Winter Excursion 6, Day 94 The Life of a Camp Host

Just the opposite from yesterday!

Had a few campers leave and three more arrive. Checked/cleaned the bathhouse, but it has had little to no use since yesterday.

Weather has warmed up. Cath and I got a nice walk in and then a ride in the golf cart. Then we sat outside for awhile in the sun.

Thought these clouds were interesting.

And Kaylee enjoyed the warm weather also.

All is well in the Boss camp!
 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 93 The Life of a Camp Host

Just as I suspected today was the busiest day we have had so far. We had 16 campers leave this morning, so there were 16 sites to clean up. Most were not real messy, but there is always a few.

One of the campers were dumping and walked over to tell me he had broken his faucet while trying to turn it off because it had frozen (thought I had warned them about this). The maintenance guys had to shut the campground water off to replace the faucet.

After the mass exodus in the morning I cleaned the bath house and then checked all the sites. I had to make numerous trips to the ash pile as there were so many campfires last night.

Next thing I knew it was 1530, the day had gone by fast. Looks like a nice toddy and a good dinner.

There is only four campers left in the campground and three of them leave tomorrow. 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 92 The Life of a Camp Host

Well all 16 campers showed up and a few more to boot. Temps tonight will be in the low 20s. All the campers were informed to drip faucets tonight. We dripped the vacant campsites faucets. We even have one family in a tent! Most of the campers just hunkered down in their rigs, only a few were out and about. It's going to be cool tonight!

Winter Excursion 6, Day 91 The Life of a Camp Host

Today was our second day off. We left camp and drove the back roads to Ft Stewart, GA. We hit the Class VI store and the commissary. On the way back we stopped at a grocery store and picked up a few supplies as we are on duty for the next four days.

Looks like there are 16 campers here for the weekend, all are leaving on Sunday, so I'm sure that will be a busy day as we'll have 16 sites to clean up.

Temps are forecast to be below freezing tonight and in the low 20's tomorrow night. With the wind it feels like the 20's right now.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 90 The Life of a Camp Host

Today was even easier then yesterday....We were off!

Left camp mid morning and headed to Magnolia Springs State Park, GA. We had been there a few years ago, but wanted to check it out again just in case we may want to host there. It's a really nice park, about the same size as the one we are hosting now. I think we will stick to this one for a least one more year.

We drove down to Metter, GA and stopped at a Country Store. Bought a few things, but we really didn't need much. The pantry is full!

Back at camp just relaxed and got some pizza for dinner.

It's going to get cold this weekend, so button down the hatches, turn up the heat, and see how many campers cancel their reservations.!

 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 89 The Life of a Camp Host

It was a super easy day. There were five campers here last night. Two left this morning and no new ones came in. That leaves just three in camp!

Dripped all the faucets this evening as temps are forecast below freezing.

Cath and I took a golf cart ride to the boat ramp and Pioneer Camp Sites. Got back to the camper and walked the entire campground. She is doing better every day. 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 88 The Life of a Camp Host

Again same routine today, but we did have a twist today.

A camper knocked on our door around 1600. Seems they had a bird fly onto their camper window and then hit the ground. I drove the cart down to check it out. It was a female cardinal and she had broken her neck. Sad, but it is what is is. I took the bird and gave her a proper burial (in the maintenance area burn pile). The campers form California were happy!

All is well in the Boss camp.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 87 The Life of a Camp Host

We were back on duty today and will be on duty for the next three days. Campground is almost empty, only five campers are here. That makes it easy for bathhouse cleanup. 

Not much to write about today as the daily routine is sinking in and we are getting better at it  All the sites were taken care of by our fellow hosts and there was not much to clean up. They will be leaving at the end of the month. Their replacements are also really nice folks and we are looking forward to meeting them.

Cath continues to improve and we can't wait till she is back to normal (able to help with the bathhouse)...LOL.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 86 The Life of a Camp Host

The new bird feeder is a big hit with all the birds. The squirrels are also enjoying it. They hang out under the feeder and scarf up everything the birds drop. The squirrels tried to shimmy up the pole, but I greased it with bike chain lube. They get about half way up, but then slide back down to the ground. They have finally given up even trying!

