Tuesday, January 27, 2009
FINALLY IN GUATEMALA!!!!!
They are across the border after waiting for 2 whole days. They are driving the apparatus that is going to the lake...to the lake and the 10th company Bomberos are taking their engine to the city. so they are STILL driving. Whew!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Border time...
It has been a long time without emails and we have been calling in our blogs to Adam and Vanessa. Wow, what a trip it has been. When you’re in the U.S.A. you can take a map, measure out how long it will take you to get somewhere, and it will take you that long to get there. Not So in Mexico!!!!! We thought it was going to take us 3 days to make it through Mexico and we were wrong. The road can be great for a bit and then just become a mess of pot holes, “topes”(multiple speed bumps) that last for miles. When you’re driving in older engines those small bumps are magnified x 1000 and transferred into your back and neck. My chiropractor will be busy for a while
We are now in the border town of Tapachula and should be leaving Mexico tomorrow. Yesterday we began having trouble with the water pump leaking in the ambulance after going over a long stretch of bumpy roads. We began filling the radiator every time we would stop thinking that it would last for a while. The pump was worse today leaking pretty heavily and since its Sunday, there are no stores or shops open to repair or buy another one. About 200km from Tapachula the pump completely cracked on the side of the “highway”, and we weren’t able fix it. We ended up towing the ambulance with the engine using and a piece of rope we luckily had brought along. The going was slow since we had someone in the ambulance being towed. It was extremely hot today(no air conditioning) and the trip took us almost the entire day. We are planning to do some work on it tomorrow so that it will be drivable before crossing the border.
The food here has been unbelievable and inexpensive too. Almost every night we have some type of meat dinner with beers, and all the fixings for under $30. The road trip has taken us through place that I’m sure don’t get many travelers. We get looks, people pointing, and kids laughing at us as we drive through there cities. Everyone here is very pleasant and interested in what we are doing. There have been many questions and they seem very happy after we tell them what we are doing. I showed 5 kids a magic trick and I think they liked it, or maybe they were just laughing at me.
Well, I hope we make it tomorrow. We should have a welcoming party on the other side of the border waiting for us.
Jeff Palensky
We are now in the border town of Tapachula and should be leaving Mexico tomorrow. Yesterday we began having trouble with the water pump leaking in the ambulance after going over a long stretch of bumpy roads. We began filling the radiator every time we would stop thinking that it would last for a while. The pump was worse today leaking pretty heavily and since its Sunday, there are no stores or shops open to repair or buy another one. About 200km from Tapachula the pump completely cracked on the side of the “highway”, and we weren’t able fix it. We ended up towing the ambulance with the engine using and a piece of rope we luckily had brought along. The going was slow since we had someone in the ambulance being towed. It was extremely hot today(no air conditioning) and the trip took us almost the entire day. We are planning to do some work on it tomorrow so that it will be drivable before crossing the border.
The food here has been unbelievable and inexpensive too. Almost every night we have some type of meat dinner with beers, and all the fixings for under $30. The road trip has taken us through place that I’m sure don’t get many travelers. We get looks, people pointing, and kids laughing at us as we drive through there cities. Everyone here is very pleasant and interested in what we are doing. There have been many questions and they seem very happy after we tell them what we are doing. I showed 5 kids a magic trick and I think they liked it, or maybe they were just laughing at me.
Well, I hope we make it tomorrow. We should have a welcoming party on the other side of the border waiting for us.
Jeff Palensky
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Day Ten
Well...the roads were the worst yet. They pushed through to the pacific side. They are staying the night in a town called San Tapeka(?spelling) about 500 miles from the border. The radiator on the medic unit cracked from the bumpy roads so they have to stop every so often to fill it up. The plan is to get to the border today, stay the night and then cross on Monday because the border is not open on Sunday.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Day Nine
Driving about 5mph in most places. Bad roads. Broke a hitch and made it to the next town to repair. When they arrived at the small town just outside of Tampico, the local firefighters were standing outside their station asking the public for money to buy EMS supplies. They identified themselves as 4 paramedics. They helped the guys repair the hitch. Jeff left them with a Brave business card and some supplies: 1 backboard, several c-collars and a bag of bandages. The Mexican ffs were very grateful. Jeff said that it's the hardest thing to drive by another dept in need with a truck full of supplies. Jeff said that he saw what they had and it was nothing.
