MEET OUR PRESIDENT -PG 16 - Wally ...
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® RMS PAYS IM FO NO CO UCTIBL ES NO CLA D NO DE 30minutes could save you $30,000 We have presentations scheduled daily. Please call for a time convenient for you or we’ll set up an online/telephone presentation, exclusively, just for you. ULTIMATE TRAVELING PEACE-OF-MIND FOR WBCCI MEMBERS 18 SkyMed Services including world wide services Monthly Plans 5 Year Plans For Families For Families Starting At Starting At $49 $2,495 Call one of our Certified SkyMed Ambassadors and Airstream owners Bill Johnjulio (216) 533-1752 | Jim Moss (877) 667-4968 | Stan Schwenke (920) 918-9923 John Tetzlaff (612) 839-4013 | Jerry & Marilyn Collins (208)-867-8739 | Karen & Jack Cotton (760)-895-7019 www.SkyMed.com | 1-800-679-2020
President’s Corner We join this the Airstream Club International for a myriad of In the coming year I look forward to seeing my continuously growing reasons: fond memories of family vacations in an Airstream; Airstream family continue to do what we do best - envelop new admiration for an iconic symbol of global travel or, in my case, a members with kindness, support and surround them with the ghosted big red number! Little did I know that when I bought possibilities of the only club that can proudly say: that first Airstream and joined the Club 11 years ago, I would gain such a large extended family!! We are members of If someone were to ask me the single most important thing I THE ORIGINAL would like to accomplish, it would be to Encourage an Inclusive Airstream-exclusive, independent RV travel club Environment at all levels, where club practices & policies serve to FOR unite members, where all members are treated with respect, all Adventure-minded Airstream owners views valued and all voices heard. WHO Wander the world Our Club, this family, is full of much diversity: of thought; of TO lifestyle; of heritage and of tow vehicle, Airstream model & length learn from and enjoy life with a community of like-minded people and camping choices. All are welcome in my world, this world of IN A TIME happy campers. Of self-discovery and exploration. I have a deep respect for our heritage, our founding and long-time members and the possibility of “what if” for the future. These are a few of so many who have shaped my experience in this beloved Club: Dusty & JoAnn, Jerry & Susan, Brad & Susan, Art & Tookie, Tom & Ethelwyne, Pearl and Dean, PeeWee, the Grisso’s and John & Bard Fuller - you brought the Club and its rich heritage to life for me. It’s an honor to serve as your International President and I will The Schofield and Goranson families, thank you for carrying it continue to love every minute of this experience. forward for future generations. Mona BLUE BERET is the official publication of the Wally Byam Caravan BLUE BERET (USPS 669-270; ISSN 0744-5601) is published monthly Address corrections, suggestions, stories, art, photos, advertising Club International, Inc. (WBCCI), Airstream Club International. BLUE except December and July. Periodical mail postage paid at Jackson and paid mail subscriptions ($45/year, included in members’ dues) BERET welcomes contributions of articles, photographs, news items Center, OH and additional mailing offices. Canada Publications Mail may be mailed to: BLUE BERET/WBCCI, P.O. Box 612, 803 E. Pike and advertising. However, their publication in the BLUE BERET does Agreement #41295545. Canada Post Returns: 7289 Torbram Road, Street, Jackson Center, OH 45334, Phone 937-596-5211, Fax not constitute endorsement. The opinions of the authors are their Mississauga, ON L4T 1G8. 937-596-5542, email: dsailor@airstreamclub.org own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of either the BLUE Notification of address change is the responsibility of the member or POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: BLUE BERET/WBCCI, P.O. BERET or WBCCI. The products and claims of advertisers are their recipient and should be received at least two months in advance to avoid Box 612, 803 E. Pike Street, Jackson Center, OH 45334. own and, too, do not necessarily represent endorsement by either delays in forwarding. Re-mailing of back issues is at recipient expense. BLUE BERET or WBCCI. BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019 3
Wally Byam Caravan Club What’s Inside... International, Inc. Vol. 55 August 2019 Issue No. 7 803 E. Pike Street, PO Box 612 Jackson Center, OH 45334-0612 President’s Corner....................................................3 Phone 937-596-5211 FAX 937-596-5542 www.wbcci.org Club News................................................................6 Welcome New Members.................................................................................................. 6 The Art of Airstream Cooking......................................................................................... 10 INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WBAC Newsletters - Start Spreadin' the News................................................................ 12 A Presidential Gift to the Queen..................................................................................... 14 President.........................................................Mona Heath Alabama Airstream Club helps welcome new Airstream Dealer to North Alabama.............. 18 1st Vice President.......................................... Andy Selking First Club Caravan to Mexico in over 20 Years................................................................. 20 2nd Vice President................................................ Tye Mott 3rd Vice President.........................................Eric McHenry Our European Road Trip - Part 2.................................................................................... 24 Recording Secretary.................................. Vickie Courtney Historically Speaking..................................................................................................... 28 Treasurer.............................................................. Jim Polk Airstream Tech Help Group............................................................................................ 32 Past President.................................................... Barry Bell Texas Country Air Rally in Brownwood, Texas.................................................................. 36 In Memoriam............................................................................................................... 49 REGION PRESIDENTS Rhode Island to the West Coast...................................................................................... 65 Region 1......................................................Per Hamnqvist Region 2............................................................ Rich Short International Rally...................................................38 Region 3.......................................................... John Leake Region 4.........................................................Karen Fisher Caravans................................................................41 Region 5....................................................... Bob Whitesell Cajun Country Caravan.................................................................................................. 