Homer

I have to back up a few days to Monday when we took a trip to Homer, about 90 miles from Sterlng.
As we topped a hill before descending into town, we got this view of Cook Inlet. It was mostly cloudy all day and very cool and windy.



Most of the action in Homer is out on the spit.

There are several of these strip mall type of boardwalks with eateries and, of course, gift shops.

Since the 'Eagle Lady' died, most of the eagles have found other places to dine. Though there is law against feeding wild animals, she had an exemption. We're told that hundreds of eagles would flock to her house daily for feeding, but since she's gone very few are to be seen.
This picture was taken a few miles out of Homer in the village of Anchor Point where fishing boats are pulled out of the water. The remains of the fish cleaning wash up on shore and the eagles and gulls dine here. I'll spare you the pictures of them tearing fish remains apart......not very majestic.


A real gem we found, thanks to Eileen and Charlie, was this Gallery of Norman Lowell. He came to Alaska in 1958 from Iowa to paint. And he certainly succeeded. As you approach his gallery from a winding gravel road, all you see is a dark brown building mostly hidden by trees. It does not appear to be very large. When you enter, it becomes an art gallery that would be the envy of any large city. There are rooms off to each side of a central way, which ends in a large rotunda. His paintings of Alaska over the last 51 years are absolutely gorgeous. I've included a couple just to give you an idea, but they must be seen in person to appreciate them.






This is the cabin he and his wife built and raised four children in when they arrived in Alaska in their 8x24 foot trailer and Willys jeep.

At the end of the gallery tour, Norman approached us with a warm welcome and handshake and was very personable. He and his wife gladly posed for us in front of their log house. I would have loved to buy one of his smaller copies of one of his paintings, but the million dollars we started with has been somewhat depleted.


After returning to Sterling, we went over to Al & Carol's house for a final visit and to help celebrate their 46th wedding anniversary. We said our farewell at about midnight and headed back to camp in the midnight sun. Though the sun had set, it was still light enough to drive without the headlights. What a strange and wonderful place.

Tuesday morning we drove the 80 miles to Seward. Wednesday we took our first cruise of the Kenai Fjords. As soon as I get the pics sorted, I will post. For now, take care, have fun and be safe.

Ron & Barb