Woke up this morning to see the mother cat in the trap. Come to find out that the night shift had checked the trap and found the last kitten and put it in the large trap with its brother/sister. Night shift had reset the trap after the transfer of the kitten and I guess the mother cat wanted to join her kittens. You couldn't tell that from her noise. All have been relocated to a home 25 or so miles away.
In other news. We did our weekly shopping, Wal-Mart of course, and then off to laundry and lunch at the Chinese restaurant that is near the laundromat. When we returned to the park we picked up our mail and sorted through it.
The freezer case was thawed out so we gave it a wipe out and plugged it back in. Later we found that office had closed at 1800 so we asked the night shift to deliver 20 bags so the campers would not have to leave the park.
We must be doing something right. Two campers stopped by with offerings of food. Nice.
One of our campers is a motorcyclist, Goldwing trike, and will be leaving to continue down the BRP, Blue Ridge Parkway, so we offered to go online to see what closures there are and take that information to them.
Time for sleep.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Cat wrestling, turtle wrestling and other ....
Well beside the sailboat arrival we have had some other excitement.
About 9:30 one evening a group of about 12 bikers arrived. They were sane folks but in the dark you didn't really know what you were dealing with. Even though we ride those 50's movies seem to hang on and sour the image of upstanding riders.
While they were settling in we had 2 big rv's arrive. One was a 5er, 5th wheel, and the other was a drag behind. There were only two sites available for them and those sites were not the best. They spent a while getting backed in and close to level. By the time they were done it was well after the 10PM quiet time. Then the riders left to find some supper. They returned about oo30 or so.
Then there is the issue of the raccoons that pester the tent campers. We tell the tent campers to keep a clean camp and they won't have a problem. However someone always leaves something out and then they have a visitor in the early morning visitor.
Welcome the feral cat and her kittens. Since we have been here there has been this feral cat roaming the camp ground. A few days ago we saw here with kittens and asked that they be captured and removed from the campground. Before a trap showed up we were told that the kittens were behind the freezer chest we use for bagged ice. We did our best to keep them contained until a cage arrived. We got two of the 5 kittens.
Later, using another live trap, we captured a third kitten. We had 2 more live traps set to attempt to catch the other kittens or the mother but were not having any luck.
Earlier in the day we had moved a box turtle from the road to the wooded area near our site. When we went to get that trap for the squirrel trappers we found the box turtle had tripped the trap and was enjoying the hot dog we had used for bait.
In the cabin area there was a squirrel that was annoying the current occupants.
It seems like the previous occupants of the cabin had been feeding the squirrel and now it wants the new folks to feed it also. It was almost knocking at the door.
The squirrel was captured and relocated.
We had moved the one live trap that we had in the campground to the culvert near our site since we had seen the remaining 2 kittens there. After a short while we had captured the fourth kitten. One to go.
All of the water and electric sites are taken again. Oh well two day's off coming up.
About 9:30 one evening a group of about 12 bikers arrived. They were sane folks but in the dark you didn't really know what you were dealing with. Even though we ride those 50's movies seem to hang on and sour the image of upstanding riders.
While they were settling in we had 2 big rv's arrive. One was a 5er, 5th wheel, and the other was a drag behind. There were only two sites available for them and those sites were not the best. They spent a while getting backed in and close to level. By the time they were done it was well after the 10PM quiet time. Then the riders left to find some supper. They returned about oo30 or so.
Then there is the issue of the raccoons that pester the tent campers. We tell the tent campers to keep a clean camp and they won't have a problem. However someone always leaves something out and then they have a visitor in the early morning visitor.
Welcome the feral cat and her kittens. Since we have been here there has been this feral cat roaming the camp ground. A few days ago we saw here with kittens and asked that they be captured and removed from the campground. Before a trap showed up we were told that the kittens were behind the freezer chest we use for bagged ice. We did our best to keep them contained until a cage arrived. We got two of the 5 kittens.
Later, using another live trap, we captured a third kitten. We had 2 more live traps set to attempt to catch the other kittens or the mother but were not having any luck.
Earlier in the day we had moved a box turtle from the road to the wooded area near our site. When we went to get that trap for the squirrel trappers we found the box turtle had tripped the trap and was enjoying the hot dog we had used for bait.
In the cabin area there was a squirrel that was annoying the current occupants.