Thank you to the Mexican FF for helping our group get back on the road! Right now they are about 120km N of Vera Cruz.
Thank you to the Mexican FF for helping our group get back on the road! Right now they are about 120km N of Vera Cruz.
A Busy Month
There is a lot happening in Guatemala this month. The convoy is expected to cross the border into Guatemala on Saturday and begin delivering the vehicles and supplies to various fire departments. It’s been a long haul for our drivers…..we couldn’t have done it without you – THANK YOU!
We have also had a group of Rotarians from the Fargo, North Dakota area working with Paul this week on the 2nd floor of the fire station in San Juan la Laguna. They are a group from the FMAM Rotary (Fargo-Moorhead Morning Rotary). It is part of Rotary District 5580, which includes North Dakota, about half of Minnesota, and parts of Canada, who provided the funds for materials to build the fire station. Construction of the facility will all be done by volunteer labor. Doug Murphy is the team leader for this trip. A second group from the same district, coming from Minnesota, will arrive in Guatemala in February. Thank you so much for your dedication to Guatemala and support of the BRAVE Foundation. The bomberos greatly appreciate this opportunity to improve fire response and medical treatment to this poor region. To learn more about the Fargo-Moorhead Rotary Clubs, Rotary District 5580 and the Guatemala project, visit www.Dickinsonrotary.org/Guatemala.htm.
A group of Central Pierce Fire & Rescue personnel and other great volunteers is heading to Guatemala next week. They will also be volunteering their time, energy, and expertise to work on the fire station and other important projects. Thank you to all for your dedication and support!
Stay tuned for more updates....it’s a busy time for the BRAVE Foundation!
We have also had a group of Rotarians from the Fargo, North Dakota area working with Paul this week on the 2nd floor of the fire station in San Juan la Laguna. They are a group from the FMAM Rotary (Fargo-Moorhead Morning Rotary). It is part of Rotary District 5580, which includes North Dakota, about half of Minnesota, and parts of Canada, who provided the funds for materials to build the fire station. Construction of the facility will all be done by volunteer labor. Doug Murphy is the team leader for this trip. A second group from the same district, coming from Minnesota, will arrive in Guatemala in February. Thank you so much for your dedication to Guatemala and support of the BRAVE Foundation. The bomberos greatly appreciate this opportunity to improve fire response and medical treatment to this poor region. To learn more about the Fargo-Moorhead Rotary Clubs, Rotary District 5580 and the Guatemala project, visit www.Dickinsonrotary.org/Guatemala.htm.
A group of Central Pierce Fire & Rescue personnel and other great volunteers is heading to Guatemala next week. They will also be volunteering their time, energy, and expertise to work on the fire station and other important projects. Thank you to all for your dedication and support!
Stay tuned for more updates....it’s a busy time for the BRAVE Foundation!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Day Eight
The drive was good but bad roads. They got pulled over 3 times, paid a few dineros and were on their way.
Point of interest: When the cops put their hand up when you're driving by...that means "pull over" They're NOT waving "hello." I guess they chased Jeff and the guys down as they drove past waving "hello." Jeff said 2 of them actually ran off the road because they were going so fast to try and catch up. The cops were very mad when they finally caught up to the caravan. Nothing a few dollars can't fix.
They hope to make it to the Pacific side tomorrow and stop a few hours short of the border. Hotel tonight...good food..tired.
Point of interest: When the cops put their hand up when you're driving by...that means "pull over" They're NOT waving "hello." I guess they chased Jeff and the guys down as they drove past waving "hello." Jeff said 2 of them actually ran off the road because they were going so fast to try and catch up. The cops were very mad when they finally caught up to the caravan. Nothing a few dollars can't fix.
They hope to make it to the Pacific side tomorrow and stop a few hours short of the border. Hotel tonight...good food..tired.
