Assateague Island Princes

I'm in Homer right now, in a rental house on the top of the bluff with clear sight view across Cook Inlet, so as long as it stays clear, I'll be able to see you sail down to Homer later tonight. Gorgeous weather here for the past 10 days - hope it holds out for you tomorrow! Unfortunately, we leave tomorrow morning to head back to Anchorage so won't be able to see you docking. Enjoy the rest of your cruise - particularly the sail in and sail out of Homer - gorgeous scenery.

If Glacier Bay is on your radar, Celebrity is out. They don't have permits to sail there. HAL does.

Happy Memorial Day weekend to you all! Seems like everyone has headed to Homer for the holiday weekend - the Spit is hopping with people camping on the beach, shopping on the Spit, fishing from the shore, taking floatplanes out to Hallo Bay to see the bears digging for clams on the beach, or taking a charter to fish for salmon and halibut. There is a festive air about the place and it is beginning to feel like the start of summer here on the Kenai Peninsula.

Woke at 3:15AM this morning and it was nice and bright outside. Sat on the deck staring at the mountain and volcanos outlined against the brightening sky, and the birds repeating their calls over and over, as eagles flew overhead. It was so peaceful and beautiful with Cook Inlet as the back drop. Went back to bed and woke at 7, just in time to see Gary heading over to the Spit to look for whales. After he got back (no luck seeing any whales this time), he did see some sandhill cranes not far from the house so he took some photos and a video of them. They are huge prehistoric looking birds who migrate back to Alaska every year and they herald the start of spring.

We decided to take a scenic drive along the top of the mountain ridge overlooking the town of Homer and Kachemak Bay, fittingly along the road called Skyline Drive. The view was outstanding, we took a bunch of photos from up there with Homer and the Spit literally at our feet. It was a beautiful drive and we had high hopes of seeing some moose or maybe even a bear, but no luck. We drove down into town and went into a couple of shops that we had missed when Brenda and I had been in town shopping earlier in the week. Then we headed out to the very end of the Spit, where the Alaskan ferry and visiting cruise ships dock. That is where the Amsterdam docked the three times I went on their 14 day itinerary. Outstanding cruise, by the way - I'd encourage anyone who is thinking of a 14 day cruise to AK with no repeated ports, to consider this HAL cruise (this year it is on the Maasdam).

People were fishing from the beach - we saw them pulling up 'chicken' halibut (about the size of flounder) and ugly but tasty Lingcod (Google it - these fish look prehistoric!). The beach was littered with brilliantly colored starfish - mostly purple or red - so pretty. We stopped at a new seafood market that recently opened at the end of the Spit for some 'sea pearl' tacos (sea pearls are cod cheeks, the tastiest part of the cod, so tender and delicious!). OH. MY. GOD.! These tacos were to die for - just delicious! We purchased some Weathervane sea scallops (they are huge - about the size of a fist) and spotted shrimp to have for dinner tonight. While there, Gary talked to them about shipping his halibut home so we'll be doing that before we head up to Anchorage next week. Hoping to time it just right so it arrives the day after we get home.

Heard from my old family friend Beth, who lives in Homer, this morning - she had forgotten that this was Memorial Day weekend, and they were leaving to go camping so we wouldn't be able to get together with her before we leave. That's okay, no worries, I was grateful to be able to reconnect with her, and since she is coming back to PA in August to visit her Mom and other sister, she suggested our families try to get together for a nice, long visit. It will be great for Mom to see her mother again, and for the rest of us to catch up.

The owner of the house, Chris, stopped over to visit this evening. We like to pick the brains of our hosts for things to see and do, little known things that only the locals might know. We learned that a cow moose had twin calves yesterday - in the yard of a house just behind ours here on the bluff. Chris happened to be visiting those folks and the moose was so protective of her babies that she wouldn't let Chris out of the house to go home! Yikes! Chris told us that cow moose normally have their calves near populated areas and stay there for the first 2 weeks or so before heading to the back country. That is to keep the calves safe from bears or other predators before they feel confident enough to head back into the woods. Chris told us that the three legged dog, Kohoe, isn't hers, she belongs to a neighbor and they are just caring for her while the neighbor is away. I asked the circumstances of how Kohoe lost her leg, and it turns out she had been hit by a snowplow, abandoned by her owners. Her new owner, who is a vet tech, adopted her and nursed her back to health and now she is living comfortably and happily in a good home. She is such a sweet dog, she's really taken a shine to me - comes and looks in the door as if to say "Hey, when are you coming out to rub my belly or feed me treats?" :)

The Time Bandit from the Discovery Channel TV show "Deadliest Catch" must be back in the water again because it is no longer in that parking area on the Spit. I guess they got all their yearly maintenance done. Have to look for it in the water tomorrow to see if she is still in port.

