Josephine Rodgers

This is a list for creating meals/having food in your dorm on your days off. These are just ideas, because I use to do my laundry and cleaning on my Thursday night, enjoy my Friday night or relax, Saturday was my day out, then Sunday was my hermit day where I just rested in my dorm. When I only had 1 day off per week, I usually spent most of it resting and catching up on self care activities.- I got up early to eat a big breakfast in the EDR then picked up my bagged lunch(es) I signed up for before hand, then stayed in my dorm area. Somedays I went to the pub and ordered food there so it was closer for me. It just really depended on how tired I was and if I had 1 day off or 2.

These are some of my favorite road-trip snacks this year. Mostly healthy, some are just comforting. Sometimes I actually pack these and go prepared, other times just wing it and try new snacks along the way.

A winter season can test one's mental, physical, and spiritual strength like never before. Many locations are not accessible by vehicle so you will be on location for 3-4 months before you leave or go anywhere else. By being prepared, you will be able to focus moreso on the other things- like walking or skiing to work alone in the dark. Or getting to know your new roomie! If I knew about this- it would have saved me many hours of not feeling my toes and fingers.

The seasonal lifestyle inside national parks is not always glamorous- sometimes you have to work mandatory overtime, there are small windows of wifi access, and walking to (and from) work in below freezing temps! The best way to be thoughtful of your loved one is mail. Although they may not get it as quickly as you hope, it will be a great morale and comfort booster for them. These are some gifts that your friend/family/partner would like to receive for Valentine's Day if they live and work in a National Park. Do not forget to ask them for the address they can receive packages at- as some times it is different than the address they can receive postcards and letters.

These are Recs from Parkies who worked in Yellowstone to help you decide where to eat (and drink). Cheers!

If you don't already have similar shoes, it is important to get these a few weeks or more in advance so you can break them in before packing or wearing them along the journey.

Covers everything you need to pack, plus recs for extra comfort clothing items.

These items are important to have in your vehicle, for any situation you may find yourself in, along the journey or deep in the park; during dark hours.

These items will be helpful to have in your housing and to use for your comfort.