South Dakota Guide: Kristi Scott

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Guide: Kristi Scott

Short Bio: Kristi was born in Missoula, Montana and much of her childhood was spent playing in the rivers, lakes, and streams of the Rocky Mountains with her family. After high school and a stint in the art department at the University of Montana in Missoula, Kristi spent several seasons as a ‘ski bum’ in Big Sky, MT and began guiding for Austin-Lehman Adventures during the summer of 2001. Kristi has years of guiding experience in both of Montana’s National Parks- Glacier and Yellowstone. She has also guided in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming, the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, and Bryce, Zion and Escalante National Parks in the Southwest.

In 2006, Kristi completed her bachelor’s degree with concentrations in Anthropology and Museum studies at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT (MSU), followed by a Masters in Native/Museum studies in 2011. Kristi served for several years as the curatorial assistant at the C. M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, MT for the then upcoming permanent exhibition, The Bison: Heart of Plains Indian Culture, American Icon. After teaching undergraduate courses in Native American Studies at MSU, she was one of twelve candidates selected in 2009 for the Smithsonian’s Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology (SIMA). Kristi’s research has since earned her several grants and awards and she has presented her work nationally at conferences such as the American Anthropological Association and American Indian Art Studies Association. Kristi plans to pursue a doctoral degree in Cultural Anthropology or Art History in the very near future.

Kristi’s interests in natural and cultural history are facilitated by her work with Austin-Lehman Adventures. Guiding for ALA allows for diverse and exciting vacation destinations where there is always something new to learn. This, combined with a passion for adventure travel including skiing, hiking, biking, boating and fishing, horseback riding and more, culminate in an ALA Adventure! I am fascinated by art, history, culture and enjoy reading, researching and traveling in order to learn more about the world around me.

More About Kristi:

What’s your favorite vacation destination?

Anywhere outdoors! The mountains, a lake, the beach. In recent years I have done several amazing multi-day rafting trips and have many more rivers to explore!

What’s your favorite hike?
One of the most amazing hikes I have ever been on was in Alaska with ALA. We hiked up Exit Glacier on the Kenai Peninsula where you are surrounded snow and ice on one side and flowing water and beautiful wildflowers on the other. Near the end of the hike one can see the Nanatuks (mountains and valleys buried with snow so that just the peaks are sticking out of the glacial mass), it is truly amazing. Another all-time favorite is going into the Bob Marshal Wilderness in Montana.

What’s your favorite bike ride?
The Antelope Flats ride on the Grand Teton trip still takes the cake! I love it because of the fabulous views of the Tetons AND the great opportunity to see abundant wildlife.

What’s your favorite trip to guide?
I have truly loved every single trip that I have guided, but my favorite is the Montana trip that is right in my own backyard! Montana has so much incredible beauty and adventure to offer!

What do you do that makes a guest’s vacation special?
I enjoy connecting with each guest on a one-on-one level and always meet so many interesting and enjoyable folks while guiding for Austin-Lehman Adventures. With two guides, we are able to cater to each guest’s individual strengths, concerns and hope throughout their vacation so that they can have the best trip ever! Everyone seems to come to the trip with a focus, dream, and/or a passion; and it is my goal to help them fulfill that.

Kristi biking

Kristi hiking in the Tetons

Favorite Movie: Goonies, Princess Bride, Beetle Juice – I’m a child of the 80's!

Favorite Book: Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins

Favorite Song: Three Little Birds, Bob Marley

Describe the most amazing experience you’ve had while guiding a trip:
Another “Alaska moment”…..while on the all day private boat cruise with ALA, we found ourselves in the middle of a mega-pod of Orcas. They were communicating with each other (we lowered a microphone into the water to hear their sounds) and showing off for one and other - jumping into the air, raising fins, slapping the water surface, etc. It was breathtakingly incredible! Everyone on the boat was speechless and many of us had tears of joy in our eyes, marveling at the amazing spectacle of nature that we were witnessing. It was incredible and unforgettable!!!!

When did you first catch the travel bug?
One of my earliest childhood memories is of camping in the mountains of western Montana. I remember looking up at the big dark sky full of tiny bright stars while the big fire flickered and the coals glowed - I was hooked from there forward on being in the mountains and any outdoor adventures! I have continued to travel to destinations such as Europe (Italy, Hungary, Switzerland, Germany, and Holland), Hawaii, Costa Rica, the Gulf of Mexico, British Columbia & Alberta, the great American deserts, the Eastern Sea Board including Nantucket and Maine and I hope for many more adventures to come!

What are your hobbies?
I love to be outside biking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, rafting, horseback riding and observing the environment around me! I am an avid plant lover and enjoy identifying wildflowers and their medicinal and cultural uses. I am fascinated by art, history, and culture, and enjoy reading and researching in order to learn more about the world around me.

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