Sunday, April 27, 2014

OUR SUMMER JOB

So, now with all things winter behind us I can get to telling you all about our summer plans. 

Although managing campgrounds is something we want to get away from - we knew this year we would in order to get ourselves in a position to relocate and settle down in the fall. 

We did have BIG dreams last November, you may recall, of heading up to the Yukon. We sent out a ton of letters with our resumes but didn't have much luck. In the end we figured that it was too far anyway. We could have secured a Park Manager job then at Muncho Lake way up in BC, just as we could have last spring, but in the end the distance, no cabin, no electricity, bugs and three hour drive (one way!) to get groceries scared us off.

So, we narrowed our focus. In the new year we sent out our info to all the Contractors operating BC Parks in the lower half of British Columbia. In February we heard back from the fellow who took over the bundle from our previous boss, who in turn offered us a park.

THE SAME PARK WE STARTED WITH!

And the same park that in the fall of 2006, led us to look at each other and swear that we would never ever manage a park again!

Gulp!

Eight years later and three more years of park managing wiser - we decided to go for it. Mainly due to the fact that we didn't have any other options but also realizing that it wasn't such a bad gig after all.

We took ourselves way to seriously with ENFORCING rules to the letter the first time around.

Although the park doesn't open until May 15, tomorrow we are heading to:


Kentucky-Alleyne Provincial Park - click on the name to get all of the info. Since we don't have any of our own pictures I've had to borrow these ones.


A 58 site, fairly rustic campground in the forest, set on two lakes - Kentucky & Alleyne Lakes. Pretty - right? They sure are and very popular with the fishing crowd. You can see an arial of the area on Google here.


I got this picture from Family Outdoor Adventures - actually, the blogger gives a pretty good description of Kentucky Alleyne.



If you are looking for us - that is where we'll be this summer (unless you are a serial killer of course!) Starting May 8th for 147 days straight. That's right - when we work we work. Seven days a week for five months. No commute - no Mondays.

Last year we managed a park in east central Alberta. It was ok but not really our place (Too cool and wet for starters), on the other hand the campers were nice and they were very clean. For the two summers before that we managed Skihist and Gold Pan Provincial Parks.  If you would like to know what this type of job entails I wrote A Day in the Life of a Park Facility Operator back in September 2012 and I wrote my first post about being a PFO at BCP in 2011.

And the bad news?

Well, here's the thing. Unlike the last three summers - there is no cabin. There is no electricity. There is no internet.

No kitchen, no plumbing, no showers.

A bar sized fridge in our van.

At 3,400 feet = cold in the early part of the season.

We'll be camping in Hraefn for  f i v e   m o r  e   m o n t h s. (Drag that out as you read it as I'm doing).

Is that crazy or what?!

Boy, won't we be happy to move into a house (the house yet to be determined) next fall.

That is why we didn't leave the USA without investing in a tent - a very large tent, and a queen sized blow up mattress. It's going to be tent city in the K-A compound. Don't worry, I'll take a few pictures for you once it is all set up.

Of course you probably just caught the one part that will affect you - if you are a regular reader of course - no internet.

Yes, after pretty much stating last year that we would not go another summer without internet we are back to a summer without internet. Sigh. Back to a few posts a month I guess.

Fingers crossed that this will be our 5th, and final, year managing a campground.

Because no, we are not traveling next winter and yes, we are going to finally settle down - get a house and real jobs in the fall. Maybe. (I say maybe because although we are sure - you are not. You don't believe me - so guess we'll all have to wait and see - right?!)


Leaving here tomorrow, after totally overstaying our welcome with family (actually the strata rules), we were planning on taking a week to tour around before heading to the park.

Strike that.

After a month here in the lower mainland (read b u s y) we are headed straight there for the peace and quiet of the forest.

First chance we get, I'll post some pictures of our ride to the park and what it is like there now - certainly not like the pictures above at this time of year! We'll just be happy to see most of the snow melted!

Teresa







23 comments:

  1. Well, I have learned from following you guys in blogland that absolutely NOTHING is definite until it actually happens, so I will not be waiting around holding my breath until fall to see the house!!! When I do see pics, then I guess it will be official that travelling the states is over.

    Safe Travels............

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    1. Ha! Well we have only done it to ourselves. We'll all find out together!

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  2. congrats and good luck. we just may be up in your neck of the woods this summer... keep an eye out for a chianti red VW bus!
    jason, angela, bode

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    1. Hey Jason! Nice to hear from you again! That would be super - we would be really happy to visit with you over the camp fire swapping travel stories. We are a bit out of the way as you head to Alaska but that depends on your route - hopefully you can get over to see us! I'll watch for you!

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  3. Does not sound like it will be a fun summer, but , at least you have a job.
    And a real job and a real house in the fall, I will believe it when I see it.

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    1. We'll make as much fun as we can. Penticton is close which is nice and we know the area. Lots of hiking opportunities - I think we will be ok.

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  4. Gheez.....I have the best screen room tent if you could only stop and pick it up! Not the post I thought I would see, but is awaiting the house this Fall going to be a celebration or what! May those fishermen always be kind and sure hope we hear from you ever so often!! I wonder if you can take mail there...FB message me an address. Our first camphost job start May 15 ... the jury Is still out. Nice our home has wheels... Blessings to you!

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    1. Darn! Oh well - we will be set up ok! Cheaper to buy one then to get way over to you guys…. Kind indeed - it's a bit of a party place - yikes! Hey! You are starting the same day as us - I will still be following your blog when we get to town so will be anxious to see how it works out for you.

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  5. I am a member of your club ... one that changes their mind a lot. Nothing wrong with it :) I've enjoyed reading about your travels. I am actually thinking of a tent option myself if I decide to travel with my hounds and a truck camper.

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    1. We knew we weren't alone in the club! LOL Nope - nothing wrong with it at all. Tents are a good thing!

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  6. wow nice, thanks for give this information. oneday i hope to go here. visit http://www.travelsrilankaholiday.com

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  7. Not our kind of deal, but I hope you have fun!

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  8. Congrats and enjoy! We also got our first summer "gig"... housesitting in Colorado! David didn't want to deal with Texas heat this summer so we are headed for higher ground!

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    1. It can't get much better than that! Texas in the winter and Colorado in the summer - lucky you guys! Enjoy! I hope you will post pics to your blog!

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  9. Could see us this summer when we are on our way back from Alaska we are hoping to drop down to Vernon to see friends so will try and incorporate it in our travels. Good Luck

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  10. I'm gonna miss you guys this summer. Cassia will grow so much before we see her next time. Maybe you could visit a McDonald's for free wi-fi. LOL Have a great Summer.

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    1. No problem there Patti - there is a nice coffee shop in Merritt as well as a library - I think it has wifi. If all else fails there is a McD. We'll update now and then for sure.

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  11. Your plan seems very adventurous and I wish we could see postings of your adventure every day. I have enjoyed reading of your travels for several years now. Good luck with everything and I hope you enjoy the summer.

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  12. Hi Teresa, greetings from Northern Ontario. I'm just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

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  13. Enjoy the next five months making memories that will last a lifetime! Take care and enjoy each and everyday - we'll be waiting! ;O
    Connie in PA

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  14. hi there.. I am a new reader from the lower mainland..and your new park is our choice for the May long weekend!
    hopefully we will get a site! stayed there last May and loved it!
    looking forward to meeting you both..just watch for the Cougar trailer and silver Dodge Ram and the friendly golden retriever who loves to swim!!

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