Barsky Family "Big Trip" 1969

BACKGROUND to trip, by Howard Barsky

2007-12-12T12:25:00.001-08:00

In early 1969, I became unhappy at "Industrial Design Affiliates" in Beverly Hills... and after much soul-searching, I sent in a letter of resignation, stating I would remain until certain projects were complete.. which would be approximately June, 1969.

I had no definite plans for new employment.. and in discussions with Nina, who was not yet working outside of the home, we decided (since the end of my employment at the office would coincide with the start of the kid's summer vacation), to take a two month tent camping trip... east across the US.. as far as we could go in one month.. then return a different route (still camping) for the remaining month, to be back in time for the fall school session.

The management at Airsteam Trailers (the main client at the office for the whole time I worked there), were surprised at my resignation... and they asked what my plans were.. (I knew they would have liked me to work for them directly in their headquarters in Ohio) ... I told them of our family plan to go camping across the US for the two months of the school vacation..

The manager of operations for Airstream in Los Angeles asked me if I would like to borrow an Airstream for the trip !!. Since our family vehicle (an International Travelall) was already fully equipped for towing, I didn't hesitate, and accepted the offer.

The trip started June 30, 1969 with, of course, many hours and weeks of pre-planning.. Nina and I were in our 30's, and with us were our three sons, Michael, 10.. Benjamin, 8.. and Daniel, 6. Marea was not yet born. I stopped working approximately June 15.. and picked up a brand new 26ft Airstream travel trailer from the Santa Fe Springs factory about June 23. We had much food, clothing and bedding...(and all the miscellaneous item we guessed we might need for the 2 month trip) to load into the trailer and Travelall.. and by June 29, boys were out of school, house sitting arranged for and everything (we hoped) packed.. The Travelall-Airstream towing checked out.. WE WERE READY !!

What follows is a diary of the trip, usually written at the end of the day by Nina Barsky. It will be accompanied by photos we took, or photos of the areas taken from the internet, and whatever else we accumulated (that is printable). I produced the maps while creating this blog to show the extent of our travels.. ENJOY.
Remember , this trip was made in 1969, when availability of campsites and access to parks was much easier. .. Also, it was illegal for anyone to be in the trailer while moving, so we were all together, all the time !!, while driving.

(ALL NOTES IN ITALICS in the following text are notes added by Howard recently.. not in Nina's daily diary)

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DAY 1

2007-12-11T15:34:00.000-08:00

Monday, 6/30/69
Left LA at 1:45 pm on a very warm day and proceeded to get hotter as we headed for San Bernardino.. Very Hot!! Luckily we drink loads of water and eat fruit.. kids are constantly hungry… through San Bernardino and in the El Cajon pass our car refuses to pull the load.. sputtering, cries, etc.

Very hot, tempers frayed, kids ask questions and we park on side of the freeway.. unhitch trailer, and head for Highland (town nearby), and to a man who installs a “Vapor-Kool”(special device to keep cars from overheating) in our car… Making the arrangements and the installation takes till 9:45 pm. ..Dinner at a crumby drive-in.. all arrangements for the first night altered.. we pick up trailer where we left it.. air still quite warm.. ... all fall asleep in car, including me.. Howard drives as far as Barstow, where we find the nearest school (college) parking lot and bed down for the night.
6/30, Overnight in Barstow, California.
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DAY 2

2007-12-10T10:10:00.000-08:00

Tuesday 7/1/69
Up (god knows why) at 5 am.. fast breakfast and on the desert road.. Arrived in Las Vegas at 9:10 am.. Gambling houses and big hotels all over.. city seems larger than I envisioned. We went on through extreme heart to Zion National Park in SW Utah.

Beautiful site and we were able to park by side of little river, in which we all plunged in!!. Benji, Mike and Danny helped some other kids build a dam ! So hot we ate very little dinner. Boys back in river and we decided to leave. We will have to visit Zion in cooler weather..What we saw was beautiful..

Even in the evening, the weather was in the 90’s,
too hot to stay, so we drove up to Beaver, Utah and bedded down on nice side street.
7/1, Overnight in Beaver, Utah
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DAY 3

2007-12-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, 7/2/69

Left Beaver at 9am and headed north on highway 91 to Cove Fort. This is the only pioneer fort in Utah that is now in a perfect state of preservation. We walked inside the fort and looked in 12 rooms.. 6 on each side with inner court. Boys really loved it and so did we…

click on photo to see who is sitting in front of the window.
On to Salt Lake City and we picnicked at a green, flowery park. Very hot.. we decided to pass up the Mormon Temple as all wanted to see the Great Salt Lake… out of town about 14 miles. Very desolate and kind of sad… We all changed and plunged into the lake..

any salt water in the eyes or throat was deadly and we all learned very quickly.. and we all could float..and first time Howard was really able to.. Place full of “brine flies”, drove us to drink! All of us full of salt crystals, and had cold showers and a cool drink. We drove north of Salt Lake City to Willard Bay State Park where we ate dinner under shaded arbors..all showered, looked at beautiful bay (reservoir) .

yes, that's us out there..
(click on photo)

We put boys into pajamas and drove on through northern Utah to Idaho, and Malad City. We slept next to park.

7/2, Overnight in Malad City, Idaho

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DAY 4

2007-12-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 7/3/69
Up and out on road by 7:10 am, headed up Idaho to town of Pocatello… lovely old homes, green grass, gardens and beautiful farm country.

Craters of the Moon State Park..
(Lava formations)

Stopped below Idaho Falls at a lava formation.. cave and good climbing for the boys.
Lava is still not broken down… young, 1000 years!! On through Idaho Falls and the beautiful
Snake River does her “thing” there and continues to present all it’s beauty and variety throughout the area.. even into the Tetons.

Grand Tetons such an awe-inspiring sight! Much snow on it’s peaks.

Coulter Bay campground in foreground

Jackson Hole such a “big tourist city” since I was last here (at 17). Very crowded, so we just rushed into the Teton campgrounds and were lucky to one of the very few remaining sites at Colter Bay.. right in the heart of the forest.

Wind whistles through the trees and is such a soothing sound. Cottonwood and pine trees abound.. thinner and shorter than our redwoods, but much more dense.. hence each campsite is a little more remote. It got cool in the evening and we went to campfire. It started at 9:30 pm, but still light out. By then we were all so tired we only stayed 15 minutes.. went to a coffee shop for hot chocolate. Architecture in village just beautiful.. redwoods and other woods left in natural state and much natural planting around each building.
7/3 Overnight in Colter Bay campground.

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DAY 5

2007-12-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

Friday, 7/4/69
Ate breakfast outside.. and so lovely.. paid 35 cents in the village for a much needed shower.. just let the water run and run… we took off in the afternoon for Yellowstone Park and spent the whole day and part of the early evening touring this huge and tremendous park. Full of variety.. geysers, mudpots, lava rock, large plateaus, few bears, trees and many people.

Back to Coulter Bay and and a campfire at night.. and a little girl “Laura” from another site brought over marshmallows to roast.. So relaxing here and peaceful.
7/4 Colter Bay Campground.
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DAY 6

2007-12-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 7/5/69
Howard griddled pancakes over our outdoor fire pit and all agreed.. they were delicious. Leisurely morning.. Packed picnic lunch and drove 43 miles into Jackson Hole.. Very large now.. many nice shops in which Indian men sell their wares. So lovely things, but too expensive for us! Had delicious ice cream ground with nuts, candy, etc, and then let boys take ride on a horse-drawn stage-coach. Howard bought fireworks in Jackson.. we went to a park and the four of them lit all that junk !! I rested and watched the mountains all around me.

Map of wonderful
Grand Teton Park.
(click on map)

Back early for dinner under “our trees” and the boys played log tag with a lot of kids in the next site.

