Kodiak & a Nifty Idea (?)

In the continuing saga of our Fairbanks trip, this is Kodiak – the horse I got to ride at Chena Hot Springs.  {Kodiak is also one of my favorite towns in Alaska!}  I just love horses, but have never (yet) had one of my own.  My daughter had never been on a horse at all….only ponies at the state fair.  Now she understands why I always want to go riding.
We went on a hour ride & unfortunately had to wear these doofy helmets!  I know, I know…better than cracking your head open if you fall.  But sheesh.  So not cool.  But the ride was wonderful.  I want a horse!  🙂

The area where we were riding is about 60 miles from town.  In a particularly Alaskan twist we looked down from the saddle to see…
Luckily, we didn't actually run into the bear itself.  But these tracks were fresh, so it was close by.

In my post the other day I mentioned that I was hatching a plan.  I was thinking…wouldn't this area be a great place for an art retreat?
There are several different buildings/room styles around the hot springs, including a much more modern hotel.  But I think it would be cool for the whole group to take over this building.  It looks out over the garden where they grow food for their own restaurant.  This is the view off one of the balconies…
In the distance where you see the two fountains spouting…those are part of the outdoor natural hot springs pool.  The building just to the right is the indoor pool, although I'm not sure why you'd want to be inside.  :)  Ever since my Art Nest experience I've been wanting to host an art retreat in Alaska.  I have a short "wish list" of artists that I would love to entice here to teach.  I think it would be so fun!  3 days making art at this beautiful resort in the heart of Alaska.  What do you think…would you come?

♥