The 2nd annual VAC Fall Rally was held October 4th through 7th in Olema-Point Reyes National Seashore Park on the beautiful and secluded California northern coast. Parked amongst the trees were 47 vintage rigs, ranging from a 1948 16ft Wee-Wind to 1975 31ft Sovereigns. This largest to date VAC gathering was boosted by a large number of first-time rally attendees, and an increase in families and younger participants who are fueling the renewed interest in vintage Airstream travel and restoration.

Participants had the option of attending a winery tour and tasting at the Sonoma-Cutrer winery in the nearby Russian River wine growing region that was immensely enjoyed by those attending. Other area destinations attracted the attention of many of the attendees, such as the deserted coastal beaches and lighthouse in the adjoining Point Reyes National Seashore Park, the nearby redwood tree preserves and the coastal recreation areas. As per tradition, each evening an army of camp chairs were folded out and the snacks would appear as the "Happy Hour" began, a chance to become acquainted and to recap the days' adventures.

Throughout the rally, Vintage Airstream discussions were always a popular subject (surprised?), and everyone was proud to show their coaches to fellow campers throughout the rally and discuss the nuances of restoration and model variances. This culminated in the "Open House" held on Saturday. The open house is where the participants had the option of opening up their trailers and motorhomes to public tours. The campground took on a festive atmosphere with people strolling from site to site, model ID signs on the Airstreams, and many "regulars" decorating their interiors up for the event. It didnŐt matter if the interior was an empty shell with potential or a pristine original interior - everyone had fun.

The rally culminated with a fantastic Bar-B-Que that had everyone talking about it even the next day. (Lorins' salad recipes are in the Rally Scrapbook for all those who keep asking for it). The success of the rally can be attributed to local coordinators Tom Toedter and Lorin Dewees who arranged for the campground and the local area and rally activities. A thanks also goes out to Tom & Corinne Reed from the San Bernardino Unit for their guidance from past experiences on prior rallies.
A pre sign-up sheet was passed around for the Spring VAC rally scheduled for April at Bass Lake, California. Judging by the huge early interest in that rally, a fun time was had by all, and should pick-up where it left off next Spring. Watch the VAC website and the Vintage Advantage newsletter for more information on how to register.

Now for the details. The model count included:

1 1948 Wee Wind

9 1955-1957 Bubble's

1 1959 Traveler

1 1962 Bambi

4 1952-1962 Flying Cloud's

3 1964-1967 Globetrotter's

7 1956-1974 Safari's

5 1965-1969 Caravel's

4 1960-1973 Overlander's

2 1963-1975 Ambassador's

1 1970 Caravanner

4 1960-1973 TradeWind's

2 1975 Sovereign's

2 1975-1976 Argosy MH's

1 1949 Curtis-Wright Model 5 (A/S cousin)

Prepared by RJ Dial - All Rights Reserved - 2000

Tom & Tom say:

"Don't forget to check out the Olema-Point Reyes Rally Scrapbook"

If you are interested in hosting a future VAC rally, or would like to volunteer to help out at or prepare for upcoming rallies, please visit the Rally Information Page