August 2023 Blue Beret Magazine

BLUE BERET

BLUE BERET

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AIRSTREAM CLUB INTERNATIONAL

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AIRSTREAM CLUB INTERNATIONAL

MEETOURNEW EXECUTIVECOUNCIL

Corner President's

Eric McHenry | BRN 153

Fellow Members,

It's been a great year serving this term as your International President and I look forward to continuing serving during this upcoming second two-year term. As I have looked back on the last 12 months, I have been humbled and pleased by our Club's progress. We've "hit our stride" toward continuing to provide the enjoyment and fulfillment promised to you as members of the oldest and premier single-brand RV Club ever. Why? Some highlights accomplished by the International Board of Trustees working with the innumerable volunteers at the Region, Local, and Intra-Club levels:

Historic Agreement Between Airstream, Inc, and ACI

During our IBT Strategy Session in Jackson Center, Airstream Inc CEO Bob Wheeler and I signed a historic new agreement between Airstream Inc and ACI. While the agreement touches on other significant areas of collaboration, one component is the Airstream Club

BLUE BERET is the official publication of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, Inc. (WBCCI), Airstream Club International. BLUE BERET welcomes contributions of articles, photographs, news items and advertising. However, their publication in the BLUE BERET does not constitute endorsement. The opinions of the authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of either the BLUE BERET or WBCCI. The products and claims of advertisers are their own and, too, do not necessarily represent endorsement by either BLUE BERET or WBCCI.

Explorer Membership. Airstream now offers an Airstream Club Explorer Membership with the purchase of every new Airstream. Additional new areas of collaboration include cooperative "onboarding" of new Airstream owners into ACI, sharing of informational and educational content, the improved linkage between Airstream dealers and ACI Regions, intent to collaborate on events such as "newbie," "maintenance," "urban rallies," etc. Essentially, we've aligned their business purpose with our goals to enhance the Airstream experience of our members.

As stated by Ted Davis (CEO of Airstream Adventures) during Rally2023: "You are the embodiment of what it is to be Airstream. The Club is the spirit of Wally, of Airstream, and what it is to be human."

Rally2023

We've just concluded our 66th International Rally in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Not only was it our largest International Rally in 20 years, but most importantly, the "vibe" was terrific: we had smiles and hugs all around, great weather and an excellent location full of the adventure we seek in our Airstreams. Visit our new Blue Beret Blog (blog.airstreamclub.org) for a great selection of Rally photos. As is often the case, we were joined by several senior executives from Airstream, Inc. One of their comments summed it up nicely:

"It was great to see everyone at the rally, and I had a lot of positive comments after the announcement. The rally was awesome, too, and it was great to see so many positive changes to the format. The best energy I've ever seen at an Airstream rally since I've been going."

BLUE BERET (USPS 669-270; ISSN 0744-5601) is published quarterly. Periodical mail postage paid at Jackson Center, OH and additional mailing offices.

Canada Publications Mail Agreement #41295545

Canada Post Returns: 7289 Torbram Road, Mississauga, ON L4T 1G8. Notification of address change is the responsibility of the member or recipient and should be received at least two monthsinadvancetoavoiddelaysin forwarding. Re-mailing of back issues is at recipient expense.

Address corrections, suggestions, stories, art, photos, advertising and paid mail subscriptions ($45/year, included in members’ dues) may be mailed to: BLUE BERET/WBCCI, P.O. Box 612, 803 E. Pike Street, Jackson Center, OH 45334, Phone 937-596-5211, Fax 937-5965542, email: blueberet@airstreamclub.org

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: BLUE BERET/WBCCI, P.O. Box 612, 803 E. Pike Street, Jackson Center, OH 45334.

Bob Wheeler, CEO of Airstream, Inc & Eric McHenry, International President ACI

airstreamclub.org

FAX 937-596-5542

Office Hours (Eastern Time): Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President...............................................................Eric McHenry

Vice President..................................................Millie O’Donnell

Recording Secretary............................................Terri Warren

Treasurer.............................................................Per Hamnqvist

Execuive Council Member At Large..................John Becker

Execuive Council Member At Large.....................Jim Cocke

Execuive Council Member At Large.................Kathy Geese

Execuive Council Member At Large...............Marcia Howes

Execuive Council Member At Large........Jenifer Schnettler

Past President...............................................................Tye Mott

REGION PRESIDENTS

Region 1......................................................................Bard Fuller

Region 2.....................................................................Gary Russo

Region 3.............................................................Christine Baum

Region 4.......................................................................Fred Kiehl

Region 5....................................................................Artie Martin

Region 6.................................................................Jan Heavener

Region 7.............................................................Ginger Slattery

Region 8..................................................................Rick Everson

Region 9..........................................................Nancy Fitzgerald

Region 10.......................................................Florence Tramoni

Region 11..................................................................Steven Parr

Region 12...........................................................Abe Hernandez

Parliamentarian........................................................Lori Grassi

COMMITTEES

Finance...............................................................Per Hamnqvist

Caravan....................................................................John Becker

Constitution & Bylaws......................................Tom Smithson

Ethics & Grievance...............................................Bob Caldwell

Family & Youth.......................................................Cory Barger

Historical................................................................Joe Peplinski

Information Technology.....................................Marc Nijdam

International Rally Site...................................Bob Stansbury

International Relations...................................Per Hamnqvist

Lifetime Membership...........................................Karen Fisher

Long Range Planning.....................................Millie O'Donnell

Membership.............................................................Barb Derian

National Rallies.......................................................Mark Magie

Publications....................................................Hedda Smithson

Recruitment Oversight.........................................Mona Heath

Technical................................................................................TBD

Volunteer Training, Resources & Support......................TBD

HQ TEAM

Lori Plummer....................................Corporate Manager and Blue Beret Managing Editor

Corey Maxwell...............................................Blue Beret Editor

Amanda Hughes............................Membership Coordinator

Kristy Yonyon..........Marketing Communications Manager

Amber Regula................................................Member Services

CONTACT BY EMAIL

Blue Beret................................blueberet@airstreamclub.org

Caravan.......................................caravan@airstreamclub.org

General................................................info@airstreamclub.org

Marketing..............................comments@airstreamclub.org

Member Services..........................assist@airstreamclub.org

Membership......................membership@airstreamclub.org

Rally....................................................rally@airstreamclub.org

Corporate Manager.....................lplummer@airstreamclub

Welcome New Members

What is a BRN? Some of you have asked, what is a BRN? This is the acronym for Big Red Number, which is your membership number.

Club# 000

BRN 10093

Paul Pieper & Jamaya Owens AK

Club# 000

BRN 10805

Gaspar & Penny Vigil WA

Club# 000

BRN 11713

Merriam Saunders & Alicia Buelow CA

Club# 000

BRN 12035

Marc-André Ouellet & Thérèse Prud'Homme QC Canada

Club# 000

BRN 12184

Gerri Retman & Ira Opper CA

Club# 000

BRN 12347

Mathew Fontes & Fernanda Vanetta CA

Club# 000

BRN 14267

Joseph & Michelle Charbonneau FL

Club# 000

BRN 14326

Mark & Cynthia Langley

WY

Club# 000

BRN 15293

Carol Griswold & Rich Bacigalupi WA

Club# 000

BRN 19374

David Owen & Robin Schaperjahn

VA

Club# 000

BRN 20312

Mary Laha & Phyllis Haldimann

MN

Club# 000

BRN 21423

Debbie & Michael Rhodes

AK

Club# 000

BRN 24379

Jon & Debbie Kaufman FL

Club# 000 BRN 27375

Gillian & Steven Nelson OR

Club# 000

BRN 29294

Allan & Sarah Yee BC Canada

Club# 000 BRN 30012

Sterling Amos WA

Club# 000 BRN 30147

Archimedes & Josefina Garbes WA

Club# 000 BRN 02666

Brian Smith FL

Club# 000 BRN 02990

Larry & Lorraine Powers CT

Club# 000

BRN 03081

Brian & Kathy

Wuertemberger IN

Club# 000 BRN 03084

Gary & Sandy Foster OH

Club# 000 BRN 03088

James Anderson & Martha Mitchell OR

Club# 000 BRN 03095

Mark & Leslie Reeve OR

Club# 000 BRN 03129

Peter & Helena Antturi BC Canada

Club# 000 BRN 03186

Susan & Adam Eubank CA

Club# 000 BRN 03253

Stephen & Keeley Costigan WA

Club# 000 BRN 03344

Julie & Ramon Gonzalez OR

Club# 000 BRN 03436

Duane Funk & Michelle DeShon-Funk OH

Club# 000 BRN 03509

Tara & Ryan Davis CO

Club# 000 BRN 03520

James Grade BC Canada

Club# 000 BRN 03540

Mike & Kathy Singley WA

Club# 000 BRN 03638

Kyle & Lenan Webb WA

Club# 000 BRN 03640

Sarah Meissner WA

Club# 000 BRN 03670

Cynthia & Kurt Williams WA

Club# 000 BRN 03694

Salvatore & Nivia Caruso FL

Club# 000 BRN 03876

Barry & Andrea McNair TX

Club# 000 BRN 03946

Tatje & Patrick DeMeritt AK

Club# 000 BRN 04340

Gary & Sue Olson KS

Club# 000 BRN 06493

Stuart & Debi Ragnone OR

Club# 000 BRN 06777

Tom Moore & Barbara Hillis TN

Club# 000 BRN 07312

Jeff & Marcia Zingg WI

Club# 000 BRN 07735

Eddie & Sandi Lee SC

Club# 000 BRN 08211

Mark & Nancy Musmanno PA

Club# 000 BRN 09241

Zach & Lindsay Orlicek AR

Club# 000 BRN 09323

Sharlene & John Enderle MO

Club# 001

BRN 31781

Barry & Kathy Grand AL

Club# 001

BRN 02979

Robin Barbaree AL

Club# 001

BRN 04191

Darryl & Traci Snow AL

Club# 168

BRN 31260

Lucretia Fraga & Tracy

Hesson TX

Club# 170

BRN 11968

Abigail Rymer MD

Club# 170

BRN 26465

Doug & Mary-Jo Pierce WI

Club# 170

BRN 03214

Kevin & Evelyn Edwards VA

Club# 172

BRN 03481

Janet & Charles (Buddy) Troutman TX

Club# 176

BRN 13951

Andy & Diane Kraft IL

Club# 176

BRN 19422

Robert & Rebecca Glinka IL

Club# 179

BRN 03320

Lee Owen & Diane Levad WA

Welcome to Washington Land Yacht Harbor

The information contained in this membership list may be used for personal correspondence by any member, WBCCI, and licensees. No membership list may be used by any other person, firm, or commercial entity.

Club# 179

BRN 03857

Ann & Doug Barduhn WA

Club# 179 BRN 09977

Kelly Puzio & Erin Rushworth WA

Club# 180

BRN 20920

Diane & David Sesler SC

WLYHPark.com

360-491-3750 9101 Steilacoom Rd SE Olympia WA 98513

• Spend a night, a week, or a cool summer season.

• Weekly activities and special events.

• 400-person Club House with stage.

• Pets Welcome, large fenced dog run.

• Gated and secure.

• More than 80 Full Hookup sites.

• Easy day trips to Seattle, Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. St. Helens.

• Friendly Staff, Open year -round!

• Residential sites available – see our web site.

For a night, a week, a winter or a lifetime, welcome to our sunny little part of Texas just off of 1-35 between Dallas/Fort Worth and Waco.

A 700% Airstream community, we're a great home base for full-timers and Winter Texans. We have pull-through sites, 30-50 amp full hookups, a large dog park, coin laundry, mail forwarding, and free Terra port Wi-Fi. NTAC also has membership lots, many with metal villas and brick homes.

Please contact us for our low overnight, weekly & monthly rates.

WBCCI Members receive an additional 10% discount.

Reservations: 254-582-5566

Email: ntac@ntaci.com www.ntaci.com

Kudos to our 400 Rally2023 volunteers, led by the Rally Planning Team of parttime HQ staff plus volunteers. If you couldn't make it, we hope to see you in Sedalia, MO, in 2024 or York, PA, in 2025.

