Love design!!! I just came across your blog and wanted to say that Ive really...Oasis
Posted by Erik Rupard on March 25th, 2008
Backing up just a bit.
On Saturday (22nd), I woke up at my regular 6:30-ish time, and staffed a pretty mellow, low-volume clinic until noon. As usual, the medics and I hopped in the Mitsubishi dust-bus and headed out to the large DFAC for lunch. At some point, while I was eating my “Krab Kakes,” and drinking my Saudi Cola, I felt myself getting more and more sleepy, in that inevitable way that sometimes comes on during PowerPoint presentations, and very long sermons. By the time I made it home, around 1:30 PM, I flopped onto the bed, figuring I’d “rest my eyes” (a euphemism I have learned from both my mother and my wife) for a half-hour or so. You know what happened next.
At 4:30, I finally awoke, feeling prune-dry and beset by a dense grogginess which bordered on intoxication. I have had a cold for the past week, and I think that the combination of virus and antihistamine were conspiring against me. Knowing that if I did not get the blood flowing soon, my day would soon become a total loss, I dragged myself out of bed, put on my ACU uniform, grabbed a big bottle of water from the fridge, and began to trudge towards the clinic. There, I hoped to pick up the truck and get over to the PX, where I needed to pick up a couple of essentials. A few moments later, I was walking out of the clinic, keys in hand, and accompanied by LTC Bullock-Price, our clinic’s nurse practitioner, who wanted a lift to visit a friend. LTC Bullock is Jamaican by birth, American by citizenship, and has that kind of island accent which makes her sound happy all of the time, even when she is complaining (which she doesn’t do much, anyway). As we drove, I remembered that she had previously spoken of an oasis on Al Asad, and I asked her if she’d mind taking a detour in that direction, since we currently had transport. A U-turn later, and we were on our way.
I can’t tell you our exact route, but I will state that this trip took me to areas of the base which I had not yet seen, past more yards full of mechanized stuff, some camp areas, and out towards some newer construction. After a few turns, I looked up and saw them: palm trees! Green palm trees, in fact (and green is not a color which generally makes up the Al Asad landscape). They were in a low-lying area, maybe 1/2 mile square, with some standing, swampy-looking water in certain areas surrounding the oasis. Reeds and tall “cattail”-type plants rose out of the water.
This shot of my travelling companion, LTC Bullock-Price, demonstrates the sterile brown which surrounds and abuts the lively green of the oasis, behind her.
The reedy swamp which surrounds the front of the grove.
This trail leads into and through the palms.
A cement marker designates the oasis, and discusses the myth that this is “Abraham’s well” from the bible (Genesis 24, among others). There are other, likely better theories as to where this well is actually located. The papers enclosed in this “monument” (written during the Army Corps of Engineers’ restoration of the oasis circa 2004) describe a lush, verdant grove, replete with frogs and minnows. Looking down at the thick, swampy water, I figured that those would be some pretty tough minnows, and I did not see or hear any frogs, but perhaps those are only around during the rainy season.
This shot shows the date palm’s fruit, hanging in bunches in a circle around the base.
As we walked through the area, in almost complete silence (no talking, and far enough away from the helicopters that they were less than a dull roar), the darkness began to descend. I have noticed that here in the Al Asad “bowl,” once the sun drops near the “rim”, things get dark pretty quickly. I have gone into the gym at 6:45 in seemingly bright sunlight, and left at 7:30 in complete darkness. The sunset afforded a few pretty shots of the palm trees.
Looking back at the grove of palms, I was struck by how much this view reminds me of one of our favorite vacation spots at home, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Before the sun completely set, I got one final shot of the “wire” which surrounds this and all army bases, and beyond which I will likely never set foot during this deployment.
We headed back to the main post, and I dropped LTC off at her friend’s place, and then I dropped the truck off at the clinic, and walked home.
I have been waxing poetic far too much lately, so I will try to avoid it here. But there is indeed something very unique and (dare I use the word?) special about being in this part of the world, the very cradle of civilization, where so many history has taken place. While walking in the oasis, as the sun went down, and the silence took over, I had a bit of that “put off thy shoes” feeling. It is not the first time that I have had it here.
Next trip to the oasis, I’m bringing my scrips with me…
March 25th, 2008 at 7:30 am
E: I can’t pull the pix up for whatever reason. I don’t think it’s our computer either. Can you check your system again? Glad you were able to break out of the mold for a while and do some sightseeing. Wish I could have seen it too. Thanks and looking fwd to the view. L.
March 25th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Lorri,
I think you caught it in “mid-upload.” Should be working now, just refresh the page (F5 or else close the browser and re-open the page).
I shrink all of these pix so that they look good on the web, but this makes them not very high-res. If anyone wants a better copy of any of these, let me know and I’ll send it to you.
Erik
March 25th, 2008 at 10:03 am
‘Morning, Doc: Love that oasis! A welcome sight from the surrounding sand. Reading about the oases in scriptures, my mental picture was more “Hollywood.” Glad to have a bit more realism.
