PARK HOSTS, 1: State parks invite you to be their 
guest ... and their host ... We'll explain just ahead on 
Passport to Texas. 
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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Ed and Paula Smith don't like to go home in the winter ... 

(PS) "It's cold at home ... Michigan is cold." (ES) "So we came down 
here and we just keep coming back." :04

The couple's winter address is Bastrop State Park ... and 
their house is 37-foot motor home.

(PS) "It's probably nicer than our home at home (laughs)" :04

And while you might think they keep coming back to 
Bastrop because the retirees just want a chance to play 
golf, you'd be surprised to know that it's not all play.

[SFX Weed whacker] (ES) I mow and then I come back and weed 
whip ... just try to make the park look pretty." :05

For the past five years Ed and Paula have spent their 
winter months in Bastrop State Park as park hosts. They 
volunteer about 25 hours a week working as additional 
representatives in the park, and assisting park staff.

(ES) "You're getting some exercise and you're having a good time, 
then you're enjoying your stay ... It's a give and take ... and we really 
appreciate the opportunity." :08

Coming up on tomorrow's show ... 

"We always need more hosts in the summer, during our busiest times 
of the year." :04

That's our show for today. For Texas Parks and Wildlife ... 
I'm Cecilia Nasti.