April 6-11, 2014

Little Manatee River State Park

Wimauma, FL

 Sunday

It was so hot we pretty much stayed inside the entire day. 

 After dinner it had cooled off enough for us to take a bike ride.

Monday

 At 8:30 we made our way across the field for a scheduled meeting to discuss what tasks needed to be tackled for the upcoming Spring Fling event that will take place on Saturday.

One of the other volunteers informed us that the meeting had been cancelled because our volunteer coordinator was not feeling well.  Monte offered to help another volunteer to paint bathrooms.  

I took advantage of the free time to do some laundry.

After Monte had been gone an hour or so it occurred to me that he hadn’t brought water with him so I rode my bike down to where he was working to bring him his water bottle and a snack bar.

He took a break to show me the launch area where the rented canoes and kayaks are kept.  

  The more I see of this park the more I like it.

Tuesday

We spent almost the entire day inside due to heavy rains.  Late in the afternoon the rain let up enough for Monte to help one of the other volunteers install a window air conditioner in the newly-built meeting room.   When we had attended a meeting in the room the previous week it was stifling so I was happy to see an air conditioner being installed.

Wednesday

Monte put in a full day today-first helping one of the volunteers black top the parking lot and then assisting the volunteer coordinator erect several tents.

 

 

 

 I worked a few hours on the job I was given-creating a schedule for the Spring Fling event on Saturday.

 

 Annie ventured out but was surprised when Peaches came over for a visit.

 Not having ever had any contact with a dog before I thought Annie would have been afraid-but she wasn't.  She did jump back on the stairs to show this was her territory.

Thursday

  Monte was assigned as crew leader for the parking lot so we were also were tasked with coming up with a parking plan that allowed room for horse trailers.   

 

 After much discussion we finally agreed on a plan and set about spray painting lines for spaces leaving room for two roadways.

A couple of our helpers.

 

We also took advantage of having a cart to explore one of the trails.

Friday

Most of the morning we spent making more signs.   

 

 I was also tasked with making name tags for the volunteers.

After attending a final meeting in the afternoon to discuss the assignments for the Spring Fling and tie up loose ends we were sent home to relax—we anticipated a long day at the Spring Fling.