NEW Blue Beret Bulletin

Along with our Blue Beret Blog, we're pleased to announce a new bite-sized digital-only publication to be delivered monthly to your email address. This publication will capture the top "What's Happening Now" each month, similar in concept to "The Rivet" from Airstream. com and other membership clubs. Often the content will include "READ MORE" linkages back to the Blue Beret Blog for more detailed information to provide timely, relevant information to our membership. Look for this to start rolling out in September 2023.

Redesigned Blue Beret Magazine

No, it's not going away (!!), but it is being updated to highlight historical articles, rally information, member stories, destination articles, and educational and maintenance articles. Think of it as a "coffee table" magazine suitable for sitting down for a long read and, potentially, sharing with fellow Airstream owners such that they can learn more about our Club. It will be printed, but continuing the option for

digital delivery for those who prefer.

Strategic Planning Initiatives

Developed in our three-day Strategic Planning Session in April 2023, our Club priorities and initiatives for the next one-to-three years are as follows. Keep an eye out for more announcements and progress along our priorities.

Top Priorities and Initiatives for 2023/2026

•Internal Communications

•External Communications

•Welcome and Retain Members

•Infrastructure

•Training at all Levels

Upcoming International Rallies

• Press Release: Rally2024 in Sedalia, MO (October 2024)

• Press Release: Rally2025 in York, PA (August 2025)

Looking forward to seeing you all down the road, and let me know if you have ideas for our Club.

Eric McHenry

International

President

/ BRN 153 // Amateur Radio callsign AA6EM Email: emchenry@airstreamclub.org

Michael "Mooch" Cofer (BRN 4533) and Eric at Rally2023

VAC Past President Lynne Talsma (BRN 6098) and LaVerne at Rally2023

Kandi, Tamara, Drew (Sweetwater Events Complex Management), LaVerne and Eric at Rally2023

The front page of the new Blue Beret Blog available at blog.airstreamclub.org

Big Red Numbers on Airstreams A Family Tradition of Adventure

Heather and Doug Moore

BRN 12453

For generations, the iconic Airstream trailers have been synonymous with travel, exploration, and the spirit of adventure. Part of this legacy is the Big Red Number (BRN), a personalized identifier that has become a cherished symbol within the Airstream community.

This article delves into the history and significance of the BRN on Airstreams, and highlights our story. Doug and I were inspired by my grandparents and have continued the tradition of Airstream travel and proudly display our family's BRN on our own trailer.

A Family Heritage of Airstream Adventure

Our Airstream journey is deeply rooted in our family's love for travel and exploration. I fondly recall spending my entire summer during elementary and middle school years traveling the United States in my grandparents' Airstream trailer. Together, we visited family, explored state parks, and ventured to any intriguing destinations that caught their fancy. The Airstream became the vessel for creating lasting memories and connecting with loved ones.

My grandparents, Robert and Kathleen Vandivort, were passionate Airstreamers themselves, embarking on epic journeys around the country and even venturing into other countries as part of Airstream caravans. Their adventurous spirit took them to Mexico, where, unexpectedly, they were hired to work as extras in a movie.

These remarkable experiences further fueled my family's passion for Airstream travel and created a legacy that would be carried on.

Continuing the Tradition

Following in the footsteps of my grandparents, Doug and I, along with our children, have continued the tradition of Airstream travel. Exploring the country in our Airstream "Vandy," we have embraced the freedom of the open road and the joy of discovering new places.

It was during our travels that I became inspired to find my grandparents' BRN number, hoping to honor their legacy and incorporate it into my own Airstream journey.

After an extensive search, our breakthrough came during the Silver in the Streets rally in Abingdon, Virginia. Our friend Scott Vaughan had an old printed Airstream Directory from 1974, which listed the BRN numbers and corresponding owners' names. In a serendipitous moment, we found my grandparents' BRN number, 12453, within the directory.

Emotions overwhelmed us as we realized we could carry my grandparents' spirit of adventure forward by proudly displaying this cherished number on our own Airstream. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Scott and Deborah Vaughan BRN 04352, without whom we would still be searching for my grandparents BRN! You have had such an impact on our family and our legacy.

A Symbol of Heritage and Aspiration

With my grandparents' BRN number now adorning our Airstream, Doug and I feel a deep sense of pride and connection to our family's history. The number serves as a reminder of the adventures shared by generations before us and ignites a desire to explore the world with the same audacity and curiosity. As we venture into new territories, we aspire to become as adventurous as my grandparents, creating our own stories while honoring the legacy of those who came before.

The Big Red Number (BRN) on Airstreams is more than just an identifier; it symbolizes a rich heritage of travel, exploration, and a passion for life on the open road. Our Airstream journey encapsulates the spirit of this tradition, carrying on the legacy of my grandparents and embracing the adventures that lie ahead.

As our Airstream proudly displays the BRN 12453, our story becomes intertwined with the history of Airstream enthusiasts who share a deep love for the freedom, camaraderie, and boundless possibilities that the Airstream lifestyle offers.

The Art of

Airstream Cooking

Sweet and Spicy Caribbean Chicken

by Gina Kasten | BRN 3732

This easy dish is also healthy, low-fat and glutenfree. I love the combination of the sweet preserves and the bite of the jalapenos. It works in any season, but summer is when this meal shines. The preserves can be peach or mango, but the primo choice is Bonne Maman Mango-Peach Preserves. Bonne Maman is a product from France, and it’s consistently good no matter which flavor you try. It’s also available in most grocery stores. The jar size is 13 oz, and you will use about ¾ of the jar. Preserves have whole pieces of fruit, and you’ll want this for the dish. The other thing you’ll need is a meat mallet to flatten the chicken breasts. If you don’t have one, you can buy a nice small OXO mallet on Amazon for $11.99. You will need the flat side, not the tenderizer side. As a substitute you could use a rubber mallet from your toolbox or a heavy rolling pin. You can make this on the grill or in a frying pan. If using the grill, heat it up while preparing the chicken and sauce.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 jalapenos, seeded, cut in half lengthwise, and sliced thinly

1 cup (8 oz) of mango, peach, or mango-peach

preserves

1 lime, squeezed for the juice

A small bunch of fresh basil

2 peaches or 1 mango, peeled and cut into large chunks (or both!)

Optional: oil for pan frying chicken if not using a grill

1. Place each chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap. Pound with the flat side of a meat mallet until of equal thickness throughout, but

about ½ inch thick. Salt and pepper each piece.

2. Warm up the preserves in either a small pan on the stove or the microwave. Add the lime juice and the jalapenos. Set aside. This does not need to boil.

3. If using a frying pan, heat up enough oil to lay out a piece of chicken or two. Fry chicken about 4 minutes per side. You probably won’t get more than two pieces of chicken in your skillet, so repeat for all pieces. If using the grill, you can put all four pieces on the grill at once. On the grill, use a low to medium heat and cover with the grill lid. It will only take a couple of minutes per side. Be cautious about overcooking.

4. Add peach chunks or mango pieces to your fry pan or the grill just to brown and soften. On the grill you will need to brush the peaches with some oil or use a grill mat so they don’t stick.

5. Put your chicken in a nice serving dish and pour over your marmalade Jalapeno glaze. Spread around so it covers all the chicken pieces.

6. Top with the peaches or mangos, then sprinkle with basil leaves.

Gina Kasten and husband Mark are owners of a 27’ FB International Serenity, “Something Shiny.” Gina has been a lifelong camper and foodie, attending classes and seminars around the United States on breads, grains and vegetarian/vegan and raw foods. She has been teaching classes at a kitchen store in Wisconsin and in hers and other homes. She is a member of the Bread Baker’s Guild of America. You can reach Gina at upnorthbread@icloud.com and you can find her on Instagram at @upnorthbread

Airstream Owners Giving Back

by Karen Fisher | WBCCI Foundation President | BRN 3937

Picture this — over 800 people gathered in Bunning Park in Rock Springs for the Wyoming Winds and the OK Chorale, the WBCCI Band and Choral Concert. The audience included locals and attendees of the 66th International Rally. During breaks in the concert, I had the privilege of representing the donors to the WBCCI Foundation by announcing over $28,000 in grants awarded to our Global Impact Partners, Local Impact Partners and Common Cents for Kids recipients.

Global Impact Partners: Our Global Impact Partners each received a grant in the amount of $4,500.

• Fossil Butte Monument, part of the National Parks Foundation, will use this grant to purchase a stingray fossil and another fossil as they continue to grow their collection.

• National Forest Foundation, working on behalf of the American public, leads forest conservation efforts and promotes responsible recreation.

• Tread Lightly! Promotes responsible outdoor recreation balancing the need for adventure with the need to conserve the outdoors and “protect the adventure” for future generations.

Local Impact Partners: One of the Foundation’s goals is to leave a lasting impact on the area surrounding the location of the International Rally. Our local grants went to two Wyoming based organizations that align with our vision of “preserving and promoting the outdoor lifestyle.” Grants in the amount of $2,250 were given to each organization.

• Wyoming Outdoor Council is the largest independent conservation organization in the state. Their mission is the safeguarding of public lands, wildlife, and clean air and water. They provide leadership in keeping public lands in public hands, empower and train citizens to be effective conservation advocates, and work with diverse interests to find lasting solutions to public land conflicts.

• Wyoming Conservation Corp, working with the University of Wyoming, operates the Wyoming State Trails Program. This program promotes individual stewardship and annually trains

six teams, each with six crew members, in all things related to trail construction and management. Comprised of university students, the teams are contracted out to perform services for the National Parks Service, Wyoming State Parks, and others. Often teams are comprised of all females or all veterans. This grant will help cover general operating costs in the trail maintenance program and/or provide for the acquisition of new tools for the program.

Common Cents for Kids: this legacy program of the Airstream Club International, has provided grants to children around the International Rally sites since 1997 totaling over $180,000. The Foundation is proud to continue this tradition with grants of $5,494.13 to two local children’s charities.

• Cowboys Against Cancer motto is “No one fights cancer alone in Sweetwater County.” CAC funds grants to residents for travel expenses, durable medical equipment, and medical expenses not covered by insurance. Our grant will be earmarked specifically for children with cancer in Sweetwater County.

• KD Foundation for Sweetwater County Juvenile Diabetes understands the financial burden that comes with a Type 1 Diabetes diagnoses and is committed to helping ease the burden. The foundation provides hardship grants to assist these families with the cost of medical supplies and other charges incurred with this diagnosis.

Thank you to all our donors! Such grants would not be possible without the support of the many members and friends of ACI. Join our efforts by “giving back”

through our 23N23 fundraising program or check out the Rally Special or other options to show your support of the Foundation (use QR code at right to donate now).

Learn more about the WBCCI Foundation at www. wbccifoundation.org

Membership Introducing the new membership chair

by Barb Derian | BRN 10826

I received a call from Eric McHenry this past weekend asking if I would consider taking on the daunting role of Membership Chairperson. For those of you who know me, when asked, I will more often than not say “Yes”. I should have known something like this would happen, as I spent a couple long days at a local Club rally in 2020, talking to Eric about the Club’s membership goals and our personal experience for the first two years of our membership. In my short tenure in the Airstream Club, I’ve come to develop a deep respect for those that have volunteered to serve on the IBT and I am humbled to be considered for this new Chairperson role.

For this first article, I want to take a few words to introduce myself and what I think is critical at this time for our Club’s Membership Committee. My partner, Ralph Volk, and I are relatively new Airstreamers – having bought our Classic, Stella, in 2017 just as I retired. I spent my working years in the corporate environment, fixing departments that had gotten off track, implementing new technologies and processes to deal with the changing environments. I love being involved — I love working as a team. Over the past six years, we’ve traveled close to 70,000 miles exploring this incredible country, from Maine to California, from Alaska to Florida and everywhere in between. We’ve rallied and

caravanned and met the best people, many of which have become personal friends.

I am Past President of the Southeastern Michigan Airstream Club and have served as a local Club officer for the past three years. I was the Region 4 Blue Beret editor for two years. I’ve served on a couple special committees, as well. I love being part of a vibrant Club — both at the local and regional level. I’m very excited to become more involved at the International Club. I am passionate about serving our membership. I believe that open communication is key to the success of our Club.

