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05/09/03; Fayetteville, North Carolina (Fort Bragg)
Atten-Hut!
What a drive we had today! When we started from Johnson City, it was a bit damp, but not raining, so we were not surprised to find fog in many places. Sometimes it was on the sides of the mountains and at other times in the valleys. US-321 runs on the bias through the Alleghenies. Those of you familiar with these mountains know that means the roads are twisted as they climb the mountains and descend into the valleys as the road works its way east. The scenery was particularly beautiful when fog or cloud didn’t obscure it. Of course, the Navigators were more aware of the beauty than the Drivers who were hard at work negotiating the curves, applying brakes and shifting gears as demanded by the terrain.
Picturesque old cottage; Roadside flowers
Keith was in the lead today. By lunchtime, the sun was shinning brightly and we hadn’t seen any spot where a picnic could be held, although we were traveling in a lovely wooded area. Keith said that when 1200 came, he would take the first road off the four-lane we were on and find a suitable spot. We were in the neighborhood of Siler City, NC on US-421 when the time came. Keith drove west and we were on a nice country road with regularly space lots with houses set back from the road and long sweeping, well-maintained yards with nice shade trees in them. These would be ideal for a picnic, but they were private and off limits to us. Joann said something to the effect that we would never find a place here to eat. Keith was tempted to say, “The Lord would provide,” but lacked the courage of his convictions. In desperation, Keith took the next road to the left and behold, there was a well-kept country church with shade trees and picnic tables! We just knew that these folks would welcome hungry travelers and made ourselves at home.
Church yard; Picnic at the church
After a nice restful lunch, we resumed our drive toward Fayetteville. As we approached the city, Keith took a wrong turn, which led us away from our destination.
Construction zone
The compass showed the error and we stopped to inquire the direction we should take. A 180-degree turn put us back on the road in the correct direction. Not long thereafter, we were on the military reservation making up Fort Brag and Pope Air Force Base. We found the main gate and Keith, in the lead, showed both his military ID and pointed out the Department of Defense “sticker” from Los Angeles AFB on the bumper. He inquired of the MP if his friend in the antique car, two cars back, could come on the post. The MP said, “Yes sir, but I’ll have to search the car.” Keith replied, “Yes, do it!” The MP smiled and went to work, opening all doors on the car, but not really doing a search. We finally found the reservation and registration office for the Guest Quarters. Keith asked if there was any space available and could they accommodate his civilian friends. There was and they did. We were put up in VIP suites! Joann pointed out that the $45 per night they charged us was more than we would have paid using our coupons, but this was before she saw the size and appointments of the quarters. After we were in, there were no complaints.
It had been a long, hot day, so we didn’t really relish the idea of driving around looking for a place to eat. Dennis and Keith took a walk around the area, thinking that the nearby bowing alley or the Post Exchange in the “mini-mall” might have adequate food. Dennis was able to find a pair of paratrooper wings in the PX (the ones he had won during Korea had been lost). We decided, in the end, to order sandwiches, pizza and salads and eat in our quarters.
The nice day ended with the new experience of staying on a military base.
Good night to all of you,
The Dauntless Four
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