tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26001297065800971002024-03-05T16:47:07.465-08:00Guide for Alaska's Disappearing TouristsEver expanding journal of a couple's discoveries while traveling through Alaska. Est Jun 2013
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-41928269657384284902016-08-18T12:05:00.000-07:002016-08-18T12:05:05.563-07:00Experience - Low Tide at the Homer Ferry Dock and the Lee Shore of the Spit<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDvJufe5adEWBZphARn_qE6KOgqY7Y5HhtkyONJJaotndZk-vD9ZP6TAhEP3yXtGAiCfAVt9Ue98lfCxQF15VFMjfthj1yiKltIT4WKPY1dT0yjofnEAcWhBCgKcX7LEP10VYbhVRo7c/s1600/_CAB0460-359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDvJufe5adEWBZphARn_qE6KOgqY7Y5HhtkyONJJaotndZk-vD9ZP6TAhEP3yXtGAiCfAVt9Ue98lfCxQF15VFMjfthj1yiKltIT4WKPY1dT0yjofnEAcWhBCgKcX7LEP10VYbhVRo7c/s400/_CAB0460-359.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sea stars under the ferry dock</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Summary</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Low tide is one of my favorite times to visit
the beach and the area around the base of the ferry dock is one of my favorite
places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I also really enjoy <a href="http://alaskasdisappearingtourists.blogspot.com/2014/06/hiking-bishops-beach-at-very-low-tide.html">Bishop’s
Beach</a> and <a href="http://alaskasdisappearingtourists.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-spit-starting-at-mariners-park.html">Mariner
Park</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At low tide, you can get a
glimpse of sea life you would </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">never see at any other time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ferry Dock is always good at low tide,
but the lower the tide the more you can see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The best low tides for viewing are -2 feet or lower.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Trail Advice</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The gravel beach is fairly easy walking, but the
rocks will shift, especially above the tideline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also have a real chance of getting your
feet wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend either beach shoes
with decent treads that are designed to get wet or some version of plastic boot
so your feet don’t get wet at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
making your choice, remember the water is cold, and</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;"> rises at more than foot an hour when the tide changes. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Suitability</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">This beach under the dock is suitable for
adults, children, and dogs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Trailhead</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The easiest way to access the ferry dock is to
drive all the way to the end of the Spit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Past the ferry loading area and just before you reach the Lands End
Resort, there is a newly paved parking lot on the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Park there and walk down to the water,
heading left until you reach the dock pilings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For a beach walk instead, drive up the
Spit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn left just after the fishing
hole and drive to the end of a large gravel lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much of the lot is filled with RVs in the
summer, but there are a few spots for cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At end of the lot is a sign for the <a href="http://www.kachemakbaywatertrail.org/">Kachemak Bay Water Trail</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Experience<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Both of the experiences described here are best
started about 1 hour before low tide on a day where the tide drops to -2 feet
or more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the tide turns, the water
is filled with sand and hides more than it reveals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, you have to pay attention in order to
stay above the incoming tide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea stars on the beach </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWhxbxQlKJlDDhxW3nbP6rYTD_433LN4AmnWtzG7ZQ6h7wyCZIMPQUUNwJIBwsZq-Jdjzb30BJjyDq8cFfwU-dgbq2MBr0jmcHFCWuIS9xlHLzbIX5cgN1PT_sW5Hk4MCl5s77zJYSos/s1600/_CAB0511-440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWhxbxQlKJlDDhxW3nbP6rYTD_433LN4AmnWtzG7ZQ6h7wyCZIMPQUUNwJIBwsZq-Jdjzb30BJjyDq8cFfwU-dgbq2MBr0jmcHFCWuIS9xlHLzbIX5cgN1PT_sW5Hk4MCl5s77zJYSos/s200/_CAB0511-440.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea stars on the pilings</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Starting with a description of the ferry dock
area, the dock is an easy walk from the parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first thing you notice as you approach
the dock pilings is the sea stars (once called starfish) that litter the sand just
above the tide line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I approached the
pilings I had to watch my feet to avoid stepping on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you get closer you can see sea stars by
the dozens clinging to the pilings and in a heap below them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tJ3bUxw-XkQCyI2dOI4qTvd_Tb7uqrko9Obh3yIC9S0Pt4UfZzo0RZLQfFkqhxp77vnipSS87HcfcuiGHrQDZ7BIocKJOZYLbQmNUdipoahR2sfyTB3BW53_-n6GbN5eQmY1OTnjVDU/s1600/_CAB0507-414-424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tJ3bUxw-XkQCyI2dOI4qTvd_Tb7uqrko9Obh3yIC9S0Pt4UfZzo0RZLQfFkqhxp77vnipSS87HcfcuiGHrQDZ7BIocKJOZYLbQmNUdipoahR2sfyTB3BW53_-n6GbN5eQmY1OTnjVDU/s200/_CAB0507-414-424.jpg" width="127" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dappled light and pilings</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The area under the dock is in heavy shade and
the dappled light where the sun reaches through makes a beautiful effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t forget to look under the water along
the pilings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the very edge of the low
tide line, you can see a variety of tube worms living in clusters on the
pilings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79pCnbP1DQ9BTSbg5EVV8-L5jBTusimTIGb6f2IqtbuM9ifl-lb1vE3ON5QkLon_rqXIOIFF6X7_o_TLGWEZyS4rEL8wQmJ8z05YgoSFuAQD6BbFg0YCqQU_DJg5Wxx23wNZx82Eqdx0/s1600/_CAB0527-313-334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79pCnbP1DQ9BTSbg5EVV8-L5jBTusimTIGb6f2IqtbuM9ifl-lb1vE3ON5QkLon_rqXIOIFF6X7_o_TLGWEZyS4rEL8wQmJ8z05YgoSFuAQD6BbFg0YCqQU_DJg5Wxx23wNZx82Eqdx0/s200/_CAB0527-313-334.jpg" width="125" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishers on the shore</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Above, on the dock, hundreds of gulls make their
homes along the supports just below the dock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their calls are a constant background to your explorations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, a quick note, wear a hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gulls do play bombardier and I’d rather
wash a hat than have their bombs in my hair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">On a nice day, the beach at the tip of the Spit
plays host to shore-fishers, children, and dogs all playing in the sun and
