Moving day is always a well-oiled routine for us. Ken and I each have our own responsibilities, and after doing this so many times, we usually glide through our checklist with confidence. I’m in charge of the inside—securing the TV and anything breakable, locking pantry and refrigerator items in place, and making sure everything is tucked away so the slides can move freely. Ken handles the outside—loading the motorcycles, brushing off leaves and debris, shutting down the internet, unhooking water, electricity, and sewer, bringing in the slides, and finally hitching the camper to the truck. On most days, it all goes smoothly… but this time was different. This unplanned ambulance ride in Yosemite was not how we expected our moving day to unfold.
It was a chilly morning at Thousand Trails, Yosemite Lakes. Frost clung to the windows, picnic tables, tree branches—anything that had been left outdoors overnight. As I walked past a hallway window, I caught sight of Ken climbing up a ladder glazed with frost. He was checking to make sure no pinecones had fallen onto the slides. Just as he stepped onto the fourth rung, his foot slipped—and in an instant, he fell, hitting the ground hard on his hip and shoulder.
“Oh no!” I shouted as I ran outside, still in my socks, to reach him.
Getting Help
It didn’t take long to see that Ken shouldn’t be moved. He was in a lot of pain. When I gently felt where his shoulder should have been, there was only loose skin—nothing in place. And where nothing should have been, there was a large, unmistakable bony bump. Our diagnosis was immediate: a dislocated shoulder. Not life-threatening, but serious enough to need medical attention.
We were in Yosemite, where there’s no cell service or internet—and we had already taken down our Starlink for travel. I slipped a pillow under Ken’s head and spread a blanket over him in an effort to keep him warm. (By the way, the blanket did not help much. Remember, he was lying on a somewhat muddy frost covered, ground. Burr!) Then, I headed toward the park office to find a phone and call for help. At this point, it seemed certain that an ambulance would be needed.
Help on the Way
Christie (park employee) and Tierra (the park manager), were nothing short of wonderful. Tierra immediately called the ambulance for us. Christie, knowing we would need extra days, extended our reservation without hesitation and then waited in a cold golf cart to lead the paramedics straight to our campsite. Tierra also contacted the next park on our itinerary and adjusted our upcoming reservations. Their kindness brought such comfort in a frightening moment.
Once the ambulance arrived, everything began to move quickly. The EMTs lifted Ken onto a gurney, warmed him with blankets, started an IV, and gave him medication for the pain. They prepared him for the long 90 minute ride to the nearest hospital.
Fast Drive Down the Mountain in Yosemite
I followed behind the ambulance as they warned me that the closest hospital was an hour and a half away—but we would cut some time off the long drive by taking a shortcut down a narrow, winding mountain road. A few days earlier, Ken and I travelled this short-cut down the mountain. We kept the 15 mile per hour speed limit, and it was scary then as our dually truck spilled over into the oncoming lane. Today, I ignored the speed limit and depended upon the Lord to help me. I have no idea how fast I drove. I kept my eye on the ambulance ahead of me and did my best to ignore the narrow road with the steep drop-offs.
At the hospital, the doctor confirmed exactly what we suspected: a dislocated shoulder. The plan was simple—take x-rays, put Ken almost to sleep, and guide the shoulder back into place. The x-ray technician arrived quickly and moved Ken into several positions for the images. With each movement, I could see a grimace on his face, the pain level was rising. However, not long afterward, Ken noticed the pain easing a bit, though we didn’t think much of it at the time.
Unexpected News
After reading the x-ray images, the doctor walked in with unexpected news. “The x-rays show that your shoulder is no longer out of place!”
“What?” I thought. Ken’s eyes widened. “Well, I noticed the pain went way down after the x-rays.” We were both surprised at this news.
The doctor nodded. “It must have slipped back into place while we were moving you around. It happens occasionally.” He explained that Ken would need to wear a brace for two weeks to allow the stretched ligaments to heal and later follow up with an MRI.
Rejoicing in a Miracle
We couldn’t help but rejoice. We truly believed we had witnessed a miracle. God had touched Ken’s body and allowed the shoulder to return to its rightful place—something we had prayed for with every mile on the way to the hospital.
The next day, Christi stopped by to check on us and brought a thoughtful card signed by the front office staff. She and Tierra also reassured us that all of our future reservations had been adjusted to accommodate our situation. We were deeply touched. How wonderful it is to see how God places the right people in our path exactly when we need them. Looking back, this unplanned ambulance ride in Yosemite became a moment of deep trust and gratitude.
God is always at work in and around our lives. Yet so often, we become so busy that we overlook His quiet miracles simply because we aren’t watching for them. Ask God today to open your eyes to His handiwork. Ask Him to help you recognize the blessings He has already woven into your day. When you do, your heart will brighten, gratitude will rise, and you’ll find yourself sharing His goodness with others—because we serve a good, good God.
“For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory.
All glory to Him forever! Amen.”
— Romans 11:36 (NLT)
Everywhere I go, I enjoy camping with Jesus—on the road and in life.
Enjoy your journey, and feel free to reach out.
Travel Tips
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes & Yosemite National Park
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Just five miles from the entrance of Yosemite National Park, Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes is a large, attractive campground that stays very busy during the summer months.
Campsite Details:
- Most sites offer full hook-ups
- Many sites are shaded, and a few sit right along the river
- The campground is popular—book early during peak season
Amenities:
- Basketball
- Miniature golf
- Playgrounds
- Hiking trails
- Fishing
- Well-stocked general store
- Beautiful lodge with games, pool tables, and children’s activity areas
Staff Experience:
The staff here has always been exceptionally kind and accommodating. They work hard to help guests in any way they can. Our requests were accommodated with a smile; the service was excellent.
Yosemite National Park Tips
We stayed at Yosemite Lakes for three weeks and explored the entire park. Yosemite is truly breathtaking and well worth the visit.
Park Entry:
- At this time, reservations are not required
- During summer, expect long wait times at the entrance
- Always check Yosemite’s official site before your trip in case the reservation system has been reinstated
Favorite Scenic Drives:
- Glacier Point Road — Stunning views of waterfalls, Half Dome, and the Yosemite Valley
- Tioga Road — Winds through the high country and across beautiful alpine meadows
- Mariposa Grove Road — Leads to the majestic giant sequoias
Note: All three roads typically close in November due to snow.
Helpful App Recommendation
For Yosemite—and all national parks—we highly recommend the Parkwolf app. It’s like having a tour guide in your vehicle. The GPS tracks your drive and provides audio commentary about upcoming overlooks, landmarks, and points of interest.
You can read more Stories from the Road here.