I know it sounds cliché, but open and honest communication is a foundational part of the way I “do business.” That means I am willing to listen — I’ve learned as both a corporate executive and a mom, that listening does not mean waiting for the opportunity to speak but to be intent on hearing what is being said. In this world of online communications, we lose the benefit of personal interaction and that deeper talk about what is truly happening.

Every few years, I always seem to be at some sort of crossroads in my personal life and I’ve found the same to be true in the short time I’ve been a member of the Airstream Club. There is value in tradition; there is value in new ideas … We all want to be heard, appreciated and respected. I commit to doing just that.

In Memoriam

The officers and members of Wally Byam Caravan Club International, Inc. express their sympathy to the families and friends of these departed members.

Kipps, Michael (111-VA)..............BRN 9161

Brownell, John (066-NJ)...........BRN 4908

Past Club President Spouse

Comstock, Sue (026-DE).........BRN 2305

Past Club President

Laseter, Runelle (032-GA)........BRN 7590

Past Club President Spouse

Gray, Bob (032-GA)....................BRN 6975

Holcomb, Alton (032-GA)................BRN 7734

Past Club President

Fink, Henry (064-MA).....................BRN 15372

Waters, Sharon (058-IL).................BRN 2305

Past Region Corresponding Secretary

Hoosier, Della (110-VA).....................BRN 6814

Past Club President, Past Region Secretary

O'Neil, Glenrose (112-WA).............BRN 31079

New Leaders Elected in ACI

Executive Council, International Officers elected

by Eric McHenry |

International President | BRN 153

C ongratulations to the newly elected Airstream Club

International Executive Council members!

Serving a two-year term and being elected by the membership is a significant responsibility and a testament to their dedication and qualifications.

As members of the Executive Council, their responsibilities include contributing to the Club's growth, development, and overall success.

International President: Eric McHenry (BRN #153 )

International Vice President: Millie O'Donnell

(BRN #11417 )

International Recording Secretary: Terri Warren

( BRN #284 )

International Treasurer: Per Hamnqvist ( BRN #154 )

Executive Council Member (at large): John Becker

( BRN #2048 )

Executive Council Member (at large): Jim Cocke

( BRN #4822 )

Executive Council Member (at large): Kathy Geese

( BRN #236 )

Executive Council Member (at large): Marcia Howes

( BRN #30400 )

Executive Council Member (at large): Jenifer

Schnettler ( BRN #6594 )

Past International President: Tye Mott (BRN #7719, residing in NY, Region 1)

McHENRY, BRN 153 REGION 12 CALIFORNIA

HAMQVIST, BRN 154 REGION 1 NEW HAMPSHIRE

GEESE, BRN 236 REGION 10 WASHINGTON

WARREN, BRN 284 REGION 10 OREGON

COCKE, BRN 4822 REGION 3 NORTH CAROLINA

SCHNETTLER, BRN 6594 REGION 4 OHIO

MOTT, BRN 7719 REGION 1 NEW YORK

O'DONNELL, BRN 11417 REGION 3 TEXAS

BECKER, BRN 2048 REGION 11 NEW MEXICO

HOWES, BRN 30400 REGION 11 COLORADO

Election Process

The election process for the 2023-2025 Executive Council consisted of two steps: first, all ACI members were presented with a ballot via email to select up to nine Executive Council members. Members could choose from thirty candidates (!!) spread across most of our Regions. This was a new and both exciting and daunting experience; how to vote a preference for nine amongst thirty extremely strong candidates. The voting period was roughly two weeks, between early and mid-June 2023.

Once our members selected the nine top candidates, the entire International Board of Trustees (22 members, including all 12 Region Presidents) voted in mid-July to choose the four International Officers. The philosophy behind this approach was to let the group most familiar with the candidates select the four Officers.

Two-Year Terms

Historically our Executive Council and International Officers served under one-year terms: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Third Vice President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer. Our Club members voted in 2022 to change the structure to a) enable two-year terms, b) reduce the number of VPs, and c) increase the total number on the Executive Council from six to nine. The driving factor was the acknowledgment that our Club needed more experience (tenure) at the Executive

Council level and that one-year terms, highly focused on selecting and planning an annual International Rally, was not the optimal structure for our Club.

Club Structure

Our Club has about 19,000 members, spread across roughly 104 "Local Clubs," but also with more than 800 "Members at Large" who are members but not directly associated with a Local Club. We also have ten or so "Intra-Clubs" structured along common interests (boondocking, vintage units, solo travelers, etc.). Members can be part of a Local Club or Member at Large but still participate in as many events and Intra-Club groups as they like. It works out well, and I encourage getting "out there" in any way possible.

Club Leadership

Each of our Local and Intra-Clubs has a slate of officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer, etc.). All are elected and generally serve one-to-two-year terms. Then we have twelve geographic "Regions" responsible for coordinating the Local Clubs within their geographic boundaries. A Region President leads these Regions, also with a slate of officers. In addition to working with the Local Clubs, these Regions usually put on one to two "Region" events per year. Please check out their events; they are great opportunities to meet more people, often outside of your Local Club (and they're FUN events, usually with around 100 Airstreams attending). If you are

The new Executive Committee members who were present during the 66th International Rally Closing Ceremony in Rock Springs, Wyoming. From left to right: John Becker, Jim Cocke, Kathy Geese, Per Hamnqvist, Marcia Howes, Millie O'Donnell, Jenifer Schnettler. At podium: Eric McHenry.

interested in helping out, you are welcome and needed!

International Board of Trustees (IBT)

The IBT is the governing body of our Club, comprised of each of the Region Presidents (elected from within their Regions) plus the "Executive Council" (elected by the membership). As International President, I am part of the Executive Council, which is part of the International Board of Trustees. Our IBT meets quarterly, sets the strategic direction of our Club, oversees the budget, etc. As mentioned earlier, we are meeting this upcoming May for a three-day Strategic Planning Session where we'll be looking at membership trends, results of the recent member survey, identifying key priorities, working on key partnerships, opportunities, and

issues within our Club, developing our Clubs' operational and capital budgets, etc. Kind of like any other non-profit Board of Directors.

Once again, congratulations to the newly elected Airstream Club International Executive Council!

General locations of "Local Clubs."

The map is available for viewing online at AirstreamClub.org

Grizzlies, Sheep and Hitchhiking: Oh My!

After a couple weeks of exploring Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, I scampered northwest toward Glacier National Park, which is about a six-hour drive from either the north or west Yellowstone entrance.

I generally live off grid and rarely make reservations at RV parks. This trip was no different. The thing is, Glacier NP is huge AND there aren’t many options for off-grid, openrange camping in the area. I scored a spot at a Boondockers Welcome location 45 minutes from the West Glacier Entrance and that was home base for five days.

The first morning, I headed out at 3 a.m. to make the almost

him by with gentle arm motions. The wind, which had been at my back, blew hair across my face. The morning fog was clearing and more snow-covered peaks were popping up in the distance. The ram, keeping his 10-yard distance, walked an arc around me through the grass and then continued up the trail. A little further up, a jogger passed me — the first human I saw all day! Blustery wind was waiting at the summit, along with a turquoise ice-melt lake and glacier views.

On the way back, hikers heading up the trail began as a trickle and, within a mile, turned into a full-on traffic jam, like ants marching in a line up the mountain. I was so thankful to have experienced all the sights and sounds of this magical, rugged, and wild place before hundreds of hikers joined in the fun.

My other favorite hike was Highline Trail. I parked my truck at Logan Pass, and by 6:30 a.m., I was already scurrying along “The Ledge,” a part of the trail that is just wide enough to walk on, famous for its sheer, 100-foot drop down to the road below. The hike is 11.8 miles through mystical pre-dawn clouds, across rugged cliffs, and down, down, down, over 3,000 feet down into berry patches (yum!) and forests.

With the exception of the first mile, most of the hike was in complete solitude with no hikers as far as I could see in either direction. At about three miles in, I noticed a hiker far in front of me — then, suddenly, right in front of me.

three-hour drive to the Grinnell Glacier trailhead. The trailhead was a ghost town. I bundled up and set off. The pre-dawn twilight transitioned to a warm glow of crimsons and oranges spilling over jagged peaks. I walked in awe in the tranquility of untouched nature.

About two-thirds of the way up the five-mile ascent, I looked over my shoulder to see a big horn sheep following me up the trail. He tailed right along for several minutes, only about 10 yards behind me. At first it was cute, and then I began to wonder if he might use those horns to nudge me along. I stepped off the trail.

“Come on, buddy, you can take the lead now,” I said, waving

“There’s a huge bear,” he said. “It rose up on its back legs and roared right beside me.” His hands were shaking wildly as he fumbled with the strap on his bear spray, unable to open it. This grown man seemed on the verge of tears. I didn’t see a bear, just a barren, rocky landscape with a lone stand of trees about 200 feet ahead.

“Are you OK?” I asked.

“Yeah, I might have peed myself,” he said. “They say not to run, but I was running before I even realized what happened. Then I saw you and I hoped we could pass by together.”

"Oh, so you came back to meet me so that you'd have a 50/50 chance?" I said and laughed. After he settled a bit, we continued on. I never saw the bear, and the guy stopped shaking after a few minutes. He said the bear had a hump and was brownish . . . definitely a grizzly.

continued on page 26

Kristy Halvorsen | BRN 5883

Home Base - camped out in Kalispell

continued from page 24

At about mile eight, I was in a dense, wooded area, hiking and chatting with two locals when — looky there: another grizzly. . . . probably less than 50 feet up a grassy hill enjoying a breakfast of berries. We whispered and watched for about 30 seconds and then the lady made a "Yip, yip, yip!" sound. The grizzly looked at us and then nonchalantly turned uphill and moseyed away.

The trail ended at the Going-to-the-Sun Road. My truck was about a 25-minute drive back up to Logan Pass and I wasn’t able to catch one of the shuttle buses. There was just one other option. I threw up my thumb and the first vehicle pulled over. Wow! That was easy. I hopped in the back of a red pickup truck and was treated to views out of this world. The ride up the winding, cliff-side road from my open-air perch was one of my most favorite experiences in Glacier NP. And the story doesn’t end there! I got to know the driver of the pickup, Steve, and his daughter via conversations through the back window. When we reached Logan Pass, Steve gave me a blue pen with his business name on it.

“Keep this pen,” Steve said. “Look us up

and come visit when you are in Wisconsin.”

Two and a half months later, I found myself in Wisconsin and called Steve. He invited me to camp on his property and go boating on Lake Superior.

Steve said it was hilarious when he told his wife that I was coming to town. He called her after we spoke and said, "So I picked this girl up in Montana and she is coming to visit . . ." His wife re-told the story when I met her — she thought it was quite funny too. Little known fact: I am known as “The Hitchhiker” in a small town in Wisconsin.

I now have family in Wisconsin, with an invite to come back anytime and stay a couple weeks. There are many benefits of hitchhiking!

A couple things to note about Glacier NP:

(1)From July 1 to Sept. 15, a reservation is required to enter the park between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. I tried, but wasn’t able to get reservation tickets (which was a blessing in disguise). I just woke up between 3 and 4 a.m. and was at the trailheads well before 6 a.m. Cool weather, sunrises, no crowds, and afternoon naps was how I saw the park. I left before noon each day and witnessed the beginning of a madhouse: overflowing parking lots and hordes of people. If you enjoy peace and quietude, it’s there . . . you’ve just gotta go early.

(2)The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a paved jaw-dropping 50-mile winding drive through the heart of Glacier NP. If it’s not on your bucket list, it should be :-) BUT there are vehicle size restrictions: vehicles and vehicle combinations longer than 21 feet or wider than eight feet (including mirrors) are prohibited. I have a RAM 2500

long bed with the extended cab and was right at those limits. I folded in my driver’s side mirror and all was good. I even saw a few dually trucks up there navigating without issue.

More info here: www.nps.gov/glac/ planyourvisit/gtsrinfo

Happy exploring!

