Ft Lewis: Home among the mountains, pine trees…and gunfire?
Written: Aug 17 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Breathtaking scenery, mild climate, wonderful sense of community
Cons: The fact that it cannot be our permanent home
|
|
|
| saprswife's Full Review: Washington |
Everyone has his or her own definition of “home” and “hometown.” Some people like to use the old adages of “home is where the heart is” or “home is where you hang your hat.” I have to lean towards the former with my definition of hometown.
I have always longed to feel connected to an area, its surroundings, and its people. My life has always been somewhat nomadic; I always felt a bit misplaced, and no place ever really seemed like “home.” That is at least not until my husband, son, and I moved to Washington State nearly two years ago.
The following review is a submission into the “Your Hometown” Write-off hosted by IrishMa4. A large number of very talented writers have gathered to give the readers of Epinions a glimpse into their hometowns…the places they were born, have lived, or are currently living. A complete listing of all participants follows my review. Take some time to see why their hometowns are unique and what they have to offer!
So without further ado, let me introduce you to the place I am proud to call home…
Ft. Lewis, Washington
Ft Lewis is similar to your typical all-American small town. To get a real feel for the town one does, however, need to throw in a few Hummvs, some military convoys, and more people in camouflage uniforms than you can count. Oh, there are also the occasional echoes from rifle and grenade ranges, the Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters overhead, and the sightings of parachutes on a clear, calm day. Did I fail to mention that Ft Lewis is United States Army installation?
Now you are probably asking yourself “Saprswife, how in the world can you call this place home? Grenade ranges? Buzzing helicopters? Do you actually like living in a place that sounds like a DMZ?” Well, in a word….Yes! Very few places where I have lived (12 cities in 6 states in 26 years) have given me such a sense of community as that which Ft Lewis possesses. Throw in some gorgeous scenery, tons of places to visit, and mild weather, and you have the makings of a great little town. Come, let me show you…
History
Ft Lewis has a rich history that, due to its very nature, has its roots beginning in military conflict. Ft Lewis, whose namesake is the famous explorer Meriwether Lewis, was founded during WWI. In a 90 day period, 1,757 buildings and 422 structures were built, lighted, plumbed, and heated by a team of 10,000 men. During its almost 85 year history, Ft Lewis has been the home to numerous servicemembers who have served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and in peacetime.
Welcome!
Ft Lewis encompasses over 85,000 acres, with most dedicated to training areas of woodlands, lakes, and prairies.
As you enter the main post you will be greeted by the original front gate which was moved from its original location in the 1950’s due to the construction of Interstate 5 (which divides Ft Lewis into two portions, North fort and Main fort). The gate, nestled in a grove of pines, gives the impression of the harshness and ruggedness the first soldiers and settlers of the Pacific Northwest had to endure. Made of lumber and stone, the gate resembles two lookout towers. There are also several cannons strategically placed to stand guard around it.
Behind its security fencing and gate, Ft Lewis is actually a town of decent size. More than 25,000 soldiers and civilian employees work on Ft Lewis, and more than 29,000 family members live both on Ft Lewis and in the surrounding area.
The most breathtaking point of interest when you arrive on Ft Lewis is Mt Rainier. Just a few blocks from the main gate the homes and trees give was to grass land and the installation’s air field. Above this area looms Mt Rainier. The view is truly inspiring and one of unmistakable beauty.
Amenities
Ft Lewis has all the same amenities as any other town in the U.S. We have our own fire department, police department (MPs), hospital, veterinary clinic, gas stations, and grocery store. Located throughout the post are libraries, convenience stores, day care centers, churches, fast food restaurants, banks, and bus services.
In addition, elementary schools can be found (older children are bussed to schools in the surrounding area), and several local colleges offer classes on post for soldiers and family members.
And where would a Washington town be without, you guessed it, espresso shops? Given that Ft Lewis is located only an hour south of Seattle, one would have to assume we have our share of these caffeinated-wonders. At my last count there are 5 coffee shops spread throughout the base – Oh yes, soldiers and their families love their coffee.
Housing
There are different neighborhoods – 11 to be exact with just over 3500 homes - on Ft Lewis. The homes range from stately early 20th century stately, brick homes to multiplexes (townhomes) built in the 1950’s to duplexes only a few years old. The neighborhood where the officers quarters are located has been deemed an historical district. It is a treat to view the floor plans of the oldest homes and see that a few rooms are still labeled with their old names, such as “Coal bin” and “Servant’s quarters.”
