Have you ever arrived at a campsite or picnic destination and started piling things on the picnic table? If you are like me, you never think about a table cloth because you are too excited about being there and getting set up. After reading this post, I guarantee you will change this habit. I say…
No adventure ever plays out exactly like you imagine before it starts. That was especially true for my recent trip to Orcas Island, off the northern coast of Washington. The ferry ride was beautiful, as I expected. It was the campground experience that was weird. A beautiful day for a ferry ride through the San…
Another month of camp hosting is nearly over. That means it is time to reflect on all the great gifts I received at Deception Pass State Park. But first, I will admit that I did not like it here when I first arrived. This is a huge park with hundreds of campgrounds. I was assigned…
While camp hosting this summer, I have learned to appreciate campground sounds. Previously, the sounds hovered on the outskirts of my subconscious mind. However, I have taught myself to consciously listen. The daily sound cycle starts with a noticeable silence. After people pull out around noon and before the new folks arrive after 2:30 PM,…
I am spending my summer picking up trash at Washington State Parks. I have a fancy title –Volunteer Camp Host – but what I really do is pick-up trash. Lot’s of trash. Sure, I also answer questions and smile at everyone as they try to entertain their crabby kids or when they are all sitting around…
Monday and Tuesdays are my days off. On my first Monday, I headed straight into the small city of Oak Harbor. It is only about 10 miles, which is really sweet. I like having better access to a grocery and other amenities. First stop: laundromat. Second stop: library. I had already registered for my Sno-Isle…
On August 1, I hitched up the RV and pulled out of Penrose Point State Park. My one-month assignment there went fast! One of the Rangers came by the evening before and asked if I would come back next summer. I committed to a month at Joemma Beach State Park, just down the road, and…
My month at Penrose Point State Park is nearly over! I have enjoyed the experience immensely despite a few unruly people and some knocks on my door in the middle of the night by people with noise complaints. As I reflect, I realize that I have received many gifts here. That is always true when…
After my camp host chores and dinner dishes are done, I settle in to watch a movie or another episode of whatever I am binge-watching at the moment. Because I look out my large rear window when I am watching a movie, I can simultaneously watch goings-on in the campground. If someone walks up to…
I am learning that being a camp host in a busy state park includes the job of Good Samaritan. The park has boat moorage, so boaters can pull into the dock for a night or more. It is pretty cool, and certainly something I would do if I had a boat! Anyway, a guy from…