Lessons from the Hurricane

It was Tuesday when the calls started to come in. People from Florida were looking for a campsite. We had just finished a busy Labor Day weekend and things were getting back to normal. Labor Day is the end of the summer season and we were getting a few more calls from hunters and fall fishermen. There were some projects we wanted to complete before guests from up north started to arrive for the winter months. These  activities were put on hold once the phone calls started.

Last year the evacuation for Hurricane Matthew taught us a few things about what to expect when hurricanes cause evacuations.  We knew we could convert a tent site into a camper site if needed. Most people did not know how long they would need to stay so we learned early on not to book extended stays. Kids needed something to do and parents needed access to information on the storm.

Irma was different in several ways. First the number of people leaving Florida was very large. It was rare to be on the phone and not hear a beep of someone else trying to call in. Many people were just not sure of their plans. Some wanted out of Florida by Thursday while others were not sure they would need a place until Sunday. Trips that would normally take 6 hours might be extended  due to traffic to 8 or 12 hours. After awhile we learned to ask what people needed and where they were located. This was the information we needed if we were going to be able to help.  Although we used spread sheets to  track available sites and reservations, much of the process was kept in our heads. We went through and updated the list multiple times. We tried to keep facebook and the web page updated in relation to availability. Keeping up with the on line  reservation system was not a top priority.

The city came by to provide information and check in with us. We had filled up pretty quickly so we soon where able to find other locations that might help evacuees. As time got closer to the landfall we started to hear from people that were not only very tired but also unsure of where they were headed. One person thanked us for answering the phone since some places had stopped doing so. We tried to work with a waiting list and fortunately most on the list had found a destination by the time we called back. Thanks to everyone who called to cancel reservations as they made room for others. I am sure we missed a few calls in the process but we did try to offer help and support,

By Saturday it looked like the storm was headed this way. Projections indicated the weather was not likely to be much worse than our usual spring thunderstorms but that news was not all that reassuring to folks that had fled and were very worried about what they would find when they returned home. We encouraged people to have a destination rather than be stranded on the road. Many elected to leave which provided us with peace of mind after several long days of dealing with frightened guests. We heard back from several who had found accommodations further inland and we were glad we had been able to help them prior to winds picking up here.

The storm did come through - we had three hours without power but otherwise did quite well. There were a few return guests after the storm but most  people were able to head back home once the hurricane  had passed. Like a busy holiday it took a few days to get back to normal. I also was able to look at our campground with some fresh eyes. Not only did I have a better sense of how many RV's could fit into available spaces - I had a better overall feel for each space. I am seeing new options for reservations on holiday weekends and ways to cluster groups together.

Most importantly thank you to everyone who shared this experience with us at Lake Eufaula Campground. Despite your concerns you were considerate of each other, communicated well with us and made the best of a challenging situation. At a time when people are overwhelmed by information, tied to electronics and separated over political points of view it was wonderful to see this type of cooperation. Many times people do want to help each other but do not know the best ways to overcome these barriers.   Maybe it's because we share a love of the outdoors or maybe it was the storm cloud's silver lining - in any case thank God for safe harbor and enjoy your next camping adventure.

Gatorbait

It's taken a little more than three years but we now have the T.J. Memorial Rudders and Wheels R/C Race Park open for guests. T.J. are the initials of our son Timothy Joseph and his story is one that celebrates life. Tim was born with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. This is a genetic disorder that slowly weakens muscle over time. We adopted Tim when he was ten months old knowing that his journey in life would not follow a traditional path.

From a very early age Tim loved wheels. I remember him turning over a toy turtle before he could even talk and making the wheels spin. He did not have a special blanket or stuffed toy. As a toddler he held a blue plastic motorcycle. It had to be blue and just the right size to fit in his hand. Early on the disease does not have much impact but Tim could never run very fast.

In fourth grade Tim got his first wheel chair. It was a convertible model that could be used with or without a battery.  He was a natural born driver and easily maneuvered the chair any place he wanted to go. Tim loved extreme sports and thanks to video games was able to skateboard and ride bikes with the best of them. We were lucky enough to see the Summer X Games in Philadelphia when Tony Hank was still competing. The whole family was amazed at the skill of the darning young athletes. This was one of many adventures we would try because of Tim. We saw Monster Trucks at Pike Peak's Raceway, the Air Museum in Dayton and a reptile and lizard show in Albuquerque. After that show we had a gecko and later a chameleon. As we sell crickets for bait I am reminded of our numerous trips to Pet Smart for a cricket run.

I guess with this background combining wheels and reptiles was a natural fit. Tim's First R/C truck was names Gatorbait. He designed the frame himself with a green and black body, a slight smile and sharp teeth. For his senior project in High School he compared gas powered R/C cars to electric powered cars. The electric were more reliable but he definitely liked the gas powered more. Tim was never shy with people he knew but was shy with strangers. His project was on video and it was great.

Tim lived his life on his own terms. He was very opinionated and passionate about things he loved. Tim had  a crazy sense of humor and could make everyone laugh telling bad jokes. Although he needed people with muscles to help him, when it came to his physical limitations, he was always patient , thankful and never demanding. Despite his own limitations he was there for friend who died from a brain tumor offering her comfort and the strength of his faith.

