Winter Excursion 6, Day 121 The Life of a Camp Host

Nicole made a super brunch for us this morning. A great Keesh, sausage, home made biscuits, and all the fixins'. 

Brian and I and the Kiddos watched an Avengers' movie...very exciting!

Got a hair "chop-chop" and then we were on the road. Got back to camp around 1530. All was good with the camper.

All is well in camp, we assume duties in the morning. Camp has quite a few campers in for a Sunday night.

It's been a whirlwind weekend!

Winter Excursion 6, Day 120 The Life of a Camp Host

My day started at 0430 as I was excited to go get Cath back, but wanted to do a few things before I left. A little laundry, the dishes, clean up the camper, get Kaylee ready, pack the truck, turn off the water, put the outside stuff away, and check the truck. By 0930 Kaylee and I were on the road.

We stopped at Edisto (a 50 mile detour) to pick up Brian's and Kiddos' fishing rods that they left a few weeks ago.

In the evening we all went to SOL for dinner. Back home we watched a movie until we couldn't keep our eyes open any more. We'll finish it tomorrow.

It was super to see the Kiddos, I always miss them when we are gone.

No finds of the day as I was not in camp, but the best find of the day was Cath!

Winter Excursion 6, Day 119 The Life of a Camp Host

The campground is 100% full. It was a very busy day, but it flew by. 

The new host arrived and I helped them get settled in and gave them the grand tour. They are very experienced hosts, so it was easy to explain the duties at this campground.

The find of the day was this water faucet handle that someone broke off the site pedestal.

Got the maintenance guys to fix it and all is well again.

After 35 days straight as host I have the next two days off. I'll be leaving tomorrow to go get Cath. It will be wonderful to get her back.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 118 The Life of a Camp Host

Today was my last slow day, just normal host duties. Only had 10 campers in the park. Tomorrow most of them wil be leaving and the park will be full for the weekend. I'l be super busy tomorrow.

I spent some time today building a new firewood rack for the other host site. The one that was there was junk! One of the maintenace guys cut some shims for me, but I did all the rest. They even let me run my chainsaw!

The find of the day is another bobber. Once again it now lives in my tackle box.

Only one more day here and then I get a few days off. I've been on duty for 35 days now!

Winter Excursion 6, Day 117 The Life of a Camp Host

I wasn't too busy today, just normal duties. One of the campers decided not to pay attention to check out time and didn't leave until 1300. I had another camper coming into that site. I reminded him of checkout time and he packed up and left. I was glad the other camper didn't show until later.

Find of the day was this foam dart.

I'm sure this kid will miss his ammo!
 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 116 The Life of a Camp Host

It was a fairly easy day compared to yesterday.

The other host arrived with some of their stuff, but have not moved in yet. Hopefully by Saturday they will be ready to be on duty.

Kaylee and I spent the afternoon outside in the shade as it is 83 degrees today!

We had this visitor on the post at our site.

The find of the day was this tiny rubber rose from Site #24. It's only the size of a quarter. I'm sure the little Kids that were there left it.

Just a few more days and I'll get a day off. Can't wait for the new host to be on duty.

 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 115 The Life of a Camp Host

As expected it was super busy today. I had 17 campers leave, so site cleanup was the priority. Nine new campers are scheduled to arrive. One site never cleared out until almost 1300 (1200 is checkout). When I got to that site the were hundreds of Hersey Kiss wrappers everywhere! It was a pain to clean it all up and the breeze didn't help. This happened in the middle of bathhouse cleaning. Finally at 1400 I had most everything finished. Restocked the firewood and then relaxed for awhile, but with the new Campers arriving there were lots of questions and some needed help with backing a trailer.

The find of the day was this almost new bobber. It now lives in my tackle box.

It's been a busy day, but it sure went fast.
 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 114 The Life of a Camp Host

Had a few folks leaving today, but as it is a three day weekend the majority are leaving tomorrow. It was a busy day as I had a few new campers arrive and sold tons of firewood.

My Upstate NY neighbors left today from the sites just across from me. We had a good week and exchanged lots of Upstate NY "pleasantries". They were some great campers and I'll miss chatting with them.

Todays find was this dogge play toy. Someone left it on a post at their campsite. I wonder who that was!

The other find was scratched into the dirt at thier campsite. Once again I wonder who left that!

Toorrow will be super busy as I have 17 campers leaving. We will see how that goes.

 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 113 The Life of a Camp Host

It was very busy today. The Campground filled up to 100%, all 22 sites are full for the weekend. A few Kiddos, but most are older folks. The campgroud is quiet!

The find today is no find at all. This "camper" pulled in just to  dump and get some frash water. They are from MI, full timers, a family, a couple of kids, and two dogs. We were happy to help them.

It's going to be a busy weekend, but it makes the time go quick.

All is well, but Kaylee and I will be happy to get Cath back.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 112 The Life of a Camp Host

The rainstorm this morning did it's thing, the truck got a free car wash and the pollen is gone. Normal host duties again today, but the rain made for a mess on the bathhouse floor. Lots of new campers arriving today. I was busy this morning preparing sites.

