Homer Alaska

At the southern end of the Kenai peninsula is a small town called Homer, Alaska, that claims to be the halibut fishing capital of the world. We aren’t sure about the truth of that claim, but there is a lot of fishing!

We camped on the Homer Spit, a 5 mile long jetty/sandbar/spit reinforced by rock walls on each side. The tip of the spit is filled with fishing boats, campgrounds and restaurants. At the base of the spit is a small city campground that’s nice and quiet and within walking distance of the town. That was our choice and we thoroughly enjoyed our time.

The end of Home spit has several clusters of small businesses built on stilts over the water. We had been warned that the spit gets crowded on the 4th of July and could get a bit noisy.

We’ve been told to use a large hook if you want to catch a large fish. Wonder what size fish this 13 foot tall fishhook might catch?

We’ve learned the difference between Lupine and Fireweed. Homer had beautiful stands of Lupine growing along the edge of the walking path on the edge of the spit.

We tend to visit local libraries wherever we travel. They are great spots to get good wifi.

The Homer farmers market is every Wed and Sat. The usual collection of food, crafts and vendors.

Alaska flower pots…

They even had a chef demonstration each day at the market.

One of the original (we think) buildings from the old days in Homer.

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Each afternoon, the land breeze would come in strong and the kite surfers would come out in force.

We were invited to lunch with a local couple we met at church. They live just outside town and both work in a local elementary school. The view from their amazing home included 3 glaciers across the inlet.

Coal washed up on the rocky beach daily. And, yes, it burns quite nicely!

The kite surfers came out when the wind was strong and the tide was high. But when the tide was out and the wind gentle, the horseback riders came out.

Exercising while traveling is always a challenge. Enter TRX!

A bunch of folks from the campground got together for an impromptu potluck cookout to celebrate the 4th of July. Lots of great dishes and even better camaraderie.

The Homer July 4th parade was part small town parade, part political campaigning, and mostly a spectacle!

One of the kite surfers opted for the dry land version. Most amazing was his dog that chased him all the way down the Spit and back.

We spent a week in Homer and loved every bit of it!

But if not…