41 Region 6.........................................................Jim Johnson Region 7....................................................... Don Thomson National/Special Event (NSE) Rallies........................42 Region 8............................................................. Mike Sisk Storytelling................................................................................................................... 42 Region 9............................................................. Bill Kindle Columbus Day & Canadian Thanksgiving Day.................................................................. 43 Region 10...................................................Sharon Cairnes Texas Country Air.......................................................................................................... 43 Region 11...........................................................Patti Reed Region 12...............................................Cecelia Stansbury Region News..........................................................44 Parliamentarian............................................ Joanne Miller HQ TEAM Airstream • 937-596-6111.....................................50 From the Vice President................................................................................................. 50 Corporate Manager and MARCHing On............................................................................................................... 51 Blue Beret Managing Editor...........................Lori Plummer lplummer@airstreamclub.org Event Schedule.......................................................53 Blue Beret Editor............................................... Deb Sailor blueberet@airstreamclub.org Classifieds..............................................................59 Adventure Coordinator.................................Barb Langston adventures@airstreamclub.org Coupons.................................................................60 Membership Coordinator ............................ Julie Rethman membership@airstreamclub.org CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Region 1......................................................... J. Rick Cipot Region 2.......................................................... Kathy Blake Region 3..................................................... Joan Anderson Region 4........................................................Cindy Conant Region 5....................................................... Bob Whitesell Region 6..........................................................Mark Magie Region 7....................................................... Don Thomson Region 8............................................................. Mike Sisk Region 9....................................................... Joanne Miller on the cover... Region 10.......................................................... Carol Ortiz Mona Heath, 2019-2020 International President Region 11..................................................... Robert Doster Meet Our President - page 16 Region 12................................................Robert Stansbury Europe...........................................................Ian Jamieson “AIRSTREAM” is a registered trademark used under license. Copy Deadline for the October issue is August 15 4 BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019
America’s Most Experienced Airstream Dealer Family Owned and Operated Since 1965 “Building Dreams is our Business” Bill Thomas Camper Sales 101 Thomas RV Way Wentzville Mo 63385 636-327-5900 1-800-367-5767 www.btcamper.com BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019 5
CLUB NEWS Unit # 000 Unit # 000 Unit # 005 Unit # 011 WBCCI # 03085 WBCCI # 10894 WBCCI # 03335 WBCCI # 03220 Michael & Suzanne Caparrotta Rick & Gina Seyfried Brittany & Dayton Grundy Monte & Ros Roberts VA MD AR CA Unit # 000 Unit # 000 Unit # 005 Unit # 011 WBCCI # 03096 WBCCI # 03449 WBCCI # 03462 WBCCI # 25423 Dan & Debra Birch Chase & Chelsea Eckert Paul & Deborah Norris Ali & Cindy Ganjtomari FL AK AR CA Unit # 000 Unit # 000 Unit # 006 Unit # 011 WBCCI # 10165 WBCCI # 03507 WBCCI # 03173 WBCCI # 15751 Dennis Puckett Christopher & Jennifer German Karen & Daniel Tresenrider Joshua & Nadine Holbrook OH NC OH CA Unit # 000 Unit # 000 Unit # 006 Unit # 012 WBCCI # 03195 WBCCI # 09928 WBCCI # 03177 WBCCI # 03627 Dan Volpenhein David Horne Uwe & Kari Eickert Ron & Eva Bernstein OH TX OH FL Unit # 000 Unit # 000 Unit # 006 Unit # 013 WBCCI # 24692 WBCCI # 04117 WBCCI # 04405 WBCCI # 03408 Claudia Uhe & Klaus Wessel Ron & Brenda Speidel Thomas & Judi Moran Kevin Ford & Kate Taylor Hesse Germany TX OH CA Unit # 000 Unit # 001 Unit # 008 Unit # 013 WBCCI # 12916 WBCCI # 03301 WBCCI # 31540 WBCCI # 25688 Melanie Whalen Koren Lee Dennis & Cynthia Larson Kathryn & Arnold Rudnick AK AL CA CA Unit # 000 Unit # 002 Unit # 009 Unit # 015 WBCCI # 03278 WBCCI # 15535 WBCCI # 03104 WBCCI # 03237 William & Julie Graham Valerie & Jeff Davis Belinda & Terry Holamon Steven & Karen Howes PA NY TX CA Unit # 000 Unit # 003 Unit # 009 Unit # 015 WBCCI # 21121 WBCCI # 05977 WBCCI # 03359 WBCCI # 03356 Cheryl Vahl Ed & Kimberley Hash Max Aldredge & JoAnn Soeder GiGi & Stephen Austin IA AZ FL CA Unit # 000 Unit # 003 Unit # 009 Unit # 015 WBCCI # 01096 WBCCI # 03306 WBCCI # 27960 WBCCI # 03419 Dave Driscoll Cal & Vickie Harris David & Lorrie Galliher Carol Martin IN AZ TX CA Unit # 000 Unit # 003 Unit # 011 Unit # 015 WBCCI # 02274 WBCCI # 03748 WBCCI # 28246 WBCCI # 22114 Fred & Cheryl Kuhn Mary Stewart & Charles Rubano Kristine Carey Kevin & Veronica Smithey CA AZ CA CA Unit # 000 Unit # 004 Unit # 011 Unit # 018 WBCCI # 03385 WBCCI # 25319 WBCCI # 15775 WBCCI # 03111 James Thompson & Jeff Pocock Dan & Kathy Fahey Kevin & Debra Littrell Keith & Ephraim Howard CO AZ CA CA Unit # 000 Unit # 004 Unit # 011 Unit # 018 WBCCI # 17340 WBCCI # 07005 WBCCI # 12000 WBCCI # 22718 Rebecca Vota Sharon & Luis Ortiz Jonathan & Amanda Mitchell John Stave & Claudia Sutton IL NM CA CA 6 BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019
CLUB NEWS Unit # 018 Unit # 024 Unit # 032 Unit # 041 WBCCI # 03400 WBCCI # 08980 WBCCI # 16843 WBCCI # 03552 Peter & Linda Lord Peter & Rosanne Dunbar Mike & Angela Bush Phillip & Judy Dart CA CO GA IN Unit # 018 Unit # 024 Unit # 035 Unit # 046 WBCCI # 03577 WBCCI # 03354 WBCCI # 04930 WBCCI # 03202 Todd Wynne-Parry & DeeDee Taft Randy & Diana Mason James Slover Scott & Diane Ryan CA CO ID IA Unit # 019 Unit # 024 Unit # 035 Unit # 049 WBCCI # 03226 WBCCI # 07562 WBCCI # 03176 WBCCI # 11200 Don & Cindy Grabow Frank Nekvasil Robert & Tonya George Ralph & Dana Pettit CA CO ID KY Unit # 020 Unit # 025 Unit # 035 Unit # 050 WBCCI # 03086 WBCCI # 21350 WBCCI # 29470 WBCCI # 03276 Richard Evans & Patricia Roether Mike & Kathy Chapman Donna Bortfeld Eva & Arthur Hoover CA CT ID LA Unit # 020 Unit # 027 Unit # 035 Unit # 050 WBCCI # 05958 WBCCI # 03216 WBCCI # 03393 WBCCI # 03295 Edward & Velia Grimaldo Joe & Brenna Loretta Jon & Karen Enderson Karl & Becky Hollibaugh CA FL ID LA Unit # 020 Unit # 027 Unit # 035 Unit # 052 WBCCI # 03537 WBCCI # 03566 WBCCI # 03460 WBCCI # 03869 Gwen Weise Melaine Taylor & Kris Harris David & Becky Levi Amy Gardner CA FL ID MI Unit # 021 Unit # 030 Unit # 035 Unit # 052 WBCCI # 10825 WBCCI # 07821 WBCCI # 03508 WBCCI # 26701 Joe Yochem Bill & Kathy Hickok Randy & Marianne Hickel Hal & Dottie Canfield NC FL ID MI Unit # 021 Unit # 032 Unit # 038 Unit # 052 WBCCI # 03307 WBCCI # 03087 WBCCI # 03245 WBCCI # 18894 Mark & Betsy Schneider David & Lynn Kelley Seung & Young Park Jo & Michael Street NC GA IL MI Unit # 022 Unit # 032 Unit # 038 Unit # 053 WBCCI # 23420 WBCCI # 17874 WBCCI # 03396 WBCCI # 03248 John & Susan Parris Matthew & Susan DeBacker Tom & Debbie Moquin Daniel & Diane Skelley SC GA IL MD Unit # 024 Unit # 032 Unit # 038 Unit # 055 WBCCI # 07997 WBCCI # 03438 WBCCI # 27662 WBCCI # 07123 Tom & Rebekah Nguyen Ralf & Daniela Reisinger Erin & Nick Evans Rebecca Gallup CO FL IL MN Unit # 024 Unit # 032 Unit # 038 Unit # 056 WBCCI # 31250 WBCCI # 14047 WBCCI # 14412 WBCCI # 14661 Laura & Timothy Uselton Ralph & Lisa Johnston Elizabeth & John Felageller Kenny & Emily Allen CO GA IL MS Unit # 024 Unit # 032 Unit # 041 Unit # 056 WBCCI # 15813 WBCCI # 03526 WBCCI # 03227 WBCCI # 21175 Art & Martha Pforr Michael Kent Candice & Pete Kissinger Denise & Edward Walsh CO GA IN MS BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019 7
