Grandma Drove a Dump truck and Grandpa Kissed a Goose Lady
We tell people we are retired, but actually, I don't think we'll ever fully retire. We love the challenge of using work as the avenue to see and do new, fun and exciting things.
Together and individually we have "volunteered" in many untraditional fields, and along the way received compensation in unusual ways.
The goose pictured above is a Canada Goose, commonly seen in areas we have worked. One of my most treasured experiences was rescuing these geese which were frequently found tangled in fishing line, carelessly left behind by fishermen. Freeing these birds and returning them back to their flock was an experience that totally touched my heart and gave me an enormous sense of doing something very special. Some of these birds lost limbs, tongue or wings and were destined to live on the shore. I returned to this assignment for 3 summers at Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora Colorado. My first priority each day I was on duty was to check all the lakes looking for birds in distress. I was blessed to be there.
Panama Here we Come!
A previous assignment in Northern California ended in a "Bonus" which covered a fully paid 16-day cruise to the Panama Canal. This fabulous cruise leaves out of San Diego and stops in Puerto Vallarta Mexico, Huatulco Mexico, Antigua Guatemala, Nicaragua, Fuerto Armador Panama, touring the Panama Canal locks, Cartegena Columbia and ends up in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., from where we will return home to Mesa, AZ. The trip runs from Sept 30, 2010 till Oct. 16th, 2010. Details and pics will be posted when we return!
Some things we've done together or separately:
Bob:
* Park Manager 49er RV Ranch established 1852
* General Manager Ramona Canyon RV Resort
* Manager of the Year WHR Resorts
* Webmaster
* Magazine Panel Advisor
* Realtor
* Test pilot for Flight Simulator Software
* Karaoke Band
* Climbed to top of Mayan Ruins
* Housing Consultant at Palm Gardens
Cathi
* Created a new beach in Colorado
* Drove a dump truck
* Rescued geese entangled in fishing line
* Installed urinals in men's restrooms
* Published articles in RV magazines
* Technical writer for craft magazines
* Bead instructor
* Activity Director at RV Resort
* Karaoke Band
* Marketing Manager at 49er RV Ranch
* Marketing Manager at Palm Gardens
* Climbed to the top of the Mayan Ruins
* Newsletter editor, WHR Properties
* Sunday School Teacher, First Presbyterian Church
* I-Help Volunteer for Homeless Womens Program
Together and individually we have "volunteered" in many untraditional fields, and along the way received compensation in unusual ways.
The goose pictured above is a Canada Goose, commonly seen in areas we have worked. One of my most treasured experiences was rescuing these geese which were frequently found tangled in fishing line, carelessly left behind by fishermen. Freeing these birds and returning them back to their flock was an experience that totally touched my heart and gave me an enormous sense of doing something very special. Some of these birds lost limbs, tongue or wings and were destined to live on the shore. I returned to this assignment for 3 summers at Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora Colorado. My first priority each day I was on duty was to check all the lakes looking for birds in distress. I was blessed to be there.
Panama Here we Come!
A previous assignment in Northern California ended in a "Bonus" which covered a fully paid 16-day cruise to the Panama Canal. This fabulous cruise leaves out of San Diego and stops in Puerto Vallarta Mexico, Huatulco Mexico, Antigua Guatemala, Nicaragua, Fuerto Armador Panama, touring the Panama Canal locks, Cartegena Columbia and ends up in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., from where we will return home to Mesa, AZ. The trip runs from Sept 30, 2010 till Oct. 16th, 2010. Details and pics will be posted when we return!
Some things we've done together or separately:
Bob:
* Park Manager 49er RV Ranch established 1852
* General Manager Ramona Canyon RV Resort
* Manager of the Year WHR Resorts
* Webmaster
* Magazine Panel Advisor
* Realtor
* Test pilot for Flight Simulator Software
* Karaoke Band
* Climbed to top of Mayan Ruins
* Housing Consultant at Palm Gardens
Cathi
* Created a new beach in Colorado
* Drove a dump truck
* Rescued geese entangled in fishing line
* Installed urinals in men's restrooms
* Published articles in RV magazines
* Technical writer for craft magazines
* Bead instructor
* Activity Director at RV Resort
* Karaoke Band
* Marketing Manager at 49er RV Ranch
* Marketing Manager at Palm Gardens
* Climbed to the top of the Mayan Ruins
* Newsletter editor, WHR Properties
* Sunday School Teacher, First Presbyterian Church
* I-Help Volunteer for Homeless Womens Program
Palm Gardens Retirement Resort, Mesa, Az * 2010
Life at Palm Gardens is a little taste of one aspect of our planned retirement. We are in close proximity to many fun places. Laughlin (gambling, eating, and just relaxing) is one of our favorite mini-getaways. We found a great 2 for 1 deal, just $69.00 for both of us - includes a comfy ride (to and from) on a motorcoach bus, movie on board, deluxe room for 2, $20.00 in gambling money, and a steak dinner for 2 on 2 separate nights. What a deal. For another $10. we got the river cruise thrown in. A great 3-day getaway that we'll be repeating again this winter.
