Wedding Reception

Group Photos

Bonfire and S’mores

Welcome to Chisana!

Love is patient, but we are not! ﻿We got married!

Dear Friends and Family, With happy hearts and joyful souls we are excited to announce our marriage. On May 14th we exchanged vows and we became husband and wife. While we chose to celebrate our love in an intimate ceremony, please know that you were there in our hearts. We are so grateful for the love and support of all our family and friends, and we can't wait to celebrate with you. We are planning a wedding reception on the same day as our original wedding day, September 11th, and we hope to have a gathering in the States in the near future (details will be posted). We look forward to sharing our love with you... Much Love,Stacia and Stormy

﻿

Our Wedding

It All Started Because of Honeybees… For several months Stacia noticed bees, she would open a book and see the word bee, she would see random pictures of bees, and bees would visit her in the most unexpected places. She could not figure out the meaning of these signs, so she asked, “why all these bees, am I supposed to be a beekeeper”? Within seconds of asking this question, an ad popped up on her computer that said Alaska Honeybee Symposium. Her previous universal chit chats had never been answered so quickly, so she decided to attend to this newfound calling. She went to the symposium, bought some hives and despite being petrified, started caring for her new tiny charges. With time, she grew to love her bees, but she continued to ponder “why bees”? She felt deep within her that bees would lead to something, but at the time she wasn’t sure what that was… Meanwhile, 3,070 miles away, the stars aligned for Stormy to build his dream tiny home (on the back of a vintage firetruck). He was surrounded by beautiful Minnesota countryside, had time to ponder the world and he started noticing the dance of synchronicity. One day he looked out at the surrounding fields and envisioned beehives. Stormy had never kept bees, so he filed this thought away for a short while until a man knocked on the door. The man asked to keep his bees in the same field that Stormy envisioned. The hives looked perfect in the flowering yellow golden rod. Stormy discovered that the Beekeeper had big dreams to change the life of bees. He had designed a new hive that would keep bees healthier and he needed a partner to help build propolis producing bee homes. When the Beekeeper discovered Stormy’s wood working skills, he asked him to be his business partner. Stormy was excited about this opportunity, but he wanted a sign… Amidst the bee synchronicities that filled both Stacia and Stormy’s lives, they both had contemplated how nice it would be to share their existence with someone… Stacia’s friend asked her to describe in one world what she was looking for in a man, she said “spiritual,” so her friend encouraged her to join a spiritual singles group. Stormy’s friend also asked him the same question, he said he wanted a woman that was “conscious,’ so he joined a conscious singles group. It so happened that these two groups were on the same website and a binary matchmaker of ones and zeros paired the two with a stated 100 percent compatibility. Stacia read Stormy’s profile and found that they shared a love of tiny houses and both kept bees. She sent him a simple message and he received it from her pen name “BeeConscious.” On September 11, 2018, Stormy wrote back to Stacia and said, I decided to start a bee business because of you… your name “BeeConscious,” was the sign I asked for. From that day on, the two communicated daily… first by letters, and then by phone. When they met in person a few months later, it felt like they had always known each other. It was a very exciting time for both of them. Stormy inspired Stacia to start thinking about building and renting out tiny houses (which had been a dream of hers for several years) and Stormy started a business partnership with the Beekeeper. The business sold several Propolis Beehive Company boxes, the University of Minnesota showed interest in the science of their product and the USDA started a three-year study of the efficacy of their boxes. The symbiotic relationship of Beekeeper and carpenter ended, when Stormy decided to move to Alaska a year later. The Propolis Beehive Company is doing well today; the Beekeeper has refined box designs and has filed for a patent. When Stormy moved to Alaska the couple bought a vintage truck to build a rental tiny house on and they have been slowly working on the truck. Although life in Valdez is not as vast and wild as Stormy’s home in Minnesota, they have been working to create an “urban homestead,” and will kick this summer off with about half of their city lot planted with edible plants, a 16x16 greenhouse and hopefully honeybees... The couple has also had several memorable moments at Stacia’s family cabin; they have been working hard to improve the cabin and hope to someday make it their summer residence. Over the last few years, Stacia and Stormy have experienced many life changing events and they continue to grow together. A poet wrote, “Love is the bee that carries the pollen form one heart to another.” On December 21, 2020 on the darkest night of the year, and under the same planetary alignment that the Wise Men witnessed 2000 years ago (the Star of Bethlehem), Stormy told Stacia he would always be her light in the darkness and asked her if she would be his wife… and she said YES! They are looking forward to starting their married life together and hope you will join them.

