April 27, 2022
We officially do not start until May 1. Steve gave us today off. It was a good day to go to town for groceries, etc. We went into Custer. It is a small town about 5 minutes away. There is one large grocery store, Lynn’s Dakota Mart and a Family Dollar and a small organic store. We found the organic store first. Just checking things out. We parked and walked a little and looked at shops and restaurants. I’m sure this little town will be hopping in a few weeks. Didn’t find anything at the store but on the walk we did discover the Custer Candy Company. We met Erin and had a great talk. We decided that a few samples of the local cuisine was a must. We each chose a couple of items but we each had to try the snickerdoodle truffle. WOW!! All of their truffles and chocolates are made by them on site. Excellent place.
We found Lynn’s and it was a very nice store. Well stocked. I will miss my Boar’s Head Meats and Cheeses. And no Yuengling beer. However, there is a brewery/restaurant right on the main drag (Mt. Rushmore Road). You know I’ll check that one out.
At 4:00PM we had orientation. At least 4 of us. The other two couples have not arrived yet. Steve showed us the office and the locations of important places for us. He took us around and explained the basic duties and that there will be special projects from time to time. Our work schedule is work 3 days one week and 4 the next. Nancy will be working in the office, handling reservations, handling the gift shop, etc. I will be working outside, cleaning sites, maybe staining buildings, cleaning bath houses, building something, etc. We both work the same day but not at the same time. I’ll work from 9:00AM to 1:00PM or from 1:00PM to 5:00PM. Nancy will work 12:00PM to 4:00PM or 4:00PM to 8:00PM. Only 4 hours a day.
Cathy and Belinda are very nice and we hit it off. We all decided that tomorrow, we would help Steve get the campground ready. We would start cleaning sites for the first arrivals. Steve was busy with a couple of water leaks, and other business. At least we can help and do something. It will also give us a chance to get to know the campground. There are 100 sites, some basic tent, some electric tent sites, some RV. They also have 2 cabins and 4? barrels and 2 tepees they rent out. There are a lot of Ponderosa Pines on site. Raking needles will be done a lot. Fortunately there are two tractor mounted rakes which will make it easier.