Today's find was this water pressure regulator. I'll keep it in the host cart and maybe someone will need it. It was left on the faucet at site #12.

Campround will be full this weekend and the weather is forecast to be perfect. Lots of Kiddos arrived today and it's a hoot to watch them.
 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 111 The Life of a Camp Host

The day went fairly fast with normal Host duties.

Kaylee and I went into town to get some propane, bird seed, and a pair of shorts. The temps today were in the 80s!

Back at camp we spent the afternoon greeting the incoming campers. It's fun to talk to everyone.

Today's find was this almost new broom. It was laying on the picnic table at site #25. It now lives on my host cart.

A little rain in the forecast tonight. I hope it washes the pine pollen off of my truck!

Winter Excursion 6, Day 110 The Life of a Camp Host

The highlight of the day was getting the truck back! Got my normal duties completed by 1015, got a ride to the dealer, and was back at camp by 1130. It's great to have it back.

Spent a lazy afternoon with Kaylee as only two new campers came in. Weather was perfect in the low 70s. We spent the entire afternoon outside.

Today's find was a whiffle ball. I actually know the camper it belongs to. As they are locales I may see them again, so I'll hold on to it.

About 8 days till Cath comes back to camp. I'm looking forward to that because Kaylee doesn't answer my questions!

 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 109 The Life of a Camp Host

Today was a very good day! Got a call from the Ford Dealer that my truck is fixed and ready for pickup. I'll get it tomorrow morning when I can get a ride to the dealer. It's been 8 days without it. I'm not sure what I missed more, the stuff in the truck or the lack of transportation.

Hosting was easy today; just normal duties.

Cath is doing fine at the Kiddos place, but I'll be happy to get her back here next week.

Today's find is a lug nut cover from a Class A. Found it at the site.

Had a really nice cloud blow by today while Kaylee and I were sitting outside (temp is 70). It looks like a feather.

All is well at the George L. Smith State Park Host Site #2.

 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 108 The Life of a Camp Host

It was busy again today, but not like yesterday. I put in about 6 hours. The campground is more crowded this week than last. I was surprised, but I guess camping season is starting here in the south.

Cath left with Nicole for babysitting duties. She will be gone till around 25 Feb. I hope I get the truck back soon so I will be able to pick her up. I'm starting to worry about the dealers ability to get the parts needed to fix it.

Today's find are these nice tent stakes. I think they are brand new.

BTW: Happy Valentine's Day! I'm missing mine already.
 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 107 The Life of a Camp Host

It was super busy today. We had many campers leave and then all the sites filled back up. We have 20 out of 22 sites full! We worked from 0800 to almost 1700, but it made the day go fast.

Todays find was a homemade Georgia bug light. The camper left it hanging on their lantern post. I'll save it in case they return. They were locals.

After a long day it was nice to spend the evening with Cath at the camper. We got a call around 1730 to "drip" faucets as temps are forecast below freezing tonight. So we had to tell all the campers and "drip" the day use area.

I'll be glad to get a Co-host and chill out for a day.
 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 106 The Life of a Camp Host

We have been Camp Host for 15 days as we have no Co-host right now. We don't expect the new Co-host until 25 Feb.

It was busy today with departing/arriving campers. We had a good time talking to most of them. There are lots of Kiddos in the campground and it's fun to watch them.

The weather has been perfect 60s - 40s. We have sold lots of firewood and have to restock our pile every few days now. 

Cath is doing good and we've been able to take a walk almost everyday.

I'm going to start posting pics of things I find when cleaning sites from departing campers. Todays pic is a painted rock that I found hidden at a campsite. I'll hide it again and see if I find it again.

Tomorrow is Sunday and will be really bust as the campground will clear out from the weekend.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 105 The Life of a Camp Host

The campground is booked this weekend for all the sites but one. We were busy this morning cleaning all the sites for departing and arriving campers. Squared away the bathhouse and then just greeted incoming campers. As I write this its's past 1700, we don't know where the day has gone, but it went fast.

Still no word one the truck, but maybe we will hear something tomorrow. 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 104 The Life of a Camp Host

Still no word on the truck, that is our highest priority right now. It's funny, but I needed a hammer today for one of our campers. Said I would go grab it, but forgot the truck wasn't here with all my tools. Hopefully we will hear something soon.

Our friends feed us lunch and dinner, both meals were great! We spent the evening with them playing cards (Phase Ten). It was a fun game and we will have to add that to our camper games.

It was not too busy for a Camp Host today, but I'm sure tomorrow we will be just the opposite.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 103 The Life of a Camp Host

Got the word today that the other Camp Host will not be coming back after their car accident. That means we will be "on duty" everyday until 25 Feb when the new co-host arrives. 

The truck is still in the shop with no ETA when we get it back. Our friends took me to TSC to get propane and a few other things. Later they took Cath shopping for a few groceries that we needed until we get our truck back.

Cath picked up take out dinner at a local BBQ joint for the four of us. The Brunswick Stew was really good, we would get that again!

Spent the evening playing dominos. It was fun we hadn't played for awhile.

