Jessie Watters – Workamping with family in Alaska

Jessie Watters – Workamping with family in Alaska

Today, I am speaking with a woman who is on her second stint of Workamping in Alaska with her family and enjoying an amazing experience. Jessie Watters is a full-time RVing mom of three who traded a traditional suburban lifestyle for a life of adventure, family travel and Workamping opportunities across the country. Just over a year ago, Jessie and her husband packed up their family, hit the road and began a journey that has already taken them from Alaska to Arizona and back again. In this episode, Jessie shares what it’s really like to raise three children in a 32-foot motorhome while managing campgrounds in some of Alaska’s most beautiful locations. She talks about the transition from a four-bedroom house to RV living, how Workamping has allowed her family to travel full time and why Alaska has captured their hearts. If you’ve ever wondered whether Workamping could work for a family with children, Jessie offers an honest look at the rewards and challenges. She explains how her kids are learning practical life skills on the road and why every day feels a little like a vacation. Workamping has given their family opportunities they never could have experienced otherwise. You’ll also hear about managing campgrounds for Alaska Recreational Management, living in bear country, boondocking in remote locations and navigating the famous Alaska Highway. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just beginning to explore the Workamping lifestyle, Jessie provides plenty of inspiration to help you understand what might be possible if you follow in their footsteps. Jessie and her family didn’t wait until everything was perfect before pursuing their dream. They accepted a Workamping position before they even owned an RV and figured things out along the way. One of the themes that stood out in this conversation was the importance of embracing change. Jessie shared how downsizing their possessions, adapting to close quarters and learning new skills helped their family grow stronger together. She also reminded us that Workamping can provide opportunities to experience places and lifestyles that many people only dream about. I also appreciated her perspective on Alaska. While many RVers worry about the distance, cost and challenges of getting there, Jessie believes the experience is well worth it. From managing campgrounds in Cooper Landing to living among mountains, glaciers and wildlife, she has found a place that truly feels like home. Her advice for anyone considering the Workamping lifestyle is don’t be scared. Your home travels with you, and the opportunities can be life changing. To learn more about Jessie’s adventures, connect with her on Facebook at The Watters Way [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565872004282], where she regularly shares family travels, fishing trips, hiking adventures and life on the road. Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality. A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years. If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com [http://www.workamper.com]. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you! That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with an employer about Workamping opportunities with their organization. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening!

Kristy Halvorsen – Solo, but not alone

Today I am speaking with a solo RVer who has been on the road for many years, but completed one year of traveling that really broke her open so much so that she wrote a book about the experience. Kristy Halvorsen is a solo traveler whose journey has taken her across every state in the nation, nearly every Canadian province and into some of the most remote places in North America. She made an appearance earlier on this show in December 2022. Kristy spent almost nine years living and traveling full time in a 28-foot Airstream and embracing a lifestyle she describes as “coddiwompling.” It is a term which means traveling without a fixed destination or detailed plan. In this episode, Kristy shares stories from what she calls the most transformative year of her travels. It was a journey that inspired her book titled “Perfect Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open [https://amzn.to/4vQyfw7].” Along the way, she traveled to Labrador and Newfoundland, and faced serious health challenges while camping alone in remote wilderness areas. Kristy discovered valuable lessons about resilience, trust and the kindness of strangers. Kristy also talks about the realities of solo travel, what she has learned from nearly a decade on the road and why she believes some of life’s greatest adventures begin when we stop trying to control every detail. Her stories remind us that the road is about much more than just destinations. It’s about the people we meet, the challenges we overcome and the personal growth that comes from stepping outside our comfort zones. She also offered a refreshing reminder that independence does not mean doing everything alone. Instead, true freedom often comes from recognizing how interconnected we all are and why we must be willing to accept help when it arrives. For anyone considering a full-time RV lifestyle, Kristy noted that you do not need every detail figured out before you begin. Start the journey, give yourself time to learn and allow the experience to reveal what kind of traveler you want to become. If you’d like to learn more about Kristy, her travels or her book, visit perfectunfolding.com [http://perfectunfolding.com]. You can also follow her on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kristy.halvorsen/] and learn more about her mentoring and coaching services at kristyh.com [http://kristyh.com]. This episode is sponsored by Workamper News. If you have more questions than answers when it comes to the Workamping and RVing lifestyle, then Workamper News can help. Listen to their free Workamping Q&A videos to get your questions answered.  Each video answers questions submitted by folks, just like you, who are learning about the RV lifestyle, just getting started, or have been Workamping for a while. The videos cover topics like what kind of Workamping jobs are out there, what do these jobs pay, tips for writing your Workamper resume, questions to ask an employer, what type of RV is best, how to get your mail as an RVer, and much more! Listen to detailed answers now by watching the videos at workamper.com/answers [http://workamper.com/answers]. In the description of each video, you’ll find a list of questions that were answered so you can quickly jump to the answers you want to hear. Check out the free Workamping Q&A videos to get your questions answered today. That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be speaking with another Workamper who is in her second season of Workamping in Alaska with her husband and three children. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thank you for listening, and if you like this interview, please share it with someone contemplating the Workamping lifestyle.

