Well, I’m back at the campground. This will be my sixth season working in the gatehouse, and I must say, nothing has changed. Why, just yesterday we had a toilet break so that there was a geyser of water at the wall so powerfully that my boss said he’d never seen that wall so clean. Of course, then there were the two scruffy guys who tried to set up camp by the sani-dump. For those who don’t know, a sani-dump is where RVs dump their sewer. Why they wanted to camp there, on the paved surface of the parking lot next to it, I don’t know, but they weren’t allowed to so we chased them away.

Then there’s the usual tame stuff: the people who come “camping” in their palaces-on-wheels, complete with A/C and satellite television; the kids that complain about the lack of wi-fi (and adults too); the constant complaints about ants, wasps, and mosquitoes (welcome to nature, people); and the humorous concerns of (mostly) the Europeans about cougars and bears (yes, they’re “around,” no, you won’t see one. But you might see a mountain sheep if you’re lucky.)

But all in all, I love this job. There’s a reason why I’ve been here six seasons (okay, partially because I can’t seem to get a good year-round job, but still…) For me, it’s a nice mix of indoors and outdoors, busy and slow, and people and solitude. We have a lovely hiking trail with a gorgeous waterfall and a breathtaking view, and we have sandy beaches that are the envy of the city. When I work the early shifts, I get to watch squirrels playing in the trees.

I daresay I’m a lucky lady.

Ducklings. ‘Cause they’re adorable.