After talking to Chris who said that the wildlife is more active in the evening, we've decided to head out on a wildlife drive around 10PM tonight. Wish us luck!

Adios from the Land of the Midnight Sun.

PS - Hey Clipper - glad you found me over here, and are following along on this trip. It has truly been one of the best, we're just really loving it. Gary was even told Chris that if she ever wants to sell this house, to let us know. Woo-hoo!

And welcome to Amish Country - a fellow Pennsylvanian (is that a word?). Glad you are enjoying the blog. Tune in tomorrow for more! :)

This is the blog post from Thursday, May 26th:

What a gorgeous day we have had. It was up to almost 70 by 10:30AM, the sun was beating down, and we were beach combing along Cook Inlet. Doesn't get any better than that. Drove about a couple of miles from the house to the trailhead at Diamond Ridge Road, walked about a mile down switchback, though not nearly as steep as yesterday, thru Sitka spruce trees, wild skunk cabbage and fiddlehead ferns. Green, green everywhere we looked. The trail was bordered on one side by a very deep canyon, and when the trail got narrow, boy it was scarey. No guiderails here! We were cautious about bears as the warning sign at the parking area let us know. But fortunately, that was a non-issue. As we came down the last incline and the beach opened up before us, it was just magical. The sun was glinting off the outgoing tide, there were tide pools glistening everywhere you looked, and a stream that flowed from the bluff we came down spilled out onto the beach, spreading out over several feet and flowing down into the inlet.

Wide open beach with huge rocks exposed because the tide was out. Some of the rocks were covered in mussels - Gary was tempted to pick some off and take them home to cook! Someone had thoughtfully left three folding chairs leaning up against some driftwood, which is where we set up camp for the morning. Took lots of photos - the scenery was spectacular in every direction. Lots of fishing boats out trying their luck. Beautiful magpies - shiny black and white with long, long tail feathers were flitting from driftwood to driftwood, I guess they were searching for breakfast. After beachcombing and finding all kinds of treasures, we just sat in our chairs and enjoyed the warm breeze and the sunshine.

The climb back up the switchback was tiring, all of us complained about aching legs and backs by the time, we are SO out of shape! Drove down the road a bit to a small restaurant for a late lunch - they had wonderful pulled pork and brisket sandwiches, the meal was enjoyed by all. Tonight's dinner was grilled chicken, macaroni salad, deviled eggs and baked beans - delicious! We were still so full from lunch that we didn't eat til 8PM - yup, eating with the rich folks! :) It was a lazy afternoon spent on the deck with margaritas in hand, shorts and tees on, catching the rays. Heaven...

We made reservations to go on a boat excursion to a nearby landlocked native town called Seldovia for Sunday. We leave at 10:30AM from the Homer Spit, and don't get back til 5:30PM. The boat will take us to the bird rookery in the bay, thru Eldred Pass and along Yukon Island before docking in Seldovia for three hours. We know of a little beach there that is loaded with sea glass, so we're going to pack a lunch and spent our time in Seldovia treasure hunting for pretty sea glass. There have a boardwalk area along the harbor with cafes and shops and museums and we'll wander thru there after we've had our fill of beach combing. Looking forward to it.

A bit of news I read about today is that a pod of 25 orcas (killer whales) was spotted in Kachemak Bay this past Monday. The story said that they were a subspecies of orcas that are known for attacking sharks, and there has been no recorded evidence of this type of whale ever being in the Bay. Quite an exciting thing for the oceanographers and wildlife experts in the area. We are hoping they've stuck around and that we might get a glimpse of them on Sunday as we sail to Seldovia. The big story on the news here last night was a guy carjacking a front end loader (front end loader-jacking?) and driving it into the front of a liquor store in downtown Anchorage, making off with some booze and leading cops on a slow speed chase thru the city. Never a dull moment here in AK.

