From the Arch to Arches!

Here we are in beautiful Crown King, AZ. Left Denver on Saturday morning and drove straight through to Moab, UT. It was beautiful clear weather and everyone enjoyed the drive through the Rockies. Sunday morning we got up early so we could hit Arches National park before starting the long trek to Crown King. They sell t-shirts here that say "I survived the drive to Crown King" and here's why: I was leading our two government trucks up the 26 mile road to our new home in the pitch black. Among the sharp turns and steep slopes were ATVers riding along without their lights. Needless to say, it was a white knuckle 70 minute drive to an old mining town that houses the oldest saloon and brothel in Arizona.





Made it safe and sound into town and checked out our new digs. We now live in a house that was built by the CCC back in the day. So exciting to know that those who began the tradition of service in our country and after whom our organization is modeled are the ones who constructed our living quarters.We have three bedrooms, a finished attic and basement, living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom. Can't tell you how grateful we all are to shower indoors for the next 2 months :)


This first week has been intense! We are working directly with the Crown King Fire Department and Chief Lombardo to become certified Wildland Firefighters. So far we have learned how to "turn out" in less than a minute, how to don a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, how to refill the SCBA tanks, proper uniform maintenance and care, how to safely treat patients when blood born pathogens are present, the chain of command within the fire department, single man carry, strap someone to a backboard, ride in an apparatus, take vitals, how to tag a hydrant, how to run with a hose on your shoulder and attack a fire, and how we will operate during various incidents. We've also been assigned to our squads for this round. We have 2 on "Rescue 1,"  2 on water tending, and 6 on the fire engines. We are all excited and anxious to learn more about our new roles.

Crown King has hosted numerous AmeriCorps NCCC teams in the past. In fact two members of Chief Lombardo's staff are former NCCC Corps Members. Chief impressed upon us all the importance of our work. The work and preparation of past NCCC teams were instrumental in saving the town from the "Lane 2" fire.

I absolutely love this town, snow, mud, and all! This lifestyle is so much fun. We get to the fire house at 8 learn an incredible amount of information and leave around 5, then some PT, dinner and dishes, and on to the saloon for a soda, internet access, and a game of pool. Weekends mean out-of-towners and Karaoke. Lots of amazing trails for hiking, biking, or as is the norm around here: ATVing. I'm so happy with our situation and the new friends we've made. It's gonna be a great spike, and it's exciting to know that we'll get to come back for our last round in the summer.

-Lynser