surf.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVYF7rsmLEM0dur-govmbzxS1lYSkUdHnOVTvno5K7BuXxnUdT8qdsad_iAC2-PxYR3yN6RKeFBKvZ9t5pevOrfo3s4i3xkWPGV_pRf51ioH_pOZjhC2WEZUDaLDnciEgRQgIIrvqOhs/s1600/_CAB9890-277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVYF7rsmLEM0dur-govmbzxS1lYSkUdHnOVTvno5K7BuXxnUdT8qdsad_iAC2-PxYR3yN6RKeFBKvZ9t5pevOrfo3s4i3xkWPGV_pRf51ioH_pOZjhC2WEZUDaLDnciEgRQgIIrvqOhs/s320/_CAB9890-277.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea star's abound on the beach walk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;">f you prefer a more active exploration of the
low tide beach, there is a wonderful beach walk just past the fishing
hole.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;">From the parking lot described
above work your way down the long beach to the water.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;">First you walk across sand, then on muscles
(which I hate because I’m always afraid of crushing them).</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;">This section of beach is covered in pools of
water, tiny moving streams, and huge swaths of seaweed.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;">Be very careful.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;">The seaweed and be extremely slippery
especially where it hides larger rocks.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D6XG-cgB8YLD8sDoxSiAd-bJlxJj43jgItLzaJqzjzqmZGYdl0EL39uUGVMVof2wePlk_PaLdUwIkGVpyZyr1HmjgX80XFVxWOTvWezBLuZHviC2qrqHS6oZM5OK_tt-1BDrIrgRmWc/s1600/_CAB9861-111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D6XG-cgB8YLD8sDoxSiAd-bJlxJj43jgItLzaJqzjzqmZGYdl0EL39uUGVMVof2wePlk_PaLdUwIkGVpyZyr1HmjgX80XFVxWOTvWezBLuZHviC2qrqHS6oZM5OK_tt-1BDrIrgRmWc/s200/_CAB9861-111.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anemone exposed<br />
by the tide</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When you finally get to within a few feet of the
tideline the fun begins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the left is
a long, flat stretch of beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To the
right, the beach wanders beside the riprap used to shore up the Spit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this direction, you will pass two or three
dolphins (also a term for a fender set into the water to keep boats from
running into rocks) whose pilings are completely exposed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either direction is fascinating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barnacles on the pilings</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">All along the beach, tucked under the seaweed,
resting in pools and streams, huddled next to rocks, and just lying out on the
sand are a myriad of sea stars in every color and size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Less common, but still easy to spot are
anemones pulled back into their own bodies as far as they can go, waiting for
the water to return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can also find
barnacles clinging to the dolphins and rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Dead crabs abound, but occasionally you can spot a living one sheltering
in a pool of water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And everywhere you
look there are gulls, crows, ravens, and eagles taking advantage of the
feast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dolphins’ pilings are set in
large tires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sea stars are
particularly fond of them as a place to wait out the tide change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">You can also find people clamming along the
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Whether you visit the ferry dock or the lee
shore, the Homer Spit is a wonderful place to explore at low tide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0Beach Parking Near the Homer Ferry Dock59.604656710153023 -151.4161705970764259.603652210153022 -151.41869209707642 59.605661210153023 -151.41364909707642tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-18939780565571851342016-08-16T10:52:00.000-07:002016-08-17T08:23:54.092-07:00Experience - The Town of Seldovia<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSmNQlCSlAHIear5gYwayQcmdCKarJmEXHqHlBma_zkcVv2TBTBw_dHAOXmrHxm-m6-Tgxv7OLLkkVTuHxy_R_D6teZBLomlL54qfj70_DqcX9oakNV2kDdU3mxvr7NUkOma7p9mTfz8/s1600/_CAB5716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSmNQlCSlAHIear5gYwayQcmdCKarJmEXHqHlBma_zkcVv2TBTBw_dHAOXmrHxm-m6-Tgxv7OLLkkVTuHxy_R_D6teZBLomlL54qfj70_DqcX9oakNV2kDdU3mxvr7NUkOma7p9mTfz8/s400/_CAB5716.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eclectic Carvings Abound</span></td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Summary<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">While you are on the Kenai
Peninsula, don’t miss the chance to visit </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Seldovia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is
a delightful town; scenic, lovely, and beautifully maintained.<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Opinion</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Seldovia is a great place to
wander along quiet streets looking at beautiful homes, eclectic artworks, and
gardens of all types and sizes.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Trip Advice</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Seldovia is reached by ferry or
water taxi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boats give you several
hours in the town before they pick you back up, so plan accordingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Also, for most, Seldovia is
explored on foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wear comfortable shoes
and clothes.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Experience</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">One way to get to Seldovia is on
the <a href="http://seldoviabayferry.com/">Seldovia Bay Ferry</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It departs Seldovia twice per day and Homer
twice per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you catch the morning
ferry from Homer you will have about 5 ½ hours in Seldovia before you catch the
evening ferry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can bring bikes,
kayaks, or pets for an additional fee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Another popular option is the <a href="http://www.rainbowtours.net/seldovia-wildlife-tour.htm">Rainbow Connection</a>,
which offers a 7-hour tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tour
starts with a trip to Gull Island (a seabird rookery) that play host to
kittiwakes, gulls, cormorants, and, in season, puffins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It then ducks into Eldred Passage for hopeful
sitings of otters, eagles and ducks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After wildlife viewing they take you to Seldovia where you can explore
until departure at 4 pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6K_rysLFBGpZdGTY5pYzuDbwlWGcd_NEoDCOoXZUTj-EvpudyAxCOPy7R4JYEeHxjwVF2ZesuLE5Hce_D0dwJttJX5ePUmVBfNkwP9ugI_JMW_yil-M70KhqP5JAPv3L_l-wYWfUzns/s1600/_CAB5796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6K_rysLFBGpZdGTY5pYzuDbwlWGcd_NEoDCOoXZUTj-EvpudyAxCOPy7R4JYEeHxjwVF2ZesuLE5Hce_D0dwJttJX5ePUmVBfNkwP9ugI_JMW_yil-M70KhqP5JAPv3L_l-wYWfUzns/s200/_CAB5796.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Humpback Whale</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Both options have a chance of