Arcosanti Estate is the home of the Soleri Bells and Chimes.
Arcosanti Estate is the home of the Soleri Bells and Chimes.
House and Dog Sitter - Bendigo, Australia * Aug. 2014
49er RV Ranch, Columbia CA * 2008
The 49er RV Ranch was an interesting and challenging assignment.
The Ranch itself dates back to the Gold Rush Era and we learned so much of the history and life-style while we were there. Whatever your interests, you can find it in the Columbia/Sonora area. Antique treasure, Stage coach Rides, Live Theatre, Indian Casino, the Grandeur of Yosemite, Gold Panning, Water Skiing, Snow Skiing, Steam Train excursions, Lake Tahoe, Cavern Spelunking, Chinese History, and so much more.
This can all be experienced in the unique setting of the 49er RV Ranch where we worked in Marketing and Hospitality. The 49er has a wonderful old Barn where guests can enjoy music, food, and good old cameraderie with a friendly staff, serving up Old Ranch Hospitality.
If you're into RVing, stop in and experience the Oldest Campgrouond in California, and enjoy modern, full-service amenities while still savoring the same Old Ranch Hospitality.
Located between Yosemite, Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, the Ranch is open year round.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is another one of my “healing places”.
We have lingered on the trail for hours, taking in the breathtaking sights and wonderful cedar and pine scented trees.
In the middle of the Sierra Nevada in Calaveras County Ca. Calaveras Big Trees became a state park in 1931 to preserve the Giant Sequoias.
Over the years, other larger parcels of Sequoias have been added to the park to bring the total area to about 6,400 acres. The North Grove contains about 100 mature giant sequoias; the South Grove, about 1,000.
The 'Discovery Tree' noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852 and felled in 1853, left a giant stump which is the only remainder of the tree. It measured 24 ft. in diameter at its base and was determined by ring count to be 1,244 years old when felled. The giant stump, over the years as been used as the base of an office building, a bowling alley, and a dance hall.
The Park also includes the South Grove, with a 5 miles (8.0 km) hiking trip through a spectacular grove of giant sequoias in their natural setting. Other attractions in the Park include the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, the Lava Bluff Trail and Bradley Trail.
The Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County
Mark Twain, author of “Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Fynn” found fame with his first published humor fiction story “The Celebrated Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County”. At that time he lived in Angels Camp, Ca., and used his real name Sam Clemens. The story about frog racing was an instant hit, but he didn’t want to stay long in the cold damp mountains of winter and so headed to Europe to sell his book and take on speaking tours.
Although he left the area, the frog legend stayed with Angels Camp which is now home to the Jumping Frog Jubilee held at the Calaveras County Fair the third week of May every year attracting 40,000 frog watchers. The current jump record of 21 feet ¾ inches has stood for over 20 years. The main street of Angles Camp is the 49er Highway straddled by the iron shuttered gold rush buildings which remain, along with frog themed statues, bronze sculptures, frog clothing, and anything else “frog”.
This is a fun town to visit, touristy, yes – but froggingly different. And of course, filled with history and memorabilia of the gold rush era.
The Ranch itself dates back to the Gold Rush Era and we learned so much of the history and life-style while we were there. Whatever your interests, you can find it in the Columbia/Sonora area. Antique treasure, Stage coach Rides, Live Theatre, Indian Casino, the Grandeur of Yosemite, Gold Panning, Water Skiing, Snow Skiing, Steam Train excursions, Lake Tahoe, Cavern Spelunking, Chinese History, and so much more.
This can all be experienced in the unique setting of the 49er RV Ranch where we worked in Marketing and Hospitality. The 49er has a wonderful old Barn where guests can enjoy music, food, and good old cameraderie with a friendly staff, serving up Old Ranch Hospitality.
If you're into RVing, stop in and experience the Oldest Campgrouond in California, and enjoy modern, full-service amenities while still savoring the same Old Ranch Hospitality.
Located between Yosemite, Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, the Ranch is open year round.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is another one of my “healing places”.
We have lingered on the trail for hours, taking in the breathtaking sights and wonderful cedar and pine scented trees.
In the middle of the Sierra Nevada in Calaveras County Ca. Calaveras Big Trees became a state park in 1931 to preserve the Giant Sequoias.