CLUB NEWS Unit # 058 Unit # 069 Unit # 088 Unit # 090 WBCCI # 03573 WBCCI # 03838 WBCCI # 05673 WBCCI # 03542 Scott & Carla Holste Russell & Michelle Tether Shannon Cooper Deborah Cureton MO NM OK OR Unit # 059 Unit # 071 Unit # 090 Unit # 093 WBCCI # 13259 WBCCI # 03120 WBCCI # 19710 WBCCI # 03123 Leslie & Nathan Ham Lisa Kageyama & Jonathan Lloyd Tom & Terri Piefer Ron & Toni Purdum KS NY OR PA Unit # 059 Unit # 071 Unit # 090 Unit # 093 WBCCI # 09595 WBCCI # 22537 WBCCI # 08582 WBCCI # 12125 Charles & Caty Sanders Paul & Lisa Coffman Randy & Carolyn Tapscott John & Abby Talanca KS NY IA PA Unit # 059 Unit # 072 Unit # 090 Unit # 093 WBCCI # 03501 WBCCI # 03394 WBCCI # 03277 WBCCI # 21711 Michael & Mary Ann Crowe Susan Griffith & David Neill Kate Carr Richard & Sherry Larson MO NY OR PA Unit # 061 Unit # 072 Unit # 090 Unit # 099 WBCCI # 03135 WBCCI # 16254 WBCCI # 03282 WBCCI # 03254 John Flood James & Tina Shroads Allen & Connie Smith David Cohen ME NY OR TX Unit # 063 Unit # 077 Unit # 090 Unit # 099 WBCCI # 09598 WBCCI # 06931 WBCCI # 10305 WBCCI # 05424 Leah & Rob Warfield Mike Pastva & Jill McCauslin Kami & Paul Toufar Randy & Laurie Huff NV OH OR TX Unit # 063 Unit # 077 Unit # 090 Unit # 103 WBCCI # 08918 WBCCI # 22374 WBCCI # 03323 WBCCI # 03284 Greg & Debi Vandevier Tom & Julie Ozbolt Elizabeth & Jay Bozievich Jeff & Tracy Black AZ OH OR TX Unit # 064 Unit # 080 Unit # 090 Unit # 104 WBCCI # 12102 WBCCI # 03083 WBCCI # 19274 WBCCI # 03259 Diane & Jerome Jackson Andy & Cary Schultz Stacey Rovinelli & Amy Dabbraccio LeDana Zadorozny NH OH WA TX Unit # 065 Unit # 080 Unit # 090 Unit # 104 WBCCI # 18591 WBCCI # 03349 WBCCI # 03466 WBCCI # 10105 Victoria & Bruce Hill Ron & Kathy Taylor Jennifer McLaughlin Lisa & Dave Knapp NH OH OR TX Unit # 068 Unit # 084 Unit # 090 Unit # 104 WBCCI # 05185 WBCCI # 03292 WBCCI # 03485 WBCCI # 06256 Carl & Laura Baptiste Jerry & Donna Abele Rachel Morrison John & Jeanne Nixon NJ OH OR TX Unit # 069 Unit # 084 Unit # 090 Unit # 108 WBCCI # 03187 WBCCI # 10130 WBCCI # 21117 WBCCI # 31813 Catherine & Donald Koone Alan & Jodi Pinyerd Mark Babcock & Jana Betcher Damien Wood & Andrew Hindman LA OH OR CA Unit # 069 Unit # 088 Unit # 090 Unit # 109 WBCCI # 03296 WBCCI # 03088 WBCCI # 03558 WBCCI # 03169 Linda & Chris Reiter George Drake David & Sue Brown John & Susan Sipos NM OK OR VA Unit # 069 Unit # 088 Unit # 090 Unit # 109 WBCCI # 22697 WBCCI # 09743 WBCCI # 03565 WBCCI # 03063 Donna Nelson & William Rinehart Joseph & Clinette Leonard Michael & Johanna Blackford Garrie Denson NM OK OR VA 8 BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019
CLUB NEWS Unit # 110 Unit # 112 Unit # 125 WBCCI # 20057 WBCCI # 05974 WBCCI # 03545 The information contained in Heather Lauer Mark & Lisa Lund Alain Desjardins & France Sylvain this membership list may be VA WA QC CANADA used for personal correspon- dence by any member, WBCCI, Unit # 110 Unit # 115 Unit # 129 and licensees. No membership WBCCI # 09997 WBCCI # 09333 WBCCI # 17519 list may be used by any other Mark & Heather Joyce Skip & Judy Deegans Shoshana Avramovitz person, firm, or commercial VA WV FL entity. Unit # 110 Unit # 116 Unit # 129 WBCCI # 03414 WBCCI # 17035 WBCCI # 21263 Unit # 155 Rebecca Bowen & Jeff Glading Jeffrey & Tracey Plate Harry & Frani Antrim WBCCI # 03497 WV WI FL Anthony & Debby Urbanelli TX Unit # 111 Unit # 116 Unit # 129 WBCCI # 03260 WBCCI # 07864 WBCCI # 03536 Unit # 158 Edward & Patricia Fornel Kevin Allen Alan & Martha Williams WBCCI # 12979 VA IL FL Temisha & Doug Poe TN Unit # 111 Unit # 120 Unit # 129 WBCCI # 03440 WBCCI # 03676 WBCCI # 07826 Unit # 158 Kerry May & Renee May Sharon Campbell Tammy Davis & Doug Quara WBCCI # 03128 VA AB CANADA FL Susie & Ed Stephens TN Unit # 112 Unit # 120 Unit # 131 WBCCI # 03093 WBCCI # 03513 WBCCI # 20195 Unit # 158 Don Pratten Grace Bole-Campbell & Rodney Beth Ann & Michael Mohr WBCCI # 03285 WA Campbell PA Keith Duke & Christy Matasick AB CANADA TN Unit # 112 Unit # 137 WBCCI # 03106 Unit # 124 WBCCI # 03373 Unit # 158 John Shafer WBCCI # 03141 Marc & Elena Cram WBCCI # 11913 WA Brian & Joan Barry MI Deana Howard & Charlie Sutton ON CANADA TN Unit # 112 Unit # 145 WBCCI # 20577 Unit # 124 WBCCI # 16912 Unit # 158 John & Linda Virostek WBCCI # 03384 Nick & Sarah Hegel WBCCI # 12167 WA Steve & Rhonda McAllister ND Larney Wilson & Dale Reifschneider ON CANADA TN Unit # 112 Unit # 145 WBCCI # 30217 Unit # 124 WBCCI # 03447 Unit # 161 Walter & Debbie Page WBCCI # 03358 Jane & Mark Halvorson WBCCI # 03336 AK Joseph & Katie Armitage ND Heather Bristol ON CANADA NC Unit # 112 Unit # 149 WBCCI # 08020 Unit # 125 WBCCI # 05712 Unit # 161 Terry & Gail Oxley WBCCI # 03149 Kirk DeMadaler & WBCCI # 24164 WA Karl Berryman & Monique Sauve Mary Ann Henderson Darla & Todd Lewis QC CANADA VA NC Unit # 112 WBCCI # 03228 Unit # 125 Unit # 149 Unit # 162 Tammy & Dave Fuller WBCCI # 03265 WBCCI # 19999 WBCCI # 18680 WA Louis Barbeau & Manon Villeneuve Marilyn Finnemore & Aldo Bello Janet Kight Porter & Thomas Porter QC CANADA VA FL Unit # 112 WBCCI # 09175 Unit # 125 Unit # 151 Unit # 164 Lawrence King & Jenny Harris WBCCI # 03267 WBCCI # 03201 WBCCI # 03127 WA Gilles Sareault & Lisette Menard Craig & Vivian Pendergrass Barbara Reed QC CANADA MO PA Unit # 112 WBCCI # 03338 Unit # 125 Unit # 151 Unit # 164 Joanne & Phil Nicolai WBCCI # 04598 WBCCI # 17225 WBCCI # 03550 WA David Murray & Andrea Gillis David & Kim Schodlatz Walter & Melinda Hinkle NS CANADA MO PA continued on page 13 BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019 9