They reluctantly came in to go to bed early. Howard and I had coffee around the campfire.. lightning & thunder and a few drops of rain.. The clouds passed on and revealed a sea of stars.. lovely way to end the night.

7/5 Colter Bay Campground.

THIS IS WHERE WE'VE GONE SO FAR !! (click on map )

DAY 7

2007-12-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

Sunday, 7/6/69

Up bright and early...packed up and left these marvelous Grand Tetons. 8:15 a.m. – clear, bright, summer mountain day. Drove East through Wyoming, stopping in Cody to see the Buffalo Bill Museum.

We didn’t go in because of admission, but all art and artifacts of the West. Howard bought me a beautiful pair of silver and turquoise earrings.

We Left and proceeded on Alternate 14 Highway for a harrowing mountain four-hour drive up to 10,000 feet. Started up steep and hairpin curves...came to road construction...unable to pull trailer up steep incline...gravel road and luckily one of the construction men rigged his pickup to our car and pulled up through...winding road. I was scared most of the time, as higher up saw snow on the ground, high meadows. Went through clouds, through rain, sun, etc.

Finally made it through and came out into Sheridan.

Parked on a side street to make dinner and happened to be across the street from a beautiful Sheridan Inn. It’s being restored. Built in 1889 and almost demolished until a New York couple bought it.

The restoration is beautiful. Wicker furniture on a huge front veranda. Met the manager and he took us into the lobby. We flipped! He said Buffalo Bill used to stay there and audition his acts for the Wild West shows in front of the Inn. I have a brochure on its history.

Got into a terrific summer thunder and lightning shower. So hard we had to park and wait it out a while. When it let up, drove on to Buffalo, Wyoming. There they had a free city park where campers able to stay, and we exhaustedly camped for the night! , free camping allowed.

7/6/69: Buffalo, Wyoming, City Park
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DAY 8

2007-12-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

Monday, 7/7/69

We left Buffalo, Wyoming early am.. clear day and road empty. We stopped at Wyodak, Wyoming open pit coal mine..
first time we've seen one.. a vein right under farm land! (The Wyodak Mine sits on top of one of the largest coal reserves in the United States -- the Powder River Basin).

We drove east through Wyoming

our Wyoming traverse.. (click on Map)

and crossed into South Dakota and the lovely town of Spearfish. We found city park.. did a little food shopping.. small selection and produce inferior, and high prices !!

Lunch in park, kids played in stream.. then onto the Black Hills country.. Lovely, small towns full of "frontier" history. Stopped in Hill City for boys to play on an 1880 steam engine.

Then onto the "Crazy Horse Monument being carved in the Black Hills (5 miles north of Custer
on US highway 16) by Korczak Ziolkowsky, a sculptor and engineer.

Model and actual mountain in distance. (1996) Korczak and daughter

It’s a memorial for the North American Indian and when completed the mountain carving will be 641 feet wide by 563 feet high. We got to tour the sculptor’s studio/home and see the mountain where he and his
sons are working. We were so impressed by this single unbelievable feat. Eventually there will be an Indian University on the land for Indians and museum beside the huge monument (see picture/brochure). Still awestruck, we entered Custer State Park. Paid $3.00 fee (a shock to pay since most nights we’ve camped free of charge). Showers 25 cents and they were freezing! We backed up right next to Collidge Stream. Boys played in it for two hours. I made fine spaghetti, salad, garlic bread dinner. Boys back in stream. Many kids around so good time had by all. We’re all very relaxed. Getting used to different weather conditions than California and enjoying our trip immensely! Howard and I spent the quiet evening planning our next adventurous tour!

the face in 1996 and approx how it was when we were there in 1969

7/7/69, Custer State Park, South Dakota

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DAY 9

2007-12-03T10:05:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, 7/8/69

Went to museum in Custer State Park early. .. antiquated and smelled.. building old.. logs and stone beautiful. Drove on way out through park. Stopped to see herd of buffalo cross the road...really a thrill. Beautiful strong animals and glad over 1,000 preserved in the park.Drove to Rapid City...got washing, food, shopping done and went to the Sioux Indian Museum. An exceptional job, graphically and content. Even saw examples of work and ceremonial dress, types of instruments, wrap on, work tools, quilt work, bead work and sign writing. This was such a highlight of our trip and such quality. Should be in every city that relates a very different Indian than American has been taught. Howard bought a Sioux beaded belt and some good picture cards. We found out that the Indian necklace Aunt Lola gave me was made by Winnebago Indians! We then drove to Badlands Monument...like a little Grand Canyon.

Sediment deposited by waters in Black Hill years ago built up her and eventually rain proceeded to tear away at this looser soil so that this area was formed. Quite beautiful, but too
warm. Drove on and stopped at roadside rest to make dinner. Relaxed, then on the road again.

Evening very warm and muggy – Ugh! Able to drive all the way to Sioux Falls, South Dakota and to first big park – Sherman Park – next to Great Plains Zoo.

Found level spot and collapsed into bed, 12:00 midnight.

Moving right along!! (click on map)

7/8/69, Sherman Park, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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DAY 10

2007-12-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, 7/9/69

Boys played in this lovely park in a.m. while Howard went to station for car grease and oil change.

Left Sioux Falls...down Interstate 29 to Sioux City, Iowa. Picked up two boys hitchhiking and stayed with us for lunch at a rest station (big trees, good rest rooms) until we got on Interstate 80-E. They were going West go Denver, so we parted. We continued straight on 80 through Iowa. Farms beautiful although signs of flooded areas on both sides of freeway. Asked an official of a roadside rest area and he said they just had two weeks of very heavy rains...many farms flooded...damaged and much loss of crops. Some cities like Waterloo and Cedar Rapids partly or already under water. Visited the German settlement of Amana.

All closed but the seven different villages. Very lovely, green, flowers and gardens, many shops, farms and big freezer plant of Amana. They run 25,000 acres.

Nina writing
this Journal

Found nice rest area near the Colonies and bathed and slept!

7/9/ Rest Area near Amana Colonies, Iowa
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DAY 11

2007-12-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 7/10/69

Left Iowa and crossed the infamous Mississippi River!

Warm, cloudy weather introduced us to Illinois. We lunched at Starved Rock State Park. Howard and the boys fished in the Illinois River.
Then we drove over to see Dick and Rita Donelson in Woodridge, Illinois. Howard and he in Army fifteen years ago, and so was quite a reunion. We talked, ate dinner and then,

went over to Bill & Shirley Epsteins home (Tishler relatives).
All glad to see each other and slept first night in trailer in front of their house.

7/10 Skokie, Illinois (in front of Epstein home)
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DAY 12

2007-11-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

Friday, 7/11/69

Howard and I left early (with boys) and went into downtown Chicago to the Art Institute.

It was an experience to behold. A very exciting museum...many artists who we love and exciting rooms: African, Chinese, Inca, Impressionist, Modern. Even the junior art museum there was a touch and experiment joy for all of us.

Drove to Randolph Square to see Picasso’s gift to Chicago. Smaller and less impressive than we expected.

Thunder showers off and on. Went next to Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. Went through the only actual-size model of a coal mine. Road in coal miner’s train. Really an experience. Very enlightening.

Then through actual captured German WW2 sub.

So much information and displays...couldn’t see all. Relaxed evening with Bill and Shirley and to bed early.

7/11/69, In front of Epstein's apt., Skokie, Illinois

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DAY 13

2007-11-29T10:08:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 7/12/69

Got all washing done. Met some of Shirley’s friends. Afternoon, Howard, boys and Bill to swimming pool. Shirley and I got food shopping done. First time she was able to drive since being sick and still tired in the store.

Evening with them to restaurant for their cousin’s club. All a bunch of fun and good times. Some came back to see the trailer. All of us Pooped!

7/12/69, Skokie, Illinois
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DAY 14

2007-11-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

Sunday, 7/13/69

Left Bill and Shirley by 9:30 a.m. They were very nice to us and made feel right at home. Headed East from Chicago.

