SoloDad
New Member
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2015
- Messages
- 4
I have only commented one previous time on this forum, and only became aware of this site the day before my son (C4C) received his appointment, which seems like an eternity ago. However, when it came to the big drop off we let him make the decision. He was all for a family vacation prior to I- Day. This included his girlfriend and our daughters boyfriend. Turned out to be one of the best vacations, with a stop at Great Sand Dunes National Park, and then to Lake City, CO, for several days of hanging out and relaxing at 8,661 feet. We drove the Alpine Loop to American Basin, for a planned hike to the top of Handies Peak (14-teener), but too much snow for the hike to the top, but incredible scenery! Also, stayed overnight at a great B&B in Cripple Creek, it was the former county hospital, so makes for a really cool B&B experience, also our second time to stay there. My son went for morning runs and said he felt pretty good. However, based on my experience, for any meaningful acclimation to the altitude you would likely need to spend a couple of weeks adjusting, so to arrive a few days early expecting to get acclimated probably isn't realistic, but if you make this choice enjoy the time together and the fantastic scenery. My son really seem to enjoy the trip, and I think it seemed to relax him, although he's always been the relaxed type. I know we really enjoyed the time with him, and I think he was well aware of that, and that's part of the reason he wanted it this way. Based on what I saw at I-Day, it's mostly a family affair, only a few were doing it alone.
Definitely stay for the swearing-in the following morning! Do get there early! We all grumbled when my wife got us up what seemed way too early, we had to wait at the gate for a little while, but it paid off since we were right on the chapel wall. Do bring binoculars or in my case a nice zoom lens on your camera. It will be hard to pick out you son/daughter, but I took photos of who appeared to be our son, and after downloading them and viewing, it was him, hard to tell when it was a sea of yellow hats! Emotional event for all. Immediately, following the swearing-in we headed home. We talked to some parents that we're going to linger for the rest of the day along the wall, hoping to catch a glimpse of their child, but it was time for us to move on. Again, everyone has their way of doing I-Day, it's what works best for you and your future USAFA basic cadet. Also, numerous parents would shout their child's name, at an appropriate time, during the ceremony. I didn't want to, but my wife couldn't contain herself, so she shouted loudly his nickname "E-man." When we received his first letter, which he wrote after his second day, he told his mom that he heard her shout his name and that it ment a lot to him!
Definitely stay for the swearing-in the following morning! Do get there early! We all grumbled when my wife got us up what seemed way too early, we had to wait at the gate for a little while, but it paid off since we were right on the chapel wall. Do bring binoculars or in my case a nice zoom lens on your camera. It will be hard to pick out you son/daughter, but I took photos of who appeared to be our son, and after downloading them and viewing, it was him, hard to tell when it was a sea of yellow hats! Emotional event for all. Immediately, following the swearing-in we headed home. We talked to some parents that we're going to linger for the rest of the day along the wall, hoping to catch a glimpse of their child, but it was time for us to move on. Again, everyone has their way of doing I-Day, it's what works best for you and your future USAFA basic cadet. Also, numerous parents would shout their child's name, at an appropriate time, during the ceremony. I didn't want to, but my wife couldn't contain herself, so she shouted loudly his nickname "E-man." When we received his first letter, which he wrote after his second day, he told his mom that he heard her shout his name and that it ment a lot to him!