No pictures to post right now, but a little news anyway. We picked our first tomato Friday. After gently placing it in the window to finish getting ripe, the plan was to take a picture (as proof) and post the picture on the blog. Unfortunately (or fortunately) the 'little tomato that could' became a prime ingredient in tonight's dinner - and yummy it was!
The biggest news - went kayaking Tuesday amongst all the kiteboarders on the sound and had a great time. Drank a lot of the sound (ugh!) The wind was kicking the waves up so can't say 'smooth sailing.' Wave jumping with the kayak was much better than the side-to-side rocking. Decided this should be a weekly treat - or maybe jet skis next time.
The sound was jamming with kiteboarders down for the Triple S Invitational. Jerri (who is fascinated by extreme sports) has decided she wants to learn to kiteboard. Steve, a longtime kiteboarder we met at the marina, gave her a lesson, some tips, and sent her off to buy a trainer kite. Wednesday we took the trainer kite down south to another less populated beach to try it out. Did we mention the wind always blows in the OBX?
As we were trying to figure out how to tie the leads onto the kite, another teacher appeared. Bob, from Boston, Mass., and an avid kite flyer, stepped in to lend a hand. Bob came to us in the form of an older, kindly gentleman and former head honcho of regional and national hang-gliders. Go figure. Bob's assistance was priceless...
Jerri is now recovering from 'road rash' or maybe a better description is 'beach rash' from being dragged down the beach by the trainer kite. Just on one leg, thank goodness, since she could have gone airborne! Don't let her lie to you - she got an adrenaline rush from it! She'll be back at it on our off days. Don't expect a lot of pictures since I'm usually trying to grab her by the feet to keep her on the ground.
Work has been busier this week with more children around as the school year ends for area schools. We've painted shells, played bucket ball, tossed water balloons, called Bingo and had loads of fun. The weather was a little dicey for a couple of days of rain and WIND.
The geese family is down from 4 to 2 babies and growing so fast. They're at the awkward stage now with really big feet and transitioning from chick fuzz to feathers with a funky little top knot.
About it for now.
Remember to smile more than grumble...
K&J
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Holding On To Our Hats
There is no lie about the winds here. They blow constantly and sometimes much harder than one might imagine for an ordinary day. We brought our motor home slide in for several nights just so we could get some relief from the constant flapping of the slide-topper. Our spinner has gotten a true Outer Banks workout and the winds make for some awesome kite-flying. 
In a metaphorical way, we held on to our hats as we conducted recreational activities for Memorial Day weekend here at Camp Hatteras. It was a wonderful introduction to what is in store for us. We planned a weekend full of activities for the young and young at heart. Several highlights of the weekend included tie-dying at the beach pavilion, hot dogs by the pool, an ice cream social, bingo and a Memorial Day parade through the campground. We had a blast! Tie-dying is a favorite activity of the Camp Hatteras guests and has quickly become one of our favorite activities, as well. There is nothing like creating a work of art out of dye and then dunking it in the ocean! You inevitably get hit by a wave as you are dunking your shirt, which can be quite refreshing and can only make one smile.
Our new favorite beach sport is called bucket-ball. It is very much like horseshoes only with softballs and buckets. It is a lot of fun. You can meet a lot of people on the beach and we actually get paid to play! But trust us, playing can be hard work!
We are in awe of this beautiful place and even more in awe of what a wonderful opportunity we have to work in such a beautiful place. We continue to get to know our fellow workampers and we enjoy hearing about their travel experiences. We are able to spend time talking to our guests and learning about their experiences, as well. We met a family from Screven County, GA this past week. What a small world it is, indeed!
The Rodanthe Pier is a short ways down the beach from us. The sunrises and the sunsets are breathtaking!
