Friday, January 31, 2014

The Dangerous Duo

One of our regular blog readers once commented, "You guys and your adventures... I love them! You engage and embrace life so much, that you're borderline dangerous!"  Remembering back to that comment make us look at this concept a little more closely. What is being dangerous anyways? Websters defines "dangerous" as engaging in an act that may invoke harm, injury, or death. Our first thought was, "Geez - we're not that bad. How dangerous is it working at a campground?"

First, we ran down the litany of things we do on a daily basis as well as since we arrived here three weeks ago. Dave started things off how he and his co-worker Stillman get into all kinds of trouble (they call it fun and being efficient) with the maintenance buggy - the Bull Dog BD-300. They never do the speed limit (their excuse is that the cart doesn't have a speedometer), never follow gravel roads (hey, it's an off-road machine), and using a farm tractor to assist them in the cutting down of old trees ("those old John Deere tractors can push anything over").

Jill chimed in with her housekeeping duties. The campground uses more cleaning chemicals than you can shake a stick at. If one isn't careful, one could easily get asphyxiated. The basics of cleaning is using soap and water. When the temperature drops, water is more difficult to work with (it freezes) and soap tends to separate from water more easily and doesn't dissolve as well (leaving a much more slippery floor). Sometimes guests use the restrooms directly after they are cleaned. One can also tell that they are still a little slick as the footprints left on the still-wet floor look like a fox-trot dance lesson.

With all due respect, and no offense, fellow RV'ers can be downright dangerous. Some are not very good at maneuvering their RV. Mostly because it's just to big (or too long) for them to handle. We've seen light poles, water hookups, and cable TV ground boxes hit and taken out on a weekly basis. All the lamp posts at this campground are painted yellow. One RV'er was surprised that he hit one... until we showed him the new yellow streak of paint that now adorned the side of his 5th wheel. That's one of the major reasons why we purchased the Nomad - it's only 25 feet long. It is a perfect first-time RV for us.

The campground itself can be a little dangerous. Old systems and outdated electrical can be entertaining... sort of. Even performing basic electrical maintenance has tripped a circuit breaker a few times or has resulted in light bulbs blowing up inside their covers. The roads here are all gravel. Loose gravel can result in a twisted ankle - just ask Jill about that one. Not once, but twice.

But then we thought of a lesser known, affect of "dangerous". How is a persons thinking and attitude towards numerous aspects in life dangerous? Life itself is still an adventure - it is what we make it and how we live it. Today is the last day of January - it has been a colder than normal winter and Georgia has not escaped Old Man Winters' icy grip. Overnight temperatures have been in the teens and even the single numbers on several occasions. The campground has had to shut the water off to prevent freezing and damaged components. As we put the finishing touches on this post, we are thawing out from the two inches of snow we received the other day. People still grouse like crazy - and it's usually the ones who stay put. Other campers have pulled up stakes and left for warmer climates like southern Florida. People have to remember - this type of weather happens. We're all living in an RV, which is short for recreational vehicle. It's not a house.

Speaking again of RV's, even proven Maine methods of snow removal can backfire and be a little dangerous. Obviously, there is no snow removal equipment this far south, so Dave & his co-worker Stillman, had to improvise. Once again, out came the John Deere tractor and it's bizarre array of attachments. Instead of plowing, they "dragged" the snow out of the parking lot, sites, and roads. They were proud of themselves that in a mere 2 1/2 hours, they had everything cleared, shoveled, and salted. However, when the remaining snow melted from numerous areas, streaks of gravel were left behind. Normally, this wouldn't be an issue, except that a sharp piece of gravel got lodged in a departing campers' tire, causing a flat. He was not a happy camper! On the flip-side, if Stillman and Dave had "left the snow to melt", as they say down in these parts, the campground would have been a skating rink (and possibly more accidents would have occurred). We had RV'ers coming in the day of as well as the day after the storm through Atlanta and were travel weary. They were grateful for clear roads and sites. Just goes to show, that you can't please everyone and dangerous can be a win or lose situation regardless of best intentions.

We met one fellow RV'er who has been living this lifestyle for 50 years. Yes, you read that correctly - 50 years. Even he still makes mistakes, (he forgot to refill his backup water for the below freezing weather), but goes with the flow. "I'm always forgetting something. But hey - I'm human", something he mused before he left this morning. Great food for thought...

In our opinion, one of the keys of life is to be happy with our circumstances, regardless what they are on a daily basis. One can be "dangerous" to oneself with negative thinking and feeling hopeless. We all have to count our blessings - the weather may be a bit colder than we like, resulting in chilled fingers and toes, but at least there is warmer weather in the forecast. We have great heat, warm clothes and blankets. Finally as Jill added - no bugs!