Art Gina Eggers, #3732 I don’t think there is any more beautiful into bite-size pieces and cut off the place in August than the U.P. of Michigan, stem end. Add to the bowl and toss. Cut at least not while sitting beside the some (how many is up to you) cherry most Superior, and mother of all lakes, tomatoes (multi-colored ones look Lake Superior. Pictured Rocks National nice) in half, or any larger tomatoes into Lakeshore, where soaring spice-colored bite size chunks. Put in the bowl with cliffs reflect in the aquamarine waters of the oil and vinegar and toss lightly. Peel Munising. It’s a place you can kayak over the cooled potatoes with your fingers. a sunken ship in 20 ft. of water and glide The skin should rub off easily. Cut out through rock arches. Here at a Pictured any bad spots or large eyes. Cut the Rocks Wisconsin/U.P. Chapter rally, the potatoes into bite-size chunks (like for setting is perfect for writing this on the potato salad) and add to bowl. Add a first day of summer on June 21. couple of chopped scallions and some chopped parsley and basil. For an easy and light summer dinner, or want this step to go faster but I think it makes Add salt and pepper and mix lightly. side, a green bean and tomato salad comes to the potatoes more watery. Scoop potatoes from Feta cheese works well in here too if you want mind. This goes very well with focaccia bread, the water (don’t drain the water) so they can to add that. There are no real measurements, recipe coming soon! cool. Throw in a couple of large handfuls just toss everything in a bowl and taste. You of green beans (uncut and untrimmed) and Green Bean and Tomato Salad can always add more vinegar or olive oil or simmer in the potato water for about 5 minutes. (serves 4 as a side, or 2 as a large lunch) tomatoes or scallions. Herbs make the salad As with the potatoes, they absorb less water look lovely and gives it a bright, fresh flavor. The For the salad, boil 4 medium size (or inside if they aren’t cut first. They should be still beauty of this salad is not only in the colors, but equivalent) Yukon Gold potatoes with the crisp but not hard. Drain and cool. in the options you have. You can change the skin on. Place in a pot of enough salted water vegetables or herbs, snap peas or dill come to Whisk 1 1/2 tablespoons of white wine to cover the potatoes. Cover and simmer lightly mind. You can easily increase the amounts for a vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) and the until firm tender, not falling apart. You can cut large AIRSTREAM RALLY salad to share! juice of half a lemon with 3 tablespoons the potatoes into chunks ahead of time if you of olive oil in a bowl. Chop your green beans Gina Eggers and boyfriend Mark Kasten 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. 10 BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019
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CLUB NEWS WBAC Newsletters Start Spreadin' the News... (with apologies to the Chairman of the Board!) Hedda Smithson, WBAC Publications Chair Earlier this year we compared a visit to a unit president can include a wide range of who may be dealing with challenging issues or toyshop to the building blocks of our club information. Many bring an update of news celebrating wonderful occasions. We are here to newsletters. We hope to use this as an outline of from the Region or International level, kudos take care of one another! the future “Newsletter Planning Guide” that will to members who have gone the extra mile, be posted online. encouragement to get involved, and may include There is a range of publication frequencies: our a pithy quote to ponder. We all love to celebrate favorite is “almost monthly”. Others state a given After reading and enjoying dozens of newsletters special days and look for our names on the list number of issues per year along with deadlines these past few years, we want to share some of of birthdays and anniversaries. Usually there is for submission of copy. the things we have seen. What you as readers a comment about “If you don’t see your name, and/or editors do with this information is totally Most newsletters arrive in the in-box via an let us know and we will add you to the list.” up to you. Each unit is different; each editor attachment. Some editors include a “don’t miss” Many newsletters have colorful birthday and has different skills and/or resources. But - if or “in this issue”. Many just say “Enjoy”. Several anniversary graphics. (Some are animated!!) an idea catches your eye, please feel free to clubs offer the option of “Drop Box”, Constant try something new. One of our favorite mottos Stories and photos of unit events such as Contact or a link to the unit website. is “When was the last time you did something luncheons, rallies, and caravans form the bulk of Watch this space for more articles regarding for the first time?” If you have suggestions to the content of many newsletters. Many articles newsletters and the development of a expand this content, please share. are written with the idea of “Make folks wish “Newsletter Planning Guide.” they had been there.” Or “If I wasn’t there, this Most newsletters have several parts in common. story is almost as good!” Promotional content for If anyone has input and/or suggestions for The first page may have the logo of the unit or future events and a complete listing is included this project, feel free to send an e-mail to club, a side bar that lists the current leadership, in many as well. publications@wbcci.org. links to the unit’s webpage, “what’s inside”, and guidelines for submission of content along Many have a “member update” or “sunshine” Thanks! with contact information. A message from the section where members learn about their friends Visit the Wally Byam Airstream Club Store at: http://store.wbcci.org/ 12 BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019
Unit # 174 continued from page 9 WBCCI # 10778 Patty & John Ball FL Unit # 167 Unit # 168 Unit # 172 Unit # 177 WBCCI # 07728 WBCCI # 11235 WBCCI # 10022 WBCCI # 32123 Doreen & Harvey Wright Steven & Stephanie McConnell Julie & Vance Ivie Kevin Emmerson MA TX TX Oxfordshire United Kingdom Unit # 167 Unit # 169 Unit # 172 Unit # 177 WBCCI # 03477 WBCCI # 03529 WBCCI # 11538 WBCCI # 15551 Linda & Dan Everett Alan Newcomb & Becky Bennett Michael & Adlene Kobe Jon Penrose & Jane Peters MA FL TX Somerset United Kingdom Unit # 167 Unit # 172 Unit # 172 Unit # 177 WBCCI # 09168 WBCCI # 09185 WBCCI # 31481 WBCCI # 22568 Jay Wallace & Lisa McGovern David & Linda Heier Donald & Iva McLachlan Jean Pierre & Nicole Huehne MA TX TX Niedersachsen Germany Unit # 168 Unit # 172 Unit # 174 Unit # 177 WBCCI # 07269 WBCCI # 08081 WBCCI # 03412 WBCCI # 27120 Lorenza Smith Randall & Elizabeth Rice Michael Wilson Claire Gilbert & Adam Barber TX TX FL Cornwall United Kingdom Unit # 168 Unit # 172 Unit # 174 Unit # 177 WBCCI # 14014 WBCCI # 03175 WBCCI # 04982 WBCCI # 10222 Alan & Dawn Crook Owen Temple & Mary Miles Katie Deits Jack Spencer TX TX FL West Yorkshire England BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019 13
CLUB NEWS A Presidential Gift to the Queen Chuck Nesbit, #3823 The WBAC and Airstream community have All work stopped at the workshop for six days. benefited from the leadership and of John The White House sent a small amount of wood, Leake for well over a decade. As the current sourced from a large branch that had fallen. president of Region 3 he has worked tirelessly There was only enough wood to make one box, to grow club membership and support an array so John had no room for error. Everything had of activities benefiting members. His positive to be perfect - and it was! attitude, boundless enthusiasm, and love of people light up any room he enters. The Leakes milled the wood and assembled it into a small box four inches by five inches by 1 A number of years ago, John founded the 3/4” deep. Hand cut dovetail joints were used popular Alumalina Rally which annually draws to fasten the sides of the box. The top was over 200 Airstreams and their owners to the etched with a design from an old drawing of the western Carolinas. The event is a permanent White House provided by the presidential staff. date on the rally calendar of many units in An article in the October/November 2014 issue Meticulously