[A/S] Why Airstream?

["j54mark" <jmrdse@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

We are just back from our first real trip with our "new" '85 
Sovereign 25'.  Other than the minor floods from blowing out two of 
the dreaded polybutylene connectors (I carry a selection of plumbing 
repair parts - doesn't everyone?), the 600 mile, four day trip was 
uneventful.

Ok, I am still less than half-way through replacing the old plumbing 
(hence the almost nightly cascade over the weekend), I have 
upholstery, carpet removal (Pergo style flooring going down), new 
counters, tv antenna to replace, 12v fluorescents to add, new tires 
to get, a dozen or so minor items, all yet to do BEFORE I start on 
the exterior skin - which I expect to be the really big job.  In 
other words, if I put in a couple hundred hours a year for the next 
three or four years, and about $10 for ever hour I spend, I will 
eventually have a very nice, 20 year old travel trailer.

The question that comes to mind is, why?  Why is it worth all this?  
Or put another way, why do we love these things so?  And I do find 
that I really am starting to love mine.  Oh, I knew I would like it, 
I did too much research first for that to be a surprise.  But I find 
that I really, really am starting to love the thing.  I love the 
curve of the sidewalls as they turn and form the roof.  I love the 
shower and the funky little power vent in the bathroom.  I love 
having a real bedroom with drawers for clothes.  I love that folding 
table that lets me bring food from the range to the table without 
leaving my chair. I love the over-engineered latches for the 
windows.  And on and on.

Certainly there are things not to like and a few things I positively 
loathe - another post for another time - but I find an emotional 
attachment developing which I am certain would not occur with, say, a 
Nomad or Prowler of the same size.

So the question remains, what is it about the Airstream that causes 
so many of us to work so hard to keep them alive after 30, 40, even 
50 years?

Mark