Kristy Halvorsen lives full-time in her 28’ Classic, “Coddi.” In 2017, she sold her house and belongings and has been wandering ever since. Kristy is passionate about sharing her adventures, improvisations and insights gleaned while solo full-timing. She is a writer, coach and speaker. You can reach her at Kristy@KristyH.com and on Instagram at @CoddiwompleNow

Grinnell Glacier

Hitchhiking up the Going-To-The-Sun Road"Views from the truck bed

The Pen - Kristy and Steve's reunion in Wisconsin

Grinnell Glacier hike - sunrise - friendly sheep- reflections in a puddle

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING

by Joe Peplinski | BRN 702 | Chairman, WBCCI Historical Committee

50th Anniversary Carvans to Central America and Panama PART

3

This month, we conclude the story penned by WBCCI member Linda Andrzejewski, BRN 16411, that she titled “The Trip of a Lifetime,” about her experiences on caravan 255A, the first of two 2001 50th Anniversary Caravans to Central America and Panama. We continue as caravan 255A finally reaches Panama and returns home:

COSTA RICA: Days 32 thru 36 (Feb. 12 - 16)

Traveling from Nicaragua to Costa Rica, we followed a series of volcanic mountain chains, which extended from the Nicaraguan border in the northwest, all the way to the Panamanian border in the southwest. The temperature was a pleasant 86 degrees as we began our climb 32 miles up and over these mountains into Costa Rica. When we reached the highest elevation of 11,000 feet, the temperature had dropped to a cool 45 degrees. Of course, as the saying goes "What goes up, must come down," and that meant 32 miles down. The changing altitudes play an important part in determining the geographical and ecological variations of the country. In the center of the highlands lies a plain called the Meseta Central, which varies between 3,280 ft. and 4,920 ft. It contains three

into

cities, including San Jose, the capital, where we parked our trailers in a downtown city park. Over half of the population of Costa Rica lives on this plain, due to its fertile volcanic soil. Throughout the mountains, coffee plants can be seen everywhere. Coffee thrives in conditions of high altitude with shade from taller trees, conditions favorable to Costa Rica. Coffee plants continue to bear fruit for more than 40 years. Considering that all coffee must be handpicked, the Costa Ricans are perhaps as skilled at climbing as mountain goats. Coffee was first introduced in this country in the mid-19th century and provides the most export income for the country. Bananas are the second greatest export followed third by beef and sugar. In recent years, ornamental plants, pharmaceuticals, textiles, tires and furniture have become important exports.

On our return visit to Costa Rica we visited a virgin rainforest in the Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo. There is a large range of elevations within the park, from 2,906 meters at the top of the Barva Volcano to less than 50 meters in the Caribbean lowlands. We took a ride on the 2.6 km Rainforest Aerial Tram, which takes five passengers

Costa Rica

Famed Mountainside Christ Statue (destroyed by lightning in 2015)

Panama

Bridge of the Americas near Panama City

Panama Canal Miraflores Locks

Panama City Skyline and Caravan Leaders Gary and Darlene Leslie

plus a naturalist guide who explains about the forest and points of interest including trees and birds. The tram ride lasts 90 minutes roundtrip. For the first 45 minutes, the tram travels slightly above the forest floor. For the return trip, passengers travel high above the forest canopy for a different view. The forest receives as much as 18 feet of rain yearly and night temperatures can drop below freezing any time of year.

PANAMA: Days 36 thru 45 (Feb. 16 - 25)

After completing our most difficult border crossing yet, a long eight hours, we reached our final destination, Panama City, on Feb. 16, around 3 p.m. Our first order of business was to cross the "Bridge of the Americas" which goes over the Panama Canal. We made it! This bridge was built during the years 1952 to 1960 to replace the ferry that was previously the only way to get from one side of the canal to the other. This bridge is one of the longest and tallest steel arch bridges in the world.

The Panama Canal is truly an engineering marvel stretching 50 miles from Panama City on the Pacific side to Colon on the Atlantic side, cutting right through the Great Divide. Ships cross 24 hours a day, waiting in line on both sides for their turn. And a ship's passage fee is not cheap. The average cost of a large ship to pass through the canal is $45,000, which may be

more or less depending on the ship's tonnage and must be paid in CASH as no credit cards or traveler's checks are accepted. The highest fee ever paid was $141,344.97, on May 2, 1993, by the "Crown Princess," the largest passenger ship to transit the canal and the lowest fee was $0.36 in 1928 by Richard Halliburton, who swam through. As an additional note, ships worldwide are built with the dimensions of the Panama Canal's locks in mind.

The Spanish Governor, Pedro Arias Davila in 1519, founded Panama City on the site of an Indian fishing village, not long after Balboa first saw the Pacific. The Spanish settlement immediately became an important center of government and church authority. Today, it is a thriving center for international banking, business trade and transport.

During our weeklong stay at Rodman Naval Base, located on the Panama Canal, one of our scheduled tours took us outside the city to El Valle. After 20 miles of winding up through the mountains, with spectacular views back over the coastline, we reached the small, pretty village of El Valle, known for its flora and fauna. Colorful flowers were everywhere you looked. The village is nestled into the Valle de Anton, which is the crater of a volcano with peaks rising all around it. With an elevation of 600 meters above sea level, the

More Panama

Modern Panama City Skyline

Narrow street in Panama City

Dugout canoe trip on the Chagras River

Meeting the Embera Tribe Along the Chagras

air is always refreshing and relatively cool year round. Every Sunday, the Indians come down from the surrounding mountains to sell their wares, making this handicraft market one of the finest in Panama.

Our trip through Panama continued to the River Chagres National Park. When we reached the park, our next mode of transportation awaited us: very large "dugout" canoes (40 ft. long and 36 in. wide) with three Indian guides per canoe. After an interesting ride upriver, we stopped at an Indian village, home to a tribe of Embera Indians. This tribe migrated from the Darian province of Panama to their present location in the Chagres National Park in search of a richer life and proximity to professional medical facilities. Prior to their move, the nearest town was a one-week walk away. The Embera Indians are perhaps best known for their beautiful baskets. These baskets are so tightly woven with chunga palm, that they actually hold water. Another Embera specialty is hand-carved "vegetable ivory" made from the egg-size, ivory-colored tagua nut. These intricate, miniature carvings are typically of animals, fish, and butterflies, and are hand painted in vibrant colors, using India inks and natural plant extracts.

RETURN TO TEXAS: Days 45 thru 68

(Feb. 25 - Mar. 20)

Our time in Panama seemed quickly over and it was time to start the return

trip back to McAllen, Texas. We said our goodbyes to the Japanese film crew. We had enjoyed their company and knew the return trip wouldn't be quite the same without them. But we still had many new adventures to experience, places to visit and people to meet as we drove back through the countries we had traveled the first time. We filled our vehicles and trailers with handicrafts and specialty items for friends and family and took pictures of all those things we missed the first time through.

Finally, we crossed the border back into the United States on March 20, 2001, bringing back so many exciting memories. While many of the couples headed directly for their home state, others stayed in campgrounds in the area for some well-deserved quiet time before making the move towards home. On May 1, my husband and I reached our home on Lake Arrowhead in Maine. In all, we had been on the road for 138 days, traveled a total of 13,405 miles, towing our trailer through 20 states and 8 different countries. We had enjoyed the company of a wonderful group of people, several first-time caravanners like us, and together we had experienced incredible adventures. It had truly been a TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

Thank you, Linda Andrzejewski, for sharing the memorable story of your exciting and historic caravan with us!

Return Trip - Guatemala

Carved Maya Pillar at Quirigua

Waterfront at Livingston

Street scene in Livingston

Byam Boulevards and Other Hardships on Caravan 255A (& 255B)

While equipment breakdowns and other challenges can be experienced on any Airstream Caravan, it is probable that the participants of Caravan 255A (and likely Caravan 255B, too) experienced more of these than any caravan almost since the time of Wally Byam himself. Linda mentioned some of these challenges in her story, but other accounts of Caravan 255A reported even more hardships.

The first challenge was that of seeing other people living in poverty and struggling to cope with recent natural disasters ranging from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to the lingering effects of 1998’s Hurricane Mitch. Because early 2001 was a time of frequent earthquakes in Central America, and because the caravanners used the same route both directions, they saw the same towns twice, sometimes both before and after devastating earthquakes, seeing homes and even massive buildings before and after they had been reduced to rubble. The caravanners responded by donating clothes and other supplies to people in need all along their route.

Thankully, theft was only a small problem with no major incidents. At one point the caravanners were advised to move their license plates inside their back windows to prevent them from being stolen. There was one reported incident of a pickpocket, one reported mugging, some CB antennas stolen from rigs overnight, and one case where a screen was pushed in and a few small items grabbed thru the window opening of an Airstream while the caravanners slept. The caravan leaders generally handled payments

(bribes?) that helped keep the caravan moving and crossing borders as efficiently as possible.

Then there were medical challenges with two Caravan 255A participants requiring surgery during the caravan. One surgery occurred in Guatemala and that rig and another stayed behind during the recovery and then caught back up with the caravan three days later in El Salvador. The other incident occurred in Panama and that caravanner flew home after her surgery and thankfully fully recovered. Her husband stayed with her in Panama for a few days before driving their rig home by himself with the second section, Caravan 255B.

Many mechanical challenges were caused by bad roads that have been nicknamed “Byam Boulevards” since the days of Wally Byam’s earliest caravans. On Caravan 255A, the bad roads came in two forms. First were the massive, oversized, and often unmarked speed bumps they called “topes”. Second, were roads in disrepair due to recent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the lingering effects of Hurricane Mitch. Road repair was a slow and tedious process by hand without the massive earthmoving equipment we have in the U.S.A. On more than one occasion, the caravanners saw workers, including women, breaking bigger rocks into gravel by hand with hammers.

The mechanical challenges were many and varied. Tow vehicles experienced failed starters and fuel pumps, leaking oil coolers, and mysterious electrical gremlins. Several Airstream trailers had interior cabinets come loose, entry doors that failed to open, refrigerators that quit, and leaking

water pipes and water tanks. Several had awnings unfurl and even partially rip off during travel due to strong side winds. The worst mechanical issues were experienced by the Airstream motorhomes. One B190 motorhome dropped its freshwater tank on the ground and went without the ability to carry fresh water for several days until the mechanics could get it reinstalled. An Airstream Cutter Class A motorhome had its tag axle fall off and limped to Panama City minus an axle. It took extreme effort to get a new tag axle shipped to Panama. That motorhome remained in Panama until the axle was installed by the mechanics and caught back up with the caravan about a week later in Guatemala.

A few Airstreams experienced minor traffic accidents resulting in dents and creases, and one had an awning ripped off, all caused by the narrow roads and heavy traffic. The only reported major traffic incident occurred in Guatemala on Caravan 255B when a rig ran off a narrow road and rolled over, totaling both the Airstream and tow vehicle, but thankfully that couple was not seriously hurt.

Almost all the thanks for keeping Caravan 255A rolling goes to the mechanics provided by Airstream, Leland “Lee” and Herb Garrabrant, BRN 58. Lee was 83 years old, had been an Airstreamer for 25 years, and had been on 20 caravans! Herb was one of Lee’s sons. The Garrabrants traveled in the “caboose” position, last in the lineup of Airstreams, to make sure no Airstreamers were left behind. Lee and Herb spent a lot of time during the caravan in, on, and under Airstreams making repairs.

Compatible with Airstream Silver Bullet Travel Trailers

Rotating latches with clamp-on brackets for quick setup. Caster in the hitch head constantly centers the trailer. Augments the suspensions of the tow vehicle & trailer. Available tongue weights: 750, 1000, 1500lbs. Backup without disconnecting.

Compatible with Airstream Basecamp Travel Trailers

Rigid L-brackets provide additional points of friction. Caster in the hitch head constantly centers the trailer. Augments the suspensions of the tow vehicle & trailer. Available tongue weights: 600, 800, 1000, 1300lbs. Backup without disconnecting.

Exclusive powder-coat paint and badging.

