A few stories from Gaviota

3/15/11 Our flag halyard parted today leaving the American flag jammed in the block at the top and the CA flag on the kiosk roof (have I mentioned that Gaviota is famous for it's winds?). It just so happened that the head of Maintenance came through (first time I've seen her in the park in 2 1/2 months) and Gail reported the problem. Said the head of Maintenance, "Just hijack a fire truck or a Cal-Trans truck and get them to get the flag down".

3/11/11  The park closes at sunset.  Well after dark tonight a fellow walked past the closed and locked gate, through the empty campground and knocked on our door.  "Is the the campground closed?" he asked.

3/2/11 Our pier is being worked on and as a result is closed with numerous signs to this affect posted.  The following conversation was reported to me by the job superintendent.   Worker to visitor strolling on the pier, "Sir, I'm sorry but the pier is closed."  Visitor, "I know, I walked by the sign."

2/12/11 Our auto pay machine dispenses change with dollar coins (silver dollars but most are gold colored).  Not everyone wants 10 silver dollars in their pocket so we always tell people in advance.  Today I had a lady ask, "Are those the new ones that don't have In God We Trust on them?"  Me, "I don't know".  Lady, "I don't want any coins without In God We Trust on them.  We will find exact change."  And they did.

2/5/11 I was cruising across the parking lot in our Gator and startled a gull who was eating someone's tortilla.  The gull tried to make a break for it, with the tortilla, but couldn't quite gain altitude as rapidly as he thought he could.  Even though I ducked he still clunked my hat with the tortilla.  Not sure who was more surprised.  The evidence is clear.

1/21/11   So, you take your chances on Friday?  Or, are all Fridays holidays?

1/19/11 A group of young people checked into the park in an older motorhome.  Shortly after parking they flagged me down to explain their problem-the right rear wheels were held on by only 2 of 8 studs still present and holding the wheels on  Took them until the next day to find someone to come replace the studs.  Lucky the wheels didn't fall off as they came down 101.

1/12/11 Host, to motorcyclist at the head of the pier, "Sir, I couldn't help but notice that you didn't stop for the stop sign or pay at the kiosk". Visitor, "You have to pay?" Host, "Yes sir".  Visitor, "The military just sent me out here and I'm out getting used to the area."  Host, "What do you do in the military?"  Visitor, "I'm a cop."  Host, "Oh."

1/7/11 Question of the day.  The visitor asked, "what are those yellow flowers?"  Host, "You mean the ones in the Ice Plant?"  Visitor, "Yes."  Host, "I don't know but I think they are Ice Plant flowers."

1/6/11 What the surfer said when he got a $92 ticket for still being in the park 45 minutes after closing, "Oh man, but the surf was great!