July’s assignment had me travel to northeast AZ to two locations – Chinle and Kayenta. I flew into the international “Sunport” in Albuquerque then drove to my base in AZ where I met my crew for the first part of my hitch.
Met some great folks and stayed steady on work flights. It was very hot especially in Phoenix when dropping off patients.
One evening I was able to take some time to explore – well my team mate served as tour guide took me to Canyon De Chelly – amazing canyon with ruins of early native tribes built into the cliffs.
Most of my time was spent in Chinle. I met many local folks and learned much about the history and culture of the Navajo people. There is so much to learn and explore left me hoping to return and learn more.
Last few days I was moved up to Kayenta close to the famous Monument Valley. Work was busy for a few days but my last day I was able to get up to explore the park. If you get a chance go. I paid $8 and took only 2 hours including all the time I stopped and tried to take photos.
One of the craziest parts of the assignment was unexpected encounters. When in Phoenix’s airport I saw a crew from Air Med Care based in Charlotte, NC. I have a friend who worked with them. Then when leaving to come home I ran across a friend from the ER in Roanoke that I worked with. The last was a young guy I met in Albuquerque also headed back to Roanoke. He was a tech student and when we got to talking he mentioned he was planning on going to Thailand for a few months soon.
Overall I enjoyed my time this assignment. This was the most patient transports I’ve done in one assignment. Great people, culture, food and history – all the things I hope to find when I travel.
Seek adventure and get busy living.
-Ben