Steven Erkman – Behind-the-scenes of camp hosting

Today I am joined by a Workamper who served as a camp host for many years, and wrote a book about his experiences. Many people dream about Workamping, but few get to see what really happens behind the scenes. Today’s guest, Steven Erkman, pulls back the curtain in a fun and entertaining way through his book titled, “Not The Brochure.” Steven and his girlfriend have spent years traveling full time across the United States and Workamping in campgrounds and RV resorts. Along the way, he collected dozens of stories that reveal the humorous, unpredictable and sometimes chaotic side of campground life. In this episode, Steven shares how a series of Facebook posts eventually turned into a book filled with real-life experiences from the front lines of Workamping. You’ll hear stories about demanding guests, unusual campground emergencies, wildlife encounters and the creative problem solving that often comes with the job. If you’ve ever wondered what campground guests don’t see behind the scenes, or if you’re considering becoming a Workamper yourself, this conversation offers a realistic and entertaining glimpse into the lifestyle. Steven’s stories remind us that one of the greatest benefits of Workamping is that no two days are ever the same. Throughout this conversation, Steven shared how years of full time travel and Workamping provided not only a place to stay and work, but also a front row seat to some truly unforgettable experiences. From unexpected guest requests and campground emergencies to wildlife encounters and daily surprises, he discovered that people are often the most unpredictable part of the job. His experiences also highlight the flexibility, creativity and sense of humor that help successful Workampers thrive. Whether he was helping stranded guests, solving campground challenges or simply observing human nature in action, Steven found inspiration for dozens of stories that eventually became his book, “Not The Brochure.” If you’re looking for a lighthearted look at campground life and the realities of Workamping, Steven’s book offers plenty of laughs and more than a few moments that will feel familiar to experienced Workampers. To learn more about Steven, visit stevenerkman.com [http://stevenerkman.com], connect with him on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/steven.erkman] or follow his writing at Substack [https://substack.com/@notthebrochure]. His book, “Not the Brochure,” is available on his website, Amazon and in other bookstores. Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality. A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years. If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com [http://www.workamper.com]. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you! That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a Workamper who is making a repeat appearance on the show after releasing her new book titled, “Unfolding: Seven Years of Life-Changing Solo Adventure, One Year That Broke Me Open.” I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. If you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.

