USS Yorktown 2007 - Trip Report and Photos
Eighty-two parents and children from SC, NC, GA, and FL joined us
for our second campout on Charleston's famous aircraft carrier, the
USS Yorktown. This year we stayed for one night, instead of two. I
think those of us who went on both trips preferred the one-night
stay. It was less tiring overall (and less expensive), and we still
had almost as much time to tour as we did when we stayed two nights.
This trip was similar to last year's -- we
explored the Yorktown, as well as other ships (a submarine,
destroyer, and Coast Guard Cutter), different types of aircraft on
the flight deck, and other on-site exhibits and memorials (a Vietnam
Support Camp, Medal of Honor museum, and Cold War Submarine Memorial).
We also toured Fort Sumter and watched a documentary film about the USS Yorktown
in the ship's theater.
We enjoyed meeting new people, and the children seemed to
enjoy the educational aspects of our experience as much as hanging
out with the other homeschoolers. Everywhere I went, I heard the
children exclaiming, "This is cool!" when they encountered the
different ships and exhibits during our stay.
The weather was wonderful - sunny and beautiful. It stayed around 60
to 70 degrees almost the whole time we were there. Since we went
midweek, we were the only group sleeping on the ship and were able
to avoid the the crowd of 500-600 scouts that usually stay on
board during the weekends.
Our berthing areas were different this year. The men's were a little
roomier than those they had last year, but they were still in a
berth for enlisted sailors. The women were in the junior officer's
quarters, which were much more private and roomy.
I've received very positive reviews of the trip from our travelers
this year, and many
want to go again next time. It was a quality educational experience
that immersed us in World War II history, as well as a
touch of Civil War and Vietnam War history. I hope to plan another
trip next year or in 2009.
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Trip Photos
On the USS Yorktown
Visiting the Vietnam Support Camp
Exploring Fort Sumter
