Hanging Around Homer Part 1

Mariner Campground, Homer, AK – July 21 through 22, 2014

The next morning we bided our time until a spot on the beach front row was vacated. Actually we had a couple to choose from, but we had to act quick because we had already waffled on one and someone else got it. So we swooped in and settled into this spot. We were even able to get a satellite signal!

It didn’t make much difference which one you got, they all had great views.

Plus we had our own show put on by this windsurfer,

an other beach goers passing by.

A visit to the Visitor center was in order and we got there just before closing time. However, we were able to pick up a few good tips from a very helpful ranger who just happened to own the building the local brewery was housed in. We also got his recommendation on the best brew they had. In addition they had a most excellent trail that led from the Visitor Center to the beach, called the Beluga Slough Trail. We just had to try that.

The Fresh Sourdough Café caught our attention and we had several meals there. The background story is this couple traveled the Alaska Highway in 1982 driving this bread truck. They peddled fresh baked bread along the way to make enough money to set up shop in Homer. 32 years later, it’s still in business. They are expensive ($17 for the special of the day hamburger), but the quality of food did not disappoint.

It was a nice walk from the RV and we got to see other curiosities along the way. Marine repair shop ya think?

Homer Spit. Sounds kinda crude doesn’t it? In this case, spit refers to a sliver of land that projects out into a body of water. In Homer’s case, it is tourist central. This is where 95% of the boat cruises and charters are to be found. Also it’s where all the “ticky-tacky” shops selling the same old tourist trinkets are located.

While EJ was wandering around she found these. We don’t know what they are so we’re just calling them ugly fish.

And Frank found a nice place to wait for EJ.

The next day we decided to revisit the Norman Lowell Gallery. We really enjoyed it last time we were here. An update on Norman. He has macular degeneration disease and had been declared legally blind by his doctor. However, he has enough vision left that he continues to paint using a new easel stand he designed that provides an enormous amount of light. The extra light lets him see well enough that he can continue pursuing his love of painting Alaska landscapes.

He also invites some very talented local artists to display their art in his studio.

Norman built this studio with his own funds and to this day charges no entry fee. Voluntary contributions are appreciated. After you see the amazing art in his gallery, you’ll have no qualms about making a donation to help keep the gallery in operation.

Nikolaevak. Sounds Russian doesn’t it? EJ found this in one of our guide books as a suggested drive. So we went. Sometimes we wonder if the people who write for the guide books ever actually make the drive themselves. Nikolaevak is located near the end of North Fork Rd. The last couple of miles is supposed to be on a gravel road. We never found the gravel road, but we did find Nikolaevak ( I really like spelling that name). It had an Russian Orthodox Church that was being renovated.

And a campground that wasn’t.

We also saw two young boys walking and carrying some soda pop and a bag of groceries, so there must be a small store nearby as well.

Back on the coast we explore another road that leads us to Anchor Point, North America’s Most westerly highway point.

It was at this point that we saw immature eagles on the beach vying with seagulls for salmon remains. The last guy strutted his stuff and acted real tough.

What was really hilarious was watching this group scurrying around hunched over following the eagles.

While in Homer we found Skyline Drive and thought we’d see where it went. There was a terrific view overlooking the Homer Spit and Kachemak Bay with the Kenai Mountains in the background.

Along this road was the Carl E. Wynn Nature Center. Of course by this time of day, the Nature Center was closed which meant we had the whole place to ourselves. We took advantage of a great hike through the woods and enjoyed the solitude.

Of course during our time here we visited the Homer Brewery (more than once). More fine beer sampling to add to our research. Time to get back to BG. Tomorrow we take our trip to Seldovia.