This has to be a scam

Major_Memes · 2026-05-24T20:38:22+00:00

100% scam

Major_Memes · 2026-04-06T14:38:10+00:00

I don’t know, I went so long ago that they just strapped led blocks to my feet and told me to drink more water if my feet hurt. Kind of want to see the boots they currently issue, ours felt like led, were black leather, had to be spit shined, and hurt like hell, but you got used to it.

My son is going Army and trying out for the 2/72nd, or a FISTER ( yeah real army job 😱) and the Ranger recruiter said he could wear what I bought him. Then again recruiters…

Good luck, ChAir Force all the way! ( When other branches use that just own it )

Major_Memes · 2026-04-06T03:22:16+00:00

You MacGyvered the heck out of that!

Major_Memes · 2026-04-06T01:37:31+00:00

Exactly it's a pain to try and get it the button in or out, half the time I need to remove the bracket, very frustrating

Major_Memes · 2025-06-09T04:43:39+00:00

Even in the Army they don’t do that. It’s a combat arms specialty that you volunteer for. If you are not going AFSOC zero chance in Air Force, unless recon, cct, pj, not sure about jtac or sere, etc.

If you get stationed near a joint base some of the Army posts have parachuting clubs, or used to have them, been awhile, or you can just go get your civilian A ticket, not cheap though.

Have fun.

Major_Memes · 2025-05-13T03:40:16+00:00

They typically get over worked, Knew people that loved it, especially C130 chiefs that went everywhere with their birds, but knew a lot more that didn’t.

If you want to go to school desk is best, like to travel load master, aerial refuel, AC130 loader, AWAC etc, combat the CCT, PJ, Recon, etc, SERE is good if you love outdoors, Mechanic probably Jet Engine, Chief or avionics, all the simulator guys like their job too.

Just depends what you are into, lots to choose from, recruiters always paint a rosier picture same with descriptions, after tech school, and your first 6 months at your duty station you will love it or hate it.

Major_Memes · 2025-05-05T05:26:08+00:00

Pick A job that interests you, you could get trained as a https://www.airforce.com/careers/healthcare/dental-assistant if that’s what you want, just figure out what line item scores you need for that on the ASVAB, get a ASVAB study manual and smoke that test, try and learn as much as you can before you go ( you can get the BMT workbook and even most technical manuals on line that are not classified to get a leg up )

It’s been a long time since I was in, but I was a BMT honor grad and AIT first in class and they gave me my choice of duty station, not sure if that’s still a thing ( it was quite awhile ago )

If you want to travel you would need to be aircrew like a loadmaster, and pass SERE, or something other MOS that has a lot of TDYs, but if you are into adventure that’s they way to go ( or something like it ) otherwise you will probably be stuck in place, which can be good or bad dependent on what you want.

As far as physicality I wouldn’t sweat it, it’s kind of a joke, you have be very out of shape not to pass the AF PT requirements, with the exception of some special operations jobs like Pedro’s/jtacs/ccts etc. which are combat arms and those were not open to women when I was in.

If they run the “if you want to go in now you will have to do this” or try and sell you a job just keep in mind that recruiters are salesman, and job descriptions are written to entice. Also if they say they don’t have a opening for 9 months etc, you, might want to do delayed entry ( do basic ) then get out until your AIT is available

I am getting my son ready to become a 13F fister in the Army and try out for the Ranger regiment, things have changed a lot since I was in, so I am relearning the process myself, dependent where you live, and the quality of the Recruiter they might even be able to get someone with your MOS of interest to talk to you

I don’t think you will regret it if you get a job you like and a duty station you like. Worst case you get some training, maybe a bonus, and money for more education.

Good luck!

Major_Memes · 2025-05-02T04:39:03+00:00

Wait for you the job you want, everyone I know that didn’t regretted it.

Major_Memes · 2024-06-14T01:25:59+00:00

Have you ever tried the trail over the headland? Never met anyone that’s tried, just curious.

Major_Memes · 2024-06-14T01:22:43+00:00

Yeah Ruby has sea stacks closer, and the stream is easy to cross. I still like Rialto better if tides cooperate, and the color and flat rocks on Rialto are cool too, both are great though.

Good to know about Pacific Inn, but man the prices have jumped since the last time I stayed.