On that note, we can honestly say "we are happy campers"!
Until next time,
Jill & Dave

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Will We Survive The South Or Will The South Survive Us?

Let us preface this blog by stating one very important fact - Dave and I are NOT prejudiced in any way. As of this writing, we have been below the Mason-Dixon line for going on three months and we've had wonderful and unforgettable experiences with people of all color and races. These experiences are part of our travels... our journey. This is merely a recounting of them.

When we originally left Maine, we given some "basic survival instructions" from our son-in-law, Matt, who spent many a year in the South. One of them was, "...when down South, do as the Southerners do".

On Accents and Drawls - 

At times, communication has been our number one difficulty. We have noticed, that even in the deep South, accents can vary - even in the same state. Some folks have just a southern twang, while others have a heavy drawl. One of these times was when Dave and I were in southern Georgia and I had to ask a very nice gentleman to repeat himself three times before I could understand what he was trying to tell us. I became frustrated with myself. The heavy accent, coupled with his lack of teeth, didn't help matters either. It took the three of us over a minute and a half to communicate and understand that the local store was closed due to a lack of power. He thought maybe we were walking to the store, even though we weren't. Once we had that issue resolved, we thanked him for his courtesy, wished him a Happy New Year, and he did the same.

One of our new co-workers, Marie, has always lived in Georgia. Dave, Stillman (Daves' co-worker) and I are all from Maine. At times, by the way we speak, I swear she wants to ring our necks! A recent classic example - a door-yard. A totally confused Marie asked, "What the hell is a door-yard?" We all explained that it's the area where the side door of a house (not the front or back) that goes out to the section of yard that usually meets with the driveway, sometimes where kids play. Marie still rolls her eyes when any of us mention that "... we have ta pahk the cah".

We also feel it's interesting that a lack of accent can still present a problem - especially when you factor in that we talk fast. We're from the Northeast; it's part of our culture. A local shopkeeper asked us the other day, "Where ya'll from?"
"Maine", we replied.
"Where?" came back with a slightly confused look. "Maine", we said again, slower with more annunciation.
"Oh - I didn't know what you were saying", came the shopkeepers' slight relief.

Where's the Lobster?

Food, or more precisely, what locals call it creates more fun confusion. It's bad enough that lobster is very difficult to find down south, especially when one is a distance from the ocean. We mentioned to one southerner that we were missing the taste of lobster rolls. "What's a lobster roll?" came the obvious question. We described the luncheon delicacy as basically chopped up lobster, mixed with a little mayo (or tarter sauce), some spices, and you pile it high in a grinder.  
"What's a grinder", followed with a baffled look. 
"A grinder is a big roll", we explained.  
"So what you're saying is, it's like a hamburger, except with lobster?"
"No, no, no! It's like a big hot dog bun", we tried clarifying.
"You mean a hoagie! And it's a hot dog roll. A bun is a sticky thing you eat for breakfast. You people from up north are so weird", quoted our friend, her head shaking.

It's All Fun And Games, Until...

This one didn't hit us until we arrived in North Carolina. With the sun setting past 5:30 p.m. at night and the
temperatures still fairly warm back in November, outdoor activities were still plentiful.
"Ya'll play corn hole?" was a common question among the locals.
"Do we even want to know what you're talking about?" we asked the first time someone inquired.
"Ya know - corn hole. It's a slanted wooden board with a hole in it near the top. You toss a small bag filled with dried corn and you try to get it in the hole", came the explanation.
"Oh, you mean bean bags!" we exclaimed. "Yes, we have that up north."
"Why on Earth would you put beans in a bag and throw them?"

How's The Weather Down (Or Up) There?

This is a common one, especially now that the colder chills of January are being felt. One campground manager asked us once how in heavens name could we live in a climate where the temperature struggles to reach 50 degrees for five months straight. We replied with the reverse - how could one live in a place where it's 85 degrees or hotter and humid for at least four months solid. It's all about perspectives.

