Boy, do I have a great adventure trip for you! I know many people like to take an Alaskan cruise to view the glaciers and visit the neighboring towns along the cruise route, but the best way to REALLY see Alaska is to experience the backcountry.
Here are some of my “Bests” of this wilderness trip:
Best Lodges
I’d like to recommend a stay at two rustic lodges situated in the Alaskan wilderness; Winter Lake Lodge and Tutka Bay Lodge owned by Carl and Kirsten Dixon. Their daughters Carly and Mandy also assist in operating these iconic luxury lodges. Carly does an exceptional job at managing Tutka Bay Lodge. Mandy is a chef who runs the kitchens in both lodges and has written a cookbook. What a talented family!
The beauty of these two lodges is that you get a taste of both luxury and extreme adventure. The only way to access them is by float plane, helicopter or boat. The staff at Winter Lake Lodge went above and beyond my expectations and even had champagne flown up in a helicopter in my honor after our tundra hike. Thanks, Tony! I can't say one lodge was better than the other, as they were both unique in their own different ways. At each lodge we started our day with a yoga practice and ended each evening with exceptional wines and fine dining. The massages were incredible at both places, as well. Enjoy the hot tubs on their decks. Experience everything you can at each lodge! They both will listen to all of your wishes and whims. Remarkable! Insurmountable!
Best Glacier Trekking Guide
Melissa (also known as the ice doctor) from Winter Lake Lodge was a fabulous guide. We were flown by helicopter from the lodge to Trimble Glacier (best pilot: Taylor for his craziness!) for my much anticipated glacier trek. Melissa was incredibly knowledgeable about every crevasse, moulins, and compressed ice feature. She even introduced us to glacial flour, which is finely ground rock from glacial erosion. One evening, I used some as a facial mud mask and it acted as an excellent exfoliant leaving my skin soft and smooth. A glacial facial is highly recommended. Why isn’t this offered in spa’s? Another highlight of a glacier trek is that you don’t need to bring a water bottle because you can simply sip from the glacial streams. So cold, so refreshing, so delicious! A glacier trek including a flight for viewing the massive icefields is a must!
Best Pastry Chef
Eve of Winter Lake Lodge is amazing. Not only do you get to experience the Alaskan wilderness in all its glory, but when you get back to the lodge, there’s a magnificent meal waiting for you three times a day with freshly homemade baked goodies! We had the fortunate opportunity to get a pastry class given by Eve. We learned to make pâte brisée which is dough for making flaky pie crusts, quiche or tarts. Her homemade donuts are also to die for and talk about service! I briefly mentioned to her that I loved jelly donuts, so what do you know but the next breakfast we had homemade jelly donuts. Yummmmmy!
Best Dog Race
The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race! At Winter Lake Lodge, the 17 sled dogs on the property are primed for the big annual race. The lodge is the 4th stop on the Iditarod trail. The dogs are called Alaskan huskies, but I was surprised that they didn’t all look like the beautiful breed. However, they have incredible strength and vigor and sweetness to them. The start of the 2018 race in Anchorage is on March 3rd. I can’t wait to watch it now that I’ve obtained so much information from the owner Carl about the complexity of the race. And, to be a musher takes a certain type of someone. :)
Best Wildlife Sightings (Via boat and plane from Tutka Bay Lodge)
The brown bears in Katmai National Park and Preserve. The guides weren’t kidding when they said that we’d be walking alongside bears as they fish for salmon. Wowee! Talk about where the wild things are. I only got scared when one of the enormous brown bears was 10 feet from us and the naturalist said in a calm voice to the bear, “Okay, that’s close enough.” The bear just turned around and walked the other way. I’m not kidding. Our guide was a brown bear whisperer. We flew on a 6-seater plane with balloon tires that landed and took off from the beach. What a joy ride!
Best Local Oysters
Tutka Bay Lodge. Funny story…(yes, another one!) I was hiking on a trail through the old-growth forest (beware: logs can be very slippery!) and I casually was talking to our adorable guide, Lisa, about how I’d like to visit a local oyster farm on Kachemak Bay. I said there’s nothing better than a fresh oyster and a cold glass of champagne. So, after one of our grueling bear excursions (ha!) we jumped off the boat to walk up the gigantic boardwalk, which is connected to the main lodge, and low and behold the amazing Kaleb had a platter of the freshest and plumpest oysters from the bay that I’ve ever seen ready for us alongside chilled glasses of champagne. Are you kidding me? The staff at Tutka Bay was impeccable. I’ll never taste an oyster that fresh again.
During my amazing trip, I also kayaked in Tutka Bay and saw sea otters, seals and bald eagles! Thanks Pure Barre for all the core workouts. It helped tremendously!
If you’re ready to take the trek to Alaska, I have the best packing list for you. Just Ask! Or better yet, Just Ask me to plan an epic and memorable adventure trip to Alaska and you won’t have to lift a finger.
Go off the grid and unplug. Visit the Alaskan wilderness and explore.