The weather remains cold, but dry. We are expecting 25 tonight. Filled the fresh water tank and disconnect the hoses at night and let the faucets drip. The locals say it will get warmer in March.
  

Winter Excursion 6, Day 85 The Life of a Camp Host

We left camp around 1000 and headed to Swainsboro to hit the Tractor Supply Store. We decided to get a bird feeder as there are tons of cardinals at the campground along with many other birds including morning doves.

After we left Swainsboro we drove to Claxton. We needed our fruit cake fix. The bakery store was closed last year, but it's open again. Picked up two fruit cakes. We like to get them here as they are super fresh.

From Claxton we headed to Statesboro. This is the closest good size city to the campground. We checked out two of the three seafood markets and picked up some scallops for dinner. From there is was Walmart and it was crowded. We decided we will use the Walmart in Swainsboro from now on. It's closer and not so crowded.

From there we headed back to camp as the forecast is calling for freezing rain.

We set up the new bird feeder in the rain, but didn't get any customers yet. Here's a pic. It's right outside our dinning table window.

Two more days off and then back to our Host duties.
 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 84 The Life of a Camp Host

Another typical day for a Camp Host.

Checked bathhouse, checked sites for incoming campers, cleaned sites for leaving campers, tagged sites for incoming campers as needed, then cleaned bathhouse.

This afternoon after I thought I was done one of our campers came over and said "Not sure I should tell you this, but I have a gray tank leak". I said good it wasn't a black tank leak, not to worry, rinse it off, and it's going to rain tonight. He then asked if I could help fix it. Turns out it was a crack in his tank and I just happen to have some "Flex Seal Tape" and even better some "Gorilla Glue Stop Leak Tape" (the better alternative). We got it fixed just fine.

So while all this was going on the guys wife got a ride in the Host golf cart up to our site to visit Kaylee. Then her and Cath yakked for an hour and a half! It was good for her and great for Cath.

Rain started around 1600, but we had everything put away and squared away before it started.

We are off for the next three days and plan to do some exploring. 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 83 The Life of a Camp Host

Another routine day, but was missing the Kiddos all day long.

Had a Retro come into camp and also a really new Airstream arrive. I'll try to get spic of the retro tomorrow.

Weather was perfect today, but that will change for the worst again soon.

All else is well, did some laundry with Cath's help and she made a super dinner.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 82 The Life of a Camp Host

This morning was a fun zoo in the camper. Four adults, two Kiddos, and two dogs with piles of blankets and pillows. We got it all cleaned up (thrown on our bed) and made a super breakfast. With Cath's instruction, Brian made a really good Brioche Bread French Toast Casserole. We fried up some scrapple and enjoyed everything.

After breakfast we hit the trail (all except Cath). We did almost four miles. Almost to the end I realized I'd dropped Kaylee's leash somewhere on the trail. Bri, Wes, and I back-tracked about a half mile to find it. Picked it up turned around and found the "K trail" Kennedy left for us. There was one of these about every 15 yards:

Back at camp we all had a few beers, some crackers and cheese, and enjoyed the sun for awhile, but it's still cool with temps in the low 50s.

Kids and Kiddos left around 1500. We will see them on 7 Feb for one of Cath's appointments.

We miss them already, it's way to quiet here without them!
   

Winter Excursion 6, Day 81 The Life of a Camp Host

The Kids and Kiddos arrived around lunch. Of course the Kiddos we thrilled to see us. First order of business was naturally M&Ms and Skittles. The Kiddos always take to this camper like they own it.

Kids brought some Zaxby's chicken tenders with all the fixins' for lunch. After that I gave them a tour of the campground. Then we took a walk down to the office and boat ramp.

The Kiddos came back to camp with me, Bri & Nicole took a nice hike.

The decision was made for everyone to stay in the camper tonight instead of in the tent. Temps are forecast for the mid 20s and that gets a little chilly for tent camping, especially for a Florida Gal.

Kennedy set up her Girl Scout Cookie Stand, but there was only three campers in the park. Her only sales where Granddad, but I love GS cookies!

