Some Things We Quickly Learned as Campground Hosts

As previously stated, the Dinkey Creek Campground in the Sierra Mountain Range in California is home to 122 non-hookup sites. It is the fun zone for many families, friends and long time visitors. As you can imagine, a campground of this size requires a full time team of cleaners, greeters and maintenance. In the last two weeks of our employment at DCCG, we have come across many things that most would find bizarre and yet to others, this is the norm. Heres a short list of our ongoing discoveries of the human camper psyche.

A large portion of our work is spent making sure the facilities are well stocked and clean for the guests.

1. If someone knocks on the bathroom door and you are inside, reply with "occupied" or "Im in here" or even "Go away". We understand that what happens to us in the bathroom can be considered a private matter but we all poo and when no response is given, we assume you are incapacitated or mute. I dont automatically go in for the handle shakedown like most do, a knock is more pleasant than hearing frantic handle tugs at the door. Just please respond so I know we can move on with our tasks and we know youre in fact not dead on the toilet.

2. We all poo in all shapes, sizes, colors, smells. . . But there is something special about the camping feast. While camping, folks eat food they might not normally chow on and thus their bodies produce an output that is weird to them. Some like to bask in the glory of their creations and thus think that other will want to see, smell ... their business too. We do not. Please flush it down. DCCG is blessed with enough flush toilets to keep all campers happy so there is no reason to let the sh!t sit in the bowl for my discovery. We understand that some behemoth bowels consume the entirity of the bowl and overwhelm the flushing capacity. Please dont press press press the flush button. It only makes the matter worse. Our 'manual grinder' which is usually a stick from the wild will do the trick to unclog the beast and let the action continue down the drain.

3. If you do clog with your log, dont hide it under TP. Other guests dont need that surprise in their daily deuce. The other night on rounds, a lady flags down our golf cart to warn us of a potential log clog. We investigate to find a bathroom with a trickle coming from under the door amd out to the sidewalk. As we open the metal door, a surge of toilet water pours from the room and the bowl is seen gushing water like something from the exorcist. Luckily, we were not on the duty of fixing this doodie and radio'ed it into the next guy. The mess was solved with the manual grider and a squeegee to get the water out.

4. Toilet paper can be flushed. To my understanding, alot of other cultures use the waste bin as a recepticle for all TP generated. This includes ones used for number 2. Often enough, the trash bin will be a container for peoples poopie papers instead of flushing it down the loo. I dont want to touch that so please flush em down. Luckily gloves are provided for our hands to stay 'clean'.

5. People love to make their mark. There is something about sitting in a stall that makes folks want to inscribe their name, number  and relationship status into the walls, sinks, doors, toilet seat etc to let the world know they found the bathroom. Im sure they could invent a graffiti proof bathroom, resistant to all spray and scratch marks, but people would still find a way to leave 'Bill ♡ Sue in '92' on the walls. No one wants this so please dont do it. Also, name carving in trees is not cool. That is unless you tattoo an image of the tree on your body; scar for scar. The tree will outlive your relationship.

6. Dont steal things. Most everything is hard fastened to the walls and is made of prison style stainless steel yet guests find a way to fiddle with whats loose. Five gallon buckets serve as the trash bin and in the past, they would go missing as people used them for filling water from the spigot or hauling trash to he dumpster.  Holes were drilled in the bottom of each pail to prevent water from being toted and this detered most but theres always the few who snag the bucket and use it for other deeds. A pail was found outside a tent that was know for its late night party the prior evening. Upon confrontation, the young man proclaimed the bucket was his but with inspection of the drilled holes in the bottom, his story carried as much water as the bucket did. He did manage to use the bucket as a pee pot and thus earned himself the glory of cleaning it out and throwing his waste away in a proper manner in his hung over stupor.

-- Additionally we have had numerous thefts of the sink handles. The push button to operate the water flow has been somehow mehanically ripped from the faucet making the sink unusable. If they left the handle there, a fix might be possible bit of course it is never to be seen again. The reasoning behind this action is still unknown since the handle provides no worth or merit to the theif. Since DCCG workes on a stickt budget, we dont have the option to head on down to the hardware store and buy a new one. A incident report will be filed and submitted and maybe by next season, funding will be alotted for the fix. This means this sink is out of order for everyone for the rest of the season. THANKS.

