Jetboats. Rafts. Walk wades. Bears. The salmon run. Float planes. And trophy Rainbow Trout. I scribbled down so many notes during my phone call with John. But it wasn't just informational - he was interviewing me, as he would be primarily responsible for training me and guiding with me day-in and day-out.
After hanging up, I took some time to consider the opportunity. What stuck with me was the regret I would feel if I let this pass me by. So, yes, I was in if I was the right fit on their end. "John, let me know what you need from me to move forward."
A couple nights later, my larger interview process began after I received a phone call from one of the owners and operators. Chad was enthusiastic about his operation, but also frank about the skills and experience necessary for his guides. I didn't exactly fit that mold. My responses went pretty much like this:
"No, I've never run a jet boat with a tiller."
"No, I don't have significant rowing experience."
"No, I've never guided."
"No, I've never even been to Alaska."
Kindly, he thanked me for my time and said it might be something that could work out in the (distant) future, but in any event to go ahead and send him an email with a write-up on myself, including some pictures, so he knew who he was talking to. "All good," I thought, "I gave it a shot." I put together the email, sent it off, and texted John that I appreciated his consideration and encouragement.
I'm going to stop there and mention something else. I'm 39 and (obviously) female - and these were my two major self-imposed limitations.
"I'm too old for this, and I'm not strong enough," replayed in my head over and over. But I was off the hook (or so I thought) after my conversation with Chad.
That is, until I received a text a day later from the other owner and operator, Bill. He had read my write-up and now wanted to speak to me personally.
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