Alaska: The Peninsula
The second half of our Alaska adventure took Ali-Sun and myself to the very tip of the Kenai Peninsula. We spent four days and three nights at Stillpoint Lodge in Halibut Cove, one of the most beautiful places we've ever seen. The hospitality of owners Jan and Jim Thurston and their amazing staff, the views and the adventures gave us an experience we'll treasure the rest of our lives. If you are looking for a totally unique destination, be it a romantic retreat, spiritual quest, corporate meeting or silent interlude, don't hesitate to get in touch and say I sent you.
Halibut Cove is a roadless community six miles across Kachemak Bay from Homer, which lies at the very tip of the peninsula. They are an active community of about 90 during the summer months, dipping to 20 or so residents in the long winter months.
Cooper Landing is a small town about halfway between Anchorage and Homer. Incredible views and a quaint town mark this community that sits on one of Alaska's 3 million lakes. Fly fishermen were seen everywhere, enjoying great fishing and perfect weather. (photo by Ali-Sun)
The view from the Hermitage at Stillpoint Lodge, our cabin we stayed in for three nights.
A photo from a hiking trail above Halibut Cove. We brought the Ojai sun up to Alaska, and brought back the fall with the beautiful two day rain we had here in Ojai. Our timing was quite impressive ;)
Led by our expert guide and Stillpoint staffer Shona, we kayaked two miles to a secluded beach over glassy waters, where we tied up the kayaks on old dock pilings. A mile and a half hike led us to Glacier Lake.
The glacier itself is about two and a half miles across the lake, which it fills as it recedes slowly but surely. It's a humbling experience to be in the presence of so much beauty, with bittersweet feelings knowing it could be largely vanished in the next twenty years. Alaskans far and wide told us that climate change and warming has been brutally evident over the last thirty years.
A beautiful photo of the glacier by Ali-Sun. The executive chef from Stillpoint Lodge had prepared us with a shrimp stir-fry lunch for the road. It was a magical afternoon. As the winds picked up, the kayak return home took us to our edge (particularly mine), as we fought an incoming tide, three foot waves and steady 15 knot winds gusting to 20 knots.
Sunset in Halibut Cove.
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Comments (5)
Tyler,
This is so awesome....
how did you get there? what is the cost?
Comment #1 Posted by: david | October 2, 2007 07:25 PM
Hi David -
Halibut Cove is only accessible by boat, seaplane or helicopter. You can take a water taxi over from Homer, Alaska for about 50 bucks. Homer is accessible by plane (1 hour from Anchorage) or car (4 hours from Anchorage).
Rates are I believe $500/night double occupancy or $350/night single, and that includes three meals a day. In looking at some of the other places to stay in Halibut Cove, its a bargain.
You can click the link to Stillpoint Lodge in the first paragraph, and if you get in touch, you'll probably talk to Jan, who owns the place with her husband Jim.
Comment #2 Posted by: Tyler | October 2, 2007 08:52 PM
I want to be there.
Comment #3 Posted by: phalarope | October 3, 2007 01:01 PM
Hey, Tyler! How are you? This is Wellyngton, Stillpoint Cooking Master!!! ;)
Loved your post... beautiful pics, hope to see you around and defenitely will keep track of your work... really nice! Peace from NYC!
Comment #4 Posted by: Wellyngton | October 14, 2007 01:06 PM
Hey Wellyngton - great to hear from you! We have such great memories of our whole Stillpoint Lodge experience, particularly the spectacular food. You are a magician! Best to you in NYC.
Comment #5 Posted by: Tyler | October 14, 2007 01:22 PM