Hobo Rally
Feb. 2006

Jack hampel

What a great rally!  Our trip South started with Kathy and I caravanning to Blythe with Golden West unit members Ken and Judy Bechthold and Jim and Karen Walton.

Saturday night was spent at the Elks Club paring lot in Redlands.  Our trip was interrupted once due to tire problems on Jim Walton's rig.

Upon our arrival, Sunday night was spent preparing for Monday night's baked potato dinner.  I would like to congratulate Judy Bechthold for the terrific job she did in organizing the dinner, members Ernie and Dot Farinha for pitching in to help and all other members of Golden West who lent a hand (Santa Clara Unit earned $124).  Monday night's opening ceremonies were conducted by our own Don Clark, Region 12 1st VP.  Members of Blythe's City Council, Police Department and school district were on hand to welcome all.

Throughout the week there were activities galore!  Various tours were conducted, including the Broken Boat Ranch, Ironwood Prison and the Cibola Wildlife Refuge.  Events also included various outdoor games, golf, a bicycle rodeo and a baby trailer and trailer backing contest.

Ray Leedham, a member of the San Fernando Valley, CA unit asked yours truly to assist in the designing of a trailer backing obstacle course and judging all contestants.  Although disappointed in not being able to participate, I turned in the fastest unofficial time on the track.

While Kathy and I were in Blythe, we were approached by Peter Heylin, a member of the Monterey Bay Unit who inquired into joining the Santa Clara Unit and joined as an affiliate for the remainder of this year.  I would like to welcome Peter and his wife, Linda, to the Santa Clara Unit.

Saturday concluded with member Anna Bradley of Region 10, Wash. unit and Michael Schirkenbach of Region 12, San Diego Unit being selected as the 2006 Hobo King and Queen.

Present to provide an update on Airstream products was Mr. Larry Huttle, CEO of Airstream.  Some items Larry discussed:

• The classic Airstream motorhome that was to be built is on hold indefinitely
• Motorhome construction of the model 396 diesel pusher and the Skydeck will continue but will be gradually phased out
• The trailer side of the business is very strong, construction of new Airstreams has increased 4-fold
• Business has tripled in 3-1/2 years
• Safari models make up 50% of sales
• The CCD models are 1/3 of sales
• The 25' Safari with the front bedroom and rear door has been their No. 1 seller the last 6 months.  Expect to see a 28' classic with a rear door.
• Expect to see a 19' Bambi with a 50's style interior
• Also expect more B vans to be produced, including slide-outs

I will provide a full report on Larry's items at the Orland Rally.

The final event for Saturday was the world famous (Blythe famous?) delicious Hobo stew dinner.  The evening's entertainment was even better!

I would like to acknowledge Region 12 officers Jim Emlinger, Don Clark and John Boutwell for their knowledge and expertise in making this rally a success.

All in all the rally was a great success with over 110 rigs in attendance.

Can't wait for 2007!!!!!!