Alaska 2002

Kenai provided a terrific jumping–off point for outdoor activities and exploration on the Cook Inlet. History buffs (the area has a strong Russian influence), wildlife viewers, hikers, canoers, people interested in the sea, and closet artisans found endless opportunities in the area.

"For those who like to hike there are more established trail systems on the Kenai Peninsula than any other area of Alaska. The Kenai Peninsula is made up of the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, an area of several million acres. Within these huge parks there are numerous well marked trails where the opportunities to see Alaska's wildlife and nature are many. Along the way you will see areas where gold is still available for those who want to try their hand at gold panning. In addition there are many fishing opportunities in the mountain lakes and streams."

- from <http://www.1alaskaadventure.com/Why_Kenai_Us/why_kenai_us.html>

Work Performed

We were involved in various tasks at the build site in preparation for house dedications scheduled for the Fall months. Originally we were prepared to do a lot of landscaping work, deck and porch preparation, finishing work, and final prep to make the houses livable. What happened surprised us—and everyone else, I think. Our team just about built a house in 2 weeks! We put on a roof, did insulation, put up siding, set-in drywall, taped and mudded (?), and built a doghouse. What a team!

Accommodations

We stayed in a local church, sleeping on cots and on the floor in what used to be a day care area...very colorful! A full kitchen and bathrooms were available to us. Showers were taken at the rec center across the way or at the primo facilities at the Wash and Dry.

Meals were terrific!, hosted by the community, and arranged by Jennifer, the homeowner.

Itinerary

3 August	Arrive Kenai
4 August	Welcome Dinner
5-8 August	Work on Site(s)
9 August	Tour to Homer, evening sea kayak, yurt camping
10 August	Interpretive hike at Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
11 August	Canoeing (local) in afternoon
12-14 August	Work on Site(s)
15 August	Work/Picnic
16 August	Exit Glacier, Boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park
17 August	Depart Kenai

Tour Options

Depending on the interests and abilities of members of the team, many options were available to us, such as

Boat tour of Kenai Fjords
Sea Kayaking in the sheltered bays near Homer
Museums & Galleries that feature local artisans and handcrafts
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
Exit Glacier, a short hike from Seward
Clamming during low tides on the Cook Inlet
Industrial/Commercial tours
Fishing in the Kenai River
Canoeing along the many peaceful lakes on the Kenai Peninsula
Environmental Learning about the land, sea, and wildlife of the area

We did most of them!

Costs

$1,700.00 + individual airfare*. Fee included lodging, meals, in-state transportation, traveler's medical insurance, orientation materials, tour expenses, coordination fees, and a donation to the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate.

*On most trips that I lead, team members are free to make their own flight arrangements. This allows flexibility for extended stays in the area (before or after the build), use of frequent flyer miles, and special fares that you might get from your point of origin.

What to Bring

I've developed a basic packing list and set of travel tips for national and international travel on this page. Feel free to share your ideas by emailing them to me so that I can post them in the Travel Tips section.