoid some of the situations described in the article.

JOHN CHROMY WILMINGTON, DE

Hitching Advice That Makes Sense Hello Andy [Thomson], Thanks so much for your hitch article in Airstream Life. This is the first article on the subject that I've found to be actually helpful.

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The book mentioned by Mr. Chromy is also available through online book sellers and RVbookstore.com.

AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com

Scary Roads In 1952 In response to your Winter 2009 story of “Scariest Highways,” here is my story: Estes Park to Grandy Colorado, 1952.

This was the scariest road I have ever traveled in my 45 years pulling an Airstream. It is US 34. We were traveling east to west using a 1951 Pontiac Catalina pulling a 1964 19ft.

Globetrotter. I will swear on a stack of bibles while giving my Scouts honor oath that every scene in the movie “THE LONG LONG TRAILER,” we lived through during that time.

The most remembered statements by us which both were, WIFE—turn this around; HUSBAND—you got to be kidding (she wasn’t and I was). We had almost reached the summit which is 11,796 ft. at Fall River Pass and still had Milner Pass at 10,758 ft. to go. I was in low, and creeping along at something between 5 and 10 miles per hour. The road is a narrow 2 lane without guard rails. If I had met an oncoming vehicle I have no idea what I would have done.

After going down from those passes I swore I would never to that again. Of course I was only 22 and a fearless sailor at that time. Now at 80 I will either drive around those peaks or not go. Good luck to those who try.

BILL EVANS Another Scary Colorado Road What a great article, it brought back memories of our grand adventures on three noted roads: Rt. 550 from Montrose, to Durango, CO (you failed to mention the highest pass north of Silverton, Red Mountain at 11,018 ft.); Teton Pass on US 22 in Wyoming; Historic Route 66 near Kingman, AZ. Only Rt. 550 brought white knuckles and intimidation when covered in heavy snow from an early winter storm in late October, 2006.

The icy and snow covered highways crossing the three passes were intimidating in four wheel-drive but uneventful. We were relieved to reach first wet and then dry roads only a few miles south of Coal Bank and with seemingly balmy temperatures (50 degrees) drove through Durango with the windows down.

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Having accomplished our adventure trips to date, we will add most of the other scariest tows to our travel itinerary for the future, although we may leave the Airstream in the campgrounds for Ebbetts Pass and the River Road.

DON & GAIL WILLIAMS RIVERSIDE, CA

receiving this labor of love. It was on the drawing board for over a year. Brad kept asking me for pictures and details about the truck and Airstream shell. Then he went about putting it together. Brad's detail work is amazing. The end results is shown below.

Best to everyone,have miles of smiles, we will see each other on the road.

DALE “PEEWEE” SCHWAMBORN

Wrong Warbird, Part I Your article on The National Museum in Dayton was very interesting, however the picture of the plane you described as a P-51 Mustang is actually a P-40 Warhawk that the Flying Tigers used in China. I really enjoy your magazine and look forward to every issue.

JOHN BOTTS Wrong Warbird, Part II The aircraft pictured on page 12 of the Spring, 2010 issue of Airstream Life is not a P-51. It is a P-40, Warhawk as manufactured by Curtiss and flown by Clair Channult’s famous Flying Tigers in defense of the Chinese prior to the US entering WWII. It was also flown by allied forces during the campaign in North Africa.

By the way you publish a really great magazine.

STUART WETTERSCHNEIDER

Happy New Owner Hello Rich, I’m looking forward to the next issue of Airstream Life. I bought a 1979 Airstream International Ambassador Land Yacht. I’m the second owner, and the other owner only used it four times. The inside is in very good condition, outside shows its age.

My first trip was to New Mexico.

Round trip was about four thousand miles. The trailer pulls very easy. Thanks for such a great magazine!

JIM JOHNSON GALVESTON, IN

Wrong Warbird, Part III Just got my Spring 2010 issue and, as usual it’s great! Just two things I’d like to mention: As I’m sure many others will notice, the WWII fighter pictured on p.12 and identified as a P-51 Mustang, is actually a P-40 Curtis Warhawk.

Also, as I’m sure Roger Johnson knows, eBay is infamous for refusing to crack down on shill bids by sellers who bid on their own merchandise in order to create the impression of interest or to drive up the price.

Thus, the egregious example of the wrecked 19’ Bambi on page 8 that was supposedly bought for $6,500 may not have sold at all – which may be why there was no feedback on the “sale,” and why the trailer will likely resurface on eBay. Roger may have previously mentioned this potential for eBay fraud, but it is one more good reason to pass up eBay listings, in general.

PHIL NOLDEN

African Scout Truck Scale Model Dear Rich, Recently Sue and I went to Cottonwood, Arizona to join the Four Corners Unit of the WBCCI at their Rally. This was the 4th Annual Dead Horse Rally. It was fun meeting new Caravanners, and old friends.

One of the highlights came when Brad Norgaard presented me with a scale model of my Advance Scout Truck from Africa. Words cannot express

e he treasur t g n i z i n g for reco .

Thank you tate parks s r u o n i ave trove we h

SUMMER 2010

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The smoke of over-heated rubber fouled the both inside and outside of the Airstream. The checklist also allows for easily assigning tasks to different people. For Airstreamers travair in the Airstream motorhome as the road eling solo, the checklist serves as verification that you’ve forgotten ground through its towed car’s front tires. nothing, and left nothing behind.

