Cousin Chris and the Glam Camper

A couple of weeks after flower viewing with my folks in Southern California, they came to visit us in the San Francisco Bay Area, prompting gatherings with my husband, aunt, and I. We always have fun together, whether exploring the Bay Area (see Filoli in Spring), eating ice cream at Fentons Creamery & Restaurant in Oakland or waffles at Fatapple's Restaurant & Bakery in El Cerrito, or just sitting around the kitchen table sharing family stories. This year we had the extra pleasure of Cousin Chris joining us.

Cousin Chris and the pop-up camper

For the last three years, Chris has been building a pop-up camper in his garage. By day he works in the fast-pace tech industry for a major corporation in Arizona. By night he is a family man with a wife and two college-age kids, active in his church and community, and a hands-on craftsman of wood and metal.

Hardwood door and entry to the camper

Chris drove the camper on its inaugural run from Arizona to the Bay Area, stopping at a rest stop for a few hours of sleep. The camper held up like a trooper, and proved itself strong and travel worthy. We all met at my aunt's house on a rainy afternoon, and finally got to see the fruit of Chris's labor.

Side view of the popped-up camper

We saw the sturdy trailer that is its base, a demo of how the camper pops-up and is leveled, its refrigeration and electrical capabilities, and the outside storage possibilities. We learned about all the research and new skills required to weld and rivet and seal the camper, and the variety of materials used.

Adding the removable windows

Then we saw the cozy hardwood interior with its amenities for water and cooking and the future fan. The captain's chair has a swing out desk for working on the road, and the space is configurable with comfortable benches by day, and either two single beds or a double by night. Cabinets provide space to stow gear and provisions.

Cozy hardwood interior (framework for the future fan on the ceiling) 

Our host for a cozy afternoon

We spent the afternoon in the camper probing Chris for details, and admiring the craftsmanship. Most of the building material was either purchased very cheaply (like the hardwood, acquired from a lumber yard going out of business), or re-purposed (like the windows).

Entertaining in style (everyone got to try the captain's chair)

Room for all

This is not just a camper, this is a Glam Camper full of beauty and craftsmanship, stories and  passion. It made me think about how satisfying it is to step away from the virtual world of our computers and devices (fun though they are) and create something in the real world. (Plus, I couldn't help but think, wouldn't this be the perfect accommodations for flower viewing)!

Selfie (or groupie) shot back in the house