Enjoyment of the whispering winds, the zephyrs,
the airstreams of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin areas of the
United States in a recreational vehicle.
Four Freedoms
Wally Byam, Developer of the Airstream travel
trailer and founder of the Wally Byam Caravan Club, International
defined the Airstream experience in terms of four basic freedoms.
These are freedom from arrangements, freedom from the problems of
age, freedom to discover and to know, and freedom for fun.
In response to an article in the March 2004 issue
of the Blue Beret, the Sierra Nevada Unit, was prompted to describe
these concepts as they are enjoyed by our members.
After going downhill for several years, the SNU
made some changes and is now, slowly beginning to turn things around.
The first decision we made was that we wanted to be an independent
Unit rather than fold up or merge with another Unit. The four
freedoms listed in the article were essentially the concepts we all
agreed were worth our efforts to rebuild the Unit. We then explored
ways to make that happen.
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gallery
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2004
Rally at Lahonton
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Freedom from arrangements - The SNU is in the unique position
of having lots of wide open space for Unit gatherings. Although
we may have to reserve a site, we are usually free to park where
we want and how we want. Since our membership prefers dry camping
or minimal facilities, we have more options and are not dependent
on high price campgrounds or RV parks. The open parking available
to the SNU also means that we never have to turn away anyone,
even if they haven't registered for the rally.
One of the
primary assets of the Airstream that Wally Byam promoted was that
it is self contained and can have all the comforts of home
independent of provided services. The SNU follows that example on
most of our outings. We also have a flexible rally schedule and
side trips, activities, and tours, are optional. The SNU provides
a list of possibilities available for each rally but arrangements
are made by the individuals not the SNU. This enables members the
freedom to make their own arrangements, to come when they can,
for as long as they can, and participate or not participate as
they choose.
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SNU
members at Twin Lakes in 2005
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Freedom from the problems of age - We have had all ages from
toddlers to octogenarians participate in our activities. Because
of our flexible schedule working families, those with school age
children, and retired adults all fit in and enjoy participation
as it suits their needs. Because of our simple needs,
flexibility, and the availability of low cost camping sites, we
can keep costs to a minimum thus encouraging anyone young or old
to participate even if they have limited resources. The
flexibility of SNU outings can accommodate almost anyone
regardless of any restrictions or limitations in abilities.
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2005
SNU members touring Bodie
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Freedom to discover and to know - Northern Nevada has lots of
great history and geological points of interest. Our rally
schedule is planned around something of interest to our
membership. For instance our May rally is planned to coincide
with the Civil War re-enactment at Fort Churchill and our October
rally is near the historic Bower's Mansion. No matter where we
are there are places to explore and opportunities for hiking,
biking, tours, or other activities
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2006
SNU 30th Anniversary Luncheon
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Freedom for fun - The basis for our gatherings and for our
desire to continue as a Unit. The great places we have available
for SNU gatherings, the enjoyment of each others company, the
sharing of tales and experiences, the sharing of new memories and
adventures, and the excitement of encouraging and including new
members in the Airstream experience. No wonder we are thankful we
made the decision to keep going, to do what we can to rebuild the
SNU and make it successful.
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2005
Kingston Rally
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Changes we made in our bylaws also provide another
freedom - that of participation. Too often people are leery of
getting involved because they are concerned they will end up serving
on a committee, being elected to the board, or given some task or job
to do. In part because we are currently a small group, we all share
responsibilities and carry out the functions necessary to meet WBCCI
guidelines. We work together and get things done. Our system enables
members to choose their own level of involvement. There is no
pressure or expectation to take on a job. Our goal is to get people
as enthused as we are and on their own want to take on some
responsibility that benefits the Unit.
We are very proud of our efforts to date and
enthusiastic about our future. Our PR efforts continue to pay off.
Since the beginning of 2004 we have mailed an introduction letter and
information packet to all RV dealers in our area. This packet
included the profile, the 2004 rally schedule, and our achievements.
Our unit activities have consistently been listed in several local
newspapers Another idea paid off the first time it was tried. We
created a table sign to use at our restaurant luncheon meetings. Our
website has created a lot of interest and our on-line subscription
for the newsletter has encouraged people outside our area to
subscribe.
Our decision to hold more rallies rather than
luncheons and to hold them in all areas of our territory has proved
worthwhile. We have had people show up who have never been to any of
our other events. Also we have had people that heard about the rally
and joined us for the first time.
All these efforts have increased the awareness
that an Airstream Unit exists in the Northern Nevada area, that is is
doing things that are fun and encourage participation. We continue to
explore new ideas to encourage participation and generate membership.
We feel that a solid foundation and providing activities and events
that reflect the interests of our members and potential members will
enable us to continue to strengthen the Sierra Nevada Unit, WBCCI.
The Owner's
Guide Participating section for information about planning and
conducting rallies and caravans.
Sierra
Nevada Airstreams home page
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note:
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individual photographers. See our
policy. Disclaimer:
any advice or suggestion presented is provided for informational
purposes only and is correct and accurate only to the best of our
knowledge at the time it was written. Anyone using such information
does so at their own risk. Errors or omissions may exist and
additional sources of information or appropriately licensed or
qualified personnel should be consulted in deciding a course of
action. We assume no liability or obligation by providing this
information and warn any users of this information that they do so at
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other sources of information and equipment do not intend or imply or
convey any endorsement of that source or the product. They are
provided strictly for informational purposes to illustrate the topic
at hand. Sierra Nevada
Airstreams Enjoyment
of the whispering winds, the zephyrs, the airstreams of the Sierra
Nevada and Great Basin areas of the United States is a
personal, nonprofit,
noncommercial web site intended for educational and recreational use
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