Homer Bound
Trip Start
Jun 28, 2008
1
14
22
Trip End
Jul 19, 2008
Homer,
Alaska,
United States
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Weather: Very Cool and Rain
Alex and I got out of Anchorage at 0930 and headed south on AK 1. Our destination was Homer 226 miles away. Right out of the gate, the vistas began to unfold in front of us. In spite of the rain and cold, the ride to Homer would be one of the most scenic of the entire trip.
I opted to roll past Portage Glacier with the intent of stopping on the way back hoping for better weather. Regardless, there was plenty to look at.
AK 1 is a driveway to Alaska's play ground, the Kenai Peninsula. There were endless signs of outdoor recreation. Fishing boats, rafts, hiking trails, boat ramps, lodges, guide outfits were seemingly shoulder to shoulder. Even with the concentration of services, the area still had a wild and rugged ambiance. The Kenai Peninsula, especially around the river itself, is lush green and smells good.
About halfway to Homer is a little enclave of humanity - Soldotna. A regular town but with a fishing problem. Boats everywhere especially big aluminum guide boats. Oh, there is a Harley shop too (I stopped and got 'the' Tshirt).
I laid on the big twin and we rumbled in to our last 80 miles to Homer. The weather began to get worse as we left Soldotna. Still great views but we getting cold. An hour and half later we turned slightly SE and Kacheniak Bay came in to view. We had arrived.
The night before I had made reservations with the Driftwood Inn in Homer. It was easy to find and we were pleasantly surprised when we pulled up. The Driftwood Inn was a welcomed departure from the Best Western. The Driftwood has that Alaskan character about it and for only $80.
Tomorrow we hit the famous Homer Spit for rubber necking and shopping