seeing humpback whales throughout the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The whales stayed in Kachemak Bay all summer in 2015 and 2015 and were
common sites on the way to Seldovia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
2015 we took the ferry to Seldovia and arrived almost an hour late because the
ferry driver stopped for almost an hour to allow passengers to watch and
photograph the whales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2017, an Orca
was spotted in the bay as well, although those sitings are far more rare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR9Jizq5qMbPRTlp6zI1iLF0JRg8KpNzqfuNroQEFUXtGaelUEuJgtCkPyaHp-juQyEiY-4k8T9jx_NQyuUAAokL5kumamhf3AWoPlCpYlkGToD22DG9CbeJEgDmp7iNuqnqNZji16oA/s1600/_CAB5704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirR9Jizq5qMbPRTlp6zI1iLF0JRg8KpNzqfuNroQEFUXtGaelUEuJgtCkPyaHp-juQyEiY-4k8T9jx_NQyuUAAokL5kumamhf3AWoPlCpYlkGToD22DG9CbeJEgDmp7iNuqnqNZji16oA/s200/_CAB5704.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">View from the Historic Boardwalk</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLtRMtgB6EJccigk6lJM5kqAEuK2McN4fQmP0GxA2X_wxg_FfQ_zK5zTYV7EUGYu2zLcsqsJSaPDOimIYkMN6O9Ex-5XpJMdkcxCMnQN3dYkt0LrwGzkAP_q3_fVPTkwcrs2O66GUyiU/s1600/_CAB5711+v310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLtRMtgB6EJccigk6lJM5kqAEuK2McN4fQmP0GxA2X_wxg_FfQ_zK5zTYV7EUGYu2zLcsqsJSaPDOimIYkMN6O9Ex-5XpJMdkcxCMnQN3dYkt0LrwGzkAP_q3_fVPTkwcrs2O66GUyiU/s200/_CAB5711+v310.jpg" width="132" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Russian Church</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><a href="http://www.alaska.org/destination/seldovia">Seldovia</a> has a few famous
views; the first is the historic boardwalk along an inlet lined by homes and
shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The view from the boardwalk
changes character with the tide and the season, but is very scenic and
beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we saw a school of
salmon waiting for the tide change to head up the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another is the old Russian Old Believer
Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not open to the public,
but it is one of the most photographed buildings in Seldovia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, there is the small boat harbor which
features beautiful views of small boats framed by the mountains behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gLBcaqbHUJB0BkY1EUrcy47ju2tvVJOaYR13gJytdWal9ar9a-OW1VQNsj3g2IztEXb-IgoEwB91LpW20r5AaARdfChvDXRweuvq9ZcgBipFz9wDeiWAWkEb0UpGuIN8sQXI8ysZB38/s1600/_CAB5714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gLBcaqbHUJB0BkY1EUrcy47ju2tvVJOaYR13gJytdWal9ar9a-OW1VQNsj3g2IztEXb-IgoEwB91LpW20r5AaARdfChvDXRweuvq9ZcgBipFz9wDeiWAWkEb0UpGuIN8sQXI8ysZB38/s200/_CAB5714.jpg" width="132" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At the Visitors Center</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Seldovia also has a museum
(associated with the visitors center) that highlights its Native peoples and
shows images from its heyday as home to a major fishing cannery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The streets are home to a variety
of eclectic carvings, many of which may have been the result of the annual
chainsaw-carving contest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The annual <a href="http://www.seldovia.com/preliminary-schedule-of-events-for-our-chainsaw-carving-competition-over-labor-day-weekend/">Chainsaw
Carving Competition</a> takes place during Labor Day weekend involving a host
of activities, concerts, and auctions from Thursday to Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">There are also a variety of
hiking opportunities, some of which can be easily accessed during a single day
and others, which will require a longer stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you choose to stay, there are a variety of options for overnighting
from camping to B&Bs.</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0Seldovia Dock, Alaska59.440515118004122 -151.7199468612670959.438496618004123 -151.72498936126709 59.44253361800412 -151.71490436126709tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-27158332646294051392016-08-13T13:30:00.000-07:002016-08-13T13:30:25.427-07:00Hiking - Hidden Creek Trail<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXiNWAM_Yojy_RIC5_1NjkcfmsjZP0yofvk6pTvT8kgACx4tysm6kn9aa6GcK-zNNzh1itiRaBPcPVVxMUcsVGnvT2m6gn8So2Trhn3Q4QpGufRwAeyea1gLtfm8zriTqn1sDGDXax0Q/s1600/_CAB9977-330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpXiNWAM_Yojy_RIC5_1NjkcfmsjZP0yofvk6pTvT8kgACx4tysm6kn9aa6GcK-zNNzh1itiRaBPcPVVxMUcsVGnvT2m6gn8So2Trhn3Q4QpGufRwAeyea1gLtfm8zriTqn1sDGDXax0Q/s400/_CAB9977-330.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hidden Creek</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Stats</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Distance: 2.6 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Time: 2 hrs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Summary</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The best part of the <a href="https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/map_HiddenCreek.pdf"><span style="color: #0000e9;">Hidden
Creek Trail</span></a> is when it meets up with the marshlands </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">at Hidden
Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail winds up through a
spuce forest, through an area that was burned out in a forest fire in 1996, and
ends on the shores of Skilak Lake. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Opinion</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is turning into one of our favorite short hikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hike is not too difficult, the changing
scenery in the fire ravage region is fascinating, and the views of the creek
are beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Trail Advice</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As always, mosquito repellent is vital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mosquitos and biting flies hang out in
the shadows just waiting for dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If it has been raining, the trail can be muddy in spots
although there is a boardwalk in the worst places.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Suitability</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This trail is suitable for adults and children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Trailhead</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To find the Hidden Creek Trail take Skilak Lake Rd from the
Sterling Hwy. Skilak Lake Rd is a loop of sorts that starts and ends at
Sterling Hwy. There is an East entrance just outside Cooper Landing and a
West entrance a few miles outside Sterling. You can take either entrance,
but Skilak Rd can be rough if it hasn’t been groomed recently so in spring
taking the Cooper Landing entrance is advisable. The trailhead is 4.6
miles from the Cooper Landing entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
parking area is on the north side of the road and the trail is on the south
side. It is well labeled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The Hike</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This trail is one of many in the Kenai National
Wildlife Refuge. The maps for these trails can be found on the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Kenai/map.html"><span style="color: #0000e9;">Kenai Refuge Map</span></a> website.
