Humpy Cove Resurrection Bay Alaska

“Life is Short, Drink Good Beer.” That’s quality advice printed on my steel pint cup. You might not always get a great beer, but the least you can do is try. This little painting tells a story. For three years now I have been trying to correlate a time to go with my collectors and friends, the Kirkpatricks, to their cabin in Humpy Cove on Resurrection Bay. After totally missing it for two summers in a row I finally nailed down a time when I wouldn’t be in McCarthy, dip-netting, or flying to a wedding somewhere out of State. Alaska summers are nuts, but also a blast. I try to just relax and let the insanity flow around me without letting it disturb my inner peace. This is hard to do when the midnight sun is pulling you to do more and rest less.

Our trip to the cove was amazing! After loading up the boat we stopped right outside Seward’s boat harbor to watch a pod of Humpback whales. We actually saw whales every day on this adventure. Then after arriving to the cove in the fast red boat we hung out on the dock and sipped delicious keg beer from our steel pints, while soaking in the sun. After Taiya the Siberian Husky attacked a porcupine, and had to have a dozen quills pulled out of her paw and snout (could have been much worse), we went for a hike up the hill where the bay vistas were unbelievable. Then Taiya went swimming and I got to play lifeguard, and got an armful of shivering wet husky. Good thing I didn’t spill my beer! I had to be careful around that pooch, because she likes to drink beer, so if I set my pint on the deck, it was likely to get the dog tax.

We went fishing and caught a halibut about the size of a chicken. Maria got one that was so small, we all agreed it was the size of a large keychain. After fishing I sat on the dock and made this painting while the boat took guests back to Seward, and Maria and Colleen went kayaking. Yes, I drank some beer while I painted. Overall a very noteworthy trip! Whales, waterfalls, bluebird skies and three draft beer options made for a very exciting weekend! Resurrection Bay is one of those places in Alaska that is definitely beautiful! I left this painting at the cabin as a gift to our hosts for being so gracious!