More smog and smoke and absolutely
unbearable through Gary, Indiana.
Talk about air pollution!

Closed all our car windows and had to put on air conditioner. U.S. Steel here bellowing tons of smoke into the air.

On Indiana tollway...a beautiful ride through towns and countryside and one hour later entered Michigan. We drove to a Sheriff’s station to orient ourselves to location of Three Rivers and home of Joe and Rose Rubins. Had their old address and decided to find them. In Three Rivers drove to Clear Lake Road (old address). Howard found a woman in a home...asked her if she knew where the Rubins lived (turned out to be old and close friend of theirs!). She directed us to house on Route #3. Found home...looked in windows and recognized many of their belongings. All very excited. No one home but dog (Whiskers) and cat (Tiger). Boys and I waited at their home while Howard went back to this woman (Mary Haven)...asked where Rubins might be (at Apple Orchard Farm). Howard drove there and came back with Rose. Joe drove his car back. Well, talk about hugs and a reunion.

We all couldn’t believe that we were at their home, overlooking a calm beautiful lake, among dogwood and maple and other trees and talking! Terri and Susan just left that day for camp, and sorry we missed them.

Boys found a million things to do. We talked and talked...even went for a ride in the evening on a neighbor’s pontoon boat around the lake. Rubins’ house all knotty pine inside and full of charm. Very relaxed and Rose much improved.

7/13/69, Three Rivers, Michigan (Rubins’)
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DAY 15

2007-11-27T10:09:00.000-08:00

Monday, 7/14/69

Up bright and early. Regretfully, Joe had to go to work. We ate breakfast on their sun porch overlooking the lake. Overwhelmed! Howard took the boys on rowboat for a day of fishing and swimming, while Rose, her friend Joy (from apple orchard), and I drove into Kalamazoo. Walked around. Nice town. Central Mall. Ate lunch at department store. Wrote some post cards and generally a “woman’s” day. Back by 4:00 p.m. o hot and humid, got immediately into bathing suit and joined Howard and the boys in the lake. Nice and clean and warm and wonderful swimming. Joe home early to join us, then all over to the “farm” to see their sheep, cows, horses, pigs, chickens, and meet some of their close friends. Joy and her new husband (three weeks), Robb, over for swim and coffee.

Such a nice stay here and boys had a great time all day. Caught 32 small lake perch, but threw them all in as were caught. Lake so beautiful to watch as sunset approached and then darkness.

Peace overwhelmed all of us and absolute beauty. Goodnight!

7/14/69, Three Rivers, Michigan (Rubins’)
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DAY 16

2007-11-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, 7/15/69

Sadly, left Rose and Joe in the morning. She was very generous to us and loved to see her improvement – really a miracle. She says she feels alive again! Drove through Kalamazoo to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Howard called Ron Sargent. He happy to see us and directed us to a high school parking lot where were unhitched the trailer and took off to see the University of Michigan. Went to snack shop on campus and walked all around. Kids look great on campus. Invited to dinner at the Sargent’s, then home and others ring around a small man-made lake. Ron’s wife, Karen (Swedish) very nice...pretty and seems sure of herself. BBQ outside. Met their neighbors, the Kesslers, and too time had by all.

7/15/69, Ann Arbor, Michigan, High School Parking Lot
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DAY 17

2007-11-25T17:31:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, 7/16/69

Apollo 11 blasts off at 8:15 a.m. Hear all on trailer radio. Howard and Mike left early to check our car at an International Harvester dealer. Mrs. Sargent (Karen) took the other boys and me to a street art fair near University of Michigan. Great sculpture, ceramic pieces, and paintings. Met Howard and Mike there and just too damn hot and muggy to walk much longer. Left Ann Arbor in early afternoon...just beat. No wind and can’t believe this weather. Went to Dearborn to the Henry Ford Museum...

eight acres of indoor walking. No air conditioning. So much to see but went through faster than if a cooler day. Ate dinner in park in Dearborn. Did washing also and drove into Toledo to the first big supermarket parking lot we could find and bed...hot and beat!

7/16/69, Toledo, Ohio, Market Parking Lot
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DAY 18

2007-11-24T17:31:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 7/17/69

Rain but still hot. Drove down Ohio (Interstate 75) to Jackson Center and Airstream plant. Met Jack Oakley...gave boys and me his car to go to swimming pool while Howard and he talked and Howard did a few repairs on the trailer. Pool great...Mike jumped off (continuously) high diving board. Benji much better with swimming, and Danny and I played in shallow end. Later followed Jack over to his Dad’s farm where Jack also has an Airstream parked. Had dinner with them.

His wife, Sandy, fried fish from Canada and just great...nice girl. Have four kids. Talked to his Dad a lot about farming. Kids ran around. Mike, Jack and Howard target shot. Benji got stung on bottom of his foot by a honeybee. Nice evening. STILL HOT!

7/17/69, Jackson Center, Ohio, at the Oakley Farm

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DAY 19

2007-11-23T17:32:00.000-08:00

Friday, 7/18/69

Left for Pennsylvania. Howard, by chance, called Margot Krippendorf in Pittsburgh and they still live there. Pure luck Howard called! We drove to Pittsburgh and amazed as we drove through rolling countryside, through tunnel, and came out other side right into downtown. The town full of hills, trees, steel mills, rivers, bridges and seems to have a lot of charm on outskirts. Found their home and both so excited to see us. It’s been eleven years! They have two boys: Pierre, 9-1/2 and Charles, 5. Margot’s mother visiting from Germany.

All felt very relaxed and talked for hours. (Merdi) Margot’s Mom, made delicious supper. The boys played very well together.. all had baths. To bed in trailer and slept while Joe drove us around the town. Bed at 1:00 a.m. Warm and beat.

7/17/69, Verona, Pennsylvania

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DAY 20

2007-11-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 7/19/69

Leisurely morning. All boys ate in trailer. Talked more (with Krippendorfs) about work, need for religion, children, communication. After lunch all went swimming in private pool while I showered, washed hair, put away laundry. We took pictures and said goodbye at 4:00 p.m.
Had such a nice visit and certainly sealed our friendship. Drove on Pennsylvania Turnpike through rolling green Allegheny Mountains to Maryland and down to hot Washington, D.C. Of course, drove past White House and Washington Memorial and up 14th Street. We decided to (appropriately ?) “camp” in the parking lot of the Department of Interior! More adventures tomorrow.
7/19/69, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C. Parking Lot!
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DAY 21

2007-11-21T08:18:00.000-08:00

Sunday, 7/20/69

Gov't Guard at 6:00 a.m. knocks on our trailer door and asks us if we had permission to park there. Howard says no and said we’d leave shortly, which we did. We drive over bridge to little park alongside the Potomac River. Ate breakfast; left trailer there and drove to the ....

Lincoln Memorial

Was so impressive. Could look across reflection pool to
Washington Monument (tall spire),

then went on tourmobile around whole Capitol area ($1.00 adult; 50 cents child and can get on and off all day – great deal!). We drove to the Smithsonian Institute of Space and Navigation

Saw Gemini.

Mike got to operate a mockup of Control Panel of Gemini flight and was so excited. So much to see. All NBC and CBS cameras there as this was the day astronauts would walk on the moon and stations wanted to televise the lives of Americans and chose one location, this display!.

Kittyhawk there!

On tourmobile we passed all big government departments, small museum to the Capitol. Climbed many stairs. Heat and humidity impossible. Took tour...old, stuffy buildings. Many statues of important people from each state. Guide took us to House and Senate Chambers (smaller than I imagined), and talked about their duties, etc.
Left...back on tourmobile to National Museum of Art. Stuffy... and finally to the best – New Smithsonian Institute of History and Technology. Whole place so exciting...graphic displays...good explanations...wonderful photo exhibit of Appalachia and her people and their handicrafts on sale. Ate lunch in bright cafeteria and saw huge Calder sculpture in garden. Stayed three hours and boys all held up very well for so much walking.

