A Short and Memorable Chapter Aboard the Midgett

The Sun setting over the bow and Midgett's Bell

Going underway was not what I expected nor as long as I wanted. I write with mixed emotions of wanting to see more, but thankful to be going home. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our patrol was cut short. I know it sounds strange to complain about a three-month patrol versus a four-month patrol. I just feel there was so much more to see. I wrote about the places I saw and will always be grateful that I saw them all things considered. I saw the beauty of a mostly wild land that many only have the chance to read about.

Regardless of where I went, Home was always in my thoughts. Home is the place where the ones we love congregate and it does not matter who that is, nor where. I found myself appreciating the things that I would routinely take for granted. The ability to just drive, get a nice dinner, bring the dog to the beach or for a run or spend an evening with friends. I was reminded what it was to be at work all the time, and live that excitement and frustration that something can happen at any time. It was an adventure, and like all things, they come to an end. Amidst this shortage of words, I can say thank you to those aspects that made this journey all it could be. The sights, the sounds, and especially the people I now call friends.

The crew was incredible to say the Least. Senior Chief Monk was a very generous mentor along with the command. The patients, although frustrating at times always had a lesson to teach me. The hours not spend working were memorable as well. The tea times, noodle time, tournaments, port calls, games and unexpected conversations as I gradually got to know the crew. The respect and courtesy rendered was reciprocated which forged a learning and growing experience. Most importantly, I made some friends and memories I will never forget. I would gladly accept the opportunity to partake in another adventure.

I suppose the more pressing question is how have I changed and was it the experience I expected? Yes I have changed if only a little as we all do in time, and no, it was not what I expected it to be. It was exactly what it is and that is as good as it could have been. I return to Miami with a different perspective on medicine and an appreciation of the resources that are available. I am a better Corpsman because of the lessons from this experience and look forward to the opportunity to incorporate my newly acquired knowledge.

In the case that I did not make it abundantly clear. I humbly thank the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Midgett; for making this adventure more than I ever expected. Fair winds and following seas in your future endeavors.

The Rainbow that greeted us upon our arrival home.

Thoughts on Costa Rica ...

Looking towards the entry to Golfito

I found myself reminiscing the verdure of Columbia as we entered the lonely pier in Golfito, Costa Rica. The port surrounded by steeply ascending hills on three sides. The basic pier about twice as long as the cutter sat peacefully in front of the village. Rust and plants like runes on the columns supporting the well weathered structure. In the foreground, colorful building spot the horizon with a low set beach of mud. The majestic jungle rise above creating a textured verdure that meets the blue sky as rolling mountains. Small water craft of playful colors lie beached on all sides, accompanied by small huts of bright colors hidden in the low lying forest.

The Pier at Golfito

The Countryside

The Mud Beach

It was a small fishing village with semi paved streets and dogs that happily beg for food from the boats as they pull in. The local are friendly, but meander on their own way. In the markets, every place has the best deal and hustles you near to show you the same stuff. It took a little while to find some local art, but it was very reasonable once I did. Marina’s to resorts were in the immediate area. The service was slow, but the food was fresh and the view was beautiful, so I did not mind the wait. We spent much of our time at Casa Roland, a nice resort with two bars, a pool and internet. Amidst the markets, small souvenir stores and tourist areas, was the cultural centers of the city. We were not allowed in the local areas due to high crime rate and had to be in by 2300, but I still managed to get a good look from a distance.

Looking up the Local Streets

what you would call the main street in Golfito

Ben and myself shared the Presidential Suite at the Casa Roland, it was nice but simple room. It was the only room left and the President of Costa Rica once stayed there, so how could I turn it down? This was convenient due to the required 2300 curfew because of the high crime rate in the area. During the day our time was spend meandering the markets, the small village, relaxing at the pool or at the bars. It was nice to see the crew relax and not think about work for a short while. I spend some time wandering around the resort and was especially impressed by the interior landscaping and irrigation for the plants. It seemed that the building was built to have indoor plants with open areas above them so they rain would provide them with water. I was a little disappointed at the lack of locals. Other than the staff, a few young women and some former military that had retired and now live there, it was mainly shipmates. At night the music became a little louder and the dancing started to a mix of known songs and many no one had ever heard. They 90’s hits seem to be more popular than the newer music and made up the majority of the songs that I recognized. During our breaks from the relaxation of the bar and the pool, many spent time speaking to family and friends over the provided internet. It was not the best connection, but a link home so I had no complaints. I was able to speak with Aimee on multiple occasions and upload the blogs I have written since this adventure started.

