U: Utah

U: Utah

Arches National Park

In 2011 I visited Butte MT to see family and visit with old friends. I met and had dinner with several friends. It was fun to see people I had known since grade school or high school and to breathe that famous clear Montana air. They say that half the fun is getting there but in my case getting there was more of a challenge than I anticipated.

Q: Do you know why a man sends so many sperm on a mission to fertilize one egg? A: Not of them will stop and ask for directions.

The flight from Fresno to Salt Lake was challenging for my asthma so I mentioned to the stewardess that I was having some trouble. She and I agreed it would be wise to have a wheelchair ready for me when I landed in SLC. There was a communication glitch because my wheelchair never arrived. It’s a long walk from the gate to the Delta hub when you’re having trouble getting air. If only…I had taken a few minutes to assess my situation! What I did was get a cup of coffee and some food and rest in the hub. A few hours later I was on a plane to Butte and then picked up a rental car.

Going from 300+ feet elevation to 5,000+ is a change but the air is soooo clear. Whatever, I had some issues with getting my energy and oxygen back so the first day was to rest and plan. By the time I was ready to fly home I had made some decisions. When I got to SLC I didn’t feel good and TOLD someone at the Delta counter I needed help. A young man pushed my wheelchair to Starbucks but before I could get that drink I said, “I’m having an asthma attack, I need help!” Then I rebounded with my emergency air puffer. A few minutes later a medical team had me on a gurney and were pumping Albuterol into me, and offering to take me to the hospital. When I recovered Delta assigned the young man to be at the ready for me until my lane left for Fresno. They gave me 2 meal vouchers so I could have a good meal at a restaurant I never would have found on my own. Good meal, good glass of wine, nice atmosphere, all thanks to Delta.

When I flew to Butte in 2013 I stayed overnight in Salt Lake each way. No Asthma issues at all, but then I had my albuterol handy and a battle plan in place.

Zion

 Bryce Canyon National Park

My point? I have a unique knowledge of great places to get sick on a vacation. The EMT’s in Salt Lake’s airport are courteous, helpful and know their stuff. If you are at the Grand Canyon they have as superb clinic with cheerful nurses and doctors. They treated my asthma attack there so well we sent them a box of Dewars Chews.

In the 1980’s we visited Bryce Canyon and Zion and etched those places on our bucket list.

I have fond memories of our visits to and through Salt Lake—nice folks. They are as nice as the land is beautiful.

Canyon de Chelle National Park