Yes indeed times have changed. Travelling is not what it once was . Camping using a tent is much less common. Thank goodness ! Many in their later lives enjoy travelling as a result of this change. In the 1950’s travel became more popular than ever before Men came home from overseas , got married, had became fathers and wanted to enjoy life. As the car became more popular and more affordable a great many hit the road to see what their corner of the world was all about. Vancouver made the great exodus There were several areas to visit. The Sunshine coast , perhaps a misnomer. Vancouver Island ,The interior, upcountry , the kootnys and the popular Okanogan Valley .
Those that went to Vancouver Island might go to see BC’s capital Perhaps they had family there. The cost of living was higher as to the cost of transporting freight via boat. The ferries were well appointed . Crisp white linen tablecloths , beautiful china and cutlery.. The waiters were well trained, The dining room and chefs could stand up to the any place in the world The chefs were top notch as was the service. For most this was something special you might but not do every trip.Most packed a lunch or ate in the cafeteria. It was a much longer trip in those days. There were gift shops ,post cares and lots of photos snapped with a Kodak brownie box camera. Many a photo is moulding in boxes of those days on the BC ferry. There were names like Princess of Nanaimo. Princess of Victoria. They were run as well as any well trained navy the men below working hard to get everyone to their destination in a timely luxurious manner.
The sunshine coast was an experience in itself The ferries there were small and often unreliable Cancelled sailings were common and just a part of the experience. The scenery was gorgeous The red bark of the arbutus trees catching your eye as you sailed off into the sunset. In the 60’s There was a tv show called the Beachcombers It was very popular and showcased the lifestyle that may no longer exist. Molly”s Reach in Sechelt became and is still popular Whether it grew out of the show or became part of it is long since forgotten. Fishing forestry and some tourism were the main industries of the area
I expect most of the trips to and from the ,.Kootenays was experienced by families visiting families. The main economy of the area was forestry and mining. The roads were narrow the distances long and great if all you wanted to see was trees and mountains.
The most popular place for people from the Vancouver area was the Okanogan Valley. The city of choice was Penticton .In the summer it became a hive of activity. Orchards and vineyards were everywhere In the spring the scent of apple and cherry blossoms filled the air. Peaches grew there This was unusual The climate was cool in winter but not as harsh The Government experimental farm there was a popular place to visit. The main attraction was weather and beaches. Government campgrounds allowed an affordable way for everyone to camp not only in the OK Valley but all of BC.
Not many flew away for holidays until the end of the 60’s Hippies and upper middle class were seeing the world. Their fathers saw many of those same parts of the world but under awful circumstance. By the 70 ‘s flying was much more affordable. The beautiful people were those with enough money to do just what they wanted and were able to come and go freely.
Tents evolved to tent trailers Campers became all the rage This was a more modest investment as often the Father of the family already owned a truck for work. Over time they became more elaborate. The camperized van became popular thanks to hippies who painted them in bright colours Soon vans became commercialized and another mode of travel was born. The motor home. First showed up regularly in the 70’s As time went on an populations aged the motor home became what it is today Many the war bride would have given anything to have a home as elegant and well fitted as today’s motor homes. Many seniors live for many years in elegant motor homes They visit children go south in the winter. They enjoy a life free from responsibility and home maintenance .
Walmart has become the campground of many No tents to be spotted in these simple sites Motor homes , trailers and fifth wheels are all self contained . Breakfast made by Macdonalds Hamburger joint. Its not the white linen or elegant service of days gone by Things have evolved to a different place . There are drawbacks but there are many better things about it. Less nature more walmart. Less youth more grandma. For better or worse there it is.
