Things To Know
Our Homestead is just that – our home. We are not a high-end luxury lodge and don’t want to be. Although we use the word ‘lodge’, it’s not. As such there are some peculiarities and special considerations for those not used to wilderness living. We subscribe to the Leave No Trace philosophy – and although we obviously cannot follow the exact principals while living full time in the wilderness, we attempt to abide by the spirit of it.
Following are a few tips for our guests to help prepare for your trip:
Group Size
Generally your group will be the only one in camp. We occasionally book two separate groups of two. Our max group size is 6.
Sleeping
Your sleeping quarters will be dry and out of the weather. They will be clean and orderly when you arrive. We do not provide room cleaning service. Your bunk will have a foam mattress on it and we have pillows and clean pillow cases. We do not provide sheets or bedding, bring a sleeping bag. We have extra blankets if needed.
Toilet
We do not have running water (except when it rains!) or plumbing. There is a communal outhouse. We keep it neat and clean, please try your best to do the same!
Eating
All guests eat together in the main house along with family and guides. If you have any special dietary restrictions or any requests, please let us know well in advance – preferably by March of the year of your trip. Feel free to bring any specialty food items you would like.
Washing
We do not have running water or laundry. Plan accordingly. We have a very basic shower in camp, but it is not on-demand. Once or twice a week we will get it going and everyone can take a turn.
Medication
There is no pharmacy for hundreds of miles. Bring all medication with you IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAG. Don’t risk the airlines losing it. There will be no replacement.
Weather
Weather is All-Powerful in this place. Because all travel is by air, there are days when no one can travel. There is a good possibility that you will lose several days of your trip due to weather. As long as you can accept that, slow down and enjoy whatever is around at the time, it will not diminish your experience. Those who must have everything on a man-made schedule and cannot abide delays will be disappointed. Weather days at the lodge are good for sleeping, eating, reading, and telling stories. For the ambitious and hardy, day trips on foot can be taken from the lodge. A good attitude makes any weather fine.
Flights
All travel to-from our place is by small aircraft. Most guests will arrive by DeHavilland Beaver aircraft charted from King Salmon. Occasionally we may pick you up in our own FAA Certified Air-Taxi aircraft. These flights can be a significant expense. Sometimes you will pay the air service directly and sometimes it is included in your price (if you are unsure about your trip – ask), but please be aware that either way you are paying for the flights. Bush flights are a necessity of being in remote Alaska. Due to weather, logistics, and a possibility of delayed luggage – morning arrivals into King Salmon are recommend.
Communications During the Season
We have a VERY limited satellite communication system at the lodge. Plan on being remote and out of touch while you are there. That’s half the attraction.
Also – be advised that communications with us can be delayed. We try to respond to emails and phone calls in a timely manner, but timely by satellite in the bush is a bit slower than average. We also have regular satellite outages that delay our communication by days. Additionally, during the hunting seasons there may be no one around to check emails or receive calls for weeks. Be patient, we value your communications and will get back to you just as soon as we can.
Alcohol and Tobacco
We have no prohibitions on alcohol in camp. We will have a very limited selection and amount of alcohol in camp (usually enough for a beer or glass of wine each night) but if you want extra or something special please bring it with you. There is a store in King Salmon but it is also limited in selection and expensive.
While we have no problem with smoking or tobacco, we strictly enforce a no-smoking in any building policy. Additionally, we are very conscious of littering. DO NOT drop cigarette butts on the ground, down the outhouse, or anywhere else other than in the trash.
Trash
Just as everything must be flown in – all waste must be flown out. Place all trash in the trash bin where it belongs and strive to be conscious of the amount of litter generated. If you bring less packaging with you, you will have to take less trash out.
Power
We have electric lights powered by solar and wind. On windy or sunny days, we have enough extra power to charge small devices. If you have a C-pap machine or other special electrical power needs let us know in advance.
Camp Shoes
Like most Alaskans, we don’t wear shoes indoors. Its handy to have slip-on shoes for around camp. Crocs are a favorite as are slip on rubber rain boots. Bring both and you’ll be set!
