We left home around 3PM Monday, May 24th after waiting for the UPS delivery of generator parts. Drove through VA and NC and got into SC before we got off the road for the night. Had planned to stop at a Cracker Barrel or WalMart but couldn’t find one when we were ready to quit for the night. Did find a Piggly Wiggly store lot that was empty and seemed to be an alright place to hole up for the night. They had a $2.99 breakfast the next morning that was a great bargain. Scrambled eggs, 3 sausage links, grits, and a biscuit and gravy. Coffee was extra and we both had breakfast for under $7.50. Actually had biscuits left over for the next morning. The weather was great, sunny and mild.
Arrived at Parris Island and checked in at the MCX ITT office. The staff were nice and helpful. The reservations are made at MCAS Beaufort Outdoor Rec and ITT on Mainside at PI hand out the keys. It was easy to find the RV park. We actually found the park then went to register, so we knew which site we preferred. There was one other motorhome at the other end of the park. So now there were 2 sites occupied out of 18.
We were the first camper to use Site 17 since the RV Park opened on May 14th. The key issued by the ITT office opens the padlocks on the electric box which has 20/30/50 amp service; the water spigot, and the locks on the bathroom and laundry room. The bathroom is brand new and still shiny clean. A handicapped toilet stall, urinal and 2 handicapped accessible showers and 2 sinks comprise the men’s room. I expect the ladies room is similar. Briefly stuck my head in the laundry room but did not note how many washers and driers or their cost. There were at least 2 of each machine, maybe 3.
The RV Park is on the road to Elliot’s Beach. Anyone who has been through boot camp at PI will remember the forced march to Elliot’s Beach as one of the highlights of their training. But the picnic grounds are out past the RV Park and there is a constant stream of traffic going to and from the playground and picnic area. It might be that the RV Park is a new entity to the base and is being checked out by the locals, but it seemed the traffic was more than necessary. It did stop at dark and it was very quiet overnight. Was able to hear Tattoo and Taps from the Range Battalion off in the distance.
There’s nothing like the sound of small arms fire in the morning!! Since the RV Park is near the rifle and pistol training ranges and they start very early. But, they are far enough away that it’s not bothersome.
After checking out the MCX, Base Museum, Chapel with its beautiful stained glass windows, The Brig and Brew, we drove around base and I got to remember my time there in 1961 through ‘63. The Field Music School is gone; so it the Drum Corps. We heard the band at Morning Colors on graduation day Friday morning. And a nice talk by the Training Regiment Commander about how the Corps is honored to be entrusted with the recruits. We didn’t stay for the graduation ceremony but did hear the band sound adjutant’s call and watch the recruits march onto the parade ground to become Marines.
It was a great visit. When we left on Friday morning, there were about 6 sites in use. Next year, Camp Lejeune. (We visited Quantico Marine Base on Memorial Day before coming home.)
No comments:
Post a Comment