Many of the residential areas are lined with trees that shade the sidewalks and hang over the streets. Most people maintain their homes with pride…squared away lawns, bright flowers showing off their colors in flower beds and planters, and a proudly waving American flag near the front door.
People
Ft Lewis is home to people from all walks of life and literally from all over the world. The military is truly a melting pot of races and cultures. Just in my small cul-de-sac I have neighbors from Virginia, Alaska, Utah and as far as Taiwan. Living here gives one a wonderful opportunity for not only yourself but also your children to learn about people, their histories, and their cultures.
On Post Entertainment
Although many people tend to find their entertainment in the areas surrounding Ft Lewis does have a bowling alley, skating rink, movie theater, and the Northwest Adventure Center which offers rental equipment (for scuba diving, kayaking, and camping), classes, and more.
The movie theater not only accommodates the movie goers but is also used as an auditorium for speeches, seminars, and graduation ceremonies.
For The Kids
One of the first things you will notice on a military installation are the children…they are everywhere! Ft Lewis does a great job for providing opportunities for them. On post there are scout troops, summer camps, and athletics including soccer, basketball, baseball, football, and gymnastics. During the summer there are day trips planned to water parks and Mt Rainier. There is never a shortage of things to do when it comes to being a military “brat.”
The Great Outdoors
One of the benefits of living at Ft Lewis is the abundant nature of outdoor activities. Inside the post gates are several lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming. There are numerous places to hike…even close to many of the neighborhoods. Camping is also allowed at several places in the training areas. There is nothing like camping and being awakened by machine gun fire a few hundred meters away at 3AM. (Yes, that really happened and yes, it was very loud!)
Portions of Ft Lewis also lie directly on Puget Sound which offers people the opportunity for SCUBA diving close to home.
There is also an abundance of wildlife. Deer are often seen, as are raccoons and opossums. Another occasional inhabitant are black bears. One was recently seen gallivanting near one of our neighborhoods.
Weather
Of course where would a Washington travel review be without the obligatory mention of the weather and all that rain we endure? Contrary to popular belief, it does not rain here every single day (although if you visit during certain times of the year it may feel like it!). The summers are very dry and the average temperature is in the 70’s to low 80’s, with it being quite warm in the sun and pleasantly cool in the shade.
The winters are quite mild, usually in the high 30’s to 40’s (it usually only snows about once a year), but this is the rainy season. Our winters are very overcast and very wet. During my first year here we had 90+ consecutive days of rain. Yeah, we contemplated building an ark.
Crime
Unfortunately, even with the security measures of security fences and, at times, manned gates, we are not spared from our share of crimes in the community. Recently one of the convenience stores was robbed, and a friend of mine once had a bomb threat in her building (made by a disgruntled ex-husband of another resident).
Surrounding Areas
There is definitely no shortage of things to do in the Puget Sound area that surrounds Ft Lewis. To the north, lie Tacoma and Seattle while to the south lies Olympia. Zoos, museums, clubs, concerts…you want it, they’ve got it in Seattle. Take a trip on a ferry and perhaps see killer whale up close. Go sea kayaking or crabbing. Or visit Mt Rainier or Mt St Helens…both just a little over an hour away.
As is the rule with the military, we will be leaving our home in just a matter of months, but I know a part of my heart will remain. With a little luck, however, my family will return one day!
The following is the entire list for those who participated in the Epinions Hometown Writeoff:
MsBayLady, annexation, levda, jenninca, Chelie11, Frani49, blollies, julieinid, lucky47, Elorraine, jobythebay, Saprswife, Cheynasmom, Benagee, Prepoia, Francesca57, Frazzledspice, Amykhar, Slicksbabe, Barefooter, Boosters, Kinganamort, Momsworkinglate, ElmoTicle, JenN2Kids, BeanieRandy, MeNMyZach, GizyKat, CeltMom, Foberswife, Trawma, Mom2Twins, Endora60, Prncess, Braggio, SunnydayM, KaraHoo, VeeZee, Thinkerlady,Redlass, NYLawgirl, KCFemme, Laryan, BigJack, Jenb123, IrishMa4, Pmckay, jo.com, 29th_Candidate, jgibson, moderngypsy, file13, Y2JMcDohl, Disartain, & Dr_Steph, Kassie, driver4t5, erin5oaks, jankp, & Menomonee1.
A big thank you goes out to IrishMa4 for coordinating everything in order for all of us to bring a little bit of our hometowns home to you!
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
saprswife
|
|
Location: Washington State
Reviews written: 75
Trusted by: 104 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.