The Gang at a waterside bar about to enjoy some drinks

Enjoying Casa Roland

I enjoyed the streets of day more than the party by night. I enjoyed seeing the grocery stores, souvenir shops, and road side vendors. Many of these places included a view of the water and hills going toward the ocean. I usually had a beverage in my hand. I had one wild night, but kept it moderate for the most part. My friends made the mistake of serving me tequila, so I blame them because they should have known better. The best view was at the Fishhook Marina. The bar and eatery was raised above the mud beach stools that faced the water. The marina was full, so the diversity of the boats added to the beauty of the view. The food was simple, but that worked for me. I was just grateful to be able to enjoy a tropical view and a margarita.

The authentic cemetery

From here, we decided to walk back or more so I convinced the group to walk so I could take some photographs. We walked down the road to the one main street and passed a very beautiful cemetery on the way. It was built on a sloping hill with raised graves and a beautiful rustic gazebo with a statue of Jesus in the center. The grave sites were decorated with tile from simple to intricate patterns. Flowers decorated a few sites sometimes rising from a cross as if it meant to catch the sun.

Houses on the main road

A boat on the beach

The streets were simple and well worn from the years since they had been paved. Many Places had no doors, or windows. They would have a gate for the door and some fabric to hold and wind and rain back. Looking up the streets that ran towards the jungle. The pavement would gradually fade to loose gravel and be line by a simple field and what looked to be single room homes. I could hear the sound of children playing within the fences of these simple dwelling places. Even though they only had a fifteen by seven foot area to play, with stairs and small gardens, they seemed to enjoy the moment. It reminded me of my childhood when my sister and I would pack up the wagon with our battery powered jeep to go camping in the backyard. We had a large yard with a pool and were very fortunate, but the imagination is what made those simple childhood experiences memorable.

The market of Tents that all sold the same things.

After making our way back to the Casa Roland, we had one more night and day of relaxation before we had to be back on board the Midgett. The local market was compilation of three sided tents with hustlers selling products that appear to be something familiar, but at suspiciously low prices. I was able to pick up some local art at a small shop near the boat, then took some time to prepare for work to begin again.

It was the type of experience that I appreciate. Anyone can go fly into a metropolitan area. It is the more remote areas like Golfito that give me an idea of a place. It was a simple appealing life. The people do not have all the luxuries of the United States, but they have what they need. Like many places I have been, it was not what I expected. It was simple and beautiful, but three day was enough time to spend in Golfito. The trip was well worth it, and I hear there are some areas within a few hours that are just as stunning. If I ever make it there again, I will make my way to one of those places.

The Simple Pleasures Appreciated

I have written a fair amount regarding this underway adventure. I have touched on the sacrifices these individuals make and what I have been doing since it began. Of all the differences, there is a similarity that has been constant on most any adventure I have partaken in. The appreciation of the simple pleasures and small things that become spectacular because of where you are. Out here it is the stunning array of stars or the unbroken horizon. It is games that you never felt the need to play while at home, or the enjoyment of a beverage to begin or end the day. All those things that we tend to take for granted are much more appreciated.

 There is a multitude of things that Coastie’s do to pass the time. We cannot drink, so others way are found. Card games, Bingo, reading, movies, music, food and general conversation is common place on the mess deck. The diversity of culture onboard keeps most all these activities interesting regardless of how many times they have been repeated. There is always something to learn about someone, something or some evolution that is done in the typical underway work-day. I have found my ways to relax and pass the time.