Optics and Cameras
The hunting gear lists address hunt-specific optic needs. But this is wide open country, and anyone can benefit from a pair of good binoculars. We have both binoculars and spotting scopes for looking around from the lodge, but if you think you would enjoy a closer look at animal life and the natural world, bring a set with you. You might be surprised how much you use them.
Insect and Other Pests
Alaska has no snakes, scorpions, centipedes, or poisonous animals. Parts of Alaska are infamous for hordes of mosquitoes, gnats, no-see-ums, horseflies, and yellow jackets. Luckily, Kodiak and the Alaska Peninsula are not those places. We do have obnoxious insects, and on certain days they can get annoying. But the mild temperatures and ever-present wind help keep them at bay. Worse times are hot calm summer days on fishing streams, and the same hot calm conditions during moose hunting season. We will have insect repellent in camp. The most persistent pest in camp is Zulu the Adventure Dog, our golden retriever.
Grizzly Skins Gear
We have a few hats, shirts and vest with our logo for sale in camp.
Tips
We believe that gratuity is just that – an extra thank you for service well done. We do not expect tips but do appreciate them. For those unsure of where to start, 10-20% of the total split between whomever you wish to tip is standard. You can always give the tip to the whole crew and ask that it be divided equally. Any gear or equipment in good condition you wish to leave behind is also appreciated.
Additional Excursions
Our company aircraft allow us an amazing ability to access the wilderness surrounding us. We have our standard (but incredible) locations we take our guests to. Most of them are within 15-20 minutes by air. This is both to maximize your time on the ground and because av-gas is hard to come by in the bush. If you wish to add on extra excursions to your trip, we can do that. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, Katmai Canyon, Hallo Bay, Brooks Falls, Kodiak, Larsen Bay, various walrus haul-outs, and Aniakchak Crater are some of the favorites. These will be at an extra charge to cover the flying, but our Air-Taxi license allows us to offer this. If you are interested in something like this let us know in advance or when you arrive in camp.
Here is what one of our clients had to say:
The Grizzly Skins fishing experience is remote, rustic, beautiful, friendly and intimate. Located 65 air miles from its nearest neighbor, I have seen two other groups of fishermen in three years, and this was from the plane. The hosts allow only a few guests in camp each week.
Each day starts with a much too hearty breakfast, followed by gearing up and deciding where to fly out to, based on your goals and the weather. Because many days the weather needs to break up enough for flying, the fishing starts later than you expect which is actually civil – however fishing lasts later into the afternoon than you would expect as well. The toughest aspect of the trip can to remind yourself to be patient in the morning and understand no one dictates the weather – there are no old, bold pilots! I expect that each year one day on average will be a washout to fly, and we enjoy ourselves with a hike. If the washout day does not happen, that is a bonus.
Most of the trout, dolly varden, and grayling fishing is done in smaller rivers and can be as technical as you chose. Novice fly fisherman will find plenty of willing fish – and more experienced anglers can set up challenges for themselves, be it hitting a bank for a mouse or picking out individual fish for sight fishing. One memorable 20 minutes was picking off two 24-inch fish to get to the 26-inch dolly beyond it. I have yet to catch the monster rainbow, but have caught the right amount of fish in the 24-plus inch range to know big fish are there, and not to be taken for granted.
While king salmon are not targeted as a conservation effort, the other species of salmon are plentiful as you would imagine they would be as part of the world’s largest salmon run. If the chum salmon are running, do not pass up the chance to hook into these snaggle-toothed beasts. However, Tia is sworn to secrecy in not telling others the most absolute fun to catch chums when the conditions are right. At least she tells me she is keeping the secret.
Each evening, your very small group can engage in boasting, laughing, good natured-ribbing, and smart conversation – while enjoying a spectacular meal, typically of wild game and or very fresh salmon as you are looking at spectacular scenery and wildlife. Leave room for desert as the sun sets.
If you are looking for a big lodge, jet boats, or to sit in an Alaskan bar, you are advised to look elsewhere. This is also not the place to fill your cooler up with fish, since the site is remote and power is through wind and solar generated, freezers are not an options. If you are looking to fill your mind with memories and a great experience, you will find it here. If you are searching for personal service, a small group, great fun, and customizable fishing experience, this is the place (just do not try and take my week!)