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.
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 /
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
No comments:
Post a Comment