The Popeye Express

If a 15 hour day was good yesterday, how about another long day, this time to Juneau and back. Fortunately, this fast ferry, as it is known, stops for whale and seal sightings. We are not to be disappointed. Pulling out from Haines, it is about a 3 1/2 hour trip to Juneau. Let's see what we find.

Notice we're enjoying yet another day of liquid sunshine! The sea life doesn't seem to care. They barely muster a yawn as we pull close.

Our first sighting or Orca! They aren't impressed and swim away very fast. We barely get this picture.

After docking at the small boat harbor, about 13 miles north of downtown Juneau, we board a waiting bus which gives us a whirlwind tour of Juneau. We tried to get some pictures of the more colorful parts of town on this gloomy day.

Now inside the Capital Building, we sign up for a guided tour of the capital. Our tour guide does a splendid job of showing us the highlights.

Finished with our capital tour, we take a walking tour until it's time to meet our bus. The town is teeming with tourists, as is evident with the cruise ships at the dock.

Our bus has now deposited is a few miles north to the Mendenhall Glacier. This is the visitor center of the U.S. Forest Service.

The Mendenhall Glacier turns out to be one of the more beautiful glaciers seen on this trip. The blue ice is evident, and it is interesting to watch it flow out towards the inside passage.

Back to our ferry dock, it's now time for the long return trip to Haines. Can't believe we will have gone on two 15 hour days trips in a row. We're feeling our age!

For further information: City of Juneau
For further information: Mendenhall Glacier

Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway AK

2011-08-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

Less than a mile from the Jewell Gardens, on the other side of the river, is the infamous Gold Rush Cemetery. Located adjoining the railroad tracks, and tucked away in a beautiful forest, the paths lead to both the grave sites and the Reid Falls.

Shown above is a tour guide at the grave site of town hero Frank Reid who was killed in a dual with Jefferson (Soapy) Smith, the town scoundrel. Sadly Smith was killed instantly while Reid, was shot in the groin, died many days later in complete agony. Smith's grave, shown next, is on the other side of the cemetery surrounded by iron bars.

Next is the path to Reid Falls, a 300' waterfall lying directly behind the cemetery.

On our way out, I notice this sign which gives the history of some of the infamous characters lying in their final resting places.

For further information: Klondike Gold Rush and Cemetery

Jewell Gardens, Skagway AK

2011-08-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

Jewell Gardens is about a mile from where we have lunch. The walk is easy, and at least our destination is visible once we cross the river.

The gardens also feature a glass blowing facility and artist gallery. Arguably this visit is late for the height of bloom in the garden, but still interesting to see. Besides, we have about 6 more hours until our ferry departs for Haines!

It is interesting to see Tuberous Begonias interspersed with hand blown glass. They do seem to compliment each other.

The gardens also feature a restaurant, but we arrived after the lunch serving. The setting is lovely, don't you think?

We love the model railroad set up, but next we visit the rows and rows of fresh veggies they use in the restaurant. Eggplant colored kale, awesome!

Here I am in the kitchen with the head chef. He graciously gave us a tour. But now it's time to visit the cemetery!

For further information: Jewell Gardens

Downtown Skagway, AK

2011-08-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I should have started with this photo, as this is where we were prior to boarding the train. Well, now we're back here deciding which direction to head out in the rain. Our stomachs are letting us know it's time for lunch.

As you peruse these photos, notice how almost every shop at ground level is a jewelry store. We are told there are over 30 jewelry stores in Skagway. This is impressive since Skagway has a population of approximately 862! We learn later today the cruise ship lines own all but 1 jewelry store.

I was hoping the day would get better as it got longer, but this is not to be. Notice how all the photos in the slick travels brochures are taken in the sun? We get to enjoy the liquid variety.

Our quest for lunch ends here. No, I didn't pack on 20 extra pounds during lunch, I am, however, doing the Alaska "thing", i.e. layering my clothes. I'm wearing at least 5 layers to keep warm. It isn't very cold, but the weather changes so rapidly it's all about being prepared.

With lunch over, and after a long boat ride, and a longer train ride, we need to walk. Let's go over to the Jewell Gardens.

For further information: Skagway

White Pass & Yukon RR, Skagway

2011-08-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

We start our day early with a ride on the fast ferry between Haines and Skagway, AK. The prices are breath-taking. Accustomed to the WA state ferry system, we as senior citizens, pay $2.70 for a round trip ticket from Fort Casey across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Port Townsend and back.