I take my time on the flight deck whether day or night. I may see dolphins jumping at the side of the cutter or surfing the bow. A sea turtle surfacing to get some fresh air or sea birds that make their way out to sea and take a needed rest. I cannot hold back the amazement that the slightly alternating shades of blue in sky and dynamic cobalt painting the water. The waves add texture to this landscape from the whitecaps breaking at the peak of waves or smooth glass that graces us like a mirror to the skies. At night that water leaves it marks in the contrast we can barely pick up between the horizon and ocean with the vivid stars shining onto the water. If the moon is up, its path can be followed to the hull of the cutter distorted by the waves that either created by the cutter or the breeze. It makes our 378 foot cutter feel very small compared to the deep blue sea we patrol and call home while on these patrols.

That cup of coffee or tea is not just a beverage, but also a reminder of home. The food is prepared, so I am not able to enjoy the satisfaction of my own BBG or the feel of cold beer in my hand. However I can enjoy a hot tea under the stars and recall all the wonderful memories from home, or the stories I will have to tell when I return. I can join in on a game of Hearts, Spades, or Magic and socialize before I get some sleep. Most importantly, I have forged a relationship with some onboard that I would refer to as friends, in addition to shipmates. I just enjoy the company and as a guest among the crew, I appreciate the hospitality, respect and courtesy.

When it comes down to it, it is the simple pleasures that I recall. They may not be the most productive tasks, nor the most popular. It is whatever puts a smile on my face or kills a little time with some shipmates or friends. Who knows what desires we may have in our life, or the opportunities we will be presented with? I just try to enjoy every moment.

Bahia Malaga, Columbia

The Pacific approaching Columbia

Finally after four years in the Coast Guard, I have been to a foreign port. Alaska may have been isolated, but still part of the US. Puerto Rico is a Territory and within two months of the boat, I have been to South America. It was a short stay and saw very little of the county, but I got an impression. We had a one-night port call at the Columbian Navy Base at Bahia Malaga. It was a working port call due to the fact that were there to cooperate with the Columbian Navy, but none the less, it was some time off the cutter.

A small Columbian Village

The typical verdure of the coast

 My first impression of Columbia was that it had not changed since the Pre-Spaniard civilizations had inhabited the landscape. The villages seen were the only indication of modern culture and even then, it was more like shanties than most Americans would call a home or a town. The multicolored roofs and patched buildings butt up to the beach with an old pier shooting out to the protected harbor. The visible boats are in some state of dilapidation and awe inspiring verdure of forest creates the background as far as the eye can see. Like a painting you see in a gallery of 1900’s abstract fishing village. It has a reverent unrevealed beauty that leads the imagination to wondering what could be hiding in the vast jungle. The lack of refinement in the structures compared to the overwhelming jungle give a sense how small we are. While most of the coast is the endless jungle consisting of countless small uninhabited islands and inland waterways, there is an insignificant amount of civilization. I can see why the Spaniards thought the Indians that inhabited the land to be savages. From the coast that we saw coming in, it seem that not very much has changed.

The band greets us at the pier

We had sailed a ways in when the Columbian Navy Base came into view. It is a very remote base build from sea and surrounded by jungle. The Columbian and American flag flying. The Ships were lined up on the pier, some being older Coast Guard Vessels. Upon arrival, a band greeted us and after the work of mooring up was complete, we had a little liberty and some friendly competition with the Columbian Navy.

A Game of Tug-of-War

Soccer and tug-a-war were the opportunities. Sad to say, the greatest Coast Guard in the world was unable to beat the Columbian Navy in soccer. They played well, but I suppose futbol being a way of life made them pretty good. We did however defeat them in the Tug-a-war. Even with the help of one of our own whom I will not mention, we won two games out of three. It seems they do that a lot as well, considering the marks were painted on the pier. The base was surrounded by jungle as most of the coast was and tempted me the entire time to explore. Roads were carved through what looked to be sandstone walls and plants climbed everything. There was a small shopping center with a bar, and a semi-submersible museum.

For those that are not aware, semi-submersibles are what the drug runners are using drugs. They are very difficult to see on the water and the pilots of these crafts are sometimes forced to transport under the threat of their family being killed if they do not. Columbia is a nation that struggles with the influence of the drug trade. The profit margin is incredibly high, they can afford build a one time transportation unit costing half a million or more. The semi-submersible range in size and capacity and are often painted the color of the water. The Columbian Navy does what they can to capture them and their museum is a collection of those. We were informed the area outside the gate is unsafe due to the drug trade. It is strife I feel fortunate enough to separate myself from. Regardless how fortunate we are in the US, this is a way of life for many. They are good people and do what they can against the challenges they face. We were only able to see the military personnel on the base and the shopping center but it was an experience none the less.

