You ever plan a big trip, wondering if it’ll live up to the hype? That was us, saving up, planning, and packing our bags for a 25th anniversary adventure to Alaska, dreaming of glaciers and open water. Spoiler: it was more than we could’ve imagined. Here’s how a week at a pastor-focused retreat called The Respite turned into the kind of trip that sticks with you forever.
Kicking Things Off
We left Albuquerque on July 5, 2025, buzzing with excitement. Our Delta flight took us through Salt Lake City, landing in Anchorage just shy of midnight. Stepping off the plane into daylight at 11:21 PM? That’s Alaska’s summer for you—wild and a little disorienting. We crashed at the Puffin Inn, a cozy spot that felt like a warm hug after a long day.
Sunday morning while Heather slept in I wandered to a nearby church for worship, incredible. We walked to lunch at Wendy’s hit the spot before we took the Puffin shuttle back to the airport and hopped on an AK Bus Company ride south to the Kenai Peninsula. We didn’t rent a car… we wanted to see the places we were going and man, there was lots to see. That five-hour drive was like flipping through a nature magazine—glaciers, mountains, and forests that made us forget our phones existed… except to take pictures, course.
Homer: Small Town, Big Heart
We rolled into Homer around 7 PM, grabbing an Uber to the Beluga Lake Lodge. After a quick McDonald’s run for dinner, we called it a night, already hyped for what was coming. Monday morning, we found BB Bakery, a little place that felt like it was waiting just for us. Their pastries and donuts? Pure comfort. A stroll to Beluga Lake showed us Alaska’s beauty up close, and a taxi to the Pratt House Museum gave us a crash course in Homer’s fishing roots.
We spent the afternoon poking around Pioneer Road’s shops and galleries. Little towns are cool, we loved just strolling down the street. Back at Beluga Lake Lodge, I’ll admit, I was still wondering if this trip could really be as special as we’d hoped. Then we met Dave and Linda from The Respite, and everything changed.
The Respite: Where Rest Meets Purpose
Dave picked us up at 4 PM, and the boat ride across Kachemak Bay to Halibut Cove was like sailing into a postcard. The Respite, run by Dave and Linda, wasn’t just a place to stay—it was a reset button for our souls. Their program was built for folks like us, pastor and spouse, who sometimes forget what rest feels like. They didn’t just host us; they cared for us, like they knew exactly what we needed before we did.
Adventures That Stay With You
Every day at The Respite brought something new. Tuesday, we tackled the Saddle Trail to Grewingk Glacier and Glacier Lake. It was a tough hike, but sitting on that lake’s beach, munching hot dogs with a glacier staring back at us? That’s the kind of moment that quiets your mind. I kept thinking, “This is what we came for.”
Wednesday was all about the water. We went out on a boat, viewing eagles that swooped down like they owned the place. Sea otters floated by, puffins bobbed in the waves, and Kachemak Bay felt alive with creatures we’d only seen in documentaries. I caught myself grinning like a kid, and taking pictures of Heather so happy to be there.
Thursday was the big fishing day. I chartered with Destination Alaska Charters, and let me tell you, Homer earns its “Halibut Fishing Capital” title. I reeled in two halibut, a ling cod, and a sculpin—each one a story I’ll be telling for years. It wasn’t just about the fish; it was about being out there, feeling small in the best way. Heather stayed back at The Respite and relaxed.
Friday, we eased up, heading back to Homer for some shopping and a lazy lunch. Back at The Respite, we napped—because sometimes, that’s the best thing you can do. That night, we sat around a fire, swapping stories and letting the week sink in. It felt like we’d found something we didn’t even know we were missing.
The Goodbye (For Now)
Saturday morning, we said our goodbyes to Dave, Linda, and our new friends at The Respite. Back in Homer, we checked into the Aspen Suites Hotel and visited the Islands & Ocean Visitor Center, adding one last layer to our Alaska story. Sunday’s bus ride back to Anchorage gave us a final look at the Kenai Peninsula’s beauty. A long layover let us explore a bit more before Delta’s red-eye flight carried us home.
What We Brought Back
This trip wasn’t just a getaway; it was a recalibration. Alaska’s raw beauty—those glaciers, that wildlife, those quiet moments—hit us hard. The Respite, though, was the heart of it. Dave and Linda created a space where we could breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what matters. As pastors, we’re always pouring out, but this place poured back into us.
I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect to feel this renewed. Somewhere between hiking trails, catching fish, and staring at eagles, we found peace we hadn’t realized we needed. Alaska didn’t just meet our expectations—it rewrote them. If you’re craving a break that’s more than a vacation, The Respite’s waiting. Trust me, it’s worth every mile.
For more information about The Respite’s program, visit www.therespite.net
Final thoughts
This trip was probably the best vacation just the two of have ever been on. It was just what we needed in the midst of a hard busy/fun/hard time of life. It was expensive, especially by our standards. Alaska is expensive in general, but the touristy things are trying to make a year’s worth of money in 3 months. The Respite was the most affordable part of the whole trip. You can look at their website to see the current prices (they change occasionally) but the place next door to the Respite will cost you between $3500-7500 per person PER NIGHT! If you are a pastor looking for an incredible getaway for your and your spouse, this is IT. Save up for it, it’s worth it.
Resources for Planning Your Own Alaska Adventure
Transportation:
AK Bus Company: www.akbuscompany.com
Accommodations:
Puffin Inn Anchorage: www.puffininn.net
Beluga Lake Lodge Homer: www.belugalakelodge.com
The Respite: www.therespite.net
Aspen Suites Hotel Homer: www.aspensuiteshomer.com
Activities & Attractions:
Pratt Museum: www.prattmuseum.org
Destination Alaska Charters: www.destinationalaskacharters.com
Islands & Ocean Visitor Center: www.islandsandoceanvisitorcenter.org
Thx for the sweet reminder of our trips to Alaska. Your words brought back the beauty and grandeur of the country but also peace for your heart and the kindness of locals.
Animals are so fun too. Grateful for your years together and sharing this trip to make new memories for the next 25 years!
Thanks Glyndon! I hope we have lots of year together.