Fun in the FALL

Kristy Yonyon

The 67th Airstream Club International Rally, scheduled for Oct. 5-10, 2024, will be held for the first time in the fall season: a time when the temperatures will be cooler, leaves will begin popping color and fall harvests will be at their prime. Read on for some history as well as current-day information for where we are headed for our International Rally in 2024.

Next year, 2024, is the year to catch an International Rally at one of the most historic state fairgrounds in the country. We’ll be gathering in immaculately-kept buildings dating back as early as 1903 while also enjoying some of their newer buildings and modern installations. There is beauty in the mix of the old and new, just like all of us when We Rally Together. The Fairgrounds, which covers 396 acres, features 1,500 campsites with full-service camping spaces with water, 50-amp electricity and sewer.

The Missouri State Fairgrounds Historic District contains a significant collection of early 20th century architecture, with 66 buildings and structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The architectural styles range from eclectic variations of the Romanesque Revival to Art Deco/ Art Modern. Nearly all the original significant structures remain in use today. Over the years, the historic fairgrounds have hosted four U.S. Presidents, an airplane exhibition in 1909 by the Wright Brothers and exhibits of Missouri’s best agricultural practices. The Missouri State Fairgrounds is one of only five historical state fairgrounds left in the United States today and is unduplicated anywhere else we will travel for our International Rally.

Bring your bikes, not only to get around from your campsite to the buildings, but to cycle along the must-see Katy Trail. The Katy Trail runs 240 miles along the original MissouriKansas-Texas Railway Lines, offering beautiful views of the Missouri countryside. The trail is primarily crushed limestone. It is not fully paved, but the limestone surface is well-maintained and suitable for walking, running and

The Sedalia Katy Depot

Marketing Communications Manager

biking. The Katy Trail is the nation’s longest rails-to-trails project to date. It is also a part of the American Discovery Trail. Sedalia offers two trailheads: The Katy Depot at 600 East Third (mile marker 227) and the equine trailhead on Clarendon Road (mile marker 229) at the State Fairgrounds. The Katy Depot trailhead is the only full-service location trailhead on the Katy Trail offering trail information, refreshments, gifts, souvenirs and bicycle-related items.

Getting to Know Sedalia

In 1857, General George R. Smith founded “Sedville,” a name derived from his daughter Sarah’s nickname, “Sed.” The name of his proposed new prairie town would later be refined to the more lyrical name – Sedalia. Sedalia is a product of the railroad. For more than a century, Sedalia’s history and fortunes were tied to the railroads that brought prosperity and urban industrial culture. Both the Missouri Pacific and Missouri-Kansas-Texas (KATY) Railroads were responsible for 90% of Sedalia’s economy generated by large repair shops, passenger and freight depots, an employee hospital, telegraph schools and stockyards.

As a regional market center, Sedalia serves as the county seat of Pettis County (estimated population of 50,000). Their diverse economic base is supported by Bothwell Regional Health Center, State Fair Community College, Missouri State Fairgrounds, growing retail and professional services, strong visual and performing arts programming, one of the largest per-capita manufacturing employers in the state, and nearby Whiteman Air Force Base and Truman Lake’s recreational area.

A designated Sedalia Heritage Trail begins at Sedalia’s

Welcome Center located at the Historic Katy Depot. It winds through Sedalia’s Downtown Historic District where Scott Joplin composed and performed, past the first Carnegie Library west of the Mississippi River, and through Liberty Park where the first fairs in Pettis County were held. The Trail continues on through the State Fairgrounds Historic District and onto the campus of State Fair Community College, highlighting the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art (see below). You can pick up a selfguided tour brochure from the Katy Depot Visitor’s Center that introduces more than 64 historic structures to give a greater sense of Sedalia’s heritage.

Exploring Downtown Sedalia

You can look forward to a good time if you decide to head Downtown Sedalia: be sure to explore “The Avenues” where there are locally owned shops, pubs, spas and dining opportunities, with plenty of locally sourced wines to be tasted. The Avenues will be a lot of fun for all of us to catch the neighborhood vibes for food, shopping and art. Learn more about special events and news from the district by visiting https://theavenuessedalia. com or follow them on Facebook.

You may also choose to travel Sedalia’s public art trail, experiencing a wonderful array of sculptures, murals and performances, including local community theater and art galleries at the Hayden Liberty Center. Learn more about Sedalia’s Arts hub at https://libertycentersedalia.com

We’ve got just 14 months until we can all Rally Together again - this time at an incredible venue in the Midwest. We’re going to have so much Fun in the Fall!

Trail’s End Monument at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, Missouri.

67TH AIRSTREAM CLUB INTERNATIONAL RALLY

OCTOBER 5-10, 2024

MISSOURI STATE FAIRGROUNDS SEDALIA, MISSOURI

SeminarsExhibitsSocialsEntertainment AirstreamClub.org/Rally2024

#ACIRALLY2024

Personal Information* BIG

 This is my/our FIRST time attending an International Rally. *Permanent changes to membership files cannot be made from this form. Please contact HQ to make those changes.

RV AMENITIES – All RV spaces are full-service camping spaces with water, 50-amp electricity and sewer. *RV on site – This is only for RV on site no humans included.

CONFIRMATION & PARKING INFORMATION will be emailed to the email provided above.

Parking Group Choice - ONLY SELECT ONE (You may need to be a member of Intra-Club to park with group.)

 ADA Accessible  Amateur Radio  Band  Boondockers  Classic

 Future Streamers  Grapes & Grains  Indie Streamers

 Pride Streamers  Stella’s Sisters  Vintage Club OFFICE USE ONLY

CANCELLATION POLICY - Refund requests are to be submitted in writing to rally@airstreamclub.org. Refund requests received on or before August 10, 2024 will be assessed a $50.00 fee. Requests on or after August 11, 2024 will be assessed a 50% fee. NO refunds after September 21, 2024. If you might have to cancel after that day, please consider obtaining travel insurance

HOW TO REGISTER – Go to AirstreamClub.org/Rally2024, call HQ at 937-596-5211 or fill out this form and make a check payable to WBCCI, in US Funds Only, and mail to: WBCCI, P.O. Box 612, Jackson Center, OH 45334. Email questions to rally@airstreamclub.org

ADA ACCESSIBLE PARKING – Special parking, if requested, is near the central rally area for members. We ask that you bring your government/state-issued placard or supporting documentation with you to the rally.

STAGING AREA – The Rally Arrival Team will be ready to park you when you arrive from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Arrivals after 6:00 p.m. may stay overnight in the Staging Area with no hookups until parking begins the next day If you arrive before your registered date, there is a charge of $75 per night

KIDS – Bring them! Our youngest RVers will be treated to programming especially suited to kids ages 4-17. Registration cost covers materials for age-appropriate activities surrounding a daily theme that will keep your kid’s busy learning, exploring and having fun!

Name: _______________________ Age: _

Name: _______________________ Age: _

ADDITIONAL GUEST – Members are welcome to bring additional guests for a fee. Include their names here:

Name: _______________________ BRN: ___

Name: _______________________ BRN: ______

PARKING TOGETHER – If you would like to park with family and friends, you must register to arrive on the same date, and you must arrive together.

PARKING GROUPS – Groups of 5 or more wishing to park with the SAME group MUST register as a parking group with HQ by August 24, 2024 All group participants must register to arrive on the same date. The group leader can call 937-596-5211 or email rally@airstreamclub.org to register the group A coordinator of the Rally Arrival Team will contact the group leader and let them know what time to arrive.

COVID-19 NOTICE – An inherent risk of COVID-19 exposure exists in any public place where people gather. By attending this event, you understand and assume all risks related to COVID-19 exposure. ACI, its staff, officers, exhibitors, volunteers, members, service providers, and grounds personnel are not liable for any illness, injury, or death from COVID-19 related to your participation at this event.

CHECK-OUT TIME – October 11 by noon

USE OF IMAGE – I grant ACI, and its employees and agents, an unrestricted right and license to use my image, likeness, name, voice, comments and/or other proprietary or public rights and/or those in any live recorded talks, broadcast, photograph, video, audio, audiovisual and/or other recording taken in connection with this event, for all purposes, in perpetuity and in any and all media now or hereafter known, without compensation.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK & WAIVER OF LIABILITY – I assume all risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense, of any kind, that I may experience or incur in connection with attending this event. I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless, ACI, its employees, agents, volunteers, and representatives of and from any such claims, including liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs, or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating to my attendance at this event.

STAY & PLAY IN SEDALIA

The 67th International Airstream Club Rally will begin on Saturday, October 5 and closing ceremonies will take place the evening of Thursday, October 10. Check-Out is Friday, October 11 by noon.

You may stay camped at the Missouri State Fair after the rally if you’d like! Camping is $25 per night per spot, for up to 14 days. You can pay this fee once you are on-site to the Missouri State Fairgrounds Office via credit card, cash or check.

Here’s some quick stats on mileage to the surrounding areas to help you start planning your extended stay for more Fun in the Fall!

• Arrow Rock – 50 miles

• Lake of The Ozarks, Sunrise Beach – 60 miles

• Lake of The Ozarks, Bagnell Dam – 66 miles

• Lake of The Ozarks State Park – 79 miles

• Kansas City, downtown – 90 miles

• Jefferson City, State Capitol – 61 miles

• Columbia, University of Missouri – 68 miles

• Springfield, Bass Pro Shop & Aquarium – 120 miles

• Branson – 168 miles

• St Louis, downtown, Gateway Arch – 190 miles

A Great Time in ROCK SPRINGS

Kristy Yonyon

Marketing Communications Manager

The 66th Annual Airstream Club International Rally saw its highest attendance in twenty years, infused an estimated $2,632,500 in traveler spending into the local economy, donated a generous $12,193 to the United Way and contributed more than 33,000 diapers to the county’s Diaper Bank.

This year, the 66th Annual Airstream Club International Rally concluded on a high note, leaving an indelible mark not only with its remarkable community contributions but also with its highest attendance in the last twenty years. Hosted in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the Rally brought together Airstream enthusiasts from around the world for a week of camaraderie, adventure and lifelong memories.

This year's rally, held from June 24-30, witnessed an unprecedented number of attendees, with an impressive 1,192 Airstream trailers converging at the Sweetwater Events Complex. The Rally welcomed

a diverse group of Airstream owners, families and friends, uniting them in their shared passion for adventure, exploration and the iconic Airstream lifestyle.

The Vintage Airstream Club parade, featuring more than 60 Airstreams 25 years or older paraded from downtown Rock Springs and through the Complex followed by a grand opening ceremony to set the stage for an incredible week as participants connected with old friends and forged new bonds with fellow Airstream enthusiasts. The Rally grounds buzzed with excitement and enthusiasm, reflecting the vibrant and close-knit community that defines the Airstream Club International.

Throughout the week, attendees were treated to a plethora of engaging activities and educational sessions, catering to the diverse interests of the Airstream community. Informative seminars on trailer maintenance and upgrades, information technology, caravan or rally leading, outdoor cooking demonstrations, quilting, jewelry making and some local guest speakers were among the highlights, providing attendees with valuable knowledge and inspiration for their Airstream adventures.

For the competitive, there was a pet show, photo contest, hobby and arts contest and golf tournament. Then there were plenty of activities for the energetic early risers: bike rides, line dancing, yoga and pickleball. For the social people who like to eat and drink (isn’t that everybody?), there were region breakfasts or luncheons, food trucks, ice cream socials and happy hours. For the musically inclined, there was live entertainment and dancing three evenings and an outdoor

A total of 1,192 Airstreams were in attendance at the 66th International Rally in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

concert in the city park by the Wyoming Winds Airstream Band and Okay Chorale. For the bargain-seeking, there was a silent auction and a flea market/craft fair. The vendor hall featured 65 booths varying in products from baked goods to e-bike carrier systems, hitches and everything in between. The Rally hosted 71 children under age 18 with a full week of STEM-based learning at “Junior Streamers Camp” each morning.

The Rally also served as a platform for attendees to explore the surrounding area and immerse themselves in the local culture. Guided bus excursions to the nearby Flaming Gorge and a river rafting trip on the Green River allowed participants to experience firsthand the joy of Airstream travel, creating cherished memories with their loved ones.

