Camp Pendleton

I just left the 'field' after the past few days sleeping under the stars at Camp Pendleton.  We were out practicing mass casualty scenarios and delivering the medical care that we hope will not be necessary.  It was hot.  Damn hot.  We spent a lot of time baking in the sun.  Kind of austere living, just a bivy on a cot in the desert.  Actually the nights were the best part.  But MRE's get old in a hurry.  Went to a barbeque joint with Mom and Dad tonight.  Ribs were awesome.  Had a beer, ribs and stole some of Dad's fries.  Still a couple more weeks here, I guess.  Noone is willing to give us any more details.  I will when I can.

Hurry up and wait

So, the real waiting begins.  I spent most of today, the first day, standing around on the 'grinder' at Camp Pendleton, going through the check-in process.  Seems like an odd term, and I have no clue where it comes from.  What it is, is a large asphalt parking lot.   Probably spent 5 to 6 hours standing around.  Pretty hot, too.  Anyway, nothing but more rumors about where I will be going and when I will be leaving.  Just looks like I will be here for around another 2 to 4 weeks.  More to follow....

Getting ready....

I am getting close to leaving for California. I report to my unit on the 18th of July. They tell me that I will have a week of 'orientation' followed by an undetermined amount of waiting time. So my actual departure time from the U.S. may be the middle of August, if you listen to all of the rumors. I will post more details as I learn more....