Camping on the Gulf

We’ve been looking forward to this final sojourn of 2007 all year long. We are now camping at one of our favorite campgrounds. Appropriately named Camping on the Gulf, it's located in Destin, Florida. We’ve seen some scenic campsites throughout North America, but this one takes the cake. Although the campground itself boasts some decent amenities and a highly professional staff, the obvious draw here is raw natural beauty. (And I'm not talking about my ugly mug.)



Yes – this location is as good as it looks. Our Airstream is literally parked on the beach. If we were any closer to the Gulf of Mexico, we’d be floating. You can lie in bed and listen to nature’s majestic symphony as waves crash to shore. You step from your RV onto powder white sand. And yes, you’ll find that same sand scattered throughout your RV from now until eternity, but it’s well worth it.



We’ve been here before. In fact, this campground was our first major destination in the Airstream. A few short days after we bought our “vacation home on wheels,” we hitched and headed to the beach. You always remember that first camping trip, so we wanted to make our maiden voyage a good one.

We particularly enjoy visiting the Gulf in the off-season, as it feels we’ve got the beach to ourselves. That’s a little bit of Walkabout Wisdom: The best time to travel is when the rest of the world does not.

Even mundane tasks are somehow more pleasant here...

Merry Christmas!

The Hallmark ornament pictured above was a gift from our Airstreaming friends Tye and Emily -- and we also received one from my mother. :-) I guess great minds really do think alike. Honestly, we're happy to have two of these thoughtful gifts. One will go in our home, while the other will reside in our "home on wheels." The detail on the Airstream ornament is fantastic. The wheels turn, and the blue-and-white awning even retracts!



Kristy and I also like that the date is emblazoned on it. Between our Key West wedding and insane honeymooning, 2007 has been a landmark year in our lives. Whatever happens in the future, we'll always look back upon this year as a highlight. We've enjoyed sharing the adventure here on our website, and really appreciate all of the kind comments received from far and wide. As I've said before, positive energy keeps the 'ol blog going. It's been a satisfying creative outlet, and we've learned a lot along the way.

Stay tuned... We look forward to more good times in the year to come. The "honeymoon" is just beginning!

Happy Camper

My love affair with wine began in college. It was there I discovered the ubiquitous Boone’s Farm label, whose rancid swill offers a delightful alternative to Thunderbird, MD 20/20, or even a six-pack of Blatz beer. Take it from me: Strawberry Hill pairs well with Top Ramen noodles.

Some of the finest wines I’ve ever tasted were served at fancy corporate dinners, the kind of over-the-top restaurant meals in which the handmade chocolate souffle cost more than my initial apartment furniture budget. In my heyday, I drank several bottles of wine that were older (and arguably more complex) than Jessica Simpson.

But alas! The problem with most of those rarified upper crust wines is that their branding strategy caters to wine snobs. They all boast elegant family names and tasteful labels that are, ultimately, forgettable. Especially after you’ve downed a couple of bottles. You wake up the next morning, shave your tongue, and mutter, "That was a fantastic wine last night. Wish I could remember what it was called..."

Therein lies the rub: although I’ve drank many fine wines costing more than a full tank of diesel, I have absolutely no recollection of the best of the bunch. Those brands are but fuzzy, pleasant memories rapidly fading in my mental rearview mirror.

Then there are the party wines -- the daily drinkers, if you like. Because these cost around $10 a bottle (give or take a few dollars), they are found in every store. And their branding strategy is designed to impress a mass market consumer such as myself. This often means screaming florescent yellow labels with names like "UNGA BUNGA - the Tribal Shiraz!" The more memorable the brand, the more likely a sober mass market consumer will pick it up for the next party.

Enter Happy Camper -- the first wine brand I've seen that caters to the RV/camping market. The name is brilliant, instantly memorable. The label is its equal, boasting an Airstream-like travel trailer, an aluminum-skinned towable nested somewhere amongst the California redwood trees. On the bottle neck sleeve are camping scenes of (hopefully sober) people canoeing, bicycling, and even piloting a motorboat. How can an RV enthusiast not remember a brand like Happy Camper?

Then there's the wine. As I state in the video review, Happy Camper is a good wine. I daresay that if it were served in your glass at a fancy steak and lobster dinner (the kind with those exquisitely delicate chocolate souffles) you wouldn't skip a beat. Happy Camper may draw you in with the label, but what's inside the bottle will keep you coming back.

The Art of Airstreaming

Airstreamers are sometimes referred to collectively as a cult. While this description is a little extreme -- there are few ritualistic ceremonies beyond flushing the tanks -- there’s no doubt that Airstream owners are passionate about their iconic silver trailers. Thus it only makes sense that Airstream-themed artwork would gain an audience.

This Grand Haven Tribune article about artist Mary Sundstrom is interesting on a couple of different levels. First of all, Mary's an artist who courts the Airstream niche, and does so quite nicely. That’s one of her pieces above. You can check out her website here: Airstream Art Studio. She sells prints on eBay (just search for "Airstream art") and even does commissioned pieces.

But what really grabbed my attention was the story of Mary's own Airstream find. She bought a sadly neglected 22-foot Safari model for a mere $400! Then she plowed her time and energy into the restoration effort. There's a certain style about the vintage trailers that is truly timeless, and Mary's Safari is a good example. After fresh doses of tile, paint, and exterior polish, it looks beautiful.

The Airstream brand is often viewed in luxurious, upscale terms. That’s because the newer ones are priced well into the lower stratosphere. Just looking at those MSRPs may induce nosebleed. But in reality, Airstreaming is not a life of champagne and Grey Poupon. Club membership is open to anyone with a few hundred dollars and a willingness to work.

Gee... No, GPS!

Our truck SEEMORE has the subtlety of a sledgehammer. A mountain of gleaming non-aerodynamic metal, it's pretty much devoid of technological gadgetry. The 1980s-era LED dash display is illegible in all conditions except total darkness. One suspects that Ford engineers would’ve preferred installing an 8-track cassette deck, but reluctantly switched to a CD player after considerable pressure from marketing. These sins are forgivable because the gargantuan diesel engine is capable of towing the Statue of Liberty over Mount Everest without skipping an 11.8 MPG beat.



My love for technology and gadgets is well documented. I’m usually an early adopter when it comes to this stuff. Confessional case-in-point: in 1995, I made the unfortunate decision to install Microsoft Bob on my PC. We can't be absolutely certain, but I think I was the only person in North America to install Bob. I know I'm the only person who will admit doing so.

Still, I somehow refrained from taking the GPS plunge – until our Airstreaming honeymoon. After driving around North America for two months with a ratty old $10 map, I finally surrendered to my technological desires and bought a Garmin Nuvi 660 GPS system. Simply stated, it changed our lives along with our credit card statement. The resultant question was not, “Why the hell did we buy this thing?” but rather “Why the hell did we wait so long to buy this thing?”

Of course, in the comfort of your own hometown, you can probably (hopefully?) make it down to the grocery store and back without some fancy gadget leading you by the nose. But suppose you are 1000 miles away from familiar streets…it’s dark…you have a flat tire…and you’re looking for that international camping haven known as Wal-Mart. Just type “Wal-Mart” into the Garmin and you’ll find the nearest one. No phone calls, no guesswork, no hassle. A GPS is not only a timesaver, it’s potentially a lifesaver. You might make an occasional wrong turn, but you’ll never really be lost if you have one of these gadgets. This totally changes the tenor of the classic American road trip.

