The 25th anniversary of the Vintage Airstream Club in 2018 was more than a milestone—it was a rolling celebration of heritage, community, and the spirit of travel that has always defined Airstreamers. To commemorate the occasion, the VAC launched a memorable caravan through Oregon, retracing pieces of Airstream history and capturing the camaraderie that has made the club what it is today.
co-leaders Dal Smilie & Shirley Bollinger! Beautiful memories!!!
A Caravan Rooted in Airstream History
The group set out from Baker City, birthplace of Airstream founder Wally Byam, and traveled toward the VAC Rendezvous at the Powerland Museum in Brooks. Caravan leader Paul Drag, along with co-leaders Dal Smilie and Shirley Bollinger, crafted an itinerary that felt like something Wally himself might have dreamed up—full of exploration, education, and shared experiences.
Along the early part of the route, members visited the Wally Byam exhibit at the Baker Heritage Museum, toured the National Historic Oregon Trail Museum, explored the Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge, and enjoyed an evening wine-and-cheese gathering at a local gallery. Each stop blended history with the simple pleasure of traveling together.
Evenings brought the familiar rhythm of “driver meetings,” happy hours, and impromptu music sessions—strummers, pickers, harmonicas, and plenty of laughter under the Oregon sky.
Scenic Stops and Classic Airstream Camaraderie
As the caravan worked its way across the state, the group dry-camped at the Wilson Ranches Retreat for a catered dinner and breakfast, then paused at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center for a deep dive into Oregon’s geologic and fossil history.
A rainy stop at the WAAAM Museum in Hood River didn’t dampen spirits. Pizza showed up under the picnic shelter, and one enthusiastic member even took advantage of the wet weather to give his vintage rig a wash.
In Bend, the caravan enjoyed beautiful sunsets at J Bar J Ranch and a visit to Flyte Camp, where Justin and Ana Scribner and their team hosted an open house and tow-vehicle show. Other peaceful nights followed at Crescent Lake and Belknap Hot Springs, where full hookups and warm mineral waters made for a relaxing break.
A Grand Finish at Powerland Heritage Park
The caravan wrapped up at Powerland Heritage Park in Brooks, where members camped near the car museum, which was in the midst of an exciting expansion. As a thank-you for the hospitality, the group purchased a commemorative paver for installation near the museum entrance.
Airstream historian Fred Coldwell rounded out the festivities with insightful presentations on the iconic Pendleton blankets associated with Oregon’s Airstream lore.
With farewells exchanged, some caravaners headed home while others continued on to join the vintage parade into the WBCCI International Rally in Salem—a fitting finale to a meaningful journey.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
The 25th anniversary caravan exemplified everything that makes the Vintage Airstream Club special: a passion for history, a love of the open road, and a community that feels like family. That spirit continues today in VAC gatherings across the country, from regional meetups to larger reunions.
Vintage Airstream Club members are also always welcome at Trailerfest Rallies, where many events reserve special sections for VAC participants. It’s another way the Airstream community keeps the tradition alive—traveling together, sharing stories, and celebrating the legacy that inspired it all.