No plans yet for Friday - we mostly take it one day at a time - and do whatever we feel like when the spirit moves us. Another beautiful day is on tap for tomorrow according to the forecast. Gosh, we sure did get lucky with weather this trip (knock wood). More posts to follow.

Glad you're all enjoying the posts. It is copied from the blog I've been sending to family and friends while on our trip. A good way to have lasting memories about all the details of our trip for us when we're old and gray, remembering these magical times in Homer. Chocolate Labs - where in PA are you from, if you don't mind sharing. We are from Bethlehem. Nancy - you would SO love a land trip here - so much to see and do. And it is just so picturesque.

This morning is another beautiful day here in Homer - predicted temps. of 65 degrees, and getting up to 70 tomorrow. The sun is so nice and warm. Was up at 3:15am today and it was as bright as it is at 6am at home in PA at this time of year. Lots of boats in the Inlet with their lights on doing night fishing. DH went out to the Spit early this morning in the hopes of seeing whales as he did when he was heading out on his halibut fishing trip. Was going to go with him, but my calves are screaming from another hike on a steep switchback trail yesterday. Reminds me that I'm not as young as I used to be :O.

Will post yesterday's blog sometime today. We had a very laid back relaxing one, other than the morning hike, so it isn't quite as adventure-packed as some of the previous posts. Have a great day everyone!

Prince of Wales Island.

Another pretty day here in Alaska. We've been so fortunate with the weather - except for the rain on the drive down from Anchorage, we've had nothing but sunshine and fairly warm temps. Today it got up to 60, and the next couple of days it is supposed to climb up into the mid-60's. Yup, we'll take it.

So here is the latest update:

Up bright and early (5:30AM) my trusty internal alarm apparently knows no time zone boundaries. We enjoyed the morning on the deck, with the neighborhood dogs making their daily visit for belly rubs and whatever food goodie I can scrounge up for them.

After repeated phone calls to schedule a tour of the Kilcher Homestead, I finally emailed them and was able to arrange an 11AM tour. For those of you who don't watch Discovery Channel's "Alaska the Last Frontier" about the homesteading Kilcher family, you may not be so interested in the photos and the tour we took today. But for those that do, you're in for a treat!

The Kilcher family patriarch, Yul Kilcher, came to Alaska from Switzerland to start a homesteading community. He married Ruth, who had been an opera singer in Switzerland, after she came over to take part in homesteading. They had 8 children while living in a tiny two room cabin they built by hand. The homestead is comprised of over 600 acres, and is now in a trust established for the eight children/grandchildren/great grandchildren where many still live and carry on with the homestead lifestyle - hunting, fishing and growing their own food, raising cattle, gardening, and bartering for many of their goods. FYI - fun fact for those of you that don't know, the singer "Jewel" is a Kilcher and grew up on the homestead here in Homer.

The homestead is located about 10 miles out East End Road, just past Fritz Creek General Store, and very close to the house we had rented back in 2013 - who knew? The woman who gave the tour today is Conni, one of 24 grandchildren of Yul and Ruth. Conni's mother lives on the homestead and happened to be tilling a large garden plot while we were there - at age 72, she seemed pretty spry! And she looked a lot like Otto and Atz, her brothers. We started out touring the original two room cabin where the Kilcher family was raised, it was filled with artifacts and treasures from a bygone era. The one bedroom held three bunks right on top of each other, and that is where all the kids slept. Ruth and Yul slept in the living room. Yul was very involved w/Alaska politics, was a senator at one time and helped write the Alaska constitution. There are photos of him and Ruth meeting President Kennedy and several governors of Alaska. Hearing about their lifestyle and how they contended with the elements with no running water, no electricity, and by cooking on a stove using coal they gathered from Kilcher beach was really interesting. Each and every one of the Kilcher children are musically inclined - I guess Jewel came by her talent honestly.

