"Outdoor U"

While at our workamper assignment last week Judy and I learned about "Outdoor U."  Each year about this time and also in the fall Blanton Creek Park is the setting for "Outdoor U".   I kinda thought at first it would have something to do with a college/univ. outdoor education program. Yes,  colleges/univs. do offer degree programs in this educational area.  In fact,  one of my colleagues at the middle school I taught with had a PhD in this area.   As we found out however,  this "Outdoor Univ. had nothing to do with traditional academia. 

Andy Holt (2L) of Outdoor Univ.

We found that Outdoor Univ. is a program  facilitated by Andy Holt.  The students are HVAC techs, installers, and manager/owners.  Andy presents the seminar over a 3 day period. The class size is usually between 4-15 students.  The focus of the training is communication & leadership skills training. Training is tailored for each group and there is plenty of individual interaction.  What a great training concept, not in some boring hotel conference room but out in the great outdoors.  Yes, the students sleep in tents. I must say Blanton Creek is a wonderful setting.  Judy and I found Andy to be a friendly and charming man.  As a side note,  he got a visit from his new baby grandaughter during his visit with us. The experience was very humbling for him!  Andy will do his part to spoil her.

Students "camp" one per tent - some sites have two tents.

I must mention the two other members of the staff, Mike and Kelly.  They made sure the students did not go hungry.  In fact, they prepared 5 star meals for the students. Oh, and they always made sure to remember the park hosts - Jim and Judy. Judy and I can't wait until the next class. Judy said she was going to volunteer to help Mike and Kelly so she can learn how to cook those great quesadillas that Mike and Kelly sent us.

Mike - Chef (MMMM.....) 

Kelly(R) - Assistant Chef

This delicious meal was sent to us by Mike

This just goes to show you never know who you will meet in a campground.  Thanks to all at "Outdoor U" for making our first week so unique.

Doesn't Judy look like a happy camper! (ignore the mop in the background)

Thanks for stopping by. We will be returning to the park Tue.

Next post Wed.

Spring Time at the Park

Judy and I returned to Blanton Creek Park on Tue.  We found the park in full spring bloom.  The temps were in the mid to high 70's and the skies were blue.

Our friends from Outdoor Univ. were in the park.  Tue evening a few of their students arrived for a two day seminar. Chef Mike always makes sure he remembers Judy and I at meal time.  It was good seeing Andy and Kelly too. Andy has been using the park as the setting for his training sessions for a few years now. To read more about the mission of Outdoor Univ. click here.

Outdoor Univ. Tents

You never know who or what will show up at the park!

Blooming Dogwoods are here. The fishing is great now and the campers are so nice. Thanks to Steve and Linda for the delicious baked crappie fish dish.

That is all for now. Thanks for stopping by.
Next Blog: Sun

The Ending Summer

My how time has flown, here we are celebrating the traditional end of summer-Labor Day Weekend. This is the last weekend that Blanton Creek Park will be open and the end of our workamper time here. Judy and I will be staying here in "chill" capacity after we shut the gate at 9PM Labor Day until Sun. Sept. 8th. We will use the week to get all of our travel preps done.

The park is at near capacity with 49 of the 51 sites rented. We were busy checking campers in most of Friday afternoon with the last straggler showing up at 9:45 PM. Many of our regulars are here this weekend. Judy and I will be sharing the news with many of them that we won't be returning next year. Like any job it is sad to say good-bye. We thought about not mentioning  we would not be back next year but decided that would not be the right thing to do. Many campers have certainly made us feel welcome here.

We were surprised when Andy (Outdoor Univ.) called and told us he would be bringing us dinner and visiting with us awhile at the office. Andy has been a great friend throughout our time here.
Andy stopped by with dinner for us from "Hunters Pub" (including 3 different desserts)!

The "Big One Didn't Get Away! (Hybrid Bass AKA as Striper)

Dusk at Lake Harding

Time to head home.

That is all for now. Thanks for stopping by and your comments and feedback.
Next Blog:Tue