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Welcome to Wanders With Tara

Hi, I’m Tara and if there’s one thing that’s always been true about me, it’s that I’ve never really known how to sit still. I grew up in Michigan, surrounded by lakes, woods, dirt roads, and a family that believed adventure was part of everyday life. From a young age, I was the kind of kid who wanted to try everything. Dirt bikes, quads, side‑by‑sides, kayaks, paddle boards, snowboards, snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, if it involved movement, nature, or a little adren

Jan 183 min read

Welcome to Wanders With Tara

Hi, I’m Tara and if there’s one thing that’s always been true about me, it’s that I’ve never really known how to sit still. I grew up in Michigan, surrounded by lakes, woods, dirt roads, and a family that believed adventure was part of everyday life. From a young age, I was the kind of kid who wanted to try everything. Dirt bikes, quads, side‑by‑sides, kayaks, paddle boards, snowboards, snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, if it involved movement, nature, or a little adren

The Ultimate Souvenir: How Seasonal Work Changed My Mindset (And What’s Next)

When I look back at my seasonal work journey, from the scorching deserts of Arizona to the snowy peaks of Colorado and Tahoe, and the kelp forests of Catalina Island, it’s easy to focus on the crazy jobs. But there is so much more behind each of these short stories. Seasonal life didn't just give me a paycheck; it completely changed the trajectory of my life. Immersion Over Itineraries Sure, anyone can visit all 50 states and check national parks off their little list. But ho

From Seasonal Worker to True Local: My Final Years on Catalina Island

After my winter in Lake Tahoe, I packed up and headed back to Catalina Island. But this time was different. I didn’t see this as just another temporary seasonal run. I was returning single, ready to fully immerse myself, and determined to stay year-round until I grew tired of it. Spoiler alert: I didn’t grow tired of it. It took a major plot twist to finally get me to leave. But before that happened, I experienced the absolute best of what island life has to offer. Becoming P

The Tahoe Hustle: Avalanches, Trams, and a Record-Breaking Winter

After an incredible summer working the beach club on Catalina Island, the snow was calling my name again. But before I made Catalina my permanent year-round home, I had one more mountain to conquer: Lake Tahoe, California. I packed up my trusty Jeep once again, but this time I wasn't going alone. I brought along my friend Kyle, who I actually met working on Catalina. In a crazy small-world twist, he is also originally from Michigan! He had never really traveled outside of the

Going Back to the Island: My First Full Season on Catalina

As much as I loved the powder days and the mountain family I built in Steamboat Springs, the ocean was calling me back. I had gotten a tiny taste of Catalina Island the previous fall, but this time, I was committing to a full summer season from April through October. This time around, things were different. I wasn't just a wide-eyed newbie figuring out where the grocery store was. I came back ready to work hard, save a lot of money, and completely immerse myself in island lif

Trading Sand for Snow: My First Ski Season in Steamboat Springs

After a glorious spring in the Arizona desert and an incredible summer living on Catalina Island, I knew exactly what kind of adventure I wanted next: a real mountain winter. Growing up in Michigan, I spent my childhood skiing with my family before eventually switching to snowboarding when I was about 14. But let’s be real, Midwest hills don't exactly compare to the Rockies. In the fall of 2021, I flew back home to Michigan, grabbed my winter gear and my snowboard, packed up

6

Countries Visited

1

Continents Visited

8

Torn Pairs of Shoes

2

Lost Items

Cool summer nights look a little different when your kayak lives in your trunk. 🌅✨ Stopped on my way home and went from box to the river in less than five minutes.

@orukayak @popflyco

#orukayak #orulake

In the mountains of Sintra where the Castles lie 🏰🇵🇹

Absolutely! Made a whole trip out of it!

#spain #portugal #badbunnylisboa

Just over the bridge the perfect sunset spot exists

#lisbon #lisbomsunset

Spain and Portugal felt like we were walking on a dream

05.27.2026

DTMF! Worth the one year wait and traveling across the world!

#badbunnylisboa #dtmf

I know a lot of people have been saying I’ve been out my element but I did indeed go the beach 🏖️

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Hi, I'm Tara

Featured Post

Welcome to Wanders With Tara

Recent Posts

Welcome to Wanders With Tara

The Ultimate Souvenir: How Seasonal Work Changed My Mindset (And What’s Next)

From Seasonal Worker to True Local: My Final Years on Catalina Island

The Tahoe Hustle: Avalanches, Trams, and a Record-Breaking Winter

Going Back to the Island: My First Full Season on Catalina

Trading Sand for Snow: My First Ski Season in Steamboat Springs

Follow us on Instagram

Hi, I'm Tara

Featured Post

Welcome to Wanders With Tara

Recent Posts

Welcome to Wanders With Tara

The Ultimate Souvenir: How Seasonal Work Changed My Mindset (And What’s Next)

From Seasonal Worker to True Local: My Final Years on Catalina Island

The Tahoe Hustle: Avalanches, Trams, and a Record-Breaking Winter

Going Back to the Island: My First Full Season on Catalina

Trading Sand for Snow: My First Ski Season in Steamboat Springs

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