Campground Host #1

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.’

 

 

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.

 

 

Maya loves sitting on the deck