Thursday, September 20, 2001

Hello from Nikiski, Alaska!

Start time: 0900

Start odometer: 13263

Weather: Day started with partly sunny skies. Temp 51 F.

Highlights: (Click on picture for larger image, click "Back" button to return.)

Drove to Homer Spit, a finger of land that extends off the end of Homer and is several miles long
Visited Marine Highway Ferry Terminal, retrieved schedule, ship information and had nice conversation with employees Janice and Becka.
Walked and drove around spit, saw large chip ship, the Tern Spirit (barge being loaded with wood chips)
Walked along boardwalk shops and stopped by Homer Ocean Charters.
Took walk on beach and noticed a Bald Eagle
While at Homer Ocean Charters, met and spoke with Rick, originally from Wisconsin. Had interesting Alaska stories, as well as suggestions for my return trip to the lower 48
Rick also mentioned that at a lagoon on the spit called The Fishing Hole. He stated the local authorities had noted that there was an abundance of silver salmon, so they lifted the six fish a day restriction and allowed snagging. Rick and a friend fishing the evening before had caught 16, and were planning to go back today. I stopped by the pond and watched quite a few people catch fish after fish!
(Many fish in a short amount of time!)
After returning to the town of Homer, drove along the East End Road, saw many spectacular views, including sighting of another Bald Eagle flying along side of my car.
Stopped by Ninilchik to visit a Russian Orthodox Church, built in 1900. Many Russian buildings remain from the time before the United States purchased Alaska.
Stopped tonight in Nikiski, as I thought the name of the town was very interesting! The original name was Nikishka, as seen on this sign as you enter the town.
Tomorrow I plan to visit more of the peninsula, including Seward. I expect to be in Anchorage tomorrow evening