Conni shared stories about her cousins and aunts/uncles who participate in the tv show. She said that Atz Lee is doing well and is almost 100% recovered from the serious fall he took off a cliff while hiking. In fact, she says that he is playing in three different bands that perform throughout the Homer area, often times at Alice's Champagne Palace, so who knows, maybe we'll get to see him!? When asked how Eve and Eivan's new baby, Sparrow, was doing, she said that she is an adorable baby who has amazing balance skills, so much so that she stands straight up in Eivan's outstretched palm with no assistance. Everyone in their family is convinced she will be a gymnast....or maybe a circus performer knowing the Kilcher's quirky nature. LOL! Shane and Kelly's cabin is coming along nicely, and they are hoping it will be finished by summer's end. Conni told us how the TV show got started was that Atz Lee and Eivan were drinking at the Salty Dog one night when the Discovery film crew stopped by after filming the Time Bandit for "The Deadliest Catch". They struck up a conversation and learned of the Kilcher homesteading family, expressed interest, and the rest is history.

Conni told us that many in the Kilcher family want nothing to do with the television show and have no interest in participating. She also commented that being a reality tv show, so much is edited by the film crew and her family members are often portrayed not exactly as how they really are. Atz Lee's wife, Jane, has apparently been taking a lot of heat from some haters who wonder why she doesn't allow her children to be on the show. Several of Otto and Atz's sisters - Catkin Mossy, and Sunshine (they have some weird names, don't they?) have been on the show once or twice, but mainly concentrate on their music and writing books, as well as being the main caretakers of the original homestead. They are a varied and talented bunch - each eccentric in their own right.

The 1 1/2 hour tour flew by and we were disappointed to hear that Otto and Atz, who usually come to greet folks at the end of the tour, were away in Canada filming something for the Discovery Channel. Rats! We were invited to hike down to Kilcher Beach if we wanted to, but were warned that it was a long, long walk down steep and rough switchbacks - well over a mile each way. Going down wouldn't be too bad, she said, but coming back was a killer! Those scenes on the tv show showing the switchbacks down to the beach are no exaggeration - parts of the trail are almost vertical. We decided to give it a go because I wanted to see Kilcher Beach, and was hoping we'd run into some other family members. It was a beautiful walk down - past the Kilcher Family Orchard, past their huge green house, through the upper and lower meadows, along the top of the bluff and next to the canyon. We were told that near the bottom, there was a spring that crossed the path and a metal cup was placed on a rock nearby for everyone to take a drink of the crystal clear sweet mountain water. We got about 1/2 way down, and Brenda decided to turn around - she was dreading the walk back uphill. Gary and I foolishly continued - had to see that beach! We were exhausted by the time we finally got down there and I was already anticipating the punishing trek back up. It was all worth it - it was low tide and the beach was covered with shells, rocks, driftwood and coal. I immediately set off to explore, take photos and beachcomb. We spent about 45 minutes there and then it was time to start our climb back to the homestead. Talk about brutal! It was a punishing climb and believe me, we took many, many breaks just to catch our breath.

Well wouldn't you know it, Brenda told us that she had met Atz Lee! He came up on his 4-wheeler to talk to his cousin, Conni, who introduced Brenda to him. The sad part is that it was all wasted since Brenda doesn't even watch the show and has no idea who these people are - LOL! Can't believe Brenda didn't get a picture of him for me! She said it never even crossed her mind since she doesn't know who he is anyway. Just our luck.

Afterwards we stopped at the Homer Brewery to get DH's growler filled with beer. Tonights menu included London Broil on the grill - eaten while overlooking the water and enjoying the sunshine. All in all, another fantastic day here in Alaska, the Last Frontier.

Hello from beautiful Cook Inlet. Today was an outstanding one from start to finish. The morning dawned clear and cold, but brilliant sunshine ruled the day. The temp.got up to almost 60 degrees today, and it was warm and lovely with little wind. As I type this, it appears we will have another glorious sunset in about 2 hours and change (it is currently 9:15PM here in AK).

Drove DH to the Spit at 7AM to get on his halibut fishing charter. It was a go this time - yay! He and 12 other guests would be spending 6 hours on the Whistler with Inlet Charters for a day of fishing fun. After I dropped him off, I drove down to the Lands End resort at the end of the Spit for a look see. Lots of eagles hunting their morning catch, and a couple of sea otters cracking clams on their bellies. Unfortunately, I didn't stay long enough admiring that view. DH said just as they pulled out of the harbor, there were two humpback whales showing their tails. Dang it - missed it again!

