Helpful hints and tips for the first time traveler to Crawford Texas

PuraVidaDreamin

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Wed Aug-24-05 01:08 PM
Original message

Helpful hints and tips for the first time traveler to Crawford Texas

There have been many beautiful accountings of the Crawford Peace House/ Camps Casey experience, that I thought I would post from
a different perspective. Those of practicalities. Little things
I'm glad I did, and others I wished I had thought of. If you are headed to Crawford, perhaps my sage advice will make your journey
just that more sublime.

Katinmn and I flew into Austin. My first suggestion to you, BUY
a GOOD MAP. We used the rental car agencies map, which was not a good idea as it is not detailed enough. We took 35N all the way to
84 to get to our hotel in Waco. Too many stop lights, too much
traffic, and a heck of a lot of back-tracking. If we had had a good map we would have taken Route 35N onto 6N to 84 saving much time and sanity. Anyone out there can offer tips on how to better get there from Dallas?

Put a change of clothes on your carry-on. I usually do this, but
excitement overtook sensibility, as well as so little time to organize. My Luggage didn't make the connection in O'hare (surprise-surprise) However if this should happen to you there are a few malls in town. I found a Marshall's and bought some clean undies, etc. REAL CHEAP there.

Stop at the Peace House first. The folks volunteering there
are warm and inviting. They have usually been around for
more than a day or two, and understand the layout/ flow of the
area. If you have a special skill or wish to volunteer in
some capacity, let them know. If needed they will gladly accept your help. As an RN with critical care experience, they put me to work almost immediately. Volunteering at Camp Casey is beyond satisfying. There are so many jobs to choose from preparing food, clean-up and trash details, directing traffic, shuttle bus driving, carrying supplies, and more.

Park your car at the Peace House, and take a shuttle. They have a few large shuttle vans that are wonderfully air-conditioned. You may
have to wait a bit for one to come along,(usually not longer than 30 minutes) however getting lost out there is NOT FUN! Not
saying I got lost out there... Many volunteers are using there own cars as well. Parking can be difficult to find at the Camps Casey.

Last weekend there was catered gourmet food, breakfast, lunch and dinner, offered for free, around the clock. Cash donations are
appreciated. There was always seating available under the large
tent. The shade the tent provided was priceless, however it is still very hot. Cold water and energy drinks are abundantly
accessible, and also free. Drink a bottle every one to two hours.
Everyone laughed at me when I asked them "Have you been peeing?"
but you should try to urinate at least every two to four hours.
The porta-potties are cleaned every day, and there is anti-bacterial
gel located outside of them for your good hygiene. Watch out for your fellow man-woman and child. Heat exhaustion comes on so quickly. If someone tells you they feel light-headed,
have abdominal cramping or nausea, appears a bit sluggish, get them
to the medical tent stat. They need to be cooled down, re hydrated, and monitored for a while.

I didn't notice too many bugs or red ants at Camp Casey 2 during the
day. That doesn't mean you should let down your guard. However, I
tromped my big hot boots through the airport, and the feet were burning hot. Sandals are okay there, and so much more comfortable.
I recommend bringing the "squirt type" water bottles. Spraying water
onto your skin is such a nice treat in that heat.

There are tables near the medical tent with many different flavors
or bug spray and sunscreen. Feel free to use them, that is what they
are there for. Other items that are available for the asking are
Motrin, Benedryl, Aspirin, and feminine hygiene products. I passed the baton to Dr.Maria- and she will be there through Thursday. So
another RN and or MD would be appreciated.

Some items I noticed that would be appreciated are small dish towels
donated for dipping into ice water for the treatment of heat exhaustion. Tums, Mylanta,more Tylenol, Motrin and Benedryl.
More medical gloves. 2x2, and 4x4 gauze with kling wrap.

A few more things. I'm not sure, maybe someone who is there currently can let us know. But they may only be catering food
on the weekends.

Bring the camera- There are a few places in town of McGregor where
you can make a disc cheap, delete pics and start all over again.

Not that I have to say this, however, no drinking, or drugs on
the premises. Get back to your hotel before 12pm if you are outta
beer. One or two just before bed really was nice.

Say thanks to the local law enforcement on the scene. After a few tenuous moments at the start of Cindy's vigil, they have become
a friendly, valuable asset.

Be well!
Debbie