Where are We This July 2010
It all starts with a phone call: We hadn't planned on this as we sort of pre-planned our summer to center around our Sons and their families since we missed out on a lot of grandkid hugs last summer----but----when Ranger Mike called to see if we would be available to Host at Andersen Lake State Park-------------
How Could We Refuse.
Several years ago Kathleen and I drove in to Andersen Lake State Park and encountered yellow police tape strung across the road prohibiting vehicular entry. The park had been closed due to a recent discovery of a toxic algae Bloom that had apparently sickened several dogs who had drunk from the lake after hiking with their masters. All had been treated by the same Vet, and the link to the lake water was suspected. EPA testing confirmed the high level of toxicity.
We left the car and hiked to the Lake and discovered one of the most pristine spots we have ever visited in all our travels. There was an unoccupied Host Site with full hook-ups and our curiosity caused us to do some research to find out who to contact and see if we could perhaps apply for the Volunteer Host Position.
Ranger Mike Zimmerman took our call and in spite of having all the people he needed invited us to submit an application. He stopped by the RV park we were staying in at the time to drop off the application and in so doing conducted an interview of sorts with the both of us. That was three years ago!
Some time around the end of April Mike sent us an e-mail wanting to know if we were available for the summer to Host at Andersen Lake. We responded to let him know that our plans for most of the summer were committed, however, if for some reason he could use us for just one month we would consider it. He responded and said he could use us for the month of July and would pencil us in. We responded back and told him to put it in ink as we would be there. I guess you can tell by the pictures above we are on site and ready to assume our Volunteer Duties. Mike has been away on some family matters and we won't hear from him or anyone until after the holiday so in the meantime we will just enjoy the beautiful view.
