Did the dream of Africa enchant Wally Byam? As a youth did he read Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs or writings by Dr. David Livingstone and Henry M. Stanley? Where Wally’s African aspirations came from were known only to him.

It is now 2013. Today, how do we envision Africa? For many of us, it's a flight into Nairobi and being met at the airport with a hotel bus that whisks us away for an adventure on the Serengeti Plains.

It was 1951, and the Airstream Wally Byam Caravan was traveling to Mexico and Central America. The Glassey brothers, friends of Wally assisting him on the Caravan, were driving along the highway in Mexico. They saw a hungry, frightened, lost puppy. 

Guess which company is known for its iconic silver bullet shape, sports tons of rivets and was named as one of Inc. 2013 Hire Power Awards’ honorees? This one! Up against an impressive list of companies that are creating jobs--51,327 in 18 months, to be exact--and keeping the economy moving forward, Airstream ranked number eight in the Top 10 Manufacturing Companies and also Top 10 Ohio Companies.

After several trips south of the border to Mexico and Central America, Wally Byam decided it was time to go north of the border to Canada. The summer of 1954 saw the Airstream Wally Byam Western Canadian Caravan embark on a quest north.

We at Airstream are proud to announce that our new luxury touring coach Interstate model will include nearly two dozen “Best in Class” Mercedes-Benz features, enhancements and a renewed commitment to safety and refined luxury. The first of these units will be shown during the Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS), November 20-21. 

Wow! What a year! In 1955, we were having Airstream's first Wally Byam Caravan to Eastern Canada.

You know what kinds of things I’ve typically thought of when I ponder adventure? Boarding a plane. Embarking on a long drive. Gazing out a train window at landscape and horizon. Go, go, go. Do, do, do.

Wally Byam had ongoing financial difficulties in keeping the doors open at Airstream. Three times, he came back after his factory had been padlocked shut by the government. Wally had that unique quality to face adversity, conquer it, and move on.