It seems like the previous occupants of the cabin had been feeding the squirrel and now it wants the new folks to feed it also. It was almost knocking at the door.
The squirrel was captured and relocated.
We had moved the one live trap that we had in the campground to the culvert near our site since we had seen the remaining 2 kittens there. After a short while we had captured the fourth kitten. One to go.
All of the water and electric sites are taken again. Oh well two day's off coming up.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Sailboat
So it is 10:50 pm, quiet time is 10:00PM. We have the doors and windows open to get a little air and I have just finished a walking tour of the campground. I hear a vehicle on the gravel road and a lot of klank-klank-klank so I am outside in a flash and see a "camper" towing a sailboat with the mast UP. If it wasn't quiet time it would have been really funny.
I had them stop and lower the mast and move their boat to the overflow lot before they set up.
I called the duty ranger and he said they left a trail of branches from the boat launch to the campground.
What were they thinking?
To bad it was to dark to take a video of this comedy act.
I had them stop and lower the mast and move their boat to the overflow lot before they set up.
I called the duty ranger and he said they left a trail of branches from the boat launch to the campground.
What were they thinking?
To bad it was to dark to take a video of this comedy act.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Busy Saturday
It is always busy on Saturdays. We sold a lot of ice and a good quantity of fire wood.
There were a few folks that checked out today and we cleaned those sites to make them ready for new arrivals. Reserve America reports that the campground is full but there are empty sites. Either RA has it wrong or folks make reservations and don't keep them. Also if someone checks out early, before the end of their reservation, there is no way to cancel the reservation so the site can be rebooked.
We had a visit from a couple that is thinking of doing the camp host job and we talked about the job for about an hour. They are looking at the October time frame for their first time hosting.
We had a thunderstorm move through this afternoon and the temperature has dropped to about 70. Nice but a bit humid with no air movement.
We have added some pictures here. You may want to bookmark that link and check for new pictures from time to time.
Tomorrow, Sunday, will be a killer since most folks will be leaving and some folks will change to a vacated site.
We'll have fathers day dinner on Monday.
There were a few folks that checked out today and we cleaned those sites to make them ready for new arrivals. Reserve America reports that the campground is full but there are empty sites. Either RA has it wrong or folks make reservations and don't keep them. Also if someone checks out early, before the end of their reservation, there is no way to cancel the reservation so the site can be rebooked.
We had a visit from a couple that is thinking of doing the camp host job and we talked about the job for about an hour. They are looking at the October time frame for their first time hosting.
We had a thunderstorm move through this afternoon and the temperature has dropped to about 70. Nice but a bit humid with no air movement.
We have added some pictures here. You may want to bookmark that link and check for new pictures from time to time.
Tomorrow, Sunday, will be a killer since most folks will be leaving and some folks will change to a vacated site.
We'll have fathers day dinner on Monday.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Of spiders, snakes, raccoon's and ....
We have settled into a routine here at SML. Friday is a zoo with folks checking in, wanting ice and wood. The bath house, comfort station, gets busy also and it is a lot to keep up with. Saturday it is mostly busy keeping the comfort station clean and supplied. We also have to clean a few sites of folks checking out. It is surprising that there are a lot of folks that check out/in on Saturday's.
Then there is SUNDAY. About 90% of the campers check out and we keep busy getting the sites clean as well as the usual comfort station duties. We put in a long day on Sunday's and can usually get a way for a few hours at the beach on Monday.
Tuesday and Wednesday are our day's off. We have taken time to go paddling, swimming as well as take part in some of the programs that are offered. We also found time to get our laundry done, have a dinner out and find the local, well about 25 miles away, Wal-Mart.
A few nights ago a big class arrived for the only 50A site. They had come from Ohio and just wanted to get set up. NOT. It seems that their Fleetwood indicated that the jacks/levelers were down when they were up. They could not get them down and didn't want to extend there slides. They fooled around for several hours and finally put out what I think was the bedroom slide. I don't think they had a good night. There were 6 people staying in the rig, 91 year old mother and multiple handicapped child, the parents and the mothers brother and sister in law. A tech finally came and got them going and they left a day early.
Rat snakes, yes they are here. There was a large one, about 5 or 6 feet long, around the campground for a couple of days. No real problem. He kept the speed down on the campground road when he slowly made his way across. However when a guest was concerned that the snake was too close to the showers we made a call and the rangers relocated it to a remote section of the park.