The plants overtake the wall of the rock

Crew members enjoy a little time off

The shopping center was small but a very nice place to relax. It was the only place to purchase anything, so the entire crew happened to congregate there. There was a small bar in the middle surrounded by a few hole in the wall places to eat and some gift shops. They did have a place with internet, but it was patchy at best. I tried to get a hold of family, but was unable. I spend the remainder of the night socializing with my shipmates and having a few beers. Everyone was having a good time dancing, talking and doing all the thing we are not able to do onboard. It was a good break from the patrol however brief. I had some authentic food and took a leisurely stroll back to the cutter. The moon had risen, the stars were bright and the forest came right up to the road. Amidst this wild beauty, the most memorable sight was not natural at all, but very telling of the people. There was a small church on base with a neon cross. When the verdure had faded from vivid to modest, it still shown bright from anywhere in the landscape. The Columbians and many similar cultures, share a strong faith. It does not seem to matter what era you look at, there is faith in what they believe and how incorporate that faith into their life.

We left Columbia the following day with a Helo demonstration before we continued the patrol. It was humbling to see the resources of our allies and the environments they work in. The same band saw us off to the open sea.

More Comfortable with the Underway Life

It has now been about two months and things are shaping up to be a very interesting adventure. Although the first month was spent in San Diego and was mainly drills, we are well on our way to the southern region. Even if the GPS was not available, I could tell you things have changed due to the humidity and heat. It is not too hard to deal with, but I have been well trained by Puerto Rico and Florida. The seas are very smooth down here, and sailing has been relatively easy, I have been able to figure out the routine and feel much more comfortable with the schedule, demands and stressors. I suppose they are all part of the adventure, so I take them as they come. What I can say is that I am grateful for coming to a cutter as a petty officer, It is a very different perspective on medicine.

 The workday is here is not your typical 9-5, the clinic never closes and the trend seem to be that if someone feels sick, they find you. From the routine sea sickness, or common cold to burns, chest pain and emotional breakdowns. I work with an HS Senior Chief, a senior enlisted Health Services Technician for those not in the Coast Guard. It is like being on call 24/7 but fortunately we are not normally called I the middle of the night. There is a sense of respect from being the one of the medical providers for the entire crew. We are able to consult medical officers through email, but are solely responsible for the health and treatment of the crew. There is a mutual respect between us and the crew, that allows us to do our job and them perform theirs.

Approach to Guatamala

Like I said, it is not a 9-5 schedule, but there are some tasks that are done on a regular schedule that take up the time. Some days it seems I am very busy, while at others I am looking for something to do. Much of the work is preventative maintenance or what some would call monitoring the health of the crew. Water testing, galley inspections, heat stress monitoring and maintenance of medical equipment are all done for this purpose. The rest of the work is from seeing patients, administering medical treatments, counseling members, duty and standing by for medical aid for the many evolutions the crew performs. Being temporary party, I do not stand normal duty, but I still have special sea duty when mooring or unmooring the cutter. As you can imagine the details of the work day may vary, which is what keeps its interesting, or sometimes a little aggravating. What I can say is that it takes a lot of work to run a cutter and take care of the crew, if we did not work well as a crew, we would be dead in the water. In the big picture of the CGC Midgett, the medical side is just a very small, but intricate and necessary aspect.

To give you an idea imagine how complex something like a Cutter is. Imagine all the required services that take place in a major city, compacted to a area that is 378 feet long. I had to talk to a few people to figure out the proper analogy, but it is accurate to what is here. Everything we have onboard is either stored or created on the cutter. We are responsible for our own power, water, propulsion, sewage, food, supplies, medical care, intelligence and security. There is an ample amount of work. The reality is that we all play our small part to allow everyone else to do what they need to do. As a temporary member of this crew, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with these individuals and assist in any way I can. I am thoroughly impressed by how well this crew has worked together. They may have not wanted to do all that was asked of them, but they still performed with distinction.