hand cut and placed black velvet the region. The tall man with the white beard of Garden & Gun magazine showcased the lined the box. The bottom of the box was hand and blue beret we affectionately know as hand craftsmanship of the Leakes and gave the signed and dated by Jay before it was put in an “Sandlapper” is ever-present at the rallies small workshop national recognition. Since then overnight package to Washington. It arrived in he leads and attends, focused on extending orders have been flowing at an unprecedented time to make the trip to England. southern hospitality and friendship to every rate but the Leakes respect their craft and attendee. His wonderful wife Susan is always I spoke to John by phone a few days after tradition. The workshop continues to produce the box shipped to the White House. Ever the by his side making every event John is involved one quality piece at a time. in a tremendous success. Recently they joined humble man, his voice was filled with pride and with good friend and fellow Airstreamers Terry Recently President Trump was invited for a joy at being selected to play a small part in a and Annie Montgomery to found an annual state visit to England by Queen Elizabeth II to historic event. After decades of developing his “downtown” rally in their hometown of York, commemorate the 75th anniversary of the woodworking skills, the former high school shop South Carolina. D-Day invasion of the European continent by teacher has reached the pinnacle of his craft the allied troops. At these state visits, tradition and profession. To world leaders, he is a master John is also an entrepreneur, craftsman and has the leaders exchanging gifts. Mrs. Trump woodworker. To the Airstream community, he businessman. The father/son team of John and chose a Tiffany brooch for the presidential remains our good friend John. Jay Leake are the third and fourth generations gift to Queen Elizabeth II. The White House in a family furniture business over half a century decided to commission a custom box, made old. Their small workshop in York produces by an American craftsman from wood saved exquisite 17th and 18th century reproduction from a tree on the White House grounds, to furniture to custom order for customers encase the brooch for presentation. The White nationwide who appreciate the beauty of natural House turned hardwoods and the hand craftsmanship of to John and Jay another era. Step into the Leake Furniture to produce the Makers workshop and you will see the hands of box, on a very father and son cutting dovetails, carving a chair compressed leg or timetable, for this carefully historic event. placing John & Susan Leake intricate inlay. 14 BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019
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CLUB NEWS First Female Ready to Hit the Ground Running as WBCCI International President Mark Magie #24797 Could it be that a young if she finds time between girl’s dream of someday presidential duties, she skating on a Roller Derby hopes to find time to read a team led her to a life on book…not on a device, but bigger wheels…those the old-fashioned way with under an Airstream trailer? an “old-school” book with a And could it be that moving cover and paper pages. with her family from Oklahoma to Kentucky Heath has been a WBCCI to California to Arkansas member for ten years and and finally to the Pacific is a member of the Oregon Northwest instilled in this Airstream Club, #090, in girl a nomadic spirit…not Region 10. Looking back unlike that of Wally Byam on the past three years who encouraged everyone as an international WBCCI to endlessly strive to stir officer, Heath recalls “a the venturesome spirit that delightful whirlwind of travel, moves a person to follow a new friends, learning and rainbow to its end? of teamwork, transparency and inclusion.” adapting while developing collaborative and mutually respectful Mona Heath is that girl. When Mona Heath When asked what it means to be the first relationships with the Executive Committee, takes the reins of the world’s largest Airstream female WBCCI president, she is quick to the International Board of Trustees and our club this July at the 62nd WBCCI International respond, “I prefer to say that I hope to be membership.” Rally in Doswell, VA, her heart will be racing a really good international president who thinking about the magical things happening happens to be a woman.” She hit the ground running as International in the Wally Byam Airstream Club, and the 3rd Vice President serving as chair of possibilities they present on behalf of the Heath has an affinity for vintage trailers. Her the International Long-Range Planning almost 16,000 members who are living the first travel trailer was a 1962 Shasta which Committee, embracing that role by developing Airstream dream. “I will work to ensure WBCCI “opened her eyes and spirit to camping.” It opportunities for improvement. It is her is positioned to engage current and future was while camping near the Canadian border priority to plan for the future and leave no club Airstream owners, while retaining the rich that she saw a vintage Airstream with its flags member behind as “we move forward and heritage of travel, friendship and adventure flying, and she was hooked. She purchased continue to learn from the past.” inspired by Wally Byam,” says the incoming a 1969 Tradewind and affectionately named it Kalakala. Next was a 1957 Bubble named Among Heath’s goals are … international president. Wanda, followed by a 1961 Bambi called • Commit to our members to preserve the “I’m super excited about the branding work Rogue, then a 1957 Flying Cloud christened WBCCI unimpaired for future generations which influences all aspects of the club…the Alice, and a 2011 Bambi named GiGi. of Airstream owners and club members new website, new print collateral to welcome Her current Airstream is a 2019 27-foot with strategic and fact-based planning new members and support recruitment Globetrotter Copenhagen lovingly named while respecting our rich heritage. efforts, a new data base while maintaining our core value: we camp and we caravan.” A team Globby, which she looks forward to traveling in • Create an inclusive environment at all builder herself, Heath says “our international during her tenure as president. Her traveling levels where club practices and policies vice-presidents are so incredibly aligned and companion is Izzy, a chihuahua/rat terrier serve to unite members; where all I’m confident they will carry forward the spirit who she never leaves home without. And 16 BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019
