Day 2

January 14^th 8:00am we are dispatched to the “shop” to get our task assignments for the day. It was rumored that our favorite ranger Katie had a long list for us, but morale was high and we had quickly grown fond of Katie’s antics to keep us on our toes.  It’s Saturday and the park quickly filled with manatee fanatics. We were split up into small groups and spread throughout the park doing jobs to keep the park clean and orderly on the busy day. Trucks were washed, roofs were cleared of leaf debris, trails were trimmed, litter was picked, and trash cans and bathrooms were scrubbed spic and span. Although the tasks may have seemed petty, keeping the park tidy, presentable, and functioning smoothly is a top priority for such a popular park among families, school trips, and tourists visiting everyday. It was rewarding when visitors noticed what we were doing and voiced their appreciation for our hard work. (Finally getting to drive the golf carts may also have contributed to our motivation) Working in pairs or smaller groups allowed us to work efficiently within the park to accomplish what would’ve normally taken the rangers multiple days to complete, as well as getting to know each other better individually apart from our group. 

After working, we again retired to our humble bunkhouse to enjoy the time off our feet and each other’s company. Later on after dinner, Katie showed up again to interrupt our rousing game of charades to take us on her legendary “night hike”. We didn’t quite know what to expect, but knew we certainly couldn’t be disappointed. Teaching us a few of her tricks such as the secrets of Rodobson (not to be confused with Robitussin) in improving your night vision and simulating a bat’s echolocation with a game of Bat and Moth. All festivities were well received and were followed with a restful night’s sleep for the busy day that lay ahead of us.

Emily "Em" Milanak