In a metaphorical way, we held on to our hats as we conducted recreational activities for Memorial Day weekend here at Camp Hatteras. It was a wonderful introduction to what is in store for us. We planned a weekend full of activities for the young and young at heart. Several highlights of the weekend included tie-dying at the beach pavilion, hot dogs by the pool, an ice cream social, bingo and a Memorial Day parade through the campground. We had a blast! Tie-dying is a favorite activity of the Camp Hatteras guests and has quickly become one of our favorite activities, as well. There is nothing like creating a work of art out of dye and then dunking it in the ocean! You inevitably get hit by a wave as you are dunking your shirt, which can be quite refreshing and can only make one smile.
Our new favorite beach sport is called bucket-ball. It is very much like horseshoes only with softballs and buckets. It is a lot of fun. You can meet a lot of people on the beach and we actually get paid to play! But trust us, playing can be hard work!
We are in awe of this beautiful place and even more in awe of what a wonderful opportunity we have to work in such a beautiful place. We continue to get to know our fellow workampers and we enjoy hearing about their travel experiences. We are able to spend time talking to our guests and learning about their experiences, as well. We met a family from Screven County, GA this past week. What a small world it is, indeed!
The Rodanthe Pier is a short ways down the beach from us. The sunrises and the sunsets are breathtaking!
The tans are coming along nicely (even Kathy has color)!
Until next time...
Be well and keep in touch when you can.
K&J
Until next time...
Be well and keep in touch when you can.
K&J
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Working Among the Waves
We have officially taken on the roles of Activities Directors at Camp Hatteras. We are now known as the "Rec Girls" by most. Our first two days have been full of new ideas and procedures. We spent this afternoon tie dying our Camp Hatteras staff shirts as a trial run for our big upcoming tie dying event Memorial Day weekend. Although we have done tie dying before, the new twist is dipping the shirt into the ocean to set the dyes. What fun we had! We'll be working Thursday through Monday most weeks and off on Tuesday and Wednesday. Hatteras Island during the summer is a lot like being in the mountains during leaf season with the traffic and such. Being off weekdays will be the best deal all around. There's a 'welcome aboard' fish fry for all the Workampers on Monday. We are looking forward to meeting the rest of the crew. The campground is bustling getting ready for Memorial Day, which heralds the beginning of summer season.
From the beach, this is the view of the way home - back to our campsite. Beautiful, isn't it? Yes, we know the weather is not always perfect here, but this day it was.
With all the bird activities around the pond, the dogs are very curious. Then there's an overly friendly cat that comes out in the evening to visit (he's probably feasting on baby ducks, or something), and he drives the dogs wild. Mean
while, Homer is ever vigilant in keeping an eye on all the comings and goings around our rig.
The
laughing gulls are in the pond every day. It's probably a sign that we should 'lighten up' and enjoy life more. Or else, there's some inside joke we're just not in on... Their constant 'laughing' was a little annoying at first, but you quickly get used to the sound. Our campsite is at the corner of Ocean Drive and Laughing Gull Lane (of course!).
There are signs in every gift shop that say, "If you're lucky enough to be at the beach, you're lucky enough." There are other signs that say, "Enjoy the HI life."
Most folks don't leave the village unless they have to. It is quite a trek to go north to Wal-Mart and the nearest grocery store is 17 miles south in Avon.
'Nuff said.
Safe travels and love to all,
K&J
Our philosophy is that everyone has a story to tell. We've met some of the nicest, most well-traveled Workampers and campers. Of course, thinking about the next place to visit. Hmmm...... Some of the workampers have been all over the country. We met a camper today from British Columbia that manages a campground in Mexico for part of the year.
Meanwhile, there's a Mama Duck who brings her hatchlings out to the pond next to us every day. The four goose babies are growing every day, but the baby ducks are such tiny things. There were eleven to begin with, now we count only ten.
The kite fliers are fascinating around here. We've found time to make it to the beach most days, even if just for a few minutes. We caught a couple of kite fliers that were literally lifted off the ground at times. And, of course, there are the windsurfers and para sailors on the sound side of the campground with their colorful rigs. Jerri can't wait to try out new things. Kitty Hawk Kites will be bringing in the jet skis and kayaks later in the week. We've been told they sometimes bring in a climbing wall, too. If Jerri doesn't break her neck, we'll let you know how it all works.