Over the years, other larger parcels of Sequoias have been added to the park to bring the total area to about 6,400 acres. The North Grove contains about 100 mature giant sequoias; the South Grove, about 1,000.
The 'Discovery Tree' noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852 and felled in 1853, left a giant stump which is the only remainder of the tree. It measured 24 ft. in diameter at its base and was determined by ring count to be 1,244 years old when felled. The giant stump, over the years as been used as the base of an office building, a bowling alley, and a dance hall.
The Park also includes the South Grove, with a 5 miles (8.0 km) hiking trip through a spectacular grove of giant sequoias in their natural setting. Other attractions in the Park include the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, the Lava Bluff Trail and Bradley Trail.
The Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County
Mark Twain, author of “Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Fynn” found fame with his first published humor fiction story “The Celebrated Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County”. At that time he lived in Angels Camp, Ca., and used his real name Sam Clemens. The story about frog racing was an instant hit, but he didn’t want to stay long in the cold damp mountains of winter and so headed to Europe to sell his book and take on speaking tours.
Although he left the area, the frog legend stayed with Angels Camp which is now home to the Jumping Frog Jubilee held at the Calaveras County Fair the third week of May every year attracting 40,000 frog watchers. The current jump record of 21 feet ¾ inches has stood for over 20 years. The main street of Angles Camp is the 49er Highway straddled by the iron shuttered gold rush buildings which remain, along with frog themed statues, bronze sculptures, frog clothing, and anything else “frog”.
This is a fun town to visit, touristy, yes – but froggingly different. And of course, filled with history and memorabilia of the gold rush era.
Salvation Mountain, Slab City, CA 2005
While working in Ramona Ca. we heard about Salvation Mountain, and its interesting history. Salvation Mountain is a colorful work of art covering much of a small hill near the Salton Sea in California. It is constructed of adobe straw and more than 100,000 gallons of paint, which was mostly donated by passersby, local paint manufacturers, and supporters of the artist, Leonard Knight, who created the mountain to convey the message that God Loves Everyone.
Steps cut into the side of the hill lead to the cross which tops the mountain. Salvation Mountain also features many large straw bale and adobe walls supported by a matrix of logs enclosing several cave-like spaces. Knight lives full-time at the site in a small cabin mounted on the rear of a 1930s-vintage Chevy two-ton truck. Like Salvation Mountain, Knight's "Salvation Truck" and a collection of other vehicles and machinery are entirely covered with paint and Biblical quotes.
Bob and I were introduced to Salvation Mountain by friends who raved about its uniqueness. Leonard welcomes visitors to Slab City and Salvation Mountain and gladly accepts donations of both labor and acrylic paint. The mountain was once labeled an environmental hazard and the hill was threatened with removal by the country. But in recent years, the furor has died down and the project is now considered an epic work of folk art.
Although the project is on state land, and is unauthorized, Salvation Mountain was placed under protection in 2002 when Senator Barbara Boxer entered it into the Congressional Record as a national treasure.
If you are in California’s Salton Sea area, head toward Salvation Mountain. It’s worth the little detour in your travel plan.
Steps cut into the side of the hill lead to the cross which tops the mountain. Salvation Mountain also features many large straw bale and adobe walls supported by a matrix of logs enclosing several cave-like spaces. Knight lives full-time at the site in a small cabin mounted on the rear of a 1930s-vintage Chevy two-ton truck. Like Salvation Mountain, Knight's "Salvation Truck" and a collection of other vehicles and machinery are entirely covered with paint and Biblical quotes.
Bob and I were introduced to Salvation Mountain by friends who raved about its uniqueness. Leonard welcomes visitors to Slab City and Salvation Mountain and gladly accepts donations of both labor and acrylic paint. The mountain was once labeled an environmental hazard and the hill was threatened with removal by the country. But in recent years, the furor has died down and the project is now considered an epic work of folk art.
Although the project is on state land, and is unauthorized, Salvation Mountain was placed under protection in 2002 when Senator Barbara Boxer entered it into the Congressional Record as a national treasure.
If you are in California’s Salton Sea area, head toward Salvation Mountain. It’s worth the little detour in your travel plan.
Tall Chief RV Resort, Fall City WA * 2005?
Soap Lake Resort, Ephrata, WA * 2001
Working at Soap Lake, East of the Cascades in Washington State, opened up a whole new world to us. While our experience in Washington State’s Seattle area provided some of the most spectacular views of lush growth and gi-normous trees stretching their limbs to the sky, the Soap Lake area is actually desert-like and our time there was incredibly memorable. The history of the Grand Coulees was fascinating, and frequent road trips were great opportunities to learn some little known facts. The evening musical concert projected right onto the dam itself, was a once in a lifetime experience. See more about that below.