In some ways it is very fitting that the track in honor of Tim opened on Memorial Day weekend. Once out of high school Tim would write to soldiers on line. They each were fighting battles in there own way and respected in one another the courage it took to do your best. If life is about building character as a way to glorify God then Tim had a life well lived. He did not focus on the future or worry about the past. As his family we wanted to make the most of each day, not just for Tim, but for ourselves as well. We wish for you this same blessing and hope that when camping you, your friends and family have the chance to just enjoy the day.

In the Swim

 The pool is open for the 2017 season and if the weather cooperates it will soon be filled with guests young and old. Once the pool is up an running summer can't be far behind. To be in the Swim means lots of activities are happening and we all need to plan ahead for those long holiday weekends  of Memorial Day and the 4th of July

While many winter guests stay months at a time, summer reservations are more about spending the weekend outside. One of the challenges we face as owners is to help summer campers get the type of site that best will meet their needs. Large family groups need extra parking. Some folks want waterfront sites while other prefer that the pool is not too far away. Shade is key for some RV owners but not those that need satellite TV access.

As we now enter our 4th year as campground owners the seasonality of the park continues to both amaze and challenge us. Grass cutting is in full swing once again. Some of the rose bushes could  use some trimming but its nice to see flowers and new growth. The bike trail is becoming more popular and many of our guest are renting bikes or bringing their own bicycles to enjoy the ride.

This is the first year I have seen an Ibis in the back ponds and we have a blue bird couple starting a family. There is a 16 lb catfish in the first pond. Its been hooked twice and thrown back in the hopes that younger guests  will have a chance to land it. We trust that guests that enjoy the sport will catch and release - especially the bigger fish that are such fun to catch. we don't require catch and release since we have been told by Fish and Wildlife that harvesting a certain number allows other fish to grow bigger.

We have a couple of surprises planned that we hope to launch by Memorial Day. we have also commented to getting out on the boat once a week to enjoy this beautiful area of Alabama. Come see us this summer - we have a lot going on here at the campground.

It's My Birthday!

It's rather nice that our new "Micki " cabin is completed just in time for my birthday and Eufaula's Pilgrimage weekend. When you get older birthdays are less about the presents and more about reflections on good times. The campground was very full these last couple of months with longer term guests and it nice to see some sites open up and weekend campers starting to arrive.

Having a spring birthday adds to the celebration when you live at a campground. My favorite color is green. Spring green is everywhere as flowers and new leaves invite us all to enjoy the outdoors. The pontoon boat is going back in the water this month as well. We are starting to make plans for our summer holiday crafts and the 2017 Children's Scavenger hunt is good to go. It will be another few weeks before the pool is open but new flowers are already in place.

Besides working on the cabin this winter we have spent some quality time bird watching.  Plan now for next years Fin's Feather and Flowers Event held the last weekend in February. I have discovered that the way to learn more about birds is to go out with a group of people. The more eyes you have looking, the more you see. We have a birding scope that shows lots of detail even when the birds are further away. Bird watching can be very much like fishing.. You stay focused on the activity giving you a break from day to to day responsibilities. Spotting a new bird is like trying to catch a fish. Some get away  as they fly quickly out of view while others let you study them or even take a picture.The added bonus is no fish cleaning at the end of the trip.

Even though my age is fast approaching those golden years this is still just our fourth year at the campground. We are looking forward to our first Spring Bike A Thon and our grandson catching his first fish.Spring is a wonderful new beginning. Happy Birthday to us all. 
.

Drought and Lessons Learned

No Campfires Permitted  Due to the Drought

A rainy day at a campground often puts a damper on planned activities. However, at this point most of us would welcome some showers to end the drought that has been going on almost two months. We are under a statewide campfire ban, the sites are pretty dusty and I am sure that any day now I will see top fins sticking out of the water because our fishing ponds are so low. Contrast this with temperatures being above normal, the leaves changing colors and the birds we see that are migrating south. It seems that nature is playing with us as we head into the late fall and the early winter camping season.

In my most sane moments I recognize that one thing you cannot control is the weather. Over time I am learning to be more tolerant but that does not mean I don't watch forecasts closely around major holidays or the weekend of the Chili Cook Off. I guess if  I think rooting helps my favorite football team, I can at least try the same logic when it comes to the weather. Like all examples of the extremes these conditions have shown us some things we might not otherwise see. I find it interesting to note which plants seem to hold up well and which ones look the most thirsty. I wondered about the depth of each pond and now we have a better idea of how deep they really are. I was also surprised to see how smooth the base of the pond is - I expected more weeds and rocks to be located 2 to 3 feet from shore.

