Mt. Redoubt of the volcanic Ring of Fire |
Mt. Iliamna of the volcanic Ring of Fire |
Everything about our visit to Homer has been superb! A 5-cheeser all the way around!
For starters, we had the most wonderful campsite within Baycrest RV Park. It was right on the bluff overlooking Kachemak Bay, with terrific views of several volcanoes. Surprisingly, it was a HUGE site, fitting both the rig and Big Boomer with ample space leftover for our picnic table, fire pit, and even our motorcycles! Jim checked us in, and he was efficient, pleasant, and informative. Finally, an RV Park that meets Rambling RV Rat’s exceptionally high standards for achieving a 5-cheese rating!
Huge sites at Bay Crest--big enough for both Big Boomer and the rig! |
View from our campsite |
Since we were traveling in the rigs, Dad and Mike parked in a huge lot off Sterling Highway, and Mom, Claudia, and I walked the ½ mile to the church. You can imagine how pleasantly surprised we were to meet a little moose lady along the way!
That evening after dinner Dad booked a halibut fishing trip for him and Mike on Sunday with Ninilchik Charters, one of the B-O-G-O offers in our Tour Saver book. Meanwhile Mom got in her daily exercise by walking 4 miles along the Scenic Byway. Me, I just breathed in the crisp, cool cottonwood-filled air and enjoyed the view from the campground.
Photo courtesy of Mom while walking along Scenic Byway |
View from Skyline Drive. That strip of land jutting out is "The Spit" |
We visited the Islands and Ocean Visitor Center and walked down to the beach, viewing various birds and waterfowl in the estuary. Homer is a bald eagle mecca—we viewed at least three dozen eagles during our visit to Homer, including a nest with a mama and her fledgling!
One of the dozens of eagles we saw in Homer. Wish I had a Canon Telescopic Lens Camera instead of having to use a stupid Android phone camera! |
Mama eagle guarding fledgling within nest |
We stopped at the Farmer’s Market but didn’t stay long—the place was packed! We headed down to Homer Spit, a stretch of land believed to be the remains of an ancient glacial moraine. It is where all the docks, piers, boat/ship graveyards, and best seafood restaurants are located. Our buddies Stephanie and Curtis from the M.O.C. joined us and Claudia/Mike for dinner at Captain Pattie’s. It looks like a hole in the wall from the outside, but offers an absolutely delectable seafood dinner! We all had “The Sampler”, which included prawns, scallops, halibut and salmon along with salad, one side dish, and sour dough bread. All the fish was fresh, cooked to perfection, and melted in your mouth! We sat on the enclosed back porch, which offered us fantastic humpback whale, seal, and eagle sightings! Plus the prices were quite reasonable and the portions large enough to satisfy even my Dad’s hefty appetite. And to top it off, the hostess was from New Jersey! You can’t go wrong with this place—another 5-cheese rating from Rambling RV Rat!
After dinner, my family walked over to the docks to scout out the boat that Dad and Mike were scheduled to board for their fishing expedition. And how nice it was to run into fellow RV Dreamers Jim and Barb! We all enjoyed a drink at the Salty Dawg Saloon, exchanged info on places we all visited, and shared some good laughs.
RV Dreamers Jim and Barb |
Salty Dawg Saloon |
Dad hit the sack a bit earlier than usual, dreaming about all the fish he was going to catch. Or maybe it was a nightmare about being skunked again! All I know is that fish were occupying his subconscious.
Holy Halibut! Dad caught a 50 pounder! |
The seas at daybreak |
That's a boatload of sea otters! |
Harrington Cabin |
My new friend, Suzie, outside the Harrington Cabin |
48 years after this three-story log structure was built, the original Heady Hotel still operates as a lodge |
Homer's original post office, circa 1927. Notice the tree growing on the roof! |
Some beautiful gardens to enhance this quaint town! |
The weather was dismal most of today, so we decided to just lounge around. We read, made reservations for upcoming tours, and just soaked in the beautiful view.
By 10 p.m., Dad was reading a book with his eyes closed and most folks in the campground had drawn their shades and had already entered Slumber Land. But Mom and I share a passion. We relish the nighttime for walking in the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. Our days here on earth are finite; we have eternity to sleep. Nighttime walks in Alaska evoke our spirituality and provide serenity. They are our meditation moments, our connection with our Creator. They rejuvenate our soul. Just look at the magnificence we witnessed in the last two hours! We are so thankful and feel so blessed to marvel in these wondrous works of God in nature.
The sunshower produced a colorful rainbow! |
A glorious midnight sun! |
Homer has been one of my favorite stops in Alaska! It has a more temperate climate, with lows in the winter averaging about 18F degrees, and highs in the summer of about 60F degrees. It is quite versatile and offers something for everyone, whether seafarer or landlubber, from the white-capped waters to the snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, and glaciers. I'm glad we got to spend time here.
Time for me to sign off. Will speak to you soon from Whittier!
So happy for you that you caught a BIG fish! They are so delish! We loved Homer also and will return at the end of Aug - Bill says he hopes you didn't catch HIS fish! We hope to fill our freezer as well! Continued safe travels my friend!
ReplyDeleteI am sure there is a big door mat waiting for Bill so you can fill the freezer!
DeleteEnjoy that beautiful area around Seward...one of our favs!
I am sure there is a big door mat waiting for Bill so you can fill the freezer!
DeleteEnjoy that beautiful area around Seward...one of our favs!
Homer was one of our favourite stops too. Congrats on finally getting some fish on Les!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels!