Alaska adventure cabins: a unique Homer getaway: visit year-round and enjoy scenic Southcentral.

• Author: Morgan, Barbara
• Position: Alaska Adventure Cabins

Alaska Adventure Cabins, a year-round lodging business in Homer, has recently been featured on national television, including The Travel Channel's new series "Amazing Vacation Homes," and on the FOX TV Network's "Steel Dreams," produced by AMPTV.

The unique accommodations feature a refurbished 54-foot Alaska Railroad Pullman car for a vacation rental, and a 75-foot boat, both with an unbelievable view of Kachemak Bay, the Homer spit, volcanos and glaciers.

The property also boasts of two additional units, including an authentic log home and a three-story cabin. "Our guests are looking for a unique Alaska experience with all the amenities of home and a million dollar view," say owners Bryan and Karen Zak. "The cabins are the perfect getaway for vacations, corporate retreats, anniversaries and reunions."

The national attention has been beyond their wildest dreams since they first began the business five years ago.

Bryan and Karen Zak started Alaska Adventure Cabins in 2000 when they bought two places unfinished, moved them to pilings, and started from scratch.

"In our second year of business, we were honored by the City of Homer by being awarded the most creative and unusual addition to the community," says Bryan Zak.

A BOAT WITH A HISTORY

It was Bryan's vision that imagined a unique lodge, set with beautiful scenery, in the boat that was purchased from a local boatyard. After the top half of the ship was removed, so the load would clear overhead utility lines, it was driven through town, stopping traffic, and then reassembled on site at its present location. Restoration included a custom trailer/foundation and refurbishing which took 10 months.

The "Double Eagle" was originally built as a Gulf Coast Tour/cruise boat, but was converted to a Gulf Coast Shrimper. When the tanker Exxon Valdez spilled almost 11 million gallons of the oil into Prince William Sound in 1989, the "Double Eagle" was brought to Alaska to work and serve as a crew quarters during the cleanup. The original name of ship has been retained.

The "Double Eagle" is now permanently docked on 10 acres high on the bluff overlooking the Homer Spit, Kachemak Bay and Mount Augustine volcano.

The 75-foot shrimp boat with three decks and original pilothouse sleeps six to eight guests.

MOOSE CABOOSE

The "Moose Caboose" is a fully renovated 54-foot Pullman Rail Car, complete with a full kitchen, full bath and private bedroom with a large picture window. The living room features a...