During the 1956 Airstream Caravan through Europe, Wally Byam designed a dream trailer for his wife, Stella. It was built in spring 1957, ready for the All-American Caravan through the United States, which visited the Kentucky Derby and Indianapolis 500.
The Airstream’s floorplan was constructed to Stella’s specifications, with expansive living and storage space for the married couple. it was custom-made, and built to stand out. Using gold anodized aluminum, it was regarded as a precious crown jewel, immediately recognizable.
As the Caravan toured the country, it was towed by Wally’s gold Cadillac.
Flash forward to the African Caravan. Weeks ago I wrote on meeting Emperor Haile Selassie, who welcomed us into his palace. What I didn’t mention was how his guards guided us through southern Ethiopia?
Why? Approximately sixteen guards accompanied Caravan families through scarcely populated lands, far from civilization. Bandits, tribal differences, and general lawlessness permeated the area.
As we soon learned, the fable of the “solid gold trailer of the many strangers” would spread faster than we could travel. There were many unmentionable rituals that could befall a lone traveler; a straggler’s belongings could become a local bride’s dowry.
There was fear that bandits would believe the trailer was actually made out of gold, that it carried unfathomable riches. So the trailer was protected from all sides.
Another side story: as we traveled, the guards confiscated a herdsman’s cow, dispatched it, and slaughtered it. Imagine seeing a warm chunk of beef in your pot, and trying to make stew by boiling it for what seems like ages.
Add wine, add garlic, add pepper, add vegetables, and hope it will become edible. Though the meat was fresh, it was different. The chew was sinewy and the flavor tasteless. A fresh kill is decidedly not gourmet.
On an expedition such as the African Caravan, you learn to make do with what you have. Opportunities for fine dining are scarce, but the resourcefulness of Airstreamers is not to be understated. In this circumstance, however, the guards should not have acted as they did.
Upon arrival, the guards were punished for their misdeeds.
Dale “Pee Wee” Schwamborn has silver in his blood. Each week, Pee Wee shares one of his many stories, including his experiences on the iconic Airstream Caravans, his time spent working in the Airstream factory, and the many Airstreamers he’s befriended, far and wide.
