The Best Summer Vacation Ever

   The Best Summer Vacation Ever, by Becky Van Vleet

In 1963, a dozen eggs cost fifty-five cents, bread about twenty-two cents, and a gallon of gas about thirty cents. No dishwashers in most homes. Only landline phones with rotary dials, most with long coiled cords. We learned current events by picking up a newspaper, turning on the radio, or watching black and white televisions. If we were lucky, we could bring in three major networks with aluminum foil wrapped around the tops of the antennas. No internet, no computers. Everyday living was slower-paced. And it was at this time my parents made plans for our family of six to take a vacation by car across the country from Indiana to California in June of 1963.

Anticipation ran high. After all, it was the first vacation for all six of us. Mother and Daddy planned in advance, saving every penny. We’d stay in motels along the way they said, whatever that entailed. As a ten-year-old, I’d never stayed at a motel. But I was about to discover what that was like.

On the morning we left Indianapolis, we squeezed into our black and white 1959 Chevrolet Impala. (No AC) The trunk was crammed with our suitcases and two cameras. With the hand-cranked windows rolled down, I found myself in the back seat between my two older sisters. My little sister sat up front between Mother and Daddy. Without seatbelts, we at least had some wiggle room to move around. We set off with my mother handling the maps to guide my dad along the highways.

Motels and swimming pools. I’d seen them, but had never experienced one. Indescribable bliss. I kept asking myself if life could get any better! I didn’t even mind being squished between my sisters, though I did feel a twinge of jealousy as they stretched their arms out the windows to get a “tan.” They even switched sides, explaining  to me that both arms needed equal sun exposure.

When we arrived in Colorado Springs, we stayed a few days at the Silver Saddle Motel, exploring the area. Surrounded by mountains, which were a first for me, my older sisters served as my guardrails in the back seat as we wound our way up to the summit of Pikes Peak, navigating the twisting switchbacks. Snow in July? Unbelievable! But there it was, at the very top. My mother was quick to grab some and shape a snowball while my dad started rolling the movie camera to capture our family enjoying the snowy antics.

At Garden of the Gods, we enjoyed an Indian performance, captivated by their swift dance moves in moccasins and vibrant feathered headbands. My heart raced as we climbed aboard the vertical train cars of the Manitou Incline. That experience might have prepared me for the incredibly steep descent to the river at the base of Royal Gorge. Talk about exciting. I held my breath the entire way down.

My first experience with rock candy happened at the Royal Gorge. I gripped the stick and enjoyed each lick, pinching myself to confirm it wasn’t just a dream. Despite all the exciting adventures in the Colorado Springs area, I couldn’t wait to get back to our motel to swim.

When we drove through Utah, we stopped to tour the Mormon Tabernacle in all its splendor and beauty.

Driving and more driving. Sometimes Daddy would have to pull off the side of the road so he could review the maps with Mother. (Quite a contrast from today’s GPS.) Eventually, we arrived in Carmichael, California where we unpacked the car to stay with Uncle Art and Aunt Marcia. My excitement mounted when I met these new family members and four cousins for the first time. I couldn’t wait to see my Grandma Troyan again. It had been a long time. When Uncle Chet and Aunt Beverly joined us, the family reunion was complete.

While the sightseeing along the way was incredibly enjoyable, nothing compared to our Troyan family gathering. The air filled with laughter and heartfelt hugs. The movie camera hummed, recording each happy moment.

A few days later, we toured Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park in Sacramento, close to where my aunt and uncle lived. To top things off, we drove to the National Redwood Forest to view the magnificent sequoia trees. My eyes nearly popped when we drove THROUGH one of the giant trees. Shocked. How was that possible?  A visit to China Town in San Francisco and riding a trolley car added another adventure. I could hardly contain my excitement when our family finally arrived at the Pacific Ocean!

For the return trip, we took a different route to visit old church friends in southern California and to visit the Painted Desert in Arizona. But nothing prepared me when we stopped at the Grand Canyon. As a young girl, I could barely comprehend the vastness and breathtaking beauty of this magnificent landmark.

Over the years, my husband and I have taken our four daughters on unforgettable vacations, exploring sights across the United States. As empty nesters now, we continue our travels, experiencing the world’s wonders. However, no trip has left a mark on me like the family vacation to California when I was a young girl. More than sixty years later, I still enjoy watching our old home movies (now on DVDs) of that trip. Whenever I see rock candy today, I’m taken back to the Royal Gorge. It really was the best summer vacation ever!

Do you have any memories of a special childhood vacation? I’d love to hear! Open in your browser and scroll further down to leave a comment. I reply to all comments. As always, feel free to forward to a friend. And let me know if you have your own special family story to share. We all have stories!