Calling all Adventurers

[RMB]

Whatever happened to the international caravans, photos of which we see in all the Airstream nostalgia? You've seen them - Airstreams in Moscow, at the Pyramids, under the Eiffel Tower, Morocco....

I thought the world was supposed to be getting smaller but I think its our vision that is getting smaller. Arizona, Nova Scotia, Alaska, Oregon - all great places but all close to home. and I think, not as "Wallyish" as he dreamed.

How about a grand tour of Europe? UK, Sweden, Norway, Finland Russia, the Baltic States, Poland Germany? Or even a tour of Spain and Portugal?
My research suggests about 1,800 -2,300 $ to ship a unit to UK - not too bad. Its all doable!

Where are the adventurers? We only live once

[weirdstuff]

The adventurers are all broke.

[Condoluminum]

Try reading Wally's Book "Trailer Travel" (you can order through Airstream Life magazine...) Several of the adventure caravans nearly did him in, and he was never the same after "Capetown to Cairo.." A year or more ago, a group thought about trying to re-create that caravan, but quit once real dangers of getting shot and killed in several African countries became clearer... Most of those tours you see in photo's were "one-time events" when he caught locals by surprise more than 60 years ago, and managed to get through on force of his personality.. No RV could get back under Eiffel Tower or into Red Square today, and nobody in right mind would want to drive to Pyramids in current political environment in Egypt..

When he did European tour, cars and his Airstreams were lighter and narrower, and less likely to cause accidents on narrow winding roads.. In more remote locations, he had to arrange to hire fuel trucks, build roads and hire elephants or rafts or local boats to make floats to cross rivers.. New Airstreams exported for sale in Europe are still lighter and narrower than US Models. For folks who like hookups, Euro electric is mostly 220V and 50Hz, which will kill a lot of electrical stuff, including possibly battery chargers.

There is a group led by couple from So. Calif. planning to lead an Airstream group through portions of Europe in rented Euro-Mini Class C Motorhomes. Not sure how much interest they were able to generate.. There was (I believe.. ) an Airstream sponsored event to China with shared trailers to be sold and left there after several groups went through, but not sure if that wasn't canceled as well.

There is plenty of adventure, bad roads and wilderness just heading north towards Alaska or Yukon or Arctic Circle, and many Americans have visited fewer than a dozen of the 50 US states, so no need to take Airstreams across an ocean for a challenge..

[dkottum]

Not totally broke, we would be interested in Europe and South America.

[Mike91208]

Well, we just returned from an adventure through Baja with a caravan, which included one SOB being totaled when his wheel slipped off the road - easy to do as the roads are narrow and have no shoulders most of the time.
I put together a little video of the trip you might enjoy. Tongue in cheek in the beginning and somewhat moving toward the end with the whale watching.

Two Gringos in Mexico - YouTube

[TouringDan]

These are quite different times than when Wally went. I consider myself an adventurer, but frankly I would be uncomfortable (scared) traveling in some countries in an RV caravan because of the attention you would bring to yourself, ie. rich Americans.

Also lacking is a leader like Wally and of course the money that this venture would cost, at least for me.

I don't see the trailer size or the voltage being a problem that could not be overcome.;

I agree with Condoluminum. I also hope to hit all the states before I will give any thoughts to venturing outside our borders.

Dan

[silverbacksurfer]

Originally Posted by Mike91208

Well, we just returned from an adventure through Baja with a caravan, which included one SOB being totaled when his wheel slipped off the road - easy to do as the roads are narrow and have no shoulders most of the time.
I put together a little video of the trip you might enjoy. Tongue in cheek in the beginning and somewhat moving toward the end with the whale watching.

EXCELLENT video of Baja . Really enjoyed it , the songs you choose . Having experienced the drive to Cabo 3 times I can't tell you how much I want to go with my A.S. When is the next convoy ? Where did you hear about this trip. Very cool.

[woof]

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us, it really is a great video!
Makes us want to join you next time. The only problem would be lack of room in the truck for all those dogs we would be bringing back....

Woof

[Mike91208]

Originally Posted by silverbacksurfer

When is the next convoy ? Where did you hear about this trip.

We went with a group called Baja Winters (don't really recommend them), but you can search RV caravans Baja or something similar and a bunch will show up.
Were I to do it again, I'd organize my own caravan or do it with a private group. We saw a private caravan of about six Airstreams going down as we were heading north.

[Mike91208]

Originally Posted by woof

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us, it really is a great video!
Makes us want to join you next time. The only problem would be lack of room in the truck for all those dogs we would be bringing back....

Woof

You would be in good company. I think half of Baja was occupied by people from British Columbia!!
And, yes, there are plenty of dogs in need awaiting your arrival! BTW, the dogs in the film were rescued by a guy from British Columbia!

[Arcticfox]

What an interesting Thread and video - well done!

[GeocamperAS]

There is a guy in Australia wanting to get Airstreamers to come in 2015.
I think the thread was called "Down under planning for Australia"

[silverbacksurfer]

Just watched again .Love this video ,It is a must view. Great job Mike.