Travel»Pacific Northwest»Alaska’s Softer Side

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.

Arriving at Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge

Photographer Annie Schlechter

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Crossing Guard

Mike McBride picks me up in his boat. During the 30-minute ride, he tells the epic story of how he and wife Diane built their Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge from the ground up as newlyweds in 1969. He’s as wild and adventurous as they come (commercial bush pilot, Coast Guard captain, yoga instructor, among other talents), and, uh-oh, he’s got my adrenaline going. Upon arrival, I’m quickly calmed by a soak in the wood-fired sauna, the mussels appetizer, and white wine.