Wednesday, June 14, 2017

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











Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Homer, AK - Halibut Fishing Trip

Up and over to the docks at 6:30 a.m. for our half day charter on the Jackpot.  Turns out there will be 14 of us.
Looks like the poles are ready and so is Gary

There's a lot of fishing going on around here.

The first mate is cool
Gary found a dime in this grate cover - that's a good sign!
 
Let's go fishing!

On your mark, get set, fish!
Caught one in the first 15 minutes!  Threw it back as it was on the small side.

The next one was a keeper!
Gary catches his first - another keeper!
Caught our two fish limit
I ended up catching 5.  Threw back the first, kept the 2nd, threw back the third as it was just under 28" and I got greedy and wanted to catch the "big one".  The 4th one was bigger, but lost it trying to get in on board.   With 15 minutes left to go I caught and kept the 5th one just under 28" again.

We got to see whales along the way as well.

We see Sea Otters as well
 One of the crew fillets the fish for us
 The Seagulls start to follow when the carcasses go overboard
 Now this is how to get your boat out of the water - just drive it up!
Back to Port - looks like a Cruise Ship arrived while we were gone

Fishing worked up our appetites so we stopped in the Old Salty Dog for some Chowder but it's just drinks
 The place has a fortune of dollar bills on the wall like Tortilla Flat in Arizona
We head over to the Coal Pint Trading company and enjoy a bowl of their Seafood Chowder
The next morning we stop at the processing place to pick up our 15.8 lbs of filleted, vacuum packed and frozen Halibut
 Definitely worth the extra $20