There are two things to remember at the Land Yacht Harbor:

Every resident should help take care of the Harbor’s 60-plus acres in north Thurston County.

And everyone should participate in some of the social travel events planned by the Washington Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International.

Life at one of the world’s largest communities for owners of Airstream travel trailers and motor homes doesn’t have to be complicated, said Carol Ortiz, one of the caravan club’s vice presidents. Work together. Play together. That’s about it.

The Washington Unit is part of Region 10, which includes Canada, Alaska and some of the Northwest, and the region is the largest slice of the international caravan club, Ortiz said.

While the Washington Unit has about 700 members, there are 200 occupied residential lots at the Harbor. “You have to be an Airstream owner to move in,” Ortiz said.

Harbor resident and club member Larry Alvar summed up what it means to participate in the Airstream lifestyle and community: “I pledge to be an active member and not just an old goat sitting on my couch,” he said. “It’s fun to be a part of what’s going on.”

The brand name Airstream is most often associated with the classic, tubular “Silver Twinkie” style travel trailer. While dozens of Airstreams are at the Harbor, the first ones were built in the 1930s by Los Angeles businessman Wally Byam, who encouraged fellowship and adventure. At the Harbor, both attributes are evident. Read more...