the Airstream

Here is how I describe the metamorphosis of our summer vacations/road trips.  tent, tent trailer, trailer   Or, Coleman, Higgins, Airstream  That really sums it up perfectly.  We started out as a family in the early 1950's with a tent and all the gear that went with it.  In the mid '50's we moved up to a tent trailer and hit the state parks and other roadside camping venues in comfort...or so we thought.  Then, in 1959 we acquired the top of the line mecca of house trailers--the Airstream (also known as the silver bullet).  How grand is that?!?  With the Airstream came the opportunity to join the Wally Byum Caravan Club (named after the guy who invented the stainless steel aluminum wonder on wheels).   With that, we were now able attend local camping events around the state of Minnesota and also participate in the national rally held every summer somewhere in the USA.  My Dad was president of the Minnesota chapter the very year that the national rally was held in Bemidji.  We got to park our trailer in presidents row.  Now that was special!!  Other traveling opportunities became available following the rally.  Attendees could join a trailer caravan and travel as a group to destinations inside or outside of the US.  One summer we were able to jump on a caravan traveling throughout eastern Canada.  What fun.  Anyway, this is what we did as I was growing up.  Coleman, Higgins, Airstream.  Each experience was different.  Each  experience was great fun.