Our Story

Chisana

Stacia’s second grandfather, Ivan Thorall “proved up” on a homestead in Chisana, a settlement situated on the headwaters of the Tanana River, southeast of Northway. Stacia grew-up spending time with her family and friends in the area. She was very excited to share the rural off-grid experience with Stormy. She was elated when she discovered Stormy loved the area as much as she did. Before Stormy proposed, he already had a vision of where he wanted to say his vows; Stacia was excited to hear it was in Chisana. Chisana is a unique experience, but it is not for everyone. Chisana is only accessible by bush plane (in the summer) and most accommodations consist of dry cabins without electricity. Despite, a lack of modern conveniences, Chisana is located in the largest National Park in North America and is surrounded by beautiful pristine country. Chisana also has a rich mining history and the area if covered in artifacts.

Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve&nbsp;is an American national park and preserve managed by the National Park Service in South Central Alaska. The park and preserve were established in 1980 by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). The park and preserve form the largest area managed by the National Park Service with a total of 13,175,799 acres, an expanse that could encapsulate six Yellowstone National Parks. The park includes a large portion of the Saint Elias Mountains, which include most of the highest peaks in the United States and Canada, yet are within 10 miles of tidewater, one of the highest reliefs in the world. The chief distinction between park and preserve lands is that sport hunting is prohibited in the park and permitted in the preserve. In addition, 9,078,675 acres of the park and preserve are designated as the largest single wilderness&nbsp;in the United States.

Please visit the following links for more information: Link to the National Park Service. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/wrst/learn/historyculture/chisana-historical-site.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nps.gov/wrst/learn/historyculture/chisana-historical-site.htm</a> Link to a mini-documentary about flying in the Chisana area. Note: Mr. Ellis operates out of Nebesna which is about 56 miles from Chisana. Inholders snow machine from Nebesna to Chisana in the Winter/Spring. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQkP3PyDn_I" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQkP3PyDn_I</a> Link to a video of a typical mail run from Tok to Chisana. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3BMYBLkmx4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3BMYBLkmx4</a> Link to a short video about a unique airplane that you can see in Chisana, with views of the Anchorage area. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNSlMRK-G2U" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNSlMRK-G2U</a> Links to beautiful videos created by Arthur Haefliger, a Chisana local. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ko-9c3CIM" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ko-9c3CIM</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVlbYyR2pf8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVlbYyR2pf8</a>

Activities 

Hiking Stargazing Rockhounding Artifact Observing Four Wheeling Biking for Kids Target Practicing Relaxing at the River Visiting with Friends and Family Northern Lights and UFO Observing Lake Fishing: This is a day trip that includes ATV's- You will need to obtain an Alaska hunting license before you arrive in Chisana Note: The wedding takes place during hunting season. You will likely see residence preparing game for their freezers. If you are interested in this culture, there might be opportunities to help... If hunting upsets you, the hosts will respect your beliefs and try to keep this from you.

Things to Do

If you want to join Stacia and Stormy on their special day, please contact them. They can help organize travel and accommodations.

The following itinerary is recommended for out of State travelers;  

Day 1: Fly into Anchorage, rent a car and stay the night in Anchorage or Palmer. Day 2: Drive to Glennallen (about a three hour drive), then take a charter plane with Copper Valley Air Service to Chisana (the flight is less than 2 hours). You can leave your car at the airport. Note: Charters are sold by the plane not the seat. If you want to save money, you can coordinate with other passengers to split the cost. Copper Valley Air Service, Gulkana Airport, ﻿Mile 118 Richardson Highway 907-822-4200 Note: The yellow and black on white plane (pictured below) is the Copper Valley Air Service charter plane. Alternative Route: Day 2: Drive to Tok (about a seven hour drive), then stay the night at Fast Eddies. Day 3: Take the mail plane (on a Tuesday or a Thursday), or take a charter with 40 Mile Air. Fast Eddies, Mile 1313 Alaska Hwy 907-883-4411 40 Mile Air, Tok Junction Airport, Mile 1313 Alaska Hwy 907-883-5191 Please stay as many days as you would like. However, most wedding guests will arrive on Thursday and leave on Tuesday.

Travel

Adventure Details

Accommodations:Stacia’s family will try their best to provide housing, however space is limited. The Stone Family has a beautiful lodge with cabins available for rent (the historical Wrangell R. Ranch); this is a great option if you prefer your own space (please see the tab W. R. Ranch for more details). There is also a rustic public use cabin called the “Too Much Johnson Cabin” (see below picture). Please contact Stacia to discuss housing options. Her cell phone number is 907-347-6714.

