Pass In Review - Tips, Hints, and Helps

Comment

Comment by Chris Wilkins on September 29, 2009 at 4:06pm

Gentlemen,
We stayed at the Navy Lodge for $65 a night. Granted it was not the nicest hotel that I ever stayed in, it was by far not the worst either. We had a kitchen, which was used once for breakfast. We were less than a mile from the entrance, therefore elected to walk. At 0630 there was a long line of cars waiting, which must have thinned out by 0730. We were able to get in and out of the base pretty easily.
We bought the weekend pass for the train for a total of $25 for 5 of us. It would have been great had we elected to go back to Chicago. Once in Chicago we bought the weekend Water Taxi pass...again...only used for one day.

Comment by Andrew Ross on September 28, 2009 at 9:11pm

Raul, Waukegan is much closer than we were; you should be fine.

The divisions are marked by a numbered marker. When you enter the hall, just look for the division number and find a seat nearby ... very easy layout.

Devon's Dad, unless you can find some kind of lockbox, there is no way to leave ANYTHING! I brought a Navy challenge coin and another from the agency I work for and gave them to my son; he was forbidden to possess them while at RTC. We also bought him a digital camera as a gift and he bought himself Oakley sunglasses from the NEX ... they also came home with us and will be shipped this week to his address at A school. Sorry, but they just don't have space to store much of anything.

Comment by Raul Azpiazu on September 28, 2009 at 8:38pm

Thanks Andrew. We are going to PIR this Friday and are staying in Waukegan (hopefully near the base). Are the Divisions posted so we know where to sit?

Comment by Devons Dad From CT (Rich) on September 28, 2009 at 8:33pm

My son is graduating in six weeks then going across the street to GM school. Can I bring a bag of his civilian clothes to store somewhere where he can get to it shortly after graduation?

Comment by Andrew Ross on September 28, 2009 at 5:47pm

Thanks, Thomas, but we've already been!

FYI: For us, arriving at 0730 was plenty of time. The line of vehicles waiting to enter the base that people talk of here is not worth stressing over. We waited in line for approximately 20 minutes before being able to get onto the base ... probably less time than it took people to park at the Metra station and walk in. Seating wasn't a problem at all. We got a seat directly in front of my son's division, which were excellent seats. Picking up and dropping off our son the days after, no problems whatsoever!

My only suggestion for PIR is stay as close to the base as possible. We stayed in Lake Forest, which was way too far away. Only 8 miles, but the longest 8 miles I have ever driven, due to the horrid road construction that is taking place. I'm led to believe that this is an on-going project that will be around for a long time. Also, there are no restaurants or supermarkets in the area. I'd suggest staying in Gurnee ... plenty places in and around there!

As far as going into Chicago, I know a lot of people use the train, but the locals advised me that the train is a longer trip than by car on the weekend. Yes, during the week, but not at the weekend. We took our car and had no problems getting into and out of the city. Parking was $25 for the day, which is a darn sight less expensive than the train for the entire family ... plus you've got the car to move around, if need be.

Eating at restaurants is VERY EXPENSIVE! Our plan was to cook at the hotel; hence, the Residence Inn, but that didn't work out. The traffic helped put a damper on that, since it was a pain in the butt trying to get to and from the hotel. We ended up eating out for all but one meal ... can you say BROKE?

All in all, we had a great time, but glad to be home. If I can think of anything else that might be of help, I'll post it later.

Good luck to all future grads and families!

Comment by Andrew Ross on September 24, 2009 at 6:47pm

PIR tomorrow!

We'd like to get a bite of breakfast before the graduation ... how late is too late to arrive at RTC? Breakfast at the hotel is at 0630, so we were hoping to leave e hotel around 0700 ... that would get us to RTC for 0730, at the latest ... what do you think?

Comment by Suzanne on September 17, 2009 at 6:05pm

I stayed at the Navy Lodge last weekend! Was great! $65.00 per night!....So clean and beds were comfortable!......Go and Eat at the FULL MOON cafe!....so darn good!........They serve everything!!!!....Vast menu!...and close by!......The desk staff is very helpful too on advice...etc.......HOPE I HELPED!!!!...

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on September 11, 2009 at 6:43pm

there have been tons of places mentioned in this group in past posts as well as teh bootcamp group. I stayed at the Marriott Courtyard for both my PIRs. I'd spend some time reading past posts and see what places are mentioned and then some times on the 'net for prices. Mention PIR as you may get a discount

Comment by Devons Dad From CT (Rich) on September 9, 2009 at 5:51pm

Hello PIR group! My son is scheduled to graduate 10/16/09. Ship 13 Div 362. Anyone else going to PIR on that date?

Comment by Suzanne on September 9, 2009 at 5:41pm

Hi Friends!:

I hope that everyone has a very safe trip to Great Lakes tomorrow! See Y'all @ PIR-11Sept.09!

Blessings,
Suzanne!

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