Spiders, yep them too. A few days ago our newly weds had an incident with a large spider, Wolf spider, the new wife was drying in the shower and had a reaction to the spider which had found it's way into her towel. Not being spider literate along with the reaction she was having rescue was called. She checked out ok and the spider literate folks said it was a wolf spider. Now there are pictures of the black widow and brown recluse, both poisonous, are posted at the shower house bulletin boards.
Raccoons. Folks just don't seem to understand that they are in the coon's habitat. Leave food and scraps out and you get visitors. Tonight the kids from a tent site came by to have me do something about the raccoons that were bothering them. Not much I could do other than talk to the kids and mother. Hope they get some sleep tonight.
Then there is SUNDAY. About 90% of the campers check out and we keep busy getting the sites clean as well as the usual comfort station duties. We put in a long day on Sunday's and can usually get a way for a few hours at the beach on Monday.
Tuesday and Wednesday are our day's off. We have taken time to go paddling, swimming as well as take part in some of the programs that are offered. We also found time to get our laundry done, have a dinner out and find the local, well about 25 miles away, Wal-Mart.
A few nights ago a big class arrived for the only 50A site. They had come from Ohio and just wanted to get set up. NOT. It seems that their Fleetwood indicated that the jacks/levelers were down when they were up. They could not get them down and didn't want to extend there slides. They fooled around for several hours and finally put out what I think was the bedroom slide. I don't think they had a good night. There were 6 people staying in the rig, 91 year old mother and multiple handicapped child, the parents and the mothers brother and sister in law. A tech finally came and got them going and they left a day early.
Rat snakes, yes they are here. There was a large one, about 5 or 6 feet long, around the campground for a couple of days. No real problem. He kept the speed down on the campground road when he slowly made his way across. However when a guest was concerned that the snake was too close to the showers we made a call and the rangers relocated it to a remote section of the park.
Spiders, yep them too. A few days ago our newly weds had an incident with a large spider, Wolf spider, the new wife was drying in the shower and had a reaction to the spider which had found it's way into her towel. Not being spider literate along with the reaction she was having rescue was called. She checked out ok and the spider literate folks said it was a wolf spider. Now there are pictures of the black widow and brown recluse, both poisonous, are posted at the shower house bulletin boards.
Raccoons. Folks just don't seem to understand that they are in the coon's habitat. Leave food and scraps out and you get visitors. Tonight the kids from a tent site came by to have me do something about the raccoons that were bothering them. Not much I could do other than talk to the kids and mother. Hope they get some sleep tonight.
Friday, June 06, 2008
The Weather is here .....
Yes it is. HOT in the 90's. We got our chores done and had lunch. Since there was no one in the campground we decided to give ourselves a break at the beach. We splashed around for a while, dried off for a while, splashed again, and air dried again.
Back to camp to sell ice and fire wood. You gotta have them camp fires. Some folks actually used their fire for cooking. That was the exception.
Back to camp to sell ice and fire wood. You gotta have them camp fires. Some folks actually used their fire for cooking. That was the exception.
Day Off II
Today was paddle day. We put in with the canoe trip that Laurie was leading. After they got going we broke from the group and did our own thing. There are pictures here, and the only excitement of the paddle was the fish that jumped just off my right side. Very close and it sure caught my attention.
Back at the camper we put the awning lights back up. We had taken everything down and rolled up the awning because of the storms in the area last night. This time we strung the lights between the two lantern post we have on site.
Suzette worked on a pine needle basket while I relaxed. Laurie came by to do a demonstration but since there were no attendees we visited for a while and showed her pictures we had taken at Lake Anna.
More thunder but no storm warnings. Oh the weather channel that serves this area was back on line.
Back at the camper we put the awning lights back up. We had taken everything down and rolled up the awning because of the storms in the area last night. This time we strung the lights between the two lantern post we have on site.
Suzette worked on a pine needle basket while I relaxed. Laurie came by to do a demonstration but since there were no attendees we visited for a while and showed her pictures we had taken at Lake Anna.
More thunder but no storm warnings. Oh the weather channel that serves this area was back on line.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Days off I
We decided that Tuesday and Wednesday would be our days off. So on Tuesday we decided to check out the area, shopping and eating of course. We checked out the near by quick stop type place. They have a well stocked store and reasonable fuel prices, well if you call $4.509/gal diesel reasonable. Well it is better than the $4.629 I paid in Opal.