7. Drop toilets are NOT dumpsters.  In addition to serving the two dozen toilets on site, we also clean a handful of pit/drop toilets on and off site. The pit toilet is a simple device that only requires two things of you: Close the lid when complete. This allows the stink to air out via the exhaust pipe up top and not back flow into the stall. Second, do not dump trash into the pit. It is extrememly difficult and messy to extract and no one wants that. I would rather you leave your bag of trash out front the door for retrieval instead of dealing with an upset pump truck operater with a grabby claw and elbow-length gloves.

8. If you muck up the seat with your backdoor business, use some TP to wipe it down. Dont let it set and stick on as a dry crust. Once again, no one wants that. Our industrial clean and get it off but we have to provide the muscle and mental strength to complete the task.

9. Use the whole roll. Most restrooms are equipped with three if not four tp rolls. When restocking, I will position the rolls with less left closest to the hand that will be grabbing it. Of course folks dont want to use the scraps so instead will go for the new roll. This leaves four rolls in limbo with little left to use. The roll will remain in place until used but if all little rolls are left, it is surely the case that new tp rolls will have to be added in a short amount of time. It boggles my mind why people wont just use the last of the roll and be the victor for its demise. The world my never know.

Thats about it for now. More lessons learned to come including check-in/check-out times and what that really means.

Where the hell is Dinkey Creek?

Its been just about a week since the Gnome made its way into the Sierra Mnts about and hour and a half east of Fresno to join the Dinkey Creek Campground team. Little did we know that this momentus move would generate such an attachment to a place.

Dinkey Creek lies about 13miles north of Shaver Lake,  a popular destination for the valley and costal folk to escape to the mountains. Twisty mountainous roads lead to the area that has been historically a popular destination for vactioning and also the lumber industry. The massive pines, some of which stretch hundreds of feet high, have been growing in the forest for almost a century  or more. Nearby is McKinley Grove which is home to 150+ giant sequoias that have surpassed age definitions and are the true giants of the forest. Each day presents a pass by of these wonders as we work the satellite sites in Buck Meadow and Dinkey Fisherman.

For my part, the "challenges" of each day vary including power washing the 30 some odd bathrooms, brushing our the dumpster areas and general clean up/maintenance. Daily tasks also include compliance with campground rules, processing checkin and check outs and helping all the campers to have a wonderful time. Liz's role is namely in the entrance kiosk to help campers get in the grounds and answer any questions they may have. Puppy petting is optional but she gets to meet and greet most campers who come on by. The days are a bit longer than 8 hours but the time flys by fast and the people are extraordinary.

We may not be making millions but we get to live in the natural beauty of the area for free including water and power hookups which is a new feeling for us. So far, we are hooked on the location, grounds and people we work with. The gnome team anticipates working at DCCG for the next few months as the summer season comes to an end. This should give our bank accounts the necessary boost to keep on exploring the states post employment. We also hope our experiences and connections made will provide us with the support to move onto the next thing; what ever that may be.

The Working Gnome

After a beautiful two week visit to the Tahoe area, we were ready to go. Much of our time spent in this area was in the Library frantically looking for work. When last we left, our funds were waning and the need to work was growing. Our initail intent was to work at a campground but at a certain point, we were desparate for just about anything including craigslist gigs. We applied to just about every open position for campground host on the west coast with only a couple call backs in the works. One of the call backs was from Clayton with the California Land Management team. He was genuinely  interested in our application; either that or he was just desparate for a toilet scrubber. After numerous calls and a bit of negotiating  on my end, we were offered the position for campground host/hostess/dogst at the Dinkey Creek CG near Shaver Lake in the Sierras!! The position is exactly what it sounds like; guest check in and info guru who also cleans the facilities on site in addition to any minor fixes that might be necessary. Additionally, Liz will be allowed to drive a golf cart and/or pickup on site. (Their insurance wouldnt cover me due to a driving infraction from 2012 :( oh well. I might just buy a bicycle to jot around)

As we drive towards our new working world, a small pit of nervousness is present about our duties and new home for the next few months. We intent to stay through the season up till September. A Costco stock up will supply our stomaches for a while since the nearest store will be miles and many minutes away and only supply the basics at a premium. We dont know what to expect with connectivity to the outside world so all responses may go unread/unanswered for a time until we can get to a 3g spot.

