I’m sure most of us remember climbing in the family station wagon and driving long hours or even days to visit family during summer vacation. My grandparents lived in Tulsa, OK, which is a two-day drive from St. Simons Island. By the time we hit Waycross, headed westward, my sister would have drawn the imaginary “line” in the back seat that I was forbidden to cross. The dreaded phrase, “Dad, he’s bothering me again,” would result in swift retribution if you weren’t prepared. Ask any guy over the age of 55 where he sat in the car on family trips and 99.9% will tell you they sat behind the driver’s seat. The reason being, of course, that it was harder for your dad or mom to make contact as they reached back to “swat” you when you did something that ticked them off.
My sister was tone deaf when it came to singing, but still loved to sing along to any tune by Carole King or Carly Simon. To this day, I wince whenever I hear the song, “You’re So Vain.” I can only imagine what my dad was thinking during those two-day drives. I also feel sorry for my brother-in-law who has been behind the wheel during their family trips through the years.
Since I always sat directly behind my dad on these long drives, I could never see his face, but I’m guessing he looked a lot like those dads I see headed south on I-95 in SUVs with license plates from states like NY, Virginia, and Maine. When I glance over as I pass them and see the family most likely headed to Disney World inside, the dad driving will usually meet my gaze with a “I wish I could trade places with YOU right now” look.
Luckily, living on St. Simons Island, I can enjoy a staycation during the summer! No need to get in a car and drive for hours when there is SO much to do right here! Our June issue is chock full of fun activities to enjoy right here, so get out and enjoy your island vacation one daycation at a time!
John Krivec
