Olustee Depot. Really?

Richard and I have been train fans for years, so when the Osceola National Forest made plans to reopen a historic railroad depot, we talked with them about changing our volunteer status from camp hosts at Ocean Pond Campground, where we were slated to be until May, to hosts of the Olustee Beach Day Use Area, the Landing Group Campground and the Olustee Depot Visitors Center. After some adjustments to accommodate our faith, the transfer was set and we moved over to Olustee Beach.

I am happy with the move and love the Polaris!

The idea that we would ever get such a perfect assignment really never crossed my mind. We would take care of the Depot and the group camping facility and fill in for another host two days a week taking care of the boat ramp and other day use facilities.

The boat ramp is open and used 24-hours a day!

That's what was intended and that's how it started a month ago, but then the other host had a family medical issue arrive and had to leave, so... 

The Depot, Really!

We operate the Depot three days a week and the day use area is open every day. It includes a 24-hour boat ramp, improved swimming beach, playground, outdoor game area, covered picnic facilities... you name it. Very well appointed with rest rooms and hot showers, it is a popular recreation area. We open up each morning and lock up the day use area each night. So we truly live in a gated community!

The Beach is being readied for warm weather use.

It is peaceful here and quiet at night. There is a fair amount of use in the daytime and we hear that really picks up as the weather warms and summer approaches. Water facilities always attract fun loving folks. We hope another volunteer is brought in before things get really crazy, though. We've agreed to stay until October.

Home Sweet Home... for a while.

So, we have a private paradise and get to operate a depot... how amazing is that? Lots of work, though. But then, we are volunteers, and that's what we came for. Soon as we get caught up, we'll set up our screen tent, oh, and try to get around to posting some blogs looking back at some of our other wonderful domiciles.

Meanwhile, Richard and I are having a blast!