We chose this trail because a friend recommended it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEPfJUS_onxNLnFfY2mq4gjlDa9xi9dpINacZHsYeIcMYSRxkn1q2jFmqYW4fY6fgD8IBki_sGOc6Sle0XKZGU4f0q-eaqZhQwPRP7b1YpnUKutXqpouicf4AahM6s43OZN9cSmuayms/s1600/IMG_1327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEPfJUS_onxNLnFfY2mq4gjlDa9xi9dpINacZHsYeIcMYSRxkn1q2jFmqYW4fY6fgD8IBki_sGOc6Sle0XKZGU4f0q-eaqZhQwPRP7b1YpnUKutXqpouicf4AahM6s43OZN9cSmuayms/s200/IMG_1327.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fork in the Road</span></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzrrBuqdQVLujinuOmx5KODQ3Inicc6sAsfmUR0DUZoM7dkOPS0saEtLiVjFvbezGHrKPpxFSQu5lAOl9KisP3b7OC9qxVATO6tcO9yQq3dfyXhLSLrStkqgEdK1M40YRqewarAGLg7E/s1600/IMG_1326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzrrBuqdQVLujinuOmx5KODQ3Inicc6sAsfmUR0DUZoM7dkOPS0saEtLiVjFvbezGHrKPpxFSQu5lAOl9KisP3b7OC9qxVATO6tcO9yQq3dfyXhLSLrStkqgEdK1M40YRqewarAGLg7E/s200/IMG_1326.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Boardwalk Through<br />Marshy Ground</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trail starts with a long gentle descent through a spruce
forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About half a mile in, the trail
breaks out into an area that was burned in 1996.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On clear days, there are spectacular views
out over the hills and valleys of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soon after entering the burn zone you come on
a sign that says Skilak Lake straight ahead and Hidden Creek to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In truth, the trail is a loop, so you can get
to everything by going either direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We usually choose to go left toward Hidden Creek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaAsqmo0Xw7MGA3a1iR-aUXSMYZBLHPHqkRhS3xfnRL5OeIkTzS1U2OFyKbwIMPoETqyzSXf37NJH967UU6yaYR0OU4sx89wGr7qhVTxj4PdWVInsrLG4HfpA8GF6JZ08HleBj1_4nuY/s1600/IMG_1320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaAsqmo0Xw7MGA3a1iR-aUXSMYZBLHPHqkRhS3xfnRL5OeIkTzS1U2OFyKbwIMPoETqyzSXf37NJH967UU6yaYR0OU4sx89wGr7qhVTxj4PdWVInsrLG4HfpA8GF6JZ08HleBj1_4nuY/s200/IMG_1320.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Marshlands</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyFF8KYmJL2r2UzZUOInZFqB_62pLE7ZBfbcPIoDH2Fae6DM1Dacp7Gd5F5l9F7sNpx8t-jsMtneNKSNm-hj_7G5E3Sxpvhds-lw3hwAy2X19o6OorE8U1D7GJN_osNe3JCRAIwKwZUQ/s1600/_CAB3276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyFF8KYmJL2r2UzZUOInZFqB_62pLE7ZBfbcPIoDH2Fae6DM1Dacp7Gd5F5l9F7sNpx8t-jsMtneNKSNm-hj_7G5E3Sxpvhds-lw3hwAy2X19o6OorE8U1D7GJN_osNe3JCRAIwKwZUQ/s200/_CAB3276.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wild Iris</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trail quickly goes back into the woods, but these woods
are more open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you approach Hidden
Creek there is a slight diversion to the left that goes a short distance into a
marsh created by a backwater section of the creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This are is worth diverting into.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grasses and shallow water make for a
lovely view and in June the wild irises are often in bloom in little pockets
throughout the marsh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuP7nxgD5ip4NqxAszCWee2RpDV2BieA2ta2xHqmTHFtbuAuH-milfHMyBZ2RG0HAPCIwmoBjEXtPAtAl9gpurWGN7gTGILOw_8j7egqDShykV_WPNzAXfW7Z-nOiNm0EvpyhguiBohl8/s1600/_CAB3301+v205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuP7nxgD5ip4NqxAszCWee2RpDV2BieA2ta2xHqmTHFtbuAuH-milfHMyBZ2RG0HAPCIwmoBjEXtPAtAl9gpurWGN7gTGILOw_8j7egqDShykV_WPNzAXfW7Z-nOiNm0EvpyhguiBohl8/s200/_CAB3301+v205.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bluebells</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After you have finished enjoying the view and listening to
the birds, you backtrack slightly to return to the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The woods here are home to a variety of
wildflowers including wild iris, bluebells, and lupines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this stretch of the trail it is worthwhile
to look closely along the sides of the trail for a variety of flora.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The trail also offers delightful views of the
Hidden Creek and its grassy marshlands.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The reflections are beautiful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We haven't seen any large wildlife, but there are moose and bears in the area based on the prints and scat we've found on the trail.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOTo3b1LuOGPweorftddCGH7qLuM9epZy4lCJYaz0VEoC3nvOX42aLayAHxUTURt2-_sjATai5HP_uXX7qbyV7J2OfG_UDwGKBfIwu2GqGkYra8jmBZ5EPv70RtsqsBbuKcsxc4veCzc/s1600/_CAB9978-140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOTo3b1LuOGPweorftddCGH7qLuM9epZy4lCJYaz0VEoC3nvOX42aLayAHxUTURt2-_sjATai5HP_uXX7qbyV7J2OfG_UDwGKBfIwu2GqGkYra8jmBZ5EPv70RtsqsBbuKcsxc4veCzc/s200/_CAB9978-140.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Shore of<br />Skilak Lake</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trail eventually leads to the shores of Skilak
Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shore is made up of coarse
sand and water-smoothed rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
been on this trail twice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both times the
shore was littered with fallen spruce trees that had been pushed there by the
wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fallen trees make a good seat
for a picnic lunch if you are so inclined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The second time the water level in the lake was so high there was barely
any beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here you have a choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail loop cuts back into the woods a
short distance down the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
if the water isn’t too high, you can also wander down the beach for a fair
distance before returning to the trail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoMEu1MDMuZoACrDG4jxp2KkrG2whN3gvA-gqrlkcOIwa5Pns6YTKl4mybhz7kT3BtDCRoi-YPBCqjGT2Vd-bUdCV8-bI-0SNDUgyX99w8WF-OjThyLTpBAOsJ5rNFN8MW1gxlonsoiY/s1600/IMG_1329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoMEu1MDMuZoACrDG4jxp2KkrG2whN3gvA-gqrlkcOIwa5Pns6YTKl4mybhz7kT3BtDCRoi-YPBCqjGT2Vd-bUdCV8-bI-0SNDUgyX99w8WF-OjThyLTpBAOsJ5rNFN8MW1gxlonsoiY/s200/IMG_1329.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Quaking Aspen</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trail from Skilak Lake goes back through the open woods
and cuts through several stands of quaking aspen and cottonwood before
rejoining the main trail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDAOZD92VHCw4ClkkyMkyplpWO5Na3jlc-d_6mR3jOT8q86TpIY_yikWZnCluZXqbXwmudLssUB-Ly0drXOWJBwWnT_uaZFf5mrWmkOT4hSSKv9ynHEGVMmbrUq-y1kR5hF1-YmoVXDo/s1600/_CAB3265+v387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDAOZD92VHCw4ClkkyMkyplpWO5Na3jlc-d_6mR3jOT8q86TpIY_yikWZnCluZXqbXwmudLssUB-Ly0drXOWJBwWnT_uaZFf5mrWmkOT4hSSKv9ynHEGVMmbrUq-y1kR5hF1-YmoVXDo/s200/_CAB3265+v387.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Low Bush Cranberry (Lingonberry)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a lovely and quick summer hike. Skilak Lake Road is worth a drive (unless it
is really torn up from the winter).