One tire exploded. After dragging the car a Types of Checklists block-and-a- half we realized that we had left The Departure Checklist can help prevent damage to your rig by reminding you to do all the many things you need to do when leaving our towed vehicle’s transmission in park. home or a campsite. The Airstream factory service center cites leaving In excitement over our first Airstream motorhome, we had violated two of the key principles we used with our Airstream trailers. First, we allowed an interruption while hooking up. Second, we had failed to confirm that everything was ready to roll. Following checklists of things that need to be done when departing would have solved both of these problems and saved us about $180, not to mention the delay to our trip and potential risk to our transmission.

Checklists certainly will help new Airstreamers learn the ropes and can keep all Airstreamers from undue frustration and expense.

Everyone can benefit by developing and using personalized checklists — even the veteran RV’er.

A perfect example is the Airstreamer who had been towing a trailer for over thirty years. Hooking up the trailer and breaking down the campsite was as natural for him as breathing. But eager to beat the rush to the dump station, he forgot to raise his hitch jack before he drove out of the campsite at the state park. The repair cost about $545 and a lot of inconvenience.

The Pros Use Checklists

Flight crews know well the potentially life-saving value of the seemingly simple yet critical checklist. NASA reports that, “The improper use, or the non-use, of the normal checklist by flight crews is often cited as a major contributing factor to aircraft accidents.”

Why? For Airstreamers, checklists help you keep your focus amid distractions. They can save money, time, and grief and help keep the fun in Airstreaming. Even the most experienced Airstreamers are subject to interruptions, distractions, and simply forgetting to do something when it comes to accomplishing a series of routine tasks.

Checklists also allow two people to work together and crosscheck each other to verify that tasks have been properly completed

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down the hitch jack, leveling jacks, and trailer step as well as failing to properly stow the TV antenna or power cord as the top owner oversights.

(The financial impact of these human errors is shown in the sidebar.)

The Arrival Checklist can help avoid such frustrations as stepping into the Airstream shower only to realize you forgot to turn on the water heater when you set up. Or it may prevent the even greater frustration of having field mice in your rig because you forgot to get the safety chains up off of the ground. (Mice are known to crawl up the safety chain and walk inside the rectangular A-frame to get into the trailer.)

The Walk Behind Checklist is a safety verification and “overlooked item” check. WBCCI caravans have the time-honored tradition of a “de-parking committee” simply because people forget things.

“De-parkers” check each rig as it leaves a campsite to make sure things are hooked-up and functional. A Walk Behind Checklist is a sound tool for each Airstreamer to use to achieve the same end for themselves. The RV’er who left his Honda generator in an El Paso, TX Wal-Mart parking lot after spending the night there could have saved himself an $800 loss had he used a Walk Behind Checklist.

The Emergency Contingencies Checklist can mean the difference between an inconvenient experience and a truly bad day. Forgetting your cell phone or CB on a day you have engine troubles can be prevented if you use such a checklist. Emergency maintenance items, a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, and items for seasonal emergencies should be among the things included on this type of checklist.

Other Checklists may be used for tasks associated with winterizing and de-winterizing the Airstream, routine maintenance, and for inspecting an Airstream you are considering buying. A checklist may be developed for packing personal items, your pet, and your supplies.

Another helpful way to reduce a repeated effort is to develop a typed

AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com

SUMMER 2010

checklist of groceries routinely purchased. Rather than writing a grocery list each time you go to the store, just add atypical items to your base list and strike off the things you don’t need on any given trip.

Personalizing your Checklists

You’ll get the best use out of your checklists if you personalize them to your own preferences and habits. We have provided some basic framework lists to get you started. Develop your lists on the computer so that they may be redesigned and printed as needed.

Here are some things to consider when personalizing your checklists.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Determine your checklist philosophy. There are two different philosophies on how to compile task-oriented checklists.

Some feel that only the most important tasks (tasks that would create a real problem if you forgot to do them) need to be listed. Others prefer a thorough step-by-step checklist that leaves nothing to chance.

Order the items on the check list in the order that they need to be done. Cluster items that logically go together and that are physically close.

Type highly critical items in bold. A critical item is any item that in itself can lead to an accident if left undone.

Subdivide long lists. Break tasks into different checklists if a list gets too long. For example: have an Indoor Departure Checklist and an Outdoor Departure Checklist. Consider ease of use. Lay out your checklist so that it is easy to use.

The Top Five Mistakes You’ll Make Without A Checklist What are the top five most common repairs resulting from an Airstream owner’s failure to properly prepare for departure?

These estimates are based on typical repairs done at the Airstream Service Center in Jackson Center, OH, and do not include any collateral damage. Cost for repairs done at your local dealership can vary based on freight and location.

1. Front Hitch Jack

$495 jack, plus half hour labor

2. Leveling Jacks

$70 each, plus half hour labor per leveling jack

3. TV Antenna

$135, plus one hour labor

4. Power Cord

$75 plus tax on the marine connection 30 amp style, $60 plus one hour labor on the hardwired style.

5. Classic trailer step $680, plus 3 to 4 hours labor. Bent steps usually mean bent outriggers for the steps, at additional cost.