Here one round trip ticket costs $68. To be fair, the crossing does take 10 minutes longer, but we're still in sticker shock! Enough griping. We start by being at the WPYRR station at 7:30 AM to board. We have room to move around in our car. The cruise ship people have cars to themselves, and every one of them is full. Hey, we get a break!

As you can see, we are enjoying a day of rain. This is nothing new in SE Alaska. All the locals wear rubber boots. Only we tourists wear hiking shoes and/or sneakers.

This of course is the infamous pass made by the hopefuls in the Klondike Gold Rush. Unlike the CA gold rush of 1849, the Klondike Gold rush of 1898 lasted but two years. Prior to the railroad, this pass had to be hiked by foot, and the journey was made several times as the Canadian Government wisely insisted every person take a years supply of food and supplies. Each prospector took approximately 2 tons of goods with him/her over this pass. Many lost their lives as did several of the pack animals.

Our round trip up the pass and back complete, we now have plenty of time to stroll around Skagway and have lunch.

Look at this snow blower on steroids! It's still used from time to time.

For further information: White Pass & Yukon RR

Back to Haines Junction

2011-08-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

Much to our delight, the road from the Alaskan Border to Haines Junction in the YT has been repaired, and this 120 miles of the road goes almost twice as fast as when we were last here in June heading west.

While Bob pulls over on the Alaskan Highway, I jump out, camera in hand, and get some pictures which we missed on the way out. This interesting statue of wild-life is more or less right at the junction leading to Haines, AK, and makes for some good photo taking. Bob patiently waits as I take a few photos from each angle, including the little park across the street. It gives a good shot of the Popeye Express.

After almost completing the Alaskan Highway, doesn't Popeye still look good?

Signs in this little park show what we are looking at. The mountains are magnificent!

One more border crossing and we're back in the US - Haines Alaska, here we come!

Kennecott to McCarthy to Chitina

2011-08-16T21:15:00.000-07:00

Returning by shuttle back to McCarthy, it's time to walk around the little town of McCarthy and take in the sights. It's a one horse town, well perhaps only half a horse, but a few brave souls call this home year around.

From Kennicott to McCarthy to C

Now it's time to walk across the foot bridge and return to our car. it is a 62 mile drive over dirt/gravel roads back to Chitina. Notice the weather and also the interesting rail road trestle.

Notice the braided effect of glacially fed rivers. These rivers can change by the hour, depending on the speed of the glacial flow and the amount of debris coming off the ice. Very interesting!

Hey, look where our Jeep turned 10,000 miles - right over the Copper River.

Now alongside the Copper River, here is a fish wheel, although I didn't notice any great catches.

The rainbow marked the end of our trip. Tomorrow we start the long trek back to Tok and then Haines Junction.

Kennecott Mine, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

2011-08-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

From Kennecott Mine, Wrangle-St. Elias NP

Our two hour tour begins almost immediately upon arrival. I'm shown here with our tour guide and the following pictures are of the Root Glacier which dominates the landscape.

The glacial silt covers the glacial melt, and although it looks very deep, our guide assures it is only inches to the ice.

The National Park Service has refurbished some of the buildings, however others are being left to the forces of nature.

On top of the old mill, the views are awesome!

We are extremely fortunate to visit the Mill and begin at the top and be able to walk down the many stories and see the entire structure. This is the last year it is open to the public prior to the restoration process beginning next year.

Here I find a shoe that was left when the mine was last in operation, decades ago.

We hear music coming towards us, and look what we find!

Shown next is the restored general store, as it looked back in the heyday of the mine.

Walking along, my eye notices this cloud formation. The sun is disappearing fast!

Back on the road, the inevitable happens - rain!

For further information on the Kennecott Mine

Day Trip to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

2011-08-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today we're taking a long day to visit this out-of-the-way National Park. Wrangell-St. Elias NP is the largest park in the nation. It is larger than the states of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island combined. The picture of Mt. Blackburn above was taken along the Glenn Highway on a rare day when the clouds cooperated.

The town of Chitina (pronounced Chit-na) is about 30 miles from the Glenn Highway. This is the last place to fuel-up prior to taking the 65 mile dirt road leading to McCarthy. Other than the filling station and 1 bar, I think I've captured the entire town.

