Page 80 - Card Photo Flipbook-December 2022

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Travel as a Family (early years)
Over the years the Card family had the privilege to have yearly vacations both across Canada and
into the United States. The majority of these were driving vacations. Many of the summer trips were
“down east” visiting Grandparents, many relatives and the Sydenham, Ontario cottage. The long
boring drives though northern Ontario became tolerable once “Walkmen” were invented to keep the
kids entertained. A number of trips also explored areas easily accessible from Saskatoon including
the Rockies, Victoria and especially Yellowstone Park – where Geoff had to be kept on his leash to
avoid falling into the “steamies” and “bubblies”.
Driving meant lots of hotels - the kids always wanted a pool - Bob and Helen were always fiscally
responsible. Restaurants were a luxury - many a Spam and Underwood’s chicken spread sandwich
were eaten at picnic sites. The only motel left in Kenora on one hot summer night had no air
conditioning or screens on the windows became the last straw for the kids. All this was much to
Geoff's dismay - whose nickname became "The Bug" because of his immense dislike for same!
Much as Sharon griped about sitting facing backwards in the Vista Cruiser (not recommended if you
get car sick!!) and about sitting between the “boys” who were fighting these are all treasured
memories now. Helen did at least half of the highway driving and was a great navigator, never getting
lost on these trips. Many alternate routes were taken when heading east often going by the U.S.
With the social media storm over masks and other COVID-19 mandates it is interesting to reflect that
many of these trips were BEFORE seat belts were mandatory! That law came into effect in
Saskatchewan in 1977 - the same year The Toronto Blue Jays played their first game, Elvis Presley
died and “Star Wars” introduced us to Luke, Leia and Darth Vader.