In a remote corner of Alaska, far from any vestige of city life, Fort Worthians Amy and Kemp Laidley maintain a unique existence. The couple, who spend their summers in the isolated mountains among the bears and bog, find refuge in their rustic lodge on the serene shores of Lake Clark near Port Alsworth, accessible only by plane or boat.
Amy and Kemp's lakeside lodge is simple without the modern amenities of city life. The couple welcomes a bit of harshness, though, likening the home's bare-bones beauty to the surrounding wilderness that stuns and stings in equal measure. But it's cozy, with a stove heating the main house at night, softly glowing as the sun sets over Amy and Kemp's other cabins, an outhouse, and several bathhouses.
Despite their preference for it, Lake Clark's remote location means it faces logistical challenges that require creative shipping methods. Residents can struggle to find necessities that most Fort Worthians deem basic. Online shopping helps, giving the Laidleys access to stores like Walmart for items they cannot grow themselves, like cheese and butter. The retailer is one of few willing to work around Lake Clark's unique shipping needs and, therefore, an invaluable resource. When packages reach the port, couriers store them in a deep freezer until a boat or plane can take them to their final destination.
Weight restrictions and fees on shipped goods mean the Laidleys cannot solely rely on orders to get by, so fishing, hunting, and canning are great options for supplementing food stores.
Many families grow vegetables on small plots or invest in greenhouses that offer fresh produce in the summer. Family recipes blend homegrown veggies with ordered goods to capitalize on the harvest.
While logistical issues do not mean food is scarce, effective resource management benefits the Laidleys when shipping costs are high. Kemp regularly capitalizes on the area's heavy rainfall, using Brita filters and large coolers to clarify and store the free bounty until he's ready for a coffee or tea.
Despite the challenges, there's a reason the Laidleys feel drawn to Alaska. The lake effortlessly sustains each inhabitant with any inconveniences born from its remote location mediated by human ingenuity. The Laidleys seem to thrive within this natural order, where the wilderness rewards a brave few willing to test their mettle.
Article by Hannah Barricks
Photography by Macka Photography
Originally published in West Fort Worth Lifestyle