January Is Black History Month - 

After a two week lull, mostly due to poor internet conditions, we were finally able to connect with our oldest daughter Meg's family and have a video chat via Facebook for almost an hour. Both of our oldest grandchildren have birthdays in January and received their homemade cards in the mail. They showed us the airplane models they put together with the help of their Dad. Then the subject to what they are doing in school. Turns out both kids are discussing some basic parts of the Civil War and slaves. Tristan began with, "...the slaves had to take the underground railroad to be free."
I asked, "What was the underground railroad? Was that like an underground train or subway?"
"No, no, not Subway - that's a place where you eat", Tristan said.
Alyssa, not to be outdone, spoke up; "It's how the slaves got to Canada; to be free." Then she began singing the song about "following the drinking gourd" and I joined her as I remember that song from my teaching days. I even had to explain to Meg that the "drinking gourd" is the Big Dipper constellation in the sky. At the tip of the handle is the North Star. Basically, they were singing to go north - follow the North Star. Skipping the part about the underground railroad, I moved on to who exactly were the slaves. Alyssa continued, "...they were people who had darker skin. It wasn't fair what happened to them. I think most of them are dead now, though."
Tristan added, "I think they were people from California". We all busted out laughing.
"Ok", I continued, "Do you remember where they were from? And no, it's not California!"
Alyssa added they were from Africa. Regardless, with some of the slightly off answers, both kids did remarkably well with their information. Very impressive for eight and seven year olds.

And with that note, we wish you all a happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Remember the man, his vision, as well as his messages. Still very moving and very crucial.

Until next time,
The Happy Campers,
Jill & Dave


Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Onward To New Digs... And All That Entails

January 15th 2014 -

In our last post, we mentioned that we were leaving our friend Cindy's place near the Florida state line and heading for the Cartersville, Georgia KOA for our winter work camper job. We never thought 320 miles to the northwest part of the state would make that much of a difference... label us now educated.

As all of you know by now, this winter has been a crazy one, weather wise, and Georgia has not been exempt from it. The morning we left Cindy's house, the entire eastern part of the U.S. was experiencing it's coldest arctic blast yet of the season. The day before we trekked north, Cartersville experienced a low temperature of 5 degrees - even at Cindy's house, the thermometer crept down to 24 degrees. Schools, state wide, were cancelled because of the cold. Being from Maine, we found this hilarious, but apparently this was a big deal in these parts (as stores do not sell winter clothing). We pondered the thought of spending an additional night at Cindy's to ride out the second night of cold, but being the Maine ruffians we are, we decided to head out - we can handle this.

Traffic was light up I-75 and even through Atlanta. People who have traveled through this metro area know that traffic can be a nightmare. Not for us - we breezed through city traffic even though it was mid-afternoon. Numerous friends stated that we were very lucky on this occasion. Perhaps the cold worked to our advantage here as well. We checked into our RV space and did one additional errand. By this time, the sun was going down and the temperature was already dropping below 25 degrees. We started entertaining second thoughts that maybe we should have spent a few more nights at Cindy's...

We found out that one of the other work campers, who is in a neighboring site, was also from Maine. We settled in for a day or two, before our bosses could meet with us for our orientation. Both were on sight - they just had other emergencies to deal with - like a campground full of angry campers because the water would be shut off for an second night due to the cold. Water pipes inside various RV's were either frozen, while a couple even burst. Fun!

Upon orientation, we went over our job responsibilities with our managers. One thing we have going for us is they are fairly laid back and are easy to get along with. We have also become friends with our fellow work campers and have met quite a few of the long-term RV'ers. We're getting some ideas together for some possible camper fellowship and will toss them by the managers. This campground doesn't have many of the activities that we became used to at other campgrounds. Being winter, people have a tendency to hibernate. The way we see it, regardless of the season, camping and RV'ing is supposed to be fun. Not staying in your 40 foot tin can all day. 

The first few days of our new jobs went well - Jills' co-worker, Marie, showed her the ropes while Daves' co-worker, Stillman, gave him the ten-cent tour. Conversations ran the gamut. For example, Jill mentioned to Marie that she was domestically impaired. Marie asked half jokingly, "then why are you doing this job?" The way we figure things, we had to start somewhere. This next 2 1/2 months will get our feet wet in the KOA world, pay for the space where we rest our heads and put some money in our pockets.

By the end of the week, the cold weather even departed and it warmed up to 70 degrees by Saturday morning. We actually felt like we were getting into our groove - with our schedules, work duties, and fellow employees - when the Nomad decided to make things interesting. At 6:00 a.m., Jill and I were abruptly awakened by the CB in the cab of our RV blaring a loud noise for about 5 seconds... and the CB was off. It repeated this drill, about every five minutes, three more times. In between the 2nd and 3rd blast from the CB, we heard substantial rumbles of thunder in the distance. After the 3rd blast, Dave turned on the CB's weather band and listened to the latest forecast - NOAA issued severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings - and we were right in the line of fire.