CLUB NEWS • Align with Airstream, Inc. on a commitment to premium customer to maximize the power of the experiences and the cultivation of corporate Airstream brand, which in turn relationships. She developed partnerships will align our actions with the with key stakeholders, implemented fleet lifestyle of the new Airstream management processes to manage the owner while remaining relevant to logistics of a $4 million inventory and, as existing members. General Manager, led teams and resources in multiple locations across the country. • Embrace a seamless Ask Heath about an Airstream adventure relationship between our she would like to forget, and she may tell members and Airstream, Inc.; its you about a “man down” tank flush incident dealer network and marketing. during her first Airstream 2 Go corporate event. members are treated with respect, all • Support Airstream views valued and all voices heard. digital initiatives and product launches In the midst of her professional career, Heath simultaneously. has found time to attend the Albuquerque • Encourage a broader scope of national International Balloon Fiesta two times, the and special event rallies to include • Commit to a shared sustainability Texas Vintage Rally two times, multiple region non-club events (Urban Air, Alumalina, platform for Airstream owners and the rallies, a caravan ending at the Washington Alumapalooza, etc.). Wally Byam Airstream Club (WBAC). Land Yacht Harbor for a crab feed rally, and If Heath hit the ground running, it’s because next year’s WBCCI International Rally in • Introduce unit/region short caravans and she knows how the “rubber meets the road.” Loveland, CO will be her ninth international caravans that incorporate rallies into Besides being a competitive roller-skater rally. their route, allowing members who can’t participate fully to meet up along the way. in her earlier days, Mona Heath is a self- Still, her favorite place to camp with Izzy in described “shoe dog.” She left a position at her new Globby is on the Oregon coast at • Develop a membership growth and Boeing to sell shoes for nearly 10 years at Sea & Sand RV Park. The campground is profitability strategy independent of Nordstrom where she became a buyer with terraced offering spectacular beach and ocean industry trends through the creation of a more responsibility. views…Heath prefers the lowest tier closest brand messaging platform which attracts That led to various sales management to the water where she and Izzy can stroll on non-club owners of new and used positions at Nike, Inc. for 11 years where the sand, watch the sun set, and curl up with Airstreams. she developed distribution strategies and a real book in her Airstream. • Establish an International Marketing consumer targeting, exceeding revenue What is she most looking forward to as Standing Committee that will embed a expectations. As a buying director at Nike, WBCCI president? “The same thing I’m doing compelling, consistent and engaging Heath gathered consumer insights and now – traveling, meeting up with dear friends voice throughout our print, digital and influenced production creation that propelled and making new ones. It is truly an honor to social media platform. the global basketball, golf and Jordan brands, be in this position,” Heath says. “We honor while leveraging team resources, to exceed • Reinvent our publications with content, our history and our legacy. It’s who we are. revenue and stock ledger margin budgets. layout and advertising that incorporate The Wally Byam Airstream Club exemplifies relevant voices from within and outside For two years, Heath was a regional sales the Airstream lifestyle, and with that, the the club (e.g. Vintage Trailer Supply, manager for another footwear company, possibilities are indeed endless.” blogs, etc.). Sorel. She assembled a team of sales representatives in Sorel’s • Promote the improvement of our club west territory, empowering them as vision utilizing the LRPC 2017 survey marketplace experts and supporting results and, in turn, improve membership their distribution strategies. The west recruiting and retention. territory included four of the top five accounts and represented more than • Improve electronic media by investing 60-percent of the US marketplace in a new club database and website revenue for FY11. platform which is adaptable, easy to navigate, engaging to current and future Most recently, Heath established club members and delivers revenue a Los Angeles, CA Airstream through a digital marketing platform. 2 Go rental location, focusing BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019 17
CLUB NEWS Alabama Airstream Club helps welcome new Airstream Dealer to North Alabama Bill Lancaster, #12345 Members of the WBAC Alabama will be supporting the Athens Airstream Club participated in the Old Time Fiddlers Rally (October Grand Opening of the new Rocket 1-6). Rocket City will have new City Airstream located at 21768 Airstream trailers on display Alabama Highway 20, Tanner, AL. at the rally site. Tim Maxwell, Rocket City is the only Airstream WBAC Club Member, will dealer in North Alabama, providing be conducting a seminar on sales and service of Airstream Zip Dee awning operation/ products. Jayco products are also maintenance and providing an available at Rocket City. There were update on Airstream Company three (3) Ribbon Cutting ceremonies operations and initiatives. For on Friday, March 29 with Chambers Airstreamers planning to attend of Commerce representatives from Trace Adkins, country music and film star, relaxing in front of one of the new the Region 6 Rally in Muscle Athens, Decatur and Huntsville Flying Cloud Airstream trailers during the Grand Opening of Rocket City Airstream Shoals, AL (October 10-14), participating. Country music and Literature about the Airstream way of life, who may need to have maintenance work done, film star Trace Adkins attended the festivities pictures from past rallies and information on or simply need a place to stay between Rallies, and did the ribbon cutting honors. the Special Event - Athens Old Time Fiddlers Rocket City will be providing a limited number Rally was available for attendees at the grand of water and electric camping sites at their opening of Rocket City Airstream. Rocket City dealership, at no charge. Ribbon cutting ceremony (Left to Right) Bill & Betty Lancaster (President and First Lady- Alabama Airstream Club); Russ & PJ Pry (Past-President and First Lady-Alabama Airstream Club);Trace Adkins, country music & film star; Tim Maxwell, Airstream Regional Director of Sales-Eastern Region. 18 BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019
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CLUB NEWS First Club Caravan to Mexico in over 20 Years Michel Bourassa, #2568 Having just returned home from our Region 10, you have come!”; a cab driver on a country road to turn the water pump off before heading out BC Unit sponsored 2-month caravan to Mexico, trip “You see, my country is safe – we all want and flooding his rig – twice! And your writer for I delight in viewing the hundreds the photos that you to be safe!” and a school teacher “We are diving into a shallow pool and nicely conking his we took and those taken by our friends posted honoured that you have come.” head. on Facebook. I think that between the 25 of In addition, our caravan of 12 Airstreams from We had our share of adventures: One us on the caravan, we must have over 1,000 16’ to 30+, wending its way through towns caravanner’s tow vehicle had a fuel pump fail photographs recording everything from meal and rural roads always generated “thumbs up” in the middle of a three-way intersection but presentations to ancient ruins and even a dog by pedestrians, waves, smiles and shouts of was rescued by the Green Angels and soon on who thought he was a cow, and indeed it's nice “Benvenudos” from kids and adults. They were their way. Later, a caravanner locked their keys to revisit the sights we experienced in that way. happy that we were there in Mexico! in their truck - no problema - a locksmith was “A picture is worth 1000 words” according to found at 7 in the morning and