| As our water taxi departed Homer on an overcast | | | | within an hours paddle from the lodge. Gus and Danni, |
| afternoon in late August our captain set his course | | | | the lodge hosts are both experienced guides as well |
| south by south-west across Kachemack Bay for the | | | | as naturalists. Sea otters are one of the main |
| 25 minute run to Tutka Bay Lodge. The lodge | | | | attractions on the water. Overhead, a cacophony of |
| owners, Carl and Kirsten Dixon operate Tutka Bay | | | | seabirds, eagles and ravens go about their day in |
| Lodge, their most recent acquisition, along with | | | | apparent disregard of our interest. Guest will also be |
| Redoubt Bay Lodge and Winterlake Lodge (both in | | | | encouraged to "wet a line" while at the lodge. Choose |
| south-central Alaska) where they reside year round. | | | | from a half day of fishing in Tutka Bay for halibut, |
| This grouping of lodges and services is known as | | | | salmon and ling-cod or just opt to fish off the dock. |
| Within the Wild Alaskan Adventure Lodges. | | | | Either way, the fishing at Tutka Bay is off the hook! |
| Kirsten and Carl's story is one of vision and the | | | | It's all about the food - Kirsten Dixon sets the table, |
| commitment providing authentic Alaskan hospitality. | | | | and the bar |
| The couple left their lucrative jobs in the medical | | | | Dinning at the lodge is akin to performance art. |
| profession to begin a life in the wilderness together | | | | Once the stage is set, and the curtain opens, all |
| over twenty years ago and have never looked back. | | | | distractions fade into the distance; for exquisite |
| As the tale goes, a couple of tired and hungry | | | | dinning is the heart and soul of Tutka Bay Lodge. |
| fisherman stumbled upon the Dixon's riverside | | | | Dinner begins with fine wine tasting and sumptuous |
| homestead where they were given a hot meal and | | | | appetizers. The three course meal to follow is |
| humble accommodations. Carl and Kirsten have built | | | | presented with warmth and impeccable service. The |
| on the concept of providing genuine hospitality to | | | | chef de cuisine makes a tableside appearance |
| visitors in the wilderness, and have long since, | | | | describing the evening's entrée as guests listen |
| perfected the art of living in Alaska's outback. | | | | attentively in anticipation. Everyone at the table |
| The Three Bears would have all loved Tutka Bay | | | | agrees that dinner at Tutka Bay Lodge is the |
| Lodge | | | | crowing jewel to an awe-inspiring day in the Alaskan |
| Rarely will you find a destination in Alaska which | | | | wilderness. |
| satisfies the interests of such a wide range of | | | | Kirsten attended culinary school at the Cordon Bleu in |
| visitors. Tutka Bay Lodge appeals to naturalists, as | | | | Paris and hold's a master's degree in gastronomy |
| they explore the many trails meandering through the | | | | from Adelaide University in Australia. She has |
| northern most temperate rain forest with densely | | | | authored two very popular cookbooks, The |
| populated old growth Sitka Spruce and lush green | | | | Winterlake Lodge Cookbook, and The Riversong |
| fauna. At least five eagle nests are perched along | | | | Lodge Cookbook. |
| the shoreline. Fledging eagle pairs let out their | | | | If cooking is you passion, the new cooking school at |
| unmistakable scream as their mother effortlessly | | | | Tutka Bay Lodge will instruct and inspire foodies to |
| patrols Tutka Bay for their next meal. | | | | explore the preparation of regional seafood and |
| For those in need of a little rest and relaxation, Tutka | | | | produce. Many of the herbs and vegetables served |
| Bay Lodge delivers. Once your complimentary | | | | at Tutka Bay are grown on site, a trademark of |
| massage is scheduled, you can contemplate whether | | | | Kirsten Dixon's from garden to table approach to |
| you'll be joining the wellness instructor for a morning | | | | cuisine. |
| yoga class or a stretching group on the deck later in | | | | Guest may extend their stay in Alaska by adding a |
| the day. A wood burning sauna and state-of-the-art | | | | scenic flight from Tutka Bay Lodge over Cook Inlet |
| spa are available whenever the mood strikes. An | | | | to the Dixon's year-round home at Winterlake Lodge |
| oversized terrycloth robe is provided to keep you | | | | located on the Iditarod Trail and or Redoubt Bay |
| toasty after your soak. | | | | Lodge for world-class brown bear viewing, fishing, |
| More action oriented guests will be delighted with | | | | and kayaking. |
| incomparable kayaking in the bays, islands and inlets | | | | |