Aldergrove's travelling trio of father, son, and pug are back home for the school year, but still came out for the Langley Good Times Cruise-In in early September.
Daryl Berden first heard of Cruise-In last year through local word-of-mouth.
"The event intrigued me with its unique blend of classic cars, friendly atmosphere, off-road vehicles, and the opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts," he told The Star.
He said the sense of community drew him to the event.
"We enjoyed catching up with old friends, meeting new faces, and immersing ourselves in the vibrant local car and truck culture," Berden said.
In the last year, the Berdens – Daryl, Cayden, and their pug Tosha – travelled to Frenchman Coulee in Washington, Lewis and Clark Caverns in Montana, Yellowstone National Park, Black Hills Caverns in South Dakota, and many other incredible locations.
Visiting Mount Rushmore was particularly nostalgic for Berden, who last visited many years ago.
"Over the years, the site has evolved from basic facilities to a modern visitor centre with educational exhibits and improved viewing areas," he said.
"Witnessing Cayden's reaction to the monument and engaging with the interactive exhibits gave a fresh perspective."
This was only a few of their most recent adventures during the summer.
The annual trips began during the pandemic, when lockdowns and shorter work hours forced Berden to find something to keep himself busy and de-stress.
“I grew up travelling all over the United States and Canada, we used to camp, 4x4 and explore. As I grew up I lost that, and when the pandemic hit, I needed something to keep my mind busy,” Berden explained.
With less work, and school, he packed up his son and pug for their first adventure in 2020.
“My wife was still working so she would join us on occasion, but now I could show my son the country’s hidden treasures,” he explained.
The Aldergrove father and son took off in Berden's 4x4 pickup truck, equipped with a bed for a tent, kayaks, and other kinds of gear required for their overlanding adventures.
“[Cayden] now picks places for us to go, and has started filming for [our Youtube] channel – now his channel,” Berden said.
With some brief experience in video-making in his construction job, and encouragement from friends, Berden created the Vancity Adventure channel to share his travels.
The name was chosen to represent both the Vancouver area and capture what they are doing – adventuring.
Since it was created four years ago, he said the channel has grown quickly and while most of his audience isn’t local, he’s excited to share the B.C. with the world.
As a father, Berden said these adventures have brought him and Cayden closer together and helped them bond even more.
“These adventures provide bonding, education, stories, and something to learn from. It is always a lesson on confidence, decisiveness, and self awareness.”
To follow the Berden’s adventures, people can visit youtube.com/c/vancityadventure.