Welcome!
Welcome to Sven's Basecamp blog. For the unforeseen future I will post news, changes, updates and happenings from Sven's Basecamp. My place is open from May through September so during that time I will focus on my place and its clients. Any events will be posted on here so keep checking in for the latest and greatest from Sven's. During the "off" season I will talk a little more about what we all are up to and how we prepare for another summer season.
Can't wait for summer time !!
What will be new at Sven's this summer will be my new coffee shop "The mad Trapper". The building "cyberspace" will be remodeled and turned into the origin of delicious brews and breakfast goodies. The coffee shop will not only be available to my hostel crowd but also to the general public. It has always amazed me that there's not a single coffee place in Fairbanks where one can enjoy a quiet brew, sit down and relax outdoors. More updates on this exciting project as the weather gets warmer and we are able to start construction.
Winter has been incredible up here with tons of snow and cold temps. Dog training has been smooth and my kennel help / trainer Chad has been busy getting my dogs ready for his Iditarod run in 3 weeks. The hostel is still in the midst of its wintery sleep, hibernating just like the grizzlies do, ready to be woken up in about 2 months.
Winter greetings from my winter home
As is the case for everybody in tourism, 2020 saw a rapid decline in guest numbers due to border closures and general public fear of traveling. The motto was simple: survive 2020 ! When I look at my bookings for 2021 it clearly looks better but we won't be over the hill yet. I will yet again rent out some units to seasonal workers who choose Alaska as their workplace this summer. Our crown jewels, the treehouses are booking up nicely and everybody always enjoys sleeping with the birds. I was planning on putting the old airplane sitting in my parking lot up in the trees this summer for more nights of romantic getaways but the " 9' high club" has to wait another year.
Took a little side trip to Mexico to get my motorcycle fix this winter with friends I met at the hostel.
I hope everybody is hanging in there and holding up mentally during these "nuts" times. Patience is a big word these days and I'm sure once the flood gates open up we will see each other at the hostel. None of my family members from Switzerland are able to come and help me this summer due to a travel ban for people from Europe. That means I need to roll back my sleeves and spit in my hands.......Damn....I thought I was able to drink beer in my hammock all summer long.
Stay safe, stay healthy, stay positive
See yas, Sven