Fortunately the fire occurred at a time when most of the guests were out for an enjoyable day of fishing. There were no injuries, which may not have been the case if this fire had occurred in the late night hours when these units were occupied by sleeping guests. Needless to say, it was quite a shock to everyone returning from fishing to find only the ruins of a Yakutat favorite and landmark. Thanks to the Yakutat business community and our relationship with other lodges, the remainder of the season progressed very smoothly.
The fire was a devastating loss to the lodge and the way we were accustomed to conducting business. The owners of the lodge immediately started turning a very negative situation into a very positive direction for the future. All that remained on the spot now is an enlarged piece of vacant property. The 2008 season will usher in a new look to enhance a choice waterfront location for the lodge and our guests.
The original concept for Leonard’s Landing Lodge was a place for fisherman to come and be together and enjoy the rivers, inlets and ocean and share meals together in the cabins. We are returning to this concept at the start of the 2008 season. If you do not want to cook yourselves, there is a solution.
Phase one of the improvement project will include the addition of three new three bedroom cabins to replace the two larger units we lost in the fire. These units will be on the waterfront, modern spacious and most of all fundamental to the needs of our guests. This will give us a total of seven units on the waterfront property. The restaurant will be put on hold and re-evaluated as time passes. Our improvements and upgrades will continue in other phases for the years of 2009 and 2010. You will just have to visit us each year to see what is next.
To all of our past guests and new folks Leonard’s Landing Lodge is moving in a direction that will make your stay with us a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Did I mention that the fire had no effect at all on some of the best fishing you will ever experience in Alaska?
Construction is moving right along...
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