A common attraction to tourists and local residents are the Soap Lake Mud Baths. Why does Soap Lake water heal? The minerals in the water cause it to be very alkaline making it difficult for bacteria and viruses to survive.
How to take a Soap Lake Mud Bath: Apply mud over the area to be treated and lay in the sun to dry. The mud absorbs moisture, oils, and toxins from the skin area. After the mud dries, rinse off with fresh water if you will be sunbathing. The combination of minerals and ultra-violet rays causes rapid tanning and may cause you to burn more quickly.
Soap Lake water is a wonderful liquid and its unique mineral composition can benefit mankind greatly.
Grand Coulee Dam Laser Light Show
Another area of discovery was the visitor center, which contains many historical photos, geological samples, turbine and dam models, and a well used theater. Since May 1989, on summer evenings, The laser light show at Grand Coulee Dam is projected onto the dam's wall. The show includes full-size images of battleships and the Statue of Liberty, as well as some environmental comments. Tours of the new Third Powerhouse are available to the public. Visitors are able to ride a glass elevator, on top of the forebay penstocks, 400 feet down to view the generators.
A common attraction to tourists and local residents are the Soap Lake Mud Baths. Why does Soap Lake water heal? The minerals in the water cause it to be very alkaline making it difficult for bacteria and viruses to survive.
How to take a Soap Lake Mud Bath: Apply mud over the area to be treated and lay in the sun to dry. The mud absorbs moisture, oils, and toxins from the skin area. After the mud dries, rinse off with fresh water if you will be sunbathing. The combination of minerals and ultra-violet rays causes rapid tanning and may cause you to burn more quickly.
Soap Lake water is a wonderful liquid and its unique mineral composition can benefit mankind greatly.
Grand Coulee Dam Laser Light Show
Another area of discovery was the visitor center, which contains many historical photos, geological samples, turbine and dam models, and a well used theater. Since May 1989, on summer evenings, The laser light show at Grand Coulee Dam is projected onto the dam's wall. The show includes full-size images of battleships and the Statue of Liberty, as well as some environmental comments. Tours of the new Third Powerhouse are available to the public. Visitors are able to ride a glass elevator, on top of the forebay penstocks, 400 feet down to view the generators.
Desert Shadows RV Resort, Casa Grande AZ * 2002
While Bob underwent his General Manager training at Western Horizon's busiest RV campground in the country, we had loads of time to explore our surroundings and experience the beauty of Arizona.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is a glorious wilderness area preserving a piece of the HoHoKam Indian village and lifestyle. (Entrance pictured above).
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument is a glorious wilderness area preserving a piece of the HoHoKam Indian village and lifestyle. (Entrance pictured above).
Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora CO * 1999
This was our first workamper assignment and wow, was it an eye-opener. A free site and utilities in exchange for 4 days a week working. We considered it play right from the start; very rewarding play. We saw more birds daily than I can mention and fell in love with the Aurora area. The Aspen trees in the fall are a breath-taking golden yellow. And watching a pelican in flight is awesome.
Magpies visited our campsite daily (see black and white bird below) and when they began building a nest in the spring I was delighted. It was well worth putting up with their constant chattering - they are a noisy bird - because the little ones were so entertaining.
I rigged up some treats for them on my patio table once they left their nest and enjoyed hours of fun watching. I would hide little pieces of fruit, nuts, seeds, etc. under bowls, in small "cages" or inside partly closed boxes. They were clever enough to get at their treats and came back day after day all through the spring season. I'll never forget it.
While there, we created a beach where there was previously none. We had community volunteers working with us, and together cleared an area - a couple of weeks work - and within hours of completion there was a family frolicking around in the water and enjoying West Beach. We were so proud of the work accomplished and so happy to see it in use right away. Of course word got around, and soon it was filled with the sounds of family fun every weekend.
Magpies visited our campsite daily (see black and white bird below) and when they began building a nest in the spring I was delighted. It was well worth putting up with their constant chattering - they are a noisy bird - because the little ones were so entertaining.
I rigged up some treats for them on my patio table once they left their nest and enjoyed hours of fun watching. I would hide little pieces of fruit, nuts, seeds, etc. under bowls, in small "cages" or inside partly closed boxes. They were clever enough to get at their treats and came back day after day all through the spring season. I'll never forget it.
While there, we created a beach where there was previously none. We had community volunteers working with us, and together cleared an area - a couple of weeks work - and within hours of completion there was a family frolicking around in the water and enjoying West Beach. We were so proud of the work accomplished and so happy to see it in use right away. Of course word got around, and soon it was filled with the sounds of family fun every weekend.