Packing:Bush planes can only accommodate so much weight. It will be important to pack according to your plane’s weight restrictions.&nbsp;One way to weigh your gear is to step on a scale and weigh yourself, then hold your gear and weigh yourself with your gear, you can then subtract your weight, and get a close estimate of your parcel’s weight.&nbsp; If you are flying on the mail plane, you are only guaranteed 30 pounds per person, if there is room available, additional weight is 45 cents per pound. Necessities-Headlamp-Lighters or matches-Rain jacket/pants or poncho-Water boots (knee high if possible)-Wool Socks-Warm clothes (layers are best)-Felt hat or beanie-Work gloves-Bike helmet (for kids)-Water bottle-Wash rag and towel-Toiletries (see below)-Water filter (optional, see below)-Slippers (optional)&nbsp;-Personalized medical kit with medications (important, see below) If you plan on hiking-Hiking boots-Daypack-Water bottle-Bear Gun or Bear Mace (this can be barrowed)&nbsp; If you plan on fishing-Alaska Fishing license Note: The below picture is of Beaver Lake that is full of lake trout, burbot and grayling.

Important 

Medical:Chisana is surrounded by mountains and the weather can change quickly.&nbsp;It is very common to get “weathered in.”&nbsp; Please make sure to pack all medications and include an additional week’s supply just in case planes do not fly. Should there be an emergency, you will be attended to by locals. If a medivac is needed, it might take several hours (or days) for them to arrive and the plane will only transport the injured person. Medivacs can be costly, if desired, medivac insurance can be purchased. The best thing to do is make good decisions and avoid risk while in the mountains.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mail:Chisana has a mail plane that delivers every Tuesday and Thursday (weather contingent).&nbsp; It is recommended to mail any extra dry goods (food, clothing, etc.) at least a month before arrival. ﻿This will free up weight on your flight. Amazon Prime mails most items to the Chisana address.&nbsp;This is a great way to have dried food or other items delivered free of freight charges.&nbsp; The Chisana Address is:

Food:Food is generally kept cool in “cold holes,” cellars that are below frost line in the ground.&nbsp;Some people have refrigerators and freezers, but space is limited.&nbsp;If you want to bring in food that needs to stay cold, it is recommended to use cooler bags and ice packs while traveling and then keep your food in a cold hole once you arrive.&nbsp; BreakfastStacia and Stormy will provide coffee and breakfast for out-of-state guests. LunchStacia and Stormy will provide a light lunch for out-of-state guests. DinnerMost dinners will be shared with the community potluck style.&nbsp;If you have a favorite side dish, dessert, salad, etc. please feel free to share.&nbsp;Most accommodations will have a propane cook stove, or there will be access to one in a neighbor’s cabin.&nbsp;The community of Chisana loves food… If you are a chief at heart and want to host a meal, the community would welcome a new cook… BUT, if cooking is not your thing, please just show up and enjoy! SnacksPlease bring your own favorite snacks ﻿WaterLocals drink directly from creeks, springs and open wells. If you are not comfortable with this, a filter such as such as LifeStraw or a Travel Berkey are recommended. DrinksPlease bring your favorite drinks (including alcoholic beverages).&nbsp;Stacia and Stormy only stock coffee, powdered milk and hot tea. Note: The below picture is Stacia and Stormy’s kitchen.&nbsp;Anyone is welcome to use it.

Toiletries:Some cabins have an indoor toilet and a shower; however, some cabins are completely “dry,” meaning there is only an outhouse (the hosts will haul a container of water to dry cabins for bird baths and drinking).&nbsp;If you stay in a dry cabin, the hosts will try to accommodate showers as much as possible.&nbsp;If the weather is good, some people might enjoy solar showers.&nbsp;Solar showers and soap will be provided. Note: The below photo is the new bathroom that Stormy built.

Dry cabins are not uncommon in Alaska. See the below link to learn more about life in Alaska. <a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/how-to-live-in-a-dry-cabin-and-why-you-want-to/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/how-to-live-in-a-dry-cabin-and-why-you-want-to/</a>

Laundry:Stacia and Stormy have a washer with a spinner, however it is a bit time consuming and clothes will need to be line dried.&nbsp;If you plan on staying multiple days, it is recommended to mail in extra clothes via the USPS before arriving (see above information). Note: The below picture is Elsa doing laundry chores.&nbsp;

Heating:All cabins are heated with wood stoves. Water is generally kept on the stoves to have wash water available. Visitor cabins will be stocked with wood, however guests will need to stoke their fires in the night or early morning.&nbsp;Hosts will teach guest how to maintain a fire, if they have not done this before. Note: The below picture is of a typical stove with water.&nbsp;