The average dealer labor rate is $98 per hr. Some dealers in California charge $130 per hr. By comparison, a

State the action with the subject. When writing your checklist items, use verbs that describe what is to be done. For example, “TV antenna: Stowed DOWN” or “Water Pump: Switched OFF”

Two Ways to Use a Checklist

Most people seem to think of a checklist simply as a list of things to be accomplished. Using this method, the checklist directs the tasks to be accomplished and is used upfront as things are being done. This is especially helpful if you are a new Airstreamer but may become tiresome after many rounds of using a given checklist.

Another way to use a checklist is to incorporate it as a doublecheck. For example, if you are departing a campsite, complete your departure tasks by memory, then use the checklist to verify that all of the tasks have been correctly done. According to NASA, working first from memory then double-checking with a checklist is the most common procedure used by commercial pilots.

Developing good checklists takes a little effort at first, but can save you time, money, and even embarrassment in the long run.

Using those checklists faithfully can easily become a habit that is a part of your Airstreaming routine. As mundane as they may seem, using well designed checklists is an investment in your future and an insurance policy for safety. www.airstreamlife.com

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Checklists

Sample Checklists

Suggested Campsite Departure Checklist – Outside For all Airstreams: Stow outside gear and awnings Service holding tanks if necessary Check all tire pressures Disconnect and stow service lines (water, sewer, power, telephone) Lock storage bins Verify antenna/satellite dish came down Check brake and turn signals As driver pulls out always complete the following Walk Behind Checklist Trailers add the following (for outside): Raise stabilizer jacks Connect tow vehicle, mount towing mirrors if applicable Connect 7-pin cable and breakaway cable Cross and attach safety chains Remove wheel chocks and between-wheel locks Raise steps Raise hitch post Lock Airstream door Motorhomes add the following for towed vehicle: Connect tow bar to motorhome and towed vehicle Set towed vehicle transmission and unlock steering Activate braking mechanism (if equipped) Pull fuses or any other requirement specified by Owners’ Manual During walk behind (see Walk Behind Checklist) assure car wheels roll, front wheels turn, brake lights and turn signals work Suggested Departure ‘Walk Behind’ Checklist For all Airstreams: Verify step is up Verify TV antenna down Verify stabilizing/leveling jacks are up Verify power cord is stored Verify water and sewer hoses are stored Double check all hitch connections Look under, over, and around rig for any overlooked items Assure that turn signal and brake lights function

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Trailers add the following for Walk Behind: Verify hitch jack is up Verify between-wheel locks and chocks have been removed Move rig and check that all wheels are rolling Verify brakes are functioning Verify leveling blocks are stored Check trailer brakes Motorhomes add the following for Walk Behind: Move rig and check that all wheels are rolling Verify towed vehicle transmission is disengaged Verify towed vehicle steering wheel is turning when towed Verify brakes are functioning Verify leveling blocks are stored Check motorhome towed vehicle brakes Suggested Campsite Departure Checklist – Inside For all Airstreams: Secure, stow, and latch for travel anything that will move, fall, fly, or open Close overhead vents Lower TV antenna and/or dish Retract and lock slide (if equipped) Refrigerator to gas if not automatic…or turn propane and refrigerator off for safe travels Close windows Turn off water pump and water heater Turn off 12-volt lights Motorhomes add the following for Inside: Raise leveling jacks Set steps to retract Verify steps have retracted with engine started and door closed Lock door

AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com

SUMMER 2010

Suggested Campsite Arrival Checklist – Outside For all Airstreams: Before entering site, preview for utility hook-ups, tree limbs, ditches, picnic tables, guy wires, poles, concrete patios with sharp edges, rocks, or any other objects that can damage your rig due to driver positioning error Check for slide-out clearance if equipped Position rig at site within reach of electric, water, and sewer services Check AC shore power for correct polarity Request another site if polarity tester indicates a fault in the wiring Trailers add the following: Level trailer side to side with boards or blocks Set chocks and wheel lock Connect utilities if available (water, sewer, electric, phone) Unhook tow vehicle, dismount towing mirrors if applicable Level trailer front to rear with jack post Set stabilizer jacks, awnings, TV antenna and/or cable TV connection Turn on propane Stow/lock up trailer hitch parts Get safety chains off the ground Motorhomes add the following: Level rig with boards or leveling jacks Set brakes Connect utilities if available (water, sewer, electric, phone) Set awnings, TV antenna and/or cable TV connection as desired and turn on propane service if needed Check for slide-out clearance if equipped Motorhomes add the following if unhooking towed vehicle: Set brakes on towed vehicle Detach tow bar from vehicle If tow bar is to remain on motorhome receiver, lock for security Set transmission for driving, unlock steering, disconnect braking mechanism if equipped Replace fuses if required Complete any other Owner’s Manual requirements Suggested Campsite Arrival Checklist – Inside For all Airstreams: Turn on water heater Set up décor Open vents/windows or set heating/AC Switch refrigerator setting to Electric/Auto if hooked up Unlock and deploy slide out(s) if applicable and clearance is sufficient

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Simple Tips For Easy Checklists

Everyday you go through an array of checklists, sometimes not even realizing it. Even something as simple as brushing your teeth requires a mental checklist. The key is to make using your checklists easy.

Common sense usually works well for the small stuff and sometimes a quick sticky note for the occasional one time reminder, but a routine built over time is almost always a great failsafe. When getting ready to pull camp, my wife Sandi has a simple five-finger countdown for checking systems inside the Airstream: furnace, water pump, hot water heater, antenna, bathroom door. That very quick mental checklist helps ensure a safe trip home.

