It's one year ago I started preparing for the biggest adventure of my life...traveling to Alaska by myself to work at Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, in Trapper Creek, AK.  Located in Denali State Park three hours north of Anchorage, I was nervous and excited at the same time.  Who starts off on this kind of thing when you're almost 60 years old?  Leaving my beloved and supportive husband and cat behind?  I almost backed out at the airport the morning of my flight, but didn't want…

Getting psyched for my seventh season of seasonal work, although it has not been continuous. I di d take a year off from seasonal work in 06, to…

So many in our older and bolder group have dear pets that are part of our family, if not "thee" family living with us.  I am wondering why more places don't accoumodate pets?  Who would leave their pets behind for a season? 

 …

Im sooo excited to be working as a room attendant at MPL. I have never been to Alaska. But I have had family members take a cruise up that way and they said its a beautiful place to see. I plan on taking lots of pictures of different things.. I cant wait to meet some new people. I have 49 days left to be here in Oregon and start a new journey in wonderful Alaska...

I am working as a server at CLNP for the summer and am curious what the average "take" is for a summer there.  The last time I worked there was six years ago and I only worked the last two months...just trying to do some financial planning for the fall.

And please, no "it's not about the money" lectures.  I get that!

Thanks to all, and a good summer!

Well, my fourth season at the Kay El Bar Guest Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona is down to six weeks.  The time has been zooming past.  I had already decided that this will be my last season here...at least for awhile.  Just time to keep moving on.

There were a couple of firsts for me this season so far.  An all-day ride was happening on a day that I wasn't waiting for a delivery or had an appointment scheduled.  I rode Preacher out on the Bootlegger ride.  It's amazing how many natural…

Soo it's official--I am working at Old Faithful this summer!! Arriving May 5th. 

Once the bags are packed, a lot of decisions have already been made. The night before, you had to think through what to pack and what to leave behind. The morning of departure, you check again and again for the essentials: passport, wallet, journal, tickets, camera.

Your itinerary, chosen from among countless options, is at least partially settled by now. You’re going to _____, and as far as you’re concerned, all of _____ is waiting for you.

The road ahead may not be easy, but…

I'm not looking forward to the drive out west. Seems like driving back from Zion last year, visiting and helping with family emergencies, just sorta did me in.

Looking at flights from here to Jackson, it would cost about the same as driving. Plus, I would be there same day, just after lunch, instead of 2.5 days on the road.

But, still, having my own car is sweet. I can get by on few clothes, thats not an issue.

Advice needed!

I have worked at the following places, Grand Teton Jackson Lake Lodge, Yellowstone National Park, Old Fathful Inn.

MT Rainier National Park, Long Mier Inn, Norweigan Cruise lines, Pride Of America,Aloha and Hawaii. Deer Valley Utah,and finally Keystone Co.

sheets ( 2 sets)

comforter

pillows

throw blanket

throw rug

small lamp

small fan

alarm clock

power strip

extension cord

ipod

cell phone

charging pad

laptop/charger/headphones/modem stick

towels

air freshner

spray cleaner

paper towels

snacks

drinks

bug spray

coffee- instant starbucks-mugs

coffee for french press

dish…

     Hard to believe that it was six years ago that I stepped out on a limb and took a seasonal job never dreaming where it would lead me.  My dream as a youngster was to visit one of the National Parks and have a family vacation like what you saw on the TV.  Unfortunately, that was not to be with my mom.  She died before she ever got a chance to visit me when I lived in one too. During these past six years, I did manage to live in three National Parks and even did a stint on the Mississippi…