White Beach

Stevie has taken some leave (vacation) this week with the intent that we were going to try to "Space A" it to mainland Japan.  For all you non-military folk, Space A is a way of flying - free! - anywhere the military flies.  That sounds great, except there are hundreds of "ifs" that need to fall into alignment for the trip to be successful.  Like a base near you needs to be flying to where you want to go, when you want to go, and have seats available, and no one else with a higher priority status, or sign up date, or check-in time trumps you for the available seats, and the flight doesn't get cancelled at the last minute, and - oh yeah - you can only find out where they're flying 24 to 72 hours in advance... and then the whole thing starts again when you want to get back.  But believe it or not, the stars do fall into alignment and I have heard great success stories (and a few horror ones...)

So our first attempt at Space A was this morning when I hauled the whole family with bags (lightly) packed to Kadena to try to catch a flight to Atsugi.  Before even entering the terminal, a lady leaving informs us that the flight has been postponed 24 hours.  Strike 1.

So as a consulation, we tried to go to one of the bases here on island that we've yet to visit - White Beach.  Supposedly there is a great beach, water sports (kayaks, sailboats, jet skis, etc.), a pool and even cabins if we wanted to stay over.  We found the camping area first with a beautiful beach

and then a sign

Strike 2


So we drove over to the pool to see what it was about.  Closed on Mondays (it's Monday).  Strike 3.  And the rental shop is closed on Mondays too.  Strike 4.


But the kids found a Barbie fishing pole and a container of hooks and rubber worms so they made their own fun trying to catch us dinner.  No luck.  (I don't think that counts as Strike 5 since they were having fun.)

Let's wish for better luck tomorrow or maybe Wednesday (if Stevie doesn't get tired of being dragged to the airport.  I know he won't be disappointed if we can get on a flight!)

Cannon looking oversized on the playground equipment.