I have a feeling in two weeks I'll be saying it's too chilly. Maybe I'll handle it better because having spent the last couple months at a higher elevation, I'm used to cold mornings - and some chilly days still.
Next week at this time I'll be on the road north, myself. This two months has just flown by. The past few days there have been a couple here that really intrigued me. He is from Switzerland, she is from Chile, and their two young children are learning so many languages! He worked in Chile for a while, thus meeting her, they married and moved to Switzerland where his work is based. They are in the US for two months and have spent maybe 4 days of it here! I doubt the youngest child will remember much - he gets carried on the hikes most of the time on his Dad's back. But the 2nd does almost all of the hikes! Amazing. They just stopped by to thank me and say goodbye. I've had such great experiences with people here.
Our shuttle to the top (so that people can hike down) is out-of-commission. Yesterday - my day off - I had told one single lady here that if it wasn't back in commission, I'd drive her up - and did. (I actually told a few people - one hitch-hiked up the previous day!) She's from Australia/New Zealand - living in Los Angeles now, but traveling when she can. Dropped her off at the top and there was a couple who had been here a few days - who said they came by to say goodbye, but I wasn't home. They never thought they'd see me at the top lol. I keep being told by all these people that I give camphosts a good name. All I know is I try to treat everyone the way I'd want to be treated. And I still have to give out the rules, etc. I know some have been put out by me coming by and saying their fire is too big, or they need to put the garbage away, etc - but it is bear country. Haven't seen any yet, but we have had a mountain lion within 1/2 a mile of the campground - so I think the food storage and garbage rules are pretty darn important.
Judy, I always love hearing your campground updates as I like the same type of places you do - most of the time
I just don't think I could live on a strict itinerary by making reservations so far in advance! I got very lucky last time in FL and hopefully will again next time. This rig is a little bigger, but hopefully small enough that I can still sneak in nights in the parks that are full for the bigger spaces.
To be honest, though, it'll be nice to leave on a high note. It's been a great experience and I intend to come back here - and do this other places. It's work, it's longer hours considering it's volunteering, and I have a ball. That said, it's time to head to a paying job so that I can afford the traveling and volunteering!