Page 7 - THE CHRONICLE OF AN AUTO-CAMP TRIP BOOK I

While out for a walk one evening, at the time of our resi—
dence in Philadelphia, my wife and I got a small road map of the
United states, took it home and tossed it on the desk. It prob-
ahly lay there a long time, when for a lack of something else to
do, we started measuring distances from one place to another.
moo miles to Miami, 3200 miles to the West Coast, 10000 by
road around the perimeter of our Country, or 15000 as the sharp
est route to the capitals of all the states.
This imaginary traveling
became
quite a game, routing our-
selves thru all sorts of places. Among others was one which in-
cluded National Parks. We were quite enthused about this last
scheme and even mentioned it to our friends. Everyone agreed
that it was a splendid idea if one had the time and none
M. (the initial of my wife's first name) and I cont nod to
talk and plan about .‘Iational Parks. it. thought that she would
prefer the Grand Canyon to all others while my favorite was
Yellowstone. the result of all these discussions was that we he-
eame quite familiar with all the parks and what they featured.
We were getting pretty well warmed up to the idea of vis-
iting one of these parks, when in the Spring of 1952, 1 receiv-
ed notice from my office telling me o lot of had news. They
were making a cut in the force and that l was included.
This was rather a hard blow on our plans for a vacation, so
we just iolded up that little road map and the various routes
which we had made and laid it all aside. I started looking for
a position. Made inquiries at many places with no results. Wait-
ed a week then tried again. And so over and over again. During a
period of five months I could not locate anything. inany general
contracting offices were closed and othere were doing the same,
for there was no building Work going on. This condition was faz- 4mm
cheerful since my livelihood depended upon the building game.
Something had to be done. We could not maintain our pres-
ent scheme of living for any extended length of time. We agreed
to give up the apartment, put our furniture in storage and hunt
for some cheaper place. Perhaps a furnished room. Why not a
small place in the country. Then a tent was mentioned. I can‘t
say that any idea had our whole hearted support. Even camping
could not he considered since the Fall season was near. How-
evcr one could go south. Well WW not.’hut how ahcut transporta—
tion. We had no car nor could we drive.
After much talk and the preparing of estimates of cost we
decided to try an auto—camp trip featuring Rational Parks. This
route, playfully made many months before, was brought out and
dates set for the various sections of our Country with regard to
temperatures of the Seasons. This was quite a task of planning
for a years trip.
Put our furniture in storage the day after Labor Day 1932,
and went to my Parent's home in Allentown where we fitted out.
Got instruction in driving and took the test. The state cop
gave me a present of his signature on my learners permit. I be-
lieve that everyone passed that day. Then M. surprised us hy

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