Poem from a Visitor
(unknown author)

You ask me what I do
and how I spend my my time,
but city folks like you
don't hear between the lines.
The sound of the river flow
and clouds drifting in the sky;
it's easy to see — if you really wonder why.
If you don't have somewhere to go
and thought you could take the time,
we'd head upstream in the river boat
and I'll show you a real good time.
Around the next bend — nestled in trees,
Tokosha Mountain Lodge — as pretty as you please.
You'll experience hospitality
like you never have before;
all it takes is one day there
and you'll be wishing for one day more.
A song by the campfire
makes you want to sing along;
and being so close to nature,
you'll know that's where you belong.
If you really want to see
Denali at its best,
instead of from the highway
like most of the rest,
then I'll take you there
if you're ready to go;
but you won't want to come back ,
ask me — I know.

1987

"Wonderful place to be - some people have all the luck - and some of us have it once in a while - I'll be back."

Dave Glass | Trapper Creek, AK

1988

"This was a tremedous experience for Helen and myself. The people were all extremely cordial and friendly. the accomodations were very good. It is certainly hard to beat a cook like Marisa. The scenery - needless to say - was spectacular! I was able to relax and get away from the stress and pressure of practicing law. Thank you for an excellent time."

Edward & Helen Dool | Parson, TX

"It's hard to find words to describe the feelings I had out here, so let me put it this way: a glimpse of Paradise - memories I'll never forget!"

Maria Graf | Bernd, Switzerland

"Chicago Boy goes Wilderness! Great skiing, mushing, weather, food, and the very best hosts. Five Star Rating Chicago is really going to here about the Tokosha Mountain Lodge. You guys are the greatest."

Michael Gartuan | Chicago, IL

1989

"Rarely in this world can you find a place when total strangers feel like good friends almost immediatly."

Kevin Bonman | Anchorage, AK

1995

"There we were, on Pirate Lake, -10°, raging Spruce bonfire in the snow ampitheater, clear skys, half moon, casting shadows on the sleeping dogs, the Northen Lights illuminating the mountains with a phospherant green hue. John waxes poetic as tales are told of black bear, moose, mountain climbs, bush pilots and crazy Keith living with the wolves. It doesn't get any better than this!"

Mike Swanekamp | W-Seneca, NY

1998

"The very first wedding at Tokosha Mountain Lodge. A truely life altering experience! Our deepest and heart felt appreciation."

Mr. & Mrs. Brad White | Anchorage, AK

1999

"A side of Alaska I'd never thought I'd see!"

Robert & Jennifer Wasakonski | Milford, CT

"I'm moving in!"

Bob Stevens | Palm Harbor, FL

2003

"What a wonderful experience! Great to hear local stories from a family who has lived it, as opposed to a tour guide who has learned it! Thank You Very Much!!!"

Tony & Sheri Johnson | Odessa, MO

"We had a great time getting closer to the real Alaska. People are the essence of a place. Thank you for sharing your life experiences and your lodge with us."

Richard & Cheryl Burges | Kennesaw, GA

2004

"Great to take a trip on the wildside with you, John & Marisa. A great stay... sun, mountains, river, stories... Thanks!"

Charles & Mikey | Glueck, TX