Growing up on a dairy farm in a small town, our vacations, a rarity among farm families, were always to cities, NYC, Montreal, Boston, DC, Philly, Cleveland and Chicago. Those destinations were chosen because, after all, that was where we could catch professional baseball games. I wasn't the baseball fan, but my dad, brothers and the family we traveled with were. For me, the thrill was The City itself. I learned at an early age that the streets, neighborhoods, buildings, assortment of shops and museums, were destinations in and of themselves. People watching was fascinating and educational. I love where I live. Spending time in cities, however, is a special treat. Since those early years; Paris, London, Barcelona, Oxford, New Orleans, Portland, Or., the trifecta, Taos, Albuquerque and Santa Fe, El Paso, Savannah, Charleston and others have been added to the list. I didn't see the ocean until I was 20. I haven't traveled much lately, family obligations are paramount these days. But, hopefully, someday I will get back to some cities. For the time being, I'm exploring those closer to home, Glens Falls and I have a special fondness for Troy. I spent my college years there in the 60's before its renaissance. The architecture, hidden courtyards (I know where they are), the farmers market and downtown are worth a visit. Of special interest are the Troy Music Hall as well as the RPI and Sage Campuses.
...great story / $17 is a heavy toll today, not to mention in 1970?! / I don't believe we went on vacation when I was a child, but: there was Copeland Pond where our babysitters had a camp; Greene's Pavilion, a popular destination -hot summer days, on Hadlock Pond- although some like to call it a lake; and the "Million Dollar Beach" had just opened, but was 25 cents per child to get in; and there was, also, Glen Lake, swimming at The Casino beach, and taking breaks for a Zagnut candy bar; or just playing softball in the backyard, all day, riding bikes, and collecting "empties"- we cashed in at our great neighborhood grocery store, Dunn's- and with which treasure we'd buy penny candy, popsicles, fudgsicles, sodas, et cetera: then burn off the calories, as kids do (or used to do?), just running around...
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. It reminded me of our family road trips; the youngest of seven, I got to occupy the "trunk" behind the third seat in the station wagon. If we were ever rear ended, I was toast, but it was the most comfortable seat in the car. Remarkably, my father seemed to be able to reach the third seat if one of my brothers were misbehaving!
Dear RFK, Jr.: Not a word about the "Drowning in Stupidity Crisis"?! You [saints preserve us] are Secretary of Health and Human Services, so my recommendation to you, for the sake of the nation, is- Please: (Don't) do something...
Fun article - I've vacationed in that area long ago. Also, I met Jim Bouton many years ago - friend of a friend - he was a nice fellow. I would have been reading too, but likely on the beach.
Similar memories of family travels South, right down to the slacks and choosing diners after the DE Memorial Bridge. Always a station wagon, 2 were Olds! (Vista Cruiser, it had a 3rd seat and a "well"!). Cheers continue for the Light Brigade. (& the word, obstreperous)!
When you were in Philadelphia, you should have gone to the Museum of the American Revolution. Inspiring, and incredibly topical these days. It reminds us of what we stand for. Beautifully done. And who said, "To argue with a man who has renounced the use of authority and reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by scripture."
Love the vacation story. In 1972 my Dad loaded up the new Plymouth Fury(?) station wagon & left Queens Village, NYC for summer vacation at Lone Pine Cabins on Cranberry Lake. Still remember the “big dirt road” Northway. He found a general store he fell in love with. Fast forward to November 7, the day Nixon was re-elected. We’re moving up the dirt road again headed to our new home in Star Lake. Vacations do create vivid life long memories. Thank you for sharing.
ahhh different times and what will the memories be in the future.
One thing this essay sparks in me... and it is something that has been floating in my head for several weeks now -- much like a rubber shark in a kids drink:
Our thoughts get processed through time, but often the answers are lost to history and what we were thinking about back them.
I had traveling memories.... {{The last four years I have been traveling and (like you) revisiting places from the past}} and I remember various things, like playing putt putt in Tucson with my mom and dad’s friends kids. They were a couple years older and I just felt so amazed to hang with the adults (they were teenagers like myself, but could drive).