We got back on tourmobile... (the driver warned us many times that the hard rain was coming, but we stayed on..). terrific thunderstorm begins and we all get wet on the bus since it had no windows! Had to run for cover and wait out the storm...which did not let up. Howard decided to run to our car and I was only worried that he’d slip, since it was just pouring. Drove over to us and the boys and I sprinted for the car and all got soaked! We’d left the windows slightly open and seats were really wet. Ugh! We looked like drenched puppies! Crept back to trailer and what a mess. We had left the windows open in the trailer and same situation. All changed and cleaned up. Left in rain storm ..as we were driving we hear on radio that astronauts had begun to walk on moon. Only sorry no TV around. Just plain hard to believe. Drove on New Jersey Turnpike to Moorestown and big shopping center where we bedded for the night.

7/20/69, Moorestown, New York Shopping Center Parking Lot.
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DAY 22

2007-11-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Monday, 7/21/69

Laundry and food shopping and car oil changed in a.m. Called Miriam on Long Island and said we’d be there in afternoon. Drove through New Jersey into New York. Really awed by “close apartment living,” by tremendous amount of smog and less congestion as got out to Long Island. Met Jack and Mir and girls in Smithtown at her Dad’s real estate office and warm reunion.
Had pizza dinner at her folks’ home in Ronkakoma. So many trees and so beautiful. Watched news and astronauts. Kids play so well. Girls much taller. Parked trailer and slept next to Mr. Singer’s office. Very wooded.

7/21/69, Smithtown, Mr. Singer’s Real Estate Parking Lot.
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DAY 23

2007-11-18T12:02:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, 7/22/69

Howard and Benji's birthdays!
Howard bought hot bagels for breakfast. Went into Mr. Singer’s real estate office which dates back to 1803 and was Walt Whitman’s school house. Drove to their beach house. Talked with Miriam's Mom. Feeling better. Lovely sea. Long Island Sound, rocks all pastels. Packed lunch and took kids and Mir for drive around Long Island – at least part of it. Came back to her folks’ place and kids in water. We fed all kids in trailer,
then out to dinner with the Breyers, Singers, Siegels (Mir's cousin). Very nice time.

Got permission to park trailer n beach lot near beach house. Had Siegels and Breyers in for coffee and birthday cake. Fun to be with adults!

7/22/69, Smithtown Beach Parking Lot.
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DAY 24

2007-11-17T14:21:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, 7/23/69
Drizzling and stayed around till noon. Talked with Jack, Mir and Mrs. Singer, and watched the calm, beautiful water lap at the rocks and beach.

Drove into Queens to Jerry and Sylvia’s.
Met Mark (19) and Barry (23);

also Joan and Stevie (16 months). Bobby came later and we had a nice dinner/reunion. Rain continued until evening. Jerry drove us over to see Stella and she was so excited. Drove through part of New York. Brooklyn old and some nice, some very rundown. Home by 11:00 p.m. and boys simply beat.

7/23/69, Queens, New York, Gluckins
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DAY 25

2007-11-16T14:24:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 7/24/69
Howard had car fixed at Jerry’s station. After lunch Mark went with us into New York City. Went on subway, bus, Museum of Modern Art (we had snack in sculpture garden). Very beautiful and small. Apartment buildings and all around it. Then on to Empire State Building. Long line. Mike made some paper airplanes and flew them over the city. Three went very beautifully and glided for 10 minutes or more. Very beat when we finally got out of the building. Took subway home...standing...crowded...rush hour. After dinner Stella invited Sylvia and Hal Hamburger and Neal and Susan over for coffee. We got in a heated discussion re race and U.S. economics and Viet Nam war...at least was stimulating! Also Sylvia’s sister over. Bed late.

7/24/69, Queens, New York, Gluckins.
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DAY 26

2007-11-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

Friday, 7/25/69

Left early and drove to Stamford, Connecticut to have lunch with Naomi Schreiber (Mir’s sister). Lovely home and yard full of shrubs and trees. Enthusiastic talk and then we left. Called Pearl (Nina's first cousin) in White Plains and Rabbi Shapiro (ex-Rabbi from Bev Hills) in Fairfield, Connecticut, but neither home. Drove on to Hartford, Connecticut where Howard called June Monroe (Army buddy, Wally, hadn’t seen for 15 years). She about fell over and we told her we’d be out after dinner. Drove into Massachusetts...old homes and buildings...flowers.

Ate at park and on to South Hadley Falls. Some reunion! Wally was completely surprised. They have three kids: David, 14; Mark (Tiger), 10-1/2; and Robin (5). Talked most of evening...nothing controversial.

7/25/69, Monroes, South Hadley Falls, Massachusetts

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DAY 27

2007-11-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 7/26/69

Howard decided to stay another day. June took me to a laundry and food shop. Cool day. All kids get on fine.

P.M. out with them and friends to great restaurant: Log Cabin.

All home made food. We had lobster...very good but too much work to get meat out.

7/26/69, Monroe’s, South Hadley Falls, Massachusetts
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DAY 28

2007-11-13T15:03:00.000-08:00

Sunday, 7/27/69

Early breakfast and said goodbye to the Monroe's. Misty a.m. and left on Massachusetts Turnpike for the coast. Drizzling most of the time. So many old, beautiful homes around – 1700 and 1800. Very cool and certainly not summer weather. Made error. Drove inland in Massachusetts and cut to coast in New Hampshire. Went to huge antique store. Saw much and pretty good prices, but most too awkward to carry with us. New Hampshire just reeks with the past, and the little we saw of it we loved. Went to the beach and for the second time touched the Atlantic Ocean. Drove up coast to Maine.

Saw many elegant old homes – in fact, estates. Had lunch and then on to Portland. Drove to Bradbury Mountain State Park.

A perfect gem: many trees, hence much privacy. Free wood. Stayed the night. Made campfire and then began to rain.

7/27/69, Bradbury Mountain State Park, Maine. End of the week!
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DAY 29

2007-11-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

Monday, 7/28/69, Beginning of 5th Week.

Boy, did it start raining! Sorry to leave this beauty of a park, but no point staying inside the trailer. Hoped to see a lot more of Maine’s coastline, but forecast of rain for next two days, so we decided to turn inland and toward Quebec

Drove through some beautiful old towns
in Maine: Gardiner, lumber;

Augusta, the Capitol...

passed many lakes, forests and much rain. Still a state full of wonder, past exquisite beauty. Finally up near Jackman, Maine, the drizzling subsided... (now leaving the US).

We made it all the way across !! 6,060 miles
(click on map for details)

We passed through Canadian customs, no problems.

Houses...landscape changes sharply. More farms, many plainer homes and as you near Quebec get the feeling one’s in France. Looks of people, signs, etc. Very excited. The Tourist Bureau directed us to the nearest private campground and in we head. No scenery but next to the city. Didn’t have dinner ready until 8:45 p.m., then baths for all and pooped!

7/28/69, Quebec, Canada, Private Campground
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DAY 30

2007-11-11T15:22:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, 7/29/07

Drove through the Old Town...all walled in Quebec and loved it. Walked to the Citadel, which overlooks the St. Lawrence River and second largest in the world (first is Gibraltar).

Fantastic city...small streets, each building has a different door...treatment and touch. Drizzled all a.m. but still refreshing.

We watched the (very serious) Royal Guard at the Palace.

then, of course, Benji tried to make them smile.

Walked our feet off and decided to leave in afternoon for Montreal. Went over the Quebec Bridge and onto the Trans-Canada Highway past farms, small homes and beautiful forests.

Arrived in Montreal and at Camp Alouette (ugh) by 6:30 p.m.