Within fifteen minutes, the fast moving front was right overhead. The rain (and penny size hail) was so loud on the Nomads' roof that we could barely hear the tornado siren going off. We weren't sure if the siren was going to hold up through all of this as it sounded like a cross between a sick cow and an old dog howling at the storm. We quickly looked out the windows and saw that none of the other motorhomes or 5th wheels were making a break for it, so we hunkered down in the Nomad to ride things out. By now, it was almost 7:00 a.m. - adding insult to injury was our alarm clock beeping as if we weren't already awake. Fortunately, we're parked at the top of a small hill in the campground with just a few trees surrounding us. Although it was loud at times, the storm did pass and all that was left by 9:00 a.m. was some moderate rain. The trees survived as did the Nomad - no damage what so ever. Our RV is over 36 years old, but this is the 2nd significant storm it's weathered us through - label us impressed yet again.

Until next time,
The "Fair Weather" Happy Campers,
Jill & Dave


Thursday, January 9, 2014

New Year, New Changes

1st week of January 2014 -

First off - Happy New Year! Some of our friends have been asking us about the lapse of blog posts, mainly from mid-December through the first few days of January. We decided to truly enjoy the Christmas season and disconnect electronically for a spell. Don't worry - we're still here!

Secondly, welcome this new year without closing the door completely on the old one! We had a peaceful ending to 2013. We awoke early enjoyed a trek out to our friend Cindy's place of work on Christmas Day. We woke up early and took in a beautiful and peaceful sunrise at the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge. While it was chilly, we experienced sights & sounds that we may not have the opportunity to witness again. That evening, we enjoyed a southern Christmas dinner - tasty doesn't even begin to describe it! Thanks Marilyn for the spiced yams!

Third - embrace the new year! We enjoyed yet another southern tradition for the first day of the new year; grilled pork, cabbage, black-eye peas, rice & sweet potatoes called Hoppin' John. Legend has it that this fare brings prosperity. 

We also wanted to pass along these thoughts to you:  
"Finish each day and be done with it. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
 - Two of the most useless phrases in the English language are "what if" and "if only". We waste so much time and energy thinking about we might have done and wishing we had acted or reacted differently. We imagine how things might have turned out. "If only..."
 - All of us make mistakes. To go back and wonder and wish about our yesterdays prevents us from living fully today. Each day is a fresh chance; a new beginning. We can only squeeze what we can out of the moment and let the drops fall where they may.
 - Some will evaporate... some will be rainbows.

A few days later, our friend Cindy made a trek to northern Florida to another wildlife refuge to photograph the Snowy Owl. This bird normally lives in much more northern climates and it's extremely rare to see them this far south. Is it possible that Jill and I are kind of like the snowy owl? With this winter being so brutal (thus far) above the Mason-Dixon line, did the snowy owls have to leave their normal habitat in order to survive better? We realize now that this was true for us. With all the snow and cold temperatures back home, Jill would have not had the right resources in order to survive. This was not a 100% pleasure jaunt - it was a matter of survival.

However, we have been caught in a quandary. While the past is over and the future looking brighter with our acquired job in Maine for 6 months starting in April - what about today? What about until the beginning of April? The generosity of a friend will see us through today - it is what it is. We can't live in the past nor the future.

We shall endure with peace and happiness. Some people say, "That's great - but it doesn't put money in your pocket." However, happiness is a choice. We have to begin somewhere to do the next right thing. We could easily sit and spin and think about how did life get so expensive? When did we acquire so many needs? Why are 400 people applying for the same job as I am? That type of thinking will get us nowhere. Worry and fear does not have to control us. Looking back, would we have done things a little differently? Maybe... maybe not.

Also during the first week of January, we had opportunities to stay in the Brunswick Georgia area - possibilities seemed to be abound. Jill even got word she could show and sell her art at a Farmers Market in the same city. The problem was, with the opportunities came assumptions. All that was dashed one afternoon, by no ones fault. What made it all the worse was that we made the mistake of assuming. We've been taught to never assume - we just make an ass of ourselves (and other people).

For about a day, we went back and forth like an endless tennis match. What do we do now? Do we go farther south? Do we go to the pan-handle of Florida? We made the decision to start in our own backyard - Georgia. We called every campground and RV park in the state. This took the better part of an entire day. Some campground managers didn't have any work, but wished us well. Others were downright rude. Ironically, the very last campground we called had a sudden work camper opening due to another work couple cancelling on them at the very last minute. After a lengthy conversation, we landed a contract until the end of March, work, and a place to hang our head until the end of March.

Our next assignment will be at the Cartersville KOA, about 45 miles northwest of Atlanta. We felt a big
wave of relief. Many of the little inconveniences that seemed to be building didn't seem so inconvenient anymore. Being able to return to this more positive mindset, we can enjoy more of the real-life that surrounds us on a daily basis. Whether it's laughing at a power outage on a day when the laundry must get done, or talking with a local whom we can barely understand, due to the extreme accent and lack of teeth, to attending a local church service that was truly rocking. Never mind we were the only white people in the building! We were still warmly welcomed and met some wonderful people. And yes, the sermon was about change... very fitting.