Day Seven
We arrived at the Transmigrant facility late at night. Eduardo had set up sleeping facilities with the Transmigrant company. Essentially, a room with 4 beds. Not a 5-star but it was warm and dry with shower facilities. The best part of the past couple mornings have been the pleasant Guatemalan women, Marta & Barrios, who provide food for transmigrants. They come by each morning and serve typical Guatemalan food to the transmigrants leaving each morning to cross the border. It is a great indication of good food to come.
We woke up early in the morning to begin the paperwork. We found out that we needed to re-inventory all the vehicles and translate it in Spanish. It took much longer to get the paperwork done than we had planned and were unable to leave. The border closes at 3:30 for transmigrants.
Mireya at the transmigrant company was very gracious and pleasant to work with.
It was kind of a relief not to leave yesterday. We have been driving for days and it was nice to have a guilt free evening of rest and rejuvenation.
Last night, we ran to town for more oil and had a nice meal at the local Texas Roadhouse Restaurant. (similar to TGIFridays).
This morning we have all our paperwork approved and we are anxiously awaiting the opening of the border.
We woke up early in the morning to begin the paperwork. We found out that we needed to re-inventory all the vehicles and translate it in Spanish. It took much longer to get the paperwork done than we had planned and were unable to leave. The border closes at 3:30 for transmigrants.
Mireya at the transmigrant company was very gracious and pleasant to work with.
It was kind of a relief not to leave yesterday. We have been driving for days and it was nice to have a guilt free evening of rest and rejuvenation.
Last night, we ran to town for more oil and had a nice meal at the local Texas Roadhouse Restaurant. (similar to TGIFridays).
This morning we have all our paperwork approved and we are anxiously awaiting the opening of the border.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Day Six
Today we when from west of San Antonio to the Border. We realized that we were not going to make the border in time to meet with the Transmigrant company so we decided to drive slower and more relaxed. We stopped just outside of San Antonio and took showers and did laundry in the sink. (We also bought underwear). Chris Pfaff completed his part of the journey and is meeting up with friends in Corpus Christi, then flying home. We thank Chris for all his help. His mechanic and long haul trucking experience was priceless.
We spoke with the Transmigrant company and the paperwork has all been submitted and approved and we should have no problems in the morning. We have stocked up on pesos for any and all potential expenses that we may occur in Mexico.
Right now we are driving to the Transmigrant company which apparently is smack dab in the middle of nowhere.
The rigs are running very well. We stopped at a truck stop and changed oil and stocked up for Mexico. While we were there we were able to sell a t-shirt to a Guatemalan that was very grateful for what we were doing.
Depending on how quickly we can process through the border we will be getting to at least Tampico. If we get through quickly we will make it further.
We spoke with the Transmigrant company and the paperwork has all been submitted and approved and we should have no problems in the morning. We have stocked up on pesos for any and all potential expenses that we may occur in Mexico.
Right now we are driving to the Transmigrant company which apparently is smack dab in the middle of nowhere.
The rigs are running very well. We stopped at a truck stop and changed oil and stocked up for Mexico. While we were there we were able to sell a t-shirt to a Guatemalan that was very grateful for what we were doing.
Depending on how quickly we can process through the border we will be getting to at least Tampico. If we get through quickly we will make it further.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Day 4 continued (sorry out of order)
DAY 4, January, 18TH 2009
We got a late start on the road today after last night festivities, this morning excellent breakfast, and removing our vehicles from there overnight parking. All the rigs had to come out of a small automated gate (of course the gate kept closing so we had to assign one person to continually hit the button), make a sharp turn onto a small, busy street with tons of parked vehicles all around, all while in reverse.
We had a long, but productive day of driving. It has been really nice having the medic unit empty for us to take naps, sleep at night and have our own little area. Eduardo slept in the back for most of the day since he was up all night with his amigos. We switched off throughout the day except for Chris who is a driving animal. I think it brings him back to a happy place when he was a long haul driver. The rest of us like to switch as often as possible, and wouldn’t make good, “Trucker”.
