RVer's Guide To Getting Medical Help

Above, the medical center I was airlifted to in Twin Falls, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Getting sick on the road (while RVing) happened to me once.

That took place in Wells, Nevada in 2018 where I was with friends at the Wells Fun Run car show. I had a heart attack (or something quite close to it) that had me airlifted to a hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho to have two stents put into a coronary artery. Luckily, I had insurance coverage that covered everything, including the medical helicopter ride.

Getting sick while RVing is something most of us don't plan for. That's where an article in RV Travel comes in handy. It is a guide to getting medical help while on the road.

They begin with:

One thing many RVers don’t plan for is getting sick while traveling and/or needing medical help on the road. So, what happens if you or a travel buddy need medical care while on the road? How can you find a good doctor or get the quality medical help you need?

Plan healthcare—just in case

RVers plan their travel routes, secure RV camp reservations, plan what to pack, and schedule trip activities. That’s a lot of advanced planning. We don’t usually plan on getting sick. If you are in good health and have kept up to date with annual health visits, getting sick while on vacation probably doesn’t even enter your mind. Maybe it should.

To read more, go here. 

Five and Six Years Ago Today

Above, a few hours after the stents were put in. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Today marks five years since I had a near-heart attack from an arterial blockage that required two stents.

The episode took place at Bella's Restaurant and Espresso in Wells, Nevada where four of us were about to have lunch. It hit just after our food was delivered. We were in Wells for the annual Wells Fun Run car rally. Needless to say, I missed the car show.

I had to be airlifted via helicopter to Twin Falls, Idaho to the Magic Valley Medical Center. Since then, I have been feeling fine.

This day also marks six years since my cousin Ralph was found deceased from a heart attack. My phone number was apparently the only one on his cell phone and the L.A. County Sheriff called me with the news. My roommate Jessica and I were at the Northridge In-N-Out Burger when I got the call. It was up to me to notify his sister Rosemarie. 

I think of my cousin Ralph often. He and I used to hit record stores for vintage records in the months preceding his passing. Fun times. 

Is Hospital Overnight RV Camping Allowed?

Above, the RV camping area at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Can you camp overnight in a hospital parking lot?

That is the topic of an article in RV Life and one we had to face five years ago in Twin Falls, Idaho.

While in Wells, Nevada for the Wells Fun Run car show and rally, I had my little heart attack and had to be flown by helicopter to the St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center to have two stents put into a coronary artery.

My friend Mitch drove my motorhome up to Twin Falls. Fortunately, the medical center has an RV camping area with electrical hook-ups. He stayed there for two nights until I was released from the hospital. Other hospitals may not have RV camping areas. So what can one do in a similar scenario?

RV Life begins with:

Can you camp overnight in a hospital parking lot? Typically, hospitals are fine with you parking your RV in their parking lot, particularly if you have a loved one in the hospital or are visiting someone.

These lots are usually pretty big, and there probably won’t be many other vehicles overnight. However, if you are just passing through, it might be best to find somewhere else to drop your jacks.

In either scenario, it’s always a good idea to get permission before you unhitch your trailer or set up camp. Find out where the administration area of the hospital is located and ask someone there for the OK. There may be someone at an information desk or kiosk that can help. Of course, that may have to be done during office hours, which could pose a problem for a later evening stop.

To read more, go here. 

US To Propose New Flight Cancellation/Delay Rules

Above, at Twin Falls Magic Valley Regional Airport in 2020. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since 2019, I had two flights cancelled allegedly due to weather conditions.

The first was in 2019 when I was returning home from G-FEST in Rosemont, Illinois. My flight was cancelled allegedly due to weather. This was in the middle of July, so I had to wonder what weather condition would cause the cancellation. This forced me to stay overnight at a Motel 6 in Rosemont near Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

The second time came in 2021 (July again) as I was returning home from the Wells Fun Run in Wells, Nevada. The closest airport was the Twin Falls Magic Valley Regional Airport. There were thunderstorms everywhere during the trip, including Wells. My connecting flight from Salt Lake City, Utah to Albuquerque was cancelled allegedly due to thunderstorms. I had to stay one night in a motel in Salt Lake City. 