A good time was had by all in the camper. Cath made some super Beans & Rice to go with out pork tenderloin off the grill.

A movie (Spiderman), some popcorn, then off to bed for all. It's been a fun day!

Winter Excursion 6, Day 80 The Life of a Camp Host

Weather was not as bad as forecast, but it was good to be prepared. We had to notify all the other campers.

Routine today was as usual after the rain stopped around 1000. The campground remained full, but most are leaving tomorrow.

We are off for the next two days and the Kids and Kiddos are coming tomorrow. We are jazzed. 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 79 The Life of a Camp Host

For the most part a repeat of yesterday. Got to meet a lot of new folks and enjoyed all the conservations. It's fun to ask folks where they are from and hear about all their travels.

Later in the afternoon we got a weather watch for high winds and rain. That meant going around to each camper and advising them to put in their awnings, be prepared for pine cones and small limbs, and possibly a power outage. Hopefully we will not see any of that, but winds are forecast for 25 mph.

Button down the hatches, it's going to be a fun night. 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 78 The Life of a Camp Host

Cath said she had her best nights sleep in awhile. She hit the sack at 2000 and slept till 0800 this morning. She been really active today and is continuing to do great. Small steps lead to giant leaps!

I was busy today as the campground will be 100% full tonight and through the weekend. Our co-host had done a great job of site preparation before we got back yesterday, so my job today was fairly easy.

Took Cath to the local grocery store (Piggly Wiggly) this afternoon. It's small, but will have most of what we need. We will probably do a Wally run once a week or so.

Here's a pic of my "work wagon". It holds a rake, a shovel, a blower, a grabber, and an entrenching tool (Army stuff) to clean out the fire rings. Also included is an ash bucket and a trash bucket.

It's even Camo so the campers can't see us! But, they can sure hear us as it sounds like the "tin-pan-man" coming into town for every stone/bump we hit.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 77 The Life of a Camp Host

We could not have asked for a better appt for Cath's arm! The doc was very happy with the progress in just two weeks. They removed the cast and gave her a removable splint. She can take it off for hand washing, showers, and exercising! 

We were finished with the appt by 1100 and back to camp around 1430. Cath was happy to be home. Got the truck unloaded and let her put stuff away and arrange it to her liking (good exercise for her).

It is super to have her back with me!

All is well once again in the Boss Camp!

Winter Excursion 6, Day 76 The Life of a Camp Host

Kaylee and I left camp around 0930. Took the backroads to Foster Creek, hit the Class VI store, gassed up, and headed to Cath.

She looks great and is doing well.

Met the Kiddos at the bus stop, they were happy to see me. Had a nice evening with Bri and Nicole and the Kiddos. Steak and a little too much wine...LOL.

We are looking forward to Cath's appt tomorrow. Keeping our fingers crossed she can join me at camp.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 75 The Life of a Camp Host

Although I was off today I was busy. Expecting Cath, I cleaned the camper, cleaned the truck, did all the laundry, did the dishes, dumped all the tanks (we have full hook ups), made sure our campsite is in order, and took Kaylee for a really long walk. Looks like my days as a bachelor are over and to tell the truth that makes me happy. I want my camping buddy back!

So, for my last night as a bachelor camper I'm having a can of Dinty More Stew with flour tortillas. Cath would never allow this, she calls it "dog food". Speaking of dog food she also calls canned Corn Beef Hash dog food. I've had four cans in the last week!

I'll be leaving mid-morning tomorrow headed to Charleston and Cath. I'll spend the night and then take Cath to her appointment on Thursday. Plan is to leave from the appointment to camp. We hope all goes well. 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 74 The Life of a Camp Host

The storms arrived around 2000 and lasted into the early morning. Kaylee was not happy, but she was once again a trooper.

The morning was foggy and wet, but by noon it was pretty dried out. Forecast for the next week is dry.

When I got up this morning around 0700 I sat outside to enjoy my coffee. I sat and listened to the owls calling to each other. I can get used to this.

Drove into Statesboro, GA to get the truck serviced. This should be the last service for this truck. We are looking forward to our new 2022 F250 in the spring.

