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Alaska’s Softer Side

Avid adventure traveler David Hanson sets out to discover coastal Alaska’s less rugged, more indulgent attributes: hot-stone massages, gourmet food, leather-bound wine lists, and complimentary bathrobes.

The bay wedges into the southwest side of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, my wilderness haven for the next five days.

Photographer Annie Schlechter

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Call of the Wild

Blue-shell mussels call to me from their bath of olive oil, garlic, and a salty dollop of Kachemak Bay, the large body of water I hear smoothing out the stone beach below. The bay wedges into the southwest side of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, my wilderness haven for the next five days. My luggage consists of a computer and a medium duffel bag, which feels too light. I spend much time playing and working in the wilds.