Our GPS has a zillion other features with varying degrees of usefulness. It broadcasts audio over our truck speakers via an FM transmitter. It has a very nice Bluetooth cellphone connection, so you can gab on your cellphone hands free. And it plays audiobooks seamlessly, even pausing the books when offering spoken directions. I haven't tried every GPS out there, but this Nuvi 660 model has been named one of CNET's editors’ best GPS navigation systems. So don't take my word for it; take CNET's.

Airstream Bachelorhood on the Rocks?

Probably the most famous Airstream enthusiast is Matthew McConaughey. For several years, he's lived in his trailer in a Malibu RV park. He's enjoyed the lifestyle so much, he's even had two additional trailers custom built to his celebrity specs. That's right: three Airstreams! He's been living the ideal bachelor's life, dating whatever random supermodel happened to be in the laundrymat. Judging from all available photos, the man doesn't even own a shirt.

We visited Mr. McConaughey’s Neighborhood in August, and found both the ocean views and the rampaging ants to be memorable.

But alas! It looks like Ol’ Washboard Abs is turning soft. He’s just purchased a $10 million house in Malibu, albeit one with a yard sufficient for Airstream storage. You can read about it here:
Airstream Bachelorhood on the Rocks?

Note that McConaughey's got a new girlfriend, a Brazilian neurologist -- check that, she's a model -- named Camila.

When I informed my wife of McConaughey’s decision, she sagely replied, “Wow -- his new girlfriend’s really talking him into a lot!”

Sorry girls, this time it must be love. I can't think of any other reason someone would trade an Airstream for a $10 million Malibu mansion.

High-End Folk Art

There's an interesting article in Fortune about the resurgence of Airstream. The article states that Airstream sales doubled between 2003 and 2006. It also claims that 28% of Airstream buyers never owned an RV before! Kristy and I are amongst that number.

You can read the article here:

The Airstream: one sleek mod pod

Why did we buy an Airstream? There are many substantive, practical reasons like longevity and quality. But in truth, I suppose the writer is on the right track. There's something timeless about that classic silver shape. It's both nostalgic and futuristic, like a cross between your great grandparents' old trailer and a UFO. When you see one, you smile.

Late Night with the Long, Long Honeymoon

Kristy and I appeared on a local TV show yesterday to discuss our honeymoon adventures. The show’s host, Cassie Moore, really makes her guests feel at home. I know that Cassie is destined for future achievements in TV land. Remember that you saw her here first. And her co-host Callie Swaid is great, too! Our interview was a lot of fun and offered the chance to reflect on our travels.

Naturally, we brought a video clip to the TV show. You might wonder why, of ALL the places in North America we visited, we chose to spotlight Myers Flat, California. Quite simply, Myers Flat is the sort of place you’d probably never “honeymoon” if you aren’t hauling around an RV. We had a great time in this tiny town -- despite our flat tire -- and brought home fond memories of a friendly stop along The Avenue of the Giants.

In the interview, Kristy mentions our time in Europe. We’ve done a fair amount of travel throughout Europe, but the episode she’s referencing was a three month stint in a small Czech town. If you think full-timing on an RV is a challenge, try full-timing in a place where no one speaks English. My Czech is pathetic, although I did quickly master the crucial phrase "jedno pivo, prosim!" -- which translates to "one beer, please!"

We like to joke about our living space aboard the Airstream being limited. Sure, it's limited compared to our current house. But the truth is that I found our RV to be better equipped and more comfortable than an apartment we once shared in Greenwich Village (and anyone who's ever lived in New York knows what I mean). Our Airstream is extremely liveable, a triumph of thoughtful design.

Because the typical Internet surfer (myself included) has the attention span of a ferret on amphetamines, we’re carving up our 10-minute TV interview into three easy-to-digest bite size segments. You know, just like when your mother used to cut up your dinner meat for you.

And so, many thanks to Cassie and Callie for their hospitality. Next up, Kristy and I are scheduled to appear on a radio show. Stay tuned!

Greenstreams

This article is interesting: Airstream Trailer Serves Eco-Nomads. It's a striking example of how vintage Airstream trailers are reborn on a daily basis.

A company (Eco Earth Yacht Outreach) is now retrofitting old Airstreams to be even more environmentally friendly than usual. They incorporate solar panels for power, and make extensive use of recycled materials in the interiors. Of course, even the Airstream itself is recycled, since it was probably built several decades ago. This all seems reasonable enough, with the possible exception of the "compositing toilet." I have no idea how that works, and I'm not sure I want to find out.

Something I've noticed when Airstreaming (especially when boondocking) is that our water and electricity usage is dramatically reduced. In fact, I've mastered the skill of taking a hot shower using no more than three tablespoons of water.

So, all of you Hollywood hipsters, you want to be green? Forget trendy, token displays like driving a hybrid. If you REALLY want to reduce your so-called "environmental footprint," relocate to a trailer park immediately! :)

Channel Ch-Ch-Changes

We've made a few tweaks to our YouTube video channel. You can view the channel by clicking here: The Long, Long Honeymoon Video Channel

We will also start using a new video player here on the blog:



Pretty slick, eh? :-)

The YouTube channel is a huge archive of ALL our blog videos. We have a lot of content here on our website, but it's not always easy to find. As of this writing, we have some 70 videos! There's a pretty good sampling of scenic camping locations throughout North America, and some insights into the RV lifestyle. Hopefully our blog will become a helpful stop for anyone interested in RV-ing, Airstreaming, and traveling.

We plan to add fresh blog videos on specific RV/Airstream/travel topics. If you have any topic you'd like to see discussed, drop me an email! I can be reached at seanmichael@aol.com.

Tomorrow evening Kristy and I are scheduled to appear on a local TV show to discuss our honeymoon. Stay tuned for updates!

Driveway Camping and Beautiful People

During our second week in the Sunshine State, we visited dear friends in Destin, Florida. Naturally, we camped in their driveway! Using an Airstream as a guest house may seem odd at first, but it’s actually a fun experience for everyone.

It’s simply easier for us to stay in our Airstream, where we have all of our travel essentials (like crunchy peanut butter). And for our hosts, this arrangement offers an extra measure of privacy. It works exactly like a brick-and-mortar guest house, except that you can park it wherever you please. Oh, and you need to plug into electricity. I’m told that Airstreams have become hip guest houses and pool cabanas amongst the hipster set in fancy places like the Hamptons.

Speaking of the hipster set, we certainly frolicked amongst the beautiful people in Florida. We attended a couple of special events held in two particularly scenic communities.

The first was the “Change the World” fundraiser, held at the stunning new development of Alys Beach. My video doesn’t really do justice to Alys Beach; in fact, we hope to return sometime in the future to do a more extensive shoot. But suffice to say that when this place is complete, it will be among the most beautiful communities in the United States. Its architecture is reminiscent of both Bermuda and Antigua, Guatemala. It is somehow both elegant and relaxing.