Then it was off the shoprite and the laundromat before proceeding to Westlake and the Kroger. We picked up a few things we needed and then decided to find Mei's Chinese buffet. We were a little early for lunch so we did some shopping at "The Lake Outlet" and picked up a few bargains.
Lunch was decent and we headed back to the park.
Since we were the only one's in the campground we decided to go to the visitors center so Suzette could do the colonial candle making. When we arrived Heather, one of the interpreters, was finishing up fish painting on 'T' shirts. Laurie, the other interpreter, arrived in period dress to do the candle making. Suzette and I were the only one's to show for that activity. This was a fun little activity and we walked away with a bee's wax candle.
While we were participating in the candle making there were about 4 Osprey's circling about. It looked like a couple of male's did not take kindly to the nearby nest and babies. One was flying around with his talons our. We were told that his how many of the young are lost.
After supper we were listing to the thunder and I had made sure that I had the correct S.A.M.E. codes in the weather radio we had purchased last year. There we are safe now. NOT. We saw alerts on the TV and I went around the campground letting folks know that there were severe storm's in the area. Well there were also tornado warnings and a lot of damage in a near by town.
Why didn't the damn radio give an alert? It seems that some contractor broke a phone line. Miss Utility, the dig safe folks in VA, had cleared the area for the work and the line was unmarked. Bummer. We wondered why every local channel was carrying live continuous coverage of the storm and the radio seemed dead on the channel we needed for the area.
Look here for more pictures.
Then it was off the shoprite and the laundromat before proceeding to Westlake and the Kroger. We picked up a few things we needed and then decided to find Mei's Chinese buffet. We were a little early for lunch so we did some shopping at "The Lake Outlet" and picked up a few bargains.
Lunch was decent and we headed back to the park.
Since we were the only one's in the campground we decided to go to the visitors center so Suzette could do the colonial candle making. When we arrived Heather, one of the interpreters, was finishing up fish painting on 'T' shirts. Laurie, the other interpreter, arrived in period dress to do the candle making. Suzette and I were the only one's to show for that activity. This was a fun little activity and we walked away with a bee's wax candle.
While we were participating in the candle making there were about 4 Osprey's circling about. It looked like a couple of male's did not take kindly to the nearby nest and babies. One was flying around with his talons our. We were told that his how many of the young are lost.
After supper we were listing to the thunder and I had made sure that I had the correct S.A.M.E. codes in the weather radio we had purchased last year. There we are safe now. NOT. We saw alerts on the TV and I went around the campground letting folks know that there were severe storm's in the area. Well there were also tornado warnings and a lot of damage in a near by town.
Why didn't the damn radio give an alert? It seems that some contractor broke a phone line. Miss Utility, the dig safe folks in VA, had cleared the area for the work and the line was unmarked. Bummer. We wondered why every local channel was carrying live continuous coverage of the storm and the radio seemed dead on the channel we needed for the area.
Look here for more pictures.
Smith Mountain Lake I
Monday arrived and we were ready to go to work. We went to the office and picked up a few items and were told that Nathan, Chief Ranger, would meet with us after lunch. We also found out that we would be selling fire wood and ice in the campground. Not a big deal.
We returned to our site and reviewed the materials we were given and checked out the bath house and the set of keys we were given. After a while the golf cart was delivered. We were given instructions on how this one works. It needed a bath. So we gave it one while we waited for trash and ash buckets and related items to arrive.
After waiting for a while we decided to just go the maintenance area and see what we could get for cleaning sites. We got our ash buckets, trash bucket, grabbers, and a shovel. So off to the camp ground to start. We began at site 1 and reached site 7 bye the time Nate arrived to go over our duties and other items.
We did the meet and greet thing with the campers and gave another check of the shower house. We worked for quite a while and made two trips to the ash dump area. Then it was supper and rest up for our two days off.
We returned to our site and reviewed the materials we were given and checked out the bath house and the set of keys we were given. After a while the golf cart was delivered. We were given instructions on how this one works. It needed a bath. So we gave it one while we waited for trash and ash buckets and related items to arrive.
After waiting for a while we decided to just go the maintenance area and see what we could get for cleaning sites. We got our ash buckets, trash bucket, grabbers, and a shovel. So off to the camp ground to start. We began at site 1 and reached site 7 bye the time Nate arrived to go over our duties and other items.
