June 17th-19th
 |
Our second week on the Kenai Peninsula. Seward, Soldatna,down to Homer then up toward Kenai
|
We certainly spent more than the average tourist’s time in Seward. Not being fishing enthusiasts, I think we did and saw a lot. I did a little fishing, Norm did a lot ( and was successful ) we hiked to a glacier, saw some informative short movies, shopped the shops, and had a few meals out, and of course had a short kayak trip around the bay. It was now time to move on.
We packed up, made sure the house was left in perfect order, then went to the fish processing plant to pick up prized ( and valuable ) fish caught yesterday.
 |
We haven't seen too many eagles so far, but they are so beautiful!
|
Our next location puts us on the western side of the peninsula, serving as a basecamp for explorations on that side. Having been here for a while we have learned that the 3 nights scheduled for Soldatna really isn’t enough, so we have to just see what we can.
The drive took a few hours, and the “scenic route” that was highly recommended for its wildlife viewing proved very long and dusty, and all I saw was a rabbit.
 |
Our second vacation rental in Soldatna.
|
When we arrived at our house, we found it more rustic than the others, and probably more “Alaskan “but by the time we unpacked it began to feel like home. The lake-view off the deck could not be beat, particularly 11PM when you could see the reflections of the trees on the water. Can you imagine? At 11PM?
Vikki and I took off to get a few groceries, and off course came back laden with bags. We don’t know if there are going to be nice supermarkets on the way to Denali, so we got most of our groceries ( so we thought ) now.
 |
We always like to find a unique place. Most north, south east or west
|
 |
There are active volcanoes off shore somewhere, but the clouds were low and heavy so I could only see them with my imagination!
|
The next day we took off for Homer – the end of the line, road wise, and purported to be the “Halibut Fishing Capital of Alaska”. Norm and I took off first since we were taking the two cars, and set off to see the sights and get a feel for this side of the peninsula. In spite of the rain shower, we stopped everywhere that hinted of an interesting sight. Each time we left the safety of the car we carried our bear spray in our hands as if it we FBI agents on CSI carrying our trusty hand guns.
 |
I was on the hunt for Trumpeter Swans, but found this flying machine instead.
|
After stopping at the information we were told of the largest winery in Alaska - Bear Creek Winery and met the Little’s there. It was incredibly small, and the wine too sweet for our taste, but the perennial garden was lovely. We all then took the drive on Skyline drive ( you always have to drive on a Skyline Drive in any destination ) and took a lot of pictures of Homer Spit below, as we were buffeted by the 50 mile an hour winds. For some reason I was not expecting the glorious mountain range that loomed on the other side of the spit, but the snow caps make them so much more beautiful, and the white caps on the water gave the scene such a wild feel!
 |
The wind and dirt was really whipping at the "End of the Road"!
|
As we drove down the mountain, we saw a small strip of buildings enveloped in a dust storm. On one side of the road lay the bay with tents being beat into submission by the winds and blowing sands.
Unfortunately the day was so incredibly windy and cold, we couldn’t really stroll around the town much. I took a couple of pictures, and Norm had to go to the bar, Salty Dog, his college buddies highly recommended.
 |
The Salty Dawg Saloon is a historic watering hole in Homer
|
This famous place was so quaint, with it’s ceilings and walls lined with autographed dollar bills, and the craggy bartenders. I tasted the “Duck Fart” and wished I could handle the full shot. It is really incredible. Here’s the recipe if you want to indulge:
Duck Fart receipe:
1.
Pour Kahlua into a 3-oz shot glass
2.
Using the convex side of a bar spoon, slowly pour Baileys over the Kahlua, making sure not to disturb it, to create a layered effect.
3.
Using the same technique, layer the Crown Royal over the Baileys
 |
Norm looks so cute surrounded by all that money!
|
We had dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants, and again were disappointed. Norm’s Alaskan Oysters were so old he could not get them off the shell! We all convinced him not to eat a second one and to return them.
 |
These were so much better! The Alaskan oysters are fabulous !
|
The owner personally shucked and delivered another plate of them, and although there were no apologies given, they were terrific. Denise and my seafood chowder had just a few pieces of cheap seafood, and was so horribly spicy – even for Dennis who practically drinks Tabasco sauce. The best meals we have had in Alaska has been at our own table. I can’t imagine how people afford to eat every meal out as they travel! I guess that is why we have an RV!
We drove about hour and half home.
 |
Norm, the "king of animal spotters" saw this moose just off the road
|
 |
We saw a couple of the heavy-duty off-road RV's at a rest stop. They go through water, and rocky terrain. Nothing stops them! Not even an ocean!
|
 |
Here is a map of where this couple from France have traveled over the years. They ship their RV to the whichever country they choose to see, and take it from there! Unbelievable!
|
 |
The couple told us some of their travel stories, and described their lifestyle inside this tiny RV, carry very little water, and the smallest refrigerator. Now THAT'S camping! What a way to see the world!
|
Sunday June 19,2016
Today was Father’s Day, and although these two dads are away from family, celebrating it was still in order- so braved the cold rain and we went to breakfast at the best place in the adjoining town, Kenai.
This is where the astounding 2 million acre Kenai National Wildlife Refuge resides. ( a very small part of it). It was originally established to protect the Kenai moose, and it remains the best moose habitat in the region, and we were hoping to hike and see some of these huge beasts, but due to the rain we decided to pass.
 |
2 million acres preserved to protect moose and other wildlife
|
Norm and I checked out the visitor’s center, then went back to the house to do some chores. Norm put together the grill, I did laundry and cooked pulled pork to freeze and have camping, and did a lot on this blog.
 |
Norm puts together the portable gas grill I ordered had had sent. We all will get a lot of use out of it.
|
Denise and Vickie drove all the way back to Seward to pick up a forgotten coat.
Because we needed to leave at 7 am the next morning we packed up an incredible amount of food, gear and clothing and put them in the car for an early start for what promises to be a very long day.