But now I wonder, why were we there. I know we were there to visit my parents friends who had moved to Tucson, but why in August? Sure it was summer and no school, BUT it was also the time when my father who worked in construction was the busiest. Had we gone in Winter or early Spring, it would not have been the busy time - - > not to mention it is really hot in Tucson in August. Not as not as in 2025, but hot.
I think it is interesting how one thing that really stimulates a memory is another person talking about their vacations. I have a rubber shark memory to... but from my adult self. There is a party island in Lake Erie that uses a rubber shark to serves shots in a rubber shark. You get to keep the shark, but it isn’t like they would re-use that shark.. and it gives the establishment a reason to charge extra.
But as I write this... I wonder... each of the 14 National Parks and Monuments.. will they still be places future generations be able to visit, after TACOtrmp destroys democracy.
Everyone should be considering a class action suit. I was promised unlimited access to public lands when I bought my life-time pass. When he sells or sells out the public lands. I will have my investment stolen from me.. just like everyone’s 401K
Also, all the gQpedos told me to be afraid of the evil 'caravans of illegals'
like other lies:
on day one
ª prices will go down
ª the Ukraine war will end
ª taco will stop corruption
(odd how just the opposite has happened)
There were no caravans....also: one thing is cleared... doge fired American workers, but allowed the landscape companies that depend on undocumented workers to continue.
this is sad, and as you mentioned in your Whitney story... most institution remember history all are being cut and many of these places (while being important and cool places) often are razor thin with their budges
I remember those days and those kinds of family motels!!! Love them one and all!!!
Loved your vacation tale.
Growing up on a dairy farm in a small town, our vacations, a rarity among farm families, were always to cities, NYC, Montreal, Boston, DC, Philly, Cleveland and Chicago. Those destinations were chosen because, after all, that was where we could catch professional baseball games. I wasn't the baseball fan, but my dad, brothers and the family we traveled with were. For me, the thrill was The City itself. I learned at an early age that the streets, neighborhoods, buildings, assortment of shops and museums, were destinations in and of themselves. People watching was fascinating and educational. I love where I live. Spending time in cities, however, is a special treat. Since those early years; Paris, London, Barcelona, Oxford, New Orleans, Portland, Or., the trifecta, Taos, Albuquerque and Santa Fe, El Paso, Savannah, Charleston and others have been added to the list. I didn't see the ocean until I was 20. I haven't traveled much lately, family obligations are paramount these days. But, hopefully, someday I will get back to some cities. For the time being, I'm exploring those closer to home, Glens Falls and I have a special fondness for Troy. I spent my college years there in the 60's before its renaissance. The architecture, hidden courtyards (I know where they are), the farmers market and downtown are worth a visit. Of special interest are the Troy Music Hall as well as the RPI and Sage Campuses.
St. Augustine, an all time favorite.
None of us should ever lose our sense of adventure.
Great memories in box. My kids would have loved that shark drink!
It was awesome!
You’re right about the waves and miles of beautiful sand
I saved the shark to recreate it at home.
...great story / $17 is a heavy toll today, not to mention in 1970?! / I don't believe we went on vacation when I was a child, but: there was Copeland Pond where our babysitters had a camp; Greene's Pavilion, a popular destination -hot summer days, on Hadlock Pond- although some like to call it a lake; and the "Million Dollar Beach" had just opened, but was 25 cents per child to get in; and there was, also, Glen Lake, swimming at The Casino beach, and taking breaks for a Zagnut candy bar; or just playing softball in the backyard, all day, riding bikes, and collecting "empties"- we cashed in at our great neighborhood grocery store, Dunn's- and with which treasure we'd buy penny candy, popsicles, fudgsicles, sodas, et cetera: then burn off the calories, as kids do (or used to do?), just running around...
We went over the bridge coming back and it was only up to $21. A $4 increase in 50 years - not too bad.
...yes, to the incessant charge of The Light Brigade / [and, thank you, to them!!]...
...re this Department of "Justice" / Well, there are DOGE bags; and, now, there are DOJ bags, too: no? / And: talk about wasting our tax dollars...
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. It reminded me of our family road trips; the youngest of seven, I got to occupy the "trunk" behind the third seat in the station wagon. If we were ever rear ended, I was toast, but it was the most comfortable seat in the car. Remarkably, my father seemed to be able to reach the third seat if one of my brothers were misbehaving!
