A  couple years ago when I began this adventure I had no idea where it might lead, but here I am three years later looking back at all that has come and gone since 2004. We have had struggles and triumphs, good days and bad. I don’t have much time for fishing anymore, but when I walk through the park taking in the sights and sounds of people, young and old enjoying WillowTree. It fills me with an excitement not unlike what I felt when catching "the big one". It is wonderful to stop and chat with some of the guests who have come from near and far to escape from the hectic pace of today’s society, many of whom have become more than just our guests. They are our friends; no, they are our extended family. And wow how our family is growing.

     Guests took part in sand-castle contests, craft projects for the young and not so young. Families and friends played volleyball games, horseshoes, basketball, rode bicycles and hay rides, scavenger hunts and ended days of fun with campfires and marshmallows. The park held special holiday fun for everyone. There were Easter egg hunts, pumpkin carving contests, costume contests and the popular site decorating contest. The third annual Thanksgiving Feast was served and topped off with storyteller Jack and the tale of survival with a kayak. The year closed with fireworks and a new year’s party with food, favors and door prizes.

     We experienced a great deal of growth in 2005, so much so in fact we are expanding. Recently we began clearing and construction on additional sites will begin soon with a projected completion date sometime in the fall of 2006. The new section will offer the same large sites with paved pads, concrete patios and at least two more sets of the popular buddy sites. So for all of you that have experienced the disappointment of the words, "I’m sorry we are full"; we are making more room. See you soon.