Just two more stops before we get home again. The first stop was in Heber Springs, Arkansas to spend some time with our friends Art and Barbara Jackson. Barbara and I worked at the same bank for many years and they both attended the same church with us in Ocala until we moved to Leesburg, and they moved to Arkansas. Besides being excellent host and hostess, their son Raines doubles as a tour guide along with grandson Logan. Heber Springs is a beautiful area of Arkansas creating a fishing and boating mecca for vacationers from far and wide. After seeing their new location, we know their future happiness is assured.
A few days later, we were at the entrance of Camp LeJeune, North Carolina to see our Grandson, Ryan, the Marine. Of course, as soon as we decided to some see him the Marines found lots of jobs for him to do and our 5 pm arrival had to be pushed back to almost 7 pm. We actually had to wait until he got off from work to even get into the base. His Sargent took pity on him and let him off early, but the rest of his group worked past 8 pm.
He had to sign us into the hotel and is officially responsible for our actions while on the base. I guess we had better behave ourselves!
Ryan did a quick shower and change out of his uniform and then off we went for a world wind tour of the base and a hunt for food other than Taco Bell, Wendys, or Canes, apparently staples of Marine life. We wound up off the base on the ocean at Beach Bum Pizza eating dinner at 8:30. It was well worth it because we were able to introduce Ryan to Stromboli which he had never had.
The next day he was back to work, and we were on our own to navigate the 154,000 acres of the camp trying desperately not to get lost. We found a beach, a lake and lots of places where picture taking is frowned upon.
Tonight, however, there was no special favors and Ryan had to work along with everyone else until the assignment was complete. Fortunately, it was closer to 6:45 when they finished, and we had found another eating option for him. This time he had a “real” quesadilla, not from Taco Bell, and topped it with crab dip while we enjoyed the view.
After dinner he took us to see some Osprey planes which we couldn’t photograph. We did see one from far enough away while it was landing, so we took this. I don’t think the Chinese can use any information from this.
We left Ryan back at the barracks to rest up for his 0600 start the next morning.
All that’s left is our 1- and 1/2-day drive home and we are ready to be there.
goneagainblog.com 
Looks like a great time. Safe travels home.
Chris