It’s camping season and the Searsport Shores world is beginning to bloom again.

If I were forced to explain why the beginning of every season makes us sizzle, I think that I could boil it all down to the word “friends.” I’m talking about actual encounters with humans who laugh, grumble, stumble and jump for joy…the ones who stir the urge of a hug or a warm handshake. When Memorial Day Weekend rolls around, our human quotient soars and our time is filled with people we’ve known for years and people we’re just getting to know.

The second word I would choose to explain the springtime sizzle is “magic.” Although I could use the word “magic” in sentences ranging from squirrel planted gardens to help that comes down the driveway before we even know we need it.

Today “magic” applies to the way Coral found us while she was sitting in Iowa…and now she’s spending the summer here making the office run smoother and doing landscaping around the camping sites. And I suspect that we’ve found another lifelong friend. Rather than tell you the story from my Searsport perspective, I asked Coral to introduce herself here on the blog:

From the Midwest to the Midcoast by Coral Thedes

It was a dreary Saturday when I pulled into the gravel drive of the big blue mermaid sign. I’d finally arrived! After four days of travel, 22+ hours of driving and over 1,500 miles, I’d finally made it to my new summer home – with two cats in tow. Tears started streaming down my face as I pulled in, realizing this dream was now a reality.

A few years ago I watched a beautiful and gut-wrenchingly honest film called ‘This Is Where I Leave You’ and there was a scene about Maine. It striked a curiosity within me and I ended up driving out to Belfast to stay in a tiny cabin AirBnB. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and for the last several years since my visit, the trees and the breeze and the water have been calling my name.

This year, I answered.

I was researching some potential jobs when I came across Searsport Shores Ocean Campground. I was enthralled with their beautiful ocean views, idyllic scenery and artistic enthusiasm. It seemed like just the quaint and charming coastal getaway I’d been craving. But I didn’t want to just stay for a few days – I wanted to immerse myself into their existence for the summer. 

With my background in hospitality, tourism, events and performing – it was a great fit! I’m not exactly what you’d call a ‘camping girlie’ but I am a girlie interested in exploring new places, overcoming new challenges and connecting deeply with other humans.

My life in Des Moines, Iowa was very sweet and simple. It was me and my cats in a 770 square foot tiny blue bungalow. I loved my little oasis but I was craving more. I wanted to be by the water. I wanted to smell the trees. I wanted to feel the fresh air on my face from dawn ‘til dusk.

I’m a believer in fate. I think Searsport Shores came at the exact right time I needed it. In my first two weeks, I trained in the office, did site pick up, helped clean the kitchen, joined in on some gardening and felt like a real part of the community out here. It was a rainy and cold first week, but the sun has finally come out!

When you’re here on the campground, life feels slower; simpler. It feels freeing and open in a way you just can’t get anywhere else. I’m eager to play a small role in the grandness of what a summer season on the shore entails. With a quick morning walk to the ocean, my troubles and worries seem to melt away with the waves. Each day brings a new chance for something great. I’m grateful to be where my feet are.

When you’re here, please make it a point to say hello…I’d love to share a smile and a story! Coral