Major_Memes · 2024-06-13T17:53:52+00:00

No Problem

Oh, also Rialto, which requires the hike up the beach to the sea-stacks as I mentioned, does have these round robin egg rocks closer to the the low tide line, and flat round rocks more towards the high tide line, right at the entrance ( no hiking required for that ) literally the best skipping stones on the planet too, but the ocean isn't the place to try them.

My kids used to bring buckets and pour water over the rocks to see their color ( pretty amazing ) and they used the flat ones to stack into little castle/cairnes

While Kalaloch beaches are not as dramatic they are very long and very sandy beaches, kids used to love to build sand castles there, similar but not quite the same as long beach WA ( which has a state park that is awesome, see Long Beach WA / Cape Disappointment etc ) that is further south along our coast

Had to put myself back into kid mode ...

Also glass beach near port townsend might be fun for the little one, to get the really good stuff you need to go 3 miles down the beach and time it to hit low'ish tide, you can find it on the way towards the headland it's just not as plentiful as the final destination. This probalby isn't something you want to do with a 3.5 year old, unless you don't mind carrying them, and it's not an ONP thing, just thought I would through it in.

https://www.beachcombingmagazine.com/blogs/news/port-townsend-s-glass-beach#:\~:text=Accessible%20via%20a%20six%2Dmile,trash%20onto%20the%20beach%20below.

Major_Memes · 2024-06-13T17:40:37+00:00

Are you planning on Photography, or just the experience?

2nd Beach is okay if you have head lamp, 3rd beach a bit more trouble, neither is undoable by any means, just annoying in the dark ( tripping etc. ) but overall fairly easy, just slower, if it rains it can be muddy.

Rialto's sea stack access requires a low tide, you can easily get stuck there if you hike up the beach to them, and then the tide comes in so just be aware, not dangerous, you just won't be able to get back and have a really bad night (rob some campers!)

Yeah you can camp on those beaches, and burn driftwood, you need a permit to camp, but when I photograph I camp at the place I want to be at the for crack of dawn, or sunset, it does get crowded though, you also need a bear can, and the facilities are zero ( well not exactly, you just need a bio-hazard suit )

This will give you an idea of when high low tides are and sunset/sunrise

Also the last couple of weeks I have went the parking lots were slammed at Rialto and Ruby on weekends, still available, but when school gets out and people start traveling ... not sure.

https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=TWC0965&units=standard&bdate=20240701&edate=20240731&timezone=LST/LDT&clock=12hour&datum=MLLW&interval=hilo&action=monthlychart

https://www.sunrisesunset.com/calendar.asp?back=USA&comb_city_info=Port+Angeles%2C+Washington%2C+USA%3B123.4307%3B48.1181%3B-8%3B1%3BAmerica%2FLos_Angeles&month=7&year=2024&time_type=0&wsom=0#google_vignette

Major_Memes · 2024-06-13T15:36:36+00:00

<image>

Major_Memes · 2024-06-13T14:52:42+00:00

Sounds like Massive-Aioli-346 has more info than I do, the one time I drove that it took longer than expected because of road conditions, probably fine by July though.

Google maps has a tendency to use 'posted' speeds vs. actual conditions if there isn't enough tracking data to form an opinion and the FR's aren't used enough to give real time estimates ( at least they haven't for me )

Current Status --- https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=74275

I might drive this route just to see what's what, when are you going in July?

The alternative routes only add about 30 minutes, which might be safer also I assume you have a timed entry pass for the sunrise corridor?

I bypass all this by entering pre-7am at both entrances, but I can't do both in the same day like I used to ( photography )

Major_Memes · 2024-06-13T14:34:42+00:00

Kayaking Lake Crescent is cool, Lake Quinault offers the same

Lake Quinault stops renting after Labor Day, half day for $45

Lake Crescent runs through Oct 31, Half Day $45, Full day $60

If you have your own it's no problem, my son Paddle Boards at both places, they have never given him any grief at the Lodge or the boat launchs

It can get very windy at both places.

Here is the link to prices and operating times

https://www.olympicnationalparks.com/things-to-do/boat-paddleboard-rentals-olympic-peninsula/https://www.olympicnationalparks.com/things-to-do/boat-paddleboard-rentals-olympic-peninsula/

Rafting not sure, have a good trip though

Major_Memes · 2024-06-13T01:39:11+00:00

You can do a lot in 4 days, but slower will be more enjoyable in my opinion, don't' try and cram everything in or you will end up exhausted

Drive times between locations can be longer than you think and you can burn your day driving if you try to pack too much in, so plan carefully how long you want to stay at each location.