It has been very interesting, “kind of hanging with the truckers”... It’s a world that you don’t get to see and I am glad to be a part of it, if only for a couple of days. Chris has showed us a lot of different and cool thing that truck stops have to offer its clientel. Did you know that with a 50 gallon fill up you get a free shower? It was quite nice too. They gave you two clean towels, your own little cleaned room with a new bar of soap, sink and toilet. When you’re on the road it’s the small things that seem grand. They also have relatively nice restaurants with good sit down food. Maybe all this driving is making me loco? They have quite the system, but still haven’t figured out how to offer, “FREE” wireless internet. It has been nothing but trouble trying to get a connection while on the road. Most truck stops offer it but also charge. Our best luck has been outside the motels. I’m sure that if you went into the cities it wouldn’t be a problem, but with these vehicles it’s hard to do. It’s inconvenient for us semi-wired people who could find a free internet anywhere at home.
After our meals and showers we got on the road again and drove until we got tired. We stopped about 40 miles west of the Arizona border, slept in the vehicles, once again froze during the night.
Jeff Palensky
We got a late start on the road today after last night festivities, this morning excellent breakfast, and removing our vehicles from there overnight parking. All the rigs had to come out of a small automated gate (of course the gate kept closing so we had to assign one person to continually hit the button), make a sharp turn onto a small, busy street with tons of parked vehicles all around, all while in reverse.
We had a long, but productive day of driving. It has been really nice having the medic unit empty for us to take naps, sleep at night and have our own little area. Eduardo slept in the back for most of the day since he was up all night with his amigos. We switched off throughout the day except for Chris who is a driving animal. I think it brings him back to a happy place when he was a long haul driver. The rest of us like to switch as often as possible, and wouldn’t make good, “Trucker”.
It has been very interesting, “kind of hanging with the truckers”... It’s a world that you don’t get to see and I am glad to be a part of it, if only for a couple of days. Chris has showed us a lot of different and cool thing that truck stops have to offer its clientel. Did you know that with a 50 gallon fill up you get a free shower? It was quite nice too. They gave you two clean towels, your own little cleaned room with a new bar of soap, sink and toilet. When you’re on the road it’s the small things that seem grand. They also have relatively nice restaurants with good sit down food. Maybe all this driving is making me loco? They have quite the system, but still haven’t figured out how to offer, “FREE” wireless internet. It has been nothing but trouble trying to get a connection while on the road. Most truck stops offer it but also charge. Our best luck has been outside the motels. I’m sure that if you went into the cities it wouldn’t be a problem, but with these vehicles it’s hard to do. It’s inconvenient for us semi-wired people who could find a free internet anywhere at home.
After our meals and showers we got on the road again and drove until we got tired. We stopped about 40 miles west of the Arizona border, slept in the vehicles, once again froze during the night.
Jeff Palensky
Day 5
Day 5 – January 19th, 2009
This morning we woke up around 7:30. It was another cold night, but after the long day of driving, the cold wasn’t enough to stop us from getting a solid night of sleep. It’s hard to recall what time, but New Mexico seemed to come and go very easily. There wasn’t a lot of excitement in that state, other than the view of reddish mountains in the distance and desert plants along Interstate 10. Jeff claims that he saw a U.F.O. in the sky to the south, but I’m pretty sure it was a blimp, and he was just bored.
At around 3:00 PM, we arrived at the border of Texas. I was expecting to see cowboy hat-wearing horse-riders and old fashioned saloons along the highway, but, to be honest, it looked exactly the same as Arizona and New Mexico. El Paso was a busy city with some traffic, but as soon as we got through it, it was back to pale green plants and distant mountains. I hope we’ll at least see a rattlesnake on the side of the road tonight.
The vehicles are holding up great and our drivers are even better!
Sean Leisner
It’s 11:00pm and I have just had my nap and am waiting for my turn to drive. We are trying to get down near San Antonio tonight to make up a little time. We are running in shift so that everyone gets there chance to sleep.
In defense to what Sean had said, I think it may have been a really slow moving UFO that just appeared to look like a blimp. I mean really how do we know we didn’t build our blimps to match UFOs.
Drove until 02:00 last night then slept in the vehicles. Freezing!!!!! We are approximately 130 miles from San Antonio. So we should make it to the border tomorrow.