Drove back to the house, and Brenda was awake having her first cup of coffee. We had breakfast, then headed out to town to do a bit of wandering and shopping in Old Town before heading over to the Spit for lunch. I found a beautiful handmade starfish pin for my soon-to-be 105 year old grandmother. I know she will appreciate it and wear it often. She's still quite the fashion plate, always dressing for meals at her assisted living facility, and of course, when she goes to Bingo three times a week. God bless her!

Before our trip here, I discovered quite by accident that a family friend of ours was living in Homer, married to a local doctor and working in his office. She and her husband also recently partnered with another fellow to renovate and reopen Alice's Champagne Palace, a rather famous bar/restaurant in Homer that had closed several years ago. While we were in one of the shops on Pioneer Avenue, I mentioned my connection to this girl (well, woman now, we knew each other as kids and our families spent a lot of time together when we were growing up) and wondered if she knew how I might get in contact with her. As luck would have it, her husband's medical office was right down the street from this shop. What are the chances? So we stopped in and I asked the receptionist if Beth happened to be in. Surprise, surprise, she was sitting three feet away and when I explained who I was there were hugs all around. We both marveled at the coincidence of it all, and spent some time chatting about old times. She gave me her number and asked me to get in touch when we had some free time to meet at the restaurant for drinks and a meal. It surely is a small world, isn't it?

After a successful shopping trip at many of the artisan shops in Homer, we had lunch at Capt. Pattie's on the Spit. I have one word for the clam chowder there - DELICIOUS! Just as we were finishing up, I got a text from DH - mission accomplished, we would indeed be having fresh halibut for dinner, and enough to ship some hope as well! Woo-hoo! He caught one 25 inch and one 32 inch halibut. He had a wonderful time and would highly recommend this charter group.

We returned home and had a delicious meal of fettucine alfredo with crabmeat and of course, fresh halibut on the grill. Heaven! Great way to end a wonderful day. Not sure what is on our agenda for tomorrow -depends what we feel like in the morning. We're hoping to take a boat over to either Halibut Cove or Seldovia to do some beachcombing, but they don't start running until Memorial Day. I want to see about getting a tour of the Kilcher Homestead Museum as well, and we have plans to go to the Homer Farmer's Market on Saturday. So much to do, so little time....

To answer previous questions, yup, sure did get photos of the moose, and IF I can ever figure out how, I'll try to post some photos of our trip here.

Adios from the Land of the Midnight Sun.

From your lips to God's ear, mam! We would absolutely love to retire here someday. But we can't do it til my Mom and 105 year old grandmother are gone - and believe me, I'm perfectly happy waiting for THAT to occur.

Today's report:

DH went to his halibut fishing trip this morning, but it was cancelled due to sea conditions - 3 ft. rollers with high winds. Rats! So much for halibut for tonight's dinner.... The trip has been rescheduled for tomorrow morning - fingers crossed we'll be feasting on some fresh fish tomorrow night.

So with this change of plans, we were on the road at 10:30AM to head north to Anchor Point beach, Clam Gulch beach, and Deep Creek beach for some beachcombing and glorious views. We were not disappointed! Anchor Point beach was loaded with eagles - flying overhead, resting on the beach, eating fresh clams that has washed up. It was awesome seeing them all so up close and personal. I got some great shots - one with a close-up of an eagle's face - he looks like a grumpy, angry old man.

Next up was Clam Gulch, where we stopped to eat a picnic lunch at the campground at the top of the bluff overlooking the beach. That is where the fun began. There we were, my friend and I enjoying our lunch at picnic tables under a small pavilion, while DH was over at the edge of the bluff enjoying the view. Suddenly we both heard a snort - quite nearby. Not sure I had heard anything, I looked at Brenda, who was white as a ghost agreeing that she had heard the same thing. We tried to get DH's attention, but he couldn't hear us. Lookin into a nearby patch of brush, there was a young bull moose making his way right towards us. Gulp. We slowly backed away to the other side of the picnic table as Mr. Moose sauntered into the clearing. Finally, DH realized what was going on and joined us - ever careful to keep the picnic table between us and the behemoth. Thank goodness, he lost interest and sauntered off into the woods. Quite a fright having that huge, and dangerous creature less than 20 feet from us. Phew....big sigh of relief when he decided to move on.