This is the beginning of the road leading into the park, and is pretty much the last few miles of pavement to be seen.

At the end of the road lies the Kennicott River footbridge, then a short hike up the road to the edge of McCarthy where you catch the shuttle leading to the Kennicott Mine, 5 miles away.

Bob takes a break in the shade just in front of the McCarthy-Kennicott Museum.

Here Bob waves at the door of the museum. This next photo, taken slightly out of order, shows the dirt on our car. Did I mention that no one has a clean car in Alaska?

The Root Glacier consumes this area. Although it appears to be dirt covering the glacier, it is actually glacial silt covering just the top few inches of the glacier lying directly in front of the Kennicott Mine.

For further information: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Prince William Sound

2011-08-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

A gorgeous day to take a tour on awesome Prince William Sound. Days in Alaska don't get better than this!

Pulling out of the harbor at Valdez provides spectacular views of waterfalls, glaciers, and ultimately marine life.

You can clearly see the snow capped Chugach mountains, reportedly the highest coastal range in the world. Soon ice bergs become apparent.

The Columbia Glacier shown is receding at an alarming rate, making it too dangerous to approach.

Farther West, we are greeted by Sea Otters, and then the ice break up from the Meares Glacier, our ultimate destination on this trip.

The pictures of glacial calving as shown in travel brochures and DVDs seem to feature chunks of ice as large as buildings. In reality, calving happens haphazardly and you may or may not see much of anything. We manage to see a little calving and our happy for our experience. The lumps on the ice are sea lions resting out of the way of hungry Orca.

Above is the best photo we get of a calving glacier. Although far from spectacular, it is an awesome sight, especially when you hear the creaking and groaning that accompanies the breakup. The noise can be exceptionally loud.

The couple shown above are visiting from Germany. He is a policeman and she is a school teacher taking a month's holiday to visit Alaska.

The crew took a net and dipped out this ice, possibly hundreds of years old. After we all take a look, they get out the ice picks and serve lemonade over this ice. Pure ice - incredibly good!

Our trip back to Valdez provides close-ups of some more critters and different views of the awesome surroundings.

The tail of the whale is that of a humpback, and these, I believe, are Stellar Sea lions basking in the sunlight.

The next photo is the interior of the Stan Stephens boat, a very clean modern vessel with an outstanding crew. We are impressed that they take the time to actually wash the windows of ocean spray as we are standing still watching the action. Undoubtedly one of the best cruises in Alaskan waters!

Docking back in Valdez after our 9 1/2 hour tour yields a slightly different type of wildlife. We actually saw many wild hares running around in both Valdez and the Kenai Peninsula. Soon we will be off to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

For further information: Stan Stephens cruises

Bear Watching in Valdez

2011-08-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

With record numbers of salmon, (a fisherman-friend later told me they had in excess of 4 million more salmon than expected) there is an excellent chance of finding a bear near the fish hatchery back in town.We weren't disappointed!

This bear had so many fish, he was too full to eat them. We watched as he caught them, threw them down on the ground, proceeded to step on them to force out the eggs, lick up the eggs, and leave them for the seagulls.

Notice the waters appear black with fish!

The abundance of food is mind boggling. Even the sea gulls have had their fill. At this point they are only interested in fish eyes, leaving the rest of the salmon to the next predator. And the food chain goes on. . .

On our return to Popeye, we stop to watch the breathtaking views and drive by the cemetery once again.

With good weather expected for tomorrow, we look forward to our trip to Prince William Sound.

Drive to Worthington Glacier

2011-08-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

This morning is a great day to take the short drive over to Worthington Glacier. Along the way, you drive by numerous water falls along narrow canyons and see many of the old trails that were used by the fortune seekers during the gold rush heydays. We didn't have a good angle to take pictures of the trails, but the scenery is stunning.

Due to the immense amount of copper at the Kennicott Mine, it was thought a railroad would be the best way to ship the copper over to Valdez. The railroad magnets of the day were unable to secure property rights for the track; hence the tracks never got laid. This is an example of an old tunnel which was blasted out of the mountain in hopes the railroad would come to fruition.

Our first glance at Worthington Glacier, then the up close views. Almost all of Alaska's glaciers are far back from where they flowed just a few years ago.

Here Bob decides to walk right up to the Glacier. Touching ice has no great significance for me, so I stayed behind to keep warm. Glaciers are cold!

