Homer Wrap Up

We have enjoyed our time in Homer, but alas it is time to go.  We are usually ready to move on and surprisingly Homer is no exception.  The RV Park was packed over the fourth of July as expected.  What wasn't expected was the disregard of most folks to others.  It was bat crazy with any type of vehicle being used as a base camp, (utility trailers included).  Children running around on ATV's on the beach and in the park, Slingshots being used against the eagles, bows and arrows used by a couple of 8-10 year girls trying to get the little chickadee's nesting along the beach; not to mention the dogs running amuck off leash and leaving their surprises on the beach.  The fireworks were going off everywhere and Mowgli was terrified.  It was an early to bed night, getting him under the covers so he could go to his happy place.  Now that the weekend is over, the park is back to it's pre-holiday quiet self.  A caravan came in yesterday of 23 motor homes.  It seemed a little chaotic as they all came in at once, trying to unhook towed cars and back into spots.  It was a little entertaining to watch.

We visited the Pratt Museum where they had a very nice display of whale and marine mammals that  is coming down the end of the month.  We have been wondering about the health of the bay and it seems that as recent as 10 years ago over 100 Minke Whales called this area home.  They are now gone as are the Humpbacks, Stellar Sea Lions and Seals.  The Beluga Whale has experienced a concerned decline in the area also.  They attribute it to unregulated sustenance harvesting.  Very sad to think how quickly things can change.  

View from the Pratt Museum

Old Homesteaders Cabin

They also had a small botanical garden and and Old Homesteaders cabin that has been moved to the museum.  Very small of course, but it looked like you had everything you needed.  

We paid a visit to the Homer Brewery to make our Fermentation Tour of Homer complete.  

A sampler platter

Who is the guy in the Sgt. Pepper hat?  Why is he there?

 Here's a look at our beach rock collection:

All these rocks came from the same beach.  We got a few chunks of coal and even chunks of lava that float.  One rock has a five point star on it.  I may have to get a rock tumbler!

Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits from Two Sisters Bakery are yummy!

Old Town Homer

Crab Pots on the Spit

The Seafarers Memorial

Old Inlet Mermaid Cafe and Bookstore.  This guy had every book ever published it seemed.  They were stacked and piled everywhere!

Eagle on the beach

A stormy day

Coming in!

Gidget doesn't like the waves

The Eagles soar along the wind current

Mowgli's ready to kayak

Off they go

A pair of bald Eagles

Boardwalk FishNChips

The Beast on the Beach

There are more Eagles gathering here on the Spit.  We have sat at the front of the Beast and watched them take catch away from the seagulls.  One landed on our roof this morning.  It sounded like a helicopter plopped down on us.  Pretty funny.  Eric tried to sneak out to get a photo but he took off.  The pups give them a wide berth and are funny when they watch them fly over.  

Finally, here is a modification to an RV that would only happen on the spit.

 

The town is a mixture of fun, quirky, artistic people along with the rugged macho outdoorsman.  A very odd combination, but it works and Homer is a real fun place to visit.  We have really enjoyed it here in spite of the Fourth of July Shenanigans.  

Tomorrow we head back North to Ninilchik, only 30-40 miles away.  We will be there for a month, enjoying the bluff and views of the Volcanoes and Cook Inlet.