From the beach, this is the view of the way home - back to our campsite. Beautiful, isn't it? Yes, we know the weather is not always perfect here, but this day it was.
With all the bird activities around the pond, the dogs are very curious. Then there's an overly friendly cat that comes out in the evening to visit (he's probably feasting on baby ducks, or something), and he drives the dogs wild. Mean
while, Homer is ever vigilant in keeping an eye on all the comings and goings around our rig.The
laughing gulls are in the pond every day. It's probably a sign that we should 'lighten up' and enjoy life more. Or else, there's some inside joke we're just not in on... Their constant 'laughing' was a little annoying at first, but you quickly get used to the sound. Our campsite is at the corner of Ocean Drive and Laughing Gull Lane (of course!).
There are signs in every gift shop that say, "If you're lucky enough to be at the beach, you're lucky enough." There are other signs that say, "Enjoy the HI life."
Most folks don't leave the village unless they have to. It is quite a trek to go north to Wal-Mart and the nearest grocery store is 17 miles south in Avon.
'Nuff said.
Safe travels and love to all,
K&J
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Settling into life in the OBX
Arrived safely on May 7th. What a difference a year makes in crossing tall bridges and such - not nearly as imposing as before. We have a wonderful site on the ocean side in workamper row. We're next to one of the catch & release ponds and have 'new neighbors.' One pair of geese have four goslings that you can almost watch grow.
The dogs immediately settled in like they've lived here forever. There's a very nice grassy area behind the coach, just like a backyard. They don't quite know what to make of the beach, but 'Freaky' Frannie seems better this time around. Can't ask for more than that.
Getting to know our workamper neighbors. Some have been returning here for years, others are new like us. It seems to be a good mix of folks. Everyone has been friendly and helpful. This is a very nice campground. We're excited to get started in the rec department.
Camp Hatteras stretches across both sides of Highway 12, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pamlico Sound. We're fortunate to be working in areas on both sides. The sun rises on the ocean side and sets on the sound. There are some beautiful sunsets to be seen. If you ever get the chance to visit, Camp Hatteras has it all! On clear days, we'll be riding our bicycles or walking to work.
We feel extremely blessed to be here. Of course we miss our family and friends. A shout out to Michele at Parkwood! We miss you, too. The winds blow hard across this part of Hatteras. The second night here we experienced a Nor'easter with just below gale force winds. After a little rock'n and rollin' you get accustomed to it. It's similar to the 'whistling' winds in the mountains.
Even though it sounds 'corny,' we've just got to say it, "Life's a Beach." Even grumpy Trouble smiles here.
Love to all...
K&J
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
On the Road Again...
At least for now... Left Statesboro this morning headed up US 301 to Branchville, SC (near Orangeburg) where we hooked up with I-95 to Florence. Just here for one night, so not extending the slide or unhooking the car.
The WhooHoo Wonder Bus has begun adventuring in earnest. Some adventures will have to wait, like attending Cooterfest (yes, you read it right) on May 8 - 9 in Allendale, SC. No idea what it is, but it sounds intriguing. Somewhere between Allendale and Bamberg we were stopped by a railroad crossing. After seeing three semi-trucks negotiate between the crossing arms, we sucked it up and did it too. Squeezing 36 feet of motorhome towing a car with a ladder on top and two bicycles on the back between two down cross bars with lights flashing, making the 'bing-bing' sound, will surely make your heart beat fast. Must have been a malfunction since no train was in sight.
We ran into a little rain on 301, which totally spoiled WhooHoo Wonder Bus' newly washed beauty, but she took it all in stride. When we hit I-95, the heavier rain set in. Then there's a really rough stretch of I-95 between Branchville and Florence that needs repair in the worst way. The rain stopped just outside Florence and the sun came out. Enough adventures for one day.
All is well in WhooHoo world. Happy Cinco de Mayo, y'all.
K&J
p.s. We just couldn't rest until we learned more about Cooterfest. You too can learn more at www.cooterfest.com and be sure to check out the shirts. This one is our favorite...