After changing our underwear (just kidding folks), we next stopped at Deep Creek Beach, where we watched tractors launching boats and retrieving boats from Cook Inlet due to the dangerous and unpredictable tides. Really quite an interesting process. Wouldn't want to be the guy who has to wade into the surf to retrieve the tow line and connect it to the boat trailer. We took photos of the lighthouse on top of the bluff there, and did some beach combing.

We had really nice weather today - bright sunny skies with temps. reaching 59 degrees. The next few days are supposed to be sunny, but you know how that is here in Alaska - blink and the weather has changed. Makes no matter, we're prepared for all types of weather and can see the beauty in this magical place - despite the rain and wind or whatever else Mother Nature throws our way.

As I write this, there is an eagle soaring overhead, DH is heating up the grill to cook our cheeseburgers for tonight's late supper, and we have no plans other than to watch the waves, and hope that the fog that just recently rolled in clears by 11PM so we can have another grand sunset.

Over and out from day three of our Excellent Homer Adventure. More to come....

Greetings from beautiful Homer Alaska! Wanted to thank you all for the good wishes and for sharing in my excitement. Nancy - so glad you're scheduled to head back to Alaska in 2017 - I don't know how you could have stayed away this long! LOL! Middle-Aged Mom to answer the question about if we'll be here in Homer when the Maasdam makes her first visit for 2016, unfortunately that is the day we start driving back to Anchorage. We are hoping that we catch her sailing up Cook inlet to Anchorage the evening before so we can wave and get some good photos of her making her way north.

On to the update:

After uneventful flights from Phila. to Seattle on Fri. evening, then another flight from Seattle to Anchorage on Sat. morning, we began our 5 hour drive down the Kenai Peninsula at exactly 1:16PM in the pouring rain (boo-hiss!). Fortunately, the rain slowed down and all but stopped by the time we reached Soldotna, with the sun eventually making an appearance.

We arrived at our gorgeous home-away-from home for the next 10 nights at exactly 6:15PM on Sat. night. With views from every room in the house (even the bathrooms!), it is almost surreal sitting out on the deck with Cook Inlet at our feet, and the snow capped mountains and volcanoes across the water. Literally takes your breath away. This morning, four eagles were riding the updrafts above the bluff, soaring on the thermals, seemingly so close we could touch them. Sandhill cranes flying down toward Homer - so graceful. And visits from the homeowners sweet, sweet retired sled dogs- Kohoe (not a spelling error) the three legged Alaskan husky and Zoey, the black lab mix - I couldn't ask for anything more.

Last night we had a spectacular sunset at around 11PM,and dusk not coming until well past midnight. While we were over on the Spit today, one of the shop owners told us there were two humpback whales last night providing quite a show with their breaching and tail slapping right behind the Seafarer's Memorial. Wish we could have seen it. I keep scanning the Inlet for blows, but so far nothing. Keeping my fingers crossed we get to see some whale action within the next 10 days.

Today dawned bright and sunny, albeit very windy up here on the bluff. Temperature was 51 degrees when we went into Homer to poke around, walk the Spit and pick up some fresh seafood for dinner this evening. With almost no wind on the Spit, it was quite warm and pleasant and we enjoyed the views. Saw a moose crossing Beluga Slough - our first for this trip back to Homer.

For those of you who are Deadliest Catch fans, the Time Bandit is pulled out and on dry land right on the Spit, right across from the Seafood Coop. Not sure what that is about, I know the boat was drydocked with all kinds of upgrades and improvements just a couple of years ago. Anyone know? The Time Bandit store is no longer at it's in-town Homer location, not sure if they no longer have a physical store. It had moved from the Spit to town a few years ago. We also saw the Cape Caution in the deep water harbor, and saw the Ramblin' Rose's bow peaking out from behind another large boat.

Tonight's feast was some fresh Kachemak Bay oysters for DH, followed by scrumptious king crab with melted butter. Heaven. We're hoping to have some fresh halibut for dinner tomorrow night - as DH is scheduled to go halibut fishing tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed.

So far, we're having an amazing time; this trip is turning out to be even more than we dreamed it would. And my friend Brenda is now an Alaska convert - just as I knew she would be once she experienced it for herself. Now off to gaze across the water hoping for some whale sightings.

Over and out from "The Nest".

