Airstream caravan travelers live life on the road

Tom and Vicki Ketchum, originally from Livingston, Texas and representing the Greater Houston club, said the rallies are an opportunity to meet other travellers, explore new places and swap adventure stories. (Matt Hutcheson/News-Times)
Tom and Vicki Ketchum, originally from Livingston, Texas and representing the Greater Houston club, said the rallies are an opportunity to meet other travellers, explore new places and swap adventure stories. (Matt Hutcheson/News-Times)

The Arkansas Razorback Airstream Club held a rally in downtown El Dorado, beginning on Thursday, September 10.

Clubs, according to Livingston, Texas natives Vicki and Tom Ketchum, often travel the country together. Individual clubs often sponsor rallies to allow different caravans to gather in one place.

Tom Ketchum displayed an extensive knowledge of the history of Airstreams, explaining that caravans are a continuation of a practice established by the founder of the classic R.V. company, Wally Byam.

Byam led caravans around the world, including a trip from Cape Town, South Africa to Nairobi, Kenya.

The Ketchums sold their home in Livingston after retiring and took to the road. The two are part of a the Greater Houston Airstream Club.

“The Airstreams themselves and traveling are the heart of the clubs. We hold rallies to come together in one spot, explore new places and share adventures,” Vicki Ketchum explained.

On Friday, Airstream club members could be seen exploring downtown El Dorado or lounging or conversing outside of their campers. That evening, a drive-in screening of “Grease” was held on Washington Street. On Saturday, a sock-hop and karaoke night were held.

Sunday morning, Airstreams hauled behind vehicles could be seen headed from downtown El Dorado toward the various exit points of the city.

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