In addition to the incredible attendance, the Rally was marked by outstanding community contributions. Airstream Club members demonstrated their generosity and compassion by donating an impressive 126 pints of blood, collecting 150 pounds of aluminum tabs to be cashed in toward contributions to the Ronald McDonald House and amassing more than 33,000 diapers to support families in need throughout Sweetwater County.

Furthermore, a remarkable $12,193 was donated to the United Way of Southwest Wyoming, showcasing the Airstream community's commitment to making a positive impact in the local community where they travel.

The Airstream Club International extends its deepest gratitude to all its members for their overwhelming support and generous contributions at this year’s International

Rally.

Reflecting on the Rally's success, LaVerne McHenry, the Airstream Club International Rally Community Service Chair expressed immense pride in her fellow Airstream Club members for their dedication to making a difference. “This Rally has not only been a blast just seeing friends and camping together, but we’re also out here learning new things, trying new things and feeling great about coming together to make a positive impact on this community,” said McHenry.

For more information about the Airstream Club and upcoming events, please visit https://airstreamclub.org

A picturesque Wyoming sky served as the backdrop for this jam session in the campground during the 66th International Rally in Rock Springs

Hundreds gathered in Rock Springs for the Grapes and Grains Intra-Club Mega Tasting Event

The Rally's high attendance and outstanding community engagement reflect the enduring spirit and camaraderie of the Airstream community.

Scenes from Rock Springs

Quesions About Caravans? ... We've Got Answers

by John Becker | BRN 2048 | ACI Caravan Chair

Not too long ago, I hosted an Airstream Club International webinar entitled “What is a WBAC Caravan?”

A number of very good questions were asked by the participants, and I thought that many of those questions, as well as the correct answers, might be helpful to other ACI members who missed the webinar for one reason or another.

I’ll cover a handful of them here.

How pet friendly are caravans? Pets are welcome, but they are your responsibility. Leaders will try to assist - e.g., some campgrounds can offer a pet walking service. But be aware, sometimes you may be away from your rig for a full day. If there are high temperatures expected, you will need to decide if you (or a volunteer) will stay behind.

When you sign up for a caravan on the club website, how and when will you be notified that you are on the caravan or on the waitlist? We strongly encourage all caravan leaders to send you an email within a few days of registering, acknowledging your application. Leaders can also give registrants an idea of when they might go (if there is a long wait list). On other occasions, you may be contacted when a spot opens due to a late cancellation.

Is there a way to see where you are on the wait list for a caravan? The best way is to contact the leaders, because they can provide you the context of what your position on the wait list means. That context can include how many cancellations typically happen, for example.

What do you recommend for people have food allergies, people who stick to vegan or vegetarian diets or people who have other food issues? We accommodate caravanners as best we can but if you have a severe issue you are probably used to taking care of yourself. We can often find a vegetarian option if it is a restaurant meal. Most leaders will send out a questionnaire asking for dietary restriction information before the caravan starts.

If a caravan says “accepting standby only” and I am

interested in being put on the standby list, do I register or contact the leader? Go ahead and register — this provides the leader with all your contact information. Then feel free to contact the leader, especially if you are flexible enough to fill a last-minute cancellation.

If you are on a waitlist and don’t get a slot, does it roll over to the following year? Yes.

What happens if there is a tow vehicle breakdown and a vehicle has to be towed? On all caravans, we strive to have a tail gunner or caboose who drives the primary route. Their role is to help you get to a location where you can call for assistance (not to fix the tow vehicle). On a somewhat related note, we also assign “de-parkers” who examine tow vehicles and trailers at a checkpoint by the campground exit every time the caravan is departing for a new location. You would be surprised at what those de-parkers find and the headaches they prevent.

When do leaders send out an itinerary so participants can do some planning, e.g., for meals? Leaders may send you an itinerary around a year ahead, but it is probably still a draft and you should keep in mind that it is subject to some changes.

How long do national caravans last? They range from 9 days to as long as 60-70 days.

Are children allowed? Yes, they are, as well as guests. Most caravans show the kitty fee for two in a rig, one in a rig, and a charge for guests.

That is just a sampling of the questions we got on the webinar. If you are interested in watching my entire presentation and the Q&A that followed, you can find it on the club YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=hV8Pt3wR8-U

I would also recommend checking out the Caravan section on the Airstream Club International website, which features an FAQ, a list of upcoming caravans and various other information about caravans. You can find it at: https:// airstreamclub.org/explore/caravans

John Becker is the chairman of the Airstream Club International Caravan Committee and the volunteer co-leader of the Southwest Adventure National Caravan.

will be fly fishing, kayaking, hiking and some may be skiing on still snow-covered slopes. Their Rally is July 31 to Aug. 4. Granby is in north central Colorado.

The New Mexico Airstream Club will be having a Just Camping Rally on Aug. 3-7. They will be staying at the Rob Jaggers Campground in the Snowing Cave National Conservation Area. Many will be attending the annual Folk Pageant portraying the last escape of Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County Wars. Lincoln is in central New Mexico.

The Utah-Wasatch Airstream Club will be meeting in Flagstaff on Aug. 9-13. They have an active agenda which will include hiking near-by Humphreys peak, a visit to the Lowell Observatory and a bike tour of other interesting places in the Flagstaff area.

The Four Corners Airstream Club (4CU) will be meeting at the Rose Valley RV Park in Silver City, New Mexico Aug. 24-28. Activities include making a Chili Run to obtain the famous hatch chiles, which are grown nearby, morning hikes lead by Tom Kirk, going on a tour of Downtown Silver City and a visit to Pinos Altos, once a thriving mining city and now just a place to have a fun evening at the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House. This year’s visit will also include a tour of club members, Tom and Christine Kirk’s remodeled home across the street from the Buckhorn Saloon.

The 4CU will also be having a (Just Camping) Rally in Durango, Colorado from Aug. 24-28. They will be camping at the Alpen Rose RV Park to escape the heat. Details of this event are not yet available.

REGION 12

Robert Stansbury, Contributing Editor airstreamclub.org/region12

Once again it is time to say hello to California and Nevada Airstreamers. I am writing this article just before I leave for the International Rally in Wyoming. Cecelia and I have to leave early so we are not going with our club’s caravan. We will be rehearsing with the WBCCI band and choir and kitchen band. We will also be preparing for the Sunday church service and the morning devotions that happen each day at the rally.

What’s cool is how many Region 12 members are traveling in caravans. The Lake Tahoe AC has 21 members attending. The Central Coast California AC has 22 rigs in their caravan. South Coast AC has 24 in their caravan. After the rally, 17 South

Coast rigs are heading to Yellowstone for a week at Fishing Bridge. NorCal has a caravan but I don’t know how many members are going. Finally, the El Camino AC has 19 rigs in their caravan to Rock Springs.

Congratulations are in order for our newly elected R12 leadership. We always need people to step up into these offices and we have a good bunch. Our new President from the SDAC is Abe Hernandez. His first VP, from the Greater Bay Area AC, is Shawn Blom. The second VP is Bob Minder from the CCCAC. Our Secretary from the LTAC is Margaret Handshoe. Our Treasurer from LTAC is Teresa Tighe. One of my favorite Airstreamers from SoCal is the Parliamentarian, Victor Kingsland.

Our fundraiser this year at the rally is a diaper drive. The local charity in Rock Springs is requesting any-size diapers and even Depends qualify. Many R12 attendees are hauling boxes to Wyoming. You can even send them from Costco or Amazon. LaVerne McHenry hopes our region will bring the most diapers since Region 12 will have the most attendees at the event.

And now for some of my “shout-outs” to our various clubs and their members. We begin with the NorCal AC. Their rally that is heading south of Fortuna, California is titled “Summer at Schmooville Ranch.” Members Dean and Chris Davison own the ranch and will be giving “fermentation classes” for pickles and sauerkraut . The Greater LA club will be resurrecting the Cali Rally next year at the V6 Ranch. San Diego is having their annual picnic right in the middle of their rally near Highway 76. Hats off to the Neil family for restoring another old Airstream. These CCCAC members totally refurbished a 1951 Flying Cloud, 15 panel trailer. Finally, one more shout out goes to the Central Coast California club for the 100-pound tres leches cake they served at a recent rally.

I am so proud of R12 for being so supportive of our President Eric McHenry and his International Rally. Cecelia and I found this location about five years ago when I was on the future Rally site committee. We thought it would be a good spot for the club. I hope you agree after you spend time there. See you at the rally and down the road.

From the Vice President of Sales

Justin Humphreys

Greetings from your extended family here in Jackson Center, Ohio! I hope everyone is enjoying your Airstream this summer!

It was so great to see so many of you at the rally in Rock Springs, Wyoming in June! As always, the entire Airstream team felt very welcomed by the club. I’d like to thank the entire club leadership team for an outstanding rally. A special thanks to Eric McHenry for choosing a great spot for the rally and to Lori Plummer and her entire HQ team for their tireless energy and help during the event. Lastly, I want to thank our dealer, Airstream of Wyoming, for supporting the event with a great selection of Airstreams for sale and bringing several technicians to help customers who may have needed some items serviced on their Airstream. The owner, Dennis Decker, was on-hand personally during the rally along with his sons. I really appreciated the help they provided to make the rally a success from the dealer’s perspective.

The rally is a great reminder of the incredible community centered around this iconic brand. The fact so many Airstreamers converge on a small, rural community from all over the country each year shows how magnetic aluminum can be for people to gather. The incredible people I meet every year just remind me how lucky Airstream is to be able to call each of you Airstreamers. I learn so much each year I spend time with the community and find it so fascinating and interesting to hear of the many stories each of you share. This year, I also enjoyed some river rafting with many of you through the incredibly beautiful Wyoming mountains. Airstreams do provide quite a tool to visit so many places and Wally’s vision years ago to do so with other people goes to show how much fun we can have despite so many of us coming from different parts of the country and despite many other differences we may have. Those differences are set aside, and fun is had by all as the community shares the wanderlust spirit in beautiful places like Wyoming!

When I left the rally, I was able to visit the new Airstream of Wyoming facility about 45 minutes south of Jackson. It was

great to see construction well underway for the first phase of a 145-site campground behind the dealership. Although delayed by the record snowfall this year, they are now fully thawed and buzzing with activity from the contractors. Keep them in mind should you be passing through Wyoming in the future, you’ll be able to camp overnight and stop in the dealership for anything else you may need.

Now that the rally is behind us, Airstream will be busy planning for our annual international dealer meeting which will be held in Columbus, Ohio this year. Now that COVID is largely behind us, we wanted to select a venue close to the factory, so we can have our dealer partners tour the new manufacturing facilities in Jackson Center. Our dealers are very excited to tour the facilities and see the new museum during the meeting. It should be a great meeting and we are planning to discuss how Airstream, together with our dealers, can grow our capacity for service along with the quality of service we provide through our dealers. It should be a great week for Airstream and our dealers.

capacity market

Business continues to hold steady despite some economic headwinds. Despite higher interest rates and inflation, market demand for Airstreams, although not as high as it was during the height of the pandemic, is still strong historically. Airstream will continue to make sure our production rates are aligned with market demand. It is actually nice to have some inventory this summer season after three years of little inventory for customers to see during the height of RV travel!

Thank you for your continued support of our company, it means the world to the 1,401 hard working families here Jackson Center, Ohio! I hope to see you down the road soon!

2020 Caravel

New Features for New Adventures

Two fresh décor options and more for Model Year 2024

With new colors, raised rubber coin flooring, and intricate geometric stitching, two new décor options have arrived for the 2024 Basecamp line – along with a full slate of upgraded features. Powered hitch jacks, new solar and battery options, additional L-track storage, and more make it easier than ever to go farther and stay longer in Basecamp. Available now in Basecamp 16 and Basecamp 20.