Until the next "change",
The Happy Campers,
Jill & Dave

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Notes From The Road

We've posted several of these quips on Facebook over the past two months, most of them sprinkled with humor. One of our family members once said, "... if you can't laugh at yourself at least once in a while, then you're in deep... ya know." Still rather prolific after all these years. That's one thing we have embraced while traveling on this 2500+ mile (so far) jaunt to way south of the Mason-Dixon line - is to laugh, laugh often, as well as to laugh at ourselves. If we didn't, we would've never made it.

Now we're not saying that it takes laughter alone to get from point A to B. It also takes more than just money. Here's a few notes from the road we would like to pass along, especially to other newbies like us who are learning a few things the hard way:

1). Not all campers are created equal. There's more to this than meets the eye - or checkbook. If and when you decide to take the RV plunge, even if it's only for 2-3 months a year, you don't necessarily need to spend a great deal of money on an RV. This will tick off any RV dealer and/or sales-person, but the old adage of "money doesn't buy everything" is dead on in this case. As long as the rig meets your needs & utility, and you really like it (living in it and all), then it doesn't matter if you spend $5,000 or 105,000 dollars. We know of some fellow campers who own a rather expensive 5th wheel that's only three months old and they're already experiencing difficulties with the campers hydraulic system as well as interior trim peeling off. Our Nomad, including purchase price and repairs, and not counting fuel, has cost us approximately $3500 total bill. Yes, he squeaks and rattles a little and is at the lowest percentile in regards to technology, but overall, our little motorhome has been a very dependable and reliable vehicle - never mind it's 36 years old.

Bottom line - more does not always equal more.

2). Not all campgrounds are created equal. Even if it's a "chain" like Jellystone or KOA's, you will run
across the gamut. Why? Simple - they are owned, managed, and staffed by humans. In our experience, it's the people who not only work the campground, but also the people staying there that can make or break your stay, regardless of the length. Unlike real estate, it's not just about location. There's also safety in numbers - never overlook spending the night (or even catching a few zzz's) at a decent truck stop or at a Wal-Mart. They are well lit, have security cameras, and there are always other campers and/or truckers parked there with the same idea you have. Again, in many cases, location is not the primary objective.

3). Hit the pause button. Unless you absolutely have to be at a certain destination by a certain date, take the time to stop somewhere (preferably a campground in this case) for at least a few days to a week, if not longer, if you can manage it. We've talked to numerous campers and they all agree - you just can't drive day after day, mile after mile. You need to stop and take a breather for at least a few days. Otherwise, you start to get a little squirrely. Before long, you're unsure what day it is, what town you're in, and just how many days in a row you've worn those blue jeans, socks and shirt.

4). Socialize. We know everyone is not a social butterfly, but it is important to talk to other people - and we don't mean via Facebook, texting, or just yapping on the cell phone. It's good to have face-to-face human interaction. One thing we noticed, regardless of where we stayed, is that fellow campers make an effort to meet and talk to each other. Not only is it good for your psyche, you never know who you are going to meet. A fellow camper may pass along a valuable piece of advise regarding a repair you need to make, information about a particular campground you're thinking about staying at, or they just might be from your neck of the woods. In one campground in North Carolina, we met six (6) other campers from the state of Maine alone.
One final footnote - big rig truckers can be some of your best allies!!

5). Ask questions. This has been a life saver for us. We make an effort not only to talk to people, but also questions. This ranges from asking the name of the cashier at whatever restaurant, market, or Wal-Mart you're currently shopping at inquiring about how they're doing today, to asking directions for the most direct traveling route, to placed NOT to stay. Starting a friendly, casual conversation can lead to all kinds of useful information, and better yet - very helpful people who remember you because you took the time to make them feel like a human being.

6). You just gotta roll with it. This part comes with a myriad of atypical sayings, but they are all true. Take one day at a time, at the end of the day - let it go. Tomorrow is a new day - begin it well. The unexpected will happen... so expect it. You will see things that will amaze you, disgust you, make you laugh out loud, come close to crying, and other times just leave you shaking your head.
Be in the moment, regardless when that is. Make that concept an all-awaking practice. Life is a game - and it demands attention.
With the aspects that are truly exciting, fascinating, and memorable - are we watching for it?
When there is hilarity and humor - do we see it?
When there are touching or life changing moments - are we open to them?