The pay aint great but it should be enough time to refill the accounts for a while. Also the ability to add this to our resume will help in securing other prospects in the future. Finally, the gnome gets a free home far from worry about stay limits or camp fees which quickly add up. I think we're gonna rock this opportunity and have a blast making friends (and maybe a few foes who dont follow the rules) who too travel in search of adventures on the road.

-Gnome Team out

Going through the Golden State

The Golden state of California is a huge space of varied environments that needed to be discovered by yours truly. We started off this discovery enroute to San Diego where Liz's sister Kathryn lives. Before reaching sunny SD, we took a nights stay in the San Bernadino mountains at the Lytle Creek Campground. Our earlier quarry for a dispersed camping site was a failure due to the fact that it was literally at the top of a mountain whose gravel road was just enough for the subaru and had a cliff face to one side and a rock wall to the other. Out of curiosity, we unhooked the Gnome and drove to the top for an amazing view of the surrounding shrubland and with notice of the Pacific Crest trail running through the top.

Since this first area was a no go for the gnome, we headed out of the mountainous region to scout for round two. We arrived to Lytle Creek just in time and snagged one of the last spots of the 42 available. The sites were absolutely packed with families ontop of families and kids playing in the street. Even though the fee was $10, the facilities were not enough for the visitors and there was often a line for both mens and womens. Oh yeah, and bring your own TP since the graffiti  covered stall with a broken seat is sure to have none. 42 x $10 = $420 revinue a night or $840 a weekend. Seems like the funds are being allocated outside the campgrounds. . . This site was our first encounter with the California Ground Squirrel Mafia. A group of rag tag fluffy soldiers who pilfered food, dug deep holes everywhere and chirped  loudly at all threats including cars and humans. Their tenacity usually scored a meal and their quick little legs sprinted them to their hole home. Cute little buggers but that chirp tho.

When it came time to leave Lytle Creek, we sluggishly packed items in a heap due to the 95' heat at 9am. Gotdamn desert. We did our best to pack things nicely and organized since the gnome would remain dormant while in San Diego due to the home owners association and their strict rules. We arrived to the area of Mt. Helix California and were instantly shocked by the enormity of the houses in Kathryns neighborhood. The six bedroom house was to host the gnome and the two humans & 80lbs dog that travelled with it, ontop of the numerous roommates and friends and family of such who filtered in and out throughout our time spent there. We grabbed our hiking gear and setup our outdoor open air 'penthouse' on a cement pad which the sprinklers only reached a little. Most of our days spent at the house revolved around the patio table which at times sat a bakers half-dozen of people and multiple dogs including Ziggy, Lady and Hemi. Lady was the resident female pit bull who made sure that everyone was aware when a person entered the house or caused a stir in the night. Ziggy and Lady worked well in each others presence and only had a few disputes over whose tennis ball it really was; It was always Lady's. 

Hemi was a young pup of less than a year who visited for a few days and fit into the groove with the others. All three dogs running around the house with people in and out, it was stressful just to keep track of what was happening and who was involved with it.

Our time spent in the San Diego area usually involved going to Ocean Beach for a meal of burritos on the beach or to watch the sunset over dinner at the Sunset Cliffs. Additionally, we explored the vastness of Balboa Park which had something for everyone including numerous museums and a dozen gardens, a large playground for the kids and miles of walking trails to enjoy.

The weather was exceptional the whole time aside from the chilly nights and the blazing heat of the sunny afternoons. A dip in the pool would give a quick cool off for the really hot moments.

Additional activities included abalone shell and gem hunting with John (roommate) and his sister who was in town. We also participated in the Grunion Run; a fishy mating ritual of the Grunion who, at the full moon, will use the high tide to skim the sands, wriggle into the moist sea grit to lay eggs and then make their way back into the surf all under cover of darkness. The humans however have caught onto this ritual and are allowed to catch (by hand) these fish to eat. Shadowy figures with head and hand lamps ran through the surf to catch these quick creatures as they lay and go away. Quite a sight.

We also found the time to visit the Kolby Flea Market which was a whole dollar to enter. I bought a new camel back water pack for hiking and Liz picked up some brass bells which she restrung from black paracord and tied to the Gnome entrance for a pleasant chime upon enter, exit or any major movement in the camper.

Finally, we made sure to visit Fiesta Island twice for their island dog beach right near Sea World. It gave Ziggy and later on, Lady, the chance to explore the sand, sun and surf without being distracted by too many other dogs like a park would. Ziggy learned what waves were. He also practiced his doggy paddle skills.