he opened her That is the Mexico that cannot be displayed the old saw, but there remain some things that door while still in his pyjamas; another had a in a photo and that is the Mexico that awaits pictures simply cannot communicate. wheel on his rig burn out in the middle of a large adventurers who are willing to take the step busy city street – the Green Angels arrived; then There are no photographs of what really across the border. the police and in a jiff they were escorted off to mattered and what was so important to all of a mechanic who vaporized out of the blue and We were 12 Airstreamers, all WBAC members, us on this inaugural caravan to Mexico: The within 45 minutes they were back on the road in the caravan. A nice sized group that quickly gracious, happy welcome we experienced from with the group. For whatever problem arose, bonded and became quite cohesive. This was ordinary Mexican people. Those images live in there was always a solution. a big asset given some of the challenges we the mind, and the emotions they generated in faced. To keep morale high after certain of the heart - No photo can capture that. At a gas In our travels, we were able to spread a little those “events”, the Rubber Chicken Award was pump, a driver pulled up: “Thank you Senor for bit of Airstream love, something everyone created. It passed though many hands at Happy visiting my country”; at a street vendor’s food participated in, and contributed to. Airstream Hour over the two months we were together. The stand: “Where are you from? Welcome! Here itself participated by donating 25 backpacks criteria for earning the custody of the beloved (proffering a gordita) free for our guests”; at the that we filled with basic toiletry needs and chicken, varied but by way of example, consider Centre for Fine Arts in Mexico City, an official donated to an orphanage for young boys. The these: The owner of an Airstream trailer that “Did you really like our presentations? (Yes!) You boys welcomed us as visitors, if not almost flew – well, was airborne for a few seconds after like Mexican culture? (Yes!) We are so proud family. They were curious about us and were hitting an unseen Topes; and to another member delighted with our presence and our gifts. The seen to be trailing toilet paper from his black event was more akin to graceful sharing, not water discharge pipe; another for forgetting condescending colonialism that some people feared it would be. We also visited a rural Durango-Mazatlan Highway Bridge Carnival in Mazatlan Tunnel on Durango-Mazatlan Highway 20 BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019
CLUB NEWS school, not very well supported by the system, They cook what you bring! We and donated enough collected school supplies enjoyed our shrimp plates each for the 60 kids that were there. Once again, in with dozens of different sauces. a great environment of different people meeting Safety was never an issue. and sharing. They won’t forget us that’s for We rode in open air cabs, certain. went on individual side trips, The events we participated in were amazing: walked streets at night, mixed Carnival in Mazatlán; an evening stroll though a with local people, strolled small colonial city accompanied by professional around small and large towns, troubadours and Gaspar, the burro, who carried ate, travelled, bargained wine for us; Guanajuato (just the city name with shopkeepers and street needs no more in particulars); the Folkloric vendors essentially, living in This is Us!! Ballet and music event at the Centre for Fine Mexico, without any threats or Arts in Mexico City; Teotihuacan – majestic ruins worries at any time. from 2000 years ago; a copper atelier where we The route, meals and tours were well done, watched copper jewelry and wares being made interesting and in many instances, unique, well by hand; the Durango – Mazatlán highway and planned and well led. We made new friends of course the beaches at Lo de Marcos and within the club and learned valuable lessons Boca Iguanas just to name a few. from this first caravan by WBAC to Mexico in The meals that we were treated to were over 20 years which will be incorporated into the gourmet delights, just incredible. No pizzas future caravans that are planned for Mexico. for us, we dined at top notch restaurants Small girl and her "baby" for us to see in just about every locale we traveled to. Cooking lessons for creating Mexican dishes were provided on two occasions which proved to be a big hit with everyone. For something different, several us went to the Mazatlán fish market and bought about 6 kilos of freshly caught shrimp, then took them across the street where they were cooked for us in a restaurant that had no food. Yes, no food to sell: Drone photo of bridge on Durango-Mazatlan 2000 year old painting found on wall at the Highway Teotihuacan Ruins Selecting shrimp Over the Sierra Madre Mountains BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019 21
CLUB NEWS 2020 Mid-Winter IBT January 20-24 Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort 4711 W. Windmill Lane Las Vegas, Nevada 89123 Website: OasisLasVegasRVResort.com 800.566.4707 Join us in sunny Las Vegas, Nevada at the highly rated Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort with its beautiful pools, spa, fitness center and 18-hole putting course on site. The colorful Las Vegas Strip and great entertainment are nearby as are several interesting museums including the Neon Museum, Carroll Shelby Museum and the National Atomic Testing Museum. You will find historical Hoover Dam just a short drive from the RV Resort. An optional evening, ‘The Rat Pack is Back’, will be available to our members. Airport: McCarran International Airport (LAS) is seven miles from the Resort Nearby hotels: Silverton Casino & Hotel, 3333 Blue Diamond Blvd, 866.722.4608 Hilton Garden Inn, 7830 South Las Vegas Blvd, 702.453.7830 Rally fee includes Welcome reception, dinner, continental breakfasts, entertainment, meetings and Airstream camaraderie Camping (four nights) plus rally fee for two: $360 Camping (four nights) plus rally fee for one: $280 Camp one night on each end at the rally rate of $50/night Call Resort directly to book/pay for extra days Rally fee, no camping per person: $80 To register: https://region12.airstreamclub.net Questions? Jim Polk, Region 12 President Email: JamesPolk@PolkValuations.com Book early, limited RV sites, hotels can book up Registration due by November 1, 2019 No refunds provided after November 20, 2019 Thank you for your understanding 22 BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019
SERVING AIRSTREAM OWNERS SINCE 1968 • Airstream polishing • Airstream restoration • ZipDee dealer • Dometic dealer • Collision & hail damage • Water damage to floors 419.638.6261 • Axle replacement Steve, Kevin, and Billy Ruth • Custom flooring steve@pandstrailerservice.com • Airstream rental (event 4702 US Hwy 6 | Helena, Ohio 43435 promotions) www.pandstrailerservice.com BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019 23
