Holidays With Grandpa Page 4

Holidays with Grandpa  

During the mid summer of 1995, me, my brother Ed, and Grandpa took a road to Chattanooga Tennessee. 

Ruby Falls Brochure, Quasi Interesting

 

The Chattanooga Tennessee Road Trip

It was the summer of 1995,  my grandfather was not sleeping very well and got tired very quick.  I had to make several stops during this road trip including an overnight stop in Wapakoneta, Ohio.  

When I got to Chattanooga Tennessee, I did not stay at the same hotel for the entire duration of the trip.  Each day I had to pack up and change motels.  Each day we did some driving around Lookout Mountain and I remember stopping at a cave opening on Route US hwy 72 for a few minutes to for a quick pit stop.  Me and my brother went inside the opening and there was not much to see inside.  Most of sight seeing was primarly driving from place to place.  due to my grandfather's lack of sleep, we did not get visit the key attaractions, Ruby Falls and Rock City.

Kings Lodge Post Card. A former motel on East Ridge

After checking into the Kings Lodge and doing a load of laundry,  I wanted to go for an afternoon drive through the Bachman Tunnel.  After going through the tunnel, I stopped at a K-Mart store and discovered a crazy playground.  This playground features a castle like play structure with swings and slides.  

Pioneer Frontier Park, a fancy playground in Chattanooga Tennessee

 

 

After playing for 20 minutes, my grandfather honks the horn to call me back to the truck as it's time to go.  As we were leaving the park, my grandfather said "That's the best playground yet!"  We returned to the motel via the Bachman Tunnel and called it a day.

The Drive Home

The decision was made that we decided to go home because my grandfather has not been sleeping well.  Once on the highway, I realized I forgotten my sleeping bag at the motel.  My grandfather was willing to take me back to the motel and retrieve my sleeping bag from the room.  I had to make several pit stops along the way because my grandfather gotten tired.  One of the stops included an overnight stop in Wapakoneta, Ohio at some random motel off Interstate 75.  

 

The Infinity Tunnel, Neil Armstrong Museum, Dayton Daily News

The next morning, my grandfather took me to the Neil Armstrong Air and Space Museum.  I remember the infinity tunnel between the Metorite Exhibit and the Astro Theatre.  I was intrigued because of all the lights and the infinite reflection.  

 

Michigan Hwy 10 has two tunnels. Alps Roads

 

 This Highway takes you to the Tunnel to Canada.  Missed  out on cheap gas! Alps Roads

 

After visiting the museum, it was time to hit the highway and head back to Canada.  I wanted to take the Tunnel back to Canada.  The highway I took my grandfather on in Detroit MI had a couple of short tunnels.  Taking that highway made us miss the gas station and liquor store   My grandfather wanted to get gas since it was cheaper in the USA.  After a few more stops,  We made it back home.

Conclusion

This was my last major road trip into the USA with my grandfather before getting a truck camper.  I have made a few more shot trips into Niagara Falls, NY

Page Index

Holidays With Grandpa Page 1, 1986 - 1991

Holidays With Grandpa Page 2, 1991 - 1992

Holidays With Grandpa Page 3, 1992 - 1995

Return to Phil's Adventures and Holidays

Photo References

 

Highway Tunnel on M-10, Alps Roads, https://www.alpsroads.net/roads/mi/m-10/

Pioneer Frontier Park, East Ridge News Online, https://www.eastridgenewsonline.com/town-center-proposed-mcbrien-site/

The Infinity Tunnel, Neil Armstrong Museum, Dayton Daily News, https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/wapakoneta-museum-celebrates-neil-armstrong-most-famous-trip/qSOdRR3pfmvlLJZOgrHMMP/ 

Ruby Falls Brochure, Quasi Interesting, http://quasi-interestingparaphernaliainc.blogspot.com/2008/02/ruby-falls-brochure.html

 

Camping With Grandpa, Page 4, 1997, The Terry Trailer Year

Camping With Grandpa, 1997

The Terry Trailer Year

This is similar to my grandfather's trailer

In 1997, my grandfather sold the truck camper on Auto Trader and bought a used Terry Travel Trailer on Mt Albert Side Road.  The trailer was fixed up by spring and ready to go.  I went to Grand Island KOA Kampground, Layzee Acre Campground, and Hilbilly Campground.

 

William Stewart and Daughters Family Camp (Sun Retreats, Blue Mountain), Thornbury, Ontario

 

This was the first trailer park that I picked to take the Terry Trailer on it's first voyage.  We were thinking about going to Jell-E-Bean Park in Wasage Beach or a campground in Thornbury, ON.  I decided to go to the campground in Thornbury because of what they offered.  The facilities included the playground and a small rec hall inside a school portable.  There was daily activities including Karaoke, and Bingo.  I remember winning a few games of bingo at this campground.

