Today, they head for Sylvan Heights and then Tillery.

Then it’s on to the Albermarle Sound where members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International Virginia Unit Caravan will have completed a tour of the Roanoke River that began at its headwaters in the mountains of Virginia.

The caravan is not only about learning and discovering the country, it is a tribute to Byam, the founder of Airstream, the travel trailer the members of the caravan use.

“We try to do something once a month during the camping season,” said Douglas Powell of Halifax, Virginia.

The idea for this caravan, dubbed The Roanoke River: From the Headwaters to the Sea — The River of Death — was born five years ago and May 21 the journey began in mountains.

In the mountains they experienced bluegrass music, saw glass blowing demonstrations and had local food.

At Smith Mountain Lake they toured the plantation that was the birthplace of Booker T. Washington.

The Smith Mountain Lake visit was also noteworthy because from below that to Clarksville, Virginia, the river is known as the Staunton River, Powell explained. The trek allowed the caravan members to see the Staunton River Battlefield Park and Red Hill, the last home of patriot Patrick Henry.

The group was in Roanoke Rapids Wednesday where they ate at Oscar’s and Ralph’s Barbecue.

Powell credits Christina Gordon of the Halifax Convention and Visitors Bureau for making their stay in Roanoke Rapids an enjoyable one. She walked the canal trail with them and arranged a tour of the Roanoke Canal Museum.

Powell enjoyed his stay in Roanoke Rapids. “The history. The river and canal is Roanoke Rapids. The canal museum is topnotch. That’s what drew me here.”

For Gordon and Marie Syrett, of Charleston, South Carolina, the trip has been an education.

“I never realized the river produced so much power,” Mrs. Syrett said inside their 1987 model Airstream. “It made me realize how much usefulness it gives to the state. I think it’s beautiful.”