July 2004

TRIP NOTES

Three planes took off for Baja del Sur early morning Friday, July 16. Flying conditions were ideal, with clear skies and minimal turbulence most of the way. Jim Gaskin's plane headed for Mulege, where the weather was hot and muggy following a recent thunderstorm. The other two planes, piloted by Don Briggs and James Lodas, headed directly for Cadeje, where tires were spotted on the runway. Don Briggs circled his plane nearby, while James Lodas flew over 10 minutes later and observed that the tires had been moved. Both planes landed without incident despite strong crosswinds that changed direction at whim. James, Don, Skylar, Eric, and Lisa all stayed in San Juanico, where Scorpion Bay served up perfect waves for surfing.

Robin and Skylar Gauss worked a long day in the heat conducting electrical work in an effort to set up the generator for inclusion into the electrical grid for that area, and did not return to San Juanico from Cadeje until early evening. Jim Gaskin also offered his skills as an electrician, in addition to automotive repairs in Mulege. Both the Cadeje and Mulege contingents experienced their fair share of automotive challenges, with a flat tire and temperamental throttle adding to the adventure in Cadeje, and a faulty alternator putting a damper on beach plans a mile from Hotel Serenidad in Mulege. However, with the "can do" attitude for which Aeromédicos volunteers are known, and the diverse fix-it talents wielded by several individuals, the delinquent vehicles were put back in working order and the clinic was run without a hitch.

MEDICAL CLINIC NOTES

Despite operating on a lean staff, the clinic ran smoothly on Saturday with a moderate number of patients visiting the clinic. Eric saw approximately 18 patients in the medical clinic with the invaluable assistance in translation offered by Brad Chmelka. Lisa Runyen handled pharmacy duties, which have been streamlined to efficiency by the formulary orchestrated by Bob Gayou and Lola earlier this year.

DENTAL CLINIC NOTES

Dr. David Dart, with the assistance of Christine Snyder, took expert care of patients in the dental clinic, some of whom needed extractions.

Due to the heat so prevalent in Baja del Sur during the summer months, the next Aeromédicos' trip is scheduled for October. Many thanks to all of the volunteeers who made the clinic possible in July, 2004!

JULY VOLUNTEERS

Pilots: Jim Gaskin, Don Briggs, James Lodas w/ Skylar Gauss
Dentist: David Dart
Doctor: Eric McFarland
RN/Dental Assistant: Christine Snyder
Translators: Brad Chmelka, Skylar Gauss
Helpers: Robin Gauss, Lisa Runyen

NEXT TRIP: OCTOBER 1ST, CLINIC - OCT. 2ND

PRETRIP BARBEQUE FOR THE NEW SEASON: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH

Location: The ever popular La Cumbre Canyon Ranch of Robin and Nancy

Join us for fun, games and great food. Details will follow in a subsequent newsletter. Mark your calenders now… Saturday, September 18th.

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