Satisfied, we leave Worthington Glacier to go find a bear.

Revisiting the Valdez Museum

2011-08-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

After a night of long hard and steady rain, we awoke a little dismayed as to how to spend our time today. Ultimately we decide to revisit the museum. We never did get over to the Annex on Saturday, so we start our visit at the annex location.

The Valdez Museum Annex features the Remembering Old Valdez exhibit and has a 1:20 replica of Old Town Valdez just prior to the 1964 earthquake including over 400 buildings and 60 blocks. This was a major undertaking! Today we marvel at what a wonderful tool it is to actually see what the town looked like and to understand the town's heritage. We also see the best movie on the 1964 earthquake to date. The epicenter of the quake was just 32 miles from the location of old Valdez. The film, some taken from the Chena, which had just docked prior to the quake, actually shows the earth below the town liquefying. I have never seen this before. It is an astounding sight to behold!

Tim Harned (not shown) has lived in Valdez most of his life, and came with his parents to visit his grandparents who lived in old Valdez and survived the quake. His memories and insight to the story is fascinating.

Time now to go back to the main building before closing time. When we park, Bob notices there are no cars parked in front of this nice mural, and runs over to take a picture.

The colorful and appropriate entrance to the main museum, created by Tim Harned and Nicole Randazzo, earned first prize in the 2011 Gold Rush Leg Lamp Award for decoration of Gold Rush Days in the business category. Well deserved!

We have less than 15 minutes to review the museum and try to get pictures of items missed on Saturday.

I think this is the old Paxson Bar. I couldn't find this bar identified on the website even though a great picture of the bar is featured. Send me a message if you know the name and I can correct my error!

The museum features how the town came into being with the rush for gold in the Klondike, the 1964 earthquake and rebuilding of Valdez, the building of Alaska's first highway, and finally the Exxon-Valdez oil spill and cleanup.

On our way home, we were debating whether or not to drive around the bay over to the fish hatchery to check on bears. All for naught! As we were about to turn, I looked and out of the brush came this little guy, sniffing the good smells from the fish packing company and fishing boats, I imagine. I quickly rolled down the window and got this 1 decent shot as I watched in amazement as some thoughtless tourist took off running as fast as he could after the bear trying to get a picture with his cell phone. I imagine this poor little guy was probably freighted to death!

Tomorrow - only 40% rain predicted, and on Thursday SUN!

Drive in the Rain

2011-08-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

Today is the day scheduled for our Stan Stephens Wildlife cruise. With constant rain, we are able to reschedule for later this week. We have no desire to test the new lens in the rain. So, off we go around noon for a little lunch downtown and to view the harbor.

The screen on this T-shirt found in a downtown window, is kind of how we feel! But, it's time to move on. We take a gravel road up the mountain to the point where the bridge is washed out and view this waterfall. Definitely makes you forget about the weather!

Now on the Richardson Highway, we take the road leading to the Valdez Glacier.

Another mile or two down the Richardson, we find the place where Old Valdez existed prior to moving the town 4 miles to the west sometime after the 1964 earthquake.

Nearby, we come to the location of the old Pioneer Cemetery. It was sometimes called the Chinese Cemetery by locals, who misinterpreted some Japanese Calligraphy. No Chinese were ever buried here, but we're glad we stumble on this beautiful resting place.

A few miles further down the road, I am aware of gulls squawking. Certainly where large numbers of animals gather, there must be food. And there are! Thousands of Salmon spawning and ending their life cycle.

This Black Bear comes out and seems totally bewildered by the amounts of fish and gulls. He quietly retreats back into the woods.

Heading back home, we come across this US Forest Service information station.

Finally, we are happy to return home. This is the view out our front window - nice, don't you agree?

Gold Rush Days Parade!

2011-08-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

From Gold Rush Days Parade!

Every celebration is better with a parade, and Gold Rush Days is no exception. Rain or shine, here they come:

After the parade, we walk over to the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum, located on the campus of the Prince William Sound Community College.

From Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum

The museum is noted as having one of the largest displays of native Alaskan art and artifacts in the world. It's a real show case museum, however, I spent our entire time there in the lobby on the phone. So, someday later this week, I shall return. Bob really enjoyed it and took the following pictures:

From Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum

Bob said what he enjoyed most was being able to get very close to the displays, and really seeing the outstanding detail on the animal displays.

From Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum

The Park Strip Shelter lies just behind the museum, and it's time to get to the fish fry before all the fish is gone. It takes just a few minutes to walk over, and fortunately the shelter is covered as the rain is really steady.

Much to our delight, the fish fry is actually grilled salmon, AND you get to have a hot dog! Valdez might be one of the few places where hot dogs cost more than fresh salmon. Anyway, we had more than our fill, drinks included at no cost, and when we left, they had salmon left over and gave us a bag of marinated salmon fillets "to go." I really love Alaska! It was raining too hard to take pictures, but I asked Bob to take one picture of the Air Force Reserve Band standing directly behind us.

What a great time we had. Happy Gold Rush Days Valdez!

For further information: Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum

Valdez in the Rain

2011-08-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

Gold Rush Days comes to a close today, and will culminate with a 3:00 PM parade followed by a free town fish fry.

This magnificent carving is proudly displayed in town. I am interested to note the surname name of the artist, Toth. This was my maternal grandmother's maiden name, and all my family immigrated from Hungary, the one country out of north America where this artist has works displayed.

Earlier this morning, Bob took a drive around taking a few pictures of the area. The rain is steady, the rivers and creeks swollen.

In town, a few items of note stand ready in celebration of the coming parade.

This last picture says it all! We're glad to be here in the rain.

Bayside RV Park & Valdez Museum

2011-08-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

Here we are in Valdez, with a bay side view, currently of clouds and fog!

Although unseen, views of snow capped mountains, birds, waterfalls and more should be at our doorstep when the weather clears.

We try to make our first stop in each town the visitor center. Here we find out we arrived just in time for a 3 day annual celebration of Gold Rush Days. Note the hanging over the wall of the visitor center made to look like an old time bar.

The Valdez Museum, our next stop, with displays both on the inside and exterior, features this old green wooden fishing vessel, (shown as lead photo of this post) which is no longer sea-worthy. This boat is of interest as she survived the 1964 earthquake, which destroyed many communities and villages along coastal Alaska. She was pulled under with the tidal waves 3 times, and still lived to sail another day.

These pictures do not show we were there during the two hours of free entry in honor of Gold Rush Days. The museum was jammed full of people and getting good shots of the exhibits is almost impossible.

These pictures certainly don't convey how interesting this museum is. I really enjoyed the terrific display of historic pictures, the old bar, (wide angle lens a must) history of the Exxon-Valdez oil spill, the Richardson Highway, Alaska's first highway, etc.

For further information including some great photos: Valdez Museum

Stop at the Wrangell St. Elias NP Headquarters

2011-08-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

Stopping along the Matanuska River on the Glenn Highway, while I fix lunch, Bob is a good samaritan and picks up garbage along the highway.

Next we stop at the Visitor Center of the Wrangell St. Elias National Park Headquarters to check on road conditions for a possible visit on our return from Valdez.

Inside the visitor center, several people are asking lots of questions, especially Bob wearing the blue cap at the left end of the counter.

While the above is a picture of a picture inside the visitor center, the signs below are taken at the entrance of the visitor center. We asked and received permission to stay the night. It turned out to be a great campground, the kind we like the best. We had it all to ourselves.

Tomorrow we will make it to Valdez and the Prince William Sound.

Eagle River Campground

2011-08-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

From Eagle River Campground

We spend two nights at the Eagle River Campground in the Chugach State Park, just outside of Anchorage to pick up my glasses at Costco and to grocery shop. As you can see, the river is quite high and this morning before pulling out of our campground, we take another walk along the shores and get pictures of some more beautiful Alaskan wildflowers.

From Eagle River Campground

Now it's time to pull out and take the Glen Highway over to the Richardson Highway en route to Valdez.

From Eagle River Campground

For further information: Chugach State Park

Halibut Cove

2011-07-31T18:20:00.000-07:00

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

For further information: Halibut Cove

Carl E. Wynn Nature Center, Homer

2011-07-30T18:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Here we come to a platform above the bog. Bob shows off the trail map.

Nice views from the viewing platform, even if the clouds cut off the tops of the mountains.

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!

This next photo shows Mt. Augustine faintly in the background on the right.

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.

For further information: Carl E. Wynn Nature Center

A Visit to Seldovia, AK

2011-07-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

Approximately two hours away by boat, lies the village of Seldovia. Although Seldovia may not be off the grid, it is definately off the road system. The only way in and out is by boat or plane.