Keeping our fingers crossed we get the truck back soon.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 102 The Life of a Camp Host

Today was a GREAT news day and a bad news day.

The GREAT news is Cath's appointment went fabulous! She will be out of her neck brace in about 10 days or so. She has to wean of of it slowly to build up her neck muscles. She doesn't need it at night and each day she will use it an hour less until she doesn't need it at all.

The bad news was when the Ford dealer called to say there is a lot more damage than they thought. They found a squirrel nest in our engine compartment. The new estimate is around $1600 and we might not have the truck back until next week.

After Cath's appointment we headed back to camp and arrived around 1600. Our friends had dinner for us.

The other camp host is still not at work and we don't know when or if he will return, so we have to pick up the slack.

We have freezing temps forecast tonight and we have to "drip" all the faucets.

I think I may rename our blog to "Camp Troubles & Tribulations".

Winter Excursion 6, Day 101 The Life of a Camp Host

The "winter trip from hell" continues! Did a few host duties this morning and then we got ready to leave for Charleston. When I started the truck the battery and charging system warning lights came on. Didn't think too much about it and started on our trip. As we were nearing Statesboro (20 miles from camp) I decided to check in at the local Ford dealer. They checked it out, put in a new battery, said all was well. When I went to start the truck I only got a "click"...no starter! They said I had to leave the truck so they could trouble shoot the wiring. We tried to get a loaner or a rental car, but there was none available in all of Statesboro, GA. To say the least we were dumfounded! I was almost out of options and Cath missing a neuro appointment was not one of the solutions.

It happens we have some friends that had driven to our campground from Alabama and were visiting for the week. I called and asked if we could borrow their truck for a day. They said yes and as I write this we are in Charleston, SC with Brian, Nicole, and the Kiddos.

The Ford dealer called called on our way to Charleston to tell us the "good news". They found the problem! Seems the squirrels in the campground ate the connector to the truck alternator. They will have the part tomorrow and the bill will only be around $550.

This has been one winter trip to remember!

Winter Excursion 6, Day 100 The Life of a Camp Host

Today was very much like last Sunday, very busy, but the departing campers left early as the weather is cold and rainy. It was fun to talk with all of them as they rotated through the dump station. By the end of the day we had cleaned 12 sites and have around 5 campers left in camp.

Cath spent the afternoon with Ray and Melinda, I was in and out.

Our fellow camp host is still recovering from his accident and may not make it back tomorrow. Cath has an appointment in Charleston on Tuesday and we have to leave tomorrow. The park staff has us covered. We will be back on Tuesday evening.

A camper came in to one of the sites that I'd been on touch with on the Forest River Forum. It was fun to meet them and look forward to a longer conservation when we get back from Cath's appointments.

All is well in the Boss Camp.   

Winter Excursion 6, Day 99 The Life of a Camp Host

As expected the campground is almost full. The campers keep us busy with questions and wanting firewood.

Ray and Melinda were able to move to Site #23 right across the street from us.

They made fajitas for dinner with the beef and chicken fajitas meat from our favorite Mexican grocery store in Pelham, AL.  Played some cards afterward, but did not stay up until midnight! We will sleep good tonight as we were in a fog all day from last night!

Winter Excursion 6, Day 98 The Life of a Camp Host

The rain started around 0930 and continued all day. We managed to get all the sites posted and checked for the weekenders arriving today before the rain started.

Our friends Ray and Melinda arrived in the evening. I helped them get the camper set up and then they came over to our camper for dinner. We sat and talked until almost midnight! We haven't been up that late in a long time. It was great to catch up with them. They will be here till next week. 

The rain finally stopped around 2000 and the weather turned cold again after the front passed. It's been a crazy winter as far as the weather is concerned.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 97 The Life of a Camp Host

Our co-host had a traffic two days ago, he is OK, but his car is toast. Anyway he has not been here for the last two days. We have been on duty for seven straight days with three more to go. We were able to sneak out this afternoon for a needed trip to the grocery store and get a propane tank filled.

Tomorrow the forecast is for rain and thunderstorms. The campground is booked, but some may cancel due to weather. Sunday will be a busy day as we have 15+ campers leaving.

Although we are busy it makes the day go fast and we do enjoy talking to all the campers.

Winter Excursion 6, Day 96 The Life of a Camp Host

The bird (or should I say squirrel) feeder continues to be a big hit with the local animals. I have to fill it every 3 - 4 days and it is almost constant use during the day. We enjoy sitting by the window and watching all the shenanigans. 

Still only a few campers in the park, but it will fill up this weekend.

Cath is doing her walk most of the way without the cane! Horrah!
 

Winter Excursion 6, Day 95 The Life of a Camp Host

Again only a few campers in the campground. It makes the job easier, but it will be busy this weekend again, so we will make up for it!

Sunset was really nice today.

Our new co-host had a car wreck on his way home last evening and might be out for a few days. He is fine, but the car is toast.

We are confirmed as hosts here next year (1 Jan 23 - 30 Apr 23). We are jazzed. We like this park and the surrounding area.