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 world. 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 of the later and that we are 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
 
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Tom and Nancy Stoeckel

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