Eleven Reasons You Should Join Us in Alaska This Summer
We’re headed back to Alaska this August, my fourth trip there and Hanna’s second. We haven’t been since July of 2020, a gap that feels far longer than that, but makes us appreciate just how special the Alaskan experience can be. If you’re a lover of the outdoors, an American, or a citizen of the world and you’ve yet to go – shame on you! Regardless of your budget, your interests or the size of your group, there’s a way to get it done. In the meantime, we’d love it if you’d join us. Here are eleven reasons that should inspire you to join us:
American Wilderness – We travel to many international destinations, and we treasure all of them, but for those of you who are squeamish about crossing borders this is an exotic destination that doesn’t require a passport. You are supporting American businesses with American dollars, and enjoying one of our country’s most meaningful historical acquisitions – in terms of acreage, resources and travel appeal.
Historic Salmon Runs – Have you ever stood in a stream with fish so thick that they bounced off your legs as they swam upstream? You’ll get that experience. Moreover, you’ll get to catch multiple species of trout, salmon and char. With the Pebble Mine project hopefully stalled, we likely won’t see the decimation of these populations anytime soon, but I always believe that there’s no time like the present to enjoy superlative fisheries.
Da Bears – Seeing Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park on television or YouTube is one thing, but actually fishing among the bears, watching them walk up and downstream, is otherworldly. For the first short period, it’s nerve-wracking, but eventually you just become part of the scenery.
Fly Me to the Moon – Most of our friends are conventional anglers, or at the most inexperienced flyrodders. This is the perfect chance to improve your fly casting and fish-fighting. It’s not like going to the Bahamas for bonefish where you may get one shot at a spooky fish in a heavy crosswind. Here, if you mess up your shot you’ll likely get another shot immediately thereafter.
The Food – You will eat like royalty throughout your trip, just about anywhere you go, but especially at Bear Trail Lodge. Fresh monster crab claws straight off the boat, salmon you caught hours earlier, and so on. And you can either ship home or check as luggage 50 pound boxes of salmon and/or halibut, enough to fill your freezer and relive the experience again and again and again.
Libations – After a long day on the water, or the stress of hiking over the tundra to get to a remote stream, it’s nice to shower and then enjoy a glass of wine or an Alaskan Amber with some appetizers. We enjoyed both at Bear Trail Lodge as well as microbrews in Girdwood. But what about a margarita made with glacier ice? It’s on the menu for this trip.
Man vs. Beast – Have you ever really tested yourself on a fish that weighs more than you? Salmon and trout may be the draw, but you can also add a halibut trip out of Seward to the front or back end of your trip. Not only do they taste incredible, but a 150- or 200-pounder in 200 feet of water will prove whether those gym workouts have paid off.
De Havilland Beaver – The float plane rides to remote streams, many of which haven’t seen other anglers all season, are worth the trip alone, no matter which plane you use. However, there’s something special about riding in a de Havilland Beaver, the “semi-official” state plane of Alaska. Production ceased in 1967, but it’s still iconic and incredibly reliable.
Indigenous Opportunities – It’s possible to spend time learning about indigenous Alaskan cultures directly from the natives themselves. Bear Trail Lodge has worked closely with the Bristol Bay Guide Academy to help native youth find employment that involves responsible use of their local resources.
Nanci – Here at Half Past First Cast we’re all about promoting women in the outdoors and women who make the outdoors their careers. There’s no better role model than Nanci Morris Lyon, owner/operator of Bear Trail Lodge. She’s a record-holding angler, a passionate supporter of angling causes, and an all-around badass.
Stays Light Late – August doesn’t mark the longest days of the year, with near 24 hours of light, but they’ll still be long. That just means more time to enjoy all of the activities and opportunities that’ll be available to you.
If that’s enough to pique our interest, or leads you to want to join us, email Hanna today and let’s get you booked.