Jeff Palensky
This morning we woke up around 7:30. It was another cold night, but after the long day of driving, the cold wasn’t enough to stop us from getting a solid night of sleep. It’s hard to recall what time, but New Mexico seemed to come and go very easily. There wasn’t a lot of excitement in that state, other than the view of reddish mountains in the distance and desert plants along Interstate 10. Jeff claims that he saw a U.F.O. in the sky to the south, but I’m pretty sure it was a blimp, and he was just bored.
At around 3:00 PM, we arrived at the border of Texas. I was expecting to see cowboy hat-wearing horse-riders and old fashioned saloons along the highway, but, to be honest, it looked exactly the same as Arizona and New Mexico. El Paso was a busy city with some traffic, but as soon as we got through it, it was back to pale green plants and distant mountains. I hope we’ll at least see a rattlesnake on the side of the road tonight.
The vehicles are holding up great and our drivers are even better!
Sean Leisner
It’s 11:00pm and I have just had my nap and am waiting for my turn to drive. We are trying to get down near San Antonio tonight to make up a little time. We are running in shift so that everyone gets there chance to sleep.
In defense to what Sean had said, I think it may have been a really slow moving UFO that just appeared to look like a blimp. I mean really how do we know we didn’t build our blimps to match UFOs.
Drove until 02:00 last night then slept in the vehicles. Freezing!!!!! We are approximately 130 miles from San Antonio. So we should make it to the border tomorrow.
Jeff Palensky
Monday, January 19, 2009
Day Three (part 2)
Around 5:30pm we started our last stretch towards San Fernando through the "Grapevine" pass. The climb was not as treacherous as we had expected, but we did encounter a brushfire in its early stages. I imagine the other cars on the highway were confused as we passed by the growing blaze in two fire trucks and an ambulance. Oops.
We arrived in San Fernando around 7:00 at Eduardo's friends place. Armando, a former bombero, greeted us with a round of Gallos (Guatemalan beer) that was much appreciated after the day's long drive. After getting settled, family and friends of Eduardo and Armando began to trickle in and soon we were in the middle of a regular old fiesta! We enjoyed some great Guatemalan food, spoke a lot of Spanish, and tipped back another Gallos or two (or three...maybe four...yikes!) with shots of rum thrown in occasionally. Eduardo's friends were loads of fun and everyone had a great time. In the morning we were treated to a hot Guatemalan breakfast of eggs, beans, tortillas, and tamales (absolutely delicious!) We can't thank the friends of Eduardo in San Fernando enough for there hospitality.
Muchas Gracias, Bomberos de San Fernando!!!
Sean Leisner
We arrived in San Fernando around 7:00 at Eduardo's friends place. Armando, a former bombero, greeted us with a round of Gallos (Guatemalan beer) that was much appreciated after the day's long drive. After getting settled, family and friends of Eduardo and Armando began to trickle in and soon we were in the middle of a regular old fiesta! We enjoyed some great Guatemalan food, spoke a lot of Spanish, and tipped back another Gallos or two (or three...maybe four...yikes!) with shots of rum thrown in occasionally. Eduardo's friends were loads of fun and everyone had a great time. In the morning we were treated to a hot Guatemalan breakfast of eggs, beans, tortillas, and tamales (absolutely delicious!) We can't thank the friends of Eduardo in San Fernando enough for there hospitality.
Muchas Gracias, Bomberos de San Fernando!!!
Sean Leisner
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Day Three
Jeff Palensky
Day 3
Woke up this morning early (05:20)after sleeping pretty hard last night. Willow fire had the alarms go off in the middle of the night and they have really loud house tones(speakers inside the station). In my confusion I was wondering if I needed to go on the call or get to the bathroom. Regardless, I think we all slept very well.
Our goal today is to get to San Fernando just outside of LA where we will stay with a friend of Eduardo’s. they have promised us food, drink and sleep. We are about half way there and have stopped at the, “In and Out” for a greasy meal. The temperature is warming up and is getting to the hot stage. It will be nice to sleep outside.
Must get rolling again.
- Jeff Palensky
Day 3
Woke up this morning early (05:20)after sleeping pretty hard last night. Willow fire had the alarms go off in the middle of the night and they have really loud house tones(speakers inside the station). In my confusion I was wondering if I needed to go on the call or get to the bathroom. Regardless, I think we all slept very well.
