Even a gas run to Point Roberts is enough to stir up the summer memories of yesteryear.
My old beater work truck goes through the petrol in a big way so I find myself filling up at the Point weekly. I take Luna down with me which is quite fun. I look in the rear view mirror to see her in the bed of the truck, ears flapping in the wind. I can see the anticipation in her eyes as she knows she will soon be swimming.
But first, a stop at the Can Am gas station where the service is great and Luna always gets a treat from the operators. Next stop is Lighthouse Marine Park for a couple of laps and a swim. As we approach the park from the north, Luna begins to chirp, bark and eventually howl as she knows the heat of the day will be dashed shortly.
The smell of the sea air, the wild roses and baking cedar on the boardwalk brings on fond memories of many years camping with friends and family at this great facility.
This was the first summer in 15 years that we didn't set up a massive camp for the Canada Day long weekend.
The kids are all growing up and have better things to do than play manhunt or cast for bullheads. Thank goodness for technology. I can revisit those wonderful days through slideshows I have created over the years.
On our way home we almost always stop at the International Market Place to pick up a few items that you can only get in America: David's salty sunflower seeds, a 12-pack of cold, clear bottles of Miller for $8.99 and usually a brick of Tillamook sharp cheddar.
This time of year, though, it is always fun to see the beach accessories and I recall the kids begging for these treats these just like I did at the Selma Park store on the Sunshine Coast when I was a kid.
There are wiffle balls, every type of "flying disk" imaginable, air mattresses, water guns and pistols, tacky beach towels, beach balls,
plastic bats and balls, and countless other brightly-coloured pieces of plastic.
It has been my experience that each of these summer necessities are generally used a grand total of four times as they invariably crack, break or otherwise stop to function, or they are discarded due to boredom or disappointment. After coming home from our gas run this past Wednesday I found myself in the grocery store listening to three young lads who had their afternoon nailed. With skateboards and backpacks in tow, they first needed to stock up on Jolly Ranchers and Skittles. Presumably, this sugar purchase was needed to get to their next stop, which was Subway. Then, as it was planned, they would proceed to the water park to cool down.
Sounded like a very good plan to me and reminded me of our summer adventures, except we had 50 cents instead of 10 bucks to buy stuff. Inflation, I guess.
With the B.C. Day long weekend here already, I hope you all take the time to recall a cherished summer memory, or better yet, create a summer event that you will fondly recall down the road. Enjoy it out there!