There are several pullouts with lovely scenic views. There are many trails heading off along the
length of the road. Some are covered in
this blog, but we have barely scratched the surface.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A View from Skilak Lake Road</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0Hidden Creek Trailhead60.457979563597171 -150.2034902572631860.456022063597167 -150.20853275726319 60.459937063597174 -150.19844775726318tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-42898331005599833292016-08-11T12:00:00.000-07:002016-08-11T12:00:20.671-07:00Hiking - Cottonwood Trail<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlCVBfHd_G6iQlLC-NEINpC8cIqsj04iPXHB8X1LSR8FYSCvXgnu-78d3mvWjdZ1X8U8nLH80BIEsBK7rwZzEBZLHTJjoJHkkCpO8wWVKPLB1sY9o3K49Eu7TZitykGQNUi0cDrOhR6Q/s1600/_CAB0541-335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlCVBfHd_G6iQlLC-NEINpC8cIqsj04iPXHB8X1LSR8FYSCvXgnu-78d3mvWjdZ1X8U8nLH80BIEsBK7rwZzEBZLHTJjoJHkkCpO8wWVKPLB1sY9o3K49Eu7TZitykGQNUi0cDrOhR6Q/s400/_CAB0541-335.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View From the Cottonwood Trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Stats</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Distance: 0.25 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 20 minutes</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Summary</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Cottonwood Trail is a short
hike to a fabulous view of the Grewingk Glacier, Homer Spit and the Kachemak Bay.</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It belongs to the <a href="http://www.akcoastalstudies.org/">Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies’</a> <a href="http://www.akcoastalstudies.org/guided-tours/wynn-nature-center.html">Wynn
Nature Center</a> trail system, but the trail head is not located at the Wynn Center
proper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail is a bit steep, but
has many switchbacks and is quite short so we rate is as easy.<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opinion</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This is a great scenic view trail
for clear days on the Kachemak Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a very nice set of benches at the end of the trail, backed by a
spruce forest and looking out over an open meadow down the Homer bluff and out
over the spit and bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Trail Advice</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As with all Alaskan trails,
mosquito repellent is a must.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
mosquitos love the deep shadows under the trees.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The trail is in good condition, but
it is narrow and after a rain can be a bit slippery.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Suitability</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This trail is suitable for adults
and children.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Trailhead</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmhHzcPepQW-bTzgD9Lv84Z7cJ19dMIp6GUPxs_5kIiCpJlPYxOoylivJWhEoCm5bTJHY07B97FcI439ZyWfqDxQwif-xWYgVdvPSpc-zy94czPXvNZu8PBXPqKzsFs3lHpRBLAeiQoQ/s1600/IMG_1802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmhHzcPepQW-bTzgD9Lv84Z7cJ19dMIp6GUPxs_5kIiCpJlPYxOoylivJWhEoCm5bTJHY07B97FcI439ZyWfqDxQwif-xWYgVdvPSpc-zy94czPXvNZu8PBXPqKzsFs3lHpRBLAeiQoQ/s200/IMG_1802.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turnout to the Cottonwood Trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To find the trailhead, take East
Hill Rd and turn right on east Skyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After about a mile, the road takes a tight turn to the left and there is
a wide graveled area on the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will most likely not see the trail sign until you have parked so keep your eyes
open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you reach the Wynn Center you
have gone too far, and we would suggest you stop in ask their guides for directions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Hike</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOdZWagzNuU-sCuubzoqS3Nn-tAiASoQthK0-Q6C8yaHTtgP8O7-opuwd67dxVAGyGY8mQxbAzlwQ7Q0v1QNwEel18fR17NMcTxEQgP6Cfy_i1Px3zKcKayWT43aVeXAxj7oCP0LOqbs/s1600/IMG_1787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOdZWagzNuU-sCuubzoqS3Nn-tAiASoQthK0-Q6C8yaHTtgP8O7-opuwd67dxVAGyGY8mQxbAzlwQ7Q0v1QNwEel18fR17NMcTxEQgP6Cfy_i1Px3zKcKayWT43aVeXAxj7oCP0LOqbs/s200/IMG_1787.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trail immediately dives into
the trees at the edge of parking area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Look closely; you can see many different flowers, mushrooms, and lichen at
different seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Almost immediately
you walk through a tiny open space that is home to wild geranium and a few
fireweed plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking through the Forest</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From there you walk back into the
woods and start walking down the bluff on a series of easy switchbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On both sides you will see Sitka spruce,
alder, and cottonwood trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Under the
trees are ferns, wildflowers, Devil’s Club, and a variety of rainforest
understory plants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marker at the End of the Trail</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trail ends abruptly where the
forest opens onto a meadow on the side of the bluff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two large benches mark the end of the trail
and provide a quite place to enjoy the open view and the sounds of nature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a very pleasant, short
hike that provides a unique view of the glaciers, the Homer Spit and Kachemak bay.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring View from Cottonwood Trail</span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0Cottonwood Trailhead, Homer, AK59.680135151486361 -151.4735269546508859.679133151486361 -151.47604845465088 59.681137151486361 -151.47100545465088tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-2705200727999474212016-08-10T10:16:00.000-07:002016-08-12T10:25:45.933-07:00Hiking - Ben Walter's Park Floating Dock<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-4rn2anXTyzG4UEO1HBoO4At7aRjt_KV3As6juefZyRIsmUXCzx76BwzZlklDztxN_0wvqRq82yuk_u08YYoJfbd6piTHJT6QCayskUxUBGqLcUnjgBcyoZ5beKlpRJ_gY59YJvsq4w/s1600/_DSC8132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-4rn2anXTyzG4UEO1HBoO4At7aRjt_KV3As6juefZyRIsmUXCzx76BwzZlklDztxN_0wvqRq82yuk_u08YYoJfbd6piTHJT6QCayskUxUBGqLcUnjgBcyoZ5beKlpRJ_gY59YJvsq4w/s400/_DSC8132.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">View from Ben Walter's Park as a Floatplane Lands</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Stats</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Distance: 0.1 miles <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Difficulty: Easy
Time: 15 min<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Summary</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tucked away at the side of Beluga Lake in Homer,
Alaska, Ben Walter’s Park is </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">quite small, but interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In summer, Beluga Lake is home to several
