Looks like it isn't going to be a WBCCI caravan but open to all. Perhaps because of liability issues? Posted by Rich Luhr on his blog tonight.
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Speaking of Africa, I heard from Bert Kalet today. He's organizing the Capetown to Cairo caravan in 2009. Bert told me something rather shocking: the WBCCI leadership has refused to approve the caravan. This means it will have to run as a private caravan, without the support of the Airstream club.
On one hand, this is an opportunity. Now anyone who wants to take an Airstream on the trip can go, without having to join the club. Bert says they already have 52 couples signed up for both the north- and south-bound legs. More are welcome. We are even considering it, although I have no idea how I could possibly break away for four months by 2009.
On the other hand, it's a really sad moment for the club. This was the club that, back in the 1950s under the leadership of Wally Byam, caravanned in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Central America, and around the world. Now the club is such a weak shadow of itself that a single African caravan is considered too much, and European caravans don't even take Airstreams (they rent other brands locally). They've lost the spirit of adventure that once made the club great.
If you want to have the adventure of a lifetime in Africa, send a note to me via the Contact form on this website and I'll send you the email addresses of the administrators who are organizing it.
__________________ CJ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.-Eleanor Roosevelt It is never too late to be who you might have been.-George Eliot
I talked to Bert Kalet (CCCC organizer and wagonmaster), today on the phone about this subject. He said he can't believe the decision IBT made on the Caravan. He said it was a split vote...... one of the voters hasn't even been on a Caravan here in the USA! He's still positive about the Caravan, and will work toward it's success (with or without the WB).
'm working on getting RV solar panels to be donated so we can deploy them when parked. It's a complicated process to get everyone aligned and ready to go on this trip.......but I think it's going to come off!
We're taking our Argosy (the trailer we're taking to Africa) to Alaska in Aug/Sep for a trial run mostly boondocking in the wilderness. Maybe a trip to Perry, GA for the INT would be more in line for the type of weather we'll be encountering in Africa!
Jim, that is going to be a trip of a lifetime! I am sure anyone with enough indomitable spirit to go caravaning through Africa would never let a thing like IBT sanction get in the way of their dream. They certainly aren't winning any popularity contests with their decision making these days. Glad to hear you aren't being put off by it. Now that you don't need to be a WBCCI member perhaps you will have more sign up.
Wow Alaska for a trail run. That's a trip I'd like to make some day.
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Maybe a trip to Perry, GA for the INT would be more in line for the type of weather we'll be encountering in Africa!
LOL! Each will have its challenges.
__________________ CJ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.-Eleanor Roosevelt It is never too late to be who you might have been.-George Eliot
Speaking of Africa, I heard from Bert Kalet today. He's organizing the Capetown to Cairo caravan in 2009. Bert told me something rather shocking: the WBCCI leadership has refused to approve the caravan. This means it will have to run as a private caravan, without the support of the Airstream club.
Well, it would be a huge challenge to pull a Four Winds motorhome out of a mud hole after it became stuck, so perhaps the IBT saw no future in this type of historical club caravan. Its just another sign of the times that the WBCCI national leadership is becoming pavement bound in order to support their style of 50 amp "camping".
__________________
Fred Coldwell, WBCCI #1510, AIR #2675
Denver, Colorado - WBCCI Unit 24
Charter Associate Member FCU
Airstream Life "Old Aluminum Adventures"
I talked to Bert Kalet (CCCC organizer and wagonmaster), today on the phone about this subject. He said he can't believe the decision IBT made on the Caravan. Maybe a trip to Perry, GA for the INT would be more in line for the type of weather we'll be encountering in Africa!
It sounds as though the weather in Perry, GA will be cold and uninviting, at least at the International, even in July. Maybe they should call it something other than "International" considering the current voting record. How about the "Thor National", that should get some support?
For those who are going to Africa with an Airstream.....you are carrying the spirit, with or without the WBCCI's formal support.
WBCCI sanctioned caravans include insurance under the WBCCI umbrella policy. An international caravan of this sort would certainly have an effect on the club's rates overall for the few that will participate.
Sounds like an interesting experience - lots of stories will come out of it, that's for sure...one I will certainly be watching unfold. Enjoy!
Shari
__________________ Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008 WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005) AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
If it is a liability issue- -it is one sided.
That problem was anticipated and is being resolved. The following is from Bert’s newsletter:
“Cindy Reed at the Airstream Club Headquarters has received a tentative quotation from the insurance company and has had the lawyer develop a draft agreement and release letter for us to sign which will ensure that we all understand that the club and caravan leaders (etc., etc.) are not responsible for liability and that we all as participants cannot sue them or anyone else in the event of accidents, etc.”
It's called the Wally Byam Caravan Club International. It's not an RV Association or Organization or LLC.
Say the words out loud! They have meaning!
Capetown to Cairo is an opportunity.
Are there risks involved? Of course. But c'mon.
IMO, the WBCCI is missing out on a marketing bonanza and the IBT has decided once again to make the club even more irrelevant. By their own actions, the IBT consistently tells the owners of Airstreams that they do not want to be leaders.
Once again, the IBT has snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory.
IMO, the WBCCI is missing out on a marketing bonanza and the IBT has decided once again to make the club even more irrelevant.
Not sure I agree with the whole quote but I had heard that this caravan was going to be filmed by either National Geographic or Discovery. Had anyone else heard this?
Let me tell you a trip like this or the one to Baja Mexico is on our list. To me this is what WBCCI is all about. Sure some folks like concrete pads and full hook-ups. Good for them.
Me I like that as well...but I'd rather take a national park or forest with NO HOOKUPs and have a very quiet generator for battery top offs and plenty of water. Heck...that's why we bought the darn things and that's why our Excella has 30 and 35 gallon holding tanks.
I went to Cairo about 25 years ago when I was on active duty in the Navy. Wow what a place.
The good news is that I heard there will be a consolation "African themed" luncheon at the Golden Corral and you can bring your Mandalay motorhome, too. I hope it's in a safe part of town...
__________________ CJ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.-Eleanor Roosevelt It is never too late to be who you might have been.-George Eliot
Airstream will be fine too. They'll sell their product. The IBT, however, has just figured out yet one more way to lose more of its members. Way to go...
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