Electricity: Most cabins do not have 110-volt electric; however, many cabins have 12-volt solar panels. If you think you might want to charge a devise via a USB cord (cell phone, music speaker, etc.) this is possible. Cabin lighting varies, some have modern 12-volt fixtures, some have propane lights, and some have nothing but lanterns.&nbsp;

Telecommunications:Stacia’s father has limited internet.&nbsp;If someone needs to check email periodically, it might be available. Most residences have landline telephones. (Text is sometimes available only with Apple phones). Note: Both telephone and internet are not always reliable.&nbsp;

Transportation in Chisana: Chisana is spread out on both sides of Johnson Creek.&nbsp;Although walking is always an option, ATV’s are often used.&nbsp;

Garbage:It is important to keep your campsite clean. Chisana residence do not want to attract bears or other wildlife into their cabins. There are burn barrels available to burn your trash after it rains. Food waste (slop) should be dumped at a designated location on the river for the birds. Any non-burnable items will need to be sent out on your departing flight.

Details

Please see the below information about Wrangell R. Ranch. If you are interested in staying here, the Stone family has offered a 25% discount for wedding guests. Wrangell R. Ranch has rich history and the hosts have generational experience in the area.

Chisana Guest Log CabinsAvailable June 21 – September 21 Each Year Check-in 4pm-9pm (arrivals after 9pm will incur a $50.00 late check-in fee)Check-out 11am (late check-outs are not available) Rustic log cabins are served by outhouses only. We ask that no paper be disposed of into the outhouse hole. Paper products should only be put into outhouse trash cans, which will be emptied daily for burning. Each cabin is outfitted with a specific number of guest beds. Please refer to the Individual Log Cabin Rate sheet for further information. No additional guests are permitted to sleep in cabins, other than the per cabin number specified. Furnished bedding includes pillows, sheets, and blankets. Extra blankets available on request.If preferred, bring your own sleeping bag.&nbsp; Log cabins do NOT have running water available. Spring-fed drinking water is available late June through early September. Glacier-fed creek water available mid to late September. Limited showers in the Bath House are available and are included with cabin rental – late June, July and August (dependent on well water levels). Please notify the property owners at least 2 hours in advance of the time you wish to take a shower, so water can be heated. Burnable refuse will be burned onsite by the property owners. Cabin guests are required to take non-burnable (backhaul) refuse with them upon departure. Due to potential bear and other predator activity, upon departure, no food or backhaul refuse is to be left in cabins. Please keep cabin doors closed so unwanted visitors (squirrels, etc.) do not come in. Each cabin is appointed with a cast iron wood-burning stove. Cabins are furnished with a supply of firewood and kindling. Each cabin is furnished with a fire extinguisher and basic first aid kit. Since out-of-control fires are an ongoing concern, woodstove fires are NOT to be left unattended. When guests leave a cabin for an extended period, stove dampers are required to be shut down to reduce threat of out-of-control fires.&nbsp; Bring plenty of insect repellent and head-nets, if preferred.&nbsp;Mosquitos are out in swarms in late June, July and early August.&nbsp;Individual Log Cabin Rate Sheet 10% cabin rental discount for first responders, law enforcement or military.Credit card required for booking. Credit card will be held on file until cabin is inspected after check-out for any damages, theft, or backhaul trash left that must be removed and flown out. A deposit equal to one night’s lodging or 50% of the total reservation, whichever is greater, is required at time of booking. Balance due upon checkout. Reservation deposits are non-refundable but may be rescheduled to a different date, only during the same calendar year, if available. Cabins are to be occupied ONLY up to the maximum number of guests specified PER CABIN as indicated below: Joe Davis Cabin - $245/nightMaximum number of guests (2 people – queen sofa sleeper)Limited daytime electricity – only when generator is runningPhone – incoming calls ONLY (any outgoing calls will be charged to the credit card on file)Kitchen (propane stove, refrigerator, dining area, cooking utensils, flatware, dishes, cookware)TV (dvds, only when power is on)Approximately 250 SF Rabbit Run - $195/nightMaximum number of guests (4 people – two full beds)Limited daytime electricity – only when generator is runningPhone – incoming calls only (any outgoing calls will be charged to the credit card on file)Approximately 360 SF Bear Den - $175/nightMaximum number of guests (2 people – queen bed)Limited daytime electricity – only when generator is runningApproximately 190 SF) Ram Ridge - $175/night&nbsp;Maximum number of guests (4 people – one full bed, two twin beds)Tech-free (no power)Approximately 225 SF Wolverine Way and Fox Hollow - $150/night per cabinMaximum number of guests (3 people – three twin beds per cabin)Tech-free (no power)Approximately 230 SF each cabin

Stacia & Stormy

Stacia & Stormy

Photos

Photos coming soon!