Light dinner. Mike sick. Think plum at lunch turned his stomach...threw up twice and laid around. Howard, Benji & Danny went into pool for quick swim while I took a lukewarm to cold shower in the bath house. All of us read late. Mike had hard time sleeping...finally popped off. Howard planned our trip to the EXPO. Clear and full moon. Hope rainy spell is over.

7/29/69, Camp Alouette, Montreal, Canada
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DAY 31

2007-11-10T15:24:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, 7/30/69

Up early and drove three miles to Montreal EXPO. Just breathtaking. Went first to USA geodesic dome and now an aviary. David Singer worked on it and formal garden display.

Walked all through EXPO...some long lines (ugh). Saw 360-degree film on Canada and just great. We brought lunch...rested

and walked through more countries’ exhibits. Came into EXPO and left by modern subway. Subway station designer’s paradise. Took a free express to the second island...more fantastic buildings. Great use of aluminum tubing, canvas, rusted iron and steel, concrete.

Took boys to amusement park. Also part of fair. By then I was in state of exhaustion so Howard and boys went on various rides.

Weather cloudy, then perfectly clear, balmy. Luckily, not too crowded. Really could spend a week here. We ate dinner in a BBQ chicken place,

then took boys to the best
exhibit...Canadian Indians...fantastic masks and onto EXPO photo exhibit

Made us cry, so provoking and arranged for visitors’ comfort, something the other exhibits didn’t have. Fell into bed by 9:00 p.m.. Will never move again!

7/30/69, Camp Alouette, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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DAY 32

2007-11-09T15:36:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 7/31/69

Left Camp Alouette early and on the way to Ottawa. Stopped there to do wash and food shopped in big indoor center. Everything in French and English. Quite warm. Arrived at Fitzroy Provincial Park, 35 miles from Ottawa.

Nice campgrounds surrounded by rivers. Huge tree in our site. This is what we all love – peace in nature. BBQ’d steaks. Made campfire potatoes and onions.

We all had baseball game. Howard and B. against M., D. and me.

Went in river...little on the cool side. Boys plunged in but Howard and me chicken. Had big campfire and left only our screen door open all night so we could get the smells of the forest.

7/31/69, Fitzroy Provincial Park, Ontario •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

DAY 33

2007-11-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

Friday, 8/1/69

Picked up hitchhiker who told us about an uncrowded campground to too far. Went to Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, 30 minutes East of North Bay. Went into the Jingwakoki Campground and really nice.

Overlooks Moore Lake. Little beach area and such a sight. Some sites haven’t been used in ages and all so private! Boys swam in lake...sun out and lovely.
After dinner we went for walk and bed early.

8/1/69, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada
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DAY 34

2007-11-07T08:41:00.000-08:00

Saturday, 8/2/69

Howard and boys went fishing after breakfast until lunch. No bites...well, some but not big enough for dinner. After lunch they fished again. I cleaned trailer, made a coffee cake, Jell-O, hard-boiled eggs. Went for a walk and sat on beach, read and took a bath nap. A quiet day and needed! Late afternoon boys went swimming. I sat on beach and talked with woman. Howard slept. Late supper. Showed trailer to a few families. Went for walk and to campfire that was called off! Smells so good here. Goodnight!

8/2/69, Champlain Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada
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DAY 35

2007-11-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

Sunday, 8/3/69

Drove all along Lake Huron...really North Bay, Lake Nipissing through Sudbury. All rock and desolate, a copper mining town and smoke has killed all vegetation. Really a shock after the beautiful forests. Lunch in wayside rest. Picked a few berries. Followed on North side of North Channel to Sault Ste. Marie. So many little islands, forests, provincial parks and beauty.

Watched two lake firefighters go through the Soo Lock.
Is very old and really fascinating. Came just at right time.

Had dinner then drove on until we came to one of the Lake Superior Provincial Park – Crescent Lake. Got a site right near the lake...a gem again.

Lit fire, roasted marshmallows. Day clear and sunny so added to its success! Drove 400 miles – ugh!

8/3/69, Crescent Lake, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada
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DAY 36

2007-11-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

Monday, 8/4/69

Howard and M. went fishing early. I stayed in bed and read. B. slept until 8:40 a.m.! D. up early and made friends after breakfast, and we left for a ride all along the North side of Lake Superior. Really a scenic part. Many forests, covered islands, big and small. Very impressed. Weather cloudy and rain drops in places. Stopped for mid-a.m. coffee and drove on to another park where we 1) used their waste disposal system; 2) filled trailer with water; 3) all went in Lake for a swim.

Cold but so invigorating! 4) ate lunch there and left. Drove past Port Arthur and Fort Williams. Huge granaries...all grains brought there for Great Lakes shipping. Saw some beautiful flower and vegetable gardens in yards. Some people go all out for the few sunny months. Met our hitchhiker friend, Jay, from yesterday. Gave him a little ride...until we came to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park where we camped.

Park crowded so we had to take an average site...not too many trees. Began to rain. Late dinner and bed early.

8/4/69, Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada

DAY 37

2007-11-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, 8/5/69

Drove back into Fort Williams to food shop, do laundry. Picked up hitchhiker, Rory, nice chap originally from Ireland and last eleven years from Canada. A free soul, seaman. We passed so many lakes and through lumbering country (ugh). Decided not to drive as far and drove into Aaron Provincial Park.

Really empty. All of us went in lake swimming. All had whole lake to ourselves. So refreshing! Danny and I picked wild strawberries and red raspberries for dinner.

Rory and Howard got fire started. We BBQ’d steaks. He’s a vegetarian so big salad, etc. Played with kids, sang around campfire. Kids bed and we all talked around fire until late.

This is our trek through Canada, so far
(click on map)

8/5/69, Aaron Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada
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DAY 38

2007-11-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, 8/6/69

Rory drove with us in a terrific thunderstorm until Winnipeg, Manitoba. We parted...took each others’ addresses and will see him later in Vancouver, B.C. The minute we crossed the border the terrain changed to flat prairie land...fewer lakes. Winnipeg looks like a lovely old city...big shopping areas. We called Aunt Marge and got a snack...poured again.

Well, here's the whole trip so far.. LA to Winnipeg
(click on map)

On to Norquay Beach Provincial Park. (just NW of Winnipeg). Nice site and HOT SHOWERS! Met a nice American couple – David and Marilyn, who are now living in Newfoundland. Hot coffee with us and we talked until late at night. They may move to San Diego...a fired philosophy professor from Akron, Ohio.

8/6/69, Norquay Beach Provincial Park, Manitoba, Canada
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DAY 39, 40, 41, 42

2007-11-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 8/7 to 8/10/69

Parked our trailer in lot behind Barry and Joyce’s house and slept there Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, although Aunt Marge wanted us to sleep in her house. Very hot weather here...just like in L.A. – 80 to 90 degrees. Took kids to public pool. 10 cents for kids and 40 cents for adults! Barry and Joyce took us to a nightclub – stunk! Ate dinner one night at Aunt Marge’s and once at Aunt Bertha’s. Very good. Ate all of Uncle Saul’s fresh vegetables he grows in yard...really beautiful.

Barry, Joyce, Mr/Mrs Brown, George, Marge

Saul & Bertha

Saturday night Marge had a little gathering for us. Busy all the time although not our kind of life. Left after lunch on Sunday.

Uncle Saul had tears in his eyes and made me weep. Drove past Saskatoon into Alberta. Very hot all the way. Such beautiful farm lands. Slept in Vermillion Provincial Park. No charge...by lake and quite nice. Drove until midnight so we could make some time.

8/7 ,8, 9/69, Regina, Saskatchewan
8/10/69, Vermillion Provincial Park, Alberta
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DAY 43

2007-11-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

Monday, 8/11/69

Morning at Vermillion Provincial Park

Had such a relaxing and great ride from Vermillion into Jasper National Park. The plains give way to hilly country and finally the tremendous mountains of the Canadian Rockies.

