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We got to Travis at 0100 on Thursday. We certainly learned to check flight time frequently. Most get updated around 0500 and 1400. Of course it is always better to keep calling the terminal and speak to a PAX personal. As we all know, flight schedules change from minute to minute.

There was a flight scheduled to go to Andrews AFB on Thursday, 18 November. It was an early flight so we decided to stay at the terminal. We were not able to get lodging at Travis again. By the time we would have found reservations off base, and got a cab it would have been time to head back to the terminal. The USO is locked up at night there. There is a special room for families to stay if they have young children.

We rode on a C-17 set up as a MEDEVAC but with no patients. We spoke to one of the crew who told us their mission was to go to bases and pick up patients and drop them off at other bases. It was interesting to watch the medical crew preparing and checking all the equipment. Thank God for their help.We made reservation to stay at the Presidential Inn ( 1380 California Ave. Joint Base Andrews, MD). The rooms were very nice and the Inn had just opened about one year ago.

There was one other thing we learned with trying to get reservations. Elaine had called the Presidential Inn on Wednesday to check availability since we were not sure if we were going to take the flight to Andrews AFB. She was told there were plenty of rooms. When we arrived Elaine called from the terminal and was told there were no rooms. She mentioned that she was told there were plenty of rooms. The receptionist told her to get there “as fast as she can”. Elaine and John headed there by foot while Rene and I waited for the luggage. They were able to reserve two rooms, no problem. She noticed that the receptionists were accommodating the people that were there in person and when the phone rang, they were putting the calls on hold.

We went to the Navy Exchange and bought food from the food court and supermarket for dinner that night. We sat outside on the patio and just relaxed and had “Happy Hour” and dinner. There is a BBQ grill also if we had wanted to use it. On Monday, 15 November, we went to Diamond Head, but did not climb the crater. John and Rene had tackled this before. They are my heroes. We took a ride to Bellows Air Force Station to see the cabins that are available to rent.  www.bellowsafs.com

     It is in a secluded area and very quiet, if that is what you want. They have very nice cabins equipped with water and electricity and heat and they have log cabins with no electricity. They even rent out spaces if you want to bring your own tent and camp out. We did not tour any of the cabins. We enjoyed a relaxing dinner and “Happy Hour” once again on the patio at the Navy Gateway Inns & Suites.

On Tuesday, 16 November, we left to get a flight back to Travis. There had not been a flight to Travis for three days. Here we got another taste of Space-A flying and what can happen. There was a flight on a C-5 with 73 firm seats. The terminal was full. There were lots of young moms with their children. We keep hoping but were prepared that we would not make it. One by one as they called the names, our chances were less. Once the flight was closed we dashed back to get a car rental again. They really try to accommodate you. We had made reservations at the Navy Lodge just in case. We just relaxed at the pool and had our own “Happy Hour” once again.

    On Wednesday, 17 November, we got a flight to Travis AFB. It wasn’t listed on the recording Tuesday night. Wednesday morning at 0500 the recording listed one that was leaving at 1700. We packed and dropped the car rental off and went to the terminal. The terminal was not as crowded and there were enough seats to accommodate everyone. It was yet another C-17. This time our cargo was a huge semi trailer in the middle of the C-17 with some of the children lying under it with their blankets and playing and coloring. Behind it was an engine to an aircraft. Don’t worry, the cargo is strapped down with heavy chains.

THE DOLE PLANTATION TOUR

Navy Gateway Inn & Suites Lobby

DiRocco Family Touring Pearl Harbor Hawaii

From there we went to the Polynesian Village. The ride from Dole Plantation to the Village was very a scenic ride as it took us along the outer rim of the Island. The Polynesian Village is well worth the trip there. You get exposed to the six Pacific cultures. They offer a variety of packages. The most expensive included the Luau. We opted for the tours of islands that were represented there. No matter which package you get, there is a canoe pageant on the water that is free to all. www.polynesia.com

On Saturday, 13 November, we went to the Hickam side of Pearl Harbor-Hickam JB for lunch. There was a limited menu but there was an outside patio which was very relaxing and it faced the ocean. The girls enjoyed going to a thrift store on base and getting some deals.

On Sunday, 14 November, we took a train ride. It was called the Hawaiian Railway. It takes you on a historic stretch of track and you can listen to stories about the history of railroading in Hawaii. I think this is something that children would enjoy. www.hawaiianrailway.com

On Friday, 19 November we were fortunate to get a flight back to McGuire AFB where our adventure started. It was another

C-17. The crew was made up of Air National Guards from Jackson, Mississippi. We arrived at 1900, very tired but very happy Space-A travelers. With us were other Space-A travelers going to McGuire to get a flight to Germany.

There is one thing that I wanted to mention about the bases. Most of them do not have shuttle service at night and it was difficult to get from the terminal to lodging if you did not have a rental car. We noticed the bases only let certain cab companies come on base. You have to look for the phone numbers at the terminals.

    Elaine and I want to thank John and Rene for being the best tour guides anyone could wish for as well as two of the nicest people we have ever met. We hope to take many more Space-A adventures with you both.

    We want to thank the Crawfords and the Military Living® staff for helping us get started.

John Di Rocco, USAR (Ret.)

& Elaine Di Rocco

This article originally was published in R&R Travel News®. Our subscribers get the news first. Click here to see our latest offers.  

“We rode on C-17 set up as a MEDEVAC but with no patients.”