New Year, Vintage Memories, Travel Calls

It is another "smoke on the water" morning in New Braunfels, Texas.  As I drove to work this morning I was greeted by a vintage Volkswagen "pop up" van.  I flashed back to my Dad's love of our own VW camper.  He proudly drove us all over the country in that "statement" vehicle. Coupled with my mom's amazing ability to feed everyone for pennies and her warm smile that enabled the ability for the thriftiest of trips to seem like a luxury cruise.  Her amazing knack for having everything needed in that van or in her purse.   You know she really is a combination of Mary Poppins, Hints from Heloise, and Florence Nightingale.   (She also taught me, don't be afraid to wear neon green after Labor Day and/or when you are approaching 80.) 

My Mom and Dad worked very hard all their lives.  They lived through the depression, several wars, served in the military,  and served our country, each in their own way.  They treasured every moment they could by taking us on the road as much as they could possibly afford.  Now, we didn't stay in hotels or eat out much.  There were no spas or fancy restaurants on our "trip tik".  There were picnics at roadside parks, swimming at the KOA campgrounds, and sweating/freezing in that old Volkswagen camper at night - sometimes while the wind threatened to overturn us.  My brothers fondly remember a huge station wagon and camping prior to the "pop up" advancement.

Here are few of my parents Travel Tips: 

Don't be afraid to wear matching outfits.

Be sure to always wear embarrassing hats. 

Always bring your own Toilet Paper.

Pantyhose can sub for a fan belt in a pinch.

CB radios still work.

Feed anyone that shows up at your campsite.
Always stop to help a lady stranded on the road.
Festival food is a special food group.

Duct Tape, Pepto, Zip Locks, WD 40. (nuff said)
Boy Scout/Girl Scout/Sporting events count as vacation.
Garage Sales can be considered an attraction.
                                                                        
As I watch the gas prices steadily increase, I want to remind everyone that Texas is a BIG state.  Remember we have been around a long time and can secede if we want.   We have our own natural wonders, State Parks, oldest, biggest, and weirdest attractions/festivals.  This year think about seeing Texas first!  We have warm water, cold water, fast rivers, slow rivers, great beaches, beautiful lakes, amazing geological formations, wildlife, wildflowers, and locally grown produce;  that all depend on Texas waterways to flourish.   If you really want to explore on a budget, start in your own backyard.  This summer we found arrowheads in Landa Park, looked up ancestors at the Sophienburg Museum, Caught the ledge at Warnecke's, shot pool at Gruene Hall, hung out on River Road, fed Zebras at the Wildlife Ranch,  viewed cave turnips at Natural Bridge Caverns, dared to fly on the Skycoaster at the Bahn, identified over 30 birds in the Park, and fished our Boston Terrier out of the river while she was perusing the ducks.  This summer - maybe we will learn how to wake board without a boat?  Right here in New Braunfels, Texas.

Vintage 1980's photo from our annual family reunion week at Potter's Creek at Canyon Lake and yes, we - the "Griswalds"  -- kept this old boat in our backyard! 

Get in your car and GO! Your kids don't care how or where - they will learn more than any classroom; especially if your Dad makes you stop at every historical marker to listen to him read it to you and asks questions about it the rest of the trip.

TRAVEL - the only education that connects people and builds family memories to last a lifetime!

I'll see you on the road in 2011 --- Look for the "Griswalds" and  remember the steering wheel wave!