Our goal today is to get to San Fernando just outside of LA where we will stay with a friend of Eduardo’s. they have promised us food, drink and sleep. We are about half way there and have stopped at the, “In and Out” for a greasy meal. The temperature is warming up and is getting to the hot stage. It will be nice to sleep outside.
Must get rolling again.
- Jeff Palensky
Day Two, part 2
The drive from Klamath Falls to Willow was beautiful with views of Shasta and surrounding mountains. The weather went from very cold to pretty mild within a few miles. It is now fairly pleasant and none of us would mind sleeping in the rigs now. We can’t seem to get the fuel thing down, it seem that every 100 miles one needs to be fueled. In Klamath Falls we opted to fuel all the rigs and get them all on the same track. The attendant filled them all and we left. Eduardo was complaining about the amount he had spent to top off the UP fire engine. It was a lot because it was the first time we actually got the tank full. The attendant only filled the other tank to a half and we didn’t catch that until a ways down the road. Arrrggghhh!!!!
Made it to Willow, just north of Sacramento, were we stayed at the Willow Fire Dept.. Erik Kennedy a FF/PM was gracious enough to offer up the empty space to sleep, coffee in the morning and shower. Thank you, Willow Fire!!!!!!! It is great to sleep indoors and be able to extend your legs all the way.
In the Morning an early start and we are staying in San Fernando tomorrow. The drive should prove to be some long days ahead as we are a day behind schedule.
- Jeff Palensky
Made it to Willow, just north of Sacramento, were we stayed at the Willow Fire Dept.. Erik Kennedy a FF/PM was gracious enough to offer up the empty space to sleep, coffee in the morning and shower. Thank you, Willow Fire!!!!!!! It is great to sleep indoors and be able to extend your legs all the way.
In the Morning an early start and we are staying in San Fernando tomorrow. The drive should prove to be some long days ahead as we are a day behind schedule.
- Jeff Palensky
Friday, January 16, 2009
Day Two Report
Day 2 Start 06:00
We slept in the vehicles at a rest stop last night. Maybe sleeping isn’t the right term; it was more like lying somewhat horizontally. The temperature was around 35OF. (Note to Self: 55oF sleeping bag isn’t warm enough for 35o F temps) Eduardo only has a couple of blankets to use so I gave him my extra thinking I would be warm enough.
We opted to take Hwy 58 to 97 instead of sticking on I-5 since there are fewer hills to climb. The one hill we did climb, ended up being slow and steep. We reached Willamette pass around 10:30 which got us to around 5100’ ft elevation. Throughout 97 we stayed at around 4500’ft and it was a beautiful drive with clear roads.
Our vehicle problem occurred about 70 miles from Klamath Falls in the middle of nowhere when the ambulance’s temperature light came on. The problem I was told, is the thermostat had locked shut not allowing the fluid to circulate through the engine thus overheating it. Apparently it isn’t a necessary piece of equipment to run the vehicle either? Luckily we have some handy people on the trip to take care of these minor inconveniences. They fixed it in a jiffy and were back on the road.
Next stop in Klamath Falls for fuel up.
- Jeff Palensky
Jeff's Day One Report
This is Jeff's day one report that he sent me by email.... Thursday, January 15, 2009 Time-16:15 WE ARE ON THE ROAD!!!!!!!!!!! We are a touch late from our original estimate of getting on the road by 06:00 this morning. Due to some technical issues we were forced to start at a later time. If it weren’t for our dedicated crew of workers it would have been a lot later. I have to say thanks to Ed Henning from Central Pierce Fire and Rescue for all of the time he put in trying to get our rigs on the road. He has spent the last four days fabricating a tow hitch to the engine and the front of the truck. Thanks Ed!!
We have a convoy of 4 rigs that will hopefully take us all the way down to Guatemala and be useful to our firefighter friends for years to come. In front we have a 1979 Ford Fire Engine donated by East Pierce Fire and Rescue currently being driven by Eduardo and accompanied by me. Really close behind us we are towing a 1979 Chevy pickup truck also donated by East Pierce. We are a slow moving convoy since the lead engine only travels at around 50 mph. So far we’ve only had a small amount of communication in our rig due to the overwhelming sound of the engine and my poor Spanish translations.
