I’ve sat down several times this summer to share with you what’s been happening in my life—both with Vermont State Parks and on the road as I ride the scenic byways of this beautiful state. However, each time, I felt like I was missing something important from before or that I wasn’t sharing enough, even though so many things had happened. In my last post, I briefly talked about my journey back to Vermont’s parks. Since coming home, I’ve trained a brand-new team at Boulder Beach State Park, which, from my perspective, helped make this its best year in the six seasons I’ve managed it—and my best year in the 14 seasons I’ve worked overall.
With new people coming into the parks community, I spend more time at the park to help them feel confident and capable throughout the day. My assistant manager, Lexi, often called me a “workaholic,” and while that might be true, I love what I do. As the season progressed, she and one of my park attendants, Chris, would often kick me out of the park to enjoy some quiet time at home with the cats or, on nice, quiet days, to take a ride. I couldn’t have been more appreciative of the folks I worked with this summer. Each of them brought unique personalities and skills that made Boulder Beach so successful.
This summer was the first where I had no major incidents with patrons or staff—huge! Sure, we had a few unruly guests and minor staff slip-ups, but nothing my team or I couldn’t handle, and that made me one proud manager!
A personal achievement this summer was completing the entire Vermont State Parks Passport. It was released on June 5, and I completed it over eight non-consecutive days during my days off or quiet, rainy days at the park. Vermont experienced catastrophic flooding in July, and park rehabilitation became my top priority. Over about two weeks, my team, along with contractors and maintenance, worked to fix roads, paths, and the beach so we could reopen for patrons. This slowed my progress, but by July, I camped at my last park, Bomoseen State Park. and finished visiting the last handful of parks the following day. I completed all 49 participating parks, and to my knowledge, was the first to do so!
I’ve started blogs about each park experience, where I’ll share when I visited, details of the rides, and which parks were my favorite. I’ll also talk about which ones are best for two-wheeled travelers like me. Vermont’s dirt roads can be tricky, especially for newer riders without dirt/gravel experience. I have lots of pictures too—mostly of me, helmeted, in front of park signs!
This summer, I worked harder than ever to be present for the park I’m so blessed to run and for my new staff. Each morning, I prayed for God to bless my team, the patrons who came to enjoy His beautiful landscapes, and the Contact Station. I asked for patience and to allow both the park and myself to be beacons of service. Working in parks isn’t about the paycheck, being “the best,” or even the benefits. For some of us, it’s a way of life. I’m realizing this is my career, and it’s become more than just a seasonal job or a filler between semesters (which is how it started).
I’ve noticed that some parks strive to be “better” than others, driven by the department’s “Park of the Year” award, which, after this season, I think is a bit of a sham. It’s great that the department wants to recognize greatness, but with 55 state parks, awarding just 4 (one in each region) seems unfair. No one park is better than another, and while I’ve never won “Park of the Year,” I know this year, my team was exceptional, and the park had an outstanding season. That’s enough for me.
I’m excited to return next year, not to be “the best,” but to create a space where people can enjoy nature. I look forward to helping my staff grow in ways that may surprise them. As a leader, I take pride in providing a workplace where people want to come in, be themselves, and learn something new. I can’t wait to take what I’ve learned this summer and apply it when I return next season.
As the park season came to an end, I reflected on where I was this time last year—packed and on my motorcycle, ready for a month-long adventure across the U.S. This year looks a little different. When my park closed, I was asked to extend to another park to help them close out their season, which ends in mid-October. Lexi extended with me, so we’ll be closing it down together, and I’ll be leaving Vermont at the end of October—brr!
I had a bad experience with pet care last winter, so this time, I’ll be traveling with my cats. But, since temperatures in Vermont can drop into the 40s and below freezing in November, I won’t be taking off on two wheels this year. Instead, I have a huge announcement: I bought a van!
This was a major life purchase. My mechanic, located at Mikes Garage in Woodsville, NH, told me my 2006 Honda CR-V was done for. So, I nonchalantly started looking around and eventually found a 1998 Econoline 250 converted into a camper van. After a thorough inspection, I made an offer. Weeks later, I got a text: the van was mine!
I’d been stressed about what to do, but when I saw the van parked with a Vermont Parks Forever sticker on the bumper, I felt like it was fate. After a test drive with my neighboring park manager Don, I prayed and left it in God’s hands. If the van was part of His plan, it would happen—and it did!
Now, I just need to get a few things ready to tow my bike, and I’ll be off in my camper van, cats too!
That brings me to my next question: Does anyone have suggestions for helping cats travel well? Both Brando and Cleo struggle with traveling—one cries and throws up, the other has nervous accidents. Any tips on calming collars or medicine, like Dramamine for cats? Help!
Also, for those with camper van experience—what advice do you have about Ford vans, towing, or general van life? I’m here to learn!
As I head out on this new journey, I want to share what you’re interested in. When you think about traveling a couple thousand miles in a camper van with two cats and a motorcycle, what comes to mind? Let me know! I’m excited to bring you along for the ride.
Fuel My Journey with a Cup of Coffee or a Tank of Gas! ☕️⛽️
Hey friend!
Embarking on this journey has been a whirlwind of excitement and challenges. Your support means the world to me. If you’ve enjoyed following my adventures, consider making a small gesture that fuels not just my bike, but my spirit too.
Would you mind donating a cup of coffee or a tank of gas? Every little bit helps keep the wheels turning and the stories flowing. Your generosity propels me forward, one mile at a time.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of this incredible journey. Your support keeps the adventure alive!
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