Homer, Alaska

Fishing boats in Kachemak Bay, as seen from Homer, Alaska--The end of the road, the cosmic hamlet by the sea.  Homer has a lot to offer: beautiful scenery, excellent seafood, an art community, friendly dogs, bald eagles, veggie-friendly cafes, and much more.

Turnagain Arm

The road to the Kenai Peninsula follows the shore of the estuary,Turnagain Arm.  Thin sunlight brightens the water a bit, but low clouds lurk at the base of the Chugach Mountains and the glaciers.

Going to Alaska to see the Broccoli

August 25:  Summer is almost over in Palmer, Alaska, but the flowers are blooming like crazy.  They must love the long daylight and cool summer.  Vegetables grow very well here, and sometimes grow quite large.  We haven't seen a moose or a bear yet, but we saw something we didn't expect to see in Alaska: broccoli.

Snow City Cafe

August 24:  We began this morning with a delicious breakfast at the Snow City Cafe in downtown Anchorage.  This place was highly recommended by Debbie, and it was great!  Beautiful artwork inside.  We both had veggie omelet, yogurt with fresh fruit, and multi grain toast.  Good service, friendly people.  That's Herb in the blue jacket.  Temperature: 52 degrees.

Sunday Morning on the Trail

I saw this little guy while out for an early morning walk.  Looks like the turtle had come up out of the muddy banks of the Little Blue.  A bicycle rider had just sped past, which gave him a bit of a fright, and then here I came with my camera...


I can relate to pulling in one's legs and head to hunker down for a while.  I do much the same when Jehovah's Witnesses are walking around the neighborhood.

New Growth

Three of the big old cottonwoods down near the Little Blue River were cut down this spring.  They had been there as long as I can remember, and at least this one bore a vertical scar from a lightning strike.


The trees aren't quite ready to give up, it seems.  Out of the stumps, there are little shoots with leaves.    

Above Albuquerque

I learned how to spell "Albuquerque" in 1987 while sitting behind a desk in Overland Park, Kansas.  I worked for an accountant, and my new-found skill was not of any particular value on my resume, but it was one thing I never forgot.


There is an excellent place to view Albuquerque on top of Sandia Mountain, and the easiest way to get to the top of the mountain is by way of the tram.  About a dozen or so people stand inside the car, and they ride, suspended above canyons and enjoy close encounters with rock formations.  It's thrilling and fun!