Fly to Alaska 2017: Alaska Day 12

Ken & Dwayne have a fellow pilot and friend who keeps his airplane in the same hangars they do in Fort Smith. Ken had learned that Peter also had a cabin near Soldatna where they were spending the summer, so we decided to see if we could meet up. A quick phone call later we departed Soldotna and landed at Kastilof AK where he was waiting on us for a five minute drive to his cabin, a look around, and nice visit with him and his family.

Then we were on our way again, flying down the beautiful peninsular above lakes, streams, and coastline, with distant, snow-covered mountains on both sides of us. We had a nice view of Homer -- the city, airport, spit, and harbor as we flew over what is normally considered the end of the peninsular, across the bay and SE to Seldovia.

Seldovia's population was 255 at the 2010 census. It is located along Kachemak Bay southwest of Homer. There is no road system connecting the town to other communities, so all travel to Seldovia is by airplane or boat. The town has the reputation of being to Alaskans what Alaska is to folks in the lower forty-eight. :) We agreed that it was special.

We arrived amidst a rain shower that quickly moved off. We unloaded our bags for the night and were talking about how we were going to get them to the hotel when a nice couple from upstate New York who spend their summers in Seldovia and Alaska, approached us and offered to give us a ride to the hotel. Indeed they were super friendly and gave us a driving tour of the village before dropping us at the hotel. Besides sharing flying stories, airplane stories, Seldovia information, etc., they also showed us an iPhone video of a black bear that had charged them while they were on the deck of their nearby cabin the previous day!? This did more than confirm the stories we had heard from locals that the back bears were unusually aggressive this year and not their typical, historical selves?!

We said our good byes and thank yous, then settled into our rooms for the day and night. We strolled around the town and the harbor together before enjoying a tasty lunch at the water’s edge. The rest of the day was filled with individual walks, naps, relaxing, and exploring. Later Doug and Dwayne took a two mile hike through the forest on a local trail to some deserted beaches along the bay. It was peaceful, mesmerizing, and easy on the eyes and senses. A special time in a special place.

We returned to find Ken & Shep at the local pub, and had dinner with them, as it was the only place open to eat in town at the time of the evening. The hot soup and beverage really hit the spot as the temperatures had begun to plunge. Then it was a short walk one last time down main street and to our hotel for the obligatory card games and sleep.