Before actually pulling their rig off the campsite, our friend Pam has a wonderful little mnemonic checklist: “Look up, down and around.” That sounds pretty basic, but it really does work. By looking up you are making sure your antenna is down and vents are closed, in addition to ensuring nothing is hanging over your rig to snag on the way out.

Looking down makes sure that all chocks are removed, toys and gear aren’t hiding under the trailer, stabilizers are up, and jack stand is secure.

Looking around allows you to be sure all lines, power and water connections are removed and packed.

Check that nothing is close to your rig or in the way off pulling out of the site. You would be surprised how many picnic tables have gotten moved during a stay at a campground.

Finally, do what small aircraft owners do when pre-flighting their plane. As you walk through or around the Airstream on your final check before departure, touch every item you’re checking with your hand. That helps you find items that might be loose or leaking, and touching items helps focus your walk-around so you don’t miss anything.

Take these ideas with you this summer, as you head out for another great camping season.

– J. Rick Cipot

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Checklists

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SUMMER 2010

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•• •• •• ••• •• Rivet Bits • Section

Pancakes To Go I

By Tom Bentley

f you happened to have been passed by a brightly bannered orange Airstream on the road last year, you might have felt a rumble in your stomach. You wouldn’t have been alone: there’s something about the sight of trailer adorned with giant plates heaped high with golden-brown pancakes dripping with sweet butter and syrup that could turn the heads—and appetites—of the most stalwart road warriors. Considering that the hotcake hotel toured 20,000 miles across the country (and up and down its coasts) promoting Batter Blaster’s novel pancakes-in-a-can product, that’s a whole lot of rumbling bellies.

But that’s what the Batter Blaster folks had in mind when it used a late 70’s Airstream Ambassador for its promo jaunt, because it has the solution to that bellyaching: Batter Blaster is a USDA-certified organic pancake and waffle batter in a whipped-cream style can. Just the kind of thing for the kitchen on the go (or a kitchen that literally goes with you).

According to Sean O’Connor, owner of Batter Blaster, “The quirky, retro look of the Airstream trailer matched perfectly with the unusual and innovative nature of our product, not to mention the retro-futuristic branding we use on all our marketing materials, including the can. And the colors were very eye-catching, especially in high people-traffic event areas.”

The Batter Blaster team took the trailer to a variety of venues, from Taste of Minnesota to Taste of Chicago to NASCAR races, marathon races and many more,

SUMMER 2010

demonstrating the tasty flapjacks for happy tasters. The trailer kitchen wasn’t used for the cake cooking; the company cooked on griddles just outside the trailer, under companybranded tents. “The Airstream was a bright and attractive visual complement to our product demonstrations,” says O’Connor.

O’Connor received reports from all around the country from friends, family and sightseers who spotted the Airstream at events and on the road. As he says, “It was clearly noticeable—you couldn’t not notice it.” The company used a 2006 Ford Expedition to tow the trailer, and the promotional team slept in the trailer during the duration of the tour. They did have a glitch or two related to the trailer’s age: the door that held the trailer battery in place flew off on a Wisconsin highway, and the battery shot out with it.

Fortunately, that incident didn’t result in anything more than astonishment for the crew, who saw the battery fly by.

The product, available in most major retailers nationwide, is proving to be very popular, with many a testimonial from happy pancake eaters everywhere. It’s been profiled on the Food Network, CNN, CBS Sunday Morning, and in kitchens across the country.

We like to think that the Airstream tour had a hand in that popularity, and Sean O’Connor chimes in too: “Our mission was to get a lot of pancakes in a lot of mouths, and this offered a unique and visually powerful way to do so.”

Pancakes—and pretty good ones—in a can. It won’t only be Airstream kitchens latching on to this idea. •••

TOP: The Batter Blaster Airstream opens its door to pancake lovers at the Taste of Minnesota, 2008.

ABOVE: Batter Blaster reps Brian O’Connor (standing) and Kevin Pulaski get ready to hit the road with their syrupy Airstream Ambassador.

AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com

15

• • • • • •

Parks Showcase

North Texas Airstream Community Washington Land Yacht Harbor

Hillsboro, Texas

A 100% Airstream Community, "Full Timer" & "Winter Texan" base. New Terraport with pull thru sites & 50 amp full hookups. 153 membership lots, many with permanent villas & houses. Free Wi-Fi, new laundry in Clubhouse. Located in the heart of the Dallas, Ft. Worth, Waco triangle at Exit 368A, I-35. Pets are welcome.

Winter Texan “WBCCI” Rates: Daily Parking rate $15, weekly $90 1 month $350, 4 months $700*, 12 months $1,200*

2 months $400*, 5 months $800*.

3 months $600* 6 months $900* *(plus utilities)

Reservations: 254-582-5566 E-mail: ntacmgr@aircanopy.net

www.ntaci.org

Always open for Airstreams to visit year-round!

• 163 spaces with 3-point hookups • Harmony Hall & Gatehouse available for rental • Homes for sale on leased lots • Close to shopping – Wal-Mart, Costco, Cabela’s • 2 miles off Interstate 5 • Free WiFi • 60 miles from Seattle & 60 miles from the ocean!

• Close to Mt. Rainier, Mt. St.Helens & Olympic NP

PETS WELCOME www.washingtonlandyachtharbor.com (360) 491-3750

9101 Steilacoom Road SE, Olympia, WA 98513 Charter Member of Airstream Parks Association

Minnesota Airstream Park A member-owned RV resort in the lakes area of mid-Minnesota.