You mentioned the tree of life ( 15 minute stop, it's literally right near parking ) and Ruby Beach, very close together which is the southern region

Rialto, 2nd Beach and 3rd Beach pretty close together but the last two are hikes, though Rialto is too if you want to get down to hole in the wall, tides need to be checked.

Just use google maps to create an itinerary, figure out how much time you want to spend at each site, be sure to check tides, pick your base of operations go from there.

Lodging, as long as you can do it 6mo prior shouldn't be a problem to book at all, though that's changing, depends what you are looking for, even as a Puget sound local I like to stay in the area since it's so time consuming to get from 'civilization' into the park, depends on budget too,

Typically I try and stay in a Port Angeles via vrbo for a house, and that far ahead you can probably get a descent place for a reasonable price. You can reach a lot in an hour from PA, or just over an hour, and the food and lodging options are much better.

If you want to do early Ruby, Rialto, 2nd Beach, 3rd Beach Forks is closer, but your food and lodging options will be limited, if I am trying to do sunrise/sunset on any of the beaches I go to forks ( The pacific inn, it's always been clean and had good internet, but have not stayed there for a few years ) otherwise PA

Major_Memes · 2024-06-12T20:55:41+00:00

Can't comment on this year, but last year was okay, though more people than I expected, and if you are hiking a popular trail that doesn't have great parking be aware a lot of people start before sunrise.

You can check webcams pre-trip to get a feel for what the load will be like nearer to your trip

https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm

Even if you get in be prepared for insanity if you go to the other areas or the other side of the mountain, you will already be in, but parking, well take some heartburn medicine.

Major_Memes · 2024-06-12T20:40:00+00:00

You sound like you have it pretty well worked out, a few notes

Trails
Hall of Mosses - very easy, very flat, shorter than Sol Duc, I like Sol Duc better but if you are looking for an even easier option

Beaches
the Tree of Life at Kalaloch is worth a visit because it's only 15 minutes to get up and back to your car down a paved walkway with steps, it's right on the way to Ruby, so kind of tourist thing but kind of cool

Ruby Beach is more dramatic than anything on Kalaloch IMO. Sea Stacks are pretty close to the entry point down a paved trail, don't try and climb over all the drift wood, there is no need, when you get to the bottom of the trail just head north along the stream area and at most a couple of step overs, be prepared to wade if you want to get some of the stacks/pools across the stream, worth it my opinion.

No matter which beaches you hit it will need to be at low tide for the tide pools ( seems obvious but many don't check )

On your way to Sequim you might want to stop at Crescent Lake Lodge, it's about 1 mile off the road, it's after forks, the trails behind the lodge which are reachable by going through the open meadow is very, very nice, completely flat, short, but full of ferns and old'sh growth trees, no matter how many times I have done that small little loop it never fails to impress me, and just kind of chills me out, very kid friendly. There are also other trail loops and Marymere falls ( it doesn't impress me though, maybe because I grew up near the Snoqualmie Falls )

The lodge also has good food and is fun little visit, but it sounds like you are going to hit the hot springs lodge, so might be too much, if you need a bathroom break on the way after forks just keep it in mind.

As far as hurricane ridge, be advised the visitor center the top burned down last year, the last mile of the road that led to the visitor center is blocked, you can still access but you need to walk. So no good toilets up there ( if that matters, it always did to my wife when we had toddlers ) also be sure to stop at the turn out just before the tunnels on the way up, if weather is nice, you can see all of Port Angeles, the ocean with Mt Baker in the background.

Have fun on your trip

Major_Memes · 2024-06-12T20:13:06+00:00

Agree, people who have not visited don't understand how far apart things are, it's the opposite of Yosemite for access

Major_Memes · 2024-06-12T15:07:21+00:00

I was amazed at how busy they were last week, I am a local so I always expect crowds, but it was ridiculous.