Two more day and I get to see Cath. I really miss my camping partner, but should have her back in three days. We are both keeping our fingers crossed.

All is well here. I have lots of new friends to introduce Cath to.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 73 The Life of a Camp Host

Although it was busy it was a good day and it went fast. We had nine campers leave and six more arrive. Needless to say campsite cleanup was the priority.

As usual Kaylee was fantastic. I left her in the camper this morning for almost five hours, she slept the whole time!

Said goodbye to a lot of campers and greeted a few more. I'm feeling good about this job as almost everyone calls me by my name. I must be doing something right.

Had a camper come over this evening complaining that his 30 amp service was not working. I told them that I would take a look, but would have maintenance there first thing in the morning. When I took a look all was working fine except his LED light on his power cord didn't light up. Turned out he had all the 30 amp power he needed, but his power cord LED was bad.

Thunderstorms forecasted for tonight. Advised all the camper to put their awnings in. Morning will tell if they took my advice.

Looking forward to my camping partner joining me this week. We will see.  

Winter Excursion 6, Day 72 The Life of a Camp Host

I've got to get use to this schedule. I figured I'd be busy today (Saturday), but it was busy leading up to the weekend. Today was very calm, worst was cleaning the bathhouse, but t was not bad either. We have a good bunch of campers.

The sites are not full as the reservations indicated. Many folks canceled as the weather is a little chilly by Georgia standards.

Kaylee was a trooper again today. We even had time to run to Walmart for a few things. I was out of coffee so that was an essential.

Lots of folks leaving tomorrow so campsite cleanup will be the priority.

We have already applied for this job next year. If the Park Management likes us we will be back.

Cath is doing great and we hope she can join us next week. 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 71 The Life of a Camp Host

Today was a repeat of yesterday. Schedule was the same, but we had a lot more sites to get ready for all the campers coming in for the weekend. We should be full.

Did a quick trip to the grocery and picked up some boneless pork ribs for dinner. It was a four pack so I saved half for when Cath is with me.

I'm sure I'm gonna like this job. Had a few compliments from some of the campers. One even brought me some Boston Butt he had smoked today. Half will be eaten tomorrow and the other half is vacuumed and frozen for when Cath is here. He did a really good job and I gave them some NY maple syrup in return. I'm thinking the campers will feed us if we are nice to them.

It should be a busy weekend as the campground is full. Kaylee and I are busy during the day, but it helps us to sleep great at night.

All is well, looking forward to Cath being here. A few more days and we will know.

Here's a pic from from our site around 1730.

 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 70 The Life of a Camp Host

The day started at 0800 checking the bathhouse. Once again it was fine as not many campers are in.

Did the rounds of the campground and all is well. I think we have a bunch of lazy campers as no one else was out.

At 1000 drove the golf cart to the office and picked up the site tags for incoming campers. Updated my site list and posted the tags.

Spent the rest of the morning cleaning sites and fire pits. There is still a lot of debris around from the storms.

At 1200 did a "quick clean" of the bathhouse as it had hardly been used.

Grabbed a bite to eat and then continued debris clean up. One of the campers came over and asked where I dump all the branches I'd been picking up.  She asked if I would dump them at their site. I was happy to comply as it saved me a 1/4 mile drive to the burn pit. They were so happy she later came to my site and gave me three bars of homemade soap.

Later in the afternoon I greeted all the new campers and made sure they were happy with their site. All went well.

In-between all of these duties it seems everyone wants to tell me their "life camping stories". It's fun meeting all these folks.

Did one last check of the bathhouse at 1700, then just relaxed and enjoyed the nice weather we are having today.

A camper pulled in to a site with a converted ambulance! I didn't get to see the inside, but they told me they had renovated the entire thing. It still has all the lights and sirens!

By 2000 Kaylee and I were ready for bed. It's been a fun, tiring, interesting day!

Winter Excursion 6, Day 69 The Life of a Camp Host

First Day as a Camp Host!

All went well. Day started at 0800 with a bathhouse inspection, all was well as the campground is not full (8 out of 24).