Friday, May 1, 2009
Gettin' Ready to Roll
Happy May Day to everyone!! The Whoohoo Wonder Bus went in for servicing yesterday before hitting the trail again. She cranked right up, first try, and seemed eager to get on the highway. With a few tweaks here and there and some basic maintenance, she's good to go. Today she will get detailed and the outside cleaned from bottom to top.
We discovered this helpful tip - if using a degreaser type cleaner on your motorhome (or car) start cleaning from the bottom up (sounds counterintuitive, doesn't it?) to avoid streaking which is almost impossible to blend if you start cleaning at the top and the cleaner runs down. Kudos to you if you already knew this.
Frannie and Homer got their summer hair cuts yesterday while Whoohoo was at the shop. Boy, are they handsome now! Trouble will get her bath today (along with Whoohoo). We'll be visiting with family and friends before pulling out Tuesday. We'll be hitting the road on Cinco de Mayo. We will offer a hearty "Salud" to each of you once we arrive for our overnight stay in Florence, SC and have a cold cerveza to celebrate the day's journey.
Jerri has been reiminscing about the many changes to Georgia Southern University (her undergrad alma mater). She regularly runs through the campus and RAC center and is boggled by the changes. The "new" appears to be winning out over the "familiar." Even the roads accessing campus have changed. Most of the buildings are new and bigger; a lot of the old dorms have been torn down and have been or are being replaced. The campus is huge now and beautifully landscaped. We'll be gone from the RV park before GSU graduation weekend (May 9) when it will fill with families and friends in RVs coming in for the event.
Until our next post.....
Happy travels.
K&J
We discovered this helpful tip - if using a degreaser type cleaner on your motorhome (or car) start cleaning from the bottom up (sounds counterintuitive, doesn't it?) to avoid streaking which is almost impossible to blend if you start cleaning at the top and the cleaner runs down. Kudos to you if you already knew this.
Frannie and Homer got their summer hair cuts yesterday while Whoohoo was at the shop. Boy, are they handsome now! Trouble will get her bath today (along with Whoohoo). We'll be visiting with family and friends before pulling out Tuesday. We'll be hitting the road on Cinco de Mayo. We will offer a hearty "Salud" to each of you once we arrive for our overnight stay in Florence, SC and have a cold cerveza to celebrate the day's journey.
Jerri has been reiminscing about the many changes to Georgia Southern University (her undergrad alma mater). She regularly runs through the campus and RAC center and is boggled by the changes. The "new" appears to be winning out over the "familiar." Even the roads accessing campus have changed. Most of the buildings are new and bigger; a lot of the old dorms have been torn down and have been or are being replaced. The campus is huge now and beautifully landscaped. We'll be gone from the RV park before GSU graduation weekend (May 9) when it will fill with families and friends in RVs coming in for the event.
Until our next post.....
Happy travels.
K&J
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Statesboro Blues
It's been quite a while since the last blog update. In the meantime, we caught a computer virus that put us out of commission for several months, but we're up and at it again now. Finally got all the music loaded onto the computer and ditched the CDs. Dabbled in learning Facebook as a way to stay in touch, but we really are lousy at Facebook (as in we don't know how to use it). On a more personal note, the house is back on the market and we're hopeful it will sell. Kathy's mom is in the nursing home and not doing well.
We spent the winter in Statesboro, GA, but are getting ready to hit the road again and on to the next adventure. The RV park here was convenient to family and we made friends here from all over the country that will be dearly missed when we leave. Jerri was able to run in several local 5Ks while here and came in first in her age division in two races; Kathy has begun walking in 1 mile 'Fun Walks' (begrudgingly, and says the 'fun' part is a lie).
It's been said before, that you meet a lot of unique folks while RVing, and it's quite true. A couple of weeks ago a bus pulled in two sites down from us with some odd travelers. We decided they were either a rock band or space aliens... turns out they were - "The Flood The Band" from Seattle, WA on their way from Jacksonville, FL to Augusta, GA for a concert. We checked out their MySpace page - not our style of music - but musicians all the same. We've met folks from all over the country and some unusual pets - including a pot-bellied pig and cats that walk on leash. Several college kids live in the RV park and it may be more economical than dorms or apartments.
