Jewels of the Tide Pool: Chasing Octopus 

The book titled “The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness” rests on the small table in my pioneer cabin at Between Beaches Alaska. I’ve read a few chapters and found myself immersed in the mysterious, intelligent and alien world of the octopus. It left me wondering how I might encounter these remarkable creatures in real life. I brought this curiosity into a conversation with the cabin’s owner Kristi Mclean, who has a wealth of knowledge about tide pooling and sea life. 

A new sea life adventure began 

On a gloomy day at low tide, we headed out to the beach as the mist drifted in, brushing against our faces. Along the way, she spoke of her life and her family’s story with the cabin. I could sense a deep connection, rooted in her childhood memories, family history, and personal inspiration. 

We walked carefully across the slippery stones, lifting them one by one to see what might be hiding underneath. Wow! Hermit crabs scuttled swiftly across the stones, while little shrimp darted through the shallow pools, clusters of seaweed swayed gently with the water’s movement, and clams nestled quietly in the sand. Among these jewels of the tide pool, delicate patches of gum clung stubbornly to the rocks, completing the vibrant underwater tapestry. 

Unfortunately, we did not have any luck discovering an octopus that morning. But we came across the skeleton of a dead whale instead. Kristi explained that the whale had died two months ago on the other side of the beach, and the high tide had carried its bones over to this side. She was always on the lookout for more bones to piece together into an arch along the seawall, creating a unique ornament for the property. I sensed that her artistic inspiration flows deeply from the ocean and her daily life. 

“Can an octopus have a soul? What are these magical creatures?” These questions lingered in my mind. That night, as the ocean waves roared around the cabin, I received a warm message from Kristi: “Let’s try again, see if we can find an octopus before you leave.”  

The peak of low tide was at 9:45 a.m, and the tide pools began to form as animals slowly emerged from their hiding spots. We drove to the beach once again, crossing stretches of sand and scattered stones. The crunch of tiny rocks beneath the tires whispered in our ears, like a gentle melody sung by the shore itself. 

I turned over a rock and found three tiny crabs living underneath. In an instant, they found a hiding place and quickly crawled away. Crabs are fascinating creatures, both hunters and scavengers, using their two pincers to catch food. They spend much of the day hidden under or between rocks, waiting safely until the perfect moment to emerge.

Nearby, we spotted a chiton clinging tightly to a rock and a cluster of barnacles with shells permanently fused to the stone. Then, we discovered a large starfish slowly moving forward by wiggling its arms from side to side. Truly interesting!

We kept searching for an octopus and were just about to give up. Suddenly, Kristi exclaimed, “Ah! The octopus is here!” I was thrilled. She gently coaxed it with a large shell, and to my amazement, the octopus moved with quiet grace, its gentle, fluid motions carrying it slowly crawled inside. 

Getting a close look from every angle, I observed its soft, rounded form, boneless and incredibly flexible, allowing it to squeeze and twist through the tiniest spaces. Its eight long, agile arms were lined with suction cups, perfect for gripping, climbing and exploring. As it moved, it flowed like liquid, fluid and smooth. It could crawl, stretch and even change color and texture of its skin to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. 

When I touched it gently, its body adhered softly to my hand, shifting effortlessly over my skin and through the water. I caught a glimpse of its large, keen eyes, brimming with curiosity. It curled up in its secret den, perfectly camouflaged with its surroundings, always poised for its next adventure. That sticky connection lingered in my mind. I felt as if I had touched its soul. 

Tidepooling is a truly magical experience. The ocean is alive with countless sea creatures, and nature’s hidden treasures never cease to amaze me. Seeing all these tiny wonders brightened my day and filled me with awe.  

Fun Fact: The best time to find unique little creatures while tide pooling is during minus tides, those rare moment when the water level drops much lower than usual, revealing tide pools that are normally hidden beneath the waves. During these times, you can carefully hop from rock to rock, looking down to spot all kinds of special little sea creatures. I am so glad to have Kristi with me, her deep knowledge of tide pools made the experience even more amazing.  

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The journey through the cabin continues

The original Pioneer Cabin was a simple subsistence home for Kristi and her parents. They spent their days exploring and gathering clams, berries, crabs and fish to can for the winter. After her mother began losing her short-term memory, Kristi followed her instincts and decided to build more cabins to support her family and cover her mother’s medical expenses. This story touched me deeply, adding a profound layer of meaning to this special place. 

I explored the other four cabins and the beach house on the property out of curiosity. Each cabin is privately nestled among the trees, as Kristi chose not to cut any down. Walking through the forest to each cabin felt like stepping into a fairy tale.

Both the Cannery Cabin and The Fisherman’s Cabin offer breathtaking views of the majestic mountains of the Alaska Range and the abundant wildlife that inhabit the area. Each beautifully blends rustic nostalgia with modern comfort, featuring thoughtful touches designed for relaxation. Reclaimed wood, windows and details from a 1914 salmon cannery in Kenai are incorporated throughout, imbuing the spaces with history and authenticity. 

The most impressive detail for me was the ocean-inspired ceramics adorning each outdoor shower. Like works of art, they invited me to slow down and truly appreciate every piece.  

Did you know The Beach House hosts a variety of retreats, from art to yoga and more? I had the chance to explore it and enjoyed the expansive windows that filled the room with natural light, the cozy fireplace, elegant lighting, ocean-inspired decorations, and the wood-fired outdoor hot tub adorned with whale bone art, perfectly silhouetted by the sunset. 

I also noticed unique touches everywhere, whalebone accents and driftwood, each full of authentic Alaskan character that sparked conversations as I soaked in Seldovia’s rich history. I realized that my time at this remote beach was a retreat in itself. 

Let the childlike wonder wash over you 

At this majestic playground, I became a child again, both inside and out. Between Beaches Alaska was one of the highlights of my Alaska adventure. Here, I discovered Alaska’s charm, the cabin’s history, artistic inspiration, a deep connection to nature, abundant wildlife, and many profound conversations. I also witnessed the striking contrast between the tranquil calm on one side of the beach and the roaring waves on the other, like a vivid painting unfolding before me. 

I met Kristi, and we became friends, sharing many unforgettable moments that I will always cherish. We chased the elusive soul of the octopus, an enchanting creature whose graceful and mysterious nature captivated both of us. In that pursuit, I felt a true connection to its spirit. Beyond our fascination with the octopus and the abundant sea life, Kristi and I bonded deeply over our shared passions for art and the cabins. This experience opened my eyes to human resilience, our connection to nature and art, the pioneer spirit, and the power of friendship. It is a precious gift I carry home with me. 

If you are seeking an exclusive adventure in a remote location, staying at Between Beaches Alaska will exceed your expectations. Immerse yourself in bucket-list experiences and more. For detailed information, please visit: https://betweenbeachesalaska.com. 

Thank you for an incredible adventure, Between Beaches Alaska. Until we meet again.