Until next time,
The Happy Campers,
Jill & Dave


Monday, January 6, 2014

A Day Of Campgrounds, Victorian Hotels & Jobs 1400 Miles Away

Picking up where we left off, on Monday December 16th, we went with Cindy into Kingston as we needed to make a conscious effort to save as much fuel in the Nomad as possible. We needed what money and gas we had left in order to drive to either a local campground or to another location in Georgia if our employment situation didn't pan out here in the St. Mary's area. We headed into  the bright sunny day by mid-morning. We have to admit - nothing beats a sunny day for keeping one's spirits high.

While Cindy attended to her appointments, we sat in her van writing the next blog as well as reading. Afterwards, Cindy grabbed her lunch at a local BBQ (we packed ours) and headed for the Cooked River State Park to eat alfresco. The plan was to visit a few campgrounds afterwards that were in the area - two of which had called us back by that point.

The first campground we stopped at was The Big Wheel Campground just down the road from the park. We spoke with Karen, the owners wife. We reviewed our situation and explained the pickle we were in in regards to the four campgrounds (and counting) that offered us work and then for various reasons, backed out at the last minute. She sympathized with us as we spoke;
 "We are a small campground. We have filled all of our sites, I'm even putting a couple out in the field. My husband built this business with his own hands and does pretty much all the work himself. I'll admit, we're getting a little too old to run it ourselves, but my husband is very stubborn."


"This is his baby", I interjected.

"Yes, and being so," she continued, "he's extremely particular who he lets work in this campground in regards to the repairs he can no longer do. He doesn't even let anyone borrow and use his tools! At this juncture, he hasn't considered work campers. I did want to meet you in person - put a face with the phone conversation we had. Have you checked with other campgrounds and state parks?"

"Yes ma'am, I have", Dave replied. "I've emailed and called over 35 campgrounds from South Carolina all the way to the Florida panhandle."

Karen asked, "Well, how about your local church? It's all about networking - putting a face to a name and making sure you're not scruffy looking."

"Yes, if I ran a campground, I'd do the same - he got pretty scruffy looking while we traveled!" I joked.

"No, I'm talking beer belly hanging out, clothes with holes in them, long unkempt beard, long scraggly hair - ya know... scruffy looking! Your husband does not fit that description." Karen said with emphasis.

Dave thanked her for her time and I wished her a Merry Christmas. Karen gave us a printed list of numerous campgrounds along I-95 just in case there was one that Dave had not contacted yet. Karen did mention she was going to get her husband to consider at least sharing the work required to maintain the campground and that they might have some work for us next winter. If nothing else pans out, here's hoping for next winter!

Next on the list was a 3rd trip to Country Oaks Campground as well as the KOA right down the road from it. This time we actually got to talk with the owner Lonnie and his wife Stephanie. Once again, we ran into another situation of the owner building the place up from scratch. He even had another work camper couple who just retired. However, at this moment, he wanted to "...be more hands on and involved in his business and not be an absentee owner." Stephanie really wanted to help us out - you could tell - but she couldn't change her husbands mind. Maybe next year he commented.

While we were talking with the owners, Cindy was on the Internet and found out that the full moon she wanted to photograph was taking place that evening. We agreed that after we talked with the KOA campground manager, we would head up to Jekyll Island to watch and photograph the moon rise.

Less than 3 minutes later, we pulled up to the office of the St. Mary's KOA and spoke with the manager Darlene. Again, it was by now a familiar story - no work camper opportunities. It was just too late in the season. Dave & I were beginning to feel like we were participating in a movie - we were just going through the motions to complete it, even though we already knew the outcome. However, we refused to believe that there were zero opportunities within 100 miles of us. There had to be a vacancy, an employee who wasn't working out, a sudden change in someones plans in which they could no longer fulfill their obligation... somewhere. Or we're we just in denial? Or maybe partially insane... performing the same tasks and expecting different results?

We enjoyed the 45 jaunt north, then east, to Jekyll Island State Park. While it is owned by the state, it was, at one point, a playground for the rich and famous. Extravagant homes and a clubhouse has now been turned into a popular tourist attraction and public hotel. There are quite a few homes in this "state park", but nowhere near as fancy as the ones we visited, and even has it's own police and fire departments.

We toured the hotel which was decked out in by-gone era Christmas decorations, ambled through the chapel, and around the grounds while waiting for sunset. While walking around, Dave received a phone call from yet another campground. This one however, was different. It was an actual phone interview and then a real job offer... in Maine for the summer season. Our new boss Patti would email us a contract and would see us in April. We were both elated! Great - we finally had employment... in Maine... starting in 3 months... over 1400 miles away! What the heck?!? We were extremely grateful, but we also need something... like now!


