Taking pictures wherever I go...you never know when you might need them.
Well, it has been a busy week! I'm behind on my blogging. Never fear, though....this will probably do it.
A few years ago, before daddy died, he wanted a pair of combat boots like he wore when he was in the Army. So, I made it my business to try to find him a pair for Christmas that year. I thought what better place to find them than on a military base. Whitney was at USC at the time, so I stopped by to pick her up and off to Ft. Jackson we went. I got as far as the guard house and was stopped by a strapping young soldier who informed me that I couldn't pass because I didn't have a sticker on my vehicle. "What's the sticker for", I asked. It was family day on the base and they were allowing family to come visit, BUT you had to have a sticker on your vehicle.
For some reason, I love military bases. I wish I could work on one. I wish I could live on one. And I really wish I could shop on one. But, it was not happening that day. The soldier Would.Not.Let me pass. I begged and pleaded, saying, "But, I just want to go to the PX. It's right there. I can see it."
Well, I almost thought he was gonna pull a gun on me. He made me turn around. I carry that failure with me to this day.....
I still love military bases, though.
Cliff participated in the Parris Island sprint Triathlon last weekend. So, as you can imagine, I was so danged excited to go to Parris Island! If you are not familiar with it, Parris Island is the home of the Marine Corp Base here. It is just outside of Beaufort, SC. And as the name indicates it is on a small island. I was amazed by it's Southern beauty and charm. But more amazed that they actually let us civilians on the base. I took lots of pictures, but for the sake of time, I am going to stick to the story of Cliff's Tri and just give you a few highlights.
We arrived to beautiful Parris Island....
To the place where they make Marines.
Some of the surrounding waters
and scenes of downtown Beaufort.
The wind was really blowing. How that would factor into Cliff's Tri would remain to be seen.
***Just a side note here.....if you watch American Idol, then you know that Candice Glover is from St. Helena's Island. Just a stone's throw from here. As we walked downtown Beaufort, there were signs in all the windows showing their support for Candice. And I might add, she is one terrific singer. I don't vote anymore, but if I did, I would surely vote for her.
Now, back to Parris Island......
The swim start. Cliff is number 150 in line.
The bike start. That's Cliff. I was hooting and hollering for him.
OK, I had a few minutes before Cliff got back on the bike.
So, I did what any redblood American would do. I took advantage of some of the local sights. Lovely!
Cliff starting his run. Yes, that's his bike helmet.
He was concentrating so hard during transition that he forgot to take it off.
Some very nice people on the route let him know. Ha!
Good thing that he had to pass by our vehicle, he was able to just hoop it on top.
Here he is at the finish. He was freezing.
Sweat mixed with the cold winds that day didn't do it for him.
After discovering that he didn't get an award this day,
he bundled up and we ended this portion of the Parris Island trip.
Before leaving, though, I could not let this opportunity pass
without taking a few pictures of our soldiers in training. I was so in awe of these young men.
I teared up thinking about how very soon, they could find themselves knee deep in a war somewhere. They are so young, yet so very brave! I am so proud of each and every one of them. I pray for them and their families. And, I thank each of them from the bottom of my heart for the sacrifices they lay on the line for me and my country, every single day.
My Wish? World Peace!!
Not sure if this soldier was sick or if he has allergies to the pollen that was flying around,
but I thought it unusual to see him in a mask.
"Uncommon Valor Was A Common Virtue"
The few, the proud, the Marines!!
*****
Oh wait, in case you were wondering what else I've been up to.....
Monday - Swam 3 laps in the pool, worked out with weights and ran 3 miles
Wednesday - Ran 4 miles
Saturday - 3 miles on the elliptical.....it was too danged cold to get out and do any running Thursday or Friday. Cliff also had a 5K today and placed 2nd in his age group.
Sunday - Today, if it stops raining long enough, I have a 3 mile (I think) training run this afternoon. with a local group of runners.
Spring is here. And although the rain puts a damper on outdoor activity, at least it's washing some of this killer pollen away. Hope you all have a great week!
Semper Fi, y'all!
Laurie
Hi Laurie, You can't say Spring is here in our area. The trees look pretty with the wet snow. I really don't know how much we got, but it is still coming down. The wind is causing it to drift. I loved your pictures. It makes us proud our men and women in uniform. Five of my 6 brothers and my oldest son have all been in the military. You can take it back generations with family serving our country. The only reason for my 6th brother not going was because of being married and having a small child at the time of the draft. I still think we need that at times to make some wake up to the reality of the real world, I promise I won't get on my high horse. Have a wonderful day. I would much sooner have your rain. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.
ReplyDeleteI come from a long line of military men, too. I salute your family for their service. Hoping spring pops in on you real soon.
DeleteLaurie, wish I had your energy! Thanks for sharing these Parris Island pics with us readers. It brings back vivid memories for me. My husband went through basic training on the island(only it was better known to the trainees by other, not so nice, names). You are right, we owe so much to those brave people who sacrifice so very much for us.
ReplyDeleteThank your husband for me! We honestly do owe them so much. And the energy, just put one foot in front of the other. It took me a long time to get to where I am with running. But so worth every minute of it. And I even have loftier goals. I want to run a half-marathon in October.
DeleteLaurie, you are a warrior in your own right! I'm impressed with all your training! Good luck on finishing your goal for October. I've been to Parris Island also and it's an amazing and inspiring place. Thanks for the pics that reminded me! Enjoy your weather..snow is heading our way!
ReplyDeleteThank you YaYa. Stay warm.
DeleteHi Laurie, You are incredible and all that training is awesome. Loved all your pics of Parris Island. Yes, we too are so proud and thankful for the young men and women who make such a sacrifice for our freedoms everyday. They do deserve our praise and prayers always.
ReplyDeleteWell, I hope spring comes to your area soon and wishing you a wonderful Easter week. Best wishes also to meet your goal for October.
Thank you for stopping by while I was away from my blog with visiting family from Michigan. They left now and I am exhausted but we had an amazing time.
Hugs!! CM
Thank you Celestina. I'm looking forward to some Spring like temps. It has been cold here this week. Family visits are great, but we do tend to need little rest after they leave. Glad you had a nice visit.
DeleteThey do a similar "thing" at Fort Dix up here in Jersey. I would love to participate in it. The soldiers also are a part of this one tho...they SCREAM at you. Haha. I would love that. Would make me feel like Gomer Pyle with the Sarge yelling at me, I know I would break out laughing.
ReplyDeleteSoldiers screaming? I would love that, too. I would start laughing right along with you. The Tri at Parrish Island is going on my bucket list. Funny thing is that prior to ths tri, I had no desire to do a triathlon. But I did one in the gym with my husband this week and now I can't wait. I think you should go do the one at Fort Dix. it would be a great experience.
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