Sunday 6/1/2014
Volunteer Village
J. Strom Thurmond Lake
Modoc, SC
It’s time to head north for our summer “vacation” in Illinois, Wisconsin, and maybe Minnesota and/or Michigan. We’re looking forward to seeing family, friends, RV friends, and workamper friends. There’s also sightseeing, bike riding, kayaking, hiking, and several car race events that I want to attend! September will find us in the Richmond, VA, area for annual doctor visits, and then we’ll head south again for the winter.
We’ve really enjoyed the last eight months here at Thurmond Lake. We enjoyed spending time with Paul and Marti while they were here…
and hope to see them again soon. We hated to see them go, but understand that new grand babies are a good reason to leave.
George and Laurie arrived a few weeks ago…
and, again, we’ve enjoyed spending time with them too. We really hate that we’re leaving and won’t be able to spend the summer with them, but we’re confident that our paths will cross again.
The group of volunteers that has been here with us at the Volunteer Village has been great. We had great times working, eating, and playing games together. We’ve made many great friends and look forward to seeing them in the future.
Volunteering here at Thurmond Lake has obviously been wonderful for us! Our primary task, just like our previous time here, was to count the funds collected at boat ramps, day use areas, and “honor pay” campgrounds. In addition to funds counting we became involved with the development and presentation of the Water Safety Program in area schools. Both of us were a little nervous/apprehensive about getting up in front of a group of kids to make the presentation, but after that first day we truly understood how rewarding it is to spread the message of water safety! We could never have done it without the support and guidance of our fellow presenters Paul & Marti, Bill & Carrol, and Jim & Linda, and also Rangers Dave, Jay, Ken, Chrissy, Heather, David, and Terry. Paul & Marti and Bill & Carrol were scheduled to leave before our busiest month of May, so Jim & Linda and Terri & I worked together to get through several days with multiple presentations to hundreds of kids. It made for some long days, but was VERY rewarding and we enjoyed every minute of it! Terri and I could never have done it without the help of Jim & Linda!
Mike, Linda, Terri, and Jim
Also a quick “thanks” to George & Laurie for tagging along with us on the last day and helping out.
Everyone with the Corps has been great to work with. We really appreciate the opportunity to serve and look forward to returning. “Thank you” USACE for the great times we’ve had and allowing us to help out!
It’s bittersweet to leave our wonderful site here at the Volunteer Village - it’s just so beautiful here! – but it’s time to hit the road.
Tomorrow (Monday) we leave to head north.
You certainly made a difference with your work and especially the WSP. Kids are much better informed and aware now that they have to use their heads when they are near/in the water. Ranger Dave had the vision, but you made it work. Well done! Or in Coast Guard terms: Bravo Zulu!
ReplyDeleteHave a good time on the road this summer. May your days be sunny, may the wind always be behind you and may your shoes never get squishy! :cD
We'll see you down the road. Richmond area in September? Hmm, we may just be passing through there then!
Hope those tires still know how to roll ;-)
ReplyDeleteWould love to meet up in the Great Lakes. We will be in MI, WI and MN for June & July. Let us know.
We want to thank ALL the volunteers who make the parks we go to so nice for us!! Added Bravos for your work with the kids and water safety:o)) We will be at MODOC the last week of September if you are returning that soon.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your summer vacation!!! Safe Travels and Happy Trails...
We wish you safe travels..and enjoy the car races. Thanks for the birthday wishes too. :+)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the USACE will be missing your service here at the lake. You guys are an asset to every job you do here! Safe travels to you both, and we certainly hope that we'll be in the same areas at some point! Keep researching Alaska :-)
ReplyDeleteSafe travels and Enjoy your time traveling.
ReplyDeleteIt's about time.
It sounds like a wonderful time you've had in SC. We may see you this year with our travels heading out of ND to ILL. We'll let you know when we get in that area. Have safe travels.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you will be greatly missed! What a wonderful thing you did for that community.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels and see you soon :)
Sounds like you had a wonderful time and have made a difference. Safe travels and enjoy your time with your family and friends.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your summer!
ReplyDeleteWow, sounds like you two really made a difference! What an opportunity to be able to present water safety to the schools. Have a great summer, looking forward to hearing about your travels.
ReplyDeleteIt is always great to enjoy your workamper position and the company of your fellow workers. I am sure the park staff will be looking forward to y'alls return. Have a fun summer.
ReplyDelete