On the road, and creating memories with grandkids
Jun 26th, 2005, 06:03 PM
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On the road, and creating memories with grandkids
For the past two weeks, my wife and I have been on the road with three of our four grandchildren. They are teenagers: a 14-year-old girl, and 15- and 16-year-old boys.
For the past two years or so, I have been on and off these pages at Fodor’s, asking advice and giving some; seeking to benefit from the wisdom and experience of others; and vicariously traveling all over the world.
Much of this came into focus as we planned and carried out this past journey. Many of the comments gleaned from here served me well as I planned. I learned again how fragile hotel reservations/promises can be. I found many new things about my grandkids, who live far too distant from me.
And I must confess that despite the enjoyment of the experience, travel is usually better for me before and after it occurs. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. It’s just that the trip is always better as we plan it and when we get back home and describe it to friends than it is when we are in the midst of the actual experience.
For example, I posted during the trip of the horrors of an Embassy Suites experience in Old Alexandria, VA with no air conditioning on a day that hit 100 degrees. That was a beastly time. Don’t tell Hilton, but looking back it does not seem so bad now….
Anyway, I wanted to post a summary of the entire trip, because perhaps there is a nugget of information that might benefit others. So, here goes:
We live in Houston. The grandkids live near Charleston, S.C., and near Nashville. We met in Charleston, boarded a mini-van and headed for Washington, D.C., via Asheville, N.C., and Charlottesville, VA.
Suggestion number 1: when you investigate rental car rates, look at Nova, out of Ireland. We booked an Ireland rental through this agency last year and by chance found it also operates in the U.S. Its rates, through Alamo in the U.S., far undercut all other quotes, and included insurance! It went off without a hitch, and saved us about $300.
Suggestion number 2: an activity that appeals to adults and children is panning for “gems” in the mountains. In the area surrounding Spruce Pine, N.C., there are several spots where you can purchase the contents of a bucket salted with mineral debris of varying sizes and spend hours in front of a sluice, seeking a three-carat emerald. You never find it, but it is so relaxing for adults, and most importantly, keeps teenagers entertained.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a superb drive, but slow, slow, as I was warned. Plan for 40 – 45 mph average, at best. Our route was a combination of Parkway and over to I-81 for a speedier trek up to Staunton and over to Charlottesville. There is a section of the Parkway still out of service, from the area around Little Switzerland and north about 10 miles.
Charlottesville and Monticello were a hit with our group, especially after we visited the Thomas Jefferson Historical Museum before driving up to the home. It’s worth the time, because it provides an excellent orientation.
We spent six nights in Old Alexandria, and I recommend the location. There is much to do in Old Alexandria, with great restaurants in abundance. The Metro is an excellent mode of transportation, although there is a greater cumulative financial impact than I had calculated. Between $15 day hotel parking, metro fares, and $8 evening parking in Old Alexandria when you cannot find public parking, transportation costs are significant.
We did the usual touristy things during the week: Air & Space, American and Natural History, Zoo (undergoing SIGNIFICANT construction), Holocaust Museum, Capitol, monuments, and would recommend all. I count myself among those who rate the World War II Monument as a disappointment and the Vietnam wall as one of the nation’s most powerful memorials.
It was a fantastic trip, without a doubt. But I did learn several new things about young people:
They pack as if stuffing a stocking. Forget techniques. After one night, it’s one big lump in a bag.
They do not awaken naturally. This one I knew, from their parents as kids, but was not prepared for the depth of their grogginess. It was the Morning of the Living Dead, every day…
They are different people outside of the influence of their parents. And, for the most part, this is a very good thing. They are real, and not playing games. Now, it could be they are trying to impress grandpa…
If they roll down the hill in front of the Iwo Jima Monument, they will be sick. And they will throw up, and they will want to go back to the hotel and chill. Do not let them roll down a hill, unless you’re ready to go back to the hotel and chill.
Given a few days, girl cousins can get boy cousins to giggle just like girls.
And if you can get them to yourselves for a week or so, you will help create memories they will enjoy for the rest of their lives.
At least I know they did that for me.
JimF
For the past two years or so, I have been on and off these pages at Fodor’s, asking advice and giving some; seeking to benefit from the wisdom and experience of others; and vicariously traveling all over the world.
Much of this came into focus as we planned and carried out this past journey. Many of the comments gleaned from here served me well as I planned. I learned again how fragile hotel reservations/promises can be. I found many new things about my grandkids, who live far too distant from me.