Layzee Acres Campground,

Layzee Acres Campground is located in Sebright, Ontario.  This campground was pretty large.  This campground featured a tr  I stayed there with my grandfather for a weekend.  Layzee Acres did not have a whole lot to do besides playing in the playground. 

Niagara Falls KOA Kampground, Grand Island. May and June 1997

KOA Train Depot, The Private Gate to Fantasy Island

I went Grand Island three times in 1997.  I thought the adjacent amusement park, Martin's Fantasy Island would be open that I could hop the train and spend a few hours.  When I was there in the spring, the amusement park was not open for the season yet.  I got to do the usual window shopping excursions to Military Road Wal Mart, K Mart, and Hills Department Store.  I liked going to Wal Mart and Hills because the staff wear Clip On Name Tags. 

Hillbilly Campground, Gravenhurst

The Daily Hillbilly Tour, Roots RV

For the month of July and August, my grandfather booked a seasonal site at Camp Hillbilly in Gravenhurst.  This campground featured a rec hall, pool, daily wagon ride, nature trails, and the camp store.  During the day, I listened to the truck radio, walked around the grounds, played on the swings, played Bingo every Monday evening.  On the Canada Day weekend, there was a dance in the rec hall.  I did not get to do as many camping trips in August, 1997 because my grandfather sold the home in Queensville and moved to Alcona Beach.  I did one more camping trip to Camp Hillbilly before taking the trailer to Grand Island, NY for a few days.

Return to Niagara Falls, KOA Kampground, Grand Island, NY Labour Day Weekend

 

Flying Bobs, I rode this ride several times, Fantasy Island Memories

 

This was the best visit to Grand Island KOA Kampground because Martin's Fantasy Island was OPEN! On first day, I hopped the train and spent the afternoon riding the rides at Fantasy Island (Niagara Amusement Park).  This is the only campground that has its own private entrance to a theme park.  I rode on the Flying Bobs, the gondola wheel, Crazy Bus, Scrambler, Tilt-A-Whirl, Sea Ray, the Antique Cars, the Carousel, and the train. 

Conclusion

1997 was a great year because the Terry Trailer was large and spacious.  When we did any excursions to town, the trailer can be left at the campsite.  The trailer was less time consuming when it came to hooking and unhooking from the truck.  During this season, I got to play bingo and win a few games and lose too.  I got to take a ride on the 407 for the first time and rumble stripping with the trailer hooked up.  1997 has been a busy summer because my grandfather sold the home and found a smaller home in Innisfil.  My grandfather sadly past away in January 1998.

 

Page Index

Camping With Grandpa, Getting the Camper

Camping With Grandpa, 1995

Camping With Grandpa, 1996

 

Return to Phil's Adventures and Holidays

Photo Refrences

Flying Bobs at Martin's Fantasy Island, Memories of Fantasy Island Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/FantasyIslandMemories/

Camp Hillbilly Wagon Ride, Roots RV Camp Hillbilly, https://www.rootsrv.ca/camphillbilly

Camping With Grandpa, Page 3, 1996

 Camping With Grandpa, 1996  

 

High Falls,  A perfect place for Camper Special! discovermuskoka.ca

This was the first full season of camping with my grandfather in the truck camper.   I travelled to various camp grounds in central Ontario and Leweston, NY.  During this summer adventure, I started to obsess about name tags after staying at a KOA Kampground.

Canada Day Weekend, Return to Gravenhurst KOA Kampground

On the first long weekend of summer, I got to return to the Gravenhurst KOA Kampground for a few days before my brother heads off to Cadet Camp at Blackdown.  During my stay, I liked playing on the swings since they are quite unique. The Swingsets were custom built out of 20 foot poles instead of poles.  The swings were attached to the cross beam at one point and you can spin 360 degrees in mid air.  In the evenings, there were activities including Bingo and movies in the barn.  I remember watching The Wizard of Oz on the Big TV.

Parry Sound KOA Kampground

Perry Sound KOA Office and Store

 

This weekend was just me and Grandpa,  My brother went to BACSTC Blackdown for 3 weeks to take Basic Band.  I had the top bunk to myself for this trip.  Parry Sound KOA did not have as much to do there.  I found something to do there.  I walked the nature trails, jumped on the trampoline, and played on the swings. During my stay at Perry Sound.  I took a road trip into Perry Sound and climbed the fire tower.