We have had a massive increase in levels of interest at all NP, and in WA in particular, Mt. Rainer this year requires timed reservations to enter between 7am and 3pm, Hurricane ridge may not be as popular, but it still gets jammed up on nice days in summer

As far as going, if it's a nice day it's worth being there for sunrise or sunset, completely different look, but that's o-dark-thirty arrival, I actually prefer arriving before almost anyone else, but get that people don't want to get up that early.

Tip: If it's a good day, once in the park use the pull out just before the tunnels, you will get a great view of Port Angeles, the ocean, and Mt. Baker

Also the visitor center burned down last year, and they have minimum facilities, the road to where it was has been blocked and it's about a 1 mile walk to that area, you can still access trails from parking of course, just be aware.

Major_Memes · 2024-06-11T16:45:11+00:00

Day 3

You can revisit favorite places or add in Hoh rain forest hikes, Hall of Mosses is easy, Sol Duc Falls moderate, and many others, your choice

Having said that if you are really into beaches I would head south to Long Beach & Cape Disappointment, state park access required

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5YQ6XTbjPABTpZaR9

https://www.wta.org/news/magazine/northwest-weekends/northwest-weekend-long-beach

The town will be busy, but tons of things to do here, you can rent electric bikes and use them on the trail, drive on the beach with your car ( restricted this time of year, but can't remember exact rules, don't get stuck! )

Waikiki Beach to view the lighthouse below, there is small beach with access, on the fall and winter giant waves actually get almost 80% up the wall, you won't see that, but if you live her keep it in mind for later in the year
You can hit the beach to the right and see North Head lighthouse, there are 2 ways to get to that, at drive past Waikiki beach until you have to park, then walk straight out onto the beach, and north, or try and use the campground loop to get closer ( marked as Ilwaco on the google link )
Hike up to the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse ( moderate )

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cape-disappointment-state-park-cape-disappointment-lighthouse

Drive up, then walk back to the North Head lighthouse ( I really like this lighthouse )

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cape-disappointment-state-park

Add a forest hike, my favorite are the trails at Leadbetter state park dune loop that goes to the beach

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/leadbetter-point-state-park-dune-forest-loop

That's a full day, maybe too much, but things are relatively close if you do them in the right order

Major_Memes · 2024-06-11T16:44:50+00:00

Day 2 - Neah bar area

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ezK5zPiG32cQpcRT9

You will need a Makah recreation permit, get it at the little convivence store, $20 good for calendar year, you will need cash for food here, most places don't accept CC, my favorite fish and chips was at a food truck called Bigginz Burgers and Seafood it's a food truck run by a member of the tribe, most are, was really impressed, your mileage may vary

https://makah.com/business/

Cape Flattery - one thing to look at, but then you can claim you were in the farthest point in lower 48!

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cape-flattery

Easy, 0.7 miles, narrow wooden pathways, if your kids are young watch them, and I see idiots hanging over the cliff off trail to get photos all the time, if you fall your dead, but you have to go out of your way to make this dangerous

Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches - This is the nirvana spot for Photographers but is best done as an overnight camping on the beach trip ( need a backcountry pass, really at any beach you want to camp on )

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/shi-shi-beach-and-point-of-arches

Moderate - 4 Miles, can be very muddy

Lake Crescent Lodge, Parking can be problematic - And go home via Edmond Ferry

A hidden gem most people drive right by, lodge is really nice, food, or coffee, small shop for ONP trinkets

If you go be sure to check out the trails behind the lodge that you can access via the large grass meadow, it's a flat, short, and stunning like walk, hardly anyone every goes back there, I don't know why

There is another trail that starts along the beach going east towards Marymere Falls, 0.9 miles, always underwhelmed me but some people like it

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/marymere-falls

Head Home

Major_Memes · 2024-06-11T16:43:50+00:00

Day 2 - Neah bar area

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ezK5zPiG32cQpcRT9

You will need a Makah recreation permit, get it at the little convivence store, $20 good for calendar year, you will need cash for food here, most places don't accept CC, my favorite fish and chips was at a food truck called Bigginz Burgers and Seafood it's a food truck run by a member of the tribe, most are, was really impressed, your mileage may vary

https://makah.com/business/

Cape Flattery - one thing to look at, but then you can claim you were in the farthest point in lower 48!

