About That Great Lakes Naval Training Center (June 29 - July 4)

Dear Family and Friends,

Hello from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center located on the western side of Lake Michigan, north of Chicago. We arrived on Wednesday afternoon, after a drive around the tip of Lake Michigan and skirting the traffic of Chicago.

The trip took us along Interstate 94, going across a small portion of Indiana,  then taking the Illinois 31 to Marengo. We spent Tuesday night at Lehmans Lakeside RV Resort. Wednesday was an early morning for us because we had a scheduled routine maintenance appointment for the Sprinter at Hoffman Estates, a bedroom community for Chicago. We were back on the road by mid-morning and then made our way to the Naval Training Center.

 We use two GPS devices when we travel, plus construct a route card. With crowded areas like Chicago, the devices do not always agree.

 Lots of trucks, rain and construction on this trip.

 Passing through Indiana while circling Lake Michigan

Chicago traffic plus construction

The Great Lakes Naval Training Center is the home of the Navy's only boot camp and is the largest training center in the Navy. The original 39 buildings were built between 1905 and 1911. The RV camp occupies a prime location along the shores of Lake Michigan.  

 The harbor leading out to Lake Michigan

The view of Lake Michigan through the windshield of the Unity. 

Our Fourth of July was spent enjoying the celebration at the Naval Station. They sponsor a two day event on the parade ground, featuring carnival rides, food and bands. This is capped by a fireworks display each night.

 The morning of the fourth and the weather is looking great!

 Roger is standing in front of the clock tower that is one of the oldest buildings at the Naval Station.

 On the parade field, Roger is having fun with Uncle Sam on stilts.

 Eight bands played over the course of two days. Remember Joan Jett and the Blackhearts?

This celebration has so many things for kids to do. I am standing in front of the bubble machine. Look closely for those bubbles.

Happy Fourth of July to all of you. Thank you for checking in with us.