CLUB NEWS Our European Road Trip - Part 2 The Heights of Europe with Ice Cream! Don Lewis, #16592 I continue the story of our wonderful trip got on most nights. The sunflowers in the surrounding fields are normally wilting when through France, Switzerland, Germany and we are there in the late summer, but they had Belgium in the summer of 2018. Hopefully not yet burst into bloom and it was nice to you read the first episode in the last Blue see them this early. The local wine is Gaillac. Beret where we had got as far as Coulon in Try some - it’s excellent. We scheduled visits the West of France travelling in Ali, our 2015 to local vineyards - after all we had the space International 684 Airstream, similar to a 27ft to bring some home...well, there’s always US model but 8ft 3ins wide. room for wine and, of course, ice cream, but To remind you of who was travelling, we there was none on this travel day so double are the Lewis family - Don (me), my wife boules tomorrow! Amanda, Abigail our 15-year-old daughter and, with us on every trip so far, Amanda’s mum, Betty. And of course, we can’t forget Barkley, our Golden Doodle dog. So, you rejoin us on day 11 as we take a long seven-hour drive from Coulon down to the Midi-Pyrenées and what we think is the Close to Cordes-sur-Ciel most beautiful bastide (fortified) town in France, Sunflowers in Cordes-sur-Ciel Airstream. It is available worldwide - and I have Cordes-sur-Ciel, a name that reflects the town’s no links with the developers! Next day we were able to do a bit of exploring site on a hill above the clouds that frequently collect in the river valley. We discovered it and catching up on the local gastronome...well French cars often went by giving us the thumbs a number of years ago and just have to keep crêpes and ice cream!! The town’s history dates up and hooting their horns…I assumed they going back – we once even drove for over two back to the crusades and it was the first bastide were admiring the guy driving…but maybe hours for a day out from near Toulouse…and to town, built in 1222 to replace the town of Saint- it was the Airstream that impressed them! savour some of their magnificent lavender ice Marcel which had been burnt to the ground by Actually, on that note Amanda and I split the cream. Yes, if you read the last episode you will driving 50:50 and we often arrange it so that the troops of Simon de Montfort. You will see know this trip has a theme! from the pictures that this new town was built Amanda drives into the campsites. She gets in a highly defendable position on a hill, but looks of surprise and comments that a ‘lady is As usual, the drive down in our Land Rover unfortunately that didn’t stop it being pillaged brave enough to tow something so big!’ A very Discovery pulling Ali was effortless, helped by in 1436 during the 100 years’ war!! All the out-dated view, I am sure you will agree…and France’s excellent Autoroute system. It was streets are narrow, very medieval and on a very anyway Amanda is much better at parking. only on the last 10 miles that we had to make steep hill - obviously! There are lots of arty gift sure we had checked the route to ensure we We arrived at a very small campsite about 5 km shops, actually selling some nice stuff as well avoided small narrow village roads. On this trip (3 miles) from Cordes - Camping Camp Redon. as the usual tourist bits. At the top, the views we invested in ‘Co-Pilot,’ a great sat-nav app It was a simple site and a little too tight to get are fantastic across the surrounding hills, so are that runs on the iPhone and Android devices and onto the pitch we wanted but thank goodness the crêpes and ice cream! I have included a allows you to enter the length, width, height and for motor movers. There were easier pitches, picture of a well that drops 113m (370ft) to the weight to make sure the route is safe for the but none matched the view of the sunsets we underground river below. Now spoilt by a coin 24 BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019
CLUB NEWS me we had thunderstorms with lightning and people telling us off for putting a coat on him in torrential rain overnight. I never heard a thing. the hot weather. It was only when we explained One of the benefits of wearing hearing aids is how it is soaked in water and keeps Barkley being able to take them out at night! cooler that they would then say “ahh tres bien” and we were all friends again. Albi is a lovely Day 13 started with a quick trip into Cordes place to visit if as it was market day - quite a small one in you are in the comparison to others we have been to. We also area – go to see went back to the hill we found the day before the cathedral if Cordes Market Place because the light was better for pictures of nothing else. Cordes. Back at Ali we Then it was a very typical French lunch, back had another at Ali, our home away from home, with fresh great sunset – bread, sliced cured sausage (saucisson) and Barkley having a paddle the reflections pâté with salad. I did wonder if it would have against the aluminium been healthier to have had another couple of and sunglasses (as we call the protective screen crêpes and ice at the front) always make for a great photo. cream - even I had two of these! Amanda thought The great thing about being so flexible in your The well that saved the town the crêpes travel plans with the Airstream is that you have were potentially complete freedom to plan your route and not healthier. On worry about hotels, etc. That’s even better when that assumption you can also plan your route to catch up with we went to Albi old friends. Day 14 was one of those days and and had ice soooo relaxing. We visited an old IBM friend of cream!! mine who lives in a beautiful house 45 minutes from Cordes in Les Pesquiés. With Colin and his Albi has been wife Jennie, we celebrated him finally retiring Excuse the distortion, a settlement from IBM after a fantastic career - for a lot but it's big! since the Bronze Age of which we and was a centre for the worked together. Cathars who developed I wish you could their own version of Christianity and were seen see Colin’s BBQ The hills are steep but help as a threat by Rome. On their defeat, the red- work off the ice cream! set up which brick Cathedral of Sainte Cécile was built as a produced great statement of dominance of the Catholic Church. marinated machine, it enabled the town to get water, even It is the largest brick-built structure in the world chicken! They when under siege. and has a very elaborate interior. It is absolutely have been enormous and dominates the surrounding area. working hard Looking for the best photograph of the town, we made our way up the hill opposite where we got Albi is the capital city for the Tarn Department in on their house a great view looking back across the valley. Occitanie. It has open areas with fountains and for over 18 narrow shopping streets. It was very hot, and Sunset in Cordes years, making Our evening was spent drinking wine, playing it to a wonderful bolthole. Barkley got to paddle in a fountain. He attracted board games and watching another wonderful Barkley had a swim in the pool and then played a lot of attention on our trip because he is such sunset. Oh, and the Airstream had glowworms ball. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and, as a big dog and also because of his water coat. around it. We had never seen them before, and usual, I ate and drank too much, not helped by The French didn’t seem to have seen them and they are quite amazing and really bright. It was Colin remembering I like Magnum ice creams!!! so we were constantly having angry French a very pleasant day. However, Amanda told BLUE BERET / AUGUST 2019 25
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