Next came debris pickup. I did four loads and will do more tomorrow.

Picked up three loads of firewood that we sell for the campground from our site.

At 1000 headed to the office to get all the new tags for campers arriving. Had only two today, but the weekend will be packed.

At 1200 it was bathhouse cleanup time. They went bad as there is only a few sites occupied.

Well it sounds like lunch break time....LOL

Spent the afternoon cleaning up my own site from the storms and yakking to campers as they were coming and going. It is great to talk to everyone as we all have stories to tell.

Kaylee has been a trooper. I check on her and walk her many times during the day. Late afternoon while I was at our camper she was a brat. I guess I'll have to pay a little more attention and walk her more often. I'm trying to get her to ride in the golf cart with me, but she's having nothing to do with that. Time will tell.

At 1700 checked the bathhouse again, then it's dinner time and a little relaxation.

This is gonna be a fun job, can't wait till Cath is with me. 

Oh Yeah, forgot to mention ordered our new 2022 Ford F250 Lariat today. As you can guess we are excited!

  

Winter Excursion 6, Day 68

We had a good night last night at the Kids and Kiddos'. Kennedy had a basketball game and Bri & Nicole were able to take her. Wes, Cath, and I stayed at the house as Wes is a little under the weather. I picked up pizza for dinner and we all had our fill after they got home from the game.

It was a long day.  Cath and I left for the docs at 1030 and got back to the Kids by 1230. The doc visit went OK, but Cath will be in her neck brace for at least 2 -3 months longer. It sucks, but it is what is is. The important thing is to get her back to normal. That will take a few months.

I left around 1330 as I have duties back at the campground tomorrow. It was a 3 hour drive but it went fast.

Arrived back at camp around 1630. Power was restored yesterday late afternoon. The other hosts had most of the place cleaned up, but I will do the rest tomorrow and the next day. There is still a lot of debris, limbs, and twigs left over from the storms.

I miss having my camping buddy with me, but am looking forward to tomorrow, our first day as Camp Host.

All is well in the Boss camp, but will be better next week as we expect Cath to be able to join me on 13 Jan.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 67

The storms last night were bad. When Kaylee and I got up this morning the campground and campsite look like a tornado had been through. Debris everywhere, lots of limbs down. The winds last night were close to 50 mph! Around 0200 we lost power. The limbs, twigs, and pine cones hitting the roof sounded like a war zone. Kaylee spent the night in the shower...LOL.

I left camp after a quick cleanup of our site, but felt bad that the other host had to do all the cleanup without me.

Got to Brian and Nicole's house by mid afternoon, it was great to see Cath, she looks great, and I could see the improvement since last week.

Had a nice dinner with the Kids and Kiddos, then off to bed.

Hopefully we get good news from the doc tomorrow.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 66

The storms didn't start until the afternoon. Spent some time in the morning doing some camp maintenance for our site and cleaning up a few other sites. Our sewer hoses were six inches to short to reach the hookup so I drove into Swainsboro to the Walmart for a few items and was lucky enough to score a new sewer hose. Otherwise I would have had to drive to the Savannah area (60 miles) to buy and adapter or move the camper back a foot.

Once the storms started we were camper bound. I binged watched Yellowstone all afternoon in preparation for the finale of Season Four tonight. That didn't work out as we lost satellite signal around 1900 due to the storms. Radar showed they were going to last all night so Kaylee and I hit the rack.

Get to see Cath tomorrow and have my fingers crossed she loses the neck brace on Wednesday.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 65

Once again I spent the day shadowing the current host. I think I've got this job down.

Cath is doing better every day and we are counting on her being here on 13 Jan. She's able to walk hundreds of yards now, but is still using the cane, although not while she's in the house. Small steps, but giant steps!

The temps this afternoon were in the 80s, but the humidity dropped and I got a lot done as far as campsite setup. Here's another pic of the site set up:

While I was enjoying the low humidity this afternoon I got a treat when this GMC drove by. Talked to the guy for a few minutes, very friendly and liked to show off his ride.

Expecting storms all day tomorrow, so Kaylee and I might be camper bound. Time will tell.