The evening’s goal was to raise funds to aid Ukrainian orphans. The long term plans are to provide these children with a nurturing, home-like environment (in a place called Sasha's Home) while they await adoption. The event was an overwhelming success, raising over $100,000 in a single night! Everyone involved should be proud. Having recently visited Moldova and Transdniestria (which borders the Ukraine), I understand what a tremendous impact this money will have over there. If you’d like to learn more about the charity behind the party, check out the Barnes Family Foundation.

Next, Kristy and I ventured over to Seaside, where we attended the 17th annual Seeing Red Wine Festival. As you might have guessed, wine was the order of the day. The autumn weather has turned idyllic these past few days. With outstanding live music, fine wine, and gourmet snacks, it’s hard to imagine a more pleasant afternoon than the one we spent in Seaside.

Into the Wilderness

Airstream RV Blog - Disney's Fort Wilderness from Sean on Vimeo.

Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness offers a sprawling campground of substantial size. Its design and layout feels more like a state park than a privately operated campground – and that’s a complement. There are more trees than you might expect. The campsites are staggered in loops, rather than in the all-too-typical parking lot arrangement.

Of course, the three key upsides here are location, location, and location. Fort Wilderness offers an ideal launch pad for forays into the nearby Magic Kingdom and Epcot parks. Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios are not far away. It’s the perfect base for an extended Disney vacation.

One of Kristy’s childhood dreams was to become a Disney annual pass holder. And so, that’s at least one dream that has come true this year during Disney’s “year of dreams.” With an annual pass, one can come and go to the parks as you please. If you do the math, an annual pass is actually quite cost-effective. It doesn’t break the bank, and in fact gets you several nice discounts along the way.

With four major theme parks, a couple of water parks, and a host of unique resort and shopping areas, Walt Disney World is an almost overwhelming complex of fun. Our favorite guidebook is The Unofficial Guide to Disney World. It reads like a well-moderated Internet site, informative without being stuffy.

Disney claims to be the happiest place on earth. I believe it. I’ve done my fair share of international travel, including a couple of visits to what may rightfully be dubbed the saddest place on earth: the Auschwitz concentration camp in Oswiecim, Poland. As we strolled the carefully manicured sidewalks of the Magic Kingdom, watching small children and their families laugh and smile, I couldn’t help but ponder the contrast. It’s amazing that on the same planet, human beings could build both an Auschwitz and a Disney World. One was a horrific factory of death and destruction; the other is a remarkable factory of frivolity, happiness, and pleasure.

People criticize Disney for being too clean, too planned, and too perfect. Here’s the way I look at it. If you want unclean, imperfect, unplanned travel experiences (and in all sincerity, there’s a lot to be said for these), there's no shortage to be found worldwide. I wouldn’t trade my experiences in El Salvador and Moldova for anything. But we come to Disney World to escape the harsh realities of the world, not to revel in them.

We may all take it for granted, but Walt Disney World is actually an incredible human achievement. No government on earth could pull off an operation this ambitious. It's an oasis of quasi-perfection in a cruel, imperfect world.

So pass the Disney Kool-Aid. And give me my mouse ears! I'll wear them without shame.

Roll Tide

"Roll Tide" is Alabama's battle cry, but among fans, it's the ultimate all-purpose phrase, like prego in Italian or namaste in Nepali, an acceptable substitute for hello, goodbye, nice to meet you, and Amen. -- Warren St. John

University of Alabama Crimson Tide fans are famous for taking their RVs to football games. The best book on the subject is Warren St. John’s Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer. This first-hand account of tailgating nirvana is one of the most enjoyable sports tales you’ll ever read. It’s so well written, even those who root against the Crimson Tide (you know who you are) will still enjoy it.

In short, St. John bought an aging motorhome, dubbed it “The Hawg,” and joined Alabama fans in their group caravans throughout a tumultuous season. His account of the adventure is hilarious, insightful, and strongly recommended by this humble blogger.

St. John’s title refers to a mildly controversial Crimson Tide cheer that originated some 30 years ago and quickly became tradition. At the conclusion of major victories, celebratory Alabama fans erupt in “Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer” -- which is directed at the opposing team. There's nothing like hearing over 90,000 fans shout "we just beat the hell out of you" at full volume. Okay, it’s probably not our finest moment of sportsmanship – but it sure is fun! You’ll catch a dose of the cheer at the conclusion of today's blog video.

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I’m sure that once upon a time, tailgating was a simple proposition. People just tossed a few snacks into the trunks of their cars, and they were ready to go.

But like everything else in America, tailgating has evolved. It’s bigger and better. The social experience surrounding a game has become a passion unto itself. Indulgent dining, strong drink, fine china, and well-equipped RVs all play a role.

With an RV, tailgating becomes a multi-day affair. There’s an extended build-up to the main event which heightens the sense of unfolding Romanesque drama. And after each contest has concluded, there’s a civilized episode of relaxation and reflection.

In essence, tailgating with an RV is boondocking. You typically won’t have any hookups whatsoever, so a quiet generator and full fresh water tank are essential.

And please, don't forget the bourbon.

One Big Silver Family

I recently came across a fine article in USA Today about the resurgence of Airstream popularity. You can read the article by clicking here:

One Big Silver Family

Call of the Mouse

Our Airstream is still in the proverbial shop for a minor fan repair. But Monday, whether our "tin can" is patched together or not, we will hitch and drive south towards the land of Mickey Mouse. If necessary, I'll pack an extra roll of Gorilla Tape. That stuff will fix anything!

In the meantime, I encourage everyone to browse the archives on your left. We have enough cool video in this humble blog to amount to a feature film. And it's all yours for the clicking.

Best Kept Secret in Motorsport

While our Airstream is in the shop, we're taking in some local sights. Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama is an incredible treat if you enjoy the smell of fresh, hot exhaust. There's no better way to watch racing than on this $60 million European-style race course, where the landscaping is as lavish as a customized Porsche interior.

And speaking of Porsche, if you want to attend the official Porsche Sport Driving School, this is where you'll do it. The Barber facility is home to the Porsche school, so some of the world's greatest racecar drivers hang out here on a daily basis.

And yes, the Barber Park's an RV-friendly place. The track's main RV parking area offers scenic boondocking. It sits upon a high, grassy plateau overlooking the entire track. Electricity is available in the paddock area. So if you happen to be driving the track, you can relax in your RV in between sessions.

Believe it or not, I've actually driven the Barber track with a Birmingham sports car club. "What's it like?" you ask? Imagine your favorite rollercoaster -- times ten. Really, until you've ridden in a racecar being piloted at high speed, nothing can prepare you for the lateral g-forces and sensory onslaught. It's an adrenaline rush that's only slightly less addictive (and probably more expensive) than crack.

The VAP

Last night Kristy and I appeared on the Vintage Airstream Podcast (a.k.a. The VAP) radio show. We had a blast discussing our honeymoon adventures with Tim, Colin, and Rob. It's always a pleasure to talk Airstreaming with fellow Airstreamers.

You can download the complete 50-minute interview on the VAP website:

http://thevap.com/

The great upside to owning an Airstream is that they are timeless. In fact, some of the hippest, coolest trailers you'll ever see are more than 50 years old.