Behind us are Wyatt and Sean driving the 1981 Chevy Van also donated by East Pierce Fire and Rescue. It comes equipped with an assortment of snacks and drinks, plus a flat spot to lie down during those long days of driving. From what the boys tell me there isn’t a lot of heat in the rig either. Brrrrrrrrr!!!
Bringing up the rear we have a 1982 E-One Pumper donated by the University Place Fire Department with Chris in the Drivers seat.
We have had a generous offer from Maria Palensky for dinner and a place to warm up for about an hour. Since we got such a late start our goal for tonight will be around Eugene Oregon. Should be a good Drive and I’ll let you know what we had for dinner.
Dinner was excellent, chicken, rice, and fresh greens paired with the finest bottle of……….water. Dang, I wish it was paired with something else. It was a wonderful meal prepare to perfection. The drive to the house was very foggy and slow but worth the time.
We made it down, just north of Eugene where we will stop for the night at a rest stop.
It is cold and Foggy but the driving, the hitch and all else went without a problem.
We have a convoy of 4 rigs that will hopefully take us all the way down to Guatemala and be useful to our firefighter friends for years to come. In front we have a 1979 Ford Fire Engine donated by East Pierce Fire and Rescue currently being driven by Eduardo and accompanied by me. Really close behind us we are towing a 1979 Chevy pickup truck also donated by East Pierce. We are a slow moving convoy since the lead engine only travels at around 50 mph. So far we’ve only had a small amount of communication in our rig due to the overwhelming sound of the engine and my poor Spanish translations.
Behind us are Wyatt and Sean driving the 1981 Chevy Van also donated by East Pierce Fire and Rescue. It comes equipped with an assortment of snacks and drinks, plus a flat spot to lie down during those long days of driving. From what the boys tell me there isn’t a lot of heat in the rig either. Brrrrrrrrr!!!Bringing up the rear we have a 1982 E-One Pumper donated by the University Place Fire Department with Chris in the Drivers seat.
We have had a generous offer from Maria Palensky for dinner and a place to warm up for about an hour. Since we got such a late start our goal for tonight will be around Eugene Oregon. Should be a good Drive and I’ll let you know what we had for dinner.
Dinner was excellent, chicken, rice, and fresh greens paired with the finest bottle of……….water. Dang, I wish it was paired with something else. It was a wonderful meal prepare to perfection. The drive to the house was very foggy and slow but worth the time.
We made it down, just north of Eugene where we will stop for the night at a rest stop.
It is cold and Foggy but the driving, the hitch and all else went without a problem.
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Cold night
I just got off the phone with Jeff. He indicated that they slept in the ambulance last night. Apparently, the 55 degree bag he brought did not quite protect him from the sub-freezing temperatures. Fortunately, it will only get warmer for them as they get closer to their destination.
So far so good as far as the driving goes. They have chosen to bypass Medford and the Mountain passes along I-5 by going through Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Jeff has had problems connecting to the internet to blog their progress so we will try to keep every one posted.
So far so good as far as the driving goes. They have chosen to bypass Medford and the Mountain passes along I-5 by going through Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Jeff has had problems connecting to the internet to blog their progress so we will try to keep every one posted.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Thursday, January 15, 2009
And they're off....
They are on their way! The team left Puyallup this afternoon shortly after 4pm. Please keep our dedicated road crew in your thoughts and prayers as they make their way to Guatemala. We will post updates as we receive info from the drivers. The drivers will also post updates as they are able. Thank you for your support!
Link to our Facebook group:
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS HELP FELLOW BOMBEROS IN GUATEMALA
CONVOY TO GUATEMALA DEPARTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2009 AT 9AM
PRESS RELEASE
The mission of the BRAVE (Bomberos Resourceful And Valiant Efforts) Foundation is to improve the firefighting efforts, health care, and education in developing countries by providing support for a sustainable future. Firefighters and other special individuals from around the United States have found a rewarding humanitarian purpose working in support of bomberos (Spanish for firefighters) who generously assist under privileged and under served populations.
