Homer, AK

Off this week so we pull up stakes and head to Homer on the other side of the Kenai Peninsula.  It's about 150 miles away so not a day trip.  We will spend 2-3 nights.

First we stop at Moose Pass to have breakfast - the boss invited us all out.

 

Burgers and Beer here were great the other day.  Breakfast was just as good!

 On the road to Homer!  The turnoff from the Seward to Sterling Highway goes by Tern Lake

We also cross over the Kenai River a few times

 It is a scenic Byway for sure

 We mad a quick stop in Soldotna to pick up my Phone/Wallet which disappeared when we were here two weeks ago.  It was picked up by the State Troopers last week.  Credit cards gone but drivers license, Senior Parks Pass and cash were still there.  The phone face was smashed and the battery was gone.  I hate phone shopping!

 A quick stop to see Ninilchik

Abandoned boats all over the Peninsula

The Ninilchik River

The old part of town.

We are next to the Mariner's Memorial

Small spots but the view is big


The beach is pebbly with awesome views of the Mountains.

We are also right next to the shops and fishing charters.

A charter just came back and this is the catch.

 Gary takes a break while I go into some of the shops and the Bear whispers sweet nothings into Tucson's ear.

 A walk along the docks

 An Eagle flies by and lands at the top of this pole

 Wonder if this flag is for "I'm floundering"?  My Dad was a signalman in the Navy - this is actually the letter "Y" and means I'm dragging anchor - sort of the same idea.

 Seeing those Halibut hanging up makes us decided to try a Charter.  It's Monday and all of the 1/2 day charters are full for tomorrow and there is no Halibut fishing on Wednesdays.  We put our names on a waiting list for a couple and get a  call later in the evening that we're a go!  The Boat leaves at 7 a.m.

Carter / Crescent Lakes Hike

Our first day off in the new 7 days on 7 days off rotation.  We will pull of stakes and head to Homer on Monday.  Today is a chill day and we decide to do a smaller hike (3.5 miles rated moderate) on Grant Lake.  Only problem is when we get to Moose Pass and can't find a trailhead, we discover you have to portage across the lake to get to the trail.

 So we go for the back up plan - Carter Lake Trail. It is a 4 mile more difficult rated trail

 Tucson takes the lead

 We soon discover that the first mile is a fairly steep uphill climb.  A elevation gain of 1000 feet.

 No problem, we just take a few breaks along the way

 and Tucson finds a few watering holes along the way too.  After the first mile the trail levels out and is much easier.

 The scenery is breathtaking in both directions

 An occasional boardwalk appears

 as well as this couple who were backpacking up to Crescent Lake with 42 and 58lb back packs.

 Our first glimpse of Carter Lake

 The restroom facilities on this trail aren't quite as nice as the Ptarmigan Lake Trail.

 I am impressed with the bridges along the way

 We get to a small trail to the shore of Carter Lake.

 Tucson decides to go for a short swim.  Now that the trail leveled out we decide we can continue on the other mile and a half to Crescent Lake

 Guess Gary didn't tread lightly enough!

Hiking this trail brings to mind the phrase God's Green Earth.

 The trail continues to the left to the other side of the lake.  There are cabins along most of the trails you can rent but they are usually all booked the same day they open for reservations.  We opt just to turn right for our view of the Lake before turning back.

 Definitely worth the hike

 After a week of hanging out in the RV while we worked, Tucson is happy to be here.

 We had spotted a couple of fishermen in the water on the way in and Gary hiked over with Tucson to talk to them.  Tucson made sure to keep an eye on me.

 as they head back up the trail, it puts just how expansive the wilderness is into perspective.

Well time to head back and since I still have camera battery power, I take some pictures of the area flora.

Not sure what these are - some sort of mushroom?

 Anemones

 Small things and moss growing on rock

 Lupine - my favorite

 Fiddle head Ferns - I've heard they make good eating

So I picked some to try

 Tucson made a friend on the way back

 Realizing we didn't eat lunch and it's 5 p.m.  so we stop in Moose Pass for dinner.

 Burgers and Beer!

 

 There are a couple float planes on the Lake

 and a birdhouse condominium

A nice day - best way to end it?

In the Hot Tub of course.  Someone had already had it fired up (it is wood fire heated)  The temp was up to 120 so we uncovered it and stirred it up a bit till it got down to 110 - perfect!