Parting the mansion lifestyle and all its glory to return to the Gnome lyfestile was difficult but a necessary step to get back on the road with our travels. While in SD, numerous people recommended we visit Ojai CA to experience  the uniqueness of it. We plotted our trip to have a overnight in Ojai on our way to Tahoe. The road to our campsite took us up a mountainous winding road in the Los Padres range and we hoped this spot wouldnt be a dud like Bernadino. The car arrived to the site which had a drop toilet, bear proof garbages and its own ground squirrel  mafia. We dropped off the camper to move around town easier. Exploring Ojai for the better part of the afternoon, we came to realize that this town was something out of a utopia novel with overpriced niche shops and a very caring community. The vibe however didnt really stick with us and we ended up heading back to camp around 6 for a meal. Little did we know this meal would involve skinning a rattle snake and cooking the meat for a little extra protein brought to us by a scraggily looking man named Bob.

This story can be found in more detail at Liz's blog HERE.

Out of Ojai desert mountains (3k amsl), we travelled North through a flat grasslands (250' amsl) and back up the Carson Pass (8k amsl) into Hope Valley for the Scotts Lake Campground. Arriving in the late afternoon, we scouted the sites for availability at this first come-first serve free campground. Options were limited but we opted for a smaller, more private site backed up against the hill with views of evergreen trees, snow capped mountains and a vast seasonal meadow. Over the course of the week we spent there, the population for the 4th of July weekend grew from a dozen to about quadruple that with a wide variety of toys including dune buggies, atv's, dirt bikes, horses and military grade jeeps and mega trucks. It was a little exciting to see who was dusting up the trail towards us each time.

A dirt road at the campground lead up a rocky path to adventure. With a sign suggesting that motor vehicles might not want to wandering  that way, we journied with the Subarus AWD. The trail led through a beautiful forest with humongous trees and eventually to Scotts Lake with clear water and amazing views of the mountain range. The second time we went up, we took the dog for a swim on our own private beach. 10/10 would visit again.

On our third night, we were just about asleep when we heard a car pull up alongside the Subaru. We peeked the blinds to see a white Prius with two passengers. OMG Shayna and Ki arrived!! Liz and my sense of calendar was off by a day. We expected them the next evening. Luckily we had spent a majority of that day performing fixes and clean up for their arrival. We greeted them and collected their packs for the holiday weekend. Calling it a night early, we tucked in for fun adventures tomorrow.

The four of us made the half hour drive into South Lake Tahoe to explore and find out what its about. The visitor center was able to provide maps and info on the best swimming spots and the attached free museum provides insight into the areas history as a mountain lumber town with a resort aspect. After the region had been decimated of its trees, the lumber yards faded but the lake front resorts remained for the elite and wealthy. Of course some of the trees have grown back but other areas have been scaped without reverse.

Our beach choice for the day was Secret Beach, which wasnt very secret, on the east shore of the lake. We waded with wake boats and sailors alike. The clear water which is visible to a depth of 76' provided a nice chill to the heat of the afternoon on the beach. 

The night was spent by a campfire cooking up amazing meals and of course s'mores.

The next day was a relaxed sunday morning exploring a nearby scrub land with a lush stream running through it. The slight change in elevation provided drastic difference bettween who got water and who didnt.

In the evening, we travelled to Kings Beach on the north coast of the lake for 3rd of July fireworks. They were fantastic but the traffic out of town was hellish. Fireworks ended around 10 and we returned to camp by midnight. A good night sleep was had by all.

Shayna and Ki's short stay with the Gnome came to a close Monday around noon after some rousing rounds of board and card games. We were sad to see them go but greatly enjoyed their company in the beautiful Tahoe region.

The days post the holiday weekend were spent in recuperation, reflection and relaxation. Our current status is a bit lost as to where we are heading. Liz is convinced she urgently needs employment so we are set to seek out opportunities in the northwest states including but not limited to N. Cali, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Colarado. . . We are looking for loose employment with a natural setting and limited hours. Just something to refill the coffers and make sure we can still feed and fuel ourselves. Should you the reader know something that may fit the bill, obviously drop us a line. We are fairly flexible on skill sets and locations with the exception for Ziggy and the Gnome of course.

Thanks for reading!