floatplane operations, as well as several varieties of migratory bird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the winter, when the shallow lake freezes
over, Beluga Lake belongs to ice fishers and a variety of vehicles playing in
the ice.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Opinion</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV1O6_kPt_0SJwk-INwmJUCPwDnP8VPgKJ8vulRJmaPKEYKo-ecApktTzcAWclJmPvaznxfevvW6k5n9U6EieZiPWHFW6E1QfbBXkAOR3E7uAD7rpU4B8nImEKz5dVCAX_2ugwkxsm78/s1600/Marsh+in+Spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV1O6_kPt_0SJwk-INwmJUCPwDnP8VPgKJ8vulRJmaPKEYKo-ecApktTzcAWclJmPvaznxfevvW6k5n9U6EieZiPWHFW6E1QfbBXkAOR3E7uAD7rpU4B8nImEKz5dVCAX_2ugwkxsm78/s200/Marsh+in+Spring.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Marsh Grasses in<br />Early Spring</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This park is very small, but pleasant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is very little territory for walking or
playing, but it is fun to sit on the floating dock and watch the floatplanes
taking off and landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the morning,
you can often see migratory birds; we have seen a pair of swans, golden eyes,
and a few types of duck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Trail Advice</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This trail has the usual voracious mosquitoes
during summer and has little shade. We strongly recommend a good coating
of both sunscreen and mosquito repellent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Suitability</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This very short trail is suitable for all ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With some determination a wheelchair can
probably be pushed down the gravel walkway and out to the floating dock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Trailhead</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The entrance to the park is just behind the Homer
McDonald’s (on the corner of Sterling Hwy and Lake St).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the Sterling Hwy, turn north on Lake
street, then immediately turn right on Ben Walter’s Ln.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take the first right past the McDonalds to
find the small gravel parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve never
seen the lot full.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The Park</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfK1MJtO78DXEqpJWnvrN5mtvAlcTeVrBWjuyWpmybx8CkRvCOQB76mvXCPYXJqX9zL2qqmpCZ828GNOBk0rUuYQzpBNsAuph23ZrS5pWUoFLc3vGhbAL3AsuRFU-3bT7K55IlN8kLaU/s1600/Sea+Plane+Dock+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfK1MJtO78DXEqpJWnvrN5mtvAlcTeVrBWjuyWpmybx8CkRvCOQB76mvXCPYXJqX9zL2qqmpCZ828GNOBk0rUuYQzpBNsAuph23ZrS5pWUoFLc3vGhbAL3AsuRFU-3bT7K55IlN8kLaU/s200/Sea+Plane+Dock+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Floating Dock in Early Spring</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the parking lot are a public restroom and the
trailhead to a very short walk to Beluga Lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The trail ends at a set of floating docks surrounded by marsh
grasses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a beautiful view to
the north of the mountains over the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By mid- to late-May the migratory shorebirds have
arrived and you can see a variety of birds in the lake (especially in the
morning). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Floatplanes</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking Off</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During summer Beluga Lake is an active floatplane airport. Most of the planes take off between mid morning, but can be seen departing at various times during the day. They return throughout the day, but landings
are common after lunch and on into the early evening.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0Ben Walter's Park Parking Area59.643197953634051 -151.5217208862304759.63918495363405 -151.53180588623047 59.647210953634051 -151.51163588623047tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-46188304859683471722016-07-09T16:57:00.000-07:002016-08-12T10:26:13.842-07:00Hiking - Winner Creek Trail (updated summer 2016)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dappled Light in a Temperate Rainforest</span></td></tr>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Stats</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Distance: 5.5 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Full-day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Summary</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_LEYU2cjsgMpewQAJKcKjWMcDJIaTbQ_rlH-ipM_oSAI5UzMTmYNoXeuXrnHjhvJ9T25oG10WCu5oX5CJeBIQJ8-jS7ntMqJ91LbfUP_N2C9knxmYV4DX_Ry9QD0chls2qDZIwoY598/s1600/_CAB0259-293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_LEYU2cjsgMpewQAJKcKjWMcDJIaTbQ_rlH-ipM_oSAI5UzMTmYNoXeuXrnHjhvJ9T25oG10WCu5oX5CJeBIQJ8-jS7ntMqJ91LbfUP_N2C9knxmYV4DX_Ry9QD0chls2qDZIwoY598/s200/_CAB0259-293.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blueberries</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The winner creek trail is
one of the best kept trails we’ve ever found in Alaska. It’s also one of the prettiest</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for those of
us who appreciate boreal rainforests.
The trail goes through tall trees, dappled light, tiny wildflowers, and
blueberry and salmon berry bushes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.alaska.org/detail/winner-creek-trail"><span style="color: #0000e9; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Winner Creek Trail</span></a>
starts just behind the Alyeska lodge and heads up into the lower mountains.
The trail ends after 3 miles at the Iditarod NHT and also accesses the
Upper Winner Creek Trail (see the <a href="http://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Documents/GWSummerTrlMap.pdf"><span style="color: #0000e9; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">trail
map</span></a>), so the distance here is a bit misleading since
you may choose to take a variety of branches for varying
hike lengths. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Opinion</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwla70SIbhF9zAVOFK-cvI7UL422VusDmhCe02t-TYwzjkVXo_YezY5maOtpYFqqsAYQKmhVHfhJ064cLHtBP_XUzNeoeiVJTk7Qyw5nYiy09eWwWS5h2Gh2tOkXVnQtfQ-ql1hNhT5xA/s1600/A+Walk+in+the+Woods+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwla70SIbhF9zAVOFK-cvI7UL422VusDmhCe02t-TYwzjkVXo_YezY5maOtpYFqqsAYQKmhVHfhJ064cLHtBP_XUzNeoeiVJTk7Qyw5nYiy09eWwWS5h2Gh2tOkXVnQtfQ-ql1hNhT5xA/s200/A+Walk+in+the+Woods+2.jpg" width="132" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Winner Creek Trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Winner Creek Trail is beautifully designed,
beautifully maintained, and just plain beautiful to walk. For most of the
trail (about 2 miles) the trail is either graded gravel or well maintained
boardwalk. The last three-quarters of a
mile are no longer graded, but are still easy to walk with minimal
tripping/slipping hazards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The boreal rainforest is beautiful throughout the
summer with dappled light, mossy ground, a variety of wildflowers and
berries. It is also a popular trail, so
you will see other people throughout the hike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>T</b></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rail Advice</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sweat resistant mosquito repellent is a must.
