Airstream aficionados roll into Camp Sherman

The road into Camp Sherman is a blaze of fall color just now. But for visitors who turned down past the Black Butte School last weekend, an eyeful of silver met them as they passed by Hoodoo's Camp Sherman Resort. The RV park was full of Airstream trailers, visiting the area for a rally called "Party in the Pines."

Hosted by Kathy and Rod Bourdage, who reside in Camp Sherman, the rally consisted of 54 members of the Oregon Unit from Region 10 of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI.)

Wally Byam was the founder of Airstream, and is revered among Airstream owners. His foresight and ingenuity resulted in a travel trailer that takes its design from the aeronautics industry and has remained true to that design for over 70 years. The trailers are famous for their streamlined design and lightweight construction, which makes for easier towing. For many owners, that aluminum hull speaks of the freedom of the road.

Unit president, Patricia Scoggins, said the Oregon Unit hosted 15 rallies this summer and is one of the fastest growing units in the WBCCI. Many of the rallies have themes: one for kayakers, one celebrating St. Patrick's Day, and the Sandcastle Rally at Cannon Beach had participants building sandcastles.

"We're a diverse group, and we meet for fellowship, fun, and a sense of community," she said.

According to host Kathy Bourdage, the Camp Sherman rally was simply to have fun and experience the Metolius Basin. Participants hiked the river, biked the Lake Creek Trail, fished, and enjoyed good food.

They also enjoyed good beer. Four of the attendees are home brewers, including host Rod Bourdage. They put together a tasting event for the Friday happy hour called the Brew HaHa. Between them they presented a dozen beers that one taster said were as good as any local microbrew.

Rhonda Coleman of Bend travels around with a tiny trailer - a 16-foot Bambi model that was made in 2007. It is a limited edition "Design Within Reach" version, one of just 65 made. Coleman gives a seminar called "Tips for Tiny Trailers," sharing ideas on how to maximize space, storage and weight.

"Airstream owners are very passionate," she said. A purchase is rarely an impulse, but more often an "aspired buy."

When asked about the allure of gathering together with other owners of the iconic silver design, Coleman said there is an instant community available when one buys an Airstream. Help and advice from others who share the bond of "Airstreaming," (the action of just driving around with one's trailer) is always close at hand.

All designs have their quirks, and Airstream is no exception. The Oregon Unit has a member, Ray Putnam from Warren, who is an engineer by trade and an Airstreamer by choice. He reconfigured his 20-foot Safari model into a modified Pullman sleeper (like the railway car), putting in bunks at the front and adding some luxury touches such as Sleep Number mattresses and LED lights.

"My favorite thing to do with Airstreams is to fix them," he said. "I consult and help people with their issues."

There didn't appear to be many issues with the Party in the Pines Rally. Participants enjoyed the lovely fall weekend and departed happy, leaving Camp Sherman in a stream of silver, with many no doubt vowing to return.