Together In Solitude

Summer Snapshots

[Sondra] Hi everyone! Hope you’re all doing great and enjoying the beautiful fall season! Before I jump into a recap of the summer, I have to say that I just love the fall and everything the season brings. For me it’s a beautiful time of renewal and there’s just so many things that make this a fun and special time of year. Family time – gorgeous fall colors – cozy spaces – pumpkins – bonfires – brisk temps – renewed motivation – spices – fun outings – harvest – apples – relaxing – reconnecting with friends…. Is it the same for you? Comment below and let us know what it is about the fall season that brings you joy. 🍂

So now, rewinding back to the summer….. This last summer was a particularly busy work season for us and though the days were long (the days are long in AK in the summer no matter what!), the summer flew by in a flash! We spent 4 months in Alaska, which is longer than typical. We arrived in early May to have some extra time to repair some damage to the lodge by an earthquake last winter. We also built a new guest cabin at the lodge this spring (photo of that to follow) and still had some remaining work to do on/in The Pioneer Cabin from the previous summer. On top of my typical gig in Anchorage, I also picked up two part-time jobs – instructing at a fitness center and packing peonies for a peony farm. I enjoyed them both! As time allowed around our collective responsibilities, we made sure to have some fun in the sun with each other and friends. 😎 Here are some highlights from the past season in AK!

We first drove from Coeur d’Alene to Seattle, spending some time in Leavenworth, WA on the way. Leavenworth is a quaint little Bavarian-themed town full of charm, character, and great food. I highly recommend visiting if you get the chance! We then flew out of Seattle to Anchorage.

We never know what (if anything) we’ll come back to find on our trail cameras at the remote cabins from the past 8 months. We were so delighted to find these!! 😍

The lodge season started with a visit from these sweet kiddos on their first trip to Alaska! So much fun for all.

Griff and I did some good hikes around Anchorage this summer. Here are some shots of the adventurous big guy. HBD to Griff – he turned 2 last week!

Speaking of birthdays, Jason got some funny new t-shirts for his birthday this summer. I just love this one. Haha, it’s so perfect for him. Based on his expression, I’d say he’s already had his coffee for the day! 😆 mmm… coffee…

Here are a few pics from The Pioneer Cabin. We freeze-dried a bunch of food last winter for the pioneer guests to have as meals and sides. It made sense as there is no refrigeration out there. We’re really happy with how the food turned out and the guests seemed to love it. In another post I will share more about our freeze-dried food operation!

A glimpse from the float plane! ✈️

We celebrated 4th of July at the lodge with these cakes made by Chef Maria! Aren’t they amazing?! 🤩 The WPL cake design looks JUST like our logo!

Here are some more shots in and around the lodge mid-season.

Now here’s a blast from the past! Here we are at the lodge 7 years ago! Just kids! Awww… the Tan Man. 💓 👼

The nature in Alaska sure does not disappoint…

I was so lucky to have the opportunity to pack peonies for EagleSong Peony Farm this summer. Check them out for your peony needs! We ship all over the US. What a blessing to get to work with such beauty (the flowers and of course my coworkers)! 🌺

Back at the lodge, the new guest cabin was going up. A big “thank you” to Heavy D, Chef Dave and anyone else who lent Jason a hand with the construction!

Then it was time for some much needed R&R&H (H=Hiking, Happiness, Duh 😉) at Solitude Island 😃 🏝️

End of season shopping at Costco for the winter caretaker…

We enjoyed some beautiful fall colors and hikes in early September just before departing AK.

And that’s a wrap. I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the goings-on from the summer. Catch ya next time! Don’t forget to comment what you love about the fall and/or a highlight of your summer!

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4 thoughts on “Summer Snapshots

  1. Fall is another blessing-love the smell of damp leaves in the woods & quiet on walks with the pups😍 it’s an ooh & ahh season for sure🍁great time to stop look & listen-gathering visual memories to sustain us thru the winter months😇

  2. Fall is such a great season! From the changing colors of the leaves, to cooling temperatures, to some fun and important (historical) holidays. I always look forward to this time of year.

    Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your summer! I’m amazed at the natural beauty of Alaska from the photos you capture and the operation you guys run at the lodge. The new guest cabin turned out great and I’m so glad the freeze-dried food options were a hit with guests.

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