Islandview Trailer Park and Balsam Lake Provincial Park

Islandview Trailer Park, Coboconk Chamber of Commerce

It was the second weekend without my brother, this time we took the truck camper east.  The destination was Kwartha Lakes and stayed in two different camp grounds.  The first campground we picked was Islandview Trailer Park. Islandview  is a small trailer park south of Coboconk, Ontario.  This was the smallest campgrounds I stayed at.  There was not much to do besides play on the swings or talk to the staff.  The Facilities included a playground and a small rec hall with two video games and a broken pinball machine.   

I agreed with my grandfather and said that Islandview Trailer park had very little to do.  We decided to move the camper to Balsam Lake Provincial Park for a night.  This stay I remember going to a store on the park's edge.  This store had a few video games including a unique Breakout/Arkanoid game.

Labour Day Weekend at Gravenhurst KOA Kampground

As School was coming around the corner, it was time for one more trip to Gravenhurst KOA.  This KOA trip included the usual excursion to High Falls for Camper Special and a road trip to Dorset, Ontario.  I remember climbing the Dorset Lookout Tower and visiting the General Store.  One evening I attended a Karaoke for the first time on the Big TV in the Iconic Barn.

Niagara Falls North KOA Kampground

An End of Summer Trip to Niagara Falls North, Niagarafallsusa.com

 To wrap up the summer, we decided to take the truck camper to the USA.  This was exciting since It was the first time taking the camper over the border.  Before making our way to camp, we went window shopping at Wal-Mart, K Mart, Hills, and Tops Friendly Market. The campground was tree covered and plenty of shade.  The amenities included a playground, where I spent a lot of time during my stay.

Selling The Camper, Buying a Name Tag at the Flea Market

A Name Tag Engraver, with computer.  Similar to the one at the 400 Market

We realized that having a truck camper was too much work loading it on and off the truck after each trip.  In October, 1996 My grandfather attempted to sell the camper in an auction at the 400 Flea Market.  I got to spend an entire day walking the 400 Flea Market and stumbled upon an engraving vendor in a booth in the northwest corner of the market.  I talked to the guy in the booth and asked to have a name tag with my name engraved. He offered to make two tags for 5 Bucks!  One name tag was orange and white and the second was red and white.

With no success, the truck camper did not sell at the 400 Flea Market Fall Auction, my grandfather attempted to sell the camper at Pollard's Auction Barn.  To no avail, the camper did not sell.  My grandfather listed the camper on the Auto Trader and than it sold.

Conclusion

1996 was a great summer of camping at several campgrounds.  One campground was a dud, and the rest were great.  I loved Gravenhurst KOA the best because it had an amazing swing set, the barn had a variety of video games, and having Camper Special at High Falls.  One memory is going for an early morning ride in the camper's top bunk to High Falls.

Page Index

Camping With Grandpa, Getting the Camper

Camping With Grandpa, 1995

Camping With Grandpa, 1997, The Terry Trailer Year

Return to Phil's Adventures and Holidays

Photo References

Gravograph VXM, https://inkoovintagecomputing.wordpress.com/2018/01/31/gravograph-vxm/

High Falls, Discover Muskoka, https://www.discovermuskoka.ca/listings/high-falls-and-little-high-falls-216/

Islandview Trailer Park Sign, Coboconk Norland Chamber of Commerce, https://www.coboconknorland.ca/directory/islandview-trailer-park

Niagara Falls North KOA Kampground photo, https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/directory/niagara-falls-north-lewiston-koa/

Parry Sound KOA Office and Store, Trip Advisor, https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Hotel_Review-g181742-d5040370-Reviews-Parry_Sound_KOA-Parry_Sound_Northeastern_Ontario_Ontario.html

Camping with Grandpa, Page 1, Getting the Camper

Camping With Grandpa

Looking for a Truck Camper

As the cost of staying in hotels stated to increase, my grandfather decided to get a truck camper in 1995.  Me and my grandfather looked at several truck campers around central Ontario.  I looked at one camper in Sharon, but it looked too old and worn out.  After looking at that first camper, My grandfather picked up a copy of Auto Trader Magazine to look for a truck camper.  The first camper we went to was in a trailer park in Orr Lake.  Upon arrival in Orr Lake, The camper was sold to another group of people.  

The second truck camper was located in Minden, Ontario.  The drive was quite a lengthily drive since Minden is off the beaten path and I never been to Minden until My grandfather decided to look at the a camper there.  The journey to Minden was quite unique since there were lots of rocks on Highway 35.  There was one high rock cut north of Norland that caught my eye.

