Change is an inevitable part of life, and after eight remarkable years as the beloved park ranger of Cumberland Island, Robinson Barker has decided to embark on a new chapter. Robinson’s departure from Cumberland Island marks the end of an era, but it also heralds an exciting development for the Ocmulgee National Historic Park. Robinson has accepted the prestigious role of the first interpreter park ranger in a unique collaboration between the US Government and the Ocmulgee Indian Trible. This groundbreaking partnership sets the stage for an extraordinary chapter in the preservation of history and culture.

Farewell to Cumberland Island:
As Cumberland Island bids farewell to Robin Barker, there is no denying the immense impact he has had on the island and it’s visitors. Robins passion for conservation his extensive knowledge of the ecosystem, and his ability to connect with people made him a beloved figure among residents, park visitors and fellow rangers alike. His departure leaves a void that will be challenging to fill, but his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of park rangers.

A New Beginning at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park:
The appointment of Robinson Barker as the interpreter Park ranger at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park marks an unprecedented collaboration between the US Government and the Ocmulgee Indian Tribe. This partnership aims to ensure that the park’s rich history and culture significance are not only preserved but also shared with the world in an authentic and inclusive manner.

Ocmulgee Mounds: A Treasured Legacy:
Ocmulgee Mounds, located in Macon, Georgia, holds deep historical and cultural significance as the ancestral homeland of the Ocmulgee Indian Tribe. The Park contains ancients earthen mounds, ceremonial spaces and artifacts that provide invaluable insight into the lives of the indigenous people who inhabited the region over thousands of years. By entrusting the park’s management to both the US Government and the Ocmulgee Indian Tribe, a new chapter of stewardship and cooperation begins.

The partnership between the US Government and the Ocmulgee Indian Tribe reflects a growing recognition of the importance of indigenous voices in the management and interpretation of cultural heritage sites. By actively involving the Ocmulgee Indian Tribe in the decision-making processes and storytelling, the park aims to provide visitors with a more nuanced understanding of the past while promoting cultural appreciation and respect.

Robin’s decision to transition to the Ocmulgee Mounds as the interpreter ranger exemplifies his commitment to championing the preservation of cultural heritage and the inclusion of diverse perspectives. His wealth of experience, deep-rooted respect for indigenous cultures, and ability to forge meaningful connections with visitors make him the ideal candidate for this position.

Friday, June 16, 2023
It was a good day! A powerful thunderstorm came through our area early this morning around 3AM. I’m sure Aspen was beside herself, but I had the doors closed to the upstairs so she couldn’t climb in bed with me – she survived.
Stats:
Calories burned: 1,845
Exercise: 211 minutes
Stand: 13 hours
Steps: 13, 401
Cycling: 26.38 Miles

Breakfast – steel cut oatmeal with ground flax seeds, apple, blueberries, walnuts and plain no fat yogurt.

Lunch – Avocado toast with jalapenos, tomato and over easy egg on top. Protein smoothie with a base of coconut and soy milk, kale, frozen bananas, blueberries, fresh pineapple and protein and collagen powder.

Dinner – Hawaiian Chicken Thighs over long grain rice, green beans, salad and homemade bread #46.
Chicken – I pre-heated the oven to 300 degrees and salted and peppered both side of the chicken, then I seared the chicken for a couple of minutes on both sides, in olive oil and butter, in a cast iron skillet. Then I put the skillet the skillet in the oven for 10 minutes. At the end of 10 minutes I turned on the broiled and broiled on high for about 2 minutes.
Sauce – 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 1-1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch to make a slurry. This was my first time using corn starch to thicken a sauce – and I loved it!.
I removed the chicken from the skillet when it came out of the oven and deglazed the skillet with the soy slurry. I mixture immediately started to thicken. I added a fish sauce and toasted sesame oil and then cut up pieces of pineapple and brought the whole mixture to rolling simmer for several minutes.

Rolling over in bed on Sunday morning was difficult, my body was stiff and sore. I could tell by the morning light filtering in the window that it was later than usual for me to get up. But, I just couldn’t get my body moving and my eyes to focus. I think, the altitude, time difference and my week in Denver with Greta and Nick had finally caught up to me. My, week long, trip to Denver was fantastic, it was packed full of adventures, good restaurants and visiting with friends and family, but I was happy to be home and in my own bed. I was looking forward to calm, restful, week to catchup on just about everything.

It was a little after lunch when I got the text from Greta challenging me to a fitness competition. Over the past several years we have had 4 fitness competition and our score was 2 victories for Greta and 2 for me – this was going to be the tie breaker.

Our watches keeps track of the points and the rules are.
+ you get 1 point for every percentage point of your goals.
+ maximum points per day 600.
+ length 7 days

MY GOALS – in the 3 areas were;
Move – 1,200 Calories per day
Exercise – 50 minutes per day
Stand – 12 hours per day

On Wednesday, of the competition, I had an appointment to get my car serviced and I knew, I couldn’t afford to lose the several hours it was going to take to get the service done. So, I brought my backpack with the camel water bladder so I could walk the parking lot – I ended up with 5.4 miles and was able to get my 600 points on Wednesday, even though it took 4 hours for the service.

Greta and I ended in a tie – same 4,200 points each – but I was proud of my weekly numbers and not sure I could duplicate again. My fitness numbers starting Monday morning and ending Sunday night;

At any age, it’s important to keep moving and this competition was a great motivator and just what I needed to recover from my trip to Denver – thanks, Greta!