Sunday, July 31, 2011

Halibut Cove

From Halibut Cove
Halibut Cove is truly a special place. With about 60 summer residents and 20 hardy soles who call it home in the winter, it takes some effort to get here, but the charm and unique setting make it worth the work.

From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
Our trip starts at the harbor at the Homer Spit aboard the Danny J. We are leaving at 5 PM for the dinner seating, and Passage doesn't come cheap. The 45 minute crossing across the Kachemak Bay and back costs $64.50. This does not include our dinner at the Saltry. Add another $90 (without drinks) and you have the makings for a very expensive evening  - but worth it!

From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
The steep stairway leads right to the entrance of the Saltry, and we have reservations for the 6 PM seating.

From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
In spite of overcast skies, we elect to sit outside and watch the cove. During our evening meal, we see two bald eagles fly by, with no warning for us to get the camera into focus.

From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
A series of boardwalks connect one building to another. If that doesn't work, you need to get out your canoe and start paddling.

From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
Halibut Cove was established by and consists of an artist's colony. Other than the Saltry, the only eatery, and 1 coffee shop which is currently closed, the remaining buildings include only art galleries, a few B & Bs, and private residences.

From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
The cove is also home to seals, sea otters, and porpoises, however we don't see any tonight.

From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
Kachemak Bay is arguably one of the most beautiful bays in the world. To the east of the bay and on top of the Kenai Mountains lie the Harding Ice Field.

From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
At least 5 named glaciers are visible and flow into the bay: Dixon Glacier, Portlock Glacier, Grewingk Glacier, Nosnesenski Glacier, and Doroshin Glacier.

From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
Fishing is the other prominent occupation. Of course, many artists are also fisherman. After all, one does need to eat!

From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
After dinner, we take the walk around the boardwalks as far as time will allow. The Danny J will sale out at 9 PM sharp, with or without us! Hope you enjoy the rest of what we see.

From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove
From Halibut Cove

For further information: Halibut Cove

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Carl E. Wynn Nature Center, Homer

From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
Today we are once again taking the East End Road out to the Carl Wynn Nature Center to enjoy the trails and hopefully see some native plants. It is early evening as we hit the trails.

From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
Here we come to a platform above the bog. Bob shows off the trail map.

From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
Nice views from the viewing platform, even if the clouds cut off the tops of the mountains.

From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
Now back home, here is the Homer Elks Lodge up on the bluff to the left of the tents set up for a weekend wedding. We are so fortunate to have the entire Elks camping area to ourselves. The views from up on the bluff have been breathtaking, not to mention the Bald Eagle who parked on the light standard next to us, and the Sand Hill Cranes who flew by. We are loving Alaska!

From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
This next photo shows Mt. Augustine faintly in the background on the right.

From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center
Lastly, I take Bob's picture in front of the Elks Lodge. Is he a happy Elk or what! Tomorrow it's Halibut Cove, then we're returning to Anchorage so I can pick up my glasses at Costco and refill the refrigerator with groceries.

From Carl E. Wynn Nature Center

For further information: Carl E. Wynn Nature Center