Be it as it may, we were still excited about our new jobs. We continued to drive further around the island before parking in a tree-lined area near the beach. Ah... nature at last! Palm trees were in abundance along with some swamp lands as we meandered along a path until we reached an open expansive beach - and there was the wide open Atlantic. There was lots of driftwood on the beach, but not like what we were used to in Maine. This "driftwood" didn't "drift" - they were large uprooted trees that had been tossed on shore like play toys from various storms of the past. Some were upright, but most were on their sides. The abstract designs Mother Nature created were incredible.

However, also incredible, were the gnats on the beach. We thought the black flies in Maine were bad on the first warm day in late spring - this was just as bad if not worse. Even Cindy was surprised they were still this bad, this late in the year. For those who don't know me very well - I hate bugs! The moon, for me, couldn't rise fast enough. The incests were just too much. I went back to the van - thank you Cindy for the keys! I really appreciated it! Dave stayed for the moon rise and photographed some great footage which can be seen in our latest photo slide show that will be up on You Tube in a few days!

Upon leaving, we passed several graceful deer and saw some beautiful Christmas light displays. We stopped for dinner and then headed home. I relaxed in a hot bath and then we all retired a little earlier than usual for a sound nights sleep.

We were all awake before 8am, as a service man from Cindy's Internet provider was due at the house shortly thereafter. Dave and I ate our breakfast and packed for our excursion to the local library. While Dave continued his job (and campground) hunt, I went on a book hunt. In a small local library, I managed to find two Christmas gifts as well as a book for myself! Besides - what's a book-aholic without a book?

One book I picked up was entitled, "Angels Among Us - Chicken Soup For The Soul". I believe some of the people we've met along this journey have been angels. They are comforting, calm, and peace-filled people that were there during a short stay, or even at times, vanished by the time I went to turn around. It doesn't matter if we ever see them again - they did their job for their allotted time, and we thank them.

'Tis the season of hope, faith, love and joy...
We hope to find work,
We have faith we are provided for in all our needs,
We love God, ourselves, each other, and all those we meet,
We await and then enjoy with joy-filled hearts this wonderful season!

Until next time,
The Happy Campers,
Jill & Dave

Never A Dull Moment

Sunday December 15th, 2013

Camping can be a 24/7 job. In almost all of the campgrounds we've experienced, especially down South, someone has to be available nights and weekends. David is used to this concept from his years in the hospitality industry. I'm beginning to wonder if I could do that type of work.

Last Thursday the 12th, we were in approximately 20 miles northwest of Charleston South Carolina, and we were up by 6am. I was eager to hit the highway. Dave drove to the nearest McDonalds and parked the Nomad until the sun came up. We realize that we're getting older and neither of us like to drive in the dark if we don't have to - especially in an unfamiliar somewhat urban area. This is what Dave said; in my book, I think he was still a little sleepy and hadn't had his usual huge dose of coffee! The golden arches supplied the coffee as we ate our cereal and granola bars. It was a nice way to start the day as we also gazed at the golden morning sun rising over the tree lined parking lot.

Satisfied, we drove southbound down US Route 17 through small towns, open sections of highway, forests, and swamps. After bout three hours, we arrived in Brunswick Georgia where we stopped at another Wal-Mart for lunch, bathroom break, as well as a brief respite. We always find this humorous as we've come to believe there is no such thing as a "peaceful respite" in any Wal-Mart, especially less than 2 weeks before Christmas!

About two hours passed when we decided to drive the last 45-60 minutes to our friend Cindy's house. We took back roads as it was the shortest drive. Georgia state routes 252 and 40 supplied the usual as well as unusual scenery. Out on Route 252, we passed a sign as well as what we presumed to be the building the sign was describing - an old "burnt fort". The building definitely looked like it was burnt and the windows were barred, but there was no other information available. It looked well over 150 years old... possibly a civil war era monument or relic?

More forests, swamp areas, and even land that was clear cut, dotted the landscapes as we drove onward. Other than the 18 wheelers that joined us on the highway whom were hauling logs from the clear cutting, the route was rather vacant. We arrived at Cindy's house around mid-afternoon. We were a little tired and road weary. We had been driving for 4 days straight. Cindy wouldn't be home from her work for another two hours, so Dave closed his eyes for a spell, while I called our daughters and texted a few friends that we arrived safely and that the Nomad was performing well above par.

When Cindy arrived home, we were welcomed with big hugs as well as hellos. She showed us where we could crash as well as grab a shower. We were truly grateful for her hospitality as well as a 2nd bedroom with its own private bath! Dave brought in our suitcases and a few other necessities while Cindy changed out of her Park Ranger uniform. We regrouped in her large kitchen for dinner. Afterwards, I jumped right into washing the dirty dishes that were in the sink. I think this took Cindy by surprise, but not as much as me almost begging her to allow me to do them - believe it or not, the hot water actually calms my nerves. After the past few days, my nerves a little more frazzled than usual. No comments from the peanut gallery...