Of course, the airlines claim that both instances were "beyond their control" due to weather. Don't they fly above the storms? And, one has to ask, why couldn't they just have the planes fly around the storm cells? It seems that this would eliminate the "beyond control" issue.

The Biden Administration is going to propose new rules on flight cancellations and delays. 

According to the AP News:

President Joe Biden said Monday his administration will write new regulations that will require airlines to compensate air travelers and cover their meals and hotel rooms if they are stranded for reasons within the airline’s control.

The compensation would be in addition to ticket refunds when the airline is at fault for a flight being canceled or significantly delayed. It would give consumers in the United States protections similar to those in the European Union.

“I know how frustrated many of you are with the service you get from your U.S. airlines,” Biden said. “That’s why our top priority has been to get American air travelers a better deal.”

Biden added, “You deserve more than just getting the price of your ticket (refunded) — you deserve to be fully compensated. Your time matters, the impact on your life matters.”

Biden’s pledge comes just weeks before the start of the peak summer travel season, when air travel could exceed pre-coronavirus pandemic records.

It would have been nice to have my hotel bills reimbursed by the airlines in both instances.

I remains to be seen what proposed new rules they will come up with.  

To read more, go here.

Medical Insurance and RVing

Above, the St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I had my medical emergency four years ago at the Wells Fun Run in Wells, Nevada, I had to be flown by helicopter to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho to have two stents put into a coronary artery.

Along with the procedure of putting the stents in and the stay in the hospital, I also had to be flown by air ambulance. The air ambulance alone cost around $55,000+. (I now have air ambulance coverage since I live in a rural area and usually patients are transferred from Gallup to Albuquerque. The coverage is good anywhere,)

Above, the air ambulance helicopter that took me to Twin Falls, Idaho. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Fortunately for me, I had Medicaid at the time which covered all the aforementioned costs. 

Does your medical insurance coverage also include out-of-network medical treatments while RVing?

RVer Insurance Exchange has an article comparing insurance coverages with different scenarios on what each insurance covers and what they don't.

They begin with:

Improper Insurance Coverage Can Have Devastating Financial Repercussions

Have you secured health insurance coverage for the year yet? If you have, congratulations! You are among the over 297 million Americans who have some type of health insurance coverage. You have taken the first step in mitigating financial risk and giving yourself peace of mind. But, do you understand how your health insurance plan works? Does it have network restrictions that could leave you vulnerable while you’re on the road? What does it (or you!) pay for a specialist’s visit, urgent care visit, or ER visit?

Understanding your plan’s benefits is almost as important as having coverage itself. If you do not use your plan properly, you will be on the hook for outstanding medical bills, causing stress and major financial burden. As a licensed health insurance agent working with the RVer Insurance Exchange, it is my job to not only provide health insurance options, but to help RVers and travelers understand how the plan they are purchasing actually works.

To read more, go here. 

2021 In Review

Above, the bull-riding event at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Rodeo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

2021 is nearly over and it's time to do my usuall year in review.

First off, I am grateful that no family members or close friends have passed away. There was one loss that is almost like losing a friend. For nearly 40 years, I've started my days by turning on the radio to listen to Rush Limbaugh. His passing back in February was like a life-changer as my routine for the day has been altered. He is still missed. There was a big void this holiday season without his Christmas shows.

The First Quarter

Above, on the balcony of Southfork's ranch house. 

The first quarter of the year started as it normally does. Except, I decided I wanted to see the new John Wayne: An American Experience exhibit in Fort Worth, Texas that opened in December 2020. Mitch Geriminsky joined me on the trip to Texas that included the Wayne exhibit, the 6th Floor Museum At Dealey Plaza, Southfork Ranch (the filming location for the prime-time soap, Dallas) and the Fort Worth Stockyards. 

