On the afteroon of Friday, April 24, we arrived at the Sandy Shores Campground, in the Silver Lake section of western Michigan. Our campsite, next to the pool and bathhouse, was ready for us and we definitely felt like we had come home. After working here last summer and getting to know the family owners, it felt great to be here again. There were no hugs or handshakes when we were warmly greeted by the owner and two sons, due to virus protocol and staying away from each other, but there were smiles all around. We were ready to start our 2-week self quarantine as mandated by the Michigan governor, since we had traveled from out of state.
The campground is still in winter mode, with most trees still without leaves, and the transient section empty of RVs and tents. The seasonal leasees are not allowed to stay overnight yet, and must walk in from the front parking lot (this is a gated property) to start site cleanup and check on their units. We were here for a few nights by ourselves, although one son lives at the campground entrance, and the family continues doing their many pre-opening tasks during the day. Now there are 3 other workampers here getting their quarantines out of the way in time to start working in the next week or so. The weather seems cold to us with nights in the 30's and 40's, and daytime highs between 45 and 60, but many days are sunny so that helps. There is the "S" word in the forecast for this weekend, but only as a small chance combined with rain showers. However, temperatures will dip even lower for a few days. I'm glad we always have our winter clothes with us!
We've ventured away from the campground 3 times so far to go to the Ludington, Walmart (30 miles) to pick up grocery orders outside. The first attempt was not successful as the process allowed someone else to go home with our order. We were asked to return the next day and were given many apologies and a $20 Walmart gift card. Our second order pickup yesterday was perfect and we were in and out in short order. We have no personal masks so Hank folds a large napkin and ties it on to satisfy regulations while he helps with the loading. He wipes everything down with disinfectant before we bring the groceries inside the RV.
Yesterday, the governor amended her orders to allow the seasonal owners to move into the campground in the next few days, with a long list of regulations and restrictions for workers and residents. The pool, playground, and bathhouse will not open yet. Several of the neighboring campgrounds have opened for everyone without her permission, and I expect Sandy Shores may do the same soon. However, the Silver Lake State Park Campground next door is not due to open until June 22. The 600 acres of the State Park dunes will open for daytime use on June 3. That should bring the area back to life in a big way. Meanwhile, the Sandy Shores owner has plenty of masks, gloves, and disinfectant to help us stay safe. There is a now a plexiglass sneeze guard at the check-in counter, and office access will probably be limited for awhile.
Chirstmas came early this year with the delivery of an online order delivery of toilet paper. All previous attempts were unsuccessful both from grocery orders and online, bur we're stocked up now. The owner's son had given us a couple of bathhouse rolls to use just in case.
Life has been relatively calm for us the last two weeks, with both of us doing computer chores, and taking daily walks in the campground. I'm doing a lot of reading as well. However, we're ready for new challenges and adventures that will certainly come as campers start arriving
The campground is still in winter mode, with most trees still without leaves, and the transient section empty of RVs and tents. The seasonal leasees are not allowed to stay overnight yet, and must walk in from the front parking lot (this is a gated property) to start site cleanup and check on their units. We were here for a few nights by ourselves, although one son lives at the campground entrance, and the family continues doing their many pre-opening tasks during the day. Now there are 3 other workampers here getting their quarantines out of the way in time to start working in the next week or so. The weather seems cold to us with nights in the 30's and 40's, and daytime highs between 45 and 60, but many days are sunny so that helps. There is the "S" word in the forecast for this weekend, but only as a small chance combined with rain showers. However, temperatures will dip even lower for a few days. I'm glad we always have our winter clothes with us!
We've ventured away from the campground 3 times so far to go to the Ludington, Walmart (30 miles) to pick up grocery orders outside. The first attempt was not successful as the process allowed someone else to go home with our order. We were asked to return the next day and were given many apologies and a $20 Walmart gift card. Our second order pickup yesterday was perfect and we were in and out in short order. We have no personal masks so Hank folds a large napkin and ties it on to satisfy regulations while he helps with the loading. He wipes everything down with disinfectant before we bring the groceries inside the RV.
Yesterday, the governor amended her orders to allow the seasonal owners to move into the campground in the next few days, with a long list of regulations and restrictions for workers and residents. The pool, playground, and bathhouse will not open yet. Several of the neighboring campgrounds have opened for everyone without her permission, and I expect Sandy Shores may do the same soon. However, the Silver Lake State Park Campground next door is not due to open until June 22. The 600 acres of the State Park dunes will open for daytime use on June 3. That should bring the area back to life in a big way. Meanwhile, the Sandy Shores owner has plenty of masks, gloves, and disinfectant to help us stay safe. There is a now a plexiglass sneeze guard at the check-in counter, and office access will probably be limited for awhile.
Chirstmas came early this year with the delivery of an online order delivery of toilet paper. All previous attempts were unsuccessful both from grocery orders and online, bur we're stocked up now. The owner's son had given us a couple of bathhouse rolls to use just in case.
Life has been relatively calm for us the last two weeks, with both of us doing computer chores, and taking daily walks in the campground. I'm doing a lot of reading as well. However, we're ready for new challenges and adventures that will certainly come as campers start arriving
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