While on the dreaded treadmill I’ve been listening to the delicious Reagan tapes, “In His Own Words.” I’m surely glad that you recommended them. They are so good…and so timely. He even speaks of the environmentalist whackos who are living up to the term “mental.” (Those are my words, not his.) It’s other-worldly: nearly thirty-five years later we are still trying to solve some of these problems without much success; the liberals are just as strident and unreasonable as ever, continuing to practice their ubiquitous brand of obstructionism.
Wade, Becky and kids were here for Easter, during which Juliet was baptized (Sat.) and confirmed by her Dad on Sunday. I conducted the baptism which was very nice, mostly a family affair.
We entertained seventeen family members on Sunday with the women doing all the cooking. It was like old times and most enjoyable…but exhausting for us few who are seasoned citizens. A good kind of strenuous activity.
Wade is working on a power plant project in Middletown so he remains with us for a few days driving to and from the site and staying here overnight. Meantime, Becky and kids returned home on Monday with the Honda Odyssey which is now theirs. We sold it to them since they needed a larger auto and we are ready to wind down a bit. We realized that the van was garaged more than driven (two years old and 21k miles). This van, we decided needed a big family. We may look at a Prius at some point. I like the sound of 44 mpg.
We think of you often. We have enjoyed the blog and relish reading all the comments from friends and family. It was especially good to read Steve’s comments. A personal shout out to him. Tell us what you need and be well. It was very nice having FHE with Wade last evening. He is the best there is! Regards to our far away, favorite Dr. dad
March 25th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Dr. Rupard,
There is freeleech on Waffles so if there is anything you want/need let me know! Also, its good to hear that you are doing well. That oasis is really cool.
Happy belated Easter,
Christian!!!!!
March 25th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Hi, Erik,
I’m sorry that I missed your call today, but I am so happy that you and Dad had a nice conversation. He loves you and is so proud of you. We had a nice Easter. Juliet was so proud to be baptized, and she was very brave. The fount water was only 55 degrees. The look on her face when she came out of the water was one of near horror. She simply said, “I wish the water could have been warm”. The oasis photos were nice, but it seemed to me that you were too close to the fence! We sent a BD card to Maddy today for her 17th. We were at your home for her 16th. Remember the ride to the DMV for her to take her drivers test. Some fun. Thank you for keeping in touch. You have no idea how much it means to me. Dad and I have a sister that we home teach who never hears from her son in Iraq. Really tough. I love you, Mom
March 26th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Mom,
That is only one of many fences, and beyond that fence is a 20-kilometer buffer of nothing but sand (then more fences/guards/etc). I couldn’t escape if I wanted to.
Christian,
Glad you like the oasis—it is pretty cool. I got a bike yesterday. Needs a bit of work on the brakes, but I rode it to work today, and it’s not bad at all. Hope your mysticvelo team is kicking some boot!
Juliet,
Congratulations on your baptism. I remember my own very well (but I was a bit older than you). Right before the missionary let me down into the water, I thought “Erik, you will remember this moment for a long time.” I still remember it today.
Our water was warm, but when Drew got baptized, her water was only 50 degrees, and she came out shaky and a little bit blue.
Talk to you all soon,
EJR
March 26th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Congratulations Juliet from all of the Rupards in Georgia too!
March 26th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I found a great new singer/sonwriter named Brendan Benson. His album “Alternative to love ” is awesome. the guys like a one man band. he can play like 50 different interests. He also is good friends with Jack White nad they have a band together called The Raconteurs. My dad got me their new CD yesterday which by the way is also amazing .
March 27th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Erik,
juliet got dunked and it was good, if cold. she is such a trooper it is unbelievable. Unfortunately, my feet started their itch routine again after a 3 year hiatus, and I have gotten few minutes of sleep here and ther e, but nothing of any substance. Of course no one knows the cause and it gets worse as it gets warm, so you must attempt to sleep with no covers and keep your feet cold and wet. Nightmare! Our poor family put up with me, but, as I could barely stand myself,I’m surprised no one hauled off and hit me. If it brought unconciousnesss, I really wouldn’t have minded. Becky and Wade got m&d car, and are really excited. she and the boys were great to see and all the kids were good. A girlfriend of mine, from years ago, got a second breast cancer diagnosis in January. she is 41 and looks to be in the end stages. She is about 83 lb. My heart breaks for her and her family. remember Bob’s friend Dean Anderson, it is his sister. I gave him your e-mail adress, just for comfort measures, he probably won’t use, but it is his little sister and he is broken up about it, as would anyone be. throw him a bone of comfort if he emails you. He is a good guy and the family is very close. Kristen is the only girl, and much cherished. She also has 2 boys, 10 and 12. I hope things are going good for you. Your Easter sounded pretty nice, considering the source, and I thought of you often, as usual. I love and miss you. I am glad to be your sister, itchy feet and all. Mit
March 30th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Dad,