Thanx all, for the good wishes. Just dropped my sweet Piper off at the kennel - sad to leave my dog for all that time, but she loves 'camp' and the opportunity to play with other dogs all day, so she'll be fine. Waiting 4 more minutes to print out our boarding passes for our flight from Seattle to Anchorage thru Alaska Air, then we're out the door to head to the airport.

....and we're off!

Welcome home Clipper! Enjoyed every moment of your blog, logging on each day in anticipation to see what the two of you were up to! Thanx so much for the daily reports - appreciate it.

Today, DH and I, along with our dear friend Brenda, begin OUR return to the Great Land (once again!), flying into Seattle, where we'll overnight then hop a flight to Anchorage Sat. morning. We'll pick up a rental car and travel down the Kenai Peninsula to my "heart home" - Homer, where we'll spend 10 glorious nights in a beautiful rental house high on the bluff overlooking Cook Inlet and the Spit (Google "The Nest" in Homer, AK for a glimpse). CAN. NOT. WAIT.

Hoping you and your Mum enjoy many more cruises ahead this year, and that your job remains safe so that you can continue your travel adventures for years to come. Miss you, girl! ;)

About to bust with excitement, I just had to share - The adventure begins for us today! Woo-hoo! At 5:50PM this afternoon, our flight leaves PHL headed to Seattle, where we'll overnight and then fly on to Anchorage on Sat. morning. There we pick up our rental car and begin the journey down the Kenai Peninsula to my 'heart home' Homer, AK. Rented a beautiful house ("The Nest") in Homer, right on the bluff overlooking Cook Inlet for 10 glorious nights.

DH and I spent a week in a rental house in Homer in 2013 and fell head over heels in love with that quaint little town, about which we'd heard the motto "A quirky little drinking town with a fishing problem." How can you not love that? :)

This year, a dear friend is joining us - excited and anxious to see what all the fuss is about with respect to Alaska, since we appear to be obsessed with this beautiful place since our first trip there in 2006. Can't wait to have her experience this spectacular state with all the majestic mountain and glacier views, the wildlife, and the whole Alaska vibe.

For all of you traveling to Alaska this year, I wish you as much joy and happiness as I'm feeling right this second as YOUR turn to begin the journey begins.

Leave the light on Alaska, we'll be there tomorrow and can't wait to see you again!

Hey Clipper - made my day to see your post that you and Mum are off on another adventure! :D Woo-hoo! Can't wait to follow along! Have a spectacular time - try to keep Mum away from the handsome Hawaiian men and behave yourself with those Mojitos, ya hear? Try to struggle thru the Name that Tune contests without us;). Miss you and wish you both smooth seas!

I've done this cruise three times - once we took the free shuttle (provided by HAL) into town and visited the weekend market (lots of fun!), and went to see the aurora show (beautiful!) downtown. But the two other times, we got a taxi (this was in 2010 and 2011) where they had a cab line-up right at the ship. They'd fill a cab and send them on their way, and the next would pull up. Very quick, easy and efficient. We chose to rent a vehicle those two times and headed north to Wasilla to visit the Iditarod headquarters, then on to Big Lake for a tour of an Iditarod musher's kenne l- Martin Buser's Happy Trails Kennel. (Do you see a pattern here? Yup, we're dog lovers!:D) We also drove to Independence Mine, where we hiked some trails and enjoyed the views (we saw our first moose on the road up to the mine in 2010 - thrilling!). On the way back to the ship, we hiked at Eagle River. In 2011, we did the same thing - went to Martin's kennel and then we also went to the reindeer farm near Palmer, and up to Independence Mine again. On the way back, my neice and her fiance took a flightseeing excursion with Rust's while I waited at the dock for them to return, then we returned the rental car, and grabbed a cab to the pier. It worked out great all three times, but I must say, we DID greatly enjoy our adventures with the freedom of a rental car.

As others have stated, you could certainly turn your attention south of Anchorage and drive down along Turnagain Arm, which is truly a beautiful ride. All depends on what you want to do and see, and what you hope to accomplish on your long port day in Anchorage. Have fun - best itinerary ever! You're going to love it!

If Sitka is on your itinerary, they have an ATV excursion there. We did it - tons of fun!

A funicular is kind of like a tram or cable car that goes up the side of the mountain on rails. Google it for Ketchikan and you can see photos of it. I think it is $2 for a 2 minute (if that) ride to the top.