Above, yours truly at John Wayne: An American Experience. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

We had a great time as we rented a car and roamed around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I'd like to go back during the summer months.

Also in January, I went to the wedding of Mitch and Holly Geriminsky in Las Vegas. We had a good time there and had a great barbecue dinner at the reception. 

The next big trip of the quarter was the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus Spring Clampout in March in Quartzsite, Arizona. I was joined there by Glenn Thornhill and Gary Julian from California. I hadn't seen either since I moved to New Mexico. We had somewhere around 200 Clampers attend. We had a great time.

Above, with Glenn Thornhill and Gary Julian at the Lost Dutchman spring clampout.

The Second Quarter

Above, the Durango train about to depart from Durango Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since New Mexico theaters were shut down due to the pandemic, I headed up to Durango, Colorado (a 3-hour drive) to see Godzilla vs. Kong in April. I made the trip a little mini-vacation and stayed at the Apen Rose RV Park in Durango. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad passes the campground across the highway. I had a relaxing good time in Durango, along with good food. I picked up another bottle of rum from Honeyville while in Durango. Good stuff!

I didn't ride the train this trip, but I did tour the train museum at the roundhouse of the Durango train station. Nice collection!

As it turned out, New Mexico theaters were allowed to re-open the following week.

The Third Quarter

Above, at Bella's Cappuchino and Cafe in Wells, Nevada.

In July, the Wild West Days Rodeo in Grants was held. It was nice to attend a rodeo again. It was the only rodeo held last year. 

Also in July, I took a little trip to Chaco Canyon and camped there. It was an interesting place to view up close ancient pueblo Indian dwellings. The drive in was an adventure itself. It is accessible only a rough dirt road for about 20 miles. The Beast handled it fine. 

Above, cliff dwellings at Chaco Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In late July, Mitch Geriminsky and I flew to Twin Falls, Idaho to attend the Wells (Nevada) Fun Run car rally and show. This was the event that I missed three years ago when I had my heart issue. This time I was able to enjoy the entire weekend and see friends. Our group joined Linda Wilson in scattering her husband Bill's ashes at the rally. He passed away the year before from leukemia. We had thunderstorms the whole weekend and that caused problems for us when we tried to return home. Flights were delayed or cancelled in Salt Lake City, where we were to catch our connecting flights. I ended up getting a hotel room near the airport and got a flight to Albuquerque the next morning. It was bizarre that thunderstorms were all over the Southwest that weekend. Needless to say, we had a great time at the Wells Fun Run.

In August, I attended the Bloomer Trailers Best of the Best Rodeo and the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial and Rodeo in August. Both events were held at Red Rock Park Rodeo Arena. The Indian Ceremonial was smaller than in years past, but I had fun there anyway. 

The Fourth Quarter

Above, at the Southern New Mexico State Fair in Las Cruces.

In October, I took a drive down to Las Cruces to attend the Southern New Mexico State Fair. It was a nice fair and it included a rodeo. It seemed like half the city was there during the rodeo.I camped at the KOA Kampground a few miles away from the fair. Along with the rodeo, I enjoyed viewing the livestock and exhibits. I may go back again next year.

Above, at the fall clampout with Harold, one our cook crew leaders. 

Also in October, the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus returned to Quartzsite for the fall Clampout. Again we all had a great time. Our chapter's "ambassador" Bill Greene, passed away during the summer at age 92 and a ceremony was held honoring him. 

Following the Clampout, I headed to Mitch's in Lake Havasu and saw Dwight Kuntz, a friend during our junior high and high school years. I hadn't seen Dwight since the 1980s at Dodger Stadium. We had a good time catching up.

Above, yours truly, Dwight Kuntz and Mitch Geriminsky at Lake Havasu. Photo by Holly Geriminsky.

In November, I went back to Lake Havasu, Arizona to celebrate Thanksgiving with Mitch and Holly Geriminsky at their new home. I camped at Crazy Horse Campgrounds at the lake. 

