It was to be our first rally and I was unsure of what to expect. As we pulled into the Hood River Fairgrounds, the parking organizer pointed us to a pole in the middle of a wide-open grassy field where 3 other Airstreams sat shining brightly like pieces of beach glass glinting in the sun. We gazed around and saw Airstream after Airstream; a total of 100 were expected for the rally. My copilot slid from her front seat to help guide me back alongside the three other trailers that would share a single pole supplying power and water for our stay. No sooner had we stopped when someone came running from the Airstream next door exclaiming, “You’re here! You’re here! Like we were her long-lost dog she hadn’t seen in a month!
Wow, I thought. These people are friendly. Mel was her name and I had forgotten we had been texting back and forth. She had wanted one of the Airstream cutting boards I make, and I texted that I would bring some to the rally. I had given her our trailer club number (those big red numbers on the front and back) and she was watching for us. Instant discussion, instant friends.
The first rally can be very intimidating. What if everyone here are long-time friends and there are lots of “closed groups”? Should we wait to see who comes around or should we stroll over and introduce ourselves? I am sure many people feel the same. So we leashed up Cleo, our Golden Retriever/Ice-breaker Emissary and headed out. After all, we joined to meet people, learn about places to travel, and take part in caravans and rallies. What we didn’t expect was the openness of this group and their willingness to include everyone. It is like we all have something in common….oh yeah, we all have our Airstreams! So, we strolled next door with dog and wine in hand.
As we sat talking, another couple, Mike and Anita, came up with drinks in hand. They found they all lived near each other in Portland Oregon whereas we were the outsiders from Washington. As the 6 of us sat talking, others walked up to “the fun group” and joined in the conversations. Appetizers and stories turned into dinner and more stories which led to a fireside chat and sharing of places to travel. Some of us were retired and a others weren’t far behind. The couple behind us brought over their chairs. Tom and Bridget were from Canada and traveled extensively, “snow-birding” south each winter. They have a unique 34′ Pan American Airstream with a 11′ garage in the back where Tom carries his motorcycle, bikes and kayaks. Only 18 were made and Tom had strict orders to keep the trailer clean because people were wanting to see inside!
During our fireside chat on the last night, our small group grew to 12. We enjoyed swapping camping fiascos, places we wanted to visit and our favorite trips. Susan and I love traveling in Oregon whereas the others had not seen much of Washington. We also want to head north into Canada. Mike and Mel wanted to visit Leavenworth and Anita and Mike chimed in that they too haven’t seen the Bavarian village in the cascade mountains. It didn’t take long to set a date for our next, impromptu rally.
Page forward a few months and our 3 Airstreams are parked next to each other at the Wenatchee River County Park. This park is located just down the hill from Leavenworth and a few minutes from Wenatchee Washington. It’s a great destination with a river flowing quickly through the park, lots of grassy areas for our Kubb games, and close to small towns for eating out and shopping. Of course the Wenatchee farmers market is a must see. We signed up to tour homes and gardens during a Fall Home Tour fund raiser for the local hospital. What a tremendous way to see the area. And, you can’t enjoy Leavenworth without wine tasting, listening to local music, and sampling the various types of Brats. That evening, another couple backed in their Airstream and didn’t take but a few minutes before we were again swapping stories and meeting new folks.
Joining the club has definitely exceeded our expectations. We didn’t expect to find such good traveling friends. We now have plans for an Ashland rally, 4th of July Oregon Coast trip and a cross-country, 68 day trip culminating in a club-sponsored 28 day Kentucky Bourbon and Beyond Caravan! Stay tuned for that story come fall.
