Purpose of my post is to relate my first experience with the NPS at Cape Lookout Nat. Seashore and to solicit comments about whether my experience was typical. Three parts, the good, the not-so-good, and the uncontrollable.
The good: I was contacted about 60 days prior to my start date, the volunteer coordinator was very accessable and answered all my questions quickly. I was scheduled to start Feb 1st but due to illness was delayed until Feb 15...no problem, get here as soon as you can. Full hook up site, with a terrific view of the sound and barrier island. Lots of wooded area on both sides to block the wind (see uncontrollable), and pretty easy access to park the rig. A short walk to work so I didn't have to drive. I worked four 8 hour days and was off Sun, Mon, Tue. The work (in the Visitor Center) was easy, fun, with lots of visitors to talk to. The staff, from the Superintendent to the maintenance crew was congenial and helpful.
The not so good: The site was sandy and the wind blows most of the time so it was almost impossible to keep a rug or mat in place and I got a lot of sand in the TT. There was a holy tree right in the way so I couldn't use the awning but it was so windy I probably wouldn't put it out anyway. The government has a rule or proceedure for EVERYTHING, so getting a decision pretty much took an act of Congress. I needed a sign on and password for the computer so I could check the weather and water temp on the NOAA site...had to take a three hour class online and pass a test on computer security, then my supervisor, her supervisor, his supervisor had to sign off on it, then send it to the regional office for approval...just to get the damn weather report, which I could access on my phone. Been here five weeks, leaving on Mar 30 and still don't have the sign on...ridiculus.
The uncontrollable: The weather was erractic as it's been all over the country, nice for a few days and not so great others. The wind blows most of the time and sometimes pretty hard so you have to be careful with awnings, etc. The area, due to it's proximity to the beaches is pretty pricey as far as gas, groceries, resturants, etc. There is a bit of hostility with the locals over the park "taking the barrier islands" about 35 years ago (get over it), but for the most part they were pretty nice, particularly when I told them I really felt sorry for them but it didn't have a dog in that fight.
During the season there are a lot of volunteer jobs available, some with RV sites, some with housing. Overall it was a very good experience. Any comments would be appreciated.
