I had first heard about The Nomad last spring. It was right around breakup time. I was so disappointed that I would have to wait almost a full year before it would be safe to visit this location, which is on mudflats. However, the time finally came! Just before New Years we made our way out to The Nomad!

Resting off shore and long the KGB, at mile marker 13 is The Nomad. We parked at the Knik Bar, crossed KGB and followed the historic Iditarod trail markers out to the boat.

I can’t even consider this adventure a true hike. It was a nice walk, but very short. We did extend the adventure a bit by walking out further and exploring the frozen flats for a while.

Built in the 1950’s, The Nomad was left at this location in 1967. Used for commercial fishing in its sailing days, The Nomad was owned by Joe Redington Sr. Redington was an Alaskan Musher and the founder of the Iditarod.

Purposefully moored there by Redington, the boat initially floated around this area of the mudflats for a few years. Finally, The Noman found its permanent location and as been there ever since. Redington chose this location because it runs along the historic Iditarod Trail.

A local group has intentions of cosmetically repairing The Nomad for the purpose of preserving it for future explorers to enjoy. Currently the boat is in serious disrepair. Rusty nails stick out from the boards and no windows or doors protect the interior from the harsh elements that can manifest along the Knik Arm. Without repairs the boat is unlikely to last another decade. The group plans to start with the outside of the boat, it being painted by the granddaughter of Redington himself.

More Information about The Nomad can be found at The Nomad Restoration Facebook Group.

The Nomad rests in the mudflats along the Knik Arm. Mudflats can be very dangerous and have proved fatal to several Alaskans and Alaskan tourists. Before exploring this location, please consider the time of year and the tide tables.

The children absolutely LOVED exploring around The Nomad. It is such a picturesque location and an abandoned boat has much to offer the imagination. In addition, after investigating the boat we continued out further on the mudflats. Frozen mudflats can provide an amazing playground for both the young and old.