Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Wright/Patterson AFB, Ohio


Dayton Ohio had never been on our radar as a possible Space-A travel stop. We had never seen any postings of flights coming in or out on our usual venues. In fact, I have to admit, I did not even know there was an AFB in Ohio. What a jewel this place turned out to be.

When it first came up as a possibility we ignored this option. I mean, who  plans to go to Ohio? As the days went by and the options lessened, Ohio began to look much better every hour. We decided to adhere to the Space-A rule of always taking the first guaranteed flight going in the direction you wish to travel. We marked ourselves present along with five other people and our adventure began.


The base is beautiful with its' old brick buildings, green grass and large old trees. The people are kind and so very helpful and we felt well cared for. We were told about the Wright/Air Force Aviation Musem and opted to see this while we were here. We caught a ride into town and what a treat we had. The museum is exquisite and I rarely say that about an airplane museum. 

We spent the day with a retired Air Force pilot as our guide and he showed us the numerous air craft housed in these huge hangars. It felt like we were on holiday and we relaxed and had fun as we saw the exhibits.


We had a lovely dinner with some of our follow travelers and are now onboard a C-17 heading for Norfolk, VA. From there we hope to hop on over to Rota, Spain. We shall let you know!

Buen Camino! You are loved...

Our Cup is Always More Than Half Full


There was a military travel publication called the R & R  travel news that I used to love reading. Here seasoned travelers would share 'pearls' of wisdom to other Space A travelers. This would include things like where to get your passport stamped in Spain, the best beaches in Crete, where to get a good and inexpensive rental car, and even where to get a good authentic meal almost anywhere. In the process, everyone learned something by reading about the experiences of others. I always loved reading these articles but one of the greatest things I learned Space A travel had to do with perspective regarding this type of travel.

In one particular edition I read two articles from two different travelers. One wrote that he had just had the worst trip ever. He had a three day layover (on the east coast in the fall) and had to vie twice for the flight he desired. They next writer said he had just had the most wonderful experience on his Space A trip. He also had a three day layover (on the east coast in the fall) but had decided to enjoy the colors so he rented a car and drove the countryside taking in all that could be seen while he was waiting. He had met great people and had a wonderful time. The irony was, they were in the exact same place at the exact same time! We have decided to adopt the perspective that we are always on an adventure and need to fully enjoy where we are. We have never been let down.


We have found that catching the train to Suisan City is much more enjoyable then renting a car one-way. We had a early breakfast with  Jeff and Judy Long before they dropped us off at the Fresno Amtrak Station. We rode into Martinez where we transferred to the train which will takes us closest to the Air Force Base at Travis. Once inside the base we have a few rituals and favorite things we like to do.

Since we don't have a car walking from place to place helps us with our 'training' program. We usually walk a minimum of ten miles each day just getting around the base. Some days we will actually walk the trails for the sheer joy and beauty of them. 


We eat lunch in the mess hall where they have the absolute best salad bar in town. We almost always enjoy a happy hour or two with fellow travelers we meet while we are here. We get to know the guys at the Passenger Air Terminal (PAX) hoping to get an inside scoop on what is happening next. Sometimes we walk over to the exchange for sundries. Tom will get a haircut again before we walk so he will be set for the first several weeks of our walk. We went to the movies on Friday night and enjoyed a lovely movie with popcorn and a cold drink. The prices are great, the seats comfortable, and everyone stands up while they play our National Anthem. This is a treat for us.

Often times people will stop along the way and ask if we need a ride. We politely decline but appreciate the  kindness and respect for...er, ah, elders around here. We are an interesting community of travelers who look out and help each other. 

We have heard that a lot of the military planes that usually head eastward have been sent with relief crews to help with the hurricane disasters in the Caribbean. We have been vying for a seat eastward for a few days now and the best option at this time is one heading to Wright/Patterson, OH. We are going to take it as part of eastward travel. We will have a few options from there. It is always a gamble and as long as we still view this mode of travel as an adventure we are going to continue to travel this way.


So we are off. We will let you know when we do where we end up! Until then...you are loved.

Buen Camino

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Looking Forward


My friend Lois showed me an 'Appa few years ago that I have become quite smitten with. It's called Countdown and its purpose is to monitor the number of days-hours-minutes-seconds until a desired event arrives. I put our sabbaticals in this App  several months in advance and just watch as the days seem to crawl and/or fly by. There are times when I think the departure date will never arrive and then I glance at the number of days remaining and think I will not have enough time to finish up and have everything done and ready before we are to leave. Either way, I find that I am hooked on this App and always excited when I have something to look forward too.

In a few days we will head off for our fall sabbatical. It has been a year of busyness after a tree fell in our backyard onto the deck and roof of our house. That repair has triggered a snowball of work and  there has been a constant flow of workers at our home since February.  I think the work is nearly finished and we are looking forward to its' completion.

As we near our departure I am reminded of one very important gift of our travels. Our sabbaticals are an exercise in living in the present moment. The only forward movement occurs each day as we move forward one step at a time.  I will have moments in which I think of my final destination but most days are filled with the joy of just being exactly where I am and savoring the beauty and newness of that exact moment. I become a different person and I have to admit I like this new me. I am  not checking things off  a to-do list, constantly planning for what is ahead and needs to be done, and who is flexible and intentional about the moment she is in. It is easy to lose yourself in busyness and I have been lost. I am looking forward to a change-mostly in myself.

In the next few days we will be heading back to Spain and will walk  the northern coast along the Camino Norte. We will either walk the Camino Ingles or Primitivo and  meet our friends the Martina's along the Camino Frances. I am excited for that moment but  know the real gift will be the day to day process of simplifying my life and being content and at peace in my present moment. I look forward to the fullness of that gift. 


And, while I may master this process, I must confess there is one event I will still enter in my Countdown App. My return homeward...you are the reason we return and as excited as I am to leave is as excited as I will be to return. Until then...

Buen Camino