And I must confess that despite the enjoyment of the experience, travel is usually better for me before and after it occurs. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. It’s just that the trip is always better as we plan it and when we get back home and describe it to friends than it is when we are in the midst of the actual experience.
For example, I posted during the trip of the horrors of an Embassy Suites experience in Old Alexandria, VA with no air conditioning on a day that hit 100 degrees. That was a beastly time. Don’t tell Hilton, but looking back it does not seem so bad now….
Anyway, I wanted to post a summary of the entire trip, because perhaps there is a nugget of information that might benefit others. So, here goes:
We live in Houston. The grandkids live near Charleston, S.C., and near Nashville. We met in Charleston, boarded a mini-van and headed for Washington, D.C., via Asheville, N.C., and Charlottesville, VA.
Suggestion number 1: when you investigate rental car rates, look at Nova, out of Ireland. We booked an Ireland rental through this agency last year and by chance found it also operates in the U.S. Its rates, through Alamo in the U.S., far undercut all other quotes, and included insurance! It went off without a hitch, and saved us about $300.
Suggestion number 2: an activity that appeals to adults and children is panning for “gems” in the mountains. In the area surrounding Spruce Pine, N.C., there are several spots where you can purchase the contents of a bucket salted with mineral debris of varying sizes and spend hours in front of a sluice, seeking a three-carat emerald. You never find it, but it is so relaxing for adults, and most importantly, keeps teenagers entertained.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a superb drive, but slow, slow, as I was warned. Plan for 40 – 45 mph average, at best. Our route was a combination of Parkway and over to I-81 for a speedier trek up to Staunton and over to Charlottesville. There is a section of the Parkway still out of service, from the area around Little Switzerland and north about 10 miles.
Charlottesville and Monticello were a hit with our group, especially after we visited the Thomas Jefferson Historical Museum before driving up to the home. It’s worth the time, because it provides an excellent orientation.
We spent six nights in Old Alexandria, and I recommend the location. There is much to do in Old Alexandria, with great restaurants in abundance. The Metro is an excellent mode of transportation, although there is a greater cumulative financial impact than I had calculated. Between $15 day hotel parking, metro fares, and $8 evening parking in Old Alexandria when you cannot find public parking, transportation costs are significant.
We did the usual touristy things during the week: Air & Space, American and Natural History, Zoo (undergoing SIGNIFICANT construction), Holocaust Museum, Capitol, monuments, and would recommend all. I count myself among those who rate the World War II Monument as a disappointment and the Vietnam wall as one of the nation’s most powerful memorials.
It was a fantastic trip, without a doubt. But I did learn several new things about young people:
They pack as if stuffing a stocking. Forget techniques. After one night, it’s one big lump in a bag.
They do not awaken naturally. This one I knew, from their parents as kids, but was not prepared for the depth of their grogginess. It was the Morning of the Living Dead, every day…
They are different people outside of the influence of their parents. And, for the most part, this is a very good thing. They are real, and not playing games. Now, it could be they are trying to impress grandpa…
If they roll down the hill in front of the Iwo Jima Monument, they will be sick. And they will throw up, and they will want to go back to the hotel and chill. Do not let them roll down a hill, unless you’re ready to go back to the hotel and chill.
Given a few days, girl cousins can get boy cousins to giggle just like girls.
And if you can get them to yourselves for a week or so, you will help create memories they will enjoy for the rest of their lives.
At least I know they did that for me.
JimF
Jun 26th, 2005, 06:12 PM
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Jim! I am sitting here with tears in my eye, for pete's sake!!!! Partly from laughing and partly because my husband and I, every now and again, talk about what the "future" might be like when WE have grandchildren (off into the far, far future, that is) 
I loved the part about rolling down the hill, lol
And yes, boys can actually laugh just like girls, every now and again!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It was just what I needed to read
I loved the part about rolling down the hill, lol
And yes, boys can actually laugh just like girls, every now and again!Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It was just what I needed to read
Jun 26th, 2005, 06:37 PM
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Thanks so much for the great tips!
My brother with the five kids always said it was nearly impossible to keep all five entertained at the same time, much less the adults...
Count yourself lucky for Living Dead kids in the morning. My husband and I were awoken very early every morning, whenever visiting their house, by four little ones bouncing all over us with "Let's Get GOING!". Only the youngest is nearly comatose until noon.
My brother with the five kids always said it was nearly impossible to keep all five entertained at the same time, much less the adults...
