Beach Time in Seldovia

Warm morning sunlight ushered in our last day in Seldovia. We savored it by the plane while kids gradually woke up and joined us outside.

After the kids were fed, we headed to town for coffee and to let the kids play at Lollipop Park.

Despite the unpredictability of summer, we were trying to get Eska back on a consistent nap schedule, so we headed back to the airplane and tent.

The older kids entertained themselves in the slough by the tent, then Woodsen took them out for more fun around town. Inspired by my painting session with Anne the day before, I settled in for some naptime painting.

Woodsen and the kids were still out and about when Eska woke up, so I put her in the backpack, and we set out to explore around the airport. The runway creates a peninsula surrounded by the slough with beaches, plentiful wildflowers, and dreamy views. I stayed as far away from the runway as possible, but as I headed back to the tent, I was kindly asked by the DOT staff not to walk around the runway. “Fair enough,” I thought, and headed back to the tent, content to have at least seen it once.

Soon, Woodsen came to pick Eska and I up with a truck borrowed from Anne and Shad, and we headed towards the beach.

First stop, Inside Beach.

After exploring the beach and watching the waves crash as the tide came in, we headed to town for a sweet treat.

Next stop, Outside Beach.

We slowly worked our way down the beach exploring, watching the waves crash on the rocks, and scanning the beach for sea glass. The tide was slowly receding, leaving small tidepools for the kids to explore.

We had arrived in Seldovia on the last day of fishing for the Barnetts. So when we headed back to the Barnett’s to return their truck, we found them unloading fish bins and putting away their nets.

Once fish chores were done, kids were playing, and there was time to kill before dinner. Anne and I took the oppertunity to paint. This was my third kid free painting session since we had arrived. I couldn’t believe it!

Another tradition at the Barnett’s is attempting to get to the top of the climbing rope hanging from a tree outside the cabin. Last year, Atlee had made it to the top and received the coveted candy bar offered as the incentive by the Barnetts, but Melozi had only made it half way up. This year both girls were motivated and this time Atlee and Melozi both easily climbed the rope multiple times and were thrilled to receive their candy bars.

We ended the evening with another shared meal and a long walk back to the airplane. Atlee picked flowers as we walked, and by the time we reached the plane she had another large, wild, beautiful bouquet.

We savored another beautiful evening and planned to head home the next day.