For all of us RVrs getting away to commune with nature is likely the primary reason to own a travel trailer or motorhome. The solitude, the freedom to go where you want and really "get away from it all" are so much of the value of the RV lifestyle. But my advice to owners is to not discount the added value of getting involved in an RV owners club of some kind. There is the Good Sam Club, the Escapees, and others. And I am not referring to clubs to join for roadside assistance and discounts on campsites, I am talking about clubs that get together to have rallies, travel together to destinations and organize events. In these settings, friendships are formed, advice and travel plans shared and the group membership develops confidence, commraderie and a sense of belonging that is missing in many folks day to day orbit.
Many years ago when we purchased our first ol' fix-er-up Airstream, we were excited to get on the road and go camping but also to join the Airstream Club. Known over the years as the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, after the founder's name, we wanted to be able to continue that brand's heritage of travelling the world in a shiny trailer and be part of the caravans and rallies that we had read about our entire lives in magazines like National Geographic.
Well I have yet to cross the African dessert in our rig, or camp in the shadows of the Pyramids of Egypt, but I have made freinds all over the continent through participation in Rallies, organized Caravans and other special events like Alumapalooza. My knowledge of how my trailer functions, how it is best maintained and an endless list of possible destinations are just part of the divident that my membership has paid back to me.
If you are an Airstream owner in Ontario you have the benefit of being in the region for one of the best chapters of the club.
Since receiving its Charter in 1964, the Ontario Canada Airstream Club has been one of the largest units in WBCCI, the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (generally referred to as the Airstream Club International). We have a diverse membership of 200 families. Here is a link to their homepage for information regarding activities and more:https://airstreamclub.org/ontario-canada
The OCAC hosted a fun rally in Drayton this spring and I would like to share my reflections on that event in the hope that if you are towing or driving and Airstream product of any age, that you would consider joining us for a gathering this season. It might just be a suprise to see what the added value of your RV might be. And for readers with other brands, similar experiences are available for you at the Escapees RV Club and the Good Sam Club! Alright...let's hit the road!
The Ontario Canada Airstream Club Spring Rally in Drayton
Never mind Robins and dandelions as a sign of Spring, for us Airstreamers, Spring has arrived when we can sit under an awning in a Zip Dee chair and catch up with friends long time and new and enjoy a beverage and bit of sunshine. And that is indeed what we did in Drayton for the Spring Rally.
Those four days together were chock-o-block full of fun activities, sightseeing, great food and entertainment.
Friday gave us a chance to get settled into our sites with water and electric and find our friends for informal happy hours. Tina and I hosted a happy hour and had a great time seeing folks that we hadn't seen since last spring at the Blyth rally.
The opening night got things rolling and you can't go wrong when everyone gets cake! The surprise for us was that Tina and I were celebrating our anniversary and some very considerate member had " Happy Anniversary Michael and Tina on the cake! Wow, that was sweeter than the cake itself! (and it was sweet).
Saturday morning we all enjoyed a great hot breakfast served up by the Drayton Agricultural Society before many of us took off on a town wide treasure hunt. The weather was threatening rain as we zipped around the town-wide yard sale.
Drayton is ideally situated just a short drive from St. Jacobs, where the market is second to none, Elmira with it's Mennonite goods available and the now trendy, Elora. Elora is a wonderful little town with interesting stores, conservation areas and the Elora Gorge. We made a last minute decision to lunch at the Elora Mill and it exceeded expectations in all aspects. The service was perfect, the food was delicious and the view was the stuff of inspiration for painters. And to top it off, they brought us champagne when they found out it was a special day for us.
Saturday continued to be a great day with a delicious catered roast beef meal and a top notch old time country and western band to end the night.
Sunday started with another hot breakfast, followed by the General Meeting and induction of fourteen new members. It was excellent to see the newbies up there telling us a bit about themselves. It was even better to have time with them at meals and the other social events throughout the weekend. I trust that our members made them feel extremely welcome. We had members attending from all over, from just up the street, to affiliate members all the way from Venice Beach California. Michigan was also represented at the rally.
Andy Thomson arrived and presented a very informative seminar on Solar Power, Batteries and Boondocking. No matter how long you have been an RVer, you can always learn something from Mr Thomson! And Andy gave us more than his time this weekend, he also donated a ton of excellent items for the Raffle that benefited the Drayton Agricultural Society Elevator Fund. The Kuma Bear Gazebo was the grand prize and there were two pairs of top end Kuma chairs that also found appreciative homes. Thank you Can-Am RV Centre for your on-going support of our unit!
Sunday also gave us time to visit the area, visit with friends, make cards with Lynn Burdt and enjoy a BBQ and games night. By the time Monday arrived with beautiful summer weather we had been reacquainted, well fed, entertained and were completely relaxed. I am sure we all enjoyed the perfect weather for our drives to home or points afar. Thank you to our hosts Ruth and Bud Gerber, Theresa Brown and the small army of volunteers for all the long hours you put into making this a fantastic rally. We will see you down the road.
Michael Lambert
