Last night when I checked my e-mail, I read an interesting possibility for this summer on the Workamper Hotline. Seems there was a private campground very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway that was looking for workampers for the summer season in North Carolina. Solos would be required to do 16 hours/week for a full hook-up site. The campground is just south of the Smokey Mountain Nat’l Park and within 3 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I’ve never spent much time in this area so it caught my interest. I gave them a call, and left a message. They called me back this morning while I was working in the Visitor’s Center. It would require a commitment of six months, and most of my work would be in the office. At only 16 hours/week, I was pretty excited about the possibilities of being in this area. Just imagine the Blue Ridge in October with all the brilliant fall colors! I had plans to send my resume and pictures of the rig and myself to them tonight.
Then I checked my e-mail when I got home tonight. A little less than two weeks ago I had sent an e-mail to the volunteer coordinator at Pea Island/Alligator River Nat’l Wildlife Refuges to see if there were any openings for Aug.- Oct. this year. I volunteered there in 2007.
Since I hadn’t heard back from her, I was considering other possibilities such as that campground in the Blue Ridge. Well, the e-mail tonight said :
Hi Judy!! I've kept up with you a bit through other volunteers that have known you!!! I do have opening for that time and it is going to be a pretty busy place with our new hug Alligator River complex opening up....will definitely need help with Visitor Center/ a canoe trip or 2/ etc....Let me know if you want me to right you down in the books...I remember you liking Alligator River camper sites better than Pea Island, right?? Take care, Abbey.
While at these refuges in 2007 (pre-blog time), I worked the very busy visitor’s center, conducted canoe tours in the swamps, lead bear tours, helped sea turtle hatches make their way to the sea, and maintained the ‘Charles Karault Trail’. Pea Island is right in the middle of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and Alligator River has bears and red wolves. I also helped with the banding of young brown pelicans while I was there. It was one of the best gigs I ever did.
So, can you tell what choice I’m leaning towards? A lot more hours are required at the refuges, but the experiences just excite my soul!
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
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I think I would do the refuge It sounds like a lot more fun. I love wildlife.
ReplyDeleteOh, man, the refuge sounds JUST LIKE YOU!
ReplyDeleteOffice work and SIX MONTH commitment in NC? Not so much...
Nice to have options, though, isn't it?
Don't you just love having a choice? We will be working at "Yogi in the Smokies" in Cherokee from mid-May-early Sep, not far from the CG you are considering. Following that, we plan to be at Picosin, so either way, our paths may cross:)
ReplyDeleteNot sure how I feel...We have extended family in The Carolinas.....but a 6 mo. commitment...not...Sounds like you already know your destiny...GO FOR IT!!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I'd be there at the refuge in a heartbeat!
ReplyDeleteGood luck making the right decision. 6 months is a long time and if I remember right you really don't like office work!
ReplyDeleteBoth sound good, but I agree with the other commenters - six months is a long commitment.
ReplyDeleteThe refuge and all the outdoor activity certainly sounds more like you, but a 16 hour week sounds tempting as well. Listen to your heart.
ReplyDeleteSounds like it will be a fun and enjoyable 6 months.
ReplyDeleteWhat happens if a 16 hour week turns into a 30 hour week? I have friends that had that happen. They were at a different place, but what's the out?
ReplyDeleteJC
Follow your heart. You can't go wrong.
ReplyDeleteFeed your soul, always.
ReplyDeleteWHEW........I was worried there that you might be doing something other than NWRs. I LOVE following you there. If/when I volunteer that's what I want to do. I love Alligator River and don't think you'd like the private campground gig nearly as much.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the Aligator River will be you choice unless you think the hours might be a bit much. But that one sure sounds like your thing.
ReplyDeleteRemember the Rock, Paper, Scissor game? I think Allimagators cover Paper anytime:))
ReplyDeleteI have zip experience workkamping, but I sure would go for the refuge over a commercial campground. Not to mention six months in one place is a long time! As the line goes in one of my favorite movies- chose wisely:)
ReplyDeletePros and cons with both jobs, and you have been mentioning the Smoky Mountains a few times in the blogs. I suppose you could always travel through the Smokies after volunteering on the coast.
ReplyDeleteOhhh, I LOVE the Outer Banks and the refuge gig sounds incredible. I'm thinking that's where you're leaning too. How lucky are you to have such options?!
ReplyDeleteThe baby turtles won me over instantly. Go for it.
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty nice dilemma to have! I know you will pick what's best for you.
ReplyDeleteWe spent time in Cherokee, NC in the fall of 2010, almost spitting distance from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Smokey National Park entrance. It is beautiful and peaceful. HOWEVER! The activity possibilities of the refuge gig sound to me (in my oh-so-limited knowledge of you but yet infinite Universal wisdom - yes, you may giggle!) much more to your liking and the call of your soul. Go with whichever opening calls to your heart and to which your "little voice" speaks. Enjoy, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteFollow your intuition! It will lead you in the right direction. Sometimes writing out a pros and cons list for each destination is helpful too.
ReplyDeleteOh what a wonderful opportunity for you! I can't wait to explore the area with you. When do we leave?
ReplyDeleteIn fact, we just might come see you this summer.
Turtles, turtles, turtles!
ReplyDeleteWe have visited that refuge while spending time at Hatteras for our daughter's wedding. Our other daughter(who is a park naturalist/manager in Maryland) and my husband explored the area in their kayaks. What a beautiful place to spend some time !
ReplyDeleteCongrats Judy! Outer Banks!! I love any place close to the ocean!
ReplyDeleteHaven't you mentioned you really do not like office work?
ReplyDeleteReading between the lines, sounds like you have a passion for Alligator River. I agree w/ others that say 6 months is a very long commitment especially when it is an inside job and you are soo outdoorsy.
ReplyDeleteas others have said follow your heart.
or you could put brochures from both on floor and see which one Emma picks :-)
You once told me that I was adventurous. I think that it takes one to know one. You will do just fine no matter what your decision. I am with others in their opinions of six months being a long commitment. Good Luck
ReplyDeleteJust BS!(Bob and Sue)
I guess that I will find out if I can do a 6 mo stint. I should be able to get out of CA when the cast comes off around the 6th of March. Garner State Park in Concan, TX from April 1st.
ReplyDeleteAnother great opportunity. Sounds like the right thing came along in the nick of time (before you committed to something else).
ReplyDeleteI just read that "finding your passion" is one of the things to ward off Dementia -so more hours now may lead to a longer life :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds to me like you already know which one to go to. nice to have those options though. It's always fun to follow you! And your great photos too.
ReplyDeleteExciting your soul is a necessary survival skill. Making work hours feel like play hours is worth doing. Work hours that feel like work hours can kill your soul. But, you already knew all that. Besides, as much as we enjoyed our autumn drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's not like they are going away anytime soon. :)
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