For the past few months we have been reading workamping newsletters and websites in search of a fall/winter workamping job. Amazon Camperforce was a sure thing, we had definite job offers, but we began to question our physical ability to handle the possible five 10 hour work days in a row. Since we had read that we would be walking an average of 15 miles each of those work days, we decided to start looking for other options.
In April we saw an ad for a workamping opportunity in North Carolina in the Workers on Wheels newsletter. Moonshine Creek Campground in Sylva, NC was seeking a couple to work August through October. This was interesting to us because the campground looked beautiful on-line, it is in an area with a lot of hiking trails and it is somewhat centrally located between our family members in New York and Oklahoma. We emailed the campground owners, Jim and Dana, with our resumes, pictures and an introductory letter. We received a phone call from Dana the next morning asking if we could start as soon as possible because one of their workampers had a family emergency. We re-evaluated our travel plans, juggled a few dates around and decided we could adjust a few things and start in late May/ early June if they wanted us. Jim and Dana offered us the job and we accepted!
Welcome to
Moonshine Creek
Mark in the Office 
Our North Carolina Home 
There are butterflies all over the campground – they are attracted to the spring water
We’ll be working, living and playing in North Carolina from June through October of 2019. Mark will help with outside chores and I will be working in the office. In exchange for 12 hours each per week, we will get a beautiful campsite with water, electric and sewer, discounted propane and free laundry. We will work the same shifts so there will be LOTS of free time to hike, and explore the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway.
We stopped by Moonshine Creek for a few days on the way to Maryland for an introduction to the campground and our duties. The day we drove to Sylva, NC was supposed to be a 2 hour journey from Pigeon Forge. Traffic caused a little delay so we ended up getting there around 1:30 pm. Dana greeted us and Jim showed us to our camp site. Our brief “training days,” April 29-May 2, went well and we think we will LOVE workamping near the Blueridge Parkway. The owners are awesome and we will be 1 of 4 workamping couples at Moonshine Creek.
Jim and Dana said we could leave Old Glory with them while we went on to MD then NY to visit family. So we are headed to Maryland now – just us and Babe -to visit Tim and Dear (our oldest son and our daughter-in-love) and also Sam and Oakley (the grand-puppies.) We will then be going on to NY to celebrate Dad and Mom Ballard’s 60th Anniversary. We’ll return to Moonshine Creek May 29th. Read more about our trip north next week!
P.S. If you are interested in a great place to vacation this year, call Moonshine Creek 828-586-6666. They have RV sites, Tent sites, and Camping Cabins as well as fully furnished cottages to rent. Come enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains! You can see all their information here: http://moonshinecreek.com/
Will be heading up that way for my next “mountain” work day on May 29! Probably too tight a schedule on both sides to meet up, but I will be in touch.
DWach
Yeah, we’ll be getting back on the 29th sometime. We’ll be working the next three days. I’m thinking mid afternoon, but have to figure in stretch breaks!