Count yourself lucky for Living Dead kids in the morning. My husband and I were awoken very early every morning, whenever visiting their house, by four little ones bouncing all over us with "Let's Get GOING!". Only the youngest is nearly comatose until noon.
Jun 26th, 2005, 07:13 PM
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What a great story! Our kids go visit their grandparents each summer in CA for a week or two. We alternate which child goes each year though. This year it is right after the big family vacation, so DD will drive back to CA with them. She is 14, so your story really made me laugh! I think it is great to hear of other grandparents doing things with the kids. Great bonding times.
Jun 26th, 2005, 07:31 PM
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Jim, you have to write an article( maybe a book!) about this. "They pack as if stuffing a sock...after one night it's one big lump in a bag." That cld be the title of your book: "One Big Lump in a Bag: Tips for Travelling w/the Grand Kids". My son (17) & his friends have always packed that way when we are travelling. And, I always shake my head & laugh b/c when we leave home I always have everything "folded & organized". But, you know what??? They always look the same....."folded & organized" or "one big lump".... they always look great!
Your grandkids are so lucky to have you for a Grandpa! Thanks for your words of wisdom!
Your grandkids are so lucky to have you for a Grandpa! Thanks for your words of wisdom!
Jun 26th, 2005, 11:10 PM
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What a great post. Some of my most cherished memories are the times with my grandparents. When my brother and I were little kids, living in Salem, Ore., my grandparents lived in Portland. My grandfather owned a cannery in Salem and after work on Fridays he would pick up my brother and me and we'd drive home to Portland with him for the weekend. He had the greatest stories. He was born in Salem in 1888 and the sidewalks were still wood when he was a kid. He was also a photographer so was always so aware of his surroundings and he would teach us the names of all the mountains and the wild flowers, rivers and streams. We would take short trips: the beaches, Seattle, Mt. Hood, Mt. Ranier, Bend etc. So, you and your grand children are building cherished memories together and I know they appreciate it now but as the years pass it will mean so much to them and they will pass these times down to their own children and will make their own memories with their grandchildren one day. Such a gift you are giving them.
Jun 27th, 2005, 04:13 AM
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Hey jim, your trip with the kids sounds awesome and forever memorable. Great report, love your writing style!
Also TOTALLY agree with this paragraph....
"And I must confess that despite the enjoyment of the experience, travel is usually better for me before and after it occurs. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. It’s just that the trip is always better as we plan it and when we get back home and describe it to friends than it is when we are in the midst of the actual experience."
I think of that after every trip and bet others can also relate! But the question is, whyyy are we like that?!
Thanks so much for your report!
Also TOTALLY agree with this paragraph....
"And I must confess that despite the enjoyment of the experience, travel is usually better for me before and after it occurs. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. It’s just that the trip is always better as we plan it and when we get back home and describe it to friends than it is when we are in the midst of the actual experience."
I think of that after every trip and bet others can also relate! But the question is, whyyy are we like that?!
Thanks so much for your report!
Jun 27th, 2005, 08:46 AM
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Jim,
Thank you for a delightful report.
Our grandchildren live fairly close, so we see them very often. In fact, I was just feeling that "empty house" syndrome since the two older ones went home late yessterday.
You and yours will have your wonderful trip to talk and laugh about from now on.
Byrd
Thank you for a delightful report.
Our grandchildren live fairly close, so we see them very often. In fact, I was just feeling that "empty house" syndrome since the two older ones went home late yessterday.
You and yours will have your wonderful trip to talk and laugh about from now on.
Byrd
Jun 27th, 2005, 08:59 AM
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Thanks for the role modeling and the inspiration. My (5 of them)are 10 or under and I hope to approach this kind of trip some day. The trouble is that mine are jaded and travel all the time with their dads.
But I hope when they are teen agers I will be able to do as well as you have, regardless. And I sure do hope that they are like yours by then, because now they wake up at 6 am and I'm looking into eyes (literally)and hearing "When are you getting up?" with their face visible about three inches from my face as soon as I open my eyes.
I just can't keep up with them. If I have them for two entire days, I'm sick by the third. Nature is correct with giving great fertility to youth.
But I hope when they are teen agers I will be able to do as well as you have, regardless. And I sure do hope that they are like yours by then, because now they wake up at 6 am and I'm looking into eyes (literally)and hearing "When are you getting up?" with their face visible about three inches from my face as soon as I open my eyes.
I just can't keep up with them. If I have them for two entire days, I'm sick by the third. Nature is correct with giving great fertility to youth.
