Otters Party

When I decided to go to Alaska, I knew the destination was a bit too expensive for me, but I definitely didn’t want it to be an obstacle for my travels. Thus, I decided I would workaway* during my time there and I couldn’t have dreamt of a better way to experience Alaska…
My first stop happened to be in Seward, at the Nauti Otter Inn, and what a perfect choice! I immediately felt at home in this warm, friendly and welcoming place.

First, because of the place in itself: a clean and colorful environment in a countryside house, surrounded by a nice yard where a few cabins stand along a spruce forest. You may chill out in the cozy living-room or hang out in the lively kitchen, and always meet new interesting people. When the night is clear, you might sing around a nice bonfire or choose the quietness of the upper deck to talk with the stars, some lucky ones even got a glimpse of the Northern Lights in mid-August. Wherever lays your preference, you will always find your favorite sit to enjoy your otter stay.
Then, my time in Seward was definitely designed by the people I met at the Inn and makes it such a special place to stay at, as a guest or a helper! Heather and Clint, owners of the place, are so thoughtful and kind; they always make sure everybody is making the best of his stay. Adrienne, the Inn’s manager, is the funniest and sweetest person of the world; she is your mum, your friend, your confident, depending on the day, depending on the mood. As for the rest of the crew, helpers like me, it was such an amazing team to work and have a lot of fun with! Especially for the traditional Nauti Otter karaoke night every Tuesday, for which we all gathered at the Yukon Bar, and sometimes were joined by some guests that I am happy to count among my friends now! Loads of beautiful and memorable encounters though! **
And of course, this already pleasant stay was made even better by the Kenai Peninsula scenery. Landscapes around are absolutely stunning and hold many hikes opportunities and excursions nearby*** that, as a helper I enjoyed on my own or with the crew; Adrienne, Heather and Clint always made sure I had time to explore those amazing surroundings.

In a word, I will definitely remember my time at the Nauti Otter Inn as the best first step I could have ever wished in Alaska! And I don’t have enough thank you for Heather, Clint, Adrienne and the whole crew for the experience we shared together. Writing all those words and advising any guest to stay at the Nauti Otter are the only ways I found to repay my amazing time there! And if you are not already convinced, here are some more arguments for you:

* The self-made yummy breakfast: pancakes, waffles or donuts mixes are available for you to make (Gluten Free also available).
* 2 Kitchens at your disposal if you’d rather cook and enjoy a family atmosphere for dinner (good restaurants in town if you are more of a lonely wolf kind).
* 10 % off (and even more if you are a helper) a lot excursions around.
* For everybody and every budget: you are exploring on your own and are low on money – maybe don’t go to Alaska at all 😉 -, choose the dorm; you are traveling with your friends, your wife/husband, your love affair, your blossoming or dying love, your family, there will always be a cabin or a private room for you; you have 10 kids and 6 dogs, book the entire Yurt village a couple of miles up the road.
* Fit the three most important terms for me to enjoy a place: clean, friendly and comfy.

* Workaway.info – as well as HelpX – is website that helps you find places to work abroad in exchange of food (most of the time) and accommodations.
** For more, you may read my post “We’ll meet again”
*** For more, you may read my posts on The last Frontier Page