I know that at some point the drought will end. I can almost anticipate the relief the land will experience as dry layers of dust taste the first few drops of moisture. Rain will then cover all of the ground until some spots end up with puddles. One reason people enjoy the outdoors so much is that what happens in nature reflects in many ways what happens in life. If you are in a personal drought of sorts we hope the holidays and the new year will help lift your spirits and offer you hope. The firewood pile that sits idle now will again be in high demand and new wood will be added once this pile gets smaller. We will be more careful in drought conditions knowing that it is possible to make matters worse if we are careless or unaware of how the drought impacts areas in our lives we often take for granted . It says in the bible that "all things work together for good for those that love God". Let us all learn the lessons a drought is designed to teach us and prepare well for some of the rainy
days that lie ahead.

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning at a campground tends much more about going rather than coming. The goal is that every guest has had a great time or when traveling, an uneventful stay. As each camper leaves, others will come in soon. Sometimes, though,  it is  hard to watch the RVs pull out and the tents come down. We personally make it a point to go to church knowing that many of  our guests will not be attending services on camping or travel Sundays.

On most Sundays worship really starts at dawn. The birds are singing, the rooster crows and we have this very peaceful time to reflect on the week and plan for what is ahead. When our kids were young we were fortunate enough to own a lake house on the north side of Houston . Two high powered jobs left us wanting quite and quality family time. Before cell phones and with no TV we took rides in the canoe, went out to swimming island and watched the dog try to figure out what to do with a box turtle. Most Sundays we made it back for church. Not only was our congregation full of friends very involved in mission and outreach but we needed time to transition from the calm to gear up again for the busy week ahead.
We know that many working parents have not made church a priority. The traditional services that are full of meaning to those who have come to a strong understanding of their faith may not seem very relevant to  parents of young children that rarely went to church. More modern music and a projector has impact for some but in either case it tends to be the relationships with other believers that flesh out what church is all about.
I know that as a young adult church was often the only time during the week that my mind was not focused  on my work and my personal priorities. This quiet hour gave me some perspective and eventually, with time, my focus changed to what was happening in the service. I started to better appreciate that the hour was not just defined by the sermon or the music. I saw value in confession, the offering and  prayer. I wanted to learn more and recognized that for all the books and studied I had read I had not yet read the bible.  Church helped me better define who I am, what I believe  and my priorities. I have come to see faith as the most important part of my life.
So as I reflect on Sunday morning I trust that some of our campers see what I see as dawn approaches, I hope that those who walk our spiritual trail are touched by some of the richness the bible has to offer. I pray that people of faith find effective ways to make churches more a place you want to be and less of something you feel you should do. Lets remember that in the end its not about how many mountains you climbed, how many dollars you earned or how many experiences you had- its about relationships and honoring the glory of our creator. Amen.
 

On-line Booking and Reservations-Lions and Tigers and Bears -Oh My!

Completing transactions on- line is transitioning from a trend of the future to the way many people do business.The first time we bought something on EBay, I was just a bit uncertain about entering the credit card numbers, but the folks at Pay Pal helped me feel a bit more secure.  The last time I did a purchase from Walmart, I liked the price but really wondered if I had the right site pulled up. It's hard to tell sometimes. My daughter stays Amazon Prime has become much too easy to use. If you like on- line options the following information may help you with your next campground reservation.
  Here at Lake Eufaula Campground our on-line reservation system helps me track the comings and goings of guests weekend to weekend and keeps records of sites reserved months ahead.We only have a few sites listed for on- line reservations- 10 actually- because the main goal is to show a sample of what we have to offer rather than overwhelming everyone looking at every site option. If the listing helps overnight guests secure a spot when traveling that makes sense as well.Although our current reservation system securely asks for payment information, you are not charged until you arrive.

We have also decided to add to our list of on-line options. Here is how it all works:
1. We are excited to help launch "CAMP NATIVE" for on- line booking. This website takes payment at the time you make a reservation through a secure pay system. We felt this company offers a lot of information about the campgrounds you may encounter on your trip, as well as cutting down on check- in time. Their staff is very friendly and helpful. In addition we hope that Camp Native can help get the word out to more potential winter residents about our winter options. We have not found many web based sites that provide the type of detailed information winter residents need when spending several months in the same location.
2. Trip Advisor  We have a two of our cabins listed through Trip Advisor and it has helped get the word out for people not familiar with the area or those that do not know we have cabins. You pay up front on this site and we get word if you want to book. This helps since someone may have just reserved the cabin right before the request was sent. Trip Advisor limits the type of interactions we can have with a guest until the cabin is booked. Once payment is secured we can exchange contact information and talk on the phone.
3. Pitch Up- This site is nice because it targets guests traveling from  Europe. Feel free to Google the site to see how it shows campground information.

You can find our campground on -line through Good Sam but the webpage does not support booking on-line at this time. We plan to offer on -line reservations and booking from our Facebook page soon. We hope its not too confusing to offer site reservations on Facebook and our web page as well as  booking ( paid reservations ) with Camp Native. When traveling I tend to be a bit old school and use the Good Sam Book as my starting point. I get to see what sites are in the area before checking out the web pages on my phone. I am getting better at entering required information but there is something to be said for talking to a person who can head me in the right direction, explain the rates or help me find the a good spot. We hope you find our new on- line options helpful but when in doubt please call. We love to talk about everything our campground has to offer.