We did the meet and greet thing with the campers and gave another check of the shower house. We worked for quite a while and made two trips to the ash dump area. Then it was supper and rest up for our two days off.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Smith Mountain Lake
We did the firehouse breakfast thing and then made the final transfer of food from our storage unit to the camper. We left home about 1000 and arrived at SML about 1:30pm.
We took US29 south and were surprised at the changes that had been made to route around Madison Heights and Lynchburg. Of course we didn't follow the GPS and elected to follow a route we saw on our Manually Activated Positioning System, MAPS, and get on VA24 to VA43. VA 24 is a better motorcycle road than a towing road but the big Professional Grade, GMC, diesel handled the twists, turns, ups and downs very well.
When we arrived at the park and went to the office to announce our arrival. They were ready for us to start even before we had reached the Camp Host site and setup. We are the first hosts this season. Needless to say they are glad to see us. Matt one of the rangers met us at the site and we talked for quite some time. Then as we were setting up Bonnie, from housekeeping, stopped by with another warm welcome.
We finally got set up and relaxed for a while before cooking supper. After supper we took a tour of the park. We put on about 12 miles and never left the park. There is a great visitors center with a video cam on a pair of nesting Osprey's. Neat.
This should be a good assignment.
We took US29 south and were surprised at the changes that had been made to route around Madison Heights and Lynchburg. Of course we didn't follow the GPS and elected to follow a route we saw on our Manually Activated Positioning System, MAPS, and get on VA24 to VA43. VA 24 is a better motorcycle road than a towing road but the big Professional Grade, GMC, diesel handled the twists, turns, ups and downs very well.
When we arrived at the park and went to the office to announce our arrival. They were ready for us to start even before we had reached the Camp Host site and setup. We are the first hosts this season. Needless to say they are glad to see us. Matt one of the rangers met us at the site and we talked for quite some time. Then as we were setting up Bonnie, from housekeeping, stopped by with another warm welcome.
We finally got set up and relaxed for a while before cooking supper. After supper we took a tour of the park. We put on about 12 miles and never left the park. There is a great visitors center with a video cam on a pair of nesting Osprey's. Neat.
This should be a good assignment.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Two nights at storage unit
Well there have not been any lookers at the storage unit in the last 2.5 weeks. We talked to our agent and she said things have really been slow. If nothing happens in the next month and the outlook hasn't improved we think we will just wait for a better time.
We spend 2 hours touring Wal-Mart Friday doing our shopping. Very crowded since it was "food stamp day". Since the 1st is Sunday the food stamps were available on Friday. We need to watch for that in the future.
Today was laundry, washing the camper and repacking for the next adventure at Smith Mountain Lake. The truck was also washed and fueled and is now hooked up and ready to head out.
Tomorrow we have breakfast at the Jeffersonton Community Center, Little Fork Volunteer FD puts on the feed. This is a chance to see some of our neighbors.
Oh the cost of fuel. The last two tanks averaged 16.8mpg or so which I feel is quite good pulling. On our Florida trip I was getting in the 11 to 14 range on the slab at 65mph or so. The last two pulls were at 50-60 mph. Another factor could be that there is now 20K+ on the GMC, professional grade you know, and I have read on various forums that you don't start getting decent mileage until some where over 15K. With some folks reporting the magic number to be in the 25 to 35K range. We can only hope.
We spend 2 hours touring Wal-Mart Friday doing our shopping. Very crowded since it was "food stamp day". Since the 1st is Sunday the food stamps were available on Friday. We need to watch for that in the future.
Today was laundry, washing the camper and repacking for the next adventure at Smith Mountain Lake. The truck was also washed and fueled and is now hooked up and ready to head out.
Tomorrow we have breakfast at the Jeffersonton Community Center, Little Fork Volunteer FD puts on the feed. This is a chance to see some of our neighbors.
Oh the cost of fuel. The last two tanks averaged 16.8mpg or so which I feel is quite good pulling. On our Florida trip I was getting in the 11 to 14 range on the slab at 65mph or so. The last two pulls were at 50-60 mph. Another factor could be that there is now 20K+ on the GMC, professional grade you know, and I have read on various forums that you don't start getting decent mileage until some where over 15K. With some folks reporting the magic number to be in the 25 to 35K range. We can only hope.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Two days off
The last two days were our off days so we took in some of the park attractions.