The bugs were out in force.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Suitability</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This trail is suitable for adults and children.
The trail is wide and well maintained.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the first quarter-mile the trail is open to
mountain bikers. The trail intersects
with other trails and roads throughout, so the mountain bikers take a different
route to access the trail. Frankly, were
I a biker, I wouldn’t enjoy it until the boardwalks end at about the 2 mile
point. The mountain bikers we met were
courteous and didn’t hurt our experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Trailhead</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trailhead is just behind the Alyeska Lodge.
Find legal parking, go through the lodge and straight out the back door.
There is a groomed gravel path and the trailhead is about 40 ft from the
lodge on the left. Just follow the signs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The Hike</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This trail is one of many behind the Alyeska
Lodge. The maps for these trails can be found on the <a href="http://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Documents/GWSummerTrlMap.pdf"><span style="color: #0000e9; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Girdwood
Summer Trailmap</span></a> website. We chose
this trail because the desk clerk recommended it when we asked about a good
hike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFIB1MsUxD3P0ZB0y1jydmNJ8VwqYsWL8828WUQDfxMddyR-BxgQJrw9HPAM9yN6hzDPQON6tGt5oHq86cAhS6DxC1AmLTuUM6CNyiHSTZumSRLurkJGD4lE4ApeWvd5YRsE0jOI3AEY/s1600/Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFIB1MsUxD3P0ZB0y1jydmNJ8VwqYsWL8828WUQDfxMddyR-BxgQJrw9HPAM9yN6hzDPQON6tGt5oHq86cAhS6DxC1AmLTuUM6CNyiHSTZumSRLurkJGD4lE4ApeWvd5YRsE0jOI3AEY/s1600/Bridge.jpg" width="132" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bridge over fallen log</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Early in the hike you come to a beautiful
small stream. The trail officially crosses on a very nice bridge,
but it was clear that many people chose to cross on a fallen log just a
few feet off the trail. It is also
clearly a favorite selfie and family photo point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBR9uCQAimWjdZKl03Kib2wEBdFiKYTAYvkXeja0psnhnNBa_H7ufrX5rl6G6HsvaJfEc7jIJI3OdcrH5In0OiTJCiPcGgyPravoNIB6kqiPm7qzJ4OE9IxZZ8m86xJdEYebkXsdA6BNU/s1600/_DSC6488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBR9uCQAimWjdZKl03Kib2wEBdFiKYTAYvkXeja0psnhnNBa_H7ufrX5rl6G6HsvaJfEc7jIJI3OdcrH5In0OiTJCiPcGgyPravoNIB6kqiPm7qzJ4OE9IxZZ8m86xJdEYebkXsdA6BNU/s1600/_DSC6488.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Deep into the woods</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After crossing the stream, the trail enters deep
into a spruce rainforest. The path is a
steady, but mostly gentle, climb through the boreal rainforest. The
whole area is lush with ferns, moss, lichen, and wildflowers. Every few
feet we ran across another tree stump, forest glen, or other photo worthy
view. The light is filtered and dappled
throughout, since the forest is too thick to let the light through unimpeded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1hQBeM83n534hwxHcmothgchN9kj8jsc5uzNJ8kjOttYd6oqK752xxSUkLcddAYaeFYHV4EJ20RuY-raroCs1c9gxSccRS3BlatkDDPiXvvQG4ZXS56AbR1-dO-f7LiRtBnucwgglsE/s1600/_CAB0244-303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1hQBeM83n534hwxHcmothgchN9kj8jsc5uzNJ8kjOttYd6oqK752xxSUkLcddAYaeFYHV4EJ20RuY-raroCs1c9gxSccRS3BlatkDDPiXvvQG4ZXS56AbR1-dO-f7LiRtBnucwgglsE/s200/_CAB0244-303.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Boardwalk</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trail is beautifully made and is elevated
across significant areas of bog. It turns what would have been a truly
muddy slog into a delightful experience.
The raised boardwalks make easy hiking, but would be inconvenient for
mountain bikers.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4NcascD-u0I8998Vl6-KUHanPLUyPoHggUgBupYGdubS0EPdSZyjlIeKjdQWId5d-4NVs5KIIYHRMgwKgpdIiMkoZmhGPinnBLqIx-V5aLV_nc7bhJomwNzGLZfuTfA75Kojo2XOwlA/s1600/_DSC6503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4NcascD-u0I8998Vl6-KUHanPLUyPoHggUgBupYGdubS0EPdSZyjlIeKjdQWId5d-4NVs5KIIYHRMgwKgpdIiMkoZmhGPinnBLqIx-V5aLV_nc7bhJomwNzGLZfuTfA75Kojo2XOwlA/s1600/_DSC6503.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wildflowers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After about 2 miles the trail comes to a T where it
meets Winner Creek. The Winner Creek
Trail takes the left fork and follows the creek, which runs down a deep
ravine. At this point the trail starts
to head downhill. As you get to the low
point of the trail, it splits again. The
right hand trail goes to a wide bridge that is used by snow machines to cross
the creek in the winter. In summer of
2016, the bridge was in very bad shape.
Although the understructure looked sound, the thick planks that formed
the top were deeply scored by snow machines and many were broken through. We did cross the bridge by carefully walking
along the supports, but did not consider the bridge to be truly safe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhutTbvcBS2WZvaxAzIMybtpOBJbI4yyG5ZYzCw6DeJ7TDFxwth6MGHUnkHmmRJ77ySqa4h_qYNUIrXYoX4bIo4lqtkaV587gQax3oKB-TEMG1Xk2spyuuRWIDhtsvon_xwHSksvr-48/s1600/_CAB0283-331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhutTbvcBS2WZvaxAzIMybtpOBJbI4yyG5ZYzCw6DeJ7TDFxwth6MGHUnkHmmRJ77ySqa4h_qYNUIrXYoX4bIo4lqtkaV587gQax3oKB-TEMG1Xk2spyuuRWIDhtsvon_xwHSksvr-48/s200/_CAB0283-331.jpg" width="135" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Winner Creek Trail takes the left fork, which
quickly comes to a truly scenic bridge.