• 125 sites with full hook-ups on eighty acres of natural oak savannah.

• Transient accommodations with daily, weekly, and monthly rates.

• Tennis courts, a nine-hole executive golf course, heated swimming pool and sauna, horseshoe pits, and a shuffleboard court.

• Good fishing and boating lakes nearby. Four miles from public access to the Mississippi River.

• Free wireless Internet access • Clubhouse with a kitchen and meeting space.

• Activities scheduled all summer long.

• Ownership opportunities available.

Visit us on your way to or from Gillette, Wyoming in 2010!

The park has 35 rally sites with water and electrical hookups available. Just an hour’s drive from the Minneapolis/St Paul metro area.

www.airstreampark.com • (320) 743-2771 8795 82nd St, Clear Lake, MN 55319

16

AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com

SUMMER 2010

Land Yacht Harbor of Melbourne FL It's all here!

• Over 300 days of sunshine with an average temperature of 72 degrees • Long term rentals, and transient sites available as well • Close to Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, golf courses and beaches • 304 sites, large air-conditioned recreation hall with a library and billiard tables • Free WiFi throughout the park Please explore our website and look at the activities and attractions we offer. Stay a day, a week, a month or a lifetime.

www.landyachtharbormelbourne.com Between exits 180 and 183 off I-95 201 N. John Rodes Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32934 (321) 254-6398

Highland Haven Airstream Park • Mountain setting • Blue Ridge parkway less that 5 miles away • Bluegrass music every Friday night at the Floyd country store • Hiking trails with waterfall • Weekly activities in the clubhouse • Beautiful sunsets • Wireless internet

vahighlandhaven.org 540-651-9050

Come visit us!

Top of Georgia Airstream Park Helen, Georgia

CUMBERLAND PLATEAU T E N N E S S E E

CAMPGROUND

Crossville, TN • www.tcpconline.com

SUMMER 2010

• Located in the beautiful north Georgia mountains at an elevation of 1800 feet • Full hook-ups, cable TV, limited free Wi-Fi available • Open year round—no reservations—limited sites available during the winter months • $7/night; $180/month—during rally weeks rally fees will be an additional charge • WBCCI members only • Close to trout streams, waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic drives, Alpine Village of Helen and so much more.

14255 Highway 75N • Helen, GA 30545

706.878.35905

AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com

17

• • • •

Airstreaming

A True Homecoming

BY J. RICK CIPOT

Mrs. P.H. (Lela) Caris circa 1970, and her 1953 Flying Cloud in 1971 at Wildwood campground near Toronto, Canada.

It is a rare occasion when a first production of anything endures long enough to become a testament to the quality and beauty of itself. It is also a historic moment when a travel trailer built in 1952 returns to the actual site where it was built, fully intact, to be added to the collection of true icons.

In mid-summer 1952 Airstream opened a new manufacturing facility in the small town of Jackson Center, OH. What was once a building making bazooka parts was now making the “furniture” for its new tenants, Airstream Trailers, Inc. An area known for fertile corn land was about to become the home of traveling aluminum.

The first complete “house trailer” off the production line was a 21-foot Flying Cloud, serial number O-0001. Records show that the trailer was transferred to Tibbles Trailer Mart in Fort Wayne, Indiana on September 26th, 1952. “Old Number One,” as the Flying Cloud later became known, was still looking for a home when it was again transferred to another dealer in Chicago, most likely Mr.Tom Oliver, the area Airstream representative.

Purchased in the fall by P.H. and Lela Caris, the Flying Cloud hit the road the following spring. And so began a fifty-six year history of family summers, road trips and camping trips still talked about today at family reunions. Old Number One helped build five generations of memories for the Caris’ and their descendants.

After P.H. passed, Lela kept the camping tradition alive by taking trips with Old Number One, often taking her grandchildren with her. Some of Lela’s travels took her as far as California, touring the state with her sister. Many summers were spent camping along a local lake, campfires at night, swimming and boating during the days. On some trips Bob and Phyllis Smith, (Bob being the nephew to Lela) would join in a tent with their two children, Jane and Miles.

Eventually Lela and her Airstream moved to Clearwater, FL. In 1970, Bob and Phyllis traveled down south and brought Old Number One back to Kirkwood, IL. The old trailer still had a lot of camping left in her. Bob and Phyllis Smith continued taking camping trips in Old Number One throughout Illinois and surrounding states, always being sure to include the lake in a trip or two.

It wasn’t long before additional memories of the lake, bull frog hunts and boating were once again associated with Old Number One, as the third generation began to take over.

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SUMMER 2010

Around that time Jane and her husband Larry started taking out Old Number One with their three children, bringing the fourth generation onto the Airstream life. They may have been camping on a different lake, but all the same great memories were being created, with the help of the Airstream and a row boat right on the shore.

As in generations before, the boys would camp in a tent when the weather was good, right beside Old Number One. During the summers of 2004 and 2005, Bob and Phyllis’s great-grandchildren were still camping out in the Airstream, making Old Number One truly a fifth generation camping companion.

Two years ago Bob passed away, leaving Old Number One to his daughter Jane Michael. After a brief discussion, Jane and her brother Miles thought it best if they were to donate the trailer back to Airstream. In their words, they agreed that it should go “home.” And so, Old Number One is back in Jackson Center for a true homecoming. It will be restored back to its original, just off the line condition, as it was the day P.H. and Lela Caris picked it up in 1952.