There's a lot to be said for taking a vintage unit and customizing it to be your own. Thankfully, exterior styling has changed little over the years. Aluminum doesn't rust, so just about any trailer can be polished back into a mirror finish. As for interiors, you can do just about anything your heart desires, from contemporary Manhattan apartments to 1950s diners. We've seen some amazing transformations, and the process is cost-effective vis-a-vis buying a new one.

Anyone interested in restoring a vintage unit should browse the VAP audio archive. It's an excellent, entertaining resource. Should you decide to go this route, the VAP is required listening.

The Long, Long Trailer

You watch The Long, Long Trailer for one reason. And that's to see Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball together at the height of their 1950s popularity.

The premise is simple enough. Lucy and Desi are newlyweds. A surprisingly blonde Lucy pressures the reluctant Desi into buying a travel trailer. They set off honeymooning throughout the American West...and comic hilarity ensues!

As much as I'd like to give this movie a favorable review, I've got to be honest. There isn't really much of a story here. Nor is there much in the way of character development. RV ownership is painted in a rather negative light, with the trailer in question practically killing an innocent marriage. And then the movie just stops, as if they ran out of film.

My favorite bits in this movie demonstrate that some things haven't changed. Certain aspects of "trailer life" are just as challenging in 2007 as they were in 1954.

For example, I really enjoyed the scene in which Desi gets flustered when backing up the absurdly long trailer. It reminded me of a certain gas station in Banff. In desperate need of diesel fuel, we managed to squeeze our rig into a space apparently intended for miniature golf carts. It was an achievement of physics and geometry comparable to a Space Shuttle landing.

I also identified with Desi when, terrified, he tows his trailer across a treacherous one-lane mountain highway. Kristy and I lived a few of these fingernail-chomping moments ourselves during our summer journey. At one such point in British Columbia, Kristy said, "It felt like we were driving to our death." Yippee!

But with regard to Desi and Lucy, I would've enjoyed seeing more positive moments along the way. If I were writing a sequel, I might focus less upon trailer mishaps, and more upon the persistent uncertainty of human relationships. That's really the overriding issue of married life aboard an RV.

Sure, you'll experience a few minor mechanical problems. But the real question -- the real test -- is whether you will truly enjoy spending that much time and that little space with another person.

An Airstream is essentially a one-room apartment on wheels. In a travel trailer, there's no sneaking off to your own private corner of the house. And in certain boondocking campgrounds, there's no radio or TV or electricity. You are always together, and the entertainment is up to YOU. Stripped of other distractions, how well will you get along with your spouse?

Kristy and I really enjoyed watching The Long, Long Trailer, and you probably will too. But take it with a grain of salt. We had a lot more fun than Desi and Lucy!

Happiness Pursued

"Time is the fire in which we burn."

-- American poet Delmore Schwartz, 1937

(also said by a plagiarizing Star Trek villain, 1993)

When you tell people you're honeymooning for an indefinite period of time in a travel trailer, you get some strange looks in response. Strange as in, "are these two people absolutely insane?!" looks.

To me, this trip always seemed to be a normal and reasonable course of action. At least it seemed that way until the unfortunate sewer hose incident in Malibu.

Sure, we could've been sampling fine wine and fresh lobster in a Tahitian luxury hut while eager minions massaged our feet and gently fanned us with freshly cut palm leaves. But wouldn't you really rather wolf down microwaved popcorn in a stormy Wyoming Wal-Mart parking lot?

Okay, perhaps that wasn't the best example. But the underlying point has something to do with the Latin phrase carpe diem -- sieze the day. (It actually translates into "pluck the day," but no one says "pluck" any more. Thank goodness.)

I'm one of those guys who's constantly aware of his own mortality. It's not that I'm obsessed with death. Not at all. Rather, I am aware of death, and I acknowledge its inevitability. It's what you might call a motivational factor.

I've seen many people die unexpectedly. I've seen many die expectedly. Either way, they died. We all will. It's the one thing you can count on, and it applies to everyone.

Martha Stewart will die. So will Donald Trump. And Britney Spears. And Hugh Hefner, if he hasn't already.

Our time on earth is limited. It's up to us to make the best of it.

Granted, what consititutes "the best" will differ from person to person. We all have different dreams that may or may not involve camping in Wal-Mart parking lots. Maybe it's watching your kids play soccer, or reading the works of Shakespeare, or drinking 30 beers in one day. Or doing ALL of these activities simultaneously.

Our aspirations may vary. But our responsibility is to pursue those individual dreams with passion and vigor. That's what our country's Founders wisely called the pursuit of happiness. That's why we're here.

Believe it or not, some people can find that happiness in a Wal-Mart parking lot -- on their honeymoon.

Coming next: we take a look at "The Long, Long Trailer!"

Home Stretch

We are home. It's a surreal feeling to enter your house after being absent for three months. Everything seems slightly new, but completely familiar. You might call this sensation "the joy of rediscovery!" And it's greatly heightened by the fact we've been living full-time in an RV.

While we are here... As Elvis might say, we're taking care of business.

Our immediate goal is to have our Airstream's ceiling fan (and associated rooftop damage) repaired. Incredibly, my impromptu duct tape repair has weathered many storms over the past three months and still holds. After this adventure, we really should be doing TV commercials for Gorilla Tape! It's the best thing since sliced bread and Crazy Glue. But it's time we properly repaired the vent and roof, once and for all.

Kristy and I are scheduled to appear on the Vintage Airstream Podcast (also known as The VAP) to discuss our experiences on the road. The online radio show tapes this Thursday. More updates as events warrant.

Our next foray into the American wild will come in two weeks: a trip to Florida, where we have an appointment with a certain Mr. Mouse. In the meantime, I will strive to keep the blog perking with updates, video and otherwise.

Coming soon: video reflections upon the long, long honeymoon. Stay tuned!

Takin' it to the Street

Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee is a treasure trove of music, food, music, drink, and music. And you'd better come ready to hear some music.

The mind staggers when you think about the talent that's congregated in Memphis over the years. Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, B.B. King, Roy Orbison...and that kid from Missisippi named Aaron (as in Elvis Aaron Presley). And what's really incredible is that most of those guys were making music at the same time.

BFF!

Sorry, macho men. Today's video is on the lovey-dovey huggy-kissy side.

But it's true: you'd be insane to share an RV with anyone except people you REALLY, REALLY like.

Coming next: Memphis!

Arkansoggy

We received our strongest and lengthiest downpour last night in Little Rock, Arkansas. For several hours, we slept to the tune of raindrops cascading against our Airstream. As I've written before, it's actually quite an entertaining symphony.

Today we are headed to that place the King called home. We'll do a full "bells & whistles" video blog update there, if the Internet cooperates... Stay tuned!

Oh, What a Beautiful Wal-Mart

In Shawnee, Oklahoma we spent our second consecutive night in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Just what every girl dreams about for her honeymoon!

Although we haven’t done much Wal-Mart camping on this trip, it makes sense when staying a few hours in one town. It’s a matter of convenience. There’s no check-in procedure, no hookups to warrant your concern, and no one rapping on your door the next morning to “remind” you of check-out time. And should you need to do any shopping, the campground store is a doozy!

