Out of respect for the wishes of the Alaskan Native residents of Spruce Island, we will gather all plants used in these seminars from privately owned land.  At the same time, we are proud to help preserve and pass on the knowledge of plant uses learned from Native elders.

$2450.00
per person double occupancy
$500 Deposit due by May 15 [register]
Group size: 4 minumum, 5 maximum

Spruce Island is located 11 miles northwest of the city of Kodiak and about 1 1/2 miles off the northern Kodiak coast. Home to old growth spruce forest, wildlife (no bears, though see below), wildlflowers, rugged beaches, Russian Orthodox monasteries, and native Alaskan culture, Spruce Island is an ideal place to explore and get away. There is even an authentic Opheim Dory which will provide some photo opportunities. Sparsely populated, Spruce Island provides a great opportunity to relax and experience some of the primitive lifestyle of the island's early inhabitants.

Join us for 6 days based at Blue Dory Lodge, a large ranch-style bed and breakfast nestled in an old growth spruce forest with a spectacular ocean view surrounded by wildflowers.

Spruce Island is known as the home of St. Herman (1730 - 1837), the first Saint to be canonized on American soil by the Orthodox Church. St. Herman moved to Spruce Island in 1808 and lived his first year in a cave he dug himself. He was an experimental gardener and his garden provided food for local orphans. We will be on the island during the St. Herman Pilgrimage, held on August 7, near the date of his canonization (August 9). Several hundred pilgrims and clergy from around the U.S. and the world gather here to honor America's first Orthodox Saint. This will be an excellent opportunity for photographs of elaborate dress, festival, and people, as well as a unique cultural experience. This is also the 40th anniversary of St. Herman's canonization which means there will be extra pomp and circumstance this year.

There are two monasteries on Spruce Island; St. Michael's Skete and St. Nilus Skete are home to Russian Orthodox monks and nuns, respectively.

We will explore the island by trail and boat, visiting Monks Lagoon (home of St. Herman), St. Michael Skete and St. Nilus Skete, walk forested trails and explore rugged beaches and the history of the island through architecture. Whales, seals, bald eagles, sea otters, fox, deer, and other wildlife are seen regularly on the island.

Meals are prepared with fresh, local ingredients and offer a heavenly, relaxing addition to a week of Alaska island living.

General Itinerary:

Spruce Island Trip fee: $2450.00.
$500 deposit and/or full balance is due by May 15, any remaining balance due by June 1. I will contact you by phone and/or email to arrange payment of the balance. There is a minimum limit of 4 on this trip and a maximum of 5.

Trip fee includes:

Not included:

A release form, gear list and other information will be mailed to you upon receipt of your deposit. Registration Policy .