Katchimak Bay Tradition

In 2007 when Torsten was born, Haakon was able to take his first "paternity leave". We took full advantage of the opportunity and did lots of memorable things. One of our favorite trips that summer was staying in a yurt out at Katchimak Bay. We had such a wonderful time that we decided it was something we wanted to do regularly. (If you want to see pic's from our last trip to Katchimak Bay go here. It is a fun blast from the past. Our kids were so little!!!)

For Haakon's time off with the birth of Saul this was definitely one of the highlights of our summer. It was amazing!

All of us in Homer getting ready to leave on our adventure across the bay.

A little watertaxi dropped us and all of our gear off and we said goodbye to civilization for the next three days.

We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was so sunny and warm that we almost felt like we were on a beach in California.

The kids probably spent 90% of their time playing the the soft black sand on the beach.

Lots of sand castle's came and went.....

This is one of Lauren's creations.

This was our kitchen. Haakon did most of the cooking. Yay!

My favorite part was the fact that there was nothing in particular to do every day but enjoy each others company. It really brought our family closer together.

Cool rock formations

Exploring while the tide was out.

Lauren's treasures.

Finding a baby hermit crab.

Beautiful scenery all around us!

We stayed at a place called Haystack Beach... the haystack like rock formations are behind me!

We decided that this must be the pitchfork.

There were several eagles that loved to hang around on the beach.

You can see the yurt we stayed at in the trees up ahead.

Hanging out with our toes in the sand. I don't think the kids had shoes on for more than 10% of our trip.

Frisbee was a favorite activity.

Yurt Sweet Yurt! We only hung out in the yurt at bedtime. It was quite cozy at night.

Corinne drew pictures in the yurts log book of everything we saw while we were there.

I loved her drawing of the otter.

They floated by every day to say hello.

Torsten loved bouncing around in the yurt. Can you tell?

Saul at just over one month. I think he spent all of his first month in the Baby Bjorn.

Breakfast on the beach.

Shades were a necessity!

Haakon collecting firewood with the baby in tow.

We brought little fishing poles just to occupy them.

The casting practice kept them busy for hours.

Sunsets like this every night! We were usually out 'til 11 or 12.

Having too much fun to go to sleep!

Can't wait to go again soon!

Back to civilization! Goodbye (Alaskan) paradise!