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About this trip
Calling all ocean loving, book reading and writing, end-of-the-road outdoorsy types. Come connect with like-minded people from around the world while writing and making memories with Cheryl Strayed in a serene maritime setting.
This 6-day/5-night gathering will be a chance to explore a unique corner of Alaska while putting pen to paper, with Cheryl.
Our adventures will be enjoyed in Cordova, the tiny, "no road" community the Copper River fishing fleet calls home. The oceanfront Orca Adventure Lodge is our base for a fully immersive experience in an Alaskan bush town on spectacular Prince William Sound.
And it's SUMMER served up at latitude. With almost 24 hours of daylight each day, there will be time for everything: walking in a still-wild place, paddling in glacial pools, boating for wildlife viewing and fishing, immersing yourself in salmon culture, and enjoying great meals overlooking the ocean with new friends.
What’s included
- Sessions with CherylA welcome gathering and three writing workshops with Cheryl Strayed, the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail."
- 5 Nights LodgingSimple, comfortable, cozy rooms (each with private bath) on the ocean and off the beaten path. Our lodge, in a town not accessible by car, epitomizes "the end of the road".
- All MealsMeals onsite (in a private, historic, cannery cookhouse) and outdoors (picnics and barbecues at adventure locales) prepared by Chef George Fecter & Co.
- All Ground TransportPick up from the Cordova (CDV) airport, transportation to & from all outings, and return to CDV airport in comfortable, spacious passenger vans.
- Historical ChatYou'll take a journey through time with the history of this unique, remote, fishing village's past, present, and future.
- Science SessionA private, interactive, tour of our Science Center, the premier research facility for the Prince William Sound.
- The Best Bar in TownAn oyster bar, that is! It's time to shuck & suck delicious local oysters on tap, pulled straight from the sea for us (and served with all the accouterments).
- Down Time on the WaterUnlimited kayaking and fishing on site. Or just relax with tea or coffee in the wood-fired sauna overlooking the sound, watch salmon jumping from shore, or enjoy the campfire, steps from your room.
- LaundryThe lodge has a self-serve laundry room with complimentary machines and detergent. Pack and travel light for this adventure, and return home with clean clothes.
- Pre-Trip Meet & GreetA video meeting with all guests prior to trip departure. We'll visit and answer packing and trip questions. Session will be recorded and distributed to all attendees.
- Great Payment PlanDeposit + multiple equal payments (interest free) over time.
- Nearly 24/7 DaylightWe're not responsible for this, but it is happening and included, and you've got to see it to believe it~ #summerinalaska #bringaneyemaskforqualityzzz
What’s not included
- AirfareAirfare to & from Cordova. Either arrival time will work on 7/16/26; guests arriving on earlier flight will spend a few hours in town before the lodge is ready to check us all in.
- Side AdventuresExploring Orca Bay and the Copper River area by boat, on foot, or by kayak. Several unique side trips are available for purchase at check out. Please pick up to two adventurous side excursions.
- Fishing LicensesIf you fish: licenses ($15-$45 per person, depending on type and length of fishing time). Licenses can be purchased onsite through your phone or at the front desk.
- The Whale's TaleDelicious espresso, tea, chai, and housemade chowder and soups at the lodge owner's cozy onsite coffee shop.
- SouvenirsLocally made items and gifts you discover either onsite or in town in this tiny hamlet by the sea.
- Alcoholic BeveragesGuests are welcome to purchase beverages in town and BYOB at the lodge, storing their items in the dining hall or in their rooms.
- Trip ProtectionTrip protection via insurance and a separate membership to LifeMed Alaska are recommended. Please speak with an independent agent to explore the best coverage for you, your stuff, and your trip.
- Tips for StaffTips are not required nor expected, but always appreciated by guides, servers, and housekeeping staff.
Available Packages
One room with two beds for two people. Price listed is for each of the two people sharing a room. We'll gladly match you with a roommate if you travel solo.
A two-story suite with four beds for four people. Most spacious accommodation and with a mini-fridge, closest of all lodging to the water. Price is per person for each person sharing this suite. We'll gladly match you with roommates if you're traveling solo.
One queen bed in a single private room for one person. Price is for a single person.
One room with three beds for three people. Price listed is for each of the three people sharing a room. We'll gladly match you with roommates if you travel solo.
Available Add-Ons
A full day of professionally guided boat and stream bank fishing for salmon, halibut, rock fish and cod (up to 50 pounds per person may be kept; includes processing and packing for the trip home). Start working on your taco game!
A shorter trip (half day) on the water for those who would rather emphasize wildlife watching over fishing. This tour is a guided half-day trip by boat to explore beautiful Orca Bay and view diverse wildlife on land and in the water.
Join a local guide to explore the Copper River Delta on foot and by van. Tailored to guest interest and ability, a full day of fun exploring the area and looking for wildlife while getting a glimpse of the spectacular coastal temperate rain forest.
A full day guided excursion traveling to and exploring Sheridan Glacier. A 30-minute drive followed by a 1/2 mile trail walk, guests will paddle two-person kayaks through and around ice features in still water pools. No experience necessary.