International Rally

Oct. 5-10, 2024, Sedalia, Missouri • Aug. 23-28, 2025, York, Pennsylvania

National Event Rallies

Don't have time for a caravan? Check out these National Event Rallies! Want your event listed here? Join the National Event Rallies program. Apply at https:// form.jotform.com/222195923288161 or send an email to WeRallyTogether@gmail.com

Potlatch Reunion Aug. 1-6

Washington Land Yacht Harbor, Olympia, WA

A taste from the past, as this rally is back after a 10-year hiatus. Mouth-watering traditional salmon barbecues, fun games and fellowship, in the beautiful Pacific northwest.

Donna Bryson, Host clarkbryson@comcast.net

87th Old Time Fiddlers' Convention Aug. 6-12 Galax, VA

Music lovers’ delight! Fiddle, dulcimer, mandolin, dobro, clawhammer banjo, autoharp and guitar competitions. Songs, dance and bands, young and old.

Christine Baum, Host baumjc@gmail.com

Pendleton Roundup Sept. 11-17

Pendleton Community Park, Pendleton, OR

If you have never been to the Pendleton Round-Up, you need to add it to your bucket list. You will get a chance to meet and dine with the Pendleton Rodeo Court and Indian Princesses, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the rodeo, and attend the Happy Canyon Night Show. Amy D'Abbraccio, Host amyd74@att.net

Swiss Festival Sept. 23-Oct.1

Sugarcreek, OH

A week of local tours, a Day in the Park, and festivities in the rolling green hills of eastern Ohio, deep in the heart of Amish country, held in conjunction with the annual Swiss Festival.

Fred Kiehl, Host fred@kiehlbuilding.com

Athens Old Time Fiddlers Convention Oct. 2-8

Athens State University, Athens, AL

Bring the family to the 56th annual musical and cultural experience that will thrust you into a simpler time where families were bound by the music they created and the stories they told.

Russ Pry, Host athensairstreamrally@gmail.com

Columbus Day & Canadian Thanksgiving Oct. 4-9 Country Village Campground, Leicester, VT

Tye Mott, Host tmott@wbcci.net

National Storytelling Festival Oct. 4-8

Jonesborough, TN

In existence for almost 50 years, the festival attracts nearly 11,000 audience members annually. It builds on the Appalachian cultural tradition of storytelling. Held under five or six circus tents, storytellers sit on stages to perform.

Harry Herrmann, Host harry22222@gmail.com

Albuquerque Ballon Fiesta Oct. 6-10 Balloon Fiesta Park, Albuquerque, NM

An enchanted world of special shape balloon rodeos, twilight balloon glows, and vibrant balloon filled skies above the Rio Grande Valley, both humbling and inspiring, held annually for more than 50 years.

Ken Johnansen, Host BalloonFiestaRally@hotmail.com

Sun Valley Jazz and Music Festival Oct. 10-15 Sun Valley, ID

Jazz, swing, big band, gospel and pop musical acts and choirs, dance and parties, all in a festival setting in beautiful Sun Valley, home to the world’s first ski chairlift.

Bob & Darlene Caldwell, Host airstream267@gmail.com

Rose Parade Dec. 28-Jan. 1, 2024 Pasadena, CA

The “Original Urban Airstream Rally” – this is the 41st annual rally, a short walk to reserved parade grandstand seats on Colorado Boulevard, and many sights and tastes of Pasadena.

Margaret Handshoe, Host roseparadeairstreamrally@gmail.com

Tennessee Rally in

Harry & Teresa Hermann

BRN 22222

Imbued with the natural beauty of Northeast Tennessee, Jonesborough has played host to the National Storytelling Festival since its inception in 1973. Tucked away near the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee’s oldest town offers historic charm, modern services and small town hospitality. It is a storybook setting for three days of storytelling festivities. The picturesque place is where the storytelling revival began, and where thousands return each year to share the time-honored tradition.

Take advantage of early parking beginning Sunday, Oct. 1 at only $30 per night with full hook-ups. Come early and have time to do some touring in the East TN, Southwest VA, and the Western NC area.

A must visit is the Gray Fossil Site only 2 miles from camp (discovered in 2000 and is one of the largest, deepest fossil sites in the world with finds of red panda, rhinos, camels, alligators, tapirs, saber-tooth tiger, elephant, etc), tour Bristol International Speedway, attend a play at the famous Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA and have lunch at the historic Martha Washington Inn, take a day trip to Asheville, NC to tour the Biltmore Mansion, visit Natural Tunnel,

STORYTELLING NATIONAL RALLY

Camping at Appalachian Fairgrounds

Gray, Tennessee for the National Storytelling Festival

Jonesborough, Tennessee

October 4 - 8, 2023

VA or visit the home of President Andrew Johnson with lunch at the historic General Morgan Inn in nearby Greeneville, TN. We will be available to offer any guidance, suggestions or directions.

If you plan to come early you will want to also get tickets for the Donald Davis performance on Wednesday evening, October 4. You can order those when you call for your festival tickets. Mr. Davis is a retired Methodist minister and

a favorite storyteller of many. If you have never heard him, you have missed a real treat.

Everyone is responsible for ordering their tickets to the festival. You can call 800-9528392 or check online at www. storytellingcenter.net. We hope you will plan to come join us for this exciting event.

EVENT SCHEDULE

REGION 1

Region 1 Website: airstreamclub.org/region1

Cape Cod Massachusetts Airstream Clubairstreamclub.org/cape-cod-massachusetts

Sept. 21-23 Fall Foliage Rally 2023, The Beach Camping Area, 776 White Mountain Highway, North Conway NH 3860, Karen Skow karen.skow@icould.net, 508.410.8837

Charter Oak Connecticut Airstream Clubairstreamclub.org/charter-oak-connecticut

Aug. 11-13 Grandview by the Lake, GrandView CampResort & Cottages, 89 North Moodus Road, 860-873-3332, GrandviewCampingResort.com/home, Moodus CT 064691144, Gail Downing, 203-241-2537

Sept. 22-24

Connecticut Tall Tales Rally, Travelers Woods of New England, TravelersWoods.com, 52 River Street, Bernardston MA 1337, Sandy Sasuta sandysas1001@gmail.com

EVENT SCHEDULE

EVENT SCHEDULE

For the most current information, go to airstreamclub.org/events Contact Rally Host for the status of the event.

New England Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/new-england

Aug. 10-13 NEAC Rally at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival, Goshen Fairgrounds, 116 Old Middle Street, PodunkBluegrass.com, Goshen CT 6756, Bob Beaumont rbeaumont@live.com

Aug. 10-13 NEAC Rally at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival, Goshen Fairgrounds, 116 Old Middle Street, PodunkBluegrass.com, Goshen CT 6756, Bob Beaumont rbeaumont@live.com

Northeast Mountaineers Airstream Clubairstreamclub.org/northeast-mountaineers

Aug. 4-6

Sept. 29-30

Camping on the Battenkill, 48 Camping On The Battenkill, 802-375-6663, CampingOnTheBattenkill.com, Arlington VT 5250, Alan, 802-375-6663

Foliage Camping, Kingdom Brewing, 353 Coburn Hill Road, Newport VT 5855, Melissa Corbin melissa.y.corbin@gmail.com

Quebec Canada Unit - airstreamclub.org/ quebec-canada

REGION 2

Region 2 Website: airstreamclub.org/region2

EVENT SCHEDULE

For the most current information, go to airstreamclub.org/events Contact Rally Host for the status of the event.

Al-Mon-O Pennsylvania Airstream Clubairstreamclub.org/al-mon-o-pennsylvania

Aug. 11-13 2023 Pennsylvania State Rally, Whitehall Camp & Conference Center, 580 Whitehall Road, WhiteHallCamp.org, Emlenton PA 16373, Cody Klingler & Matt Moore cwk5292@gmail.com, 724-504-6884

Aug. 18-20 Bluegrass Rally 2023, Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Road, ReserveAmerica.com, Somerset PA 15501

Central Pennsylvania Airstream Club – airstreamclub.org/centralpennsylvania

Sept. 15-17 Shawnee State Park Rally, Shawnee State Park, 123 State Park Rd, Schellsburg PA 15559, Daniel Bare centralpenn164@gmail.com

DelMarVa Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/delmarva

Hudson-Mohawk New York Unit - airstreamclub.org/hudsonmohawk-new-york

Sept. 7-10 Unit 71 Installation Rally at Green Lakes State Park, Green Lakes State Park Installation Rally, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville NY 13066, Diane and Eric Bergquist riprapmeadows@earthlink.net

Sept. 28–Oct. 1 Unit 71 Rally at Southwick Beach State Park, Southwick Beach State Park, 8119 Southwicks Pl, Henderson NY 13650, Hollie flostream66@gmail.com

Keystone Pennsylvania Airstream Clubairstreamclub.org/keystonepennsylvania

Aug. 20-27 Keystone PA Western PA Tour 2023, Hickory Hollow Campground, HickoryHollowCampground.com, 176 Big Hickory Rd, Rockwood PA 15557, Howard Mergelkamp howardsan70@gmail.com, 267-733-3565

Sept. 14-17 Keystone PA Lancaster Balloon Rally 2023, Mill Bridge Village and Camp Resort, LancasterBalloonFest.com, 301 S. Ronks Rd, Ronks PA 17572, Jennifer Eggers, jeggers@leadershiftinsights.com

Metropolitan New York Airstream Clubairstreamclub.org/metropolitan-new-york

Aug. 10-13 Seneca Lake Wine Trail Rally, Finger Lakes RV Resort, 3645 Tichenor Road, 912-247-2375 or 914-714-0484, Hector NY 14841, Stephen Ross & Georgette Muller stephenross@0722@gmail.com, gmuller5@aol.com, 912247-2375, 914-714-0484

Mid-Atlantic Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/mid-atlantic

New Jersey Unit - airstreamclub.org/new-jersey

New York Finger Lakes Airstream Clubairstreamclub.org/new-york-finger-lakes

Aug. 3-7 Ontario #124 and New York Finger Lake #002 Joint Rally, Sampson State Park, 6040-6144 NY-96A, Romulus NY 14541, Gary Russo fulloflife123@yahoo.com, 585-967-6636

Aug. 24-27 Lakeside Beach State Park, Route 18, 585-682-4888, Parks.ny.gov/parks/lakeside/details.aspx, Waterport NY 14571, Randy and Diane Hill rhill33@me.com, 585-820-0061

Sept. 22-24 Oktoberfest at Hamburg Brewing Company, Hamburg Brewing Company, HamburgBrewing.com, 6553 Boston State Road, Hamburg NY 14075, Dick Saxton saxtonrg@aol.com, 585-519-2321

Ontario Canada Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/ontariocanada

Aug. 3-7 Summer Rendezvous, Samson State Park, 6040-6144 NY-96A, AirstreamClub.org/ontario-and-nyflac-joint-rally, Romulus NY 14541, Gary Russo, fulloflife123@yahoo.com, 585-967-6636

Sept. 15-29 Capital to Capital Caravan, Cherry Hill Park, 9800 Cherry Hill Road, College Park MD 20740, Kerry Matilla 124caravan@airstreamclub.net

Penn-Lehigh Airstream Club – airstreamclub.org/penn-lehigh

Pennsylvania Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/pennsylvania

Washington DC Unit - airstreamclub.org/washington-dc

Aug. 17-20 Summer Fun Rally, Luray RV Resort, 4253 US Highway 211 West, Luray VA 22835, Joy Spar spahr5@att.net

Sept. 13-20 WDCU Pigeon Forge Rally, Sun Outdoors Pigeon Forge, 1004 Parkway, Sevierville TN 37862, Danee and Kim Alaniz Daneekim2468@gmail.com

Watchung NJ Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/watchung-nj

Aug. 10-13 August 2023 Rally, Lake Glory Campground, 96 Eisenhower Rd, Catawissa PA 17820, George Kiesel gkiesel861@gmail.com

Sept. 15-17 September 2023 Rally, Pine Creek Campground, 28 Rockwell Rd Newfield NY 14867, Mark Ratliff mratliff70@gmail.com

REGION 3

Region 3 Website: airstreamclub.org/region3

Aug. 6-13 Galax Old Fiddlers Rally, Galax, VA

Big Bend Florida Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/big-bendflorida

Sept. 15-17 Beach Party, Port St. Joe RV Resort, PortStJoeResort.com, 153 Red Fish St., Port St. Joe FL 32456, Sammy & Christine Stockstill stockcm1@gmail.com

Carolinas Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/carolinas

Aug. 17-20 Top Of Georgia Rally, Top of Georgia Airstream Park, 14255 Highway 75N, 706-878-3590, TopOfGeorgia.airstreamclub.net, Helen GA 30545, Bjorn & Nicole Kasper bkasperfl@yahoo.com, 704-458-7738

Sept. 21-24 North & South Carolina - 2023 NC/SC States Joint Rally, Palmetto Cove RV Park, PalmettoCove.com, 521 Table Rock Road, Cleveland SC 29635, Bruce Bodenstein brucebodenstein@gmail.com, 704-277-2018

For the most current information, go to airstreamclub.org/events Contact Rally Host for the status of the event.

