Join us on the journey

"two roads diverged in a wood, and I -- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." -- Robert Frost

Friday, March 1, 2013

Day Trip: Anchorage to Homer


Distance and time: about 222 miles/4 hours

Homer, Alaska, famous for its spit of land that reaches out into Kachemak Bay, is also noteworthy for its tides and strong tidal currents. The wide range—average of 15 feet and differential between very high and very low tide of 28 feet—contributes to the rich estuary and salt marshes. Homer lies at the end of the road from Anchorage, a 226 mile scenic Sterling Highway drive.

There is a special place on the spit known as the Fishing Hole, a lagoon where children and others who aren’t up to the rigors of ocean fishing can cast and take an opportunity to catch fish.

Exhibits and presentations really drive home the concept that one big ocean--in the best of all worlds a healthy ocean--links all living things on earth.

Homer, Alaska is all about fishing
Ninilchik
The town of Ninilchik was settled in the 1800s by Russian fur traders. The town of fewer than 900 people has preserved its Russian heritage in a most picturesque way. 

Might those be eagles in flight above the church yard? 

The Russian Orthodox Church, Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Chapel, sits on a hilltop overlooking the sea and shore below. It was constructed at the location where it now stands in 1901, its cemetery marked with simple white Russian crosses. 

Summer brings a blaze of flowers to the Russian church yard
Volcano Sightings




Weather permitting, the drive from Anchorage to Homer presents some spectacular volcano viewing opportunities as you gaze across the Cook Inlet. 

The closest to Anchorage is Mount Spurr. It stands 11,070 feet high and last erupted in 1992. 

Following and across from the town of Soldotna is Mount Redoubt at 10,197 feet. It erupted in 2009 on March 22, dusting the region with abrasive volcanic ash. No stranger to activity, Redoubt has had five eruptions since 1900, including one 1989. 

As you continue on south toward Homer, next in the series is Mount Iliamna at 10,016  feet. The last in this mini ring of fire is Augustine Volcano, only 4025 feet south of Homer and out on an island. 


2 comments:

  1. That trip sounds like it was probably amazing. The pictures are breath taking. I should definitely look at potentially visiting. That volvano looks fierce!

    Trey
    Stoltzfus

    ReplyDelete
  2. These images are beautiful! Looks like a great travel destination. Check out this blog for more travel destinations.

    ReplyDelete