2021 – August & September – Volunteering Maryland State Parks…
We departed Beacon, NY 0n July 28th heading South. Our plans were to Volunteer for Maryland State Parks at Assateague State Park for the months of August/September. When we first planned 2021’s travel schedule we thought “given we would be on the road for nearly 260+ days from our “Snowbird” spot” – we would be ready to slow down and enjoy the beach for a few months on the East Coast at one of our favorite beaches. We have been coming to Assategue for many years with family and have Volunteer Hosted many times. This year we were asked to take a different role of “Volunteer Rover”, which was a new position.
On the job as Volunteer Rovers…
Joanne greeting and checking reservations at the Camper Contact booth park entrance…
Rather than taking care of a designated campground loop our responsibilities were much more fluid and less defined than year’s past . Our role/responsibilities centered on more Ranger Work, Park Due Outs, Pony Patrol, Traffic, Host support, Extended Entrance Booth coverage, scheduling, and supplies runs. Traditionally a host works 28-32 hours/week per campsite. This new role had us working nearly double that….
We actually did Late Arrivals & Due Outs for nearly 65% of the time over those 60 days… It was a high profile role that had us interacting with other hosts, rangers, and staff, which was great, though the unfortunate part was another Rover couple that had politicized the position and did not work well with the team. Due outs had us on the Gator most days from (8:00am – noon) or longer. We love Assateague, though this was not our favorite year volunteering because of the politics of the other Rovers…. Regardless, we were able to define our own role and find ways to contribute everyday.
Other Host years we often do beach clean-ups at sunrise though, given our 2021 Volunteer Rover responsibilities, we only could do this a few times. We did manage to do a few each clean-up walks when we first arrived and also contributed on National Seashore Beach Clean-up Day…
Sunrise Beach Walks…
An of course we always love seeing the horses….
Beach Horses at sunrise…
Sunrise at Assategue State Park Beach!
Our campsite turned out to be terrific spot for our stay this year. We enjoyed frequent visits by the horses, sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, campfires, family, friends, and everything we love about this special place!
Horses Visiting the camp site…
The campsite from the North…
Joanne enjoying another rainbow!
Enjoying a campfire, full moon, and movie on the outside TV…
We did mange to visit some college friends Gary & Melissa and Beacon friends David & Vic who now make Delaware home. The drive up the coast was about an hour from our campsite and it was great being able to connect with some old friends!
Gary & Melissa dinner out on the water…
A couple of “Theta Alpha Lamda” Sorority sisters catching up in Delaware…
A stroll through Lewes, Delaware…
A stroll through Lewes, Delaware…
With the end of August and our first month of volunteering Joanne’s sister (Deb) and Brother-in-law Tony arrived to camp host on our loop for the month of September. In addition several other good friends (Julie & Fred) arrived to host as well. Also. our good friends and Host Coordinators (Donna & Paris) came back for the month too, It was great to have all of them here for our second month.
The Nunan’s & Esteves…
Beverages on the beach with GREAT friends!!!
As most of you know our Toad (Tow Car) is a 2006 Mini Cooper Convertible which we love . We have had so many incredible memories driving the country with the top down in our Mini. A few years back Deb & Tony bought a similar vehicle and I love when the two couples get together with our respective Mini’s. I often say our little Mini gets so many smiles and comments on this journey and when you have 2, the grins often turn estatatic!
2 Mini’s is even more fun!
Another bonus, the beginning of September, was getting to meet Deb & Tony’s good friends from Wisconsin Dale & Kim. They had met them the previous year when Deb & Tony had “Covid Camp Hosted in 2020” for several months at Assateague. They were a hoot to to get together with, sitting by several campfires, and visiting Southgate Grill several times which is not far off the island for weekly Wednesday night “Burger Night” … A tremendous deal!
Southgate Grill…
During September we also had a chance to get-together with some extended family. Many of the nephews, cousins and Esteves grand-children visited for a week. Since our son Sean had recently relocated from Colorado to Charlotte, NC it was a treat to have him and our grand-dog Otis visit as well during that time.
Great visit with Sean & Otis…
A man and his dog, at the beach , with a full moon…
Great time with family…
Other fun times included a visit to Burley Oak Brewery, Dinner at Crab Alley in Ocean City, and Ice Cream at Island Creamery in Berlin, MD.
Burley Oak Brewery
Dinner at Crab Alley…
Berlin, MD…
When we arrived for our Volunteer position we had suggested a special project to park staff about building a camper photo board for the park. We had seen an example of what we wanted to build at Hammonasset State Park in Connecticut back in July. We thought it would be perfect for the Ranger Station at Assateague for arriving campers. It would be great for the kids, families, and for promoting the park. After presenting the idea, on our arrival meeting, several weeks later we were informed the project had been approved. We went to the maintenance area to solicit materials and space and while there found a volunteer maintenance person named “Charlie” who is a master carpenter to help us. Both Joanne and I, with Charlie’s help, had a terrific time working together on this project. It allowed us to work with many new staff people in the park. Charlie created the plywood based camper board, with our design input, and then we spent several weeks prepping, sanding, painting, stenciling, and finishing up the details. The vintage “Shasta/Scotty” design was perfect for what we had proposed. After several weeks we finally completed the Photo Board with loads of positive feedback. We both agreed it was so much fun and already have talked about creating a follow-up Motorhome type board in the future????
Joanne working on the Photo Board Project!
Mike painting…
The completed project !
As mentioned this was the first time we have ever been at Assateague in September and the Fall. We had heard for years that September is the best month of the year to visit. All we can say is “They were all right”… September is a beautiful time to be on the beach at Assateague National Seashore! Cool nights, comfortable warm days (not hot), less crowded, and less humidity.
So glad we got to experience Summer/Fall 2021 with our family and friends on the DelMarva Peninsula on our continuing Revolutionary Journey…
Sisters make “Happy Campers”…
We love the beach here!
And so does our family!
