My journey into seasonal life began in the summer of 2019. I was approaching my senior year of college as a Creative Writing major at the University of Iowa, and after just spending the previous summer studying abroad in Ireland, I was seeking another adventure to fuel my creative…
I always tell people who ask me about seasonal work absolutely do it. Doesn’t matter what age, or where you’re from. If you have a love of nature, adventure, travel, and meeting the most awesome people, then take the dive.
My love for hiking began the summer before high school. I left the inner city of Chicago to go on a two week expedition in Colorado with Outward Bound. We went backpacking, rafting and climbing. That experience sparked a passion for outdoor adventure that I have never lost. Later…
I fell for Yosemite hard. The winter sparkles in the Sierra Nevada. The summer smells of Bay Laurel, duff and smoke. Happiness can be fleeting and contentment can be elusive, but I found more of each in Yosemite than anywhere else.
Now, at 62, I have over 30 years of front desk and hotel management experience under my belt and I no longer have to hitchhike from park to park hoping to be hired.
Even before I ever traveled, I had made up my mind that I wanted to live a life of nonconformity. As a teenager, I became well aware of the lifestyle most people led – they go to college, get a job, buy a car, house, etc., and work long…
My journey into the hospitality/seasonal job industry started back in 2016. Sweating on a Toyota car lot washing cars, I texted my friend who had spent the past two years living the dream in Alaska. I simply asked “Hey man, I’m tired of this Atlanta heat. Just curious, is…
Adapting to seasonal work during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a test of my personal integrity and resourcefulness, as well as a very welcome break from the oppressive inactivity of months of quarantining and disconnect from beloved friends, family, and coworkers.
Having lived in the mountains of Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and California working seasonal jobs guiding horseback trail rides, I’ve learned so many life lessons, had many questioning times if seasonal work was right for me, and have had a lot of time to reflect on what it is I…