Having done a fair amount of international travel, I know that stores similar to Wal-Mart exist overseas (ie. England’s Tesco). I’m curious whether they are as supportive of the RV lifestyle. I suspect not. Wal-Mart doesn’t have to be so inviting, and in our litigious society it’s rare to encounter such corporate hospitality. So I am appreciative.



We’ve crossed 14,000 miles on SEEMORE’s odometer, which means we’ve gone over 10,000 miles on this trip (the above trip meter doesn’t include our journey to and from Key West, which was over 1000 miles).

Even though I’ve driven almost ALL of this distance myself, it really doesn’t feel that way. Although I’ve been a little fatigued at times, I’ve never been burned out. The key is the amount of travel per day. We typically limit ourselves to no more than six hours of driving, and often much less. Whenever we feel like stopping, we stop. If we find ourselves in a good spot, we stay, sometimes for days. This is a luxury afforded by the nomadic RV lifestyle.

That said, now that we have home well within our sights, we’re making a beeline for it. Once there we will tend to a few household matters, and take our Airstream back to the RV service center for long-awaited repairs. Remember June’s notorious “dent in our enthusiasm” incident? The dent remains an eyesore, and the vent is still nonfunctional. So we intend to have our Airstream’s vent and roof repaired, as promised, by the service center. I will document these repair experiences in our blog.

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How nice are Oklahomans? The favorite sports team here is the famed University of Oklahoma Sooners football squad. Boomer Sooner! At Sooner home games, the Oklahoma fans pack the stadium, where they are well known for giving vigorous rounds of applause…to the opposing team! Sure, they cheer louder for their Sooners, but they also heartily cheer the visitors. Now that’s nice.

Get Tires Fixed (on Route 66)

We’ve been lucky on this trip so far. Over 10,000 miles, and our major mechanical problems have been the broken air vent in Casper, Wyoming and the flat tire in Myers Flat, California. But now we can add one more tire fiasco to our road trip experience.

Last night, after a long day of driving that included a stretch of historic Route 66, we clipped a curb when exiting the highway in Amarillo, Texas. We heard a banshee squeal, followed by a disturbing, telltale whooooshhhhhh. The road was unusually narrow, but nevertheless we must chalk this one up to pilot error. What can I say? I was tired, and that’s when bad things happen to good RV owners.

Upon inspection, the tire and rim appear to have been mauled by an axe-wielding mountain lion. Naturally, the victimized tire is the brand new one we installed about a month ago. Alas! It was so young…

Per request, here's a close-up of the carnage. Perhaps I'm exaggerating a bit about the mountain lion. The rim is salvagable, but the tire sidewall is punctured. I'm afraid it's toast.



It’s possible to tow Airstreams a short distance with one flat tire. Low speeds are mandatory in this situation. So, tail between our legs, we crawled like a scolded dog to the nearest scenic Wal-Mart. There we spent the night boondocking alongside massive motor homes and tour buses. I’ve spoken kindly of Wal-Mart’s RV hospitality before, and here I shall do so again. It’s an incredible luxury to know you have a safe, free RV spot in almost every American neighborhood. And they even have their own tire shop.

Although I’m not happy about the situation, I’ve written about this subject before. When you are traveling on an extended road trip, you are going to encounter adversity. Expect it. Deal with it. Don't let it ruin your day.

A few hours before our tire incident, Kristy and I witnessed the aftermath of a horrible highway accident. The vehicle involved was upside down, and it was also scattered across the road in shattered pieces. Its occupants were airlifted away from the scene by helicopter for emergency medical treatment. We don’t know whether they survived. Seeing this sort of accident scene puts our trivial tire woes in perspective.

After getting a new tire, we are headed toward that place where the wind goes sweepin' cross the plain… Boomer Sooner!

Santa Fab

We experienced a few episodes of extreme wind and rainfall in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s always interesting to ride out a storm in an Airstream. Due to the trailer’s aluminum skin, you enjoy the “rain on a tin roof” effect that’s actually rather soothing (assuming, of course, your trailer doesn’t topple over in a massive gust of wind).

How much do I like Santa Fe? Upon my first visit, I instinctively checked out the local real estate guides. As the wise philosopher Goldilocks famously observed, it’s “just right.”

This town is blessed with far more culture (arts, crafts, music, and chile sauce) than its size would seem to warrant. And it’s got something that’s missing in so many American cities – a sense of history. Santa Fe is almost 400 years old.

At the center of town lies the Plaza. It reminds us of our favorite Central American town, Antigua, Guatemala. As Kristy said, Santa Fe is “like Antigua, but without all the life-threatening danger.” Antigua still takes the overall ambiance prize with its striking Spanish Colonial architecture and magestic ruins. But Santa Fe has far fewer masked, machine gun-toting thugs.

By the way, the guitarist in our video is Billy D. of The HooDoos. He was outstanding! You can check out his band's website here.

Harvest Moonshine

One Canyon, Extra Large

“In fact, just about all the major natural attractions you find in the West- the Grand Canyon, the Badlands, the Goodlands, the Mediocrelands, the Rocky Mountains and Robert Redford- were caused by erosion.” – Dave Barry

After some extensive desert driving, we arrived at the Grand Canyon. We viewed the canyon from the South Rim. There are several scenic viewpoints, which are basically cliffs equipped with token guardrails. Lose your footing, and you may find yourself flying a thousand feet in a downward direction.

Every year a tourist or two goes tumbling to his or her death by stepping beyond the meager railing to get that perfect picture. Of course, much of the Grand Canyon has no guardrail at all. It would be rather ridiculous to erect a 20-foot tall brick wall around the entire Canyon, but that's about the only way to save some people from themselves (and I'm certain they'd still find a way over it). Sometimes fools can be very clever.

What is there to say about the Grand Canyon? It’s an incredible natural wonder that you just have to see at least once in your life. But once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it.



In truth, I feel that we really just grazed the surface of the Canyon, viewing it from the rim. Someday I’d like to return and spend more time here, hiking into its depths, taking a helicopter tour, and riding a mule. (Mules are used to travel into the Canyon because their eyes stick out from the sides of their heads. This biological anomaly allows them to see BOTH sides of the precarious cliff-hugging trail at all times. And really, who amongst us doesn’t want to ride a mule?)

Kristy and I seemed to be among the few American citizens visiting the Park. On the shuttle buses and at the scenic viewpoints, we were surrounded by tourists from Asia, Europe, and South America. At one point, a rather large group of Asian tourists began excitedly taking pictures of us, presumably because of Kristy's blonde hair! (Or perhaps they were impressed with my substantial beer belly?)

The campsites within the park were full, so we stayed about 20 miles outside the Canyon. Our campground, for no apparent reason, had a Flintstones theme. It was really quite bizarre. I've never seen another campground like it. At the entrance was a giant image of Fred Flintsone, and the grounds had various Flintstones-themed amenities (Wilma's Laundry, for example). They even had a full-scale replica of Fred's prehistoric car. Someone invested a great deal of money decking this place out in full Flintstones regalia. If only they'd invested a little money on cable TV, sewer hookups, and an Internet connection.