Marsha Hart – Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery

Today I am speaking with a woman from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about volunteering at a fish hatchery in Kentucky. Marsha Hart is from Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery in Jamestown, Ky. The hatchery raises nearly a million trout each year and serves as a popular attraction for campers, anglers, school groups and families. Marsha explains how Workampers help operate the visitor center, assist guests, care for educational animals and support special events throughout the year. She also shares why this volunteer opportunity is ideal for couples, what makes the campsites so appealing and how volunteers become an important part of the hatchery’s mission. More importantly, you’ll learn about the flexible schedule which gives volunteers plenty of time to explore Kentucky, Tennessee and the many attractions surrounding Lake Cumberland. If you enjoy meeting friendly people, sharing your love of the outdoors and helping visitors discover one of Kentucky’s most beautiful destinations, then this episode is for you. While the volunteer positions focus primarily on welcoming visitors and operating the visitor center, Workampers quickly become part of a close-knit community. With spacious full-hookup campsites, beautiful surroundings, abundant wildlife and a schedule that provides many consecutive days off, it’s easy to understand why many volunteers return year after year. We also learned that volunteers play an important role in helping the hatchery fulfill its mission of conservation, education and outdoor recreation. Whether assisting with fishing events, interacting with visitors or helping behind the scenes, Workampers make a meaningful contribution to the experience enjoyed by thousands of guests each year. For those who love nature, enjoy meeting people and want to spend time near Lake Cumberland, this could be an outstanding opportunity. To learn more about volunteering at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, visit the agency’s website at www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/wolf-creek. You can also contact Marsha Hart directly by phone or text at 270-566-3036 or by email at marsha_hart @ fws.gov. That’s all for this week’s show. Next time I will be speaking with a  Workamper who had such an interesting experience as a camp host for many years, that he wrote a book about it. I’ll have that interview on the next episode of The Workamper Show. Thanks for listening and if you like these interviews, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.

Stéphane Picard – Night sky experiences

In today’s episode, I’m visiting with the founder of Cliff Valley Astronomy and Canada’s only astro-tourism consultant. Stéphane Picard is helping travelers rediscover something many of us have lost in modern life, which is a true connection to the night sky. If you’ve ever parked your RV far from city lights and looked up in amazement at the stars overhead, you’re going to love this conversation. Stéphane explains why dark sky tourism is growing so quickly and how RVers are uniquely positioned to enjoy it. We also talk about how modern technology has made astronomy far more accessible than it used to be. You no longer need a massive observatory or a degree in astrophysics to experience the planets, galaxies and nebulae that once seemed out of reach. Finally, Stéphane shares why New Brunswick is becoming a dream destination for outdoor lovers, nature enthusiasts and travelers looking for unforgettable nighttime experiences. One thing I found especially interesting was how RVers are perfectly positioned to enjoy this growing trend. Whether you’re camping in a remote forest, parked near a national park or attending an RV rally, there are incredible opportunities to experience the stars away from city lights. I also appreciated Stéphane’s reminder that astronomy does not have to be intimidating or expensive anymore. Modern smart telescopes and local astronomy groups are making stargazing easier and more interactive for families and travelers alike. And if New Brunswick was not already on your bucket list, Stéphane certainly gave us plenty of reasons to add it. Between the Bay of Fundy, rich culture, outdoor adventures and spectacular night skies, it sounds like an incredible destination for Workampers and RVers. To learn more about Cliff Valley Astronomy, visit cliffvalleyastronomy.com [http://cliffvalleyastronomy.com]. You can also learn more about dark sky travel opportunities in New Brunswick at darkskydestinations.ca [http://darkskydestinations.ca]. Both organizations are also active on Facebook and Instagram. Today’s episode is sponsored by Workamper News. Much more than just a job-listing website, when you put the tools of this professional service into action, you’ll find out just how easy it can be to turn your Workamping dreams into reality. A Workamper membership opens the door to a one-stop-shop for all-things Workamping. Being the original resource for Workamping, you’ll find the largest number of job listings, be able to connect with a community of Workampers, and view resources compiled by experts who have been enjoying the RV lifestyle for many years. If you’re serious about leading a successful and enjoyable Workamping lifestyle, then membership is for you. Join today at www.workamper.com [http://www.workamper.com]. Embark on new adventures today with the support of Workamper News behind you! That’s all for this week’s show. Next time, I will be interviewing an employer about some interesting Workamping opportunities about a fish hatchery in Kentucky. Thank you for listening!