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

This is Passport to Texas

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

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

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

:04 -- It's probably nicer than our home at home (laughs).

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.

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

For the past several 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.

:08 -- 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.

Coming up on tomorrow's show, we tell you about other 
volunteer opportunities in Texas State parks. Find state 
parks information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife 
website.

That's our show for today ... we record the series at the 
Production Block Studios in Austin, Texas ... For Texas 
Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti.





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