Known for its fishing and chain saw carvings, not only are we anxious to visit the village, but what a great excuse for a boat ride and to view the fabulous scenery surrounding Homer, the Kachemak Bay and the Cook's Inlet.

Our trip is aboard the Discovery, and as you can see, the views from the Homer Harbor are breathtaking.

Our boat goes by and circles Gull Island to afford us a good views of the various nesting birds. We enjoy Gulls, Puffins, Common Murres and many others.

In addition to the many sea birds, we also enjoy this awesome view of Mt. Iliamna, at 10,013 feet together with her 4 sister peaks on the left. This is one of many volcanoes in the infamous ring of fire.

The many bays, inlets, and surroundings make for gorgeous sightseeing along the way. Elephant Rock is also fun to see.

We also go by a Kelp bed, which the Sea Otters use to wrap themselves up in so they can take a nap and not be taken out to sea by the current. Smart little critters!

Here we find a mom with her baby resting on her stomach.

Now docked, after lunch at the Mad Fish, we take a walk around town to enjoy the many chain saw sculptures Seldovia is known for.

On our way to the Otterbahn trail, we see some other interesting sights.

With the trail ending at the beautiful beach and high tide, we have to beat it back to the boat fast! We need to make the 4:00PM sailing or swim! Here is a little of what we see on the return trip.

For further information: Seldovia Alaska

Walking Tour of Homer AK

2011-07-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Today we're taking a walking tour of what is supposed to be historic Homer. Although we are faithfully following the map as provided on page 15 of the town guide, all the pictures of the buildings were as they were 50 and more years ago. The only pictures I am reasonably certain about are those of the Harrington Cabin, mostly because it is listed as being next to the Pratt Museum, which is where we found it. The outhouse above went with the house.

I believe this next picture to be what was once the Heady Hotel, although no picture was provided, it does fit the description.

We are uncertain if any of the following 3 photos are anything remotely connected with the historic walking tour, but since we are able to identify only a few, thought it would be a good idea to throw in what is along Pioneer Ave. at present, regardless of historic significance.

This next photo of the Main St. Mercantile, opened in 2002, is the former Homer Cash Store, which featured general merchandise in 1936. At one time the upstairs served as the town's dance hall, but later was converted to living quarters.

This next photo has nothing to do with the historic walking tour, but was on the route and certainly an interesting coffee house. My understanding is at the time of opening a sign ordinance was in effect, hence the numerous coffee cups to advertise their product - clever! Sadly I never had a chance to go inside and check it out.

I believe this next house to be the Kranich House made from lumber at the Diamond Ridge Road Sawmill around 1944.

The rest of these photos, were taken along the route, but the historical significance, if any, cannot be verified. I present them simply as what we see today.

See Janet R. Klein's book: Celebrating Homer's Buildings, Pub 2002

Day Tripping down the East End Road & Beyond

2011-07-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

After speaking to Mary Jane Russell at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, we are anxious to make this trip down the East End Road as far as the road will take us. She mentioned the great food at the General Store in Fritz Creek, and sadly we didn't take any pictures. The food, however in the little deli, is the best restaurant food we've enjoyed in Alaska. Do stop by and partake!

Above, two of the volcano's in the Ring of Fire - awesome. The next few pictures are taken from the East End Road overlooking the Spit and most of Homer. We each take a picture of another to prove we are here!

Farther down the East End Road, more breathtaking scenes come into view.

Isn't this a great illusion? It's as though we are going to drive right up onto the glacier!

And guess who likes Alaskan Lupine? Ms. Moose didn't seem to care that we stopped right in front of her.

Kachemak Bay narrows as we come almost to the end.

Here we surprise Mrs. Moose and her two calves.

Having returned along the East End Road, we want to stop by the Salty Dawg for a look-see. It was so crowed, we took these few pictures and left for home to enjoy a brewsky.

Finally, to end our day, right in back of the Salty Dawg, someone's catch for the day. If you have ever wondered why Halibut is so pricey, you can see the size of the fish which yields two fillets and two cheeks.

On the way home, we wonder what everyone is looking at. We find a Bald Eagle nest with two huge babies. It seems mom, sitting on another tree, is explaining to babies that room service has ended. If you want to eat, time to learn to fly. Apparently they did, as the next day they were gone.