I suppose to state it simply, I never know what to expect when I wake up in the morning. It keeps me on my toes. I have not had a port call other than San Diego, but we are en-route to some very interesting places from what I have heard. We did pull into Guatemala for fuel, but I would not consider a port call just stepping onto the pier and taking some photographs. However, I will say I have officially been to South America though, even if just for an hour. I will keep you updated on the progress of the adventure.

An Ode to Ziggy

There are moments when words are not enough, yet they are all you have. When there is no avenue of communication that does a moment, person, a place, or a cherished member of your pack justice. They range from jubilant, to sorrowful and everything in between. The only constant is that they leave a mark on your life you will never forget. I have written about many of these moments in my life whether in my Journal or my blog, but unfortunately I write about an unfortunate moment that followed many I will forever be grateful for.

I write about Ziggy Touble, whom I have never mentioned on the blog though I had been meaning to. Unfortunately I never did find the time and I suppose this will be his first and last appearance, so I shall do my best to honor the memories that I can never forget. Ziggy was only four months old, yet he left his mark. He never had a chance to grow to become a dog, he was born and lived with the innocence of a Puppy. But I suppose I should start at the beginning.

For those that know me, I love animals, especially dogs. I have written about Hobie on multiple occasions. Hobie has been with me for five years now and I am lucky to have such a loyal, kind and loving best friend a man could ask for. So you should understand that for my family and I, dogs are not just a pet, they are a member of the family.

This short chapter started a little over four months ago when a rescue puppy happened to cross Aimee’s and my path. It was at the farmers market where a rescue has a plethura of dogs for adoption. Most of the time, we would just look, but one little white and grey puppy caught our eyes. I was just holding him at the rescue when Aimee came around the corner and simultaneously fell in love and reached her arms out to hold the five-pound furball in my arms. It truly was a moment, similar to when I first met Hobie five years ago. As if Hobie and my path were meant to cross in the unexpected way that it did. Somehow I knew this puppy was different than any other animal at that rescue. After a quick discussion and some reluctance, we left. Afterwards Aimee could not stop talking about the puppy. I made the offer to make him and early Christmas present and she accepted.

We brought him home that day and from that moment, he was part of the family. Hobie took to him right away acting like a proud father should. Although a little annoyed by the constant chewing and playing from Ziggy, he quickly taught him who was in charge. Cheeca took a while, but she warmed up once she realized he was not going anywhere.

Like any puppy he had his challenges, but for the most part showed promise to be a very good dog with some training and time. I suppose Aimee and I had some differences of philosophy with what should and should not be allowed, but Ziggy was doing the best he could. He would join us on our weekend brunches and would always draw a crowd. It was like people were unable to walk by without wanting to pet him.

He was always very hyper and would often times “photo Bomb” any time I was on skype with Aimee. When I left for California and my deployment aboard the Midgett, he was a hyper happy little puppy that put immeasurable joy on the face of the women I love. I said good buy in the usual way, never expecting it to be the last time I would see him. Hobie came with me because he was staying with family in California during my deployment.

Ziggy passed away as a puppy, a little over four months old, due to respiratory failure from fluid in his lungs; but I am grateful for the time we had with him. When I heard the news in an email sent from Aimee, I took some time on the weather deck. In the time I was there I saw multiple dolphins jump and a few turtles. It may not have the ability to bring him back, but it did warm the heart. I suppose it was a sign that life is beautiful regardless of how brief.

It does not matter how long something is in your life. It is the impact that matters. It was the last thing I expected to hear and to be honest it feels like losing a family member. The well of emotions, the sense of loss and wondering if you could have done more. Regardless, I have no regrets. Aimee and I saw an opportunity to give a rescue puppy a home and a life. Even though the outcome is unfortunate, the actions were done in kindness. Ziggy does not leave us without purpose, simply a valuable lesson. A reminder that we should do our best to enjoy every moment and that life is precious, because we do not know what is to come, nor how long it will last. So the cherish the ones you call family, friends and confidants and don’t hesitate to show the one you love how you really feel.

Until we meet again …. Enjoy Every moment.