Grand Expectations

Yesterday was a lenghty day of driving across the rocky, dusty, mostly empty desert. We cruised along the United States - Mexico border for an extended stretch, passing through several security checkpoints as Federal helicopters hovered overhead. I suppose an Airstream could offer posh quarters for illegal immigrants.

It was an uneventful day featuring a somewhat bizarre, random stop for lunch. We were driving through the barren expanse, searching for sustenance -- and happened across this newly constructed Indian casino. I never considered lunching in casinos, but perhaps the idea holds some merit. Where else can you get steak and lobster for the price of a pork sandwich? We're not gamblers, although Kristy lost a whopping dollar in slots (I told her to walk away when she was up $2, but did she listen? Noooooooooo.)

After an overnight boondocking stop in Phoenix (thank you, Sam Walton!) we are headed north. Our destination holds a "grand" reputation. I've seen it, but this will be Kristy's first visit.

I'm unsure whether we'll have Internet access in the Grand Canyon. If it's anything like Yellowstone, I won't expect much beyond running water.

Stay tuned... we will update when able!

Zootopia

San Diego is a menagerie of beautiful vistas, friendly people, and perfect weather. And did you know they have a zoo?

Towin' and Backin'

Over the past several months, we’ve towed our Airstream more than 10,000 miles. Hopefully I’ve learned a little about towing and backing.

Probably my best advice with regard to towing is to buy more truck than you need. Our “big dog” truck SEEMORE has handled every mountain we’ve tossed his way, including the Rockies of Montana, Alberta, and British Columbia. For this hulking hunk of diesel machinery, our 8,000-pound Airstream is light lifting.

Our most negative towing experiences? Rush hour in Miami; rush hour in Calgary; rush hour in BFE, British Columbia; and rush hour in Los Angeles. See a connection here? Avoid an urban rush hour and you’ll be a much happier camper. Together our truck and trailer are 45-feet long. There’s no such thing as a simple lane change.

Now with regard to backing up the beast…

Campsites come in a variety of forms, but they are typically either “pull-through” or “back-in.” A pull-through site is a luxury. It’s designed so you can literally just pull your rig right through the site. You don’t even have to unhitch the trailer! Just put your truck in park, and you’re ready to uncork that celebratory bottle of wine.

But the task of backing into a campsite strikes fear into many RV'er hearts. We’ve backed into many, many campsites, from Key West to Seattle. It’s a team effort, with Kristy and I communicating via cellphone. In our first few months of Airstream ownership, we had more than a few hair-raising moments. Once I managed to wedge our rig in an almost impossible-to-escape angle between a fire hydrant and a tree. But these dramas have all but disappeared as we’ve gained experience.

A High Note

During one of my first visits to Los Angeles, I brought high expectations to town. Fresh out of college, my buddy Mike and I went club-hopping in search of live music. We started at a famous rock-and-roll joint on the Sunset Strip called Whiskey a Go Go. This is the place where Jim Morrison and The Doors were discovered, amongst other bands.

We stepped inside the club expecting something different. I don’t know WHAT exactly we wanted to see and hear. But we hoped for a radical upgrade from the seedy college bars back home that we’d grown to known and love. You know the type: places where the house bourbon singes eyebrows, where they shut down every night with a rousing encore of “Jesse’s Girl.”

Upon entering the Whiskey, we were at first disappointed. The interior of the place looked stark, barren, and industrial. Bare walls, concrete floors. Let’s be honest: it looked like a dump, just like our grungy haunts back in college. “What’s the big deal about this place?” we wondered aloud.

But then the band came on stage, and started playing. Pretty much from the first wailing guitar chord, we realized what was different. The talent on stage was undeniable. The band was playing original music we hadn’t heard before, but it didn’t matter – they were great!

I’ve since learned that Los Angeles is blessed with a deep well of musical talent. Many of the best and the brightest migrate here.

As I’ve matured, my tastes have graduated from screeching guitars to the more sophisticated (and far less painful) notes of jazz. Thus, our recent evening at Steamers Jazz Café listening to Chris Williams was a huge treat. Chris leads an incredibly talented jazz band, and he’s an energetic, dynamic live performer. For more information about Chris, check out his website at cwjazz.com.

Next stop: SAN DIEGO!

We're Goin' to Disneyland!

Airstream RV Blog - Disneyland from Sean on Vimeo.

Some people complain that Disney parks are overly sanitized and safe.

That’s kind of like calling the Pope a little too Catholic.

Of course the parks are safe. It’s DISNEY! That’s the whole point. This is a place to relax and enjoy life, where the definition of “adventure” doesn’t include a potential mugging.

There are plenty of unsafe places in the world. I’ve visited a few. Disneyland occupies a space far, far away from the barrios of San Salvador, El Salvador – a place so dangerous that even the police fear to tread. At the Burger King in San Salvador, you’ll see hired security guards holding MACHINE GUNS. And you’re HAPPY to see ‘em, because they protect you from the bad guys while you wolf down your Whopper.

Sure, Disneyland’s version of New Orleans lacks the menagerie of sordid characters you might encounter in the real Big Easy. You won’t see Minnie and Daisy performing in exotic dance clubs. You won’t see a drunken Goofy lying face down on Bourbon Street, wallowing in the muck. But you will get lively jazz music, authentic Creole food, and mostly clean fun.

Disney gets the small details right. For example, upon purchasing our tickets Kristy and I received “Just Married” buttons. All day long, park employees were shouting “Congratulations!” to us as we strolled past.

We will stay another day in Anaheim before heading south.

Matthew McConaughey Has Ants

Sorry, ladies. People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive has ants in his pants.

Or at least in his RV.

I know this must be true, because we’re camping just a few sites away from his Airstream. We have ants in our kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bed. Yesterday when I emptied the water tanks, ants were coming out the sewer hose! I kid you not.

We’ve been besieged by ants here in Malibu. It’s hard to be precise, but I’d estimate we currently have 23,472,822.5 ants inside our trailer. To combat the invasion, we’ve employed a dual-tiered strategy called Operation: Comet Bounce.

Along the exterior perimeter, we’ve dumped Comet brand cleanser. Anywhere our trailer touches the ground (tires, stabilizer jacks, power cords, etc.) we’ve dumped Comet. Supposedly the ants hate Comet.

Inside the RV, we’ve placed Bounce fabric softener sheets. Some will say this is a waste of perfectly good dryer sheets. Perhaps this is true, but now our kitchen counters have a wonderful fresh scent. I can't stop sniffing them.

We are leaving Malibu (and, hopefully, the ants) today. Next stop: somewhere else!

17.6 Million People Can’t Be Wrong

When I think of Los Angeles, one of the first words that comes to mind is diversity. Not just diversity of people, but also environment, food, and culture.

Want a beach? Take your pick.

Hills? Hollywood.

Mountains? Big Bear.

Urban areas? Skyscrapers and body-piercings aplenty.

Live music? World class.

Great sushi? Oh yeah.

Tasty burgers? No shortage.

Theme parks? Six Flags, Universal, and Disneyland, for starters.

Drive-thru trees? Not yet (Myers Flat has cornered the market).

Silicone implants? Not my bag, baby. But if you must, consider the 2-for-1 special!

