What Ocean?

A new chapter began for us on September 15, and we can say that we feel comfortable and happy with our new lifestyle choice. We pulled in Smithwood’s on the 12th with welcome arms from the other fellow work campers, which helped take the edge off the unknown. We did not know what to expect or if anyone even knew we were coming, so it was refreshing to learn the names of folks willing to guide us on our arrival day. We were directed to our site, where we began unpacking, although we ran into an issue because the angle of the site was a little too much for the RV. When we place the leveling jacks out to get the RV to level, the rear axle dangled in the air, which you don’t want to happen because of the stress on the suspension, and the stability of the RV becomes weak. It took a little bit of time, but we fixed the issue with some wood blocks and additional blocks of wood under the suspension legs so that they were not fully extended. The problem was a minor inconvenience but it made me wonder what other campers did when parked in this location. They are working to improve the grounds, and with our recent issues along the trip, I am trying to stay open-minded and positive. Our new friends did tell us that we have to consider the amount of rainfall in the area, drainage situations, and placement of the park in the redwood forest. As for the redwood forest, it is beautiful and a must-see if you enjoy nature. It has a certain tranquility which is why so many come here to relax. Some interesting facts I have found are the trees can reach 380 feet tall, and have diameters up to 28 feet. Over 160,000 acres of redwood forest are protected today.

On September 16th and 17th, Monday and Tuesday were unwinding days to get back to normality. Rebecca worked on getting the laundry done while I worked on getting everything situated outside. The dogs are happy not to be in a moving vehicle, and the cat, I think, was delighted that it didn’t have to go into hiding all the time. I can’t say this change has been stressful, but it’s more like we lost our rhythm, and I know we will find it again over time. On Tuesday, we ventured out to Walmart to restock up, and it’s going to be a trip that we won’t often do. Highway 17, which leads to the campground here, is a scenic, beautiful drive, although California drivers are some of the most impatient in the country. The drive also took 40 minutes, and with gas out here being $4.39 and gallon, Amazon and I will have a cozy relationship. The cost of items is a little higher out here, and those plastic bags that are free everywhere else in the country will cost you 50 cents each here in California. After spending $2.50 for bags, we quickly learned that we wouldn’t be doing that again. Below is a photo of our 175 dollar Walmart grocery purchase in our treasured bags, in the back of the smart car.

September 18th was the first day of our new jobs, and Rebecca and I both felt like fish without water. Not because it was all new to us but because of the atmosphere and how relaxed, laid back the campground is. We got affirmation of this “relaxed” work ethic after speaking to management on Saturday, more or less stating that work-campers directive is, do no more or less of what you were hired to do. With previous management experience, my management mode turns on because I look at the campground as if it was mine and what can be done to make the grounds better. I will continue to add my touch, but I will remember that I will be on my own. We have a lot to learn, not because the jobs are difficult but because these jobs are tied to a lifestyle we never experienced before. We are not in charge, and it is just something that will take time to accept. As for our jobs, Rebecca is answering the phone and learning to take reservations, and I am more customer service in getting folks to their camping spots. I do some other essential tasks, such as taking care of the bathrooms and making sure the camping spots are clean and ready for the next customer, although it’s common sense tasks.

We had off Friday and Saturday, which will be our regular days off, and we finally got our outside entertainment area done with our free time. I was also happy that I finally found a car wash in Santa Cruz to take the truck and get it clean again. Highway 9, which takes you to Santa Cruz from the campground, is very scenic but, like Highway 17, a dangerous road to travel and with all the bicyclists, makes it even worse. I translate driving in this area to driving on an island. Everything is condensed, and if you aren’t paying attention, you could quickly end up at the bottom of the mountain upside down.

Overall… no regrets so far with our move, and I am glad we will be here until May. There is so much to see that it will probably take us a couple of months to soak it all up. Heck, we have been here a week, and we haven’t even seen the ocean yet, which is only 5 miles away, or at least they say…