Posts Tagged ‘Kachemak Bay’

Photo: Tight shot of the giant Stikine River Delta on final approach to Wrangell, Alaska (Alaska #65 from Ketchikan). Explore Tours can arrange an adventure all the way up this river to Telegraph Creek, BC. Incredible. Do it! Heard over coffee: “Can I tell Henry you’ll make all of his Alaska arrangements?” Mm-hmm, here we are mid-winter and my wife is booking our guest room for July. And guess who gets to make the plans? That would be me. It’s an awesome responsibility. Luckily, my friends at Explore Tours have the answer.

Think about it: Isabelle, Crystal and the gang spend their days custom-designing adventures for travelers from around the world: tours, cruises, sightseeing, adventures. The works.

So, when I have friends who need a helping hand with their Alaska arrangements, I call Explore Tours. They have the buying power to get exclusive, low rates on Alaska Airlines and all the best lodges and activities around the state.

For example:

a. Check out the very best of Denali National Park with a visit to Kantishna, near the shores of Wonder Lake. V-e-r-y few visitors every go ALL the way to the end of the road. Fishing, flightseeing, gold-panning, exploring. It’s an incredible experience–without the crowds. Stay at Camp Denali from 4-8 days.

b. Knik River Lodge is close-up against the Knik Glacier in the Matanuska Valley. It’s a wild place–that you can drive to from Anchorage. Jet-boat rides, horseback tours, hiking. It’s WILD out there (but there’s free wi-fi).

c. Tutka Bay Lodge. Nestled along the shores of Kachemak Bay, you can count on some great meals featuring Alaska seafood, as well as some incredible adventures in the surrounding parklands.

Remember: Alaska is a big place. So let the professionals at Explore Tours take care of everything from Ketchikan to Nome–and everywhere in between! They have the knowledge, the expertise and the inspiration to put together the right trip for you–or your visiting friends and relatives!

Call them: (800)523-7405 or check the website for more details. www.exploretours.com

We took a great flight with our friends at Maritime Helicopters in Homer. Out over the Homer Spit we went. Here are a couple of the photos we got. As they say–film at 11. Still sifting through the rough footage.

John Jacobs was our pilot with Maritime Helicopters, flying the Bell 206 Jet Ranger…ya–with the door off!

You can see Land’s End Resort on the Right. The beachfront condos on the left are the ones Land’s End rents out–fully-furnished. They’re very nice. Here’s an interior shot below (unit #713). I love the fireplace–especially on those chilly September mornings! Check out the tug pulling the barge in the background :

We love Across the Bay Tent-n-Breakfast, even if we cannot remember how to say it on the air! HA!

Bound for Homer? Make the leap across the bay to my favorite “Tent and Breakfast”.  Right on the beach! Nope, it’s not a b-n-b. You actually stay in big wall tents. Oh, they’re built on platforms, with beds, heaters and plenty of blankets. And wait until you see what they’ve done with the outhouses. Too cool! Here’s a photo of kayaking on Kasistna Bay. Kayaks are available right there on the beach. Take half- or full-day trips!

Your hosts, Tony and Mary Jane Lastufka, host a variety of workshops throughout the summer. Prices listed include water taxi transportation from the Homer Spit to Kasitsna Bay, sturdy wall tent accommodations, meals, and workshop participation. Kenai Borough sales tax is not included in the price.  An extra day can be added to the trip for kayaking, biking or hiking for an additional charge. 

To sign up or learn more, call (907) 235-3633, or check online and click on workshops on the top menu bar.

Waterfront Watercolor Workshop: Friday – Sunday, June 13-15
Alaskan watercolorist and multi-media artist Paula Dickey offers her 9th annual watercolor workshop for new and seasoned artists.  This year’s theme is “Surround Yourself With Color,” using color theory to create and express mood. $365 per person.

Nature of Yoga: Friday – Sunday June 20-22
Instructor Margi Clifford MS, RYT, will lead yoga sessions in the protected environs of Kasitsna Bay near MacDonald Spit. Sessions will be outdoors near the shore, weather permitting, or indoors in a room with a commanding a view of the ocean and nearby islands. $360 per person. (more…)