They had very heavy rains a few days before, and all the lakes and rivers are very full. One can see some signs of overflooding. The lakes range in color from white-green to a deep azure-green. We drove on the valley floor following the Athabasca River, an early route used by explorers and trappers. We came to the area called Jasper Townsite, a lovely tourist town.

On to Wapiti Campground, one of the many all through the park. Our site is so beautiful – not far from a roaring river with other sites a distance away.

Big fire in our camp and bed early.

8/11/69, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Wapiti Campground
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DAY 44

2007-10-30T16:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, 8/12/69

A note regarding Jasper and Banff Nat'l parks.. from a website.
"The Icefields Parkway has been described as one of the most beautiful roads in the world. Each year over half a million park visitors enjoy this 230 kilometre traverse through the spectacular sub-alpine landscape between Lake Louise and Jasper"

This has been one of the highlights of our trip. First, the ride through Jasper National Park and Banff National Park,

an experience every minute: snow-covered peaks reaching up to 12,000 feet;

glacial-fed streams and lakes ranging in color from milk-gray-green to azure. We stopped numerous times to take pictures, each one more breathtaking than the last.

these 5 photos are from the
Jasper & Banff Park's websites

We now came to the Athabasca Glacier, a part of the Columbia Icefield.

We went on a snowmobile tour for 45 minutes over the glacier. What an experience: bumpy, cold and so much fun. Benji’s eyes bugged out all
the time! Stopped by a mill. Hole in the ice where the stream runs down through a crevasse and makes a large hole. Blue as can be. We walked around on glacier and enjoyed every minute of it.

Continued to drive through Banff National Park until we came to a gem of a campground: Waterfowl Lake Campground, next to teal-blue river ringed by mountains. Made a spaghetti dinner.

Went for short hike and bed early. Can hear the river roar by as we’re in bed!

8/12/69 Waterfowl Lake Campground, Banff National Park
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DAY 45

2007-10-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, 8/13/69

Drive took only one hour to get here ( Lake Louise Campground) and Howard got a spot quickly as the whole place is full of people. We unhitched trailer, drove to Lake Louise. Still as I remember it 17 years earlier. The Chateau still crawling with stuffiness! Iceland poppies all over the place! Cold.
Drove to Moraine Lake and short hike to get better view of it. Emerald green! Boys fed chipmunks and ground squirrels.

On to Banff after lunch. Really a bustling town site, larger than when I last saw it. Went to the Parks Administration grounds and saw unbelievable variety of poppies and other flowers known in this area. Walked in shops – mostly tourist junk. Went to trading post-museum and to a buffalo paddock.

Ate dinner and headed back to Lake Louise. The drive very scenic and ever-changing each hour. We actually saw one black bear and two elk feeding, otherwise all the wildlife in hiding. Went to park campfire and movie when we got back. Warmed up with hot chocolate and coffee and bed.

8/13/69, Lake Louise Campground, Banff National Park

DAY 46

2007-10-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

Thursday, 8/14/69

Left early and drove to Yoho National Park in British Columbia. Went on two side trips: one to Emerald Lake and really that unbelievable color. Had coffee on
grounds overlooking
lake

and then drove short distance to “Natural Bridge.”

The effect of rushing river water eating away at limestone and effect of soil, sand, and gravel eating away at the rock. Has cut away and is fantastic. Drove to Glacier National Park. Much narrower than Banff Jasper Parks. Full of glaciers and beauty.

Continue to town of Revelstoke and to a little park they had with park of river turned into swimming area.

Howard and boys went in and cooled off since very warm in this area. At lunch also. Then finally drive through many hills and valley to Lake Shuswap and as we thought a provincial park. Was all full and had to stay at private one across the street. Luckily got campsite in forest. Called the folks and bed.

8/14/69, Franks Campground, Shuswap Lake, B.C.
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DAY 47

2007-10-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

Friday, 8/15/69

Michael's Birthday
Left campground by 7:30 a.m. and drove to Scotch Creek. Had breakfast, then Howard and boys fished while I took shower and washed hair in trailer. We could see the red sockeye salmon in the creek, but none gave the fellows a nibble and very frustrating to all.

Later, we drove on to Kamloops.
We food-shopped and finally seeing big enough selection and good produce! Also did laundry and had lunch at 3:00 p.m., then drove through marvelous and varied hills and villages to Vancouver. Stopped at beautiful little lake to make and eat dinner. Our Michael is 11 today! Gave him a candy bar and fancy cupcakes with candles on them, with ice cream for dinner dessert! Time goes by so quickly. Got into Vancouver at 10:15 p.m. Boys all sleeping in car. Found nice city park and here we are!

8/15/69, Vancouver, B.C., City Park

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DAY 48

2007-10-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 8/16/69

Drove into City of Vancouver (downtown) and to Stanley Park. Found level space for trailer; parked it and drove a few blocks to see a parade. Boys enjoyed it. Then walked to the Hudson Bay Company to buy a few gifts. Very crowded and we left in a hurry. So many interesting people walking around. Saw the place Toby and I had stayed at 17 years ago – the Ailsa Lodge. Near Hotel Vancouver and now seems lost with all the big tall office buildings encroaching on it.

Boys played at playground while
Howard and I slept in sun near trailer.

Then took them to icy pool right on beach. Too cold so drove to other side of park and to second beach. Warm sand and all did their “own thing” for 1-1/2 hours.

(we also drove to Totem Park and Capilano Bridge State Park )

The town is so beautiful next to the waterfront and surrounded by hills and forests.
And, of course, this park is dream: free zoo, lagoons, trails, bike paths, hills, picnic areas. New delights at every turn. Ate dinner in trailer, walked through zoo, then drove through parts of town. Many smaller parks and beaches. Danny fell asleep in car. We all to drive-in for a snack, then back to our “camping parking lot.”

Turned out our lights and opened curtains to enjoy “front row” view of the city.

8/16/69, Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C.

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DAY 49

2007-10-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 8/17/69

Western Canada part of the trip
(click on map)

(we took ferry to Victoria ( and Butchart Gardens)

and back to Vancouver without trailer)

Left Vancouver in an overcast state. Drove over few bridges, through “blueberry farm” country to Rory Delany’s home. His family very nice. Sister Margaret took boys on go-cart course and thrilled. Mr. Delaney made a huge brunch. We were stuffed! left,

drove through U.S. Customs. No trouble at all.

In Washington, country very beautiful and only 100 or so miles to Seattle from Vancouver. Drove to Debbie Singer and friend Aaron Lipetzy. “Camped” on their street 1-1/2 blocks from University of Washington and on fraternity row. 2:00 a.m. and some fellows decided to use their pool! Ugh!

8/17/69, Debbie Singers, Seattle, Washington

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DAY 50

2007-10-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

Monday, 8/18/69

Took boys to Seattle Center, formerly the World’s Fair.

Took elevator up the Space Needle. Fast ride and grand view of all mountains, bays, harbors, and trees of Seattle. Not as small or as pretty as Vancouver.

Took boys to the Science Center. Saw some great films. Did lots of walking and picked up Debbie at work at the Arboretum by 4:00 p.m. We met Aaron and Howard took us all for Chinese meal. I felt very strained. No place for boys to run around. Howard and me at tight ends. After got boys to sleep in trailer. Aaron showed us some of his films as this is his major. He also has done a lot of batik and made some beautiful lamps covered with the material. Bed late.

Here's our whole trip so far.. LA to Seattle
(click on map)

8/18/69, Debbie, Seattle, Washington

DAY 51

2007-10-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, 8/19/69

Left Seattle and drove to Edmonds where we took a ferry boat ride from Edmonds to Kingston. Was so invigorating and beautiful.

We then drove on the Olympic Peninsula to Port Angeles and stopped for a quick lunch. We drove into Olympic National Park and went to the Visitor’s Information Center where we were able to see examples of plant, rock, and animal life in the area. Proceeded to the campgrounds at Mora. Light drizzle all day, but still so lovely. Found gorgeous site here – huge trees and great amount of ground bush. Just sorry weather so wet.