A single vintage trailer passing from owner to owner is not such a rare story in the world of Airstream. But think how wonderful it is that this historic trailer stayed in the same family for all these years, inspiring decades of memories and family traditions that will never be forgotten. •••

Serial number plate from Don McAnelly's 1953 Globe Trotter reading O-2001. BELOW: “As found,” when purchased from the Kentucky WBCCI unit.

SUMMER 2010

Hunting for Number One

BY RICH LUHR

Upon occasion, Airstream Life receives queries from owners of old trailers that they believe are historic or unique. While we are not equipped to handle large numbers of inquiries from owners who want research, upon occasion the claim of historic significance seems worthy of some research.

Quite often the owner’s claim is based on folklore or knowledge handed down from previous generations. Unfortunately, this is the least reliable source of information. Over the years we have been told of at least five Airstream trailers supposedly owned by Howard Hughes, trailers which supposedly went to Africa on the great caravans, and many “one of a kind” or “prototype” Airstreams.

“One of a kind” Airstreams are commonplace, since for decades it was the company’s practice to build whatever the customer wanted. Suppliers and interior finishings changed frequently during production runs, even within a single model year, and in the mid-century Airstream ran two factories which used slightly different designs, techniques, and suppliers. For these reasons, prior to the late 1960s it is hard to find two Airstreams that are exactly alike.

In the midst of researching the article about “Old Number One,” we received an inquiry from Don McAnelly of Elizabethtown KY. Don bought his 1953 Globe Trotter from the Kentucky Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International. At the time, he was told that it was “the first Airstream produced in Ohio,” which was a plausible claim based on the serial number (O-2001).

The trailer was in sad shape, with the interior removed except the overhead cabinets.

Don restored the trailer to working condition, and installed a small shower in the back along with a Sealand commode over a custom 22 gallon aluminum black water tank.

Given that we had just recently been informed that “Old Number One” was being donated to the factory, Don’s claim that his trailer held the same historical position seemed worth investigating.

Truly establishing the provenance of a trailer takes considerable work. For answers, we turned to Airstream historian and regular Airstream Life contributor Fred Coldwell, and Dave Schumann at Airstream. They referred to documents such as the original Manufacturer's Statement of Origin and production records to definitively answer the question.

Was Don McAnelly’s Clipper truly “Old Number One,” or was it the Smith’s Flying Cloud?

As it turned out, the first Airstream built in JC was a pre-production or “pilot” model 21' Flying Cloud with s/n O-0001, which eventually became the property of the Smith family and has since been donated to Airstream. A pilot model is one of the first few trailers built after a prototype. Their purpose is to test the manufacturing process. Pilot models sometimes are also field tested for suitability, and tweaked before the full production run commences.

A production model is the standardized model built in quantity after initial testing (if done) has been concluded. The first production model trailer built in Ohio was the 21’ Flying Cloud. That Flying Cloud (serial number O-3001) is presently in Colorado.

The second model trailer built in Ohio was the 25’ Cruiser. Production model 25’ Cruisers began with serial number O-4001.

The third model trailer built in Ohio was the 17’ Globe Trotter. Don McAnelly has the first 17’ Globe Trotter built in Jackson Center (serial number O-2001). It is the first production unit of the third model trailer built in Ohio. It was delivered to Dayton Trailer Sales, Dayton, OH on March 12, 1953, almost 6 months after the first Airstream rolled off the production line in Jackson Center. In fact, the 50th Flying Cloud (serial number O-3050) was delivered on March 14, 1953, just two days later.

Don wasn’t disappointed to hear that his trailer wasn’t “Old Number One.” He and his lady friend use the Globe Trotter often and have enjoyed it. Ultimately, that’s what it is all about. •••

AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com

19

Destinations

PHOTO: VIRGINIA CITY VISITOR’S CENTER

• • • • •

Gold Dust and Wild Mustangs

BY PAMELA BIERY

20

PHOTO: PAMELA BIERY

Adams dedicated years of his career to photographing this region: From Big Pine to Bridgeport and the majestic Mono Lake, jagged peaks, chalk bluffs and high desert meadows rest below a sky full of movement and drama—even blue skies here may offer up a rare lenticular cloud. Sprinkled with Alpine lakes, natural hot springs and exceptional fishing streams, the Eastern Sierra remains abundantly wild and is a less traveled North-South route than California’s coast.

Besides all this, with just a few turns, Highway 395 heads out into Nevada’s high desert onto roads with blowing tumbleweed, wild mustangs and more than a few historical mining sites. Step back in time and visit Virginia City, only 23 miles from Reno, 15 miles from Carson City and 40 miles from Lake Tahoe—making it a short day trip from a number of fine stopping points.

Virginia City sits high above the Washoe Valley at 6,220 feet above sea level. While it’s well worth the view to tow up, it’s also worth considering setting up a base camp along Highway 395 or Highway 80 to allow for a stress-free climb to this historically significant hub.

For perspective, the Ferrari Club of America hosts an annual hill climb that runs from Carson City to Virginia City via Highway 341 (a truck route). Before the truck route was constructed, cars would run up Highway 342 (Geiger Grade), past the Gold Hill Hotel and other landmarks. Highway 342 is now the return route for cars that have completed their runs up Highway 341. The original hill climb to Virginia City via Geiger Grade covers 5.2 miles (8.4 km), climbing 1,260 feet (380 m) and passing through 21 corners. While there are many turnouts, only the strong of heart should consider this route while towing a trailer—even a small Airstream. Expect gusty winds and extreme drop-offs by the road’s shoulder.

