Ninilchik, Alaska and Volcano Alley along the Cook Inlet

We arrived in Ninilchik on Monday the 8th.  It was a short (less than 40 miles) drive from Homer.  We pulled into the Scenic View RV park mid day.  The park is just off the Scenic View pullout which makes it easy to unhook your toad before pulling in.  It's a small park and is aptly named.  The view is amazing on a clear day.  The smallness of the park creates a sort of 'vintage' atmosphere.  If you've ever watched the Long Long Trailer starring Lucy and Desi, you'll know what I mean.  There is a common area for the picnic tables and big fire-pit.  Bob the owner goes out every evening and uses a propane torch to light it.  The pups hate it as the noise scares them.  Smore's are on the dessert menu.  Yummy.  If your curious, you can catch a glimpse of the goings on at www.scenicviewrv.com/parkinfo/webcam/.

Neighbors went to town yesterday and brought us back Fritters from the Moose is Loose.  Yes I am in need of a diet before our cruise in October.  We have enjoyed sunny high 60's weather during our stay.  Today is more of what I expected the weather to be like...fog, overcast and a little chilly.  Love it!

Mt. Redoubt

There are four volcanoes in view of the park.  Mt. Redoubt is directly across the Inlet.   Three Glaciers is just to the North, Mt. Spur is farther North and Mt. Iliamna is South.  Mt. Augustine is farther South and can be seen on a clear day.

Glacier with Three Glaciers Volcano to the North

Mt. Spur with Three Glacier to the South

Mt. Iliamna

The sign at the Scenic Overlook

Although there has been limited eruptions of these volcanoes, they do emit steam periodically.  These volcanoes are considered active and are monitored.  

The area is full of wildflowers.  The purple Lupines, the Fireweed and the Cowslip are all growing and blooming.  The Fireweed is just getting ready to pop out in a burst of fuchsia flowers.

What is there to do in Ninilchik?  Not much!  We have left the park twice in the week.  First to head to the beach with the pups.  We went a little rock hounding and Eric found an intact shark tooth that is very old.  Very cool!  Too bad he was looking at it back at the Beast and said, "We need to put this someplace where it won't break.  Any ideas?"  Just then it slipped out of his hand and hit the tile (of course).  A small section broke off along the top.  Still almost intact.

Fisherman must clean their fish and return the byproduct to the body of water it was removed from.  Along Deep Creek Beach, the fisherman drop off their by product and wait for the tide to come take it out to the inlet.  The sea birds and eagles love this buffet!  The sea birds give the eagles lots of room, only occasionally attempting to sneak a nibble.  

Ninilchik has a unique way to launch the fishing boats.  The tide is extreme and very shallow.  There is no boat launch or harbor.  The boats are launched by front loaders bringing the boat out to deeper water and then the boat just floats off it's trailer.  The return is a hoot to watch.  Boats will be launching and boats will be returning all at once on a small beach.  

Another thing to do is watch repairs being done.  The men folk went out to watch the goings on of the backhoe digging a hole.  Seems the sewer lines come undone at some point to the freezing and thawing of the ground.  The result was a backup with rocks and dirt in the lines.  Roto Rooter was summoned with a camera.  Yep, there is an blockage.  Lots of digging and blowing water through and it was repaired.  It was entertaining and we had a front row seat to the event.  

  

See what I mean by not much to do?  

Gidget wondering what is beyond that red dot.

The way to the beach.  It's a quick trip down, but a bugger to get back up!

Another beautiful sunset at Scenic View RV Park.

Tomorrow is sight seeing day in old Ninilchik.  Pizza and beer await at Roscoe's Pizza in town.  

Our old neighbors in the Spring Mountains outside of Las Vegas have been evacuated from their homes dues to a huge wildfire burning.  Our thoughts are with them as they wait to return to their homes.  It made me miss being around our old friends and a little homesick.  We have been able to keep current on the latest updates thanks to Facebook and local news as well as friends keeping us up to date.  Wish we were there to help.

Til next time....