where is kyle now?

The responses to my decision to live full-time in an Airstream are evenly split down the middle; it’s either “You’re doing WHAT?” or “Wow, that is !@#$% cool!”. It will definitely take patience, but the rewards are — as they say — priceless. In order to do this, I am selling sold almost everything in my Chicago apartment.

For those of you with all kinds of questions, here are some answers (I hope).

Why Airstream?
One word — iconic. Beyond looks, I hope an Airstream will be more energy efficient than, say, a Winnebago.

Do you have any photos?
I will. For now, check out the Official Photo Gallery of the 23′ International CCD Signature Series to get an idea of the look and feel.

Will you take lessons?
Definitely. I have never driven anything larger than a U-Haul, so it’ll be an experience. You may want to avoid all Interstate highways when I am driving nearby.

Where do you buy an Airstream anyway?
It is pretty much like buying a car — a really big car. For some more peace of mind and because of a somewhat tight timeframe, I chose a new model instead of scouring online forums and eBay for a used one. The guys at US Adventure RV just outside Joliet, IL are amazing. After days of discussions, they helped me make a final decision. They are also the ones “pimping” my Airstream before I begin the adventure. They always have answers for my endless list of questions. Dan, Sean, Steve, Dominick  – you guys rock!

How big is it?
The outside is 23-feet long and 8-feet wide. The inside is just a few inches smaller. It has a retractable awning to easily fit a table and chairs outside. The bed is just smaller than a normal queen-size bed. There is a dinette table up front that folds into a sleeper couch. I am remodeling the extra sofa into a desk workstation. There is a small galley with a sink and convection microwave. There is a small shower and toilet with a sink. Storage is tight, but everywhere. So, yeah, basically 184 sq. ft. of indoor living! And I thought my apartment in Chicago was cozy…

How will you tow it?
After an exhaustive search, I chose the VW Touareg. Amazingly, it is rated to tow 7700 pounds. I found most of the SUVs in its class to be in the 4500-5500 pound range for towing capacity. Instead of moving up to a full-size truck, I decided to stay with the enclosed minimalism of the Touareg. It just looks sweet! Talk to me again after my first experience going over a mountain pass!

What about your job?
My bosses at Viewpoints have been absolutely incredible. I will continue to work full-time as a remote employee. Ultimately, I need a computer and an internet connection to do my job. The Airstream will be a personal mobile command center: work area, multiple sources of internet connectivity, battery backup via inverter and possible generator, etc. My goal is to get work done – just in a different location each week/month.

Is the internet really everywhere?
I have a plan. I can tether my iPhone 3G for primary internet connectivity, and for backup, I have a Sprint mobile broadband card. I plan to also use the WiFi available at so many campgrounds across the US. Finally, if all else fails, I can head over to Starbucks, Panera, Kinko’s, borrow WiFi from some random kind soul, etc. If you are still reading this, I also got a Cradlepoint router to convert a cellular signal into WiFi.

Will you be able to survive without the techno-toys?
This is going to be rough. Although I am selling most of my stuff, I will be taking a few things with me. There is a 23″ LCD HDTV with an over-the-air antenna on the roof. I plan to use my TiVo whenever possible, along with my Nintendo Wii when the rainy days keep me indoors. I will also have my MacBook Pro to play movies, use Hulu, interact via email, IM, webcam, etc. In all honesty, though, I hope to have a chance to ride a bike, kayak, golf, fly, and just hang out in the open spaces for a change of pace.

What about mail?
The U.S. Postal Service  is so 1997. Seriously, I get all my bills electronically already, and all the junk mail doesn’t really need to follow me anywhere. If you absolutely want to send me something in the mail, I set up a mail forwarding address with Earth Class Mail. They scan in physical mail and send me an electronic copy of it. If it is something I need (like homemade cookies), they will forward it along to a physical address I specify. Gotta love it!

What about residency/taxes?
I have no idea. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. With no sales tax, I may use my childhood Montana address (if I can get past the whole “using my parents’ address as a man in his early-30s” thing). I also will consider states with no income tax. To keep a current driver’s license and the ability to vote, I need to maintain “permanent” residency somewhere.

Will you carry a gun?
No.

What about safety?
When I leave the Airstream, there is a lock for the hitch, hidden GPS tracking, and a web cam. Seriously, this Airstream is pimped with technology. (And, yes, I guess if the thieves find my stuff, they will hit the mother load, but it is just stuff!) When I am sound asleep, the dead bolt lock on the front door will definitely be used, and my 4-iron will be used to hit things other than Titleists. Oh, and there is the standard carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector, LPG detector, and fire extinguisher.

What about insurance?
I have full health insurance benefits through Blue Cross, and a “Road Doc” on call at all times. The Airstream and Touareg have all kinds of coverage, including roadside assistance and full replacement cost coverage.

Will you shave/shower regularly?
Definitely. No “Unabomber”, “Grizzly Man”, or “Into the Wild” follower here.

Does the Airstream have a bathroom and bed?
Yes, a full-size shower and toilet are just waiting to be used and cleaned by me. An almost-queen-size bed is also in back. Guests get the fold-down bed in front or the tent outside.

Does the Airstream have a dishwasher or laundry?
If, by “dishwasher”, you mean “me personally washing the dishes”, then “yes”. It doesn’t have a washer/dryer either, so I will need to find local laundromats and dry cleaners.

Where will you physically stay?
I hope to have the freedom to stay in a variety of places; everything from the free rest areas and parking lots (e.g. Wal-Mart and Cracker Barrel) to commercial RV campgrounds. My goal is to find something in the middle; relatively inexpensive state and national parks with absolutely incredible vistas. I can lock up the Airstream, unhitch the Touareg, and make my way into the metropolitan area to scout out living in an actual building (after I am done with this little adventure, that is).

How long will this journey take?
I want to take as much time as I need to find a place to call home. As much as I love Chicago and all of my friends in Chicago, I just feel like there may be something different out there. This is my chance to find a geographic area that fits my lifestyle. I expect the journey to be measured in years, not months or weeks.

How will we know where you are?
I will have GPS tracking, tweets on Twitter, updates on Facebook. Trust me, everyone will know my general location at all times. All of you non-stalkers who ask nicely will have access to my real-time exact location.

What is your itinerary?
I have a few dates and locations in mind, but in general it is up-in-the-air. I will try to hit each part of the country at its best time of year. This means staying away from Chicago in the winter, staying away from the southwest in the middle of the summer, and well, generally staying away from a few states that will never be my permanent residence.

Can we join you?
Absolutely! I will be coming to your area to see if I want to stay for good, or you can also fly to any airport and I will pick you up. Come on out to my new home and visit for the weekend. Right now, my calendar is wide open, but book early!