Chapter 9:   I received my first issue of Airstream Life. It’s a quarterly publication that I subscribed to, hoping that it will have some interesting articles for people like me just getting acquainted with the Airstream world. When leafing through the magazine, I notice two things.

First:  Airstream enthusiasts like to make up words. Along with Airstream, they use words like “airstreamers” (noun) and “airstreaming” (verb).   These airstreamers, in addition to airstreaming, are also “full-timing” and “boon-docking”.

Second:  I have missed a lot of parties. There was Alumafandago in Denver this past July.  Alumapalooza  (I swear I am not making this up) in Ohio in May.  Most recently, there was Alumalina in North Carolina and Falluminum in Georgia.  Fortunately, there is a future event in February, and its in my home state of Arizona. — You probably guessed — Alumafiesta!

Had I known these airstreamers were such festive people, I would have looked into this sooner. I love a cocktail party. (My answer to trailer trash quiz #8).  I especially love party planning. My mind starts dreaming up events that can be added to the yearly airstreaming agenda:

How about a gathering for people, like me, who have just purchased their first airstream? It could be called Alumanewbie.

Or a gathering for people, also like me, that don’t have an airstream they can camp in yet: Alumawannabe.

A gathering for seniors: Geezalumina

A gathering for singles: Availabalumina

But what does one do after arriving at one of these events, with or without an airstream; with or without a spouse?   I find the Alumapalooza website and go to the FAQ page. “What happens at Alumapalooza?”  happens to be the first question.  It reads:

“For five days/six nights, we camp right on the field next to the Airstream manufacturing building.” — Group camping, in a field, next to a factory — Are they kidding?

“Two dozen informative seminars…” — What happened to the party part?

“Music” — Sounds good.  “Happy Hour” — Sounds better.   “Yoga” — Interestingly the only physical activity mentioned aside from drinking.   “Trailer open house and factory tour” — Brian would like this, but I’m holding off buying my ticket for now.

I go to the Aluminafandago website next.  They say their motto is, “Life is short, eat dessert first” — They sound like they know how to have a little more fun.

Daily Happy Hour, Roving Happy Hour, Yappy Hour — Much better.

Cyclone Roller coaster and Live Entertainment  — Alumafandango may just have my ticket.

Boot Camp and Fitness Contests — I’ve always thought Coloradans were in great shape.

Aluminum Chef Contest — and, guess what? —  an Airstream Bloggers Roundtable!

This is definitely the party for me.  I’m also buying a ticket for Brian and our two dogs.  Hazel and Stella love Yappy Hour!

Trailer Trash Quiz #9.

What is YOUR best party-going advice?

a. Don’t be the first to arrive or the last to leave; and never, never be both.

b. Stop drinking when the stranger you’ve been talking to knows more about you in an hour than your spouse has learned in a life time.

c. Lampshades are for shading the lamp. Period.

d. Try not to be the people your parents warned you about.

e. Other. (Enter your answer in the reply box below)

See my answer on the next post. Until then…..