Coastal Georgia Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/coastalgeorgia

Florida Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/florida

Sept. 14-18 Midnight Train to Georgia Rally, Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins and Campground, 28244 GA-121, Folkston GA 31537, Selena Smith smithselenaj@gmail.com, 904-206-2688

Florida Suncoast Airstream Unit - airstreamclub.org/floridasuncoast

Sept. 21-24 Camp Margaritaville near Orlando, MargaritavilleResorts.com/margaritaville-resort-orlando, 361 Denton Ave, Auburndale FL 33823, Gayle Yeager ghy605@gmail.com, 863 414-2563

Florida Treasure Coast Airstream Clubairstreamclub.org/florida-treasure-coast

Northern Virginia Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/northernvirginia

Sept. 21-24 2023 Commonwealth Rally, Endless Caverns RV Resort, EndlessCaverns.com, 1800 Endless Caverns Road, New Market VA 22844, Bob Nickel bob@nickeladventures.com

Palmetto State Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/palmettostate

Aug. 18-20 Lazy, Hazy Dayz Rally with Palmetto State, Lake Greenwood State Park, 302 State Park Rd, Ninety Six SC 29666, Burt Broadway burt.broadway@gmail.com

Sept. 21-24 Joint Rally with 4 Carolinas Cubs, Palmetto Cove RV Park, 521 Table Rock Road, Cleveland SC 29635, Burt Broadway burt.broadway@gmail.com

Piedmont North Carolina Airstream Clubairstreamclub.org/piedmont-north-carolina

South Carolina Coastal Airstream Clubairstreamclub.org/south-carolina-coastal

South Florida Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/south-florida

Sept. 7-11 Rally on the First Coast, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Web1.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/fljacksonwt.wsc/splash.html?

500 Wonderwood Drive, Jacksonville FL 32233, Tim McDow mcdow.tim@gmail.com, 561-758-9652

Southeastern Camping Unit - airstreamclub.org/southeasterncamping-unit

Spirit of Virginia Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/spirit-ofvirginia

Tidewater Virginia Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/tidewatervirginia

Top of Georgia Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/top-of-georgia

Aug. 30–Sept. 4 Labor Day Rally – Elections, Top Of Georgia Airstream Park, 14255 Hwy 75 N, 706-878-3590, Helen GA 30545, Doug Ralston ralstondoug@gmail.com, 404-435-7217

Virginia Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/virginia

Aug. 4-6 Pool Party (Splash Bash) @ the Downies, Mindy and Steve Downie's House, 4791 Walton Lane Roanoke VA 24018, 540-520-2357, Form.jotform. com/231185215582050, Mindy Downie meowsik@msn.com

REGION 4

Region 4 Website: airstreamclub.org/region4

Akron Ohio Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/akron-ohio

Cincinnati Ohio Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/cincinnati-ohio

Heart of Ohio Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/heart-of-ohio

Miami Valley Ohio Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/miamivalley-ohio

Sept. 7-10 Summer Rally and Mayor's Porchfest Miami County Fairgrounds, MiamiCountyOhioFair.com, 650 N County Road 25A, Troy OH 45373, Don Hetzler pophetzler@hotmail.com, 937-335-3301

Michigan Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/michigan

Aug. 10-14 August Rally: Tawas Point State Park, Tawas Point State Park, 686 Tawas Beach Rd, 734-904-4844, Form.jotform. com/230315177448153, East Tawas MI 49730, Laurie McLean lamclean@umich.edu, 734-904-4844

Northern Ohio Virtual Airstream Unit - airstreamclub.org/northernohio-virtual

Sept. 20-24 NOVA 2023 Anniversary/Chili Cookoff Rally, Geneva State Park, OhioDNR.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/ geneva-state-park-campground, 4499 Padanarum Road, Geneva OH 44041, Loren St. Peter argosybiscuit@gmail.com

Ohio Lake to River Airstream Club - airstreamclub.org/ohio-lakeriver

Georgia On My Mind

2024 WBCCI National Caravans

For the most current information, go to airstreamclub.org/caravans

March 1-26

Start: Blakely, GA Stop: Pine Mountain, GA

Join us as we explore the history, natural beauty, and cuisine of rural Georgia. From antebellum homes to Presidential history, you will become familiar with Georgia's charm.

Rollin to the Big Easy

March 3-15

Start: Kinder, LA Stop: New Orleans, LA

Explore the sights, sounds and food of Lousiana. Crawfish, rum, jazz, great food and much more will be enjoyed on this 13-day caravan.

Cajun Country Caravan A-1

March 5-20

Start: Breaux Bridge, LA Stop: Carencro, LA

On the Cajun Caravan you will experience Cajun culture and hospitality at its roots. Travel through the Cypress swamps, rice fields and crawfish farms of south Louisiana.

Texas Six Shooter

April 10-May 8

Start: Alpine, TX Stop: Fort Worth, TX

New for 2024, the Texas Six Shooter Caravan (previously ran as Gone To Texas) is redesigned with fewer stops at the six best locations providing opportunities to experience our state yesterday and today. Your adventure begins in the town of Alpine, then on to Big Bend National Park, next a quick stop near Del Rio on our way to San Antonio, followed by the Hill Country in the town of Fredericksburg, finishing in Dallas-Fort Worth area in Grapevine.

Cruzin’ The Natchez Trace April 4-25

Start: Vidalia, LA Stop: Nashville, TN

Join us and immerse yourself in the colorful history of this 10,000-year-old trail. Visit Southern

mansions in Natchez and learn the checkered past of “Under the Hill.”

Florida Coastal Caravan April 10 - May 13

Start: St. Augustine, FL Stop: Jensen Beach, FL

New for 2024, from the historic coast to the dive coast, you'll visit famous landmarks, beaches, state parks, and even have a chance to see rocket launches and manatees, ending the trip with relaxing beach time and a farewell to newfound friends at Jensen Beach.

Springtime in Kentucky

April 24-May 18

Start: Bowling Green, KY Stop: Mount Vernon, KY

Come join us as we show you the beautiful, diverse state of Kentucky just as spring emerges and mother nature shows off. You’ll experience all this and much more!

Old National Road

April 26-May 2 1

Start: Woodbine, MD Stop: Vandalia, IL

Our first federally funded highway (1806) opened Louisiana Purchase lands to settlement. Join us as we explore how this road made history and influenced cultural development from colonial days to modern times.

Taste of the Blue Ridge May 14 - June 9

Start: Whittier, NC Stop: Greenwood, VA

Come to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a very scenic springtime drive. Enjoy hiking, rafting, ziplining, touring historic Biltmore, Grove Park Inn, Grandfather Mountain, Monticello and Charlottesville. Bring your binoculars, fishing gear, camera, hiking boots to enjoy this spectacular adventure!

2024 WBCCI National Caravans

For the most current information, go to airstreamclub.org/caravans

Springtime in the Rockies

May 23-June 18

Start: Estes Park, CO Stop: Gardiner, MT

Come share in the adventure of traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, from the summit on Trail Ridge Road to the Teton Mountains and the geysers of Yellowstone.

Viking Trail

June 23-Aug. 16

Start: North Sydney, NS Stop: North Sydney, NS

The friendliest people you will ever meet. Soak in Newfoundland’s incredible scenery, culture, outdoor fun, and amazing history as we circumnavigate the island.

Nuts for Ruts: Finding the Oregon Trail D1

June 24 - July 27

Start: Maysville, MO Stop: Oregon City, OR

This is a history-based caravan, covering a month of travel. We will explore several significant places along the original Oregon Trail, from Saint Joseph, Missouri, to Oregon City, Oregon.

North to Alaska

July 12-Sept. 12

Start: Dawson Creek, BC Stop: Prince George, BC

We will travel the Alaska Highway and experience the majestic scenery of British Columbia, Yukon Territory and Alyeska “The Great Land."

New York (State) State of Mind

Start: Grand Island, NY

July 23-Aug. 22

Stop: Croton-on-Hudson County CG

From the “towering” waters of Niagara Falls to the steel and concrete “towers” of New York City, join us for a fascinating tour of the Empire State – and catch a Broadway show on the way!

Southwest Adventure Aug. 19-Oct. 8

Start: Albuquerque, NM Stop: Albuquerque, NM

What is around the bend in the Four Corners region of Colorado, Utah, Arizona & New Mexico other tourists may not see. Come prepared to have fun with your fellow caravanners.

Ores, Shores, Waters, and Lights – East Sept. 7-22

Start: Manistique, MI Stop: St. Ignace, MI See the absolute best of the eastern half of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in just 15 days and five stops.

Smidge of the Blue Ridge Sept. 10-20 Start: Whittier, NC Stop: Boone, NC

This is a perfect caravan for first-timers to try out caravanning, or if you’re still working! You will zipline, raft, hike and bike while traveling along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway!

Mother Lode of the Mother Road Sept. 13-Nov. 21 Start: Joliet, IL Stop: San Dimas, CA

Join us as we take a “bucket-list” trip from Chicago to LA, 2,200 miles, across eight states, through three time zones, and lots of “oohs and aahs,” following as much of the pre-interstate alignment of the road as possible. We will pause for International Rally in Missouri.

Northern Lights & Polar Bears Sept. 15-Oct. 14 Start: Carberry, Manitoba Stop: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Come visit beautiful Manitoba, Canada and enjoy the fall colors as we tour western Manitoba up to Thompson. All aboard the Via Rail Train to Churchill to spend four amazing days touring, one night in Churchill and two nights at the Tundra Buggy Lodge where you’ll see the spectacular Northern Lights.

2025 WBCCI National Caravans

Cruzin’ The Natchez Trace March 27 - April 17

Start: Vidalia, LA Stop: Nashville, TN

Join us and learn the colorful history of this 10,000-year-old trail, including the tribes of Indians that called the Trace their home, the Kaintucks, famous people that used The Trace and the Civil War battlefields of Vicksburg, Corinth and Shiloh.

Ores, Shores, Waters, and Lights – East Sept. 6-21

Start: Manistique, MI Stop: St. Ignace, MI

See the absolute best of the eastern half of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in just 15 days and five stops.

An aerial shot of the parked Airstreams at the 66th International Rally in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The Rally began on June 24 and ended on June 30.

If you have pictures depicting WBCCI caravans and rallies, please share them with us. These pictures may be used for promotional material, the Membership Directory, “Blue Beret” cover, or published in “Club Scenes”. Pictures should be of club events. When choosing a photo, consider the potential member and what would entice him/her to join the club. Please include a description of the picture, member names, specific club events, dates, etc. and send to blueberet@airstreamclub. org or WBCCI, PO Box 612, Jackson Center, OH 45334. NOTE: JPG file formats are preferred.

Above: The Snowy Range Pass near the Continental Divide between Laramie and Saratoga, Wyoming on WY-130. Submitted by Tracy Elkins, BRN 9713

Left: This is the last day of our Springtime in the Rockies caravan and this evening look what we were blessed with. We are at Rocky Mountain RV Park in Gardiner, Montana. The trailer in foreground is 22518. We are right behind with rainbow coming out of our roof.

Submitted by Mark Miller, BRN 3571

Rich and Kathi Short #1512 and Lea Plant #2256 enjoy Courtesy Parking at George and Linda Kiesel’s #7191 home in Pennsylvania.

Submitted by Lea Plant, BRN 2256