Skooliepalooza for Airstreamers?
Skooliepalooza 2023
Our first time in the neigh borhood….:)
Here is something you probably do not know about us. After much research, deliberation and thought, Andrea decided our future home would be one of two options, an Airstream or a “Skoolie”.
You may be thinking, “wow those seem to be complete opposites”, which I would agree.
The entry cost for the Airstream market is high and only gotten higher since 2020. The culture is very much about tradition, embracing the classic lines, layouts, and set ups that have endured since it was created. We have come across only a few that have been “renovated” or as Andrea likes to say “given a face lift” like ours. The vast majority on the road are the same today as when they rolled out of the factory. That is a big part of the attraction to becoming a “streamer”. The reputation of quality and community that comes with pulling one behind you. Buy it, hitch it up and hit the road!
The bus or “skoolie” world is the opposite. For only a few thousand dollars you can rescue a bus and give it a new life. The possibilities of your build are limited only by your imagination and resources. When one of your “skoolie” friends opens their doors, you have no idea what to expect inside. We have seen busses equipped with all the comforts, technology, and living accessories of modern urban condos. While others are barely built out, serving as transportation, shelter, and a symbol of how simple life can be.
To see a bus full of kids instead of being a converted camper breaks Andrea’s heart.
Andrea still gets disappointed when we pass a bus, and it is full of…. school children. :::::::😊
It was only natural that we would eventually attend one of the biggest “skoolie” events of the year, Skooliepalooza. It was time to see what it was all about.
One of the largest “ungatherings” of bus owners each year. People come from all over the world to compare builds, share ideas, work on projects, and build community with likeminded folks. Over the years it has grown to become an event for all “nomads” no matter what kind of rig you travel in. This year, unofficially of course, since nothing is official here, the number of attendees in rigs other than busses exceeded those in busses!
Heading to this year’s event as first timers and Airstreamers, we were not sure what to expect.
We would definitely be getting out of our comfort zone. Having never been to Burning Man or Woodstock, the only two things I could imagine would compare to this, we were both excited and apprehensive driving in.
What we found was an event like no other we had ever attended. People of all ages, walks of life, backgrounds, converged to make this 10-day event special.
Where is the Airstream parking area?
We had an amazing time at Skooliepalooza 2023
The makeshift sign as you entered the area helped you decide your next turn and where you would call home while here. Introverts Unite turn left, Party Zone over there, Family Area takes a right, Arts and Crafts you are here. There were no official camp hosts, no official organizer, or rule enforcer. Personal responsibility was the rule of the land here!
Our nearest neighbor was a man in his 60’s and his horse! They traveled full time in a small camper and horse trailer. Every day he would take the horse out of the makeshift pen walking it around offering rides to all the children and anyone else interested in doing so.
Next door to us was a retired paramedic from the Chicago area. Her full-time living arrangement was a converted ambulance, which also served as the de facto first aid station.
There we so many more stories just like this all around us. People of all ages, from all walks of life, backgrounds, and all with different reasons for choosing this lifestyle, had found their way here.
Yoga sessions, sound healing bowls, reiki energy circles, scorpion hunts, star gazing groups, jam sessions, roof top concerts and techno raves at night, were just some of the activities you could choose to participate in.
We loved the energy of the young travelers, and for one of the first times since we hit the road, we were the old people in camp!
It was refreshing to see so many people questioning the expectations and norms society has set for us and those we imposed on ourselves. For as much ridicule as the younger generations get, the conversations here were full of depth, insight, and genuine care for each other.
For us, it was even more special as it became a family event. We were on of he few sets of parents, that were here along with their adult children. It was entertaining to see the reactions on people’s faces when they heard that. Getting to share events, moments, and create new memories with our family and newest of friends is part of this lifestyle we love.
Skooliepalooza 2023 was a great experience and something we will look back at fondly.
Out of the hundreds of vehicles here we did see two other Airstreams, but unfortunately, we did not get to connect with them. Maybe next year?
Airstream, skoolie, van lifer, it does not matter. If you are willing to get out of your comfort zone, drive down some wash boarded desert road, open your mind and heart you will find your tribe in this community.
See you all down the road!