Notables &
Work Stories
My Family
Married to David Whipple since 1998. We have 2 children: Belle and Mick.
My Work Philosophy
I've always been a "gig" type worker, seeking cool experiences and adventures above long term job security and money. When times were lean I always went back to serving in restaurants- something I've always been good at. I love to cook- especially outside. I was a stay-at-home mom for many years. I'm not afraid of hard or humble work and consider working a noble profession.
In 2024 my daughter Belle and I opened a coffeehouse, fulfilling a life-long dream. She now runs it in downtown Big Rapids, MI. You can watch our DIY renovation here!
Life/WORK EXPERIENCE
Education
Ferris State University | B.S. Outdoor/Adventure Recreation Mgmt. | 1997
TV Shows
Yukon River Run | National Geographic Channel | 2015 | Docu-series
ALONE Season 4 | History Channel | 2017 | Survival Show
ALONE Season 5 | History Channel | 2018 | Survival Show
The thing that started it all:
Then what:
The pivotal moment:
Outdoor Ed. & Rec. jobs:
Most remote job:
Favorite adventure job:
ROAD TRIP! Yellowstone National Park- got a summer job with my best friend working at Old Faithful. Shared a tiny cabin and had to look both ways before stepping out the door- BUFFALO! Hiked almost 100 miles that summer. 1991.
THEN I went to Vail, Colorado to work as a lift operator. Chair 4!
THEN I went to Montana to work as a wildland firefighter. First ride in a private jet!
I bought a one-way ticket to Alaska with no job, no place to live, no plan- only my backpack and $200. I bought a bike, lived in my tent all summer and worked at a Bed & Breakfast and a sporting goods shop in Homer, AK. It all worked out!
Then I finished my college degree. (See above.)
Outdoor Skills Center, Sheboygan, WI: Outdoor Educator/Guide, 1998. National Forest Service, Sitka, Alaska: Recreation Assistant, Camp host, 1997, 99. Chena Hot Springs Resort, Alaska- Rec. Manager/Guide, 2000-02. US Army, Ft. Greely, Alaska- Recreation Manager/Guide, 2010-12.
Winter Homestead Caretaker, Bering Sea/North Pacific, Aleutian Islands near False Pass, AK: 1999-2000. Boated alongside Orcas, made homemade salmonberry wine, caught a 80# halibut, paid $17 for peanut butter.
Guide- Alaska Lograft Adventures on the Yukon River, Alaska: 2000. Floated several hundred miles on a giant lograft in complete wilderness. Assisted with cooking, guiding, fishing, & navigation. My happy place.
Most Quirky accomplishments
Homesteader | 10 years without running water in Alaska | 1998-2012
Judge | Erma Bombeck National Writing Competition | 2010
Winner | Alaska State Blueberry Pie Championship | 2010
Singer/Songwriter | Opening Act for Nanci Griffith | 2012
Grower/Owner | U-Pick Flower Field | 2013- present
Home Bakery | Baked and sold 100's of pies, bread, & cookies | 2014-16
Survival Expert | Imagine Exhibitions Museum Installation | 2019
Filmmaking moments
In 2010, my self-produced/shot documentary about Alaska's most famous mountain race, Mt. Marathon, aired on AlaskaOne TV, and also won a $5,000 grant from the Rasmuson Foundation, an arts foundation in Alaska.
In 2016 I was a participant on ALONE Season 4 on the History Channel where I was dropped on a remote island just north of Vancouver Island in B.C. Canada. I survived alone with my husband for 49 days. All filming was self shot. No film crew.
In 2016 I launched a successful YouTube career with over 500K subscribers to date.
In 2017 I was a participant on ALONE Season 5 on the History Channel where I was dropped in the remote northern reaches of Mongolia. I survived alone for 28 days. All filming was self shot. No film crew.
In 2021 I was chosen by YouTube for their campaign "The US of YouTube" representing Alaska in the YouTube creator economy.
Stuff I wrote
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The Frozen Toe Guide to Real Alaskan Livin': Learn how to survive Moose Attacks, Endless Winters & Life Without Indoor Plumbing, 2007, Sasquatch Books.
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Columnist for the Fairbanks Daily News Miner, Fairbanks, AK, View from the Cabin (Humor): 2006- 2012.
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Columnist for the Delta Wind, Delta Junction, AK, Local Happenings: 2010-2012.
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Alaska Did This to Me, 2012. Self published.
Stuff I teach
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I've taught thousands of children, youth, and adults the principles of outdoor survival and shelter building in school settings, libraries, outdoor events, custom events, and volunteer activities. 1998- present.
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5-day Women's Outdoor Workshop, Alaska, 2018
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5-day Women's Remote Survival Training, Alaska, 2019
Cabin Builds
My husband and I have built 5 log cabins/homes in Alaska.
Watch me build my first solo cabin.
Watch me convert my truck into a camper.
Watch me build a Gypsy Wagon.
Watch me build a micro camper.
Watch me build a log cabin.
Certifications
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Certified Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Medical Associates, EXP 2028
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Certified Breath Coach, Yogabody Teachers College, 2023
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Certified Stretching Coach, Yogabody Teachers College, 2023
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Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Assoc. of Nature & Forest Therapy, 2024