All on each other’s nerves. Too close quarters today. Weather lifted enough to call Paul and Jackie and go to the campfire. Saw slide of the area; very nice. Made all hot chocolate and all to bed.

8/19/69, Mora, Olympic National Park, Washington
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DAY 52

2007-10-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, 8/20/69

Steady rain and we decided to leave our “treasured” spot. Drove to the Indian Reservation around La Push. Full of campers and fishing boats but homes and area generally in a poor state. Drove over to Third Beach and since only drizzle we took the 0.9 mile hike down to the ocean. Seemed like much longer hike and absolutely marvelous path. Wood plants and mud all the way.

Could hear the constant warning of the foghorn. Beach came upon us as we turned in the forest path and is beauty. Strewn with tremendous amount of driftwood. Boys tried to dam up a small creek that was ending its journey at the sea, while Howard and I hunted for prize pieces of wood. We found an ax.

Howard made a fire and we all posed for a picture when it started to pour. Ran for the protection of the forest and started our trek back. Really pooped! One hell of a hike. Howard crapped out on the bed while I made lunch. Later drove down to Olympic National Park at Hoh Valley and the home of the rainforest. Many trees covered with moss. Found spot. I slept for 1-1/2 hours. Boys played hide and seek. Got very wet. Little walk after dinner and bed early.

8/20/69, Hoh Valley, Olympic National Park, Washington

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DAY 53

2007-10-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday, 8/21/69

Went on Ranger walk through rainforest. Able to see affect of river on forest and what rain can do – 120 inches! On top of mountains is 200 inches a year. Other side of mountain is 16 inches a year! We all enjoyed this walk; saw trees growing over “nurse logs” -- moss vine maples. Beauty. Pulled up stakes and drove to beach number three. First sunny day and so lovely. Boys swam in this cold Pacific. Found rocks and driftwood.

Fun. Drove on to Kalaloch in Olympic National Forest and luckily got one of the last spots. Unusual campgrounds. Next to sea; very wooded and each site different.

Ours sunny in afternoon. Boys went swimming again until wind started to blow. Went to campfire, dull and cold. Boys bed early and we sat by fire, drank coffee and talked.

8/21/69, Kalaloch, Olympic National Park, Washington

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DAY 54

2007-10-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

Friday, 8/22/69

Another bright, clear day. Cleaned up trailer.

Boys played endless games of hide and seek in the woods, and then we walked down to the beach. Boys in and out of the water.

We read, slept, and were lazy all day. Felt so good! Boys and Howard played ball – tag. We talked to our neighbor, campers who later gave us fish, smelt they caught for dinner. We fried them in pan over our fireplace and they are good. Learned how to fry and remove bones from them. Boys chased girls. Later, we all went to huge bonfire our neighbors started on beach. Girl came down with guitar. Beautiful voice.
Sunset exquisite and luckily Howard got picture of it. All sang, popped popcorn, and stayed until 11:00 p.m. Got boys to sleep and we did same.

8/22/69, Kalaloch, Olympic National Park, Washington

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DAY 55

2007-10-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 8/23/69

All up late. Fast breakfast and we left (regretfully) Kalaloch for points South. Drove through many ugly miles of work created by the lumber industry.
Really sickened us. Tree stumps all over or whole fields burned with smoke clogging the air and our nostrils for miles. Finally, when out of “lumber area” continued on Highway 101 past beautiful harbors, rivers, small bridges and lovely fishing towns. When we neared the Oregon border saw fishermen and campers galore. Chinook salmon country and everyone and his mother seemed to be out. Crossed a 4-mile toll bridge into Astoria, Oregon, and really a sight!
Called Mom and Dad from a visitor center and happy to hear all is well. Continued down 101 – beautiful coastline until we came to Cannon Beach where we stopped to BBQ (on the beach) filet of salmon.All ate it up and enjoyed, then made “smores.” We learned this from Kalaloch neighbors and was yummy! Got boys in PJ’s and drove down to a County beach at Garibaldi called Barview where we camped the night.

8/23/69, Barview Beach, Oregon

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DAY 56

2007-10-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 8/24/69

Benji overflooded engine and had trouble leaving earlier. Finally, all straightened and on this windy, cool, rainy (off and on) day we left for points South. Stopped in town of Garibaldi for some fresh crab and smoked tuna and crackers. Went little further past town near the beach and found blackberry (wild) bushes loaded with fruit. We parked and all grabbed buckets and went to town. We all worked and the more we picked the more we found. It was a gratifying experience for all of us.

Drove down to Tillamook and visited the cheese plant.

Stopped at rest stop outside small town of Hebo for lunch and I fell asleep. Howard and boys caught two small trout and threw them back. What a leisurely day. Clouds in and out and Tillamook Valley very beautiful. Decided to can all our berries and stopped at a market to buy sugar and jars! Camped in Lincoln City on the coast at a state park – Devils Lake S.P. Had hookups, which at this point are convenient for us (showers, hair washed and canning). Had fast dinner and we went to our first movie all summer to see 2001, A Space Odyssey. Design great; story content very weak. B. and D. fell asleep. M. inspired to draw when “home” and did so while we read. Bed late!

8/24/69, Devil’s Lake S.P., Lincoln City, Oregon

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DAY 57

2007-10-17T23:14:00.000-07:00

Monday, 8/25/69

Howard and I spent the a.m. canning our blackberries. Canned 18 pints and gave away another gallon of them. It was fun and not too hard. We all showered and washed hair and on our way by 2:30 p.m. Drove down Oregon coast.

Came to Seal Rock –jutting out quite far into surf and huge!

Howard and boys surf fished for a while. Able to walk through tide pools or lounge around on the clean empty beach. By 5:00 p.m. we left; picked up a hitchhiker, a Berkeley student who hiked through Canada and now on way to San Francisco. Only went with us for 40 miles until we came to Highway 126 and turned off for the inland route. Each town so charming; mainly fishing and lumbering. Generally our road went along the Umpqua River and still as beautiful as we remember it a few years ago. Stopped at roadside rest to make dinner – chicken (took over one hour to cook), which we ate for dessert! Put kids in PJ’s and came to Eugene, Oregon and still M. and B. still up. Got them ice cream and Howard called his folks. Sorry to hear Sam Stone had died yesterday; was a very nice man. Folks happy to hear from the boys. Boys fell asleep and we came to Whistler’s Bend

Campground (County) 13 miles from Roseburg. Had to awaken the caretaker to open up (locked across the road after 10:00 p.m.). Found level spot. Moon full and so bright. Howard and I able to walk to river. Much drier here.

8/25/69, Whistler’s Bend Oregon

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DAY 58

2007-10-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, 8/26/69

Howard and boys up early to go fishing. Such a clear beautiful little river, rushing over rocks and small logs. Place practically empty.Had bacon and eggs and our blackberry jam outside. Later, packed and left for the 70-mile ride to Crater Lake. Drove through the Cascade Range and the Umpqua River charges right through the rocks and widens out. Each turn was nicer than the last.

Came to Diamond Lake for our rest stop.

Cool here. Loads of fishing. Had coffee and roll and headed for Crater Lake.

To our surprise, we found out it was only 21 miles! Read our map wrong! When we entered the parkwe drove through pumice desert as whole area over 6,000 years ago was active volcanic nature. Drove onto Rim Drive and suddenly came up “The Lake.”

What a breathless sight: deep blue, rimmed by mountains with Wizard Island to one side. That first sight was an unforgettable one for us: chipmunks and gray Clark’s Nutcrackers around waiting for boys to feed them, which we did (although found out after that it’s better not to feed them). Drove onto Rim Village Campground and luckily got one of the last few spots.

Ben "checking out" trailer hitch.