There are excellent camping options along Highway 395, including the Comstock Country RV Resort, located at the intersection of Highway 50 West and Highway 395, just south of Carson City. Or set up camp where the action is, near Sparks and John Ascuaga’s Nugget Rib Cook-off, at River’s Edge Campground along the Truckee River.

If you want to get away from the crowds and into nature, choose Dayton State Park, off Highway 50, just outside of the historic town

PHOTO: SILVER STATE NEWS SERVICE

R

unning along the spine of California’s Eastern Sierra Nevada, Highway 395 offers the Sierra’s most breathtaking views. There is a reason Ansel

TOP: Downtown Virginia City is lined with original Gold Rush buildings. MIDDLE: Running along California’s Eastern Sierra, Highway 395 provides some of California’s most spectacular scenery.

BOTTOM: Wild mustangs romp on the range.

AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com

SUMMER 2010

PHOTO: VIRGINIA CITY VISITOR’S CENTER

Mark Twain's brother, lived at 502 North Division Street. There are abundant hiking, fishing and kayaking opportunities within easy distance of Highway 395 as well.

Walking the streets of Virginia City, expect the unexpected. Be forewarned: history lives here. Whether you happen upon a staged street brawl or wandering minstrel or choose to ride a steam train along the original V&T Line, it will not be a dry affair. At the end of the day, the Eastern Sierra’s vast horizons and red sunsets fill the minds eye.

Virginia City History Primer Docents and actors, like these gunslingers, can be found ambling down C Street in high season.

Virginia City National Landmark is one of the nation’s largest historic districts. In 2009, the National Trust for Historic Preservation selected it as one of the “Dozen Distinctive Destinations.” Generations of Americans think of Virginia City as the home to 1960s NBC’s Bonanza series. Virginia City is an incredibly vital example of living history and a chance to rub elbows with the rugged West.

of Dayton. Dayton State Park is located on U.S. 50, 12 miles east of Carson City.

Trailers up to 34’ are accommodated. The Carson River flows right through the park and offers fishing and bird watching. Plus, it is the site of the Rock Point Mill, built in 1861, which processed rich Virginia City silver ore. Outside of Dayton, Adolph Sutro’s mining tunnel exits from under the earth below Virginia City.

Want a fab photo of your rig in Virginia City? Then take your time and follow signs up the Hwy 341 truck route as an easier option to Geiger Grade. The Virginia City RV Park awaits you and your silver bird at 335 F Street, Virginia City.

A route which mixes history, wild horses and Western adventure begins at the intersection of Highways 395 and 50. Leave your Airstream here and proceed trailer-less on Highway 341 into Virginia City. Explore to your heart’s content, then head down scenic Geiger Grade, enjoying fantastic unobstructed views across the Washoe Valley. Continue on to Highway 80 and Sparks, Nevada. You’ll find lots of people, casinos and entertainment in this outpost a few short miles from Reno.

Ready to see some open road? Head out to Highways 95 and 50 and circle back to Dayton State Park. Depending on the pace you like to travel, this outing could easily be divided into several days adventure. Consider allowing for a full day in Virginia City and another day to drive some back roads. The total loop as shown on the map is 126-miles.

It’s just 16 miles between Virginia and Carson City, so it’s worth considering exploring

both these Western treasure troves. In Carson City you can see where John Wayne's last movie, “The Shootist,” was filmed at the Krebs-Petersen House at 500 North Mountain Street or check out where Orion Clemens,

SUMMER 2010

AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com

800-256-9832 2400 W. 7th Ave. Eugene, Oregon 97402

www.suttonrv.com 21

Destinations

MAP PROVIDED COURTESY OF MAD MAPS, WWW.MADMAPS.COM

Opera, Brothels & Bucket of Blood Saloon During its peak, Virginia City was a rowdy town with some 30,000 residents. Active mines ran 24 hours a day, as did the Red-Light District brothels and saloons. No stranger to the arts, Virginia City provided urbane entertainment, with both opera and playhouses.

One of the largest schools in the West, the Fourth Ward school, has been restored

Twain’s Name a VC Legacy Virginia City’s somewhat isolated location has held development at bay, preserving a historic heyday in Nevada's high desert terrain.

Some of its past bustle and boom are gone, but today it offers a glimpse backward, complete with creaky wooden floors, the dust of gold mines and a treasure trove of notable buildings within an easy stroll.

Walk through town, play a hand of cards, belly up for a cold beer or leaf through historic texts at the Mark Twain Bookstore. Yes, another of Virginia City’s claims to fame is as the birthplace of the nom de plume Mark Twain. He came to Nevada and Virginia City in 1861 as Samuel Clemens, and left Virginia City in 1864 as Mark Twain. The building housing the Mark Twain Bookstore is one of the oldest buildings in Virginia City and houses one of the largest collections of Western historical texts and photographs.

Beyond the books, just look out to the street for living history in Virginia City. On a recent summer visit, women of the night strolled the street in costume, while rugged miners staged a street fight outside a bar.

