Posted on 10/14/2010 11:29:02 AM PDT by 60Gunner
In five years you’ll remember the good things and this will become fodder for some good war stories. The desert is a great place to go target shooting and you might invest in a cheap dirt bike or 4x4 to do some sightseeing. Maybe make friends with someone who already has a 4x4 and visit some ghost towns or do some metal detecting.
I would appreciate being added to your ping list. Your stories are fascinating.
Thanks
Is that the Apache up at White mountains?
That’s central Arizona, and the garden of Eden compared to the place the author is talking about, which I believe is between Kayenta and Red Mesa. Been through there many times, and seen the hospital. It’s definitely isolated, just can’t remember the exact location.
Ironic I am. Elitist I am not.
Please put me on your ping list. Look forward to your description of the state-of-the-art medical facility you were promised.
You obviously enjoy red-meat challenges and you may be able to make an improvement to the local “frozen-in-time” culture; albeit one where generations of well-meaning individuals such as yourself have had little or no success.
It may be much like the ME, where a contained tribal structure offering a limited world view makes obsolete customs and practices, reinforced by the older generation, difficult or impossible to break.
As usual, your first challenge may be to adapt and survive.
Good luck!
Careful, FRiend. I used to talk that way about New Mexico, and worse. (like, if they were going to give the world an enema, Clovis is where they would stick it...)
Especially after I got to Shaw AFB, SC, and a coworker who was born and raised there. Then we spent 7 months in sunny Saudi Arabia, for Desert Shield & Desert Storm.
I had to go and apologize to him, as I'd just had my world pretty-well redefined.
A few years after THAT little desert adventure, I got stationed in Oklahoma, then retired and remained here. Yes, it's kinda flat, especially relative to Colorado or portions of California. Not quite so much as Eastern New Mexico. Small-town friendly, unlike Clovis, and big-city conveniences, especially in the central part, near the OKC metro. I grew up near Los Angeles, and remember when that area was small-town friendly. Hasn't been like that for over 30 years, was in fact dying out before I left in 1973.
These days, I'm an adoptive Okie.
About four weeks ago my wife and I drove from Tuba City to Window Rock on 264. Gorgeous drive, but there is a lot of litter in certain places. If anyone is wondering what people could do on Indian land, they could start picking up all the trash that is strewn about.
Did you spend any time at Window Rock?
Man, you got taken for one heck of a ride, I reckon.
Chalk it up to experience...not many of us will ever have that one, not even those who’ve spent time in some third world countries.
Perils of Pauline,
I’m sitting on the edge of my chair waiting for the next installment.
You got a book in there dude.. keep up the fine prose.
Agreed. If I was going to an Indian reservation I would at least know something about Indians. i.e. that alcohol is taboo because the cannot break down the enzymes in booze or something like that.
If this person was going there as a nurse - they would at least do a little research about the patients. I do not want to sound like a lib but some of those reservations that American Indians were stuck on are hell on earth. Some tribes are loaded with gambling and but most are incredibly poor.
My sister was a traveler for about 15 years. Just started a permanent job and is delighted.
We missed you Gunner. Good one.
I’m glad to see a new post from you, as I was thinking about you and wondering how you were 2 days ago!
As usual, you have us in the palm of your hand. Can’t wait for the next installment.
Blessings,
G
I had a seasonal job at scotty’s castle n the ‘quiet end’ on death valley.
A loaf of bread or even a candy bar was sixty miles one way. Groceries and walmart were 175 miles onw way.
This was just before sat and cable in the area. The only radio station was KNX traffic out of LA.
I loved the solitude. Truely fresh air.
I would drive about 30 miles down the highway. Hide my car behind some boulders, and go for a run. Freaks the tourists to see a jogger in the middle of death vally with earbuds and a smile.
Time to make lemonade
Fascinating! I can’t wait to learn what happens next!
It has been a while. Thank you again for sharing your tales with us. You have a gift of description.
Makes me realise I don’t wanna be THAT far from civilization...
Welcome back 60Gunner; it’s great to read your stuff, again!
When are you going to publish a book of your Emergency Room stories? I want a signed copy!
Thanks for the ping. I love reading your stories - had wondered a few times what happened to you.
Yay! Glad to see you post again-it’s been too long since the last one!
Missed you, 60Gunner!!!
Happy for you that you made such a life changing decision.
After 20 years of a safe, but very challenging career in a large corporation, where I rose to the executive ranks, I chose to bail in my early forties to an unsafe career in a small, local company.
I think it saved my life. I had to work harder, but I could see my contribution to the bottom line. And somehow, I wasn’t so stressed out all the time. I turned in my big office, my staff of over 50, and a big deal title for being in charge of my own work, with a merit pay scale.
So, I fully appreciate what you did. That was 14 years ago—I never looked back. I made sure I was in good shape financially and took the plunge.
Sure made life interesting for awhile.
Now, like all of your excellent writing, I see an element of foreshadowing. You remain in contact with Jack, which means you have moved on from there.
And I wonder if I detect a confrontation will occur with Dr. Smarty Pants, wherein he winds up looking like the cow with the parallel legs, but still breathing.
Anyway, good to see you back, and I can’t wait for the next installment. Don’t make us wait so long!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.