Tara - General Manager at Denali Backcountry Lodge

Working at Denali Backcountry Lodge offers the experience to reflect on oneself, build an extended family, inspire others through nature, fortify one's work ethic, and enjoy a release from modern day pressures. Hard work and long hours are rewarded with viewing a moose and her calves humbly cross the creek; watching the sunsets beam across the mountainsides; walking through a multitude of wildflowers that line a remote mountain stream; silently staring at the night sky while northern lights dance; and living through nearly four seasons of a unique ecosystem. Each season as I drive away, I know that I left a piece of myself back at that special place where I hope to return to the following year.

Tara

When I originally left Florida for Alaska in 2007, I wondered if I was making a huge mistake. The state was so far away, and I was venturing into unknown territory. "Why am I going 5,000 miles to sit in the woods?", I would ask myself while packing. But what I didn't realize was that I was about to leave the modern day pressures behind to inspire others and build an extended family. Once I arrived, the reoccuring statement, "I once visited Alaska and then never left" echoed through many of the people I met.

Three years later, the same is nearly true for me. Working at Denali Backcountry Lodge gave me the experiences that I was looking for with previous positions. Although the hours were long, I was rewarded with living through nearly four seasons of a unique ecosystem.

One night in the middle of summer, a moose and her calves walked right past several cabin windows and proceeded up the driveway. It was an amazing experience to share one of nature's gifts at such a close distance. And each season as I drive away I know that I left a piece of me back at that special place where I hope to return to the following year.

Tara