This is the Highest rock cut on Highway 35

The Camper in Minden was a typical 15 foot truck camper with a double bed on the top of the cab.  The camper had a vintage love meter plaque on the cab bunk.  We decided not to take this camper because it looked old.

Me and my grandfather finally locked on a truck camper on Highway 48 in Ballantre, Ontario.  This camper featured a fold out bunk.  We had to work hard to detach the frame from the camper in order to get it onto the pick up truck.  Once we got the camper home, it was parked in the garage for further fixing before it was taken out on it's first voyage to Gravenhurst KOA Kampground on Labour Day weekend.

This is a similar camper that my grandfather bought

Page Index

Camping With Grandpa, 1995

Camping With Grandpa, 1996

Camping With Grandpa, 1997, The Terry Trailer Year

Return to Phil's Adventures and Holidays 

 

Photo References

Rock Cut Photo, Miners Bay Rock Cut, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:35_Rock_cut_at_Miners_Bay.png

Truck Camper photo was borrowed from The Bicentennial Camper Truck, https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/the-bicentennial-camper-truck-1976-chevy-c20-camper-special-sycamore-camper/127565/page1/

Hut! The Myrtle Beach, SC Story

Hut!  The Myrtle Beach Story

In 1989,  I wanted to go to Myrtle Beach for March Break.  In the weeks leading up to March Break, Mrs Booth gave me a travel brochure for Ocean Park Resort  In 1989, my relatives took me to Niagara falls for two nights.

When I returned from school after March Break, Mrs Booth brought her photo album from her trip to Myrtle Beach,  there were tones of pictures including the tunnels.  When I saw the tunnel picture for the first time, I thought it was an alternate route to Niagara Falls.

In the late fall or early winter of 1989, My grandfather asked me where would I like to go for March Break, I said, Myrtle Beach.  He said OK.  I was so happy to take the trip.  I saw many bridges including the Burlington Skyway, the Peace Bridge, and other great bridges I never crossed.  I Passed through the East River Mountain and Big Walker Mountain Tunnels.

In Myrtle Beach, my grandfather took me to a railway track that is not too far from Intercoastel Waterway Drawbridge

Intercoastal Waterway Drawbridge, Bridgehunter.com,
https://bridgehunter.com/sc/horry/bh42594/

My grandfather took a picture of me beside the Railway crossing gate.  I climbed onto an ACL locomotive while my grandfather shot the picture.

Hut!

The Lays Chips Contest

The Hostess Chips SNES Contest

In the Summer of 1992, Me and my brother bugged my grandfather to pick up a small bag of chips every day because there was a contest where I could win a Game Boy, SNES, Yoshi, or Metroid II: Return of Samus.  Inside each bag of chips there is a red ticket that features a half or quarter of a picture of the prize.  In order to win, you must collect all the tickets to complete the picture.

To Win the SNES you must find four tickets in bags of chips because the picture of the SNES is broken into four quarters.  If you want to win a Game Boy, you must find three tickets that feature the top, middle, and the bottom of the Game Boy.  If you want to win either Yoshi for the NES or Metroid II: Return of Samus, you must find both halves of the picture.  If you manage to get the pictures complete, you must send in the pictures and answer the skill testing question in order to claim your prize.  My brother figured out the skill testing question and he told me that the answer was 9.

My brother was wanting to win a SNES, and I jumped on the band wagon with buying a bag of chips every day while driving around looking at jobs with my Grandfather.  I was very unlucky with this contest because I got the same tickets in different bags.  The face of the chip bags featured a picture of Mario riding on Yoshi from Super Mario World.

In the fall of 1992, the contest closed and I gave up.  In the Summer of 1993, Coca Cola had a contest where I could win a million dollars.

 
Keep your Ears to the Tracks.

The Hotels I stayed in Page III

Holidays with Grandpa Page 3

In 1993 - 1995, I stayed in a Red Roof Inn in Willimasville, NY, Econo Lodge in Williamsville, NY, Days INN, Niagara Falls,ON ,and Master Hosts Inn, Niagara Falls, ON  I have stayed in the Summit Motor INN and the Lockport INN a few more times.

Red Roof INN, Williamsville, NY

In the fall of 1992, my grandfather took me to the Red Roof Inn in Williamsville, NY.  This hotel is off Interstate 90 and Transit Road.  The room was the usual two bed room with a heater.  All of the Red Roof Inns I stayed in did not have a swimming pool to have fun in.  At these hotels, I just ran around the building on both floors.  I have stayed in this hotel twice.

