Many times, I have talked about Wally Byam the gadgeteer.
BMW’s factory is in Munich. Wally became entranced with the BMW Isetta, a small, Italian-designed microcar that looks like a small metal bubble with windows. Wally bought one, and designated me as the driver for the duration of the Caravan and as the long haul driver from Brooklyn to Los Angeles.
Wally had made the arrangements for a carnet for the Isetta. With documentation in order, I would be driving the vehicle through Europe. This is amazing - back home, you can receive a learner's permit at 16. I was a driving dud. Three times, I took the driving test and failed. On the fourth time I passed, only a few weeks before leaving for Europe.
The small Isetta fit well with the highways and byways in Europe with the exception of the German Autobahns. On the level roads, the Isetta could hold 50 mph; going up hills I normally opened the door and pushed the little bug. Depending on the hill’s grade, it made possibly 15 to 20 mph.
When going from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, though, the circumstances changed. My mother had to have her rig behind me the entire trip to run interference, protecting me from being flattened by an 18 wheeler or a speeding car. Imagine that you are slowing your rig down to 20 mph on most hills going cross-country.
As the Caravan moved through Europe, a tradition was born. While in Paris, Caravanners could be seen at Sidewalk Cafés enjoying coffee, Vin, and pastries while discussing their activities. It wasn’t long until early evening; about 5 pm the European Caravanners began their own daily Sidewalk Café to celebrate their day’s explorations and friendships. Today, the tradition is universal in the Airstream World and has been renamed the “Happy Hour.” It still celebrates friendships and the day's pleasantries.
Speaking about traditions, there is the Blue Beret, that headgear that Wally first adopted in 1948 on his European trip with Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr. After the first Caravan in 1951, Caravanners saw the blue beret as their symbol to be worn proudly and to identify their presence as they traveled through villages, towns and countrysides. It is no coincidence that in 1965, the Wally Byam Caravan Club adopted the name “Blue Beret” for their Club’s publication. The tradition of wearing the dark blue Basque beret has diminished; the name for the publication is still intact.
Part Three: From New York to Zurich
Part Four: An Instant Connection
Part Five: Brimming With Enthusiasm
