David’s
and my duties as park hosts at Government Canyon State Natural Area are a bit
different than they were last year. Where
last year we were camped in the ‘host village’ area and worked the fee booth
and interpretive programs, this year we are actually staying in the campground
and most of our assigned duties are associated with the campground.
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| Home sweet home - until the first of April, anyway |
On
Friday and Saturday afternoons/evenings we are ‘on duty’ in the campground
assisting campers with check-in, answering questions, etc. Sunday mornings until noon we are also on
duty in the campground. On Monday
mornings David has ‘field duties’ which can include cleaning out fire rings,
restocking firewood and other maintenance projects while I work in the visitor
center store until 1pm. We also help
with children’s hikes and other interpretive programs as needed. Tuesdays – Thursdays are our days off to
hike, do chores, visit friends and whatever else we want. All in all, not a bad gig!
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| The Cross Family - Kellen, Tessa, Sasha & KC celebrate our first campfire this year at Government Canyon |
So
far the weather has been better this year than last. We have had some cold and rain but also some
really nice days. Two weekends since we
have been here, the campground has been almost full and the line to get into
the natural area has been as much as a 30-minute wait at times. San Antonio has discovered Government
Canyon! Be forewarned, on a nice weekend
earlier is better – if you are coming out to see us or going on a hike, get
started before noon.
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| I helped make the "Wild at Heart" race medals |
On
Valentine’s Day there was a children’s one mile race at the Canyon. David and I had a fun afternoon helping with
this event. It was a beautiful day and one where the parking lots were
overflowing and the car line to the entrance booth stretched almost to Galm
Road. The race time was delayed to make
sure all who wanted to participate (over 30 children in all) got to run. It was
a great day for those ‘Wild at Heart.’
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| And they're off! |
While
the weather is still having its winter lows and highs, rains and shines I think
it is only going to get nicer. Already
we are seeing the grass starting to green, tiny wildflowers with their first
blooms and cardinals, phoebes, Carolina wrens and chickadees are waking us up
earlier and earlier. Spring is
definitely on its way.
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| Maya loves sitting on the deck |