Yesterday we took a mountain bike ride to the old gold mine. Yep Virginia had gold mines. In fact Virginia was the 3rd largest in gold production between 1830 and 1849.
Then off to lunch at the local Deli, 601 Variety. They have an angus burger that is about 4" in diameter and thick. They have a good BBQ also.
While we were at the mine Suzette collected pine needles to make another couple of baskets so she set about preparing them to make a basket on Thu.
Then it was off to the lake for a little kayaking. We put in at area B and headed for Weirs Cove and the feeder creek. Nice paddle. Suzette saw a river otter and we scared up a couple of Great Blue Herons.
Even though it was our day off we made a couple of tours of the campground and checks on the comfort stations.
Today was a little more of the same. Mountain bike in the morning and paddle in the evening. During the afternoon Suzette made her pine needle basket. I decided to mount the Hero to the handle bar and see how a video would look.
We had a campfire tonight and made S'mores. What a nice evening. Tomorrow we leave for home.
Yesterday we took a mountain bike ride to the old gold mine. Yep Virginia had gold mines. In fact Virginia was the 3rd largest in gold production between 1830 and 1849.
Then off to lunch at the local Deli, 601 Variety. They have an angus burger that is about 4" in diameter and thick. They have a good BBQ also.
While we were at the mine Suzette collected pine needles to make another couple of baskets so she set about preparing them to make a basket on Thu.
Then it was off to the lake for a little kayaking. We put in at area B and headed for Weirs Cove and the feeder creek. Nice paddle. Suzette saw a river otter and we scared up a couple of Great Blue Herons.
Even though it was our day off we made a couple of tours of the campground and checks on the comfort stations.
Today was a little more of the same. Mountain bike in the morning and paddle in the evening. During the afternoon Suzette made her pine needle basket. I decided to mount the Hero to the handle bar and see how a video would look.
We had a campfire tonight and made S'mores. What a nice evening. Tomorrow we leave for home.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The Day After ... In Tents
Today we needed to do laundry so we took our clothes with us on the morning tour and started the laundry before we took our report to the office. We talked with Roberta and Doug for a while before returning to clean the showers we didn't do yesterday. The wash was done so into the dryer's while we cleaned the showers.
That done we headed out to get milk and a few other things. The smell of Pizza said LUNCH so we bought one and headed back to the camper for lunch. It was a long lunch. Then off to paddle on the lake and try our the new car top boat launch. We paddled for about an hour and a half. Back at the camper I took a nap.
Later we cleaned the shower in the comfort station closest to us and called us DONE. Well we weren't done yet. We decided to take a tour when we could see a new tent in the distance. So off we go to say hi and to answer their questions about the park. We spent about an hour visiting the 3 new arrivals.
We have only 1 RV in the park, ours. There are 5 tent campers and the one occupied camping cabin.
Tomorrow starts our 2 days off before we leave for home.
You might think this is a lot of work and you'd be correct but Jimmy Buffet's song "It's My Job" keeps ringing in our ears.
I have added pictures of our paddling to our album.
That done we headed out to get milk and a few other things. The smell of Pizza said LUNCH so we bought one and headed back to the camper for lunch. It was a long lunch. Then off to paddle on the lake and try our the new car top boat launch. We paddled for about an hour and a half. Back at the camper I took a nap.
Later we cleaned the shower in the comfort station closest to us and called us DONE. Well we weren't done yet. We decided to take a tour when we could see a new tent in the distance. So off we go to say hi and to answer their questions about the park. We spent about an hour visiting the 3 new arrivals.
We have only 1 RV in the park, ours. There are 5 tent campers and the one occupied camping cabin.
Tomorrow starts our 2 days off before we leave for home.
You might think this is a lot of work and you'd be correct but Jimmy Buffet's song "It's My Job" keeps ringing in our ears.
I have added pictures of our paddling to our album.
The Exodus
Monday was the great exodus from the campground however the day use areas were very busy. We didn't get to see what was going on but from the radio traffic we know all the staff was very very busy. I think it was about 1000 when they started holding folks at the entrance station until they could find parking spaces. Then they would let the next 10 or 30 vehicles in, what ever they found room for.
Trash and open containers of adult beverages were an ongoing problem.
