EMS Today…

What a weekend.

I laughed, I cried, I tacklehugged.

The convention itself was like nothing I’ve ever seen before…  I thought Partner’s for Life was a decent sized EMS conference.

Oh to laugh.

I’m going to save my thoughts on the convention for tomorrow, after I’ve had more than three hours of sleep in one night.  Tonight I’d like to focus on the drive down, the company I kept while in the city of Baltimore, and the return trip home.

Apparently there are windmills in Pennsylvania.

The drive down, despite the damp chilly weather, was stunning.  It took about eight hours in total, five of those hours took me through the Appalachian mountain range.  It’s truly gorgeous country.  I found myself wanting to stop and take pictures almost constantly, each turn revealing sharp drop offs, steep inclines, and an increasing number of impossibly high peaks.  Like Mother Nature’s own personal rollercoaster, the entire area is a metaphor for what my emotions have been like for the last year.

Somewhere in Pennsylvania.

No stopping allowed.  All of the pictures on the way down would have to be from the car.  Not the most responsible thing to be doing while behind the wheel, I know.  I had somewhere to be, and I was running extremely late. (I can practically hear those who know me saying “Yeah Epi, what else is new?)

After hours of mind numbing solo driving, spotty cell phone reception, and Pennsylvania Turnpike tollbooths,  I turned a left turn and found myself Breezewood, PA.  Breezewood is located on a one mile stretch of I-70 that wasn’t built to Interstate Highway specs (countless gas stations, truck stops, and traffic lights might be the reason).  Here’s a little known fact for you: It’s one of only two stretches of interstate in the US with traffic lights.  I should have stopped and bought a tshirt!

Does that sign actually say Baltimore?  The end is in sight! (Breezewood, PA)

After following the endless line of vehicles through the maze of traffic lights and neon signs, I quickly found myself back on a more traditional stretch of Interstate.  And quickly approaching Baltimore.  Finally.

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The Meet Up.

The Nest (This is the best picture I got)

We had a fantastic time.  The Nest is a three story bar located right across the street from the Convention Center and just a block or two away from where the Orioles play at Camden Yard.

Tony, Ambulance Driver, VA PhireMedic, my blog sister Sam (*squeel*), the blogger formerly known as Witness, TOTWTYTR, and the venerable Old NFO and Lou Jordan were in attendance.    There were others there as well, and I apologize for not remembering everyone’s name.  We even managed to meet the mysterious medic in the wicked cool hat, Maddog Medic.  (I’ll take credit for finding him first, thank you very much.)

Drinks were consumed, stories were told, and everything from EMS to shooting to bacon was discussed.  There was much laughter, and that was something a few of us really needed.  I felt like I was among friends instantly. It was an honor to be among some of the most fascinating people I’ve ever met.

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A few more pictures:

How YOU Doin’,  Maryland Crabcakes?  I’m hooked thanks to Sam, now where do I find them in Ohio???

Just in case you were wondering,  Sam endorses Heinz Pourable Mustard.