One of Kachemak Bay's finest Wilderness Lodges in Halibut Cove, Alaska,
across the bay from Homer, Alaska

October 10, 2009

To the Sidelingers,
Thank you for a most wonderful stay. We truly felt like guests. You are warm, considerate and aware hosts. Your lodge is in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. The lodge building takes full advantage of its location; a tasteful, smart design of under-stated elegance. The creature comforts – great beds and linens, A+ + + food, inviting easy chairs – contribute to the relaxation a stay at your lodge provides. This was the perfect stay; thank you again.

Rhonda Bennon & Martin Brown
San Francisco, CA

September 10, 2009

Thank you for extending your family and including us. You all made us feel as if we had been friends forever and we were just catching up! The meals were exceptional, and your attention to detail and making sure we were enjoying Alaska to it’s finest attributes was truly appreciated!

Love,
Jim & Francesca Kenney
Aldie, VA

August 21, 2009

Thank you so much for giving us such a great honeymoon! We loved being able to really experience Alaska through you all. The helicopter trip was just unbelievable – an experience we’ll never forget. We loved meeting and spending time with you all! Thank you for sharing your beautiful Lodge and state with us, it was a truly wonderful trip! Kevin & Bowman – thank you for the wonderful hikes and excursion – we learned and experienced so much! Lucinda, Jessica & Betty – thank you for the wonderful food and hospitality, and all the games of Wizard!

All the best, and thanks again!
Matt & Catey Roe
NY

August 18, 2009

Well! Where to start…
Kevin first – Thanks for being such a genial Host, and making Fred’s vacation such a success. The trip to the glacier will be an outstanding memory forever.
Bowman – You are such a joy to have as a tour guide of Halibut Cove. Thanks for your good spirits and patience.
Jessica – You gave me a special gift – I enjoyed it so much! Thank you, Thank you!
Lucinda – I am stumped for words to express your warm love and wonderful soul – you show not only your excellent chef’s skills but your very essence of a wonderful person. I will take away so much more than just memories (as wonderful as they are). This is the true Alaska I came to find!

Evelyn Williams     &      Fred Lawly
CO                                   CA

August 15, 2009

Fabulous experience! The Ridgewood Lodge was the highlight of our trip. We very much appreciated your hospitality and welcoming us into your home. The hike and kayaking was and awesome experience. The gourmet meals were some of the best we’ve experienced. Thank so much for showing us a wonderful Alaska experience.

Andy & Debbie Lipman
Bethesda, MD

July 4, 2009

Lucinda, Kevin, Jessica, Bowman & Talon!
We really enjoyed our stay with you – everything! The food was fabulous and the kayaking on the glacier were the highlights of our stay. We felt like we were family – a great feeling – thanks so much. And Kevin, uncover that stack of sound for your other guests and keep on playing those great artists of back then – Moody Blues, Santana, Loggins & Messina, and all the rest – and play them loud!

Love,
Joan & Alan Wilken
CA

June 28, 2009

Kevin, Lucinda, Bowman, Jessica & Talon,
We had a wonderful time. Your accommodations (rooms, beds, house), adventurous outings, and hospitality were fantastic. Did I mention the food? Lucinda has set a higher standard for my cooking! We all loved the freshness and homemade touch you added to everything we tasted. I think the best thing that we will remember is getting to know ya’ll! You took such good care of us. You were aware of our needs and safety. Please keep in touch and let us know what’s going on at the island. We have made new friends. Thanks so much!

Fondly,
The Gentry’s
Lewisville, NC

August 31, 2008

Wow Sidelingers!
You’ve really hit it out of the park! Seriously, all the simple things were more than we could ever ask for in a place to stay – the views were outstanding, the beds were so fluffy and warm, and there isn’t enough to say about the food! We could go on and on…

But truly, the spirit of this place is in everything else you offer your guests. Ever since we arrived, we’ve found it hard to believe that we all just met! The hospitality and graciousness you all provide make it difficult for us to not feel like we’re all long lost friends! A stay here at the Ridgewood is nothing short of a wonderful stay at a friend’s house. Thank you for showing us the true Alaskan way. - Best Always,  Danielle & Ben

August 30, 2008

To our wonderful hosts –
We couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend our last few days in Alaska! You have created such a beautiful, warm and gracious environment in the middle of one of the most stunningly beautiful places on earth. We were blown away by the scenery and the wildlife - but even more by your generosity and the food!!! You have shown us a truly special part of the world that we would not have seen in the same way without your company and tutelage. Thank you!!! We hope to be back some day in the not-too-distant future.
-  Liza Goitein & Jerry Hauser, Washington D.C.

July 12, 2008
Alaska is clearly the environment and the people – this stay has shown me the best of both! Our hikes to bogs, lakes, and glaciers were fabulous explorations of the natural world – all in a leisurely way for all to enjoy. The food was just scrumptious and shows the care (and great ingredients) put into it. The birds were fabulous. I was swept into a fun “family” with the Georgia folks and all your family. The Alaska friends and I shared great times over meals. Thanks so much!
- Betsy Cooper Kingston, WA

July 12, 2008
Like others have mentioned, staying at the Ridgewood with the Sidelingers is like visiting long lost family! There is so much to do in Halibut Cove (kayaking, salmon/halibut fishing, boating trips, hiking, and relaxing of course), and the Sidelingers are perfect hosts. They provide plenty of advice and recommendations for your stay, and they guide all of your trips, which is their general policy. Boat tours of the Bay and all guided hiking/fishing is included in the cost of your stay. Everyday Lucinda cooks up one wonderful meal after another that everyone, including your hosts, enjoy together at the large dining table. Sample menus: king salmon, rock fish, fresh oysters from their oyster farm - pretty much anything you request. The lodge itself is pristine and the grounds are beyond lush. Evenings are spent observing wildlife from the 360 degree wrap around deck, or enjoying conversation with other guests over tea/coffee. Overall, a true Alaskan lodge and an absolutely fabulous place to get away Love to all,
Vera & Skippy Aka. Suzanne & Jim Close, Roswell, GA

July 12, 2008 For years I’ve wanted to visit Alaska, but staying with you I’ve lived Alaska. Your warmth and open invitation welcomed us all from the moment we arrived. For years to come we will tell stories and share the experiences you have shared with us. Bowman, Jess, and “Katie” (aka. Cailey) took wonderful care of us on our day fishing and bird watching. Lucinda helped replace the weight we lost on our fantastic hiking, and the sit down dinners simply were the BEST I’ve had. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
- Jamey & Leslie Guy
Ball Ground, GA