Alaska is full of breathtaking scenery, however our visit to the Kenai Peninsula was over the top and a memory to be cherished. I love the smells, sounds, and aura of the ocean (or really any body of water). The ocean fills my soul with happiness and I feel my best when I can be nearby. Mountains have that effect too and we were not disappointed with the opportunity to see more! Throughout our stay on the Kenai we spent time in Cooper Landing, Homer, and Seward. We were able to catch up with new road friends, explore Alaskan oceanside towns, and savor delicious seafood!
On our way to the Kenai Peninsula - Resurrection Bay
On our way out we made several detours. First was a quick pullover to see if there were any Beluga whales in the bay outside of Anchorage. We found out later that we missed their migration, however the scenery was worth the stop. Then we popped into Girdwood for lunch and homemade scrumptious cinnamon rolls (upon a recommendation from one of our new road friends - thanks Brenda B.!). Girdwood is home to Alyeska Ski Resort, however once again the rain and low clouds prevented us from seeing the best views! We also stopped at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (refuge for sick, wounded, and orphaned animals) where we discovered that they named their porcupines after candy bars: Twix and Kit Kat! LOL
Beluga Point - Seward Highway
Girdwood, AK - Delicious Cinnamon Rolls and the Alyeska Ski Resort
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
On to the Kenai Peninsula! The drive again was spectacular and our first short stops were; City of Kenai for coffee, Transfiguration of Our Lord Church (Russian Orthodox), Anchor Point Beach to see Bald Eagles, and the Norman Lowell Gallery - amazing variety of artwork!
Just a few of the 300 paintings in the permanent collection Alaskan artist Norman Lowell. This gallery was a magnificent compilation of his work.
After setting up camp near Cooper Landing for a couple of nights (where our campground was very wooded, green…..and wet), Steve found some fairly fresh bear evidence nearby so we remained vigilant. This is a huge destination for fishing, the salmon were running, and the surrounding rivers were hopping!
Hiking was a must so we took a five mile rainy trek to Russian River Falls and were thrilled to see a mama brown bear ramble down a wooded trail to the river, quickly catch a salmon, and hastily climb back up the steep slope! Just goes to show no matter the climate in Alaska you still need to put on the proper weather gear and get out there to see the astounding nature this state provides.
We took time to visit the Cooper Landing Information Center/History Museum and the local library. Steve discovered at the museum that in the 1990’s someone shot a bear (skeleton was on display) and the bear was used as a part of the school curriculum to teach the students about bear awareness for an entire year! The library was a small quaint log building, perfect. They even had a selection of free books which I took advantage of - Alaska tales!
Homer Alaska - Halibut Fishing Capital of the World - and our first chance to stay right on the beach (at Homer Spit Campground). The City of Homer is located on Kachemak Bay. The Homer Spit is a long strip of land that extends out into the bay with restaurants, shops, art galleries, rocky beaches, and camping. We had a fantastic mosquito free time during our four nights on the Spit: trying our first halibut (fried, ceviche, and the best fish chowder ever), catching up with more of our road friends, and cruising out to the small town of Seldovia. Did it rain ? Of course it did!
The Spit Marina, Homer Alaska
View of Kachemak Bay from our campsite.
“. . . Mountains come out of the sky, and they stand there!!” - “Roundabout”/YES
We took a cruise out of Homer on The Rainbow to visit Seldovia, a very small town only accessible by boat or plane. On the ride out we saw many sea birds (including Puffins!), Harbor Seals and Sea Otters. The ocean views again were dazzling!
Termed a “raft” when Sea Otters congregate in this formation. Steve’s phone camera can get great close up shots!
Tufted Puffins - There are also Horned Puffins in Alaska
Seldovia (about 300 residents) is only accessible by plane or boat and located 15 miles across Kachemak Bay from Homer. This secluded town was originally inhabited by Russians seeking Sea Otter pelts and timber to repair ships.
A few farewell shots from our campground in Homer - an area full of fun and surprises! Our final stop on the Kenai Peninsula will be Seward, prior to heading on towards Valdez. That will need to wait for the next Blog! Love to you all.
Coddiwompling “To Travel in a Purposeful Manner Towards a Vague Destination”
“Even if you dropped your phone or camera on the floor it wouldn’t take a bad photo in Alaska!” - Shop Keeper in Seldovia
Alaska - by Norman Lowell
Alaska…endearing and fulfilling land - rugged-gentle, calling me to capture her. I wander through the mountains and glens with points and pack upon my back; fill my eyes and feast my soul and paint my way across the land - The echo in the valley resounds, “Who is being captured?--captured?”
In Alaska I have found - The chilled, thrusting strength of mountains with the fragile flora at their feet. A “face of earth” with ages of cold pressed between the towering walls of stone, winds that chill you quickly to the bone and make you wonder, can this cold and piercing feeling e’re be told?
I do not see this land without the touch of warmth and refinement, for skies and water can be set ablaze with gold and amber while the slopes above brighten into russets and even scarlet hues. And there is the softness and fineness of the snow and clouds that’s hard to capture.
Alaska! A land of ruggedness and strong, course as though sculptured in relief; the remainder like the ‘broken line’ left for man to see and shape.