Hot diggety dog!

Each time I volunteer at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, I have a debate with Stephanie Martinez, the volunteer coordinator, about how many hours per week are required for a solo volunteer.  I’ve been required to put in 32 hours/week each time while couples are required to put in 24 hours each.  I always argue that being solo shouldn’t require me to put in more time.  I am a volunteer after all, and 32 hours is pretty much like having a full time job.  I have also argued that it costs them less in water, electric, etc. with only one person in the rig.  I know all of her arguments about two for the price of one etc., but I ask you this: 

                         (All  pictures tonight are from around my site at Pioneer Family Campground.)

Do you think an RV site, essentially in a gravel parking lot, is worth $620/week?  I don’t think so.  The US government places the value of volunteer hours at over $20/hour, and the NWR website states that the number of hours required for RV volunteers should be commensurate with the average cost of a similar private campground in the surrounding area.

Stephanie, of course, has always won this debate and I willingly put in my 32 hours/week.  I just love what I get to do, and it keeps me active in this world.  Aside from the parking lot aspect next to a noisy road filled with 18 wheelers, I don’t think you can beat living on a National Wildlife Refuge. 

So, imagine my surprise today when I received an email from Stephanie that stated that solo volunteer hours have been reduced to 24/week!

                                                               Is this a live Chia Pet??

Hot diggety dog!  Maybe this year I’ll finally visit the Houston Space Center.  This will be my fifth time volunteering at Anahuac, so you know I like it there enough to return regardless of the hours required.

Some people prefer the desert southwest, and others prefer the muggy, mosquito ridden marshes of coastal Texas.  Isn’t is great that we don’t all like the same place?  I was busy outside under my awning this afternoon plotting my course for Anahuac.  Hitch itch is firmly in place, and I’m thinking of doing several Corps of Engineer Parks on my journey south.  I may even stop into Hot Springs NP for a refreshing spa treatment once again.  This time I’ll see if I can bring my camera with me.  It’s such an interesting experience.

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy