From: Sunkist
Date: 2/7/2019
Time: 9:58:53 PM
I'm sorry for the reservations debacle and the position you were put in. I have no doubt you had planned and organized the reservation process to go as smoothly as the current system would allow and fully understand what happened was beyond your control. It's unfortunate when you dot your I's and cross your T's, thinking everything is set up to run well only to have someone or something else ruin your best laid plans. Still, you take the fall and look like the bad guy.
I am lucky in that I was fortunate to be able to get a cabin reservation, yet I feel bad for those who dream all year about finally setting foot on the island once more. I, as well as anyone, understand how precious time spent at calo is and how we long for the salt. There is simply no place I'd rather be than sitting under the stars on a cool fall evening,the night filled with nothing but the sound of waves crashing on the sand beneath my feet while holding on to the dream that soon the drum that memories are made of will find my bait and take hold. This is a special place and many would not understand why it holds such a special place in the heart of us 'ol fishermen,but it is indeed truly dear to us and we hold on tightly to what God has blessed us with, never to let go.
I want to thank you for the job you and all of your staff do to make sure the time we spend there is the best it can possibly be. Last year after the storms I was selfish as I was so worried I wouldn't be able to reach my paradise after waiting for nearly a year since the last trip. I felt sad for everyone that suffered from so much devastation, for homes destroyed and businesses that were shut down. I have family in Smyrna and I worried for them. Still, I could not totally erase the selfishness of so badly wanting to be there.
Our fall trip did happen after all and it only happened due to the diligence and hard work you and many others invested in getting things in order. I have a friend you work with, Steve Sabol, and I know the long hours and tireless days you guys went through just to make sure the island could reopen. I was truly impressed with how quickly the recovery occurred as I had all but given up hope that we could return to our sacred ground in 2018. And when we arrived, the rangers and caretakers met us with friendly smiles and as always made sure we had what we needed during our stay.
So thank you to a wonderful superintendent, whom I feel we are lucky to have, from this selfish 'ol fisherman. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for your dedication and for fighting for us. Good Lord willing, we'll see you in the fall.
Dustin Rhodes