[winner]

Have noted with interest on the Forms a thread on "Longest Trip in a Vintage Airstream" I am wondering who can claim bragging rights on the longest trip in a Classic Airstream Motorhome.
We were on a single trip in our Airstream 345 from August 18 until October October 23 2002 (67 Continuous days) for a total S/D Miles of 9633.6. Viewing both Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, two Great Lakes, and crossing the Missouri, Mississippi and Columbia Rivers. No mechanical problems of any kind were encounter - all appliances operated continuously and satisfactorily on 12V, Gas and 110V. Average gas mileage was 5.85MPG., oil consumption (with exception of a mid-voyage oil change and lub was 1.5 quarts. One overheat on a 22 mile grade in Eastern Oregon at elevation. Successfully negotiated 10,851 ft (highest highway point in US - Snowy Ridge, WYO Hiway 130) without overheating, stopping or stalling. No tire problems, no problems with airbags or suspension. We believe this to be unchallengeable with regard to "Longest". Significant that we never saw another Airstream Motorhome at any point or time in our trip. however our vehicle caused many headturns, impromptu discussions in almost every area that we visited. We went Coast to Coast -through 22 States. No accidents, arrests or encounters with Pylons, highway barriers or other road hazards. All camps and sites visited (including at least 10 WAL*MART Stores were pleasant experiences. Although armed with a Concealed Weapon (with Permit) we never had any cause for alarm throughout the trip. We travelled through a variety of National Parks on our trip, utilizing our Golden Age Passport everywhere. We encountered one questionable situation at Mt Rushmore (While our Golden Age Passport gained us entrance to the Park, in this single exception, the Park Service has allowed a contractor to establish Mandatory Parking at a Cost of $8.00 for all vehicles entering the park - even with a Golden Age Passport.
This is a unique situation at Mt Rushmore - there are no others like it that we encountered. The most significant historic fact unearthed was learning that at Fort Meade, South Dakota) A closed US Army Post active in the Indan Wars, the Post Commander(Fourth United States Cavalry) and his wife in l867, caused a Military Aire to be played with the evening colors (Retreat) The wife suggested the Star Spangled Banner - The Secretary of War, upon visiting the garrison was exposed to this and on his return to Washington published a directive that the Star Spangled Banner was to be played at All Army Posts at retreat, and suggested that the Congress consider having this music become the National Anthem - Many Years Later, the Congress did in fact declare that the Star Spangled Banner be the National Anthem of the United States. Worst scare on trip -in Eastern Idaho on a two lane US Highway headed West at 55 MPH, met a vehicle that was stopped in the approaching lane preparing to turn in front of us across the road onto a cross road.
An approaching white box motorhome (huge), towing a vehicle, swerved off the road to right shoulder in attempt to avoid collision with rear of stopped vehicle. Motorhome rocked violently, but just as it approached our vehicle, driver was able to get it under control, barely missing impact with the front of our vehicle. Defensive driving alerted us to the situation and we were able to stop providing the margin if error!!!. Travelled the length of the Columbia River Gorge. Fly-fished for trout in a crystal clear mountain stream olong the Overland(Oregon) trail in Wyoming. Stood on the Custer Battlefield at Little Big Horn and the Reno Battlefield. Spent one nite in the Grand Teton/Yellowstone National Park Camp. Crossed the Continental Divide, East and West, at Several Points, Lake Superior North of Ironwood Upper Michigan and visited Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania (Established in 1757 and in continuous operation since as an active Military post.) Traversed both the Shenandoah Skyline as well as the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina. What a wonderful experience and we owe it all to our Airstream.
We would like to add that our visit to the Airstream Factory was a wonderful experience. The hospitality was great. We were provided with friendly, efficient and capable service. We could not have been treated better and hope we can return again soon. Our Airstream 345 is the most liveable and comfortable vehicle we have ever travelled in - aircraft, water vessel or auto included.