b'Airstream Way of Life forthis Outdoor Enthusiast By Tameka Kenan-NormanWhenGailWilsonspeaksabouthervintageandourfamilytimewascamping. Thiswasnotin Airstream, she can easily arouse feelings of nostalgiathe traditional camp setting but in more wilderness, formany.The60-year-oldembracesatimesurvival settings.reminiscentoffamily,community,childhood,andaThis concept of being in the wilderness was known carefreenesswemayneverbeas boondocking, and it created able to recapture in adulthood.whatwouldbecomeaunique Shealsoelicitsaneraoffondness of reptiles for Wilson, unequal rights, and experiencesthenaDetroit,Michigan many would never fathom.resident. Ifyourewonderingwhatan Airstream is, you are not alone.TherewasapointwhenI Airstreamsaretraveltrailershad15differentsnakes,says thatdatebacktothe1930s.Wilson,whonowresides AlthoughIwasntinitiallyinColumbia,S.C.Ihad familiarwiththename,Icaneverythingfromablackand recallseeingtherecreationalwhite tool snake to an 18-foot vehicleinmovies.Itssausagepython.shapeandsilver,aluminum bodyisanattentiongetter.Joining the InventedbyWallyByam,the Airstream became a way of lifeAirstream ClubandestablishedacommunityThe family moved from a tent ofRVerswhosharedtheirto a trailer, and ultimately to an loveofthetrailersandworldAirstreamafterreadingabout exploration.thecaravanandeventaking atriptoOhiotoseehow Wilson, who recentlyThats when I really started toAirstreams were made. purchased a restored understand, even though you Airstream, remembers that waycould afford an Airstream didntMyfatherwasfascinated oflife.Evenbeforeherdadmean you were accepted. bytheingenuityandrole purchasedhisfirstAirstream, Dr. Gail Wilson ofAirstreamsinAmerican shereminiscesaboutplanninghistory, says Wilson. familyvacationsinthe wilderness.ALancaster,S.C.native,the loveofnaturewasgenerationalforWilsonsfamily, WhenIwasveryyounginelementaryschool,weincludingagrandfatherandheruncles,andthey lived in the Northeast and had a tent. We were tentoftenexploredandenjoyedtheoutdoorstogether. campers,recalls Wilson. Wehadastationwagon,Althoughsheoftendescribesthistimeashappy, 20IMARA'