Hangin with the Airstreamers

by Van-Tramp · Published September 7, 2013 · Updated September 17, 2013

As I have learned, the adventure is not just the places you go and the sights you see, but also the people you meet along the way. This week’s adventures solidified that point even more.

Brian and his ginger-patch

The plan to meet Leigh and Brian (Aluminarium) has been scheduled for a few months now. We nearly ran into each other back in Jan ’13 in the Phoenix area, but have since been separated by numerous states. While Leigh and Brian do a clockwise loop around the West, I have been doing a counter-clockwise loop. We would be within meeting distance of each other only two times each year, this being one of those times. They have been full-timing in their Airstream trailer for two years.

Tim and Amanda (pic borrowed from their site)

Meeting Tim and Amanda (WatsonsWander) was a bonus. They too were coming in to visit with Leigh and Brian. Also full-time Aistreamers for the past few years, they are walking encyclopedia’s on how and where to go. I have been following their blog, on Leigh’s suggestion, for the past few months and it is a pleasure to ‘ride along’ with them in their adventures if only through words.

Curtis taking advantage of Laura

Another bonus meeting, John and Laura (Democratic Travelers) are fairly new to full-timing, but have a unique way of getting maximum enjoyment out of it. Their blog followers get to vote on where they will be traveling too next, and it seems to put a lot of miles under their trailer. The size of their Airstream trailer makes everyone else envious… until you have to park it. I look forward to reading about their adventures into the future.

In the short time I got to hang out with these three couples, I grew a deep respect for them and fond memories. The conversations and laughter along with the hiking to waterfalls, near-skinny-dipping in Lake McDonald, and a delicious Vegan meal of chili, cornbread, and salad will all stick with me for many years to come. Considering that I was the odd-man out in that crowd, in my old and ugly van (sorry BigBlue), they all made me feel welcome… even though they have clearly targeted my use of instant mashed potatoes as an inside joke among them. Hopefully we will all get to meet again in the South West this winter.