There are places that ask a lot of you, but give a lot in return. Little Chiniak, Alaska (population, 50) is one of them. It's 45 minutes from the nearest airport along a beautiful and rugged Alaskan coastline that's sometimes socked with clouds and fog. The haunt of hearty river fisherman in pursuit of the perfect and pristine angling experience, Chiniak has been the type of place where a lodge or a bed and breakfast are the only options...until now.
Poised on a two acre parcel on spectacular Kalsin Bay, this gorgeous two story home will free you from the routine and lack of privacy that can come with other accommodations. Enjoy amenities like a banya (a type of sauna), a smoker (a type of stove for smoking food), and three bedrooms. These afford you luxury and an independence not to be had anywhere else nearby: a lodging experience unique to the Chiniak area.
After a long day out on the water, shed your waders and boots in the mudroom entrance and come inside the spacious and beautifully decorated living area with its high ceilings and huge windows. Make yourself a drink, put some music on the CD player and settle into the plush furniture as you savor the ever-changing moods and colors of magnificent Kalsin Bay, just outside. Read one of the books provided, or pick a DVD to watch on the awesome 52" inch flat screen TV. (The system also includes a Blue PS3 player). Chilly? (It's Alaska, after all) warm yourself by the energy efficient Blaze King fireplace. There are also electric and Toyo heaters around for extra warmth.
Since it's pretty much understood that you didn't make your way to remote Chiniak for the fine dining and night life, you expect a kitchen that's up to the task of satisfying some hearty appetites. No problem - Kodiak Lodge's kitchen is up to the challenge! There are no stores or gas stations in Chiniak, so it's wise to "stock up." Not only is there a big refrigerator and freezer with ice-maker, there's also a large, separate chest freezer available for use. A deep fryer is also provided. On those warmer days, fire up the gas grill out on the deck and barbeque the day's catch. Gather 'round the dining table with room for six, or enjoy your meal at the patio set on the deck (weather permitting).
With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, Kodiak Lodge will sleep six comfortably. The large master bedroom not only comes with a king bed, a double full futon, and a TV with DVD player, you'll also enjoy the bubbly warmth of a Jacuzzi tub. In each of the other rooms, you'll find two single beds that can be pushed together to make a double if needed. There are two full bathrooms, a Whirlpool stackable washer and dryer, and plenty of on-demand hot water.
If you're looking to cast your line in the deep waters around Chiniak, it's best to have the guidance and security of a seasoned charter business. The folks at Runnamuck Charters (www.Runnamuckcharters.com)would love to take you out for a memorable deep-sea fishing experience. Kodiak Island's seven major rivers and hundreds of streams are spawning grounds for all six species of Pacific Ocean Salmon, trout, and other species. The salmon, in turn, nurture 250 species of birds,
But Chiniak and Kodiak Island are not all about fishing. Much of Kodiak Island is taken up by the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can hunt for buffalo, deer and bear at the Kodiak Game Ranch, 50 miles south of Kodiak, or simply explore some of its 20,000 acres. And if you're on Kodiak Island in March, bring along the clubs and participate in the Pillar Mountain Golf Classic, a two day classic one hole, Par 70, golf tournament to the top of 1400 ft. snow covered Pillar Mountain in Kodiak, Alaska. There's even a winery in Chiniak where you can sample the local vintages.
So bundle up, reserve this lovely lodge in beautiful and remote Chiniak, and head north for an unforgettable Alaskan getaway!
