St. Augustine: Anastasia State Park, Late October

After spending three months at Anastasia State Park, I realized we would be leaving in two weeks on November 1st.  The surprise is not that we were leaving but that the time went so quickly.  

Early morning October sun through the oaks

We arrived in mid-July to assist my mother and eventually change her place of residence.  While we were at the park it just so happened a volunteer canceled for August and we were available, this was fortunate for everyone as our scheduled volunteer dates were September and October.  

Pelicans riding the air currents
Heading south for the winter?

So here we are in mid-October when it is northeaster season and the beach collects extra debris. It can be an exciting time with high tides, rough surf, and brisk winds. Then after the storm passes you get cooler days with crystal clear skies which are brilliant blue in the day and totally starry at night.

Notice the reeds washed in with the high tides
It is a bit cooler now...
people are wearing slacks and jackets

While volunteering you meet many wonderful people:  park rangers, resident volunteers, park friends, locals, and park guests.  There is so much to learn from each person so I am blessed to be a part of the volunteer community.

Park Manager Warren (right)
Jamming at a park event

Park friends:  Chuck & Kayla
Park Ranger: Mark
Jamming at another park event

Park rangers have an amazing tolerance for human nature, mistakes, and problems.  I bet one of the classes at the Florida Park Service Ranger School is "Making Lemonade from Sour Oranges" because every ranger is wonderful in dealing with the public and taking every situation into stride.

Lucy... one of our team mates
Always smiling

Lynette and Bill, volunteers
veterans of many parks

There is no "Volunteer School"; however, each park holds an orientation session that helps you learn the duties and more important the culture of the park and the Florida Park System.  It seems only the folks who continue to volunteer have a strong work ethic, enjoy people and hard work, and strive to make each day a bit better for both themselves and others.  Perhaps that is the best part of volunteering with the Florida Park System.

Shaun and Marj... park guests
A few of the delightful people you meet

The park guests are always a treat... well sometimes there are grumpy clients... but for the most part people are happy and helpful.  The above couple stayed in our service area for ten days so we had time to get acquainted and make friends.

October morning at the beach

Another benefit of volunteering in the state parks is the scenery.  How can you be unhappy when you awake to the sound of the ocean, birds, or a stream?  You can't complain when the scenery is beautiful and nature is in full bloom.  

Looking north from the boardwalk
Salt run, Light house, Vilano Beach bridge

Let me end with an old saying to remind me that hard days are not that hard, the rainy days not so damp, the cold not so bitter, and the love of friends and family ever present...

All's well that ends well.