The bomberos are no different than firefighters in the United States. They work tirelessly to help their public through medical and fire emergencies. Most of them are volunteers. They often do not have the proper equipment to meet the emergencies demands or adequate training in firefighting and EMS techniques.
This is an historic week for the BRAVE Foundation. Four donated emergency vehicles, loaded with thousands of dollars in donated medical supplies and equipment, will depart Pierce County to be driven all the way to Guatemala by a dedicated team of volunteer drivers. All supplies and vehicles are donations from local fire districts, hospitals and clinics, as well as from generous individual donors.
The BRAVE Foundation President and Founder, Paul Embleton, has been granted a leave of absence from his position as Captain/Paramedic with Central Pierce Fire & Rescue in order to complete the current project in Guatemala. In 1998, with the support of Rotary Clubs in the U. S. and Guatemala, Capt. Embleton helped to establish the first EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) program for the Volunteer Firefighters of Guatemala, providing the necessary training, equipment, and apparatus to provide both basic and advanced pre-hospital care to the sick and injured. The first graduating class consisted of 12 individuals of the Bomberos Voluntarios de Guatemala. The training soon became sanctioned by the medical college in Guatemala City and the program continues to expand. The BRAVE Foundation is proud to announce that, to date, there are a total of 14 EMT programs throughout Guatemala.
So far, more than 50 Emergency Medical Technicians, paramedics, nurses, doctors, and others have volunteered their time to travel to Guatemala and provide their expertise with training programs. The Guatemalan bomberos have gained the respect of doctors in hospital emergency rooms for their skills in providing a higher level of medical care to the patients.
Courage and dedication know no boundaries. The BRAVE Foundation seeks to improve the efforts of firefighters and medical personnel in developing countries to become self-sufficient by providing access to progressive training programs and efficient facilities and equipment.
To follow the blog and provide your support of this important journey, please visit www.bravefoundation.org.
PRESS RELEASE
The mission of the BRAVE (Bomberos Resourceful And Valiant Efforts) Foundation is to improve the firefighting efforts, health care, and education in developing countries by providing support for a sustainable future. Firefighters and other special individuals from around the United States have found a rewarding humanitarian purpose working in support of bomberos (Spanish for firefighters) who generously assist under privileged and under served populations.
The bomberos are no different than firefighters in the United States. They work tirelessly to help their public through medical and fire emergencies. Most of them are volunteers. They often do not have the proper equipment to meet the emergencies demands or adequate training in firefighting and EMS techniques.
This is an historic week for the BRAVE Foundation. Four donated emergency vehicles, loaded with thousands of dollars in donated medical supplies and equipment, will depart Pierce County to be driven all the way to Guatemala by a dedicated team of volunteer drivers. All supplies and vehicles are donations from local fire districts, hospitals and clinics, as well as from generous individual donors.
The BRAVE Foundation President and Founder, Paul Embleton, has been granted a leave of absence from his position as Captain/Paramedic with Central Pierce Fire & Rescue in order to complete the current project in Guatemala. In 1998, with the support of Rotary Clubs in the U. S. and Guatemala, Capt. Embleton helped to establish the first EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) program for the Volunteer Firefighters of Guatemala, providing the necessary training, equipment, and apparatus to provide both basic and advanced pre-hospital care to the sick and injured. The first graduating class consisted of 12 individuals of the Bomberos Voluntarios de Guatemala. The training soon became sanctioned by the medical college in Guatemala City and the program continues to expand. The BRAVE Foundation is proud to announce that, to date, there are a total of 14 EMT programs throughout Guatemala.
So far, more than 50 Emergency Medical Technicians, paramedics, nurses, doctors, and others have volunteered their time to travel to Guatemala and provide their expertise with training programs. The Guatemalan bomberos have gained the respect of doctors in hospital emergency rooms for their skills in providing a higher level of medical care to the patients.
Courage and dedication know no boundaries. The BRAVE Foundation seeks to improve the efforts of firefighters and medical personnel in developing countries to become self-sufficient by providing access to progressive training programs and efficient facilities and equipment.
To follow the blog and provide your support of this important journey, please visit www.bravefoundation.org.
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