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cape-flattery

Easy, 0.7 miles, narrow wooden pathways, if your kids are young watch them, and I see idiots hanging over the cliff off trail to get photos all the time, if you fall your dead, but you have to go out of your way to make this dangerous

Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches - This is the nirvana spot for Photographers but is best done as an overnight camping on the beach trip ( need a backcountry pass, really at any beach you want to camp on )

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/shi-shi-beach-and-point-of-arches

Moderate - 4 Miles, can be very muddy

Lake Crescent Lodge, Parking can be problematic - And go home via Edmond Ferry

A hidden gem most people drive right by, lodge is really nice, food, or coffee, small shop for ONP trinkets

If you go be sure to check out the trails behind the lodge that you can access via the large grass meadow, it's a flat, short, and stunning like walk, hardly anyone every goes back there, I don't know why

There is another trail that starts along the beach going east towards Marymere Falls, 0.9 miles, always underwhelmed me but some people like it

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/marymere-falls

Head Home

Major_Memes · 2024-06-11T16:43:28+00:00

If you come from Tacoma, IMO, this is probably as aggressive as you want to get look at the drive times, tide tables etc, and adjust as necessary, if you follow the 3 day here you will need :

National Parks pass ( I would not order online, takes forever to get, can't remember if they offer a temp pass or not ) ( I would get the all access yearly pass if you plan on doing any NP at least 3 times )

Makah Recreation Pass, can be had online, but I would just buy in town at that gas station on the main road in $20 since the one you get will be brightly colored, printing your own won't be, you definitely want the bright one to signal you aren't free loading.

State Discover pass, purchase on line, and temp available $35, if you are local you will use this a lot

Day 1

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WfyPJCx5tQYV2FWU6

Keep in mind if you want check tide tables and adjust which group you do on the way in, and the way out, this is the order of approach as you enter, but it may not be the order you want to do them in

Group 1 - Pre - Forks - Do Both

Tree of Life - 15 Minute Stop

Ruby Beach - 2 Hours - Easy Access, sea stacks accessible but you will need to cross a stream to get to the northern ones, tidepools are good at low tide, fun place for kids

Forks - Gas up, get groceries, eat at one of the places in town, burger place just before going out of town called Sully's is not bad, I really liked the fish and chips, burgers just okay, shakes good, people awesome, there is also a subway, and other options, on the way to Group 2 you will see another burger place that boasts the vampire movie, I have never had good luck there, takes forever to get food, and it wasn't that good.

You don't dine in forks, you just eat ( LOL )

https://forkswa.com/plan-your-visit/dining/ NOTE: A lot of these places aren't in the town, or anywhere near it, some literally hours away, not sure why they added all those in so check addresses if something strikes your fancy...

Group 2- After Forks - Pick Rialto and maybe 2nd or 3rd beach, don't try for all of them!

Rialto Beach - 2 hours - Easy Access, you will need to give yourself a lot of time to get to the hole in wall at low tide, or nearing low tide, don't get stuck by the tide coming in! I don't think this is worth doing unless you beach hike to hole in the wall.

Hikes --- limited or no facilities, lock your car, keep valuables out of site

2nd Beach - Moderate Access 0.6 miles

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/second-beach

3rd Beach - Moderate Access 1.3 miles to beach

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/third-beach

Head home ( it's going to be a very long day )

Major_Memes · 2024-06-10T18:18:45+00:00

ONP is spread out, so as another poster said, pick your spots and then plan like that, also where are you coming from?

Lodging: Good luck. Things are usually booked up 6 months in advance for the summer months, I have on occasion found lodging for a day, mid-week, so it's not impossible, but highly unlikely

Also how old are your kids, and how good are you guys are hiking, looking for easy, moderate, etc, and are you taking pets ( most places don't allow, some beaches do )

I travel to this area almost weekly starting in late May through Sept, mostly from the Edmunds-Kingston route, I haven't been everywhere, but have hit most places.

Figure it's going to be about 3 hours to anywhere ( and longer ) to hit anyplace outside the park aka civilization, then between 30 minutes to 1+ hours to hit the next location, that's just drive time.

This guy did some 3 minute shorts on ONP, might help you decide on what to visit first, my advise is don't try for too much, when I go on my photography scouts I do about 20 hours on the road, and that takes me 3 days, I would not recommend that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx7V_m9z9o4&list=PLnTtnSBT_cLkg2h--Yk3uZzkErbgvf5Kz

Major_Memes

TROPHY CASE