Coming next: Carl E. Wynn Nature Center

Day Tripping Down the Kenai

2011-07-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

On a drizzly day, we decide to take a day trip down the Kenai Peninsula. We arrived in Soldotna on 7/19, and with Bob's successful fishing experience and 4 sockeye and a dolly in our freezer, we want a time out and a chance to see some of the awesome scenery along the Sterling Highway.

Our first stop is the Village of Ninilchik, known for clamming and a city facility launching by tractor, of halibut fishing boats. I also scored a pair of hand carved salad servers in the little gift shop, much nicer on the inside than it appears on the outside.

This guy parked himself under our warm dirty car. No one has a clean car in Alaska!

Thousands of gulls patiently wait for the tasty salmon. They are in such profusion this year, the daily limit for fisherman was doubled.

Ninilchik (Deep Creek) was originally settled by the Russians, and many Russian settlements remain today, including Russian Orthodox Churches. This church is locked, but we enjoyed seeing the exterior, high above the hill overlooking the town.

The catch of the day is proudly displayed. Next we witness the craziest thing we have ever seen: tractor boat launch.

Picture dozens of boat trailers lined up with numbers. When you arrive with your boat on a trailer, you hook up to the tractor, then, after removing the safety chains etc., the trailer backs you down into the ocean as fast as they can, and jam on the brakes. The tractor comes to a screeching halt and you and your boat go flying into the water.

When it's time to come in, you do the opposite. Call with your number, the tractor and trailer is waiting for you and you come into shore on full throttle, and as soon as you hit the trailer, a couple of guys jump off the tractor and secure your boat. Then the tractor hauls you up onto shore.

This is crazy! They are doing about 1 boat per minute, and at any given time a half dozen or more boats are waiting either to go out or come in. Mind you, this is a City operated facility, and they must be breaking every OSHA law imaginable. Alaskans don't sweat the small stuff! One of the city officials tells Bob that since initiating the tractor launch, the fishing industry has been revitalized in the area.

We drive all the way down to Homer, and then back to the City of Kenai and take a few more pictures.

Hiking the Russian River Falls

2011-07-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

Its time to leave Seward for Soldotna, but before moving the coach, several people have told us they've seen bears down by the Russian Falls, so we take a short trip by car to see what we can find.

The Russian River is roughly half way between Seward and Soldotna, and the trail along the river is pretty. In this next picture, notice the gulls standing on a rocky ledge just above the river. They know the salmon will spawn, and then it will be their turn to feast on the spent fish.

I found some interesting fungus growing along the path as well. Interesting, that every time we get to a different place along the river, we are told by passers by that we just missed the bears! We keep walking downstream hoping to spot one or two.

Not a bear in sight, and we couldn't get a good picture of the plentiful salmon in the river. The animals know!

Kenai Fjords National Park

2011-07-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

Our long awaited trip to Kenai Fjords National Park is just underway, and before leaving Resurrection Bay, we go right by these cute Sea Otters, seemingly enjoying life to the fullest.

We sail right by the city RV park and get a great view of Seward.

As soon as we get out of Resurrection Bay, we enter the Kenai Fjords NP and almost the first thing we see is this tide water glacier.

Next up - How about some Hump Back whales? 3 or 4, two adults and a calf, I think, are visible. We didn't see any breaching, but a little fin slapping. I might add we have new respect for wild animal photographers capturing great pictures of moving animals from a moving boat, with very extreme light conditions. We're doing the best we can.

Common Murres line up as though posing for their pictures. At least one species is cooperating!

Tufted Puffins are beautiful to look it, fun to watch, and can put on quite a show without ever realizing it.

We get to come in close to the Aialik and Addison glaciers, which are side-by-side.

Yes, it's cold out here - burr!

Pulling back from these glaciers, we move on to see yet more wildlife and awesome scenery.

Next we come to favorite bird hangouts. Good for breeding, feeding and raising families. Quite crowded, but there must be protection in numbers. The birds don't seem to mind.

Next up: The Steller Sea lions.

More birds, rocks and sea lions!

Our guided tour is led by Ranger Amber.

More scenery, whales and 3 hole rock.

Time for the trip home. Our 7 1/2 hour cruise is drawing to a close, but the scenery makes it all worth it not to mention the sea life! Highly recommended.