We personally enjoy Burger Queen - a little hole in the wall just past the tunnel. THE best fish and chips we've ever had - the halibut was so fresh and delicious, it melts in your mouth! And their milkshakes don't suck either!;)

We've also had lunch at the Cape Fox Lodge - took the funicular up the mountain for the spectacular views of the port area. Excellent clam strips and seafood chowder. DH enjoyed the oysters as well. Then we walked out back of the lodge to see the impressive array of Totem poles, and walked back down to town on the Married Man's Trail to Creek Street. Very nice!

I'm with oaktreerb - Sitka is stunning! Right now it is tie with Homer and Kodiak for my favorite ports. And yes, they are all in Alaska....could be because Alaska is the only place we've ever cruised - five times....but whose counting?;)

HAL's 14 day Alaska itinerary - LOVE it so much that I've done it 3 times and would do it again in a heartbeat in 2016 if we didn't already have a 14 day land only trip to Alaska planned:D.

Nope scluvsrain, we didn't experience that at all. In fact, we specifically 'tested' it by having our friends out on that back deck, with all the lights on inside our cabin. All they could see was light and very vague shapes - and then only when they got right up next to the window. From the rail or at the normal walkway of the deck, they could see absolutely nothing but their own reflection.

Since we sailed to Alaska in late May/early June, when daylight went well until the early mornings, we'd close our drapes to sleep anyway in order to block out the light so it wasn't an issue. During the day, there was absolutely no seeing into the cabin, even if the lights were on - again, we tried it. Also as an FYI, we rarely saw any crew members on that aft deck, not even in the early mornings when they were washing down the Lido deck above us. If and when they washed down that 'secret deck' it was done when we weren't around - and we spent a LOT of time out there - all times of the day and night;).

colbe - YES, we adored that cabin (7056) on the Amsterdam and would book it again in a heartbeat. Some don't like it because of its somewhat odd configuration but it was not a problem for us at all. When you walk into the cabin, the desk and closet area is to the right with the bathroom on the left and then a small alcove on the left behind the bathroom where the love seat is sort tucked back in. The bed 'headboard' is against the back wall of the cabin, leaving a walkway between the side of the bed and the window overlooking that 'secret deck.' (I hope that description makes sense, if not check the photos on the HALfacts site to see for yourself).

We found that there was plenty of storage for our 14 night cruise to AK, (though note that we'd packed light - just one week's worth of clothing and took full advantage of the Unlimited Laundry service package offered by HAL. At $99 per cabin for two weeks, it was too good to pass up!)

We found it an extremely quiet location and very little foot traffic in our hallway leading out to the aft deck - there are only suites and a couple of inside cabins on the Navigation deck. We enjoyed the wake views from our generously sized window and of course, from the secret deck just five steps out our door. We'd highly recommend this cabin - particularly for an Alaskan cruise. Best bang for your buck without paying top dollar for a balcony cabin due to the quick and easy access to that public deck on the aft.;)

Love the Amsterdam - beautiful smaller ship, easy to get around, and lots of nooks and crannies to tuck yourself away to enjoy the amazing Alaska scenery. I've sailed the 14 day Alaska itinerary three times on the Amsterdam - so she feels like 'home' to me!

Be sure to check out the 'secret' aft deck on the Navigation Deck. Just one flight up to the Lido and Seaview Bar, we always seemed to have that secret deck to ourselves - like having a huge balcony without the cost! We stayed in cabin 7056 (an oceanview) and adored the easy access to that aft deck - just five steps out our cabin door and we had the beautiful wake views all to ourselves.

Why not take a look at HAL's 14 day itinerary, roundtrip Seattle. Goes to little visited ports of Homer, Kodiak, and a full day stop in Anchorage. I believe next year it will be on the Maasdam. I've done this itinerary three times (on the Amsterdam) and just love it. It would be 2 days over your 12 day timeframe though which would present a problem for you wouldn't it? :rolleyes: Unless you could squeak out another two days?

You are correct, Cruz Chic - thanx for mentioning it. Sorry, OP. When I replied, I had pulled out information from my 2011 AK cruise when it was still called the Explorer. But upon looking at my 2014 AK cruise information, I see that it indeed is now called "On Location."