Earlier this month, I attended the Balloominaria at Rio West Mall in Gallup. It was part of the Red Rock Balloon Rally held at Red Rock Park. Balloominaria is where balloonists inflate their hot-air balloons in the mall's parking lot and illuminate them at night. Thousands showed up for this event despite the cold temperature.

Above, Ballominaria at Rio West Mall in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Christmas dinner was hosted by Greg and Marlo Lucier at their home here in Jamestown. Since I had spent around $1,100 in car repairs and the high price of gasoline, I decided to stay home this Christmas. 

All in all, it wasn't too bad a year for me. Hopefully, 2022 will be a better one. 

Masks: A Load of B.S.

Above, only one worker at Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q in Albuquerque is wearing a mask. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my recent trip to the Wells Fun Run in Wells, Nevada, mask-wearing was imposed on travelers at all of the airports (Albuquerque, Salt Lake City and Twin Falls) and on all Delta Airlines planes by the feds. The only places not imposing masks on people were in the casinos and restaurants in Wells. Very few, if any, wore masks at the Wells Fun Run. At least I don't remember seeing any.

It is totally ridiculous to mandate masks on people who have already been vaccinated. I am one of them (I was given the Pfizer vaccine in February).

All this is allegedly due to the spread of the so-called "Delta Variant" of COVID-19. Of course, the feds have to create panic over this so they can control the populace. Frankly, I think all of this is a bunch of B.S.

Thinking masks will protect people from the virus is like keeping mosquitoes our of your yard with a chain-link fence!

Before leaving New Mexico last Friday, I stopped in at Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q in Albuquerque Thursday to pick up dinner before heading to the KOA Kampground. Only one of the workers was wearing a mask and I didn't hear anyone complain.

Curious.

Wells Fun Run Cruise

Above, this car was Bill Wilson's pride and joy. He put a lot of work into it. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A part of the Wells Fun Run is a cruise of vehicles down the town's main street.

One vehicle was a vintage Ford decked out to look like the Mayberry squad car, right down to the door decals.

Some photos:

Snake River Canyon In Twin Falls

Above, yours truly at the Snake River Canyon. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Before heading to the airport in Twin Falls, Idaho for the return trip home, Mitch Geriminsky and I wandered down to the Snake River canyon. This was before a big thunderstorm hit the area an hour or so later while we were at the airport restaurant.

The settings on my phone camera got out-of-whack when I took a photo of Mitch at the canyon. After some tinkering, I got it to work okay.

Above, Mitch Geriminsky at the Snake River Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before heading out of Wells to go to Twin Falls, I took a shot of the full Super 8 motel in Wells. It had rained all night with plenty of lightning and thunder. 

Above, the Wells Super 8 motel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This summer's weather has been loaded with lightning storms. Everywhere we went, it rained with thunderstorms. This included Twin Falls, Wells, Salt Lake City and Pocatello. Usually, we get hot days in Wells this time of the year, but it actually got a little chilly. Of course, nobody brought jackets.

Back From The Wells Fun Run

Above, a nice 1966 Mustang that's also for sale. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A day late (I was supposed to get back to New Mexico last night), but I made it back home this afternoon.

A storm moved into the Salt Lake City, Utah area last evening and that caused a snarl with air traffic.

We left Twin Falls, Idaho after waiting about 20 minutes for the storm to clear out some, but after taking off, we were diverted to Pocatello, Idaho. We were there for about an hour to get refueled. No surprise there, as we circled the city for what seemed like forever.

Then we took off for Salt Lake City. That was good, but it caused me to miss my flight from Salt Lake City to Albuquerque. I got an alternate flight the next morning with no problem, but I had to get a room at the Best Western Plus hotel (nice place for a budget hotel). Mitch Geriminsky also missed his flight from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas, Nevada. He elected to sleep in the airport terminal.

It seems like for the past several years that getting to places have been problem-free, but getting back home is another story. Oh, well.

