Homer, AK - Day 3

Our last day in Homer.  I take Tucson for a walk on the Beach

He didn't get to walk far before I spotted a whale out in the Bay

Looks like the people on that boat could almost reach out 

and touch it.

I got to see it breach but didn't get a picture

Stop at all the photo ops on the way out

Just think what we could have caught if we had this hood.

In this group of old boats someone has converted the large one into living quarters.

just because

The Alaska Island and Ocean Visitor center

There is a short trail to the estuary.  As we approach the museum, a car stops and tells us there is a Momma Moose and twins in the trees behind the dumpster.

There she is, you can barely make out the one baby to the left

This is the other baby behind her

This represents an average size male Sea Lion

The details through out the museum are cool

Lots of cool displays

This rain jacket is made from Seal intestines and sewn with grass.

Interactive hologram displays too

There is information on the Tiglax research vessel (pronounced Tek La) as well as a really good film on their work in the Aleutian Islands

The day before we got here as they were closing but took Tucson on the walk to the Estuary.  The Moose would have been on the left of us walking down this trail.

Nice views of the Estuary at low tide

Tucson did not like walking on the grate boardwalk so he walked on the border whenever he could.

almost to the Beach

Before leaving we drive down East End Road

and are rewarded with a good view of Grewingk Glacier

We passed by Anchor Point on the way down so stop on our way out.

Cross over the Anchor River Bridge

Some fly fisherman in the River.  We have to make time to do this!

Go West Young Man!  OK - stop now.

Looks like they are trying to stop erosion with tree trunks

There wasn't a lot of parking but we managed to back into a 30 minute spot just outside the campground.  As I was getting out of the truck I caught something fly by in the corner of my eye.  It looked like a pterodactyl- the wing span was huge.   After we reached the beach, I realized it must have been an Eagle

There are dozens of Eagles young and old.  They don't develop the white head until between 2 and 3 years old.  Males and Females are the same color but females are 25% bigger.

They are graceful in flight

This adult Eagle has found something to eat

A couple of adolescents try to intimidate him but it doesn't work.

As graceful as they are in flight, they walk funny.  They could be in Monty Pythons Ministry of Silly Walks

Looks like they are enjoying the view of the Pacific Ring of Fire - five active volcanoes across the way

A stop along the highway to view the Pacific Ring of Fire

headed to Seward to try and get haircuts and maybe a new phone

We hit the Walmart in Kenai and manage to get haircuts - no phone though.  Gary spots a Ford garage across the way and calls to see about getting an oil change.  They have an opening at 7:30 a.m. so looks like we'll be staying at Camp Walmart tonight