Red Roof Inn, Richmond VA

In March of 1993, my Grandfather took me to another Red Roof Inn in Richmond, VA en-route to Myrtle Beach.  When I checked in, it was a late evening and we slept the night and headed to Myrtle Beach early the next morning

Poindexter Hotel, Myrtle Beach, SC

In March 1993, My Grandfather stayed in the Poindexter Hotel in Myrtle Beach.  When I arrived in Myrtle Beach, I was caught in the Storm of the Century. The entire week while I was at Myrtle Beach, the weather was cold that you would need a spring jacket.  I went to Treasure Island for a game of mini golf and visited Maze Mania.  This hotel had four buildings.  I was in the Dunes, that was the fourth building.  The building was the third Breezeway hotel I ever stayed in.

I enjoyed Maze Mania because it was the first life size maze I visited.  The object of the maze is to find the cheese and exit the maze within the time limit.  When you start the maze, you will punch your time card, enter the maze, find the Cheese and punch it, Find the exit of the maze, and Punch out.  If you beat the posted time, you will win a free T-shirt.  People can play the maze as many times through the day as you wish.  If you been to Maze Mania several times, the maze is changed daily.

Econo Lodge, Williamsville, NY



In 1993, I stayed in the Econo Lodge in Williamsville, NY.  This was the only hotel room that had three beds.  I was very happy about this hotel room rental because I had my own bed for the night. 

Days INN, Niagara Falls, ON


In 1994, my Grandfather decided to stay on the Canadian Side for a weekend excursion the the USA because of the Canadian Dollar was falling.  There are two Days inn hotels in Niagara Falls,  This hotel is located on Victoria Ave.  The hotel room was across the hall from the elevator and it featured floor to ceiling windows.  During this trip I went to Smokin Joes to get gas, and shopping on Military Road.

Master Hosts INN, Niagara Falls, ON, Victoria Ave

In March 1994, my grandfather took a March Break weekend to Niagara Falls.  The Master Hosts Inn was loctated on Clifton Hill and Oneida Lane.  The hotel room was on the second floor and it overlooked a giant Castle Dracula Sign

The hotel featured a cold swimming pool on the third floor and it overlooked Castle Dracula too.  The Castle Dracula sign was my favourite thing that I looked at during my three day stay at Master Hosts Inn.  The hotel offered free admission tickets to five Clifton Hill Attractions including the House of Frankenstein, Haunted House, Fun House, Adventure Dome, Genesis World Records Museum.  At the time, I did not want to go into House of Frankenstein, Haunted House, and the Fun House.  My Grandfather took me in to the Adventure Dome because it was not scary.  The Adventure Dome film takes you on a roller coaster, street car in San Francisco, and a freeway at Breakneck Speeds.  The film ends with a scary crash which scared the living daylights out of me.  On the second day, My grandfather took me to USA for some shopping along Military Road at Hills, Tops, and K Mart.  I did get to take a dip into the the third floor swimming pool and I complained that it was way too cold.

Days INN, Niagara Falls, ON, Stanley Ave

March 1995,  This was the last hotel trip my Grandfather took me on before getting a truck camper in the summer.  This is the second Days Inn in Niagara Falls I stayed in.  This hotel is located on Stanley Ave and Murray Hill.  The hotel was a 15 storey high-rise and I loved running up and down the stairs in this tall building.  My brother raced me up and down in the elevator while I was in the stairwell.  Over the weekend, I got a telephone call form the office because of the elevators were being tied up with my brother racing me in the stairway.  The swimming pool was warmer than the Master Hosts Pool and I was able to enjoy it.

On this trip I visited the Niagara Falls Museum, Minolota Tower Centre, and the Skylon Arcade.

The R 360 is a fully motion based video game cabinet

In the Skylon Arcade, I stumbled upon this game where the person is strapped in.  I only seen this game once.  I was attracted to this game because you are strapped in while it moves 360 degrees while you are playing.  This video game cabinet was built and manufactured by Sega. 

Conclusion

The Holidays my Grandfather took me on were quite memorable.  I enjoyed looking at a Castle Dracula sign at Master Hosts Inn, visiting Maze Mania in Myrtle Beach, and the good old driving around and visiting random places like Ohio Caverns.  The best hotel for a warm swimming pool is the Summit Motor Inn in Niagara Falls, NY.  I got to stay at the Summit Motor Inn Several times.  In January 1998, my grandfather passed away and these memories live forever.

Page Index

Holidays With Grandpa Page 1, 1986 - 1991

Holidays With Grandpa Page 2, 1991 - 1992

Holidays With Grandpa Page 4, The Chattanooga Road Trip 

Return to Phil's Adventures and Holidays