Britney Spears? No comment.

And the list goes on...

It’s impossible to do everything here, but that doesn’t stop 17.6 million people from trying. About the only thing in LA that’s not diverse is the weather, so residents must tolerate month-after-month of sunny, low humidity days.

If there’s a knock on LA, it’s that there are 17, 599,999 other people occupying the same general area as you. Rush hour starts at 4AM--and things don't start slowing down until around 3AM.

Obviously we're enjoying Malibu, so the Airstream will remain parked for a few more days.

Laundromat With a View

The RV lifestyle is a blend of liberation and compromise.

In many respects, Airstreaming is liberating vis-à-vis owning a home. When I'm in my actual house, instead of enjoying the property, I tend to see what's wrong with it. I see floors that need cleaning, walls that need painting, and landscaping that needs planting. With real estate ownership, there's a neverending desire to maintain and improve (this is what keeps Home Depot in business). Our house is always a work in progress, so it never feels complete.

In the Airstream, the stresses associated with home ownership melt away. RVs are complete as delivered from the factory. Sure, you can make changes and improvements to your RV. And some things will break. But everything happens on a much smaller, more manageable scale. And there’s no neighborhood association or architectural review committee breathing down your neck. If you don't like your neighborhood, or your view, you hitch and move!

But there are compromises. Not many people fantasize about visiting scenic laundromats on their honeymoon, but that's part of our deal.

For the record, I’d be perfectly happy doing our laundry myself. But Kristy usually keeps me at least 30-feet away from the job. I have a tendency to accidentally slip bright red clothing into loads of white--which is why I’m so often seen wearing pale fuchsia.

We Love LA

Los Angeles is one of my favorite cities. There’s no other town in the world that rewards creativity like LA. In discussing his landmark film Gladiator, the great director Ridley Scott said, “Ancient Rome was the LA of its time.” Which is another way of saying that Los Angeles is the Rome of our time. Around the globe, all entertainment roads lead here.

So for today’s blog entry, something DIFFERENT. It’s a music video! The song is Randy Newman’s ironic anthem, “I Love LA.” But our film is inspired by a 1929 silent Russian flick called Man with a Movie Camera. That groundbreaking film documented a day in the life of communist-era Mother Russia. Our little movie presents a day in the life of Los Angeles; or at least, a day in the life of one Hawaiian-shirt wearing LA resident.

Our Airstream is presently parked in scenic Malibu. Probably the most high profile Airstreamer in the country, Matthew McConaughey lives full-time in his trailer in this same park. But we haven’t seen Ol’ Washboard Abs just yet. His Airstream's here, but I think he may be off shooting a movie somewhere.

Since we both enjoy this area, we will stay in Los Angeles for a while.

California Streamin'

Capturing San Francisco in a blog entry is kind of like summarizing the works of Shakespeare in 60 seconds. You just can’t do it.

Flattened

Time is perhaps the greatest luxury of extended RV travel. It goes hand-in-hand with this nomadic lifestyle. Whenever life tosses you a curveball – for example, a flat tire in the middle of a redwood forest – you can always drop anchor and ride out the storm.

Of course Kristy and I really do have a honeymoon “schedule” of sorts. But it is blessedly vague and subject to change depending on which way the wind (or the tire) blows.

Myers Flat (Is Where It's At)

God has a sense of humor.

We’ve traveled more than 7000 miles, towing our Airstream over towering mountain highways, perilous unpaved roads, and hazard-filled construction zones. We’ve rolled past hundreds (if not thousands) of towns, big and small. And where do we get our first flat tire? In Myers Flat, California.

We awoke this morning to a flat tire on our Airstream. After making an attempt to fill the thing with air, it became quite clear that reinflation was not an option. This tire was wheezing like a chain-smoker on a 10-mile hike.

Next step: call AAA! For many years, we’ve traveled with the supreme confidence of loyal AAA members. Although we never actually made a call, it just felt good to know that AAA had our back. Now, at last, after paying dues for all these years, we FINALLY had a reason to call roadside assistance. I found a pay phone (since cellphones don't work here in Myers Flat), and dialed AAA.

Here’s an artist’s interpretation of our conversation:

AAA Representative: “Hello, this is AAA. We’re here to help!”

Me: “Great! We’ve got a flat tire. It’s on our Airstream travel trailer.”

AAA Representative: “What? The flat tire is on your Airstream?”

Me: “That’s right.”

AAA Representative: "..."

Me: "Hello?"

AAA Representative: “Piss off.”

Click.

Me: “Hello? … Anybody there? ... Help?”

Dial tone.

Of course, the actual conversation was marginally more polite. The AAA representative informed me that our AAA coverage does not extend to our Airstream. So much for their oft-repeated blather about AAA covering “the driver, not the vehicle.”

Looks like we're on our own. Thanks, AAA!

Then we plan to head south towards San Francisco. Stay tuned!

They Might Be Giants

As human beings, we tend to think about time in terms of the average human lifespan. It’s therefore interesting to encounter ancient beings that are living by a COMPLETELY different set of rules. Like… Hugh Hefner. And redwood trees.

Many of these trees are older than the United States. Some of them are over a thousand years old. And a few proud geezers reach the 2000-year mark!

Viewing redwoods make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. These trees would be totally appropriate in the age of the dinosaurs. Long after everyone currently alive on earth has died, the same redwoods will still be here.

The message I take from these majestic trees is carpe diem. Seize the day, and pursue your dreams while you are here. Our time on earth is short – let’s make the most of it!

Coasting

When we departed on our long, long honeymoon a couple of months ago, we speculated that we’d return when pigskins fly -- in late August around the time of "the first college football kickoff." This weekend, collegiate pigskins are flying -- and we still find ourselves 3000 miles from home.

We’ve been meandering along the Oregon coast for the past couple of days, enjoying the cool weather and awesome views. We’re now heading south through California, with plans to visit San Francisco. Then we'll turn towards the Deep South and tailgating Nirvana!

The $2 Million RV

“So, what makes an RV worth $2 million?”

Funny you should ask.

Yesterday we toured the Marathon Coach factory in Oregon where they build Prevost conversions. These buses are built in extremely small production numbers – only 70 are made each year. Loaded with residential-class materials, they weigh over 52,000 pounds (by comparison, our unloaded Airstream weighs about 7000 pounds). Their diesel engines are reputed to handle one million miles before they need major servicing. The Prevost bus shells themselves are built to withstand more than a decade of heavy, daily use.

So the next logical question is, “Who buys a $2 million RV?” Other than the Saudi Royal Family, the answer usually runs to corporations. Race car drivers like Danica Patrick and Michael Andretti have one. So do movie stars like Vince Vaughn and Tom Cruise. Or to be more accurate, their respective companies own one. The companies buy the Prevost, and its depreciation becomes a corporate tax write-off. Eventually they resell it. I suspect that once you do ALL the math, it ends up like financing one’s own hotel room (albeit a Ritz Carlton, not a Motel 6).

Of course, some wealthy individuals “with more money than time” make Marathon Prevosts their RV of choice. To these folks, I merely tip my hat and say, “More power to ya.” Everyone at Marathon was really great – friendly, informative, and down-to-earth. The fit and finish of these buses is immaculate and reeks of quality. The chosen materials are truly the best of the best. If you are in the market for a $2 million RV, look no further!