After a strange winter here in south Georgia, with more days below freezing than we remembered, spring finally arrived. Now, every day brings more humidity and higher temperatures. Summer looks to be a scorcher and we'd rather not be here for that.
Jerri discovered inventive ways to practice and find renewed joy in social work, while Kathy found new interpersonal skills in waitressing. We have found our niche as full-time RVers and now call ourselves 'Workampers.' While we don't like labels, it identifies what we do quite well. We travel around, sometimes work in a variety of jobs wherever we are, and live in the RV. The Statesboro sojourn has been the longest stay in one place to date and allowed us to find both friendship and work near family.
We've also learned valuable life lessons, like 'don't judge a book by its cover,' people are not always how they appear - like the scarey looking punk rockers who are very nice and polite despite appearances; 'my job is not me,' any job done well is satisfying and honorable and does not define or limit who I am; 'RVs are not trailers,' despite a friend who insists on calling our coach a 'trailer.' We've tried to educate her that some coaches cost more than a stick and brick house.
We are sad to leave friends and family but look forward to beginning a new adventure. We'll be leaving Statesboro May 5th for a night in Florence, SC then on to Rocky Mount, NC then off to the Outer Banks where we've accepted summer jobs at an RV resort. If you'd like our new mailing address in OBX, email us directly and we'll give it to you.
You know life is good when you get paid to spend the summer at the beach... Happy and safe travels to all. Stay tuned for more updates soon.
"A snail is never homeless." - Sark
We spent the winter in Statesboro, GA, but are getting ready to hit the road again and on to the next adventure. The RV park here was convenient to family and we made friends here from all over the country that will be dearly missed when we leave. Jerri was able to run in several local 5Ks while here and came in first in her age division in two races; Kathy has begun walking in 1 mile 'Fun Walks' (begrudgingly, and says the 'fun' part is a lie).
It's been said before, that you meet a lot of unique folks while RVing, and it's quite true. A couple of weeks ago a bus pulled in two sites down from us with some odd travelers. We decided they were either a rock band or space aliens... turns out they were - "The Flood The Band" from Seattle, WA on their way from Jacksonville, FL to Augusta, GA for a concert. We checked out their MySpace page - not our style of music - but musicians all the same. We've met folks from all over the country and some unusual pets - including a pot-bellied pig and cats that walk on leash. Several college kids live in the RV park and it may be more economical than dorms or apartments.
After a strange winter here in south Georgia, with more days below freezing than we remembered, spring finally arrived. Now, every day brings more humidity and higher temperatures. Summer looks to be a scorcher and we'd rather not be here for that.
Jerri discovered inventive ways to practice and find renewed joy in social work, while Kathy found new interpersonal skills in waitressing. We have found our niche as full-time RVers and now call ourselves 'Workampers.' While we don't like labels, it identifies what we do quite well. We travel around, sometimes work in a variety of jobs wherever we are, and live in the RV. The Statesboro sojourn has been the longest stay in one place to date and allowed us to find both friendship and work near family.
We've also learned valuable life lessons, like 'don't judge a book by its cover,' people are not always how they appear - like the scarey looking punk rockers who are very nice and polite despite appearances; 'my job is not me,' any job done well is satisfying and honorable and does not define or limit who I am; 'RVs are not trailers,' despite a friend who insists on calling our coach a 'trailer.' We've tried to educate her that some coaches cost more than a stick and brick house.
We are sad to leave friends and family but look forward to beginning a new adventure. We'll be leaving Statesboro May 5th for a night in Florence, SC then on to Rocky Mount, NC then off to the Outer Banks where we've accepted summer jobs at an RV resort. If you'd like our new mailing address in OBX, email us directly and we'll give it to you.
You know life is good when you get paid to spend the summer at the beach... Happy and safe travels to all. Stay tuned for more updates soon.
"A snail is never homeless." - Sark
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