Spruce Island, Alaska

August 6 - 12, 2009

$2450.00 per person double occupancy
$500 Deposit due by April 1, 2009 [register]
Group size: 4 minumum, 5 maximum

 

Spruce Island is located 11 miles northwest of the city of Kodiak and about 1 1/2 miles off the northern Kodiak coast. Home to old growth spruce forest, wildlife (no bears, though see below), wildlflowers, rugged beach beaches, Russian Orthodox monasteries, and native Alaskan culture, Spruce Island is an ideal place to explore and get away. There is even an authentic Opheim Dory which will provide some photo opportunities. Sparsely populated, Spruce Island provides a great opportunity to relax and experience some of the primitive lifestyle of the island's early inhabitants.

Join us for 6 days based at Blue Dory Lodge, a large ranch-style bed and breakfast nestled in an old growth spruce forest with a spectacular ocean view surrounded by wildflowers. We will be on the island during the St. Herman Pilgrimage, held on August 9, the date of his canonization. Several hundred pilgrims from around the U.S. and the world gather here to honor America's first saint. This will be an excellent opportunity for photographs as well as a unique cultural experience.

Spruce Island is known as the home of St. Herman (1730 - 1837), the first Saint to be canonized on American soil by the Orthodox Church. Herman moved to Spruce Island in 1808 and lived his first year in a cave he dug himself. He was an experimental gardener and his garden provided food for local orphans.

There are two monasteries on Spruce Island; St. Michael's Skete and St. Nilus Skete are home to Russian Orthodox monks and nuns, respectively.

We will explore the island by trail and boat, visiting Monks Lagoon (home of St. Herman), St. Michaels Skete and St. Nilus Skete, walk forested trails and explore rugged beaches and the history of the island through architecture. Whales, seals, bald eagles, sea otters, fox, deer, and other wildlife are seen regularly on the island.

Meals are prepared with fresh, local ingredients and offer a heavenly, relaxing addition to a week of Alaska island living.

General Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Kodiak and transfer by air to Spruce Island
Day 2 - 5: Explore Spruce
Day 6: Depart Spruce Island. Transfer to Kodiak by air. Guests depart for home. ts depart for home.

Spruce Island Trip fee: $2450.00.
$500 deposit and/or full balance is due by April 1, any remaining balance due by June 1.
There is a minimum limit of 4 on this trip and a maximum of 5.

Trip fee includes:
Round trip transportation from Kodiak City to Spruce Island
Lodging at Blue Dory Lodge
All meals at Blue Dory Lodge: Fresh seafood dishes, garden-fresh vegetables
All transportation on site
Wilderness hikes
Visits to the two monasteries on Spruce Island

Not included:
Transportation from home city to Kodiak Island or return
Trip insurance (click below on our Registration Policy for trip insurance information)
Fees for additional activities not covered in trip fee

A release form, gear list and other information will be mailed to you upon receipt of your deposit.
Registration Policy .