Homer, Alaska

Anchor Point, Alaska

Our campsite on the Kenai Peninsula was in Anchor Point, considered America's most westerly highway point.  It was named Anchor Point after Captain Cook lost an anchor from the HMS Resolution on May 28, 2778.  We stayed at the Halibut Campground, a state park on the water's edge, overlooking Mounts Iliamna and Redoubt.

The weather continues to be beautiful... days in the mid-60s to lower 70s.  We awoke earlier than usual the next morning and strolled along the rocky beach.

There is no boat launch here, but boat after boat drove past us to the small marina.  We were amazed to watch a tractor drag trailers laden with large boats down to the beach.  The tractor then backed the trailers into the water until the boats began to float.  Once the boat was free, the tractor returned to shore for another rig.  The boat's captain would allow the now-floating boat to drift into deeper water before starting the motor to make their way to favorite fishing spots.

Tractor launch in Anchor Point, Alaska

Mt. Illiamna, Alaska

We drove to the Homer Spit.  Once it was much larger and covered with trees.  An earthquake completely washed the land with sea water and caused the Spit to sink.  It is now much smaller and has become a major tourist destination with lots of shops and adventure tours.  Although it wasn't even ten in the morning when we arrived, it was too crowded for our style.  We left for higher ground.

One of our favorite drives in the area is up Skyline Drive.  From here, you can see the entire Spit and Kachemak Bay.  Although it was hazy, it was still beautiful.

Homer Spit, Alaska

Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Back at camp that evening, an eagle perched in a pine tree near our campsite... such magnificent birds!

We left the Kenai the following morning, after enjoying breakfast at one of our favorite spots in Homer, the Sourdough Express.  On the drive north, we stopped by an old Russian Orthodox church in Ninilchik to take a few photos.

Ninilchik's Russian Orthodox Church

From here, we are bound for Valdez... one of my favorite stops on our 2010 trip.  Hopefully the salmon are running and the bears are feeding and ready to have their photos taken.  I can't wait!