We arrived at the Carlsbad KOA on Friday, May 26th, and hit the ground running. We had Saturday off to get settled and began working on Sunday. When you go camping, you are aware of the fact that each campground has its own unique characteristics and amenities. However, when you work at several campgrounds, the differences are much more apparent. There are always nuances that we have to figure out and learn to deal with. On top of that, obviously the owners/managers and other workampers are different so you have new personalities and quirks to mesh with. It's all good here but it just takes getting used to. One has to be flexible to live this kind of lifestyle.
So far, it appears that I will be the person in charge of the kitchen. Initially during our phone interview, the thought was that I would be responsible for keeping the kitchen inventory stocked. They had already hired someone to be the cook. However, that couple quit just days before we got here due to a family emergency. When we arrived on the scene, I offered to give it a shot. Fortunately the dinner preparation isn't so much cooking as it is assembling. They smoke all the barbecue here — ribs, brisket and pulled pork — portion it and then freeze it. When I realized that we have to microwave each portion to defrost and heat it I was disappointed, thinking it would not be good quality. Boy was I wrong! The meat is absolutely amazing and incredibly delicious. Anyway, we make the potato salad and pinto beans too. Other items are available and are quite good but frankly, anyone who orders something besides the BBQ is just, ummmm, not smart. (My mother told me not to say "stupid.") Although the last couple of days have been very busy, overall I am enjoying the work in the kitchen.
Wayne and I are also in charge of the Sunday morning breakfast. Now that does require actual cooking, and although I am a perfectly capable cook, it is very different making pancakes and eggs to order for several people on a flat top when you aren't used to it. I found it fairly stressful ... hope it gets easier.
On top of the kitchen stuff, I am also in the office covering lunches and time between shifts for some of the other workampers. Wayne is doing what he loves most with mowing, escorting campers, etc. Overall we are pleased with what we have found at this KOA. So far everyone is nice and friendly, and it is great being part of a team again — something we haven't had since the summer of 2011 in Maine.
