Keys To Being Stupid

 

I'll be the first to admit that I am not an expert in the fine art of camping, but I'm not a novice either. The other day, I made a stupid, rookie mistake, the consequences of which just kept on snowballing. 

Typically, when I make the weekly trip home to take care of biz, I'll grab a quick shower in the comfort of my own bathroom. Thanks to a talented and efficient dog groomer, I had to drop the shower from the itinerary.

Friday I grabbed the laundry and my shower stuff and drove up to the laundry/shower house. Laundry facility was basic, but did the job quite well. While the duds were in the dryer, I shed my jacket and sweatshirt in the van, grabbed the several bags that had fresh clothes, towel and my grooming goodies, and hit the shower. 

It wasn't until I was wet and naked that I realized I had left my soap and shampoo in the van. Damn. My only choices were to take a soapless shower or dry off, put on my pants and fetch the missing items. I desperately needed soap. As I went to put on pants, I came to the realization that the keys were not in my pocket. Damn. They were locked in the van in my jacket pocket. 

I had to go soapless. Eww!

Fortunately, I had a spare set of keys in the camper. On the walk back from the shower I recalled locking it up when I left. Damn. I was going to have to disturb Anna's nap and make her hobble to the front of the bus and unlock the door.

Moral---Don't lock anything unless you know exactly were the keys are.

So What Does A Camper Host Do?

 Good question. I'm glad that you asked. 

I would say that our job is to ensure that the sites are clean and ready for the next camper. We also answer questions and provide local information. 

For example, a typical day (so far) consists of...

Putting up site tags...

Cleaning ashes and garbage out of the fire rings...

And generally policing the site and picking up trash...

Most campers are pretty cool (so far) and leave a clean site when they depart. One ring this morning had nails and screws among the ashes. Personally, I would rather burn logs than 2x4's, but to each his own. You also have the melted gobs of aluminum that used to be Bud Light cans. 

I'll end this post with a riddle....

What do dog poop, cigarette butts and whitetail deer have in common?

Answer: If you see one, you'll likely find more. 

Our 2024 Summer Home

 Beginning April 1st, we began our adventure as volunteer camp hosts at Geneva State Park.

 

Normally, this position wouldn't begin until mid-May. Due to the large number of reservations for the eclipse, we pulled in and set up camp early. For the most part it has been cold, rainy and windy. 

As for the eclipse itself, it did not disappoint. The sky cleared just in time for the show. Most people watched from the amphitheater, beach or the marina. We opted to watch from our site, as did a family a few sites away. 

 

Apprehensions regarding birds falling from the sky, squirrels chasing bears out of the woods and our cell phones melting like chocolate in our hands did not materialize. 

All in all, pretty impressive.

And then everyone went home...

And then the rain resumed...

And I made some new friends...

Frost warning tonight, so protect your tender vegetation !!!

 

 

Back In Business !!!

 Hi again. Happy 420 to those of you who celebrate such occasions.

It's been 17 months since the last post. I lost my password to this blog and finally took the time to get back in.

A lot has happened since then. As we go forward, I'll try to catch y'all up on our activities. We have embarked on a new adventure...State Park Camp Host.