I remember when----???? (camping version).

Then: After tent camping for a few years, seven of us would pile in a 1971 Ford Country Squire Station Wagon pulling a 1972 Skamper pop-up. My Dad's Aunt Alice and Uncle Buck (brother and Sister) joined me (7 years old), my Mom, Dad and two older sisters. Uncle Buck smoked a pipe and cigars. The smell was unpleasant. At night, you did your best to get to sleep before Uncle Buck started snoring. I shared a rack with Uncle Buck. He was a great man. Aunt Alice was nit-picky and clingy, inspecting dishes after they were washed, etc. She was a great woman. Mom was constantly telling me what to do/not do. Dad went about his business and made sure my bicycle was always with us (multiple trips, every year). He drove and complained very little. I learned riding my bike was a great escape and I made friends from all over the USA while staying in campgrounds. In 1976, Dad bought a Class C. It was a bit more comfortable. By 1980, we were done camping as a family (Teenager Syndrome kicked in).
Now: Me and my girlfriend (together 16 years) bought a truck camper about 15 months ago, after tent camping forever. We go where we want, when we want and nobody tells us what to do. Sometimes, I help with the dishes. We still ride bicycles. We still make friends from faraway places. Also, I now realize how very fortunate I was to have those camping experiences as a kid. I didn't have a clue, back then.
My Mom and Dad are now full-timers in a three slide-out, 42' Class A, pulling a pick-up truck that has a motorcycle in the bed. They really know how to live.