The Wells Fun Run was a lot of fun with all kinds of cars and trucks on displaty. After three years, I finally got to see what I missed when I was airlifted to the hospital. Wells had rain and thunderstorms come through the whole time we were there. Normally, it is sunny and hot in Wells during the summer. 

It was great to see the Wilson family. It has been a year since Wellington "Bill" Wilson passed away. Some of his ashes were scattered at the Wells Fun Run.

Since I didn't bring a computer along, I had to wait until I got home before uploading photos. 

Here's some:

Above, Linda Wilson (Bill's widow) and yours truly. 

Above, the scattering of some of Bill's ashes. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Mitch Geriminsky at Belle's Restaurant and Cappucino. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly at Belle's Restaurant and Cappucino. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Above, Clampers from the Lucinda Jane Saunders Chapter with their food booth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Bella's Restaurant and Espresso

This morning,  Mitchell Geriminsky an I had breakfast at Bella's Restaurant and Cappuccino in Wells, Nevada. 

This was where I had my heart attack thing three years ago. 

Thankfully, I wasn't taken out feet first this time.

Wells Fun Run

The Wells Fun Run in Wells, Nevada started yesterday and was packed with attendees and events.

Below are some photos of the Slow Drag Race.

2021 Wells Fun Run

 

This coming weekend, I will make my second attempt to actually attend the Wells Fun Run in Wells, Nevada.

As many who read this blog know, my first attempt in 2018 didn't work out too well as I had a heart attack (or something) that had me airlifted from Wells to Twin Falls, Idaho to have two stents inserted into a coronary artery. So I missed the show (it hadn't started yet) that year.

Above, from left, Mitch Geriminsky, Bill Wilson and yours
 truly in Wells in 2018 before everything went south for me.

Then, in 2019, we decided to skip the show and went directly to Buhl, Idaho to party with Bill and Linda Wilson as Bill came down with a blood cancer disorder and couldn't make the Wells Fun Run. We brought the "rally" to him. It turned out that it was the last time Mitch Geriminsky and I got to see Bill as he passed away last year from leukemia.

While heading to Buhl, we stopped at Bella's Restaurant & Espresso in Wells, where I was stricken the year before. This time, I was able to finish my meal and wasn't carried out feet first.

Above, at the restaurant in Wells in 2019 where I had my heart attack
 the year before. This time I wasn't carried out feet first. We stopped
there while en route to Buhl, Idaho. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Linda Wilson requested that Mitch and I attend this year's Wells Fun Run. So we agreed to do so and are flying up this weekend. I think there might be a memorial tribute to Bill there.

Above, at Bill Wilson's in 2019. This was the last time we were able to see Bill.

I'll have a cat-sitter for Sierra while I am in Wells.

I am now more healthy than I was three years ago. I have followed my cardiologist's instructions, changed my diet and taking my meds. I have also dropped down to 185 pounds (I am below 200 pound for the first time since college). Driving the Jeep also was a big help in keeping more active.

Hopefully, everything will go without any problems. 

Bill's Birthday

Above, Bill with his truck at the Flying J in April 2018. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today would have been Wellington "Bill" Wilson's 67th birthday. (Today would have been my mom's 88th birhday, too.)

Sadly, Bill passed away from complications of leukemia last summer. We had been friends since junior high school in Hawthorne, California.

Above, Mitch Geriminsky, Bill Wilson and yours truly in Wells, Nevada July 26, 2018.

We last got together two years ago at his home in Buhl, Idaho. He was a long-haul trucker and had stopped by the Flying J down the hill from me on several occasions. 

Above, in Buhl, Idaho in July 2019.

We were at the Wells (Nevada) Fun Run car rally in July 2018 when my "little" coronary issue struck. 

After leaving Bill's in July 2019, Mitch Geriminsky and I pulled a joke on him while we were in Jackson, Wyoming. 

Below, are two videos of the joke. The second one was his reaction.

 

 So, on the occasion of Bill's birthday, a toast to his memory is raised!