This story was written by the sister of my Uncle Dick Mack, Jacqueline Rowland. We are compiling great stories for children that help them understand life beyond a video game and here's a notes from her about the family camping trips they shared:

          Camping trips were such a big part of the lives of my four kids that I need to write a little story-- not of my childhood, but theirs.  We had so many adventures.  Once a rattlesnake drew back his head and shook its tail, right in camp.  He was promptly dispatched.  We saw ‘coons, and chipmunks, big bears and toads galore, and have many warm memories.

        When they were quite young we stayed in California, but did branch out and spent a lot of time in Oregon.  So here goes:

Camping Trips-- Getting There 

By J.J. Rowland

©2015 Olive Leaf Publications       

              When I picture our many, many family camping trips, I can see four excited little children and myself, stowing all our things in boxes and bags:  sleeping bags, fish poles tackle boxes and food.  Hopes were high and smiles lit their faces.  All of us enjoyed the family bonding from a camping trip.  All sorts of plans were made and maps studied before school was even over for the summer.   When school ended, it was "Oregon -- here we come."

        It might be the MacKenzie River campground, with the cute little red pumps—which were our water supply. It might be Wickiup Reservoir.  There were many different places we tried out.

          It took us a day or two to pack everything and see the car was in good working order for the long trip. This was Daddy's department. He was a good car mechanic. We had lots of shopping to do.  We mustn't forget the marshmallows and hot dogs and mosquito repellent. Were our bathing suits in good shape?  Beach towels?   Did we need new air mattresses to put under our sleeping bags?

        Finally, finally, it was time to load up the station wagon, we had named, “The Big Blue Boat,” since it was long and roomy.  We needed lots of room to take the six Rowlands: Daddy Jack, Mommy, Chris, Ralph, Cindy and Larry and we mustn't forget Grandpa.  He loved to go along, and his job was to make the campfires.

         We set the alarm clock to get a good early start, and could make it to the Oregon border, late in the day if we didn't have trouble.

         Finally everyone was in-- the tent, the food, the people, the poles, were all in place.  It was time to go.  We hadn't gone too far when “Bam,” there was a blow out. What a surprise!   Daddy had to stop and take out a lot of boxes to find the spare tire.  Would a spare tire make it all the way to Oregon? Probably not.  In the next town we stopped at an auto store and bought a new tire.  It didn't pay to take chances.  It took several hours to install the new tire.  That slowed us down.

           We stopped now and then, as we sped along the road, to pause at a rest stop and catch our breath. We would eat a cookie or two, and splash cool water on our faces.  It was also fun to pull off and have lunch at a hamburger stand. Grandpa would go to the store and buy comic books for everyone. We played travel games in the car, and when everyone got tired and noisy, we’d have a quietness contest. "Who can be as quiet as a mouse for twenty minutes?"   Ralphie never won the contest, but Cindy usually did.

          At long last, the sun went down and we came to a sign that said, “Oregon.”  We had reached the border and could find a temporary camping spot for the night.

        It was a relief to stretch tired legs and arms, breathe the wonderful fresh air, and eat our supper of chili beans and salad on a long picnic table.

        "I just saw a chipmunk.  “said Chris.  "Daddy, can I go fishing yet?"

        "Tomorrow,” said Jack,” I need you to help me pitch the tent.  You can hold the flashlight for me."

         Camping meant a vacation from housework and the boys were glad to eat on paper plates, which meant no dishes to do.

        As we stretched out in our large blue tent, the children quickly fell asleep, to dream of a lovely body of water where everyone caught lots and lots of fish.