From Homer to Whittier

After an equally turbulent return trip on the ferry, we arrive at the harbor of Homer at midnight. Unloading also takes an hour here with the few cars, as the MV Kennicott is equipped with a vehicle lift. We are the last ones to get off. We park Verny directly next to the ferry terminal on the side of the road and rest for a while, wonderful! No waves! Breakfast is served in the sun right on the Spit, in the early morning only the seagulls and the locals (and us) are out and about.

There is no drinking water for RV's on all of Kodiak. So water is absolutely necessary, which was no problem in Homer. Fresh water filled, the septic tanks emptied, we set off towards Whittier, where we will meet Claude and Andrea at the harbor on Wednesday morning :o) We are very excited!

We start Monday with a short detour directly from the sleeping place down to the Kenai River. Beautiful spot for fishing, the strong current, the lush green, the mountains behind it, a feast for the eyes. Further up at the viewpoint we enjoy it all again from above. Afterwards we set off again to the waterfall. This time we don't miss it, the furry companions! With verve we march off, briefly check the viewpoint at the falls and 'storm' through the forest to the boundary for sport fishermen. After three hours, a Tupperware of vegetables and an estimated 3 breakfast bars, we pack up in frustration. The bears don't exist at all, they only exist in the photos in the catalogs of the tour operators. The fishermen probably work for the local tourism organization, otherwise they wouldn't keep talking about 'a saw with 2 cubs' and 'Brown bears' in the river while fishing.

Well now, our rendezvous with Andrea and Claude is calling, so we're heading towards Whittier. At Summit Lake we find a nice spot with a fire pit. The day ends with a delicious ribeye on the fire - for one, world-class 'baked potatoes and grilled asparagus and mixed veggies' for both.

On Tuesday we cruise leisurely through the beautiful landscape. Mountains, glaciers, lakes and pure sunshine, another glorious summer day. Recently we start sweating at 20 degrees.

To get to Whittier, we have to go through a single-lane tunnel, which is shared with oncoming traffic AND the railroad. We can only enter at the half hour mark and exit at the top of the hour. We don't like Whittier at first sight. A concrete ruin and a nasty-looking newer high-rise! What is a high-rise doing in a village with 120 inhabitants?

Yes, exactly, they all live in one house! There is no private property, everything belongs to the railroad...