Who knows how long it will take for travel to recover post COVID-19? For now, many are planning summer road trips to smaller destinations, seeking less-traveled paths to allow for physical distancing and outdoor settings.

Some things to consider before planning a trip:

Check the current status of the outbreak in the city you plan to visit. Are they allowing visitors? What steps must you take to enter (quarantine, pre-test)? Where will you stay? Are the beaches, parks, and other outdoor recreational activities open? What is their policy on masks?

Next week I travel to Ketchikan, Alaska, and on to Noyes Island for a fishing expedition. The fishing club is located on an island, so it’s remote and allows for physical distancing — plus the lodge only accommodates 16 guests max.

The state of Alaska requires all guests traveling to Alaska to present a negative COVID-19 PCR/Molecular Test Result that has been conducted within 72 hours of the guest’s arrival in the state. This cautionary step is a relief to me because I know that the other travelers I come into contact with have been tested as well.

Precautions I’m taking myself include bringing a variety of face masks, sanitizing wipes, and paper towels to insert into pockets of hand-made masks.

The itinerary for this trip:

Depart Kansas City for Seattle. Change planes in Seattle to fly to Ketchikan. Arrive in Ketchikan and check in at Cape Fox Lodge.

Cape Fox Lodge is tucked into the hillside on the edge of the Tongass National Forest, among broad stands of spruce, hemlock, and cedar. Its breathtaking views of Ketchikan draw visitors from all over the country, who enjoy luxurious accommodations and first-class creative cuisine. A sophisticated retreat for adventurers and those with an interest in history, Cape Fox Lodge offers an inspiring getaway with 69 recently renovated guest rooms and 2 comfortable suites. 

On this first day in Ketchikan I plan to explore the area, then interview and learn more about 108 Tap House & Burger Bar and sample some Alaskan brews at Baleen Brewing.

Early the next morning, our group will take a scenic 45-minute sea plane tour across Alaska’s “Famed” Inside Passage and the majestic Tongass National Forest. Landing in Craig, Prince of Wales, we will then continue by boat to the legendary fishing area known as the “West Coast” and our secluded bay on Noyes Island at Steamboat Bay Fishing Club.

Upon arrival, we’ll check in, receive room assignment, boat number, Alaska State Fishing License, and King Salmon stamp. After breakfast at the resort, we’re off to the first of three days of “mooching.” We’ll fish full days, taking in the scenery and wildlife for several hours each day. At the end, Steamboat Bay processes and vacuum-packs the seafood we caught, stores it in wet lock boxes, and freezes until departure. We’ll check this box in at the airport to take the bounty back home.

After a day of fishing, cocktails and dinner are served from 5 pm each night in the Great Room. The executive chef prepares made-to-order meals including fresh Alaskan seafood, local specialties, and hearty favorites. 

For evening entertainment we can enjoy the hot tub, sauna, TV, game tables, or hosted open bar with premium wine, beer, and spirits. Outdoor options include bay kayaks, nature walks, and relaxing on the beautiful wood deck that overlooks Steamboat Bay.

After three nights at Steamboat Bay, our group will return to Ketchikan for a culture tour to get the native perspective of the town, see local artwork, and tour the village.

Since Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” I’ll be on the hunt for the best places to eat seafood. We’ll have dinner in Ketchikan and spend another night at Cape Fox before departing for home the next morning.

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