Skagway, Alaska: The Life of a Seasonal, Year Two

Do you remember all the fun I had last summer in Skagway, Alaska? I decided to come back to this tourist town for season number two! But this year, I decided I wanted a car to expand upon my adventures. Truth be told, I hadn’t owned a car in over eight years and I longed to have that freedom again.

So, in April, after spending the winter in South America, I flew to Portland, Oregon and had about a week to shop for and buy a car. Luckily, I found a great little Honda. I paid for it outright – proudly saved from last year’s tips. Then I drove to Bellingham, Washington to put my new-to-me-car, and myself, on the Alaska ferry heading north.

For four days we cruised north, traveling backwards in seasons through the cooling temperatures, all the way to early spring in Alaska. I love taking the Alaska Marine Ferry. I sleep in my sleeping bag on the lawn chairs or in the warm lounges, and I meet so many fellow travelers – including other seasonal employees returning to their summer homes.

At each stop heading north, more of these new acquaintences disembarked. In Juneau, I did the same and spent a few days there with my friends Linda and Bob. I always appreciate their generosity. The chance to cross-country ski in the spring snow was a huge highlight!

After about a week, I hopped on another ferry to finish the journey. Coming back into Skagway felt like coming home.

Driver and Tour Guide for Alaska Coach Tours

I returned to Skagway to again work as a bus driver and tour guide for Alaska Coach Tours. I realized that jumping back into seasonal work felt really natural for me. The ramp up and stress at the beginning of the season, the long dog-days punctuated by high adrenaline, the eventual wind-down and clean-up at the end, and then the complete relaxation with a long period of rest. Sounds like the year of a teacher, right? It’s really the same for me here; but my classroom is outside and everyday, no matter what the weather, it is glorious!

Here’s a look at how the views along my tour changed from spring to summer to fall. Passengers sometimes ask me if I ever get tired of the views? That’s ridiculous!

Fun with Alaska Coach Tours!

This year, I had a great group of co-workers. Some came back from last year, others were new to the scene. Together, we promoted more fun within the company. This year we enjoyed regular potlucks, and mini-celebrations. We handed out “paper-plate awards” to show our appreciation of each other, and plunged together into the icy waters of Summit Lake for our annual Summer Solstice Polar Celebration.

Basically the job was the same with my same bus – trusty 107! But this year I felt more confident in my tours and life in the shared housing was dramatically different.

First, I lived with several wonderful young women making their way in the world. I really enjoyed watching them grow through this experience – just as I had so many years ago when I started my seasonal life in bunk houses for the Forest Service.

My Room With a View!

However, the best part for me was that this year I was given my own room! It was a precious gift for a nomad that lives the rest of the year in someone else’s space. Every morning, I threw open my curtains and stared at this view of Mt. Harding looming above Skagway. Each day, I noted the snow melt, and the change in sunlight as the long summer days quickly flipped by. Breathing in this view daily was a big part of why this summer was so great for me!

My Garden!

Finally, just outside my window, I planted a garden. A little patch of dirt I could call my own filled with lettuces, nasturtium, radishes, snap peas, swiss chard, and green beans. I even coaxed a few tiny zucchini to grow in the chilly summer air. Having fresh greens to eat made a huge difference in my diet and I loved digging in the dirt again, making Skagway feel more like a home.

By Cruise Ship and Ferry, Friends and Family Came to Visit!

Throughout the summer, a few visitors also helped me smile, including Scott & Karen (from Mexico and Portland), my sister Julie and brother-in-law Doug, from Ohio, and my cousin Teresa and her beautiful family, Rich and Katherine from Illinois and Colorado. My friend Barb, who I knew from Colombia, also cruised through with her family. I always love showing off the sights of Skagway to visitors and I appreciate their visits! Who wants to come visit me next year?

My Fierce Girl Friends

But my love for Skagway is more than just my job and my home, it’s about being among strong and adventurous people in this very special place. I have found my people here, mostly independent women – many who own their own businesses! I’m so proud to be considered their friend.

Epic Summer Fun!

And many of these friends are wonderfully adventurous, too! They have such “bad good” ideas – meaning the adventure is going to be really hard and not so fun in the doing… but it will be great in the end! I take hundreds of photos on these excursions, but I’ve tried to weedle them down to my favorite trips for you!

April: Snow Shoeing to Upper Dewey Lake

I literally had been in Skagway less than 24-hours when my best adventure buddy, Marissa, texted to tell me she had rented show shoes for me and that we were going to climb over 3000′ the next day. Yes! Let the adventures of Summer 2026 begin!

May: Snowshoeing onto Laughton Glacier

Getting to Laughton Glacier is always epic because you have to take the train and get dropped off at a “Flag Stop” in the middle of nowhere. From there, my friends Olivia, Bryan and I headed up onto the snowy abyss of the glacier in the warm spring sunshine.

June: Kayaking on Bernard Lake

It was a beautiful day on the water with my friends Marissa and Ben.

Time-Out from my Adventures to Smell the Summer Wildflowers!

Forget-Me-Nots, Bunchberry, Shooting Star, Wild Iris, Chocolate Lilies, Fireweed, Yellow Paintbrush, and Lupine punctuated every adventure around Skagway!

July 4th in 1898 Style… It’s my Favorite Day in Skagway!

July: A Camping Trip up Hero Mountain, and Day-Hikes to Fraser Lake and International Falls

August: Upper Dewey Lake and a Helicopter Flight Home

Very early in the season, I secured the rental of a cabin high in the mountains above Skagway. Then I opened this adventure up to whoever wanted to come. It ended up being a girls trip, complete with a helicopter carrying our packs and firewood up the mountain, and another bringing ourselves back down the mountain. In Skagway, it’s all about who you know, and my friend Hannah is in the know. Such a great time with her, Raymie, Stephanie and Marissa!

Take a Break for More Wildflowers: Spring Beauty, Monkshood, and Fireweed

August: Camping on AB Mountain

Marissa convinced me that after a long week of work, we should spend the evening climbing over 3000′ with full packs and lots of water. I was so exhausted. But of course, sunset and sunrise on the mountain were amazing and so was the swimming hole at the top!