The Chilkoot River Lodge is owned by Fred and Sue Folletti.http://www.chilkootriverlodge.com/ Not only did we have a very peaceful and relaxing night at their lodge but the next morning we woke up to the most spectacular view ever and met the owners who were so friendly to us. They invited us to their home that was decorated like a gallery and showed us their hobbies and their arts. The view out of their enormous windows was breathtaking and I can see why they picked that spot to build on. Not only was I intrigued but the boys and Bo were so interested in all the conversations we had with both Sue and Fred. Staying at their lodge and meeting them personally made such an impact on our last Ifdays on Alaskan soil. If we knew it would be this pleasant we would have traveled a day earlier so that we had more time in Haines. Sue is also a local artist and owns the Chilkat Valley Arts http://chilkatvalleyarts.com/.
If we are to ever go back to Haines, this is where we will stay. We found out later on at the ferry that other families paid more for the motels in Haines and did not have a comfortable and beautiful stay like we did at the Chilkoot River Lodge.
We got ready and took our time taking pictures along the property making sure we did not miss such great photo opportunities. I can imagine how beautiful this place must be in the summer and the entertainment of watching the bears fish off the river.
Bo was sneaky and snapped this picture of me while taking pictures of the scenery around us.
The view
After we packed up and said our goodbyes we decided to take the road below us and explore Chilkoot Lake State Park before heading to the ferry terminal. We did not realize the fog was bad and the road was scary. But we did make it to the lake and make it back out in time to leave.
Foggy Chilkoot Lake
We finally headed out and took one last look at the lodge.
On our way to the Ferry Terminal.
Icicles off the side of the cliff
We made it to the terminal, picked up our tickets and waited in line in order of what vehicle moves first. I kept on getting out of the truck because I was nervous. If you know me well then you know how claustrophobic I am. I was so afraid of being jammed in this ferry with no room to breathe. So the anticipation got the best of me. Once we did park inside the ferry, we were too in a hurry to grab our luggage out while others were pulling in to care about how packed we were going to be in there. Although we realized real fast how small our cabin was and barely spent any time in there except to sleep (if we could). My time was spent in the cafeteria where the lights were on 24 hours and you could walk out on the deck and take in the view and breathe. Other places in the ferry the lights were out so that others who did not have a cabin could sleep.
Lined up and waiting to board.
Finally boarding.
Once we were situated in our cabin and all our luggage in our room. We decided to go on one of the decks to watch the ferry pull away from the dock and start on our voyage through the Inside Passage.
Now to just relax and enjoy the view for 3 days until we dock in Bellingham, Washington. With no internet and intermittent phone services we spent a lot of family time together. Which after the months before packing and driving out of Fairbanks and still dealing with the kids in school and in wrestling this was a much needed break.
Until next time.....
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