Anchorage, Homer

The next morning, we needed a decent cappuccino and to restock the fridge. We then headed to Anchorage under the bright sunshine. At our rental company's branch, we were able to replace Verny's handrail.

A completely new feeling, a 4 to 6-lane highway heading towards Homer. A bit more sophisticated compared to what we are used to so far. The Skilak Lake Road and the Cohoe Loop Road provide a welcome change with gravel roads and beautiful landscapes. A stroll on the beach at Clam Gulch shows what the locals do on the weekends: camping, drinking beer, fishing, and driving ATVs or trucks on the sandy beach. Just before we turn back onto the Sterling Highway, an elk cow with a yearling actually crosses the road, bingo!

A little later, we find a spot with beach access. Alongside fishermen, trucks, and ATVs, we observe bald eagles and later, a spectacular sunset. In the field of view, across Cook Inlet, you can see the volcanoes of the 'Ring of Fire' in the Chigmit Range - Iliamna (10,016ft), Mt Redoubt (10,197ft), Mt Augustine (4,025ft), and Mt Spurr (11,100ft). Augustine last erupted in 2006, Spurr in 2009, with ash clouds reaching Anchorage.

We then continue leisurely towards Homer to take the ferry to Kodiak on Sunday, July 22nd.

Homer, a larger settlement, is completely different from all the other places we have visited. Artists, fishermen, and nature enthusiasts give Homer a unique groove. The 'Spit' jutting out into the sea is quite special. The oysters from Katchemak Bay are seemingly the best in the world due to the ideal conditions in this bay. It's true, they were very, very good, with the locally brewed blonde beer making a nice pairing ;-).

www.avo.alaska.edu/