Dear RFK, Jr.: Not a word about the "Drowning in Stupidity Crisis"?! You [saints preserve us] are Secretary of Health and Human Services, so my recommendation to you, for the sake of the nation, is- Please: (Don't) do something...
Fun article - I've vacationed in that area long ago. Also, I met Jim Bouton many years ago - friend of a friend - he was a nice fellow. I would have been reading too, but likely on the beach.
I never did like the sun that much. Bouton was a sportscaster for awhile in NY and I always watched him.
Similar memories of family travels South, right down to the slacks and choosing diners after the DE Memorial Bridge. Always a station wagon, 2 were Olds! (Vista Cruiser, it had a 3rd seat and a "well"!). Cheers continue for the Light Brigade. (& the word, obstreperous)!
PS, did you see the TBR post about the Mex Pres. Renaming the Liberty Bell, "TACO"Bell? His humor cracks me up.
No, but I like it.
When you were in Philadelphia, you should have gone to the Museum of the American Revolution. Inspiring, and incredibly topical these days. It reminds us of what we stand for. Beautifully done. And who said, "To argue with a man who has renounced the use of authority and reason, and whose philosophy consists in holding humanity in contempt, is like administering medicine to the dead, or endeavoring to convert an atheist by scripture."
Thomas Paine 1776
I've got to go back. There was a lot more to see than I thought.
Wow - that quote describes our current WH felon to a T!
The family remembrances, so special… good for you to have a chance to relive!
Love the vacation story. In 1972 my Dad loaded up the new Plymouth Fury(?) station wagon & left Queens Village, NYC for summer vacation at Lone Pine Cabins on Cranberry Lake. Still remember the “big dirt road” Northway. He found a general store he fell in love with. Fast forward to November 7, the day Nixon was re-elected. We’re moving up the dirt road again headed to our new home in Star Lake. Vacations do create vivid life long memories. Thank you for sharing.
ahhh different times and what will the memories be in the future.
One thing this essay sparks in me... and it is something that has been floating in my head for several weeks now -- much like a rubber shark in a kids drink:
Our thoughts get processed through time, but often the answers are lost to history and what we were thinking about back them.
I had traveling memories.... {{The last four years I have been traveling and (like you) revisiting places from the past}} and I remember various things, like playing putt putt in Tucson with my mom and dad’s friends kids. They were a couple years older and I just felt so amazed to hang with the adults (they were teenagers like myself, but could drive).
But now I wonder, why were we there. I know we were there to visit my parents friends who had moved to Tucson, but why in August? Sure it was summer and no school, BUT it was also the time when my father who worked in construction was the busiest. Had we gone in Winter or early Spring, it would not have been the busy time - - > not to mention it is really hot in Tucson in August. Not as not as in 2025, but hot.
I think it is interesting how one thing that really stimulates a memory is another person talking about their vacations. I have a rubber shark memory to... but from my adult self. There is a party island in Lake Erie that uses a rubber shark to serves shots in a rubber shark. You get to keep the shark, but it isn’t like they would re-use that shark.. and it gives the establishment a reason to charge extra.
But as I write this... I wonder... each of the 14 National Parks and Monuments.. will they still be places future generations be able to visit, after TACOtrmp destroys democracy.
Everyone should be considering a class action suit. I was promised unlimited access to public lands when I bought my life-time pass. When he sells or sells out the public lands. I will have my investment stolen from me.. just like everyone’s 401K
Also, all the gQpedos told me to be afraid of the evil 'caravans of illegals'
like other lies:
on day one
ª prices will go down
ª the Ukraine war will end
ª taco will stop corruption
(odd how just the opposite has happened)
There were no caravans....also: one thing is cleared... doge fired American workers, but allowed the landscape companies that depend on undocumented workers to continue.
There is no morality with the republicans
National Park Service is in real trouble.
this is sad, and as you mentioned in your Whitney story... most institution remember history all are being cut and many of these places (while being important and cool places) often are razor thin with their budges
There is a good case to be made that they are underfunded.
on top of (much like the rangers in the Adirondacks) and were already underfunded, overworked and heading towards to burn out
What a wonderful revisit...
I have similar memories of vacations in Lake George and Bolton. Then I moved to Queensbury and for a few years revisited many memories along Route 9N!