May 26

Finally, the day had arrived. After an early breakfast we went into town to run some errands and then get in the skiff. The ride out to the harbor was interesting. With potholes at every turn, you never knew which way the truck was going to turn. Fortunately, we made it to the skiff in one piece and could start loading the gear into the boat. We then met up with Jordan and his 5-year old son Bentley who would be staying at the homestead for about a month. 

As we rode out to the homestead, I was blown away by the beauty of Alaska’s coast. The dark shale contrasted against the bright greens of the grasses and melded with the dark green of the conifers. The clouds were low, obscuring the tops of the mountains. The mountains themselves were a linear patchwork of mosses, trees, and white lines of snow. The water was a deep turquoise and before long we saw a small colony of sea otters out scavenging for food. 

View from the skiff.

Of course, right as we neared our destination the clouds returned and it began to rain. But luckily it cleared up when we landed so we could unload the gear easily. Walking up the hill from the shale-covered beach I got my first glimpse of the homestead and it was everything I pictured it to be. Cabins dotted the area with deep orange wood panels and bright green tin roofing. Boards crossed a creek that ran through the property and the roots of pine trees acted as stairs. The place I will call home for the summer is the tree house, aptly named of course. The inside is quite cozy with a propane heater, a desk, dresser, bunk, and a few shelving units. It is perfect.

The boathouse on the homestead.

Naturally when we arrived there was already something to fix. Part of the water pipes had cracked so we had no water pressure. The five of us trekked out the find the issue and then proceeded to fix it. After that was over, Ginger gave us a tour of the other cabins, the chicken coops that would soon be bustling with 8 chickens, and the two hoop houses where some plants were already growing. It was a phenomenal place that was just showing the promising signs of summer. As I look out my window, I see the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean and an exciting summer ahead.