Alaska TravelGram

Just got back from a fact-finding mission at an Alaska wilderness lodge with a twist: you can drive to this one.

The Knik River Lodge is just an hour’s drive from Anchorage, near the base of Knik Glacier. Peter Schadee and his wife Evelyne run the lodge with a distinctive European flair. They’re both from Holland, so it only makes sense.

“You should come next week when we have the flowers up,” said Evelyne. Even so, the lodge, with its 15 private cabins, offers a striking setting at the top of the Knik River Valley. It sits up high enough on the bluff to see across the river and to the mountains on the other side. Here’s a picture:

“You can’t see the glacier from here, but we offer trips up to the base in our four-wheel van,” she said–pointing to a heavy-duty rig parked in the front yard. With oversized tires and extra clearance, it’s obvious this van can go anywhere it wants to go along the ever-changing riverbed.

There are several trails in the area, both down to the river and up to the tops of the peak just outside the back yard.

Many guests take a trip with Tom Faussett, who runs an airboat up to the face of the glacier. He also will offer jetboat tours (a little quieter!!) as well as kayak trips. The four hour “Knik Glacier Tour” offers an up-close look at the glacier–allowing for some time to hike around and enjoy a snack. Remember to bring your hat and gloves! That glacier is COLD! 

Although each individual cabin at Knik River Lodge includes a ful kitchen, you can opt to take your meals at the open-air restaurant. See below. Note Evelyne and dog “Sam”. A fine dog!

Breakfast is included–lunch and dinner are “a la carte”. 

Oh, don’t worry about staying in touch. Even though you’re far away from everyone at the end of a dirt road in the wilderness, there’s Free Wi-Fi internet access. And your cell phones will work, too. Amazing.

Knik River Lodge is an Alaskan wilderness lodge you can drive to!

Call: (907)745-5002.

Just a couple more days to save on Alaska Airlines air tickets for travel through June 25. Must purchase by May 8 (Thursday). Here are some of my favorites: 

Anchorage-L.A.: $350 $455 rt ai (all-in, including taxes and fees) NON-STOP (fare went up)

Anchorage-Portland: $498 rt ai NON-STOP (usually much more!!) 

Fairbanks-Sacramento: $679 rt ai 

Fairbanks-San Diego: $679 rt ai 

Juneau-Seattle: $437 rt ai 

Juneau-Boise: $517 rt ai 

The best rates for this sale are for destinations between Alaska and Washington/ California/Oregon/ Idaho. 

Alaska’s Popular “Kids Fly Free” package now is available all summer long, through Sept. 30! This is an e-x-c-e-p-t-i-o-n-a-l deal, particularly with the bargain air fare rates now available between now and June 25. Of course, it’s not just “fly free”. If the kids stay in the same room, they stay free. And, depending on when you travel and where you stay, they could eat free at the hotel, too. Then there are special “park hopper” passes where you can get a couple of free days. It’s worth checking out! Go to Alaska’s website–you’lll see the special listed on the right-hand side underneath the picture. Click on it and check it out for Disney Fun!! 

Finally: NEW SERVICE to Flagstaff, Arizona from LAX! This is great news for travelers who want to jump-start their holiday to the Grand Canyon. The twice-daily service from LAX starts on Mon., June 23. Intro fares from L.A. are available for as little as $198 rt ai. 

Below: Another lovely day at Sea-Tac International Airport. I snapped this shot from the Board Room near D-1.

I love Kodiak. You will, too. Whether you’re an avid angler (think salmon and halibut), a naturalist (whale watching, bear watching, photography), hiker or kayaker–make a beeline for Alaska’s Emerald Isle. Below, here I am looking over the ship channel on the deck at the Cliff House B-n-B.

I took Era’s 10:45am flight yesterday, arriving in time for lunch over at Mill Bay Coffee Company. Continue Reading »