living full time in a rv

Living life as a Work Kamper

We are smack in the middle of the busy summer season here at the Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA.  With 50 to 70 check-ins a day, Dave and I have found ourselves working long hours.  Granted, it will slow down in about a month, but in the meantime, our schedules are pretty busy.

living full time in a rv

We eat when we find a moment… and some meals are just plain peanut butter and jelly.

Work Kamping this time of year means dealing with crowds, tired campers, children on sugar highs, problems with guests not getting along, occasional backed up toilets, and all around craziness.  I work the office and it seems that everyone shows up all at once and dealing with 10 checkins at a time, with RVs lined up as far as you can see, can be quite intimidating.

bar harbor oceanside koa maine

Dave and I both work hard to keep the guests happy.  Sometimes it is as simple as helping their children learn how to use the rental bikes, or directing a guest to our favorite restaurant.  Sometimes it is much more difficult than that.  There are some folks that just won’t ever be happy.  We just do our best.

living full time in a rv

Working long shifts means that I often end up working in the evenings and early morning on my websites.  Of course, there are worse things than sitting by a campfire and writing on my website.

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The dogs have been doing well.  Of course one main thing we had to all adjust to was the fact that we have to regularly take them for walks rather than just put them in the backyard.  Yep, living full time in a RV means that you are quite familiar with everyone’s daily routine.

Sometimes a little too familiar.

living full time in a rv

So I learned something new this week.  Never wrap the leash around your finger.  You see, when a 20 lb. Chihuahua/Pug happens to notice a squirrel in the distance and accelerates from zero to fifty in less than two seconds flat, the finger has a bit of problem keeping up with it.

I ended up with a badly dislocated finger, and torn tendons.  Oh, and my wedding rings didn’t fair very well either.  Someday when I can get a ring back on my finger, I’ll have a jeweler reassemble them.

Let’s just say I finally got a day off.  LOL!

living full time in a rv

Work Kamping isn’t for everyone, and there is definitely a lot of work involved.  But, there are good things too!  Like getting off after a long tiring day and being stopped by the Lobster Guy on site who just so happens to have a couple lobster dinners ready for you!

(Ignore the dirty dishes in the photo- dirty dishes are a common occurrence during the busy season! )  LOL!

living full time in a rv

There are the times we get to enjoy a good dinner at one of the fabulous restaurants in the area with our friends and coworkers!

living full time in a rv

…trying out new and delicious meals.  (Crab Cakes courtesy of The Burning Tree Restaurant in Bar Harbor).

living full time in a rv

…and the fun of exploring this beautiful area of the world!

living full time in a rv

This season at Bar Harbor KOA has been very exciting for us.  It is our first taste of working at a campground.  While not everything runs as smoothy as we would like, we wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.

living full time in a rv

The beautiful sights of Mount Desert Island are something we will remember always.  Last week, we took a break on one of our days off and hiked one of the trails along the shoreline of Acadia National Park.

living full time in a rv

Rock Climbing?  Well, maybe that is something we just pretend to do.

living full time in a rv

The vistas are amazing here.  And the journey to get here is worth the effort.

living full time in a rv

We are half way through our Work Kamping experience here and will be moving on in October to our next destination.  Where that is, we currently do not know.

That is the thrill of the journey, right?

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10 thoughts on “Living life as a Work Kamper”

  1. I really enjoyed reading this post and seeing the pictures of you and Dave. I miss being up there with you guys! The “rock climbing” photo is funny. I can’t wait to find out where you will be this Winter.

  2. I do like how you tell of the good things, and some of the not so good things when many campers descend on the camp all at once. I know you both will handle it all with kindness, and take heart that September will be a slower month again. Looking forward to seeing where you go next.

    In May my husband James was told he had terminal liver cancer. He only was ill for two and a half months before he died on July 2nd. Shock to everyone as he did not seem ill at all until end of April. Just missed the signs which were too subtle for even routine doctor checkups to catch. So bittersweet summer for me. But I do like hearing of your adventures as I pack up my house for living in town, since I don’t drive. This may take a while!

    1. Hi Karen,
      I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. What a shock for you. I will keep both you and your family in my thoughts and prayers! Take care of yourself and please accept my condolences in this difficult time!

      suzy

  3. WORK is a four letter word 🙂 You’re right about it not being for everyone. Glad you guys were able to adapt and are enjoying yourselves. I do miss Mr. Pinchers.

  4. Ouch Suzy, Hope these fingers are better soon. Shame about your rings too. I had a similar experience once with unseen barbed wire in hedge I was weeding. Walked in hospital with wire hanging onto my hand LOL . Had to have twisted rings cut off.
    Love hearing how you are all doing on your wonderful journey.
    Take care, and enjoy.

    1. Hi Heather!
      Ow! Barbed wire and twisted rings is just as bad! Hope your hand survived okay. My finger is “buddy wrapped” to the one next to it for the next six weeks, but it really isn’t hurting much any more.

      Thank you so much for following along! I am trying to get some more posts out this week. I am so far behind! Lots of great photos, lots of sights to see, and so much to do!

      suzy

  5. Love keeping up with your daily things. The lobster and crab cakes look yummy. Take care of those fingers and don’t work too hard. Take care

    1. Hi Teri!

      Thank you so much for stopping by! This is truly a beautiful part of the country! We are very excited that we are able to share some of what we are doing and seeing!

      suzy

  6. Daniel wants to know what would have happened had you had your newest granddog “stitch” for that walk lol. I misssssssss you MOMMMMMAAAAA 11 more weeks 🙂

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