March 2004

TRIP NOTES

Eight planes arrived in Loreto on Thursday, allowing an extra day to pet whales.  On Friday morning seven planes flew to the southern lagoon at Lopez Mateos. Everyone who went got to see and touch a gray whale mother and her baby. Lance Mason, who stayed in Loreto Friday, caught enough yellowtail to feed the entire crew for two nights. Thanks again to Marla and Kirk for their very generous hospitality, hosting events at their Loreto home on both Friday and Saturday nights and also helping transport people to and from the Loreto airport. The accommodations at the Oasis hotel got excellent ratings from all.

CLINIC NOTES 

The Pacific coastal fog was the thickest the group has seen for all the years we have been going to Cadeje. We were not able to land at Cadeje until after 10:30 A.M.  Dr Knaster, the only MD on this trip, was very busy. The two RNs, Lisa and Christine, helped the flow by pre-screening patients. Many patients had traveled hours over dirt roads to be at the clinic. Since we had missed the February clinic, there was a lot of catch-up to do.

Two dentists, Drs. Dart and Mason, and acupuncturist Dr. Wu, were flown to Mulege by pilot Jim Gaskin for a promised clinic there.  Pilot Jim then picked up Dr Klein and dental assistant Ruthann, along with the denture work to be delivered to Cadeje. The Cadeje dental area ran smoothly with newcomer Jane Burke doing triage and translation.

Dr Lonni Wu, a welcome addition to the group, reported a very successful clinic in Mulege and promised to return for a clinic in Cadeje!

MARCH VOLUNTEERS

Pilots:  John Grube, Frank Heintz, Jim Gaskin, Ted Kenney, Brian Coryat, Scott Gordon, Peter Lewis, Ross Rankin
Dentists:  David Dart, Lance Mason, John Grube, Dick Klein
RDAs:  Ruthann Quarles, Melodi Willis (dental coordinator)
Acupuncturist:  Lonnie Wu     
RMA:  Lola Rosales (clinic coordinator)     
EMT:  Herlinda
Translators:  Susan Grube, Jane Burke, Dale Dixon, Chari and Brian Coryat, Lola Rosales
Helpers:  Phil Catlin (pre-med student), Cornelia and Glen Davis, Margo Kenney, Marilyn Enns (pharmacy), Lyndee Ross
General Crew:  Frank Heintz, Jim Gaskin, Ted Kenney, Peter Lewis, Ross Rankin, Brian Coryat, Glen Davis

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