If, however, you simply want to create smiles and have fun, consider restoring a vintage Airstream instead. You’ll turn more heads, and save at least $1.95 million in the process.

Old Friends and New Friends

There’s an old Irish saying that says, “There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t met.” That’s the way Portland feels.

This portion of our honeymoon journey has been about renewing old friendships and starting new ones. We met many fantastic people here in the Portland area who welcomed us with open arms. Along the way, we attended a Keb' Mo' / Robert Cray concert, enjoyed a scenic boat cruise, observed the best lunar eclipse OF ALL TIME, and consumed copious amounts of micro-brewed "Oregon Iced Tea."

Our blog videos are providing but a glimpse of the full experience. Many thanks to our old friends Gene and Paige, along with new friends Gary, Chris and Cheryl, Mark and Sharon, Andy and Elaine. Your hospitality will be long remembered.

The Airstream is hitched and we’re rolling south. Next stop: somewhere south!

Kitchen Fixin'

Better Late Than Never

After almost two months on the road, we FINALLY got a “longlonghoneymoon.com” sticker for our Airstream. I wish we’d had it when we started our journey, but we didn't...and there weren't a lot of sign shops in the Rocky mountains.

This honeymoon has been testing more than just our marriage. It’s also a trial run for an Internet “video travel show” project that’s shot, edited, and distributed on the fly. We've encountered a few technical glitches, but so far, so good.

Kristy and I enjoyed our lengthy respite in Seattle. But as Benjamin Franklin famously observed, fresh fish and houseguests begin to smell after three days. We have an amazingly tolerant brother-in-law (or else he's got a lousy sense of smell)!



It's past time for us to ramble on. Our destination today is Portland, Oregon, where we’ll be visiting an old friend.

Space Needling

An ancient Chinese proverb teaches us that “a needle is not sharp at both ends.”

Many Chinese fingers were pricked to uncover this nugget of wisdom.

Confessions of an Addict

The first step toward curing a problem is admitting you have one.

I have a problem. I am an addict. . . and my abused substance of choice is technology. It’s a horrible affliction that wreaks havoc on innocent credit cards.

For most of this honeymoon trip, I’ve been able to escape my illness. In wilderness such as Yellowstone, Glacier, Waterton Lakes, and Banff, stores are sticking with good old-fashioned caveman tech like firewood, knives, and blankets.

Then we arrived in Seattle -- the home of Microsoft, Nintendo, and Amazon -- and I fell off the covered wagon. Even the toilets here are Internet capable! For the past few days, I’ve been constantly exposed to Seattle's technological culture, cruising around town in my sister’s electronics-loaded new car with its lovely . . . GPS navigation system.

Our truck SEEMORE, being a big honkin' workhorse of a vehicle, doesn’t have such fancy gadgets. In fact, its pale green LED dash display has been carefully designed by Ford engineers to be completely illegible. For the past 10,000 miles, our only "navigation system” has been Kristy and a $10 map.

Until now. That smell is melting credit card plastic. Yesterday I surrendered to my basic instincts and bought a "personal travel assistant." This Garmin GPS will, hopefully, guide us home safely. Any device that enhances the safety of RV-ing is probably a good idea. I’ll let you know how we like it.

It’s only a matter of time before our brother-in-law kicks us and our Airstream out of Seattle. Then we’re off to Vancouver!

Seattle Slew

Facial Masks and Footwear

Every Airstream comes with an owner’s manual that's thicker than the average Encyclopedia Britannica. In the above photo, Kristy (sporting a “facial mask”) diligently searches our manual for a needle in a haystack – specifically, the identification number of our broken kitchen faucet.

She later found the elusive number in question. If you recall, we need a small piece of plastic. One phone call and sixteen dollars later, that crucial plastic is in transit! If all goes as planned, our Airstream's kitchen faucet will be repaired TOMORROW. That makes me happy (and I'm trying to overlook the fact we were just charged $16 for a 10-cent piece of plastic.)

Crocs

A few months ago, we were browsing a so-called “sidewalk sale” at a sporting goods store. The store not only moved racks of clothing to the sidewalk, they also dumped out a pile of flip-flop shoes called Crocs. They were selling these strange-looking shoes for $10.

The resultant scene was straight out of Discovery Channel: rabid packs of shoppers attacked the footwear like Amazonian piranha stripping a cow to the bones.

Since Crocs looked like useful camping gear, I braved the crazed throng and picked up a pair. Little did I realize these $10 shoes would become permanently welded to my feet. My tan lines tell the tale.

I now understand that Crocs are the biggest thing since The Beatles, the company's stock is more valuable than Microsoft and GE combined, and every child in North America owns at least 30 pair.

But these things really live up to the hype. They are comfortable and waterproof, an ideal shoe for RV-ing. And if you catch them on sale, they cost less than that plastic thingy inside our Airstream kitchen faucet.

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Tomorrow we spend some quality time exploring Seattle. On Saturday, we'll attend the Mariners - White Sox game!

That Perfect Sewer Hose

A few short months ago, I had no idea that Camping World existed. But today I find it physically impossible to drive past one without stopping. Where else are you going to find that perfect sewer hose in a pleasing shade of Airstream blue?

It's an inherent part of the fun of any new hobby, from cars to golf to RVs -- shopping! Now I pay close attention to lots of obscure items that were once meaningless to me.

Sweet Home Seattle

When we began this honeymoon journey, we didn't really have a fixed agenda. But one of our goals was to reach the Seattle area to visit my brother-in-law Wes. We made it last night.

This morning, SEEMORE got a much-needed bath. I also attempted washing the Airstream. There was still junk on it from Florida! And that's Key West sand on the floorboards. All together we've got some 45-feet of RV equipment desperate for a thorough cleansing.

We've crossed 5000 miles on the trip meter and 10,000 on SEEMORE's odometer. Note that this trip meter does NOT take into account the journey from Key West, so we've really traveled in 6500-mile range on our honeymoon.



At the risk of jinxing ourselves, SEEMORE has performed flawlessly. Our truck has tugged the Airstream over many tall mountains with nary a complaint. The turbo diesel power is fantastic. SEEMORE gets a new fuel filter this week; he's earned it.

Several RV'ers have encouraged us to continue north to Alaska. With a "mere" six days of driving, we could find ourselves in Anchorage. Alas, I doubt that will materialize on this trip. While we may visit Vancouver, that's probably the extent of our northward travel on this journey. As Frank Sinatra said, always leave 'em wanting more. Our probable return route will be south through Oregon, California, and the great Southwest.

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By the way, my sister Beth is not here in Seattle. That's because she's presently serving as a Navy physician aboard the U.S.S. Peleliu. On a goodwill mission, the Peleliu is delivering much-needed medical care to remote areas of Southeast Asia. While we've been "roughing it" by the campfire, Beth has been treating patients in small villages that lack running water, electricity, and bathrooms. Talk about boondocking! Beth is the one who's REALLY living out a once-in-a-lifetime adventure right now!

We will camp here in the Seattle area for several days.