We started the day by making our tour about 0800 with a quick check of the comfort stations. After a quick cleaning of the restroom areas we returned to the camper and cooked a big brunch because we knew we would be busy. We kept looping the campground cleaning sites as folks left. We would make a periodic trip to the office to keep Joanne informed on which sites were empty and ready for new arrivals. We kept this up until sometime around 1700 or 1730 when we took a supper break. Then back at it to see the new arrivals and finish the site cleanup. We had one popup, 3 tent campers, and one camping cabin. A long day.
Trash and open containers of adult beverages were an ongoing problem.
We started the day by making our tour about 0800 with a quick check of the comfort stations. After a quick cleaning of the restroom areas we returned to the camper and cooked a big brunch because we knew we would be busy. We kept looping the campground cleaning sites as folks left. We would make a periodic trip to the office to keep Joanne informed on which sites were empty and ready for new arrivals. We kept this up until sometime around 1700 or 1730 when we took a supper break. Then back at it to see the new arrivals and finish the site cleanup. We had one popup, 3 tent campers, and one camping cabin. A long day.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Oh what a day.....
46 sites and over booked by 5. Great reservation system. Not sure what went wrong but it sure created an interesting couple of hours while things got sorted out.
The overbook was in the standard site, no W/E, area. Then there are the families that want to be close together. One has a standard site reservation and the others is W/E. Two separate loops.
Any way we were busy trying to keep the comfort stations serviced and work with the staff on the overbooking issue and keeping a smile on everyone face. Some how the staff and volunteer team was able to make it happen. We sure put in more than our 6 hour/day expectation. Oh the overtime we will have in our volunteer check.
Also we had folks from the church group that has 15 sites ask to volunteer to clean the comfort station in the loop they are in. We thought that was really nice of them. The door closer on the womens room which is close to our site slams the door closed. Maintenance has been unable to properly adjust it and the slam is an annoyance. One of the ladies apologized for the noise.
A very busy day.
The overbook was in the standard site, no W/E, area. Then there are the families that want to be close together. One has a standard site reservation and the others is W/E. Two separate loops.
Any way we were busy trying to keep the comfort stations serviced and work with the staff on the overbooking issue and keeping a smile on everyone face. Some how the staff and volunteer team was able to make it happen. We sure put in more than our 6 hour/day expectation. Oh the overtime we will have in our volunteer check.
Also we had folks from the church group that has 15 sites ask to volunteer to clean the comfort station in the loop they are in. We thought that was really nice of them. The door closer on the womens room which is close to our site slams the door closed. Maintenance has been unable to properly adjust it and the slam is an annoyance. One of the ladies apologized for the noise.
A very busy day.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The Sign Says ...
Alcoholic Beverages Prohibited
The campground rules state "Public display or consumption of alcoholic beverages prohibited"
Today we learned what happens when you violate the Public Display. You get to either take your 24 bottles of Corona back to your home OR pour it out while the park ranger watches. That sure put a damper on a couple of campers weekend.
We did meet a fellow from Oregon but he didn't know our son Mike. Maybe if he lived in Portland he would have known him. The real question is why did he move from Oregon to DC? I guess we will have to ask.
Today I decided to put the Sirius radio antenna on the roof of the Fox. Not a permanent mount, just to see if the reception was better. Yeah Radio Margaritaville ALL DAY concert replays. Now about that alcohol thing....., damn no margarita's on this cruise.
We were busy all day with a few campers leaving and others arriving but most were here for the duration. We burned a lot of gas in the golf cart making tours of the campground and talking with folks. We made several passes through the comfort stations to keep them tidy.
Big news is that we received our official 'T' and Polo shirts. Now we look official and sharp.
To all of us who served - Thanks.
Some pictures of Lake Anna. I will add more as our tour of duty continues.
The campground rules state "Public display or consumption of alcoholic beverages prohibited"
Today we learned what happens when you violate the Public Display. You get to either take your 24 bottles of Corona back to your home OR pour it out while the park ranger watches. That sure put a damper on a couple of campers weekend.
We did meet a fellow from Oregon but he didn't know our son Mike. Maybe if he lived in Portland he would have known him. The real question is why did he move from Oregon to DC? I guess we will have to ask.
Today I decided to put the Sirius radio antenna on the roof of the Fox. Not a permanent mount, just to see if the reception was better. Yeah Radio Margaritaville ALL DAY concert replays. Now about that alcohol thing....., damn no margarita's on this cruise.
We were busy all day with a few campers leaving and others arriving but most were here for the duration. We burned a lot of gas in the golf cart making tours of the campground and talking with folks. We made several passes through the comfort stations to keep them tidy.
