I remember when my Dad retired; he used to say that the most difficult decision he had to make was picking dates to take his holidays.

I thought he was kidding! However, since both Judy and I have packed in our permanent and part-time jobs, vacations have become a problem.

Since neither of us is really tied down to a lon- term commitment, we aren’t sure when we should go on a holiday.

Logically, being retired, everyday is a holiday so how do we determine when to take a vacation?

Wow! This is really a tough one to ponder.

When we were working, our jobs dictated holiday time. Between the two of us, our employers gave us certain weeks that would be available for ourselves and the children.

In those early years, we didn’t have much money but had each other, vacation time and a car.

Usually we took day trips to the usual Ontario hot spots. We ventured to Niagara Falls, Marineland and Centre Island while participating in local country fairs.

Holidays were easy and fun.

As time passed and the children grew, we began the longer car trips. Over the years, we travelled from coast to coast with the kids.

For the first time, we were seeing Canada and the northern United States along with the children.

I’m not saying it was always fun but each trip was always a memorable experience. We seldom planned ahead. Travel just happened as we traversed the provinces.

For example, there was the time we arrived in Antigonish, Nova Scotia as the solar eclipse occurred.

With two little kids, who had time to check for the next eclipse? Great experience — totally unplanned and we were there!

However, since the town was the centre of the world for the eclipse, every room had been pre-booked for miles around.

No matter, it was the East Coast! No one goes without help when they find you without lodgings.

A local home took us in and our kids spent the night in the “Princess Room.”

We told them that because they had never experienced a bed quite like the one provided. It was a big brass bed from pioneer times and normally wouldn’t have suited our family but we adapted with the “Princess” adjustment.

We often travelled until we ran out of money or out of time. Seven days out and seven days to get back!

Life was simple then. Start driving, use the slower roads and see Canada at its best.

The one exception was the year we went to the Calgary Stampede. We drove quickly crossing the Prairies at breakneck speed to make it there for the Stampede parade — but then we sauntered our way back home across the northern United States.

That was then and this is now.

The kids are grown now and our grandchildren quietly envy our current trips. They pretend not to be interested, however the travel bug is in their minds.

Our eldest grandkids recently talked about going to some of the places we have been. You realize that you have put the yearning to explore in them.

You think they haven’t really noticed the tales and photos of our trips until they start searching the internet to determine where they should go.

Look out Italy — you’re their first choice!

In the meantime, Judy and I must determine when to take our summer holidays before it interferes with our next vacation.

Checking the calendar for travel dates, Kent Walton can be reached at ebreflections@rogers.com