Rather cool – about 50 degrees in late afternoon. Walked to store and got a few things. After dinner to campfire; first one indoors. Ranger had great personality and good community sing and excellent slide on bird life of Crater Lake and vicinity. Howard made nice fire. We roasted “Smores.” Believe it or not the temperature got down to 28 degrees! Brrrrrr!

8/26/69, Crater Lake, Oregon

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DAY 59

2007-10-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, 8/27/69

Went on 9:30 a.m. hike to Garfield Peak with Ranger. He walked very fast and had us all breathing hard! Able to view the Lake from higher up – each view little different and subtle. Talked about all the plant life in this area; the 50 inches of snow and 19 inches of rain. All very interesting. Mike turned back early in the hike because he felt too tired. We still went on. B. and D. held on real well. This morning a black bear came into campsite, so far from up, broke open a Styrofoam ice chest and tarpaulin from little carry-all trailer. Took what he wanted; all the while the camper stared on in disbelief! Then he moseyed up a tree and rangers trying to tempt him down and into a bear catcher they set for him. After our hike we looked for him, but he outsmarted all and split! After lunch we left Crater Lake; drove through mountains and open fields to Klamath Falls (town). Got gas and saw a mileage chart they had that L.A. only 694 miles (too close!). Continued across California border to town of Tule Lake

(we could see rows of buildings – we think – where the Japanese-Americans were “kept” during World War II).

On to Lassen National Park. All sites full so we had salmon dinner by Manzanita Lake,

then headed back two miles to overflow camp off road. Very dusty but adequate for the night.

8/27/69, Outside Lassen National Park, California

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DAY 60

2007-10-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Thursday, 8/28/69

Up and out early and drove into park. Got site surrounded by pine and manzanita.

Went to museum where we saw a film and learned about volcanic activities of this area and the lives of the local Indians. Then went to little area where a naturalist showed us artifacts of the Indians, how they wove, what they ate, etc. Very good. We walked to the store. Howard got me a small turquoise bracelet to go with my other two, for my birthday. Howard and boys rented a boat – $3 for half a day! Think that’s very reasonable. After lunch they split.

I made three more cups of blackberry jam and spaghetti sauce, and got in bathing suit and read outside. The brave chipmunks scurried all around me looking for a handout. Pine, whistling in the slight breeze and sounds so good! When it got cooler I dressed and walked along the lake until I saw Howard and the kids. They’d just rowed in from fishing and had a good time. All got chance to row and were full of enthusiasm and vitality. Barbecued our own meat. Ate outside and Howard made huge fire.

Bathed kids. Really filthy from all the loose dust. M. decided to sleep outside, so we set the cot up near the fire. He looked so happy and cuddly. We all talked by the fire. Had coffee. M to sleep and we invited couple from next site to sit by our fire. Warmer night than at Crater.

8/28/69, Lassen National Park, Manzanita Campground #B-34

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DAY 61

2007-10-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

Friday, 8/29/69

Howard got us up at 6:30 a.m. M. slept all night outside. He had such a nice smile on his face...loved it outdoors! We left Lassen (holding tank empty and H2O tank and gas full) by 8:10 a.m. Drove down to Susanville where we stopped for mid-morning snack. Drove on very good highway through Reno (ugh!) and onto North Shore of Lake Tahoe. Such a clear day. Someone in Lassen had told us how to come here and worked out very well. Luckily, in Tahoe City, we got the last campsite in William Kent U.S. Forest Service Campground.
Most difficult to maneuver into but Howard finally did it. Some job! M. stayed at site while Howard, boys and I went to town to do the laundry and food shop. All pooped! Evening drove to South Lake Tahoe (which I thought was a few miles and turned out to be 27 windy ones!). We went to an Italian restaurant for dinner (9:00 p.m.!). All fell asleep on way home.

9/29/69, William Kent U.S. Forest Service Campground, Tahoe

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DAY 62

2007-10-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 8/30/69

Absolutely perfect day. Warm clear and so mountainous. Magnificent! All read outside and then packed a lunch and went down to lake, beach. Boys took inner tube and in water all time or digging in the sand. Howard and I in water – cold but so refreshing. Really relaxing. Finally, Howard and boys rented a small sailboat for one hour and had such good time. We left beach by 5:00 p.m. Went to Truckee River where they fished a little and floated down on inner tubes. Had spaghetti dinner at our picnic table. Still warmer than we’ve been in the mountains for a long time. After I asleep boys “baby-sat” while Howard and I drove into town for coffee and dessert. Bed late.

8/30/69, William Kent U.S. Forest Service Campground, Tahoe

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DAY 63

2007-10-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 8/31/69

Another glorious day. After breakfast (9:45 a.m.!) we floated down the Truckee River on three inner tubes and two rafts. Did it a couple of times. So quiet and peaceful. Had lunch then spent the afternoon swimming and sunning by the lake. We’re all very tan and sunburned!

Barbecued steak. Had big campfire. When boys asleep we went for a little walk. So many stars out. Almost seemed unreal.

8/31/69, William Kent U.S. Forest Service Campground, Tahoe (6,235 ft.)

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DAY 64

2007-10-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

Monday, 9/1/69 & Tuesday, 9/2/69

After unplugging our holding tank (stopped up by toilet paper!), getting water, we headed away from Tahoe on big divided highway over Donner Pass (7,300 ft.) and into Auburn. Dropped to 2,000 or lower and really hot. Drove through Sacramento, San Joaquin Valley, and all so damned hot we were miserable (98 degrees). Finally, came to Saratoga and turned off for Big Basin. A damn car turned sharp curve too close to us and trailer scraped into dirt embankment, scratching right side of trailer. We all sick about it. Road very windy and when finally “home” in Big Basin (4:00 p.m.) got a large beautiful site next to Opal Creek. Full of redwood, oak, scrub, birds.

Walked around the park headquarters. Got deer food for boys to feed

while Howard and I relaxed in coffee shop with dessert. Had taco dinner, late. Went for night walk to call folks. Came back for dessert and a raccoon came almost up to us; sat up looking for food. Really scared me for some crazy reason. We all showered (provided here), washed hair. Boys to sleep and Howard and I read by Coleman lantern outside till late. All people gone as Labor Day over, and we feel as if we run this whole place!

9/1/69 Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Relaxed second day here in Big Basin (one of our favorite campsites).. We drove (without trailer) to Felton and took a ride on the Narrow Gauge "Skunk" Railroad...

Then back to campsite for dinner and our last night on this Big Trip adventure

9/2/69, Big Basin Redwoods State Park

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DAY 65

2007-10-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, 9/3/69

Packed up and made the few hour trip to Los Angeles and "Home"

64 days out "on the road", 12,220 miles

Here's the whole trip!!
(click on map)

9/3/69 Los Angeles, California

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Epilogue

2007-10-07T18:51:00.000-07:00

What can I say..
It was truly a wonderful trip !!.. This blog would not have been possible without Nina's diary.. detailing every day's activities

Even through traveling all those miles in those close quarters in the Travelall, and the close
sleeping in the Airstream, we all got along really well.

All of us that took this "Big Trip" still talk about different highlights.. There were so many great experiences.. but I think we all agree that the Columbia Icefields, and the snowmobile trip across the Athabasca Glacier is about at the top of our list...

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Marea

2007-10-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in the introduction to this blog, Marea, our daughter, was not yet born at the time of this "Big Trip".

Although outdoor activities, especially camping, are not now Marea's favorite activity, she did go on a few camping trips... all in her early years, before she was able to protest convincingly.

Here are a few photos from those trips she DID take. (Marea was approximately 3 or 4 months old in these first few photos.

Mammoth Lakes, California
Camp High Sierra, 1972

Most of these photos are in Big Basin Redwoods State Park
(our favorite)

Public swimming pool near
Big Basin State Park.

And, of course, horseback riding with Uncle Bernie.

Fin

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