A Mountaintop Retirement

Retired paralegal and victims assistance coordinator Tammy Davenport always found her career fulfilling, but says nothing compares to the joys of what she’s doing now.

Story by Rebecca L. Bennett

“While working in Yellowstone National Park, JR and I came upon a mother grizzly bear and her cub by accident,” says TCDRS retiree Tammy Davenport, a former Paralegal and Victims Assistance Coordinator from Uvalde County.

“We were within 100 yards of them,” she says. “Luckily, we were able to retreat and hide under a bridge. We now hike with two cans of bear spray!”

Tammy retired in 2013 with nearly 22 years of TCDRS service — and while she always found her career fulfilling, she says nothing compares to the joys of what she’s doing now. Since 2017, Tammy and her husband, JR, have been spending their summers living and working together in U.S. national parks, realizing their longtime dream as a couple.

Tammy and JR met in 2004 and immediately bonded over their shared passions for family, travel and the outdoors.

Shortly afterward, JR shared his goal to pursue summer employment in national parks during retirement, having worked in Yellowstone as a college student back in the 1980s. As a lifelong nature enthusiast and avid hiker, Tammy immediately got on board with the plan.

Summer Summits

Left: Tammy bagged three of Yellowstone’s highest peaks during her 300-mile summer at Yellowstone National Park, including Mt. Washburn. Right: Tammy and JR visited Lower Yellowstone Falls on one of their days off in 2018.

Fittingly, Tammy and JR’s retirement adventure took them first to Yellowstone, where they helped run one of the park’s gift shops, Mammoth General Store, as summer cashiers from 2017–2020.

On days off, they took to the trails, bagging hikes and summits and relishing the cooler temperatures. “Our best summer was 300 miles in Yellowstone, where we summitted Bunsen, Sepulcher and Washburn Peaks,” Tammy says.

Tammy on a hike in Glacier National Park.

Last summer, Tammy and JR switched things up and worked as cashiers at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. And this summer, they have been helping out at an Apgar Village gift shop, located on the west side of Glacier National Park.

“We find our seasonal jobs on Coolworks.com,” Tammy says. “You choose the location you want to work in and then apply, which we have found to be very easy. Then, as the season gets closer, they will reach out and start interviews.”

“These are paid positions, which now include housing and all utilities,” Tammy says, adding that hired applicants can usually get discounts on RV spots.

Peak Enjoyment

Left: The Continental Divide is just one of many destinations Tammy and JR plan to visit while working in Glacier National Park this summer. Right: Tammy and JR visited Yellowstone National Park’s Old Faithful geyser in 2019.

Not only does the seasonal work help Tammy and JR supplement their income and stay active, but it also allows them to immerse themselves in the local areas surrounding the parks. “Being in one place for anywhere between two to six months, you really get to know the area and get off-the-beaten path and explore,” Tammy says.

The Yellowstone area has always held special significance for Tammy and JR’s family, as they have endeavored to pass on their outdoor lifestyle to their children and grandchildren. In fact, their favorite destination to date, Chico Hot Springs, is located just 30 miles outside of the park in Pray, Montana.

“The kids love it, and our oldest granddaughter Maddie even learned to swim there,” Tammy says.

Additionally, between talking with guests from all over the world and getting to know other seasonal employees, working in the parks helps Tammy and JR maintain a vibrant social life.

“I find it really interesting talking to all the guests who visit and getting to learn more about their cultures,” she says. “We have met some really amazing people and are still friends with almost all of our co-workers.”

Next up, Tammy hopes to work in Alaska at Denali National Park and Washington at Mount Rainier National Park. “My goal is to keep doing this as long as I am healthy,” she says, adding that she hopes to see
a few more bears, too.

“Doing these things has reversed the aging process for us both,” she adds. “We feel ten years younger.”

Photos courtesy of Tammy Davenport.

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