Hooray, it’s camp-hosting season, that time of year where we have the honor and privilege of living for free in gorgeous natural settings while volunteering for Washington state parks. We’re thrilled.

After traveling in our RV for much of the fall and winter, it’s nice to be parked for a while in the PNW.

Think it sounds intriguing? Here’s a day-in-the-life breakdown of our routine at Whidbey Island’s Fort Casey Historical State Park, where we work Thursday through Monday at Admiralty Head LIghthouse.

Good morning! The host site is tucked away on its own and is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever parked – period. It’s especially glorious when the sun’s shining, and those sunny days are popping up more often as we get into May.

We spend the early part of the day sipping coffee, working out the daily Wordle, reading the news and otherwise taking care of business. Then, we try to go for a walk or a bike ride before our shift begins at noon.

Shift begins: This is our second stint at this very special spot -- we volunteered here last year -- and we’re still learning more about the history of Fort Casey and Whidbey Island every day.

Our primary function at the lighthouse is to direct traffic at the front door. “Restrooms are that way.” “Exhibit is this way.” “Only five at a time up into the lighthouse tower, please.” And … “No, sorry, Fido has to stay outside.”

We’re also in charge of keeping the place clean, stocking brochures, occasionally filling in on the cash register in the gift shop and locking up when the doors close at 4.

Rewards of the gig: We enjoy all of the fun conversations with visitors from near and far, eavesdropping on the talks by the knowledgeable docents and getting lots of steps in walking up and down those twisty stairs in the lighthouse.

While sometimes we finish the shift feeling as spent as if we’d run Bloomsday, there’s always that stunning view to drink in on the short “commute” home on our bikes. It’s one of the reasons we’re here, the vast Salish Sea changing constantly and looking especially stunning on our post-dinner walks along the bluff.

Dinner is served: And speaking of the most important meal of the day… Leslie managed to snag a magnificent piece of Skagit River king salmon and some Dungeness crab from her fave fish sellers, Lummi Seafood Market, before leaving Bellingham. If you’re ever in the ‘Ham, check it out -- these native fish sellers have a fantastic selection.

On our first days at Fort Casey, we celebrated being in this special place with grilled salmon on the first evening and crab cakes on our second, feasts enjoyed under a canopy of towering Douglas firs.

Exploring the island: Beyond the camp life, there’s the endlessly interesting island. We’re excited to get back to the Bayview Farmers Market and Leslie can’t wait to shop at the fabulous farm stands, almost all run on the honor system. Venmo makes it all so easy these days.

And, hmmm, wonder what’s playing at the retro-cool Blue Fox Drive-In near Oak Harbor? Historic Coupeville is just down the road and Port Townsend is just a quick ferry trip away across gorgeous Admiralty Inlet.

Check us out online

We’re posting Whidbey updates on Facebook (Facebook.com/goingmobiletravel) and Instagram (Instagram.com/goingmobiletravel). You’ll also find all of our content at Spokesman.com/going-mobile, along with stories from our globetrotting buddy Dan Webster.  Dan recently posted about Oaxaca, Mexico.

 

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