Self-guided walking tours highlight details on the Chollar Mine, The Fourth Ward School and Museum, The Mackay Mansion, Marshall

PHOTO: COURTESY OF JOHN ASCUAGA’S NUGGET

Banking the Lode While miners labored arduously, real wealth was quickly accumulated by some of California’s most notable citizens who were banking, building railroads and providing mercantile trade. Ralston and Crocker, founders of the Bank of California, made their money in Virginia City. Leland Stanford, George Hearst, John Mackay, William Flood and many others made significant fortunes in Comstock mining from 1860-1880. The mines of the Comstock Lode yielded more than $400 million in gold and silver during its boon. These great riches funded the building of San Francisco, which is scattered with historic references and place names from Virginia City.

and now houses an important museum.

Many historic buildings still stand and in some instances retain their original function, such as the Bucket of Blood Saloon and Piper’s Opera House.

PHOTO: PAMELA BIERY

Home to the famous Comstock Lode, the West's first industrial city began in the late 1850's with the discovery of gold at the head of Six-Mile Canyon in 1859 by miners Pat McLaughlin and Peter O’Reilly. Henry Comstock, a fellow miner who stumbled later upon their find, claimed it was on his property— all this reflects accurately on the spirit of the Wild West (they called it wild for a reason).

PHOTOS THIS COLUMN: VA CITY VISITOR’S CENTER

• • • • •

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS Mint Museum. Learn more while enjoying the high mountain air, restored buildings and friendly local characters that make this place their home.

Virginia & Truckee Railroad Still Steaming The most famous of all American short line railroads is the Virginia and Truckee.

As many as 45 trains a day arrived and departed Virginia City during the nineteenth century. Following the line’s completion in 1869, trains hauled millions of dollars of gold and silver ore from the Virginia City’s mines. Journey over the original Virginia & Truckee Railroad from Virginia City, through tunnel 4 to Gold Hill, Nevada on a 35-minute railroad jaunt. This trip includes a narrated history of the Comstock and spectacular high desert mountain scenery, while the train chuffs past the famous Comstock Bonanza mine ruins.•••

Virginia City Fourth of July Spectacular July 4, 2010 Virginia City is a great place to be on the Fourth of July. Traditional and patriotic parade begins at noon. Boardwalks are filled with face painters, historical figures, clowns and free give-a-ways for the kids. The day ends at dusk with a spectacular fireworks display.

Comstock Music Festival at The Tahoe House Hotel, August 8, 2010 Musical concert at The Tahoe House Hotel, 162 South C Street. For more info call 775847-5264.

Railfest • August 14-15, 2010 A train lover’s extravaganza. Train Depot, F Street. For more info call 775-847-4386.

Virginia City Civil War Days September 4-6, 2010 The entire town comes alive with multiple Civil War Re-Enactments, living history, guests in costume, cannon and mining

demonstrations. Contact Virginia City Tourism at 775-847-4386.

Carson City (about 15 miles from Virginia City), Carson City Rendezvous June 11 - 13, 2010 Living history weekend. A salute to the Pony Express. Mountain man encampment, Native American dancing and crafts. Civil War Volunteers with skirmishes, stagecoach rides, Nevada Gunfighters show with the Reenactment Guild of America, arts and crafts, food court. Free western music on the star stage all weekend. Encampments open at noon. For details call 775-687-7410.

Reno/Sparks (about 30 miles from Virginia City), Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook–Off • September 1-6, 2010 The 22nd annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off will be in Victorian Square, downtown Sparks. See www.nuggetribcookoff.com

PHOTOS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: The historic Gold Mill in Virginia City includes two original restored stamp mills from the 1850’s Comstock Lode. • Dating back to the Comstock, Virginia City’s World Championship Outhouse Races pit teams of costumed outhouse racers against each other, as one person rides and the remaining team members manage to push, pull or drag the outhouse quickly down the track. • Take a historic ride along the V&T Railroad line. The Silver Line Express City Pass includes a 35 minute roundtrip train ride, 20 minute narrated trolley tour and different museums and national historical preservation buildings of note. • Each year hundreds of grill chefs face-off at John Ascuaga’s Nugget Rib Cook-off during Labor Day holiday at Victorian Square in downtown Sparks. • Mono Lake Tufa State Nature Reserve. Spectacular “tufa towers,” calcium-carbonate spires and knobs formed by interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water rise out of eerie blue water.

SUMMER 2010

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23

Here’s what’s in the Summer 2010 print edition of Airstream Life!

Subscribe today to get this issue!

Summer 2010 The official Airstream lifestyle magazine

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Inbox

8

eBay Watch: Oh How They Sparkle

12 Mobile Technology: Power Camping 16 Rivet Bits: Pancakes to Go 17 Bowlus, Origin of The Species (Part I) 25 A True Homecoming

Virginia City, page 32

PHOTO: COURTESY OF JOHN ASCUAGA’S NUGGET

28 From the Archives: Summertime...

30 Rivet Bits: Die Cast Airstreams 32 Gold Dust and Wild Mustangs 36 Uh-Oh, Did You Take Up the Jacks?

42 The Spell of the Yukon 49 Towing: Why is your Hitch Crooked?

53 Great Ideas: Hang ‘em High 56 Fun Page 57 Rivet Bits: Traveling Steinbeck’s Roads

Ice Palace in Chena Hot Springs. See page 42

PHOTO: BERT GILDART

The interior of a Special Bowlus Road Chief.

See page 17.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF JACK BOWLUS

64 Last Mile: This Will Be The Last

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