After a hot meal of southern meatloaf, broccoli, corn and dirty rice (a New Orleans dish), we chatted for about another 90 minutes before retiring for the night. Cindy had to get up early for work the next morning, plus Dave & I were now totally wiped. Time alone for decompressing was a welcomed relief for all.

Friday arrived full of sunny splendor, but unfortunately we weren't as bright-eyed and bushy tailed as we would've hoped. We were awakened numerous times throughout the night by the not so distant cries of the train whistles. Dave said, "...this seems to be our lot in life lately". It's turned into a running gag with us! We just looked at each other and laughed. Dave did a little research later on that day and found out that the local rails were a major line to Jacksonville Florida, which is only 20 miles away, as well as other cities in the deep south.

I said good morning to my friend before she departed for work, then we got into our business of breakfast, showering, writing, meditating, and burning up the email in regards to employment. Then it was lunch, more emails about more jobs, making cold calls to campground owners and managers, and finally taking a long walk to clear our heads.

Saturday seemed a little brighter, psychology wise, as we realized the trains and their whistles are a 24 hour /
7 day a week thing unlike New Bern North Carolina where at least those trains took the weekend off. Dave and I headed for Kingsland for a late morning appointment with a campground owner that looked very promising. The weather wasn't cooperating that morning as we waited out a torrential downpour before heading out around 10:30am. Our spirits brightened as the skies did the same as we entered Kingsland. We found the campground without any problems. It wasn't until we arrived at the office door where we encountered the problem - there was no one there and wouldn't be until 2pm that afternoon. We called the office number and spoke with a wonderful woman named Dottie. She mentioned the owner should be back by then as he was in Jacksonville Florida at the moment.

No worries - we had a bunch of errands to do anyways that would take a few hours. After crossing all the items off our to do list, we headed back to the campground and pulled in around 3pm. The owner was still a no-show, but Dottie was there. It turns out, she was also from Maine. We talked for a while and she expounded on the work camper situation in the south, including the fact that since all the "northern" campgrounds are closed, there are twice as many campers down south when compared to summer. Yes - we know this, as frustrating as it is. By 4pm, the owner was still a no-show and Dottie couldn't get in touch with him, so we left rather discouraged. Dave was very disappointed in the fact that the owner didn't even remember we were coming, considering we'd spoken to him early yesterday evening.

Life is what it is, regardless of how we feel. There's no use allowing our anger or other emotions take us on a roller-coaster ride. Chin up and press on.

Just before 5pm, we arrived back at Cindy's house. We put our cold foods in a space provided for in her fridge. All the non-perishables stayed in the Nomad. We were in the middle of making dinner when there was a knock at the door. A young man in his early 20's was standing on the porch. Being the campers that we are, we naturally stepped out of the house and outside -

"My name is Robert Owen and I live next door", the stranger began as he pointed to his small house. "I worked a late shift and didn't get home until around 1am. While I was gone, I was robbed. I'm going around to some of the surrounding blocks to see if anyone saw anyone or anything. My TV, stereo, and computer were taken. Both doors to my house were kicked in. I thought I lost my dog too, until I found him in one of the bedrooms with the door closed. I'm kinda disappointed in him right now."

"No", I replied, "we sleep at the east end of the house, so we don't even see your property." Dave asked if he called the police. Robert replied that he had. They came down, filed a report, and that was about it. He also mentioned they don't dust for prints in cases like this - the town doesn't have the capability.
Dave was flabbergasted - "Are you serious?"
"Yes sir. That's what they told me."
was our neighbors reply.

"We're sorry for your loss. We'll keep our eyes and ears open. If we find out anything, we'll you and the authorities know", I said meekly. What do you say to a guy who just lost more than a thousand dollars worth of electronics just before Christmas? He thanked us kindly for our time and our efforts as he turned to leave.

We felt obligated to tell our house hostess Cindy when she arrived home from work. She knew she was leaving this area by late Spring for her next Ranger assignment - that may be bumped up quite a bit. It is an unsettling feeling; regardless if you have a house or a house on wheels. At least the Nomad is parked right outside our bedroom window. We'll be able to hear if anyone monkeys with it.

The next morning, Dave got our breakfast cooking and our phone rang. Another campground manager near the Crooked River State Park in St. Mary's returned our phone call regarding work camper opportunities. Dave explained our current situation and said she would like to meet us and talk to us further.

Here's hoping -

Until next time,
The Happy Campers,
Jill and Dave