Other than Whidbey Island, Key West, and Newport, RI, we haven’t stayed at Naval bases. Our stays at these Naval RV parks have been among our best spots though – next to the water, well maintained, good prices, and relaxing. The last couple of weeks though have brought us to new Navy bases (and Marine, they’re all one family, right?). We stopped at Port Hueneme, Seal Beach, Camp Pendleton, and Fiddler’s Cove RV Park (part of North Island NAS). The Navy and Marines have some nice bases. One could come up with a dream tour for these guys: California, Hawaii, Okinawa, Florida, maybe a last stop in Okinawa.
Anyway, one of the places we visited at Pendleton and North Island was the exchange. As an Air Force family, we’ve had to get use to the AAFES BX system and their mundane Food Court selection. After seeing Pendleton and North Island, I think the Air Force might want to consider having the NEX system take over.
First, the NEX stores were well stocked, had a nice bookstore, and looked sharp. More important though, since I tend to travel on my stomach, was the NEX’s Food Court. It was nice to be away from the AAFES regulars and actually have some good-tasting food options: great Chinese, fresh Mexican, and even a “5 Guys” hamburger spot. Our kids have been missing 5 Guys since friends in DC took us to one.
Maybe it was just these southern California bases, but we enjoyed the on-base selections. Good job, Navy. Now, we’re headed inland though, away from the Navy’s presence and back to Robin Hood, Anthony’s Pizza, etc. Maybe we’ll go back to cooking in the RV.
Marines at Camp Pendleton