Some adventure stories don’t begin on the trail. Kathleen and Gary Austin’s story starts decades earlier. Initially drawn together by a shared love of the outdoors and creative pursuits, the two are about to celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary.
From their early days in Flagstaff to Gary's career in the Navy and education, their journey has always circled back to nature. Today, with a thoughtfully designed Tune M1 truck camper, they call their “retirement tent,” they’re redefining what it means to explore comfortably without losing their spirit of adventure. By sharing their stories, they hope to show others that adventure does not need to slow down with age.
Early Days
Kathleen and Gary first crossed paths as teenagers at the same high school, though they only knew each other in passing. It wasn’t until a few years later that they formally met in an unexpected way: Kathleen was helping her father with his carpet-cleaning business, and one of the jobs brought her to Gary’s house.
The two bonded over a shared love for adventure and the outdoors. Running, hiking, and time spent outside became a foundation of their relationship, and this has stayed consistent throughout their nearly 48 years of marriage.
While their story started in Flagstaff, life eventually took them in many directions. Gary was figuring out his own path. Though he had worked as a medic in the Navy and was considering a career in medicine, the long hours caused him to reconsider. Ultimately, he chose a different direction. Inspired by art and a desire to teach, he pursued a career in education.
That decision led the couple to Summit County, their favorite place they’ve ever called home. There, Gary took his first teaching job and helped build elementary art programs across towns like Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco, and Breckenridge. It was a busy chapter of their life, but one that reflected their shared values of exploration, creativity, and community.
Over the years, those values extended far beyond their careers. Kathleen and Gary became avid hikers and backpackers, frequently exploring places like the Grand Canyon, where they’ve visited frequently, appreciating its scale and beauty. Kathleen, a photographer, even has one of her Grand Canyon images displayed in their home.
What Adventure Looks Like Now
Today, their adventures look a little different. Currently, they split their time between Sedona in the winter and Pagosa Springs in the summer, which has led them to need greater simplicity and flexibility. After years of backpacking and using a rooftop tent, they began searching for something easier to manage that would still allow them to have mobility while they continue to explore.
“We were both turning 70 and were ready for a change,” Kathleen said.
They found their answer at the Overland Expo. Drawn to a pop-up camper with expansive windows and an open feel, they knew right away the Tune M1 was different from most truck campers on the market. Unlike more enclosed setups, the six canopy windows allowed them to see all around and truly feel immersed in nature, which was important to the pair. Kathleen knew right away when she saw the Tune M1 that this was what she wanted for their “retirement tent.”
“I wasn’t going to settle for anything less,” Kathleen said.
Gary was unsure because he still wanted to be able to access the truck bed. Fortunately, the modularity of the Tune allowed Gary to design an interior that could be easily removed when he needed access to the bed space.
Their current setup with barn doors, along with both passenger and driver glass awning windows, reflects a thoughtful approach that has guided them all along. It’s practical and flexible, intentionally kept minimal so they can still use their truck for everyday life while being ready to head out on a trip whenever they want to.
Along the way, their Tune adventure truck camper has drawn attention from other travelers and sparked conversations with people who share similar interests.
“The Tune looks well-built, and people recognize that,” Gary said.
One way they are doing this is through their YouTube channel, where they hope to inspire others to keep living a life full of adventure. Kathleen and Gary are living proof that adventure does not need to slow down with age.
For Kathleen and Gary, this chapter is about moving forward a little more comfortably while staying connected to the life they have built together. Whether they’re camping close to home, planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, or visiting family, their “retirement tent” is just a way to keep living the life they’ve built together. A life that is focused on adventure, creativity, and time spent outdoors together.
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