Guest Blogger

It’s always nice to hear new voices, new perspectives about travel in Alaska. 

The following is from the person who convinced me to write a blog, my sister, Heidi Holtan.

FISH ON!

This week, I’m sitting in for Keith.

Even though I’m Keith’s little sister, sometimes I have to get pushy. I come by it naturally—back when our family was running Holtan’s Resort, Keith was the proud proprietor of Keith’s Tackle Shack. And I, ever the little sister eager for approval, somehow got roped into packaging leeches and night crawlers. I had two strong role models in my dad and Keith (and taskmasters) when it came to hard work. Keith knew how to run a good business even then.

One of my favorite things to do is fish and be in a boat with my brother. Don’t tell him, but it isn’t always about the fish. He tells the best stories and has the patience of, well, our dad. And he has the wit of our mom. Our Aunt Alma even calls Keith “Little Bert.”

My first trip to Alaska was in 1990. I had to beg to tag along on the annual father-son Alaska adventure with Keith and Dad. I was in college, and it seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—and I was right. From sleeping in the car to eating sandwiches straight out of the Wonder Bread bag, I had a week like no other. Halibut fishing in Homer (no time to get into me crying on the boat), salmon on the Kenai, and a visit to the Portage Glacier on Turnagain Arm—it was unforgettable.

Speaking of glaciers, my most recent trip to Alaska in 2023—this time with my crew of amazing friends—reminded me just how much has changed… and how much hasn’t. Yes, the glacier looked different, but the feeling of adventure and awe? Still the same.

During the pandemic, my friend crew and I started walking the Mesabi Trail in Grand Rapids, and someone casually said, “I’ve always wanted to go to Alaska.” I told them, “I know a guy,” and we made it happen!

Keith and Jane were, as always, incredible hosts. Their warmth, generosity, and humor made the trip even more special. Our group of five women from Grand Rapids had the adventure of a lifetime—moose by the cabin, duck farts at the Salty Dawg, fishing (and swearing) with Boo in Homer, rainy days on the Kenai, and jaw-dropping scenery in Seward. We packed a lot into our week—and brought home even more fish to share with our families.

Check out our Instagram reel (this one too!) from the trip, and maybe help me twist Keith’s arm to start an Instagram account for Beaver Creek Cabins. Or maybe I’ll work on Jane this time…

That first trip to Alaska taught me something on the halibut boat—when you hear “FISH ON,” it’s more than just a fish on the line. It means go forward. Grab hold. Embrace the moment. Seek adventure.

I hope you get the chance to experience Alaska someday and spend some time with my big brother. He’s pretty cool—even if he did draw tattoos on my baby dolls when we were kids.

FISH ON!
–Heidi