We are here!

Arrival in Kodiak, AK.

Heading out to Quartz Creek Lodge

Big thanks to Andrews Airways for getting us where we needed to go safely with superb pilots and great flights.

Spectacular views.

Beautiful country that can only be seen from a float plane.

Jim's first time sitting in the right seat.

A gorgeous day to fly.

Enjoying the flight.

Bucket List Item #1 - check. Fulfilling his dream to fly in a float plane.

Uganik Bay, AK

Quartz Creek Lodge is accessible only by float plane or boat. No roads to Kodiak town from here.

Our little cabin at the top of the hill.

Plenty of privacy out here.

Our packs are loaded.

Hiking down the path to the boat.

Pam has created beautiful paths from the cabins to the main lodge.

Lovely flora all placed by hand.

Sitka Deer

David has a keen eye for spotting wildlife and a knack for getting their attention.

Red Fox

This guy was hunting on a little island in the middle of Uganik Bay. He must take advantage of the extreme tidal fluctuations to come and go.

Grizzly Bear

The salmon are slow to come in this year, so this guy is eating sedge grass along the river's edge as he waits for the imminent feast. Although they would rather have salmon, the grass contains a high nutrient value for the bears.

'Nuff said.

It takes courage to live out here - completely off the grid - 365/12.

The Statesman

The puffins are having a meeting of sorts, and one of them appears to command the podium.

Cliff Diver

Divebombing from the cliffs into the water in search of a meal.

Rugged Beauty

Even on a cloudy day, the landscape demands attention.

Happy Seal

This guy seems to have a smile on his face. Seals are in abundance in Uganik Bay as were the Sea Otters and Puffins.

Shhh....let me tell you a secret!

Mama appears to be whispering into her pup's ear. Pups stay with their mothers for at least 6 months before weaning.

From Otters

"I WUV you!"

She seems to be giving her baby an affectionate kiss. Sea Otters are mammals whose primary diet consists of various crustaceans. Pups drink rich milk from their mother until old enough to dive for their own meal.

From Otters

Harlequin Ducks attempting to take flight.

These birds are vulnerable, very skittish, and have difficulty flying during their molting season which occurs every summer.

What part of NO don't you understand?

The boy just won't leave her and her baby alone, and she is one angry mother.

From Otters

"Now, Stay AWAY!" (Think he is getting the message?)

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From Otters

"You are safe with me".

Mama Sea Otters are very protective of their young. They rarely birth more than one pup at a time. If they do have twins, the mother will abandon one of the pups to ensure the survival of the other.

From Otters

The Oyster Catcher which rarely eats oysters.

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Instead they enjoy little crustaceans such as mussels, whelks and limpets which they find on the rocks below the tide line.

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Oyster catchers at work on a rugged outcropping of rock.

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Storm clouds over Uganik Bay.

Wide, open spaces - no people, no boats and no crowds here.

One of Pam's lovely gardens and pathways around the property.

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Red Rockfish - Catch of the Day

Carter brought in this beauty held by fishing guide Aaron Pingree.

Cleaning today's harvest.

The fish are filleted then professionally vacuum packed, boxed and chilled until flown out with the clients.

Happy guests.

John Bunk and his grandson Carter bring home beautiful fish every evening.

The Pingree crew at work.

It's a family endeavor.

The boats await.

And we've got the entire bay all to ourselves.

Private Show

On our last day, 10 Orcas came into the bay to fish. They paid us no attention as they hunted, dove and swam alongside and underneath our boat. What an experience! No crowds to disrupt our view.

A large bull right beside us.

At close range, he resembles an oncoming submarine.

Baby Mergansers with a difference of opinion.

One exhibiting great independence by heading in the opposite direction.

Steering us through rough water against the incoming tide.

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One happy man.

No matter the weather, give David the open sea and all is well.

Mama Otter and pup.

These two were most accommodating and photogenic. Most are skittish and camera shy.

From Otters

"I dare you to come any closer".

What a look. This big guy seems to be ruler of his world.

Arctic Tern

These small birds are aggressive defenders of their territory. With the boat idled to photograph Oyster Catchers, they continuously divebombed us. We could feel the wind from their wings near our heads.

Black and white image of an old cannery.

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This old cannery is maybe a mile from Quartz Creek Lodge.

David and Pam worked here as caretakers before they built their lodge.

View of Quartz Creek Lodge from the boat.

David and Pam built this lodge together, literally by hand over the course of one year using supplies which arrived by barge. Only on 2 occasions did they have any manpower assistance. A friend came out to help - once for a week, the other time for 1 1/2 months.

Quartz Creek Lodge

7 hours by boat, 35 minutes by plane. No cell, no wifi....heaven!

The Pingree crew

The wonderful family that made our stay so pleasant and fun.

An inquisitive bear hopes these anglers might drop a fish his way.

Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park, AK