Does your Older & Bolder mindset reverse ageing?

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Permalink Reply by CHRISTINA on May 8, 2009 at 4:45am

Hello - I was excited to read that you were excited. In 1995 I had a similar experience; laid off, saw an ad at an Unemployment office for Yellowstone (before Coolworks) offering jobs and decided I needed an adventure. Applied to 4 parks never expecting one response; got 4 call-backs/4 different parks (Yellowstone, Tetons, Yosemite, Glacier). Took Glacier because it was the only park I had not visited. I had the best time of my life, and I certainly hope you do too. It was a financial burden though and in order to continue doing this "life's adventure" applied the next year for management positions which usually include room and board and a somewhat decent salary (compared to minimum wage). Ended up two summers as Asst. GM at Lake in Yellowstone, and another at Canyon. Amazing experiences, amazing friends, amazing wildlife. It will get into your soul so be prepared that this may be your career from now on. I now work for the park service and enjoy it as well. 2 calls from Yellowstone this year, but going to Acadia instead, just because I've never been and its a new adventure for me. You will love the Lake area - extraordinarily beautiful and you will make great new friends. I suspect if you are at the hotel you will be in Goldeneye dorm which is the "older" dorm; I still have friends there who have been coming year after year. Have a wonderful time.

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Permalink Reply by aggie71 on May 9, 2009 at 5:27am

Hi there Christina....thanks so much for your encouraging remarks. I have a few relatives that think I am kinda nuts going off to the woods to work for $7.25/hr. Just a few months ago my salary was more like $50/hr. But you and I know you don't do this for the money. I have really enjoyed following your posts, and sorta envy what you have accomplished so far in the seasonal world. I think we are very much alike. Please tell me how Maine works out .... it has been on my list of places to go for a long time. And if you are ever in Houston...give me a heads up and we'll get together to chat.

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Permalink Reply by CHRISTINA on May 9, 2009 at 6:15am

OK Aggie - will do. Enjoy your summer. We have a lot to be thankful for, and you will find many detractors but that's because they do not understand this type of lifestyle. It seems foolish to them but life is too short and the "norm" that we are supposed to strive for is never what we expect in any event.

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Permalink Reply by Carol J Stahl on May 14, 2009 at 7:07pm

Hi christina I also would like to know how summer 2009 goes. This my 1st summer out but it won't be my last and New England somewhere is mynext stop. Carol S. Pompano Beach

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Permalink Reply by Mo on May 8, 2009 at 8:34am

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER......I am 62 in another month and have no intention of acting my age....just keeping fit and keeping my mind active....and looking forward to working at Glacier this summer. My mantra is taking care of me now so that no one has to take care of me later.

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Permalink Reply by aggie71 on May 8, 2009 at 5:53pm

Amen Mo...I totally agree.

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Permalink Reply by CHRISTINA on May 15, 2009 at 5:15am

Hey Carol - yea let's keep in touch; sounds like you have the same adventuresome spirit as I do. Where are you going this summer? Keep in touch and I'll do the same. A friend, someone who worked for me at a hotel front desk I managed in Glacier (before doing the ranger gigs) many years ago is probably meeting me at the end of my stint and we are spending fall hiking and exploring Maine, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Hope anyways. That's what happens when you do these adventures - you meet the most interesting people and make friends from everywhere.

My email is champ12127@aol.com

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Permalink Reply by janice ball on September 4, 2009 at 5:31pm

Hey , new and anxiously waiting to get started in the work and play . I'm 52 this year, and yearn to get out and travel and work. Haven't yet applied anywhere, want to check out what the other older and bolder young'ns are saying about it... First off can't retire for long time(probably never) so want to at least be able live alittle. I guess it started when i stayed at a KOA and talked to the work kampers there, who knew ,,, so any first timer advice on accomdation, pay etc,, i would love to hear about... love to just throw it all to the wind and fly....... thanks guys

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Permalink Reply by aggie71 on September 4, 2009 at 7:14pm

Hi Janice ... jump on in, the waters pretty fine. I just had one of the best summers of my life. Read my blogs (if you haven't already). Next year will hopefully be Alaska and new adventures. See ya out there, Richard.

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