The next chapter has begun as I have moved into a 2-bedroom apartment of my very own in the small town of Ponca, NE. The population sign reads 1,062 people. I will try to post some photos of my apartment after I have it more set up than it currently is. The joys of moving in to a new place. I love that I am only 2 miles south of the Park, where I work.
Hit the ground running at work as I hopped right in on one of the Hallowfest weekends. Spent some time Friday on my full tour of the park with my partner and some preparation, and then a full 14 hour day on Saturday. We spent most of the morning in the craft room where 150+ children came through to work on some crafts with us. I was mainly helping at this "Freaky Finger" station, where we made clay finger pens. You can still write with them and everything!
Next, we were stationed up on Scout Hill to help with the pumpkin roll and pumpkin carving. The last time I was driving around the park with my parents, I remember wondering what these bleachers were sitting on top of this hill for, and now I know. At least one reason is this entertaining pumpkin roll that takes place during Hallowfest. Pumpkins are bought, and then brought out in age groups. The pumpkin is rolled down the hill, where it meets obstacles. If you hit one of the fun obstacles, you won yourself a second piece of candy, and if at the end your pumpkin rolled the farthest - a big prize for you. There were tunnels, a ramp with a basketball hoop, and a pumpkin slicer to name a few of the fun obstacles people would cheer for.
After the pumpkin carving contest came to a close, I had the pleasure of helping load the 30+ pumpkins into the van with my partner, hauling them down to another spot in the park, where we then carried them to their display place for the night. Lifting weights in the middle of the park :-)
I can talk more about the various programs I will be helping with at the Park as I go, but I will mention a few things here briefly. The naturalists on staff, which currently includes myself and one other, take care of all our education animals. A few are on display in the back of the Missouri River Exhibits, as you can see here in this little "kid's corner". We also keep this area organized as we can.
We keep the homes of these animals clean, feed them on a regular basis, and change their water. Here is one little turtle I work with, and you can see how small he is as he is sitting in the palm of my hand:
Did I mention that I live just 2 miles from the beautiful Ponca State Park? I love a short drive to work, and I love being that close to the serenity that can be found there whenever I want it. I can even use the bike trail from my apartment to work anytime. It is paved the whole way.
I am so excited to be working at this great place, joining an awesome team, and starting during this beautiful time of year.
I love the trees of fall!
A shot of the river from a portion of the park I visited for the first time on Wednesday:
My grandparents came to visit one afternoon, as they live only an hour away and were in the current possession of a microwave my mom found for my apartment. Turned out to be a good excuse for a fun little afternoon for the three of us, as I drove them around the park and talked about a few of the things I currently know. I would imagine if you visit again after a few months, I will have even more information and stories to tell. :-)
Here is a photo of my grandparents with the Missouri River in the background:
I also recently spent a day in Sioux City and a little time at Morningside College, which was my home for four years as a student at the great school. Once again, a beautiful time of year to be visiting.
There are a few new buildings on campus, which were pretty neat to see, and one of my old professors showed me around.
A new view from the library... pretty cool.
Having a great first week at my new job, and I know this is the beginning to another great adventure adding another fine chapter to the book of my life. If you ever find yourself in Northeast Nebraska, stop in and say hello. Hope everyone has a great rest of the week! Until next time...
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