Departing from Anchorage's Marine Field at 3:00 PM on the Lake and Peninsula AirTaxi The turboprop plane will fly you directly to the small, remote Indian village of Iliamna. Arrive at 4:15 p.m. The lodge staff will greet us and provide transportation to the lodge, where the rest of the staff is eagerly waiting to meet us.
After introductions, the crew will help get everyone’s gear into their rooms. Each room is comfortable, has a full bathroom, and has two beds.
After you’ve had a chance to settle into your room, hors d'oeuvres will be waiting to be devoured. The "great room," with its amazing panoramic views of Lake Iliamna and Roadhouse Mountain, is our gathering place. Relax, socialize, play a game of pool, check out the many displayed Alaskan antiquities, or just sit back and soak in the view. Once everyone has gathered at the lodge, orientation will begin. This meeting makes sure any and all questions get answered in regards to what the week will consist of.
Next, everyone will be individually fitted with state-of-the-art Gore-Tex waders and wading boots, all supplied by the lodge. If you have never experienced the joy of waders, you will be blown away by your newfound ability to remain perfectly dry through river crossings, swamps, and all! The gear is lightweight, comfortable enough for all-day wea r, and totally impervious to the weather!
In the meantime, our chef Kellam has prepared a multi-course dinner that will be served at 7:00 p.m. After you’ve eaten your fill, together as a group, we discuss the plan for what tomorrow will bring. Once details are set and everyone knows where they are going, what equipment to bring, and what aircraft to board in the morning, you are free to spend the remaining hours of daylight as you wish.
Our entire staff understands that photographers have special logistical needs. Such as having the ability to stay out late for the best lighting or a need to bring extra, fragile, and expensive camera equipment into the field. This will come as no surprise to our team, and we will work to accommodate your unique situation.