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BY Nancy Mueller 8 Comments ON February 9, 2012

Alaska’s Tenakee Springs

The Island Spirit

The Island Spirit

For cruise travelers looking for waterways off the beaten path, it’s hard to beat Alaska’s Inside Passage. Bays, coves and inlets draw small ships to their shores where time is measured by incoming tides and seasonal shifts.

Waterfront in Tenakee SpringsAmong the small, remote communities found here, Tenakee Springs stands out. Within this peaceful enclave, colorful homes perch on pilings in a single line along the waterfront. Each share a heart-stopping view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and wildlife. Behind the buildings runs the only road through town, an unpaved path for walking and biking.

At the dock we’re greeted by friendly canines who accompany us on our stroll through town. We linger at the Tenakee Hot Springs Lodge, before moving on to the beautifully restored St. Francis Chapel, followed by Snyder’s Mercantile for coffee, pastries and a few mementos of our visit.

I can easily imagine holing up here for a couple of weeks, hiking the nearby trails, kayaking in calm waters, whale-watching, only to cap off the days with good, long soaks in the hot springs.

After catching up on my sleep, I’d browse the stacks at the Dermott O’Toole Memorial Library, borrow a few books, and most certainly start writing my travel memoir. Ahh . . .

Have you cruised Alaska’s Inside Passage, Wanderboomers? If not, what are you waiting for?? If so, what’s your favorite spot?

You may also enjoy:

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Filed Under: Activities, Alaska, Baby Boomers and Travel, By Land, By Ship & By Sea, Destinations Tagged With: Alaska, bays, coves, cruise, Cruising, Dermott O'Toole Memorial Library, hiking, hot springs, inlets, Inside Passage, kayaking, small-ship cruises, small-ship cruising, Snyder's Mercantile, St. Francis Chapel, Tenakee Hot Springs Lodge, Tenakee Springs, the Island Spirit, whale-watching, whales, wildlife

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Comments

  1. Tele says

    February 10, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    What a lovely post to start the day with – this one made me smile, Nancy! We rarely get there, but Tenakee’s one of my favorite places in Southeast. (Although when returning to the boat from the women’s bath hours after dark, my imagination often runs wild, going through that particularly dark stretch right before the harbor. I sing very wobbly, off-key versions of Ani DiFranco songs to assure myself that I won’t walk into a bear!)

    Reply
    • Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says

      February 11, 2012 at 12:50 pm

      I was hoping you’d spot my post, Tele! So glad it brings back fond memories for you. I know just what you mean about whistling, singing, talking really loud when imagining a surprise bear visit. You have to check out my next post on Tenakee Springs, Tele. Look at the photo of the cabin door and you’ll see what I mean :-).

      Reply
  2. Jan Polatschek says

    February 11, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    Hi Nancy,
    This spot is very tempting. When I travel I usually “hole-up” in a quiet spot. I recommend Lago Atitlan in Guatemala and Danau Toba on Sumatra.
    I’ll add Tenakee Springs to my “Must Visit and Take a Soak” list.
    Jan Polatschek

    Reply
    • Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says

      February 11, 2012 at 11:28 pm

      Thanks for your recommendations, Jan! I’ll have to check them out first chance I get. Thanks for stopping by ~

      Reply
  3. Christopher says

    February 13, 2012 at 3:36 am

    Looks beautiful. I haven’t been that far north yet.

    Reply
    • Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says

      February 13, 2012 at 10:25 am

      You would love it, Christopher. How far north have you been?

      Reply
  4. Cristina Dimen says

    February 19, 2012 at 10:50 pm

    Thanks for sharing this beautiful post, Nancy. Sounds like a great place to relax and get inspired. We’ve never been to Alaska, but I’m sure my family would love it at Tenakee Springs. We love touristy places, but prefer areas in off-the-beaten locations even more.

    Hmmm…is your travel memoir in the works? Can’t wait.

    Reply
    • Nancy Mueller - WanderBoomer says

      February 19, 2012 at 11:28 pm

      You’re welcome, Cristina! There’s still so much of Alaska I have yet to discover. Maybe I should give that travel memoir a try, hmm? Stay tuned :-).

      Reply

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Hello fellow wanderboomers! I’m a Seattle-based travel journalist, specializing in fun travel adventures for the young at heart. My articles have been featured in Hemispheres, AAA Highroads Magazine and Northwest Travel & Life Magazine where I'm a frequent contributor. When this Wanderboomer isn’t traveling, I help global executives polish their personal and professional brand for long-term results.
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