Even though my school days are long past, May still brings the scent of summer vacation, riding in on the warm afternoon breezes and turning my mind to the joys and freedoms of childhood. And in my family, nothing said freedom like packing up the car and heading out on a long road trip.
Most summers we drove from San Antonio, Texas to the Pacific Northwest to visit my father’s family. I made the first trip in 1953, just a few months after I was born, to meet my great-grandmother.
Over the following summers I played with cousins and second cousins that I saw only once a year. I learned to swim, fish and canoe in pristine lakes and creeks.
True Trekkers sharing their learned knowledge and wisdom about travel!
Thanks Matt – glad you enjoyed it!
Reading about your family road trips reminded me of our family trips to the Maritime provinces. My parents would load the five kids in the back seat, and Dad would pull our pop- up tent trailer from Ontario out east. Only as an adult do I realize how adventurous my parents were, even if they never traveled to far off and exotic lands. Buying our first lobsters from the docks in PEI, and cooking them at our campsite now seems pretty exotic. Memories of camping in Cape Breton, seeing the home of Anne of Green Gables, and the joy of cracking our first lobsters around a picnic table are priceless. Jo Ann thanks for sharing your childhood memories of your road trips, and stirring awake mine this morning. Hi to David.
Cheers, Bob
Bob – thanks for sharing your memories. I’m happy that your family enjoyed being on the road. And fresh lobster – I can just see the butter dripping down your chin!
Your description of the road is so appealing – thank you! I love those photos of the old motels with the neon lights. Love you guys. Happy travels!!!!
Thanks Sarahlee! We’re overdue for a road trip so I’m counting the days (26) – until we head out. If we could only drive to Hawaii!
One of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced on a road trip was the Musical Highway on Route 66 just outside Tijeras, New Mexico. When you drive over rumble strips in the lane at exactly the speed limit (45 mph) the vibrations from the strips play a song! (I won’t say which song… Don’t want to spoil it for anyone who wants to go check it out!) It was such a cool experience that my family and I turned around and drove over it a second time! There are very few such musical highways in the world… It’s a must-do if you are ever in the area!
How did I not know about that – that is so cool! And we’ll go right through there on our way to Texas so look for an update in a few weeks. Thanks Erin – you and your family are true SilverTrekkers!