Big news is that we received our official 'T' and Polo shirts. Now we look official and sharp.
To all of us who served - Thanks.
Some pictures of Lake Anna. I will add more as our tour of duty continues.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Big weekend
The campground is full. Well all the sites are reserved but not all are occupied yet. One group of 15 or so doesn't seem to understand that sites are first come first served. They had reserved 15 sites and expected to have sites 1-15. It just don't work that way.
Although full it has not been a difficult day. We found time to visit with campers and met a couple from Culpeper. Also we decided to go to the campfire ring and set up the campfire for tonights program. A nice log cabin fire lay with a teepee inside. We used dryer lint and pine cones for the starter. To make sure it was lit from the correct side, where the lint and pine cones were, we made an arrow using 3 sticks. Kathy, the interpreter, was happy that we did that for her.
All in all a good day.
Now to see how tomorrow will go.
Although full it has not been a difficult day. We found time to visit with campers and met a couple from Culpeper. Also we decided to go to the campfire ring and set up the campfire for tonights program. A nice log cabin fire lay with a teepee inside. We used dryer lint and pine cones for the starter. To make sure it was lit from the correct side, where the lint and pine cones were, we made an arrow using 3 sticks. Kathy, the interpreter, was happy that we did that for her.
All in all a good day.
Now to see how tomorrow will go.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Yumm O
It was a realitively easy day. Only a few campsites to clean up.
We have had a nice time visiting with folks that have come and gone. One of the groups that left today was JWAC. We had never heard of them before. What do they really do?
Went out for B'day dinner today since we didn't feel right going out on Friday with a large number of campers arriving. We had a Yumm O dinner at Tavern On the Rail in Fredericks Hall which is about half way between Mineral and Bumpass, Bump-ass to some locals of course. I had a really great 9 oz. steak w/blue cheese and herb butter. Fantastic. Suzette had their Fredericks Hall Casserole.
When we returned we found that several more folks had arrived so we made our rounds and talked with most of the new of arrivals. We spent a lot of time talking with some folks from Minnesota who are visiting to tour many of the Civil War Battlefields. We really enjoyed talking with them.
We have had a nice time visiting with folks that have come and gone. One of the groups that left today was JWAC. We had never heard of them before. What do they really do?
Went out for B'day dinner today since we didn't feel right going out on Friday with a large number of campers arriving. We had a Yumm O dinner at Tavern On the Rail in Fredericks Hall which is about half way between Mineral and Bumpass, Bump-ass to some locals of course. I had a really great 9 oz. steak w/blue cheese and herb butter. Fantastic. Suzette had their Fredericks Hall Casserole.
When we returned we found that several more folks had arrived so we made our rounds and talked with most of the new of arrivals. We spent a lot of time talking with some folks from Minnesota who are visiting to tour many of the Civil War Battlefields. We really enjoyed talking with them.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Back to Lake Anna
Today was a visit to the Ortho. Met with PA and Dr. and all is well as far as tendons and such good news.
Mowed a little by the pond and the front yard then we went for detailing, well you might say haircuts. Then back to the lake. We talked with the Rotti owners and toured the campground to get the morning report together.
Suzette's hand swelling is going down and she is getting more movement back.
Mowed a little by the pond and the front yard then we went for detailing, well you might say haircuts. Then back to the lake. We talked with the Rotti owners and toured the campground to get the morning report together.
Suzette's hand swelling is going down and she is getting more movement back.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Our day off
As I said yesterday we returned to our storage unit and then went to the Faquier Hospital ER to have Suzette's hand looked at. Antibiotics, x-ray's, splint and we were on our way, another 2 hours, but at least they did something and we didn't have to wait forever.
Tomorrow she should have a follow up with Ortho but they haven't called back with an appointment time.
We plan to return to Lake Anna tomorrow since that is where all the food is.
Dinner out tonight. Early B'day dinner me thinks.
How old you ask? 29 years and 11 months older than our sons. Give or take a couple of days. You do the math. SEG.
Tomorrow she should have a follow up with Ortho but they haven't called back with an appointment time.
We plan to return to Lake Anna tomorrow since that is where all the food is.
Dinner out tonight. Early B'day dinner me thinks.
How old you ask? 29 years and 11 months older than our sons. Give or take a couple of days. You do the math. SEG.
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