The bridge crosses the Winner Creek where it forms a small waterfall and
rapids. The water there is glacier blue
and very beautiful. This was our
favorite spot on the entire beautiful trail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYfSl5uPXKcVyhGR9-JLHFaj81oHfvz-TikmRp-ILeY2G-Rfvi19O_fbV41mI48pR_hOxOQbAwHvUJq3TQRnzCI78oyyrzDbjqLlY4nc3SMdMho1Dv2ZfsTU65lPsJSMh2KqNVWvIK3c/s1600/IMG_1874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYfSl5uPXKcVyhGR9-JLHFaj81oHfvz-TikmRp-ILeY2G-Rfvi19O_fbV41mI48pR_hOxOQbAwHvUJq3TQRnzCI78oyyrzDbjqLlY4nc3SMdMho1Dv2ZfsTU65lPsJSMh2KqNVWvIK3c/s200/IMG_1874.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hand Tram in Motion</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Across the bridge, the trail once again climbed for
perhaps a quarter mile to a gorge crossed by hand tram that carries you over a
deep and very beautiful ravine. This is where the Winner Creek Trail
ends. There is more trail on the other
side of the gorge, but it is part of a different trail system (see the <a href="http://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Documents/GWSummerTrlMap.pdf"><span style="color: #0000e9; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Girdwood
Summer Trailmap</span></a><u><span style="color: #0000e9;">).</span></u> There
were several groups crossing in both directions. The trail map at the hand tram suggested
there was a parking area near the other side of the gorge, but we didn’t check
it out. Frankly, I wouldn’t take that
route to the hand tram. The Winner Creek
Trail was too beautiful to miss through the use of a short cut. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are in the Girdwood area and have the time,
I strongly recommend this hike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0Winner Creek Trailhead60.971191299874476 -149.0956306457519560.967338799874476 -149.10571564575196 60.975043799874477 -149.08554564575195tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-57463478334588037902015-02-25T08:21:00.000-08:002015-02-25T08:21:40.637-08:00Winter Experience - Homer's Winter Carnival<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2reNauF-808UjV3RWEJwtaweXsmoIZ6aVg6OgXN2UiOSmvAn_YCdFI4B0Pzdk7bhJf9JkrYMKLi1icwOuPPOA-jEBXCAVbFH5dKwSZVlMY8W2Bacyhxyus5Qk_-aNfS52xbMiRGFbdJk/s1600/IMG_1152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2reNauF-808UjV3RWEJwtaweXsmoIZ6aVg6OgXN2UiOSmvAn_YCdFI4B0Pzdk7bhJf9JkrYMKLi1icwOuPPOA-jEBXCAVbFH5dKwSZVlMY8W2Bacyhxyus5Qk_-aNfS52xbMiRGFbdJk/s1600/IMG_1152.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Homer-Made Chinese Dragon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id="goog_671726623"></span><span id="goog_671726624"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2015 saw the 61<sup>st</sup> annual Winter Carnival, a
classic, small town celebration of winter with the theme "Warm Winter Hearts"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The carnival is held in February, the coldest</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> part of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crown of the carnival is the <a href="http://www.homeralaska.org/events/chamber-community-events/winter-carnival">Winter
Carnival Parade</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The parade is open
to everyone and prizes are awarded for the most creative displays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiXqkU-MuQbqLGVflcoxLuQ3qSK5lna_8o5J276Gz6Gc9MFYsGqgISIgnsyF3W7xVCvnGj4MIELY5GG6ZoGnw58MQh8C_vhfg_LGJuON0B-S_moMZQjBwU4aZwTZeqVHI8gJVovnmxBQ/s1600/IMG_1119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiXqkU-MuQbqLGVflcoxLuQ3qSK5lna_8o5J276Gz6Gc9MFYsGqgISIgnsyF3W7xVCvnGj4MIELY5GG6ZoGnw58MQh8C_vhfg_LGJuON0B-S_moMZQjBwU4aZwTZeqVHI8gJVovnmxBQ/s1600/IMG_1119.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Homer - Alaska's Banana Belt</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbC0TweU7CL0Q96EJETBglKxYEGVUbnfiXLIpbEmRBjJNVLl4EN6m7q1O0Al3fc9Wrs-wLukgXOo29HxJQfW8u-HUL-_KuZijvbL9wPUs_lLmk134jLy7LG7WHZwa8uGMdMc0qfYTxIw/s1600/IMG_1129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbC0TweU7CL0Q96EJETBglKxYEGVUbnfiXLIpbEmRBjJNVLl4EN6m7q1O0Al3fc9Wrs-wLukgXOo29HxJQfW8u-HUL-_KuZijvbL9wPUs_lLmk134jLy7LG7WHZwa8uGMdMc0qfYTxIw/s1600/IMG_1129.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jousters from the Cycling Club</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2015, the Carnival took place on an unusually warm (45 degrees) gloomy day. There had been no snow for most of the winter and we were starting to call this the year that winter forgot. But bad weather can't stop Homerites! The show must go on, on go on it did. The parade started with a display of lights from the police and fire departments followed by the colors. Then the fun began. Anyone who wants to can join in the parade, so there are floats from nearly every club and community center in the town, not to mention a few businesses. There is an award for the most creative display and in Homer people can get very creative indeed. The children like it too, since most of the marcher toss candy to the crowd.</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_ALQgjQqBeXn7oQi4ormGeOCZhiqHVttNaVSJMOzPT7vFXksG0wbYR_nBAxMUrNl3XbLhFt9QAYwN_km8kw0rGo-vNfvLqQDqjwkxThHs0ufE7ukylLyo0asY-CAAoztCC9wW09krq8/s1600/IMG_1148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_ALQgjQqBeXn7oQi4ormGeOCZhiqHVttNaVSJMOzPT7vFXksG0wbYR_nBAxMUrNl3XbLhFt9QAYwN_km8kw0rGo-vNfvLqQDqjwkxThHs0ufE7ukylLyo0asY-CAAoztCC9wW09krq8/s1600/IMG_1148.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Homer the Halibut</span></td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Senior Musicians</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other activities for the <a href="http://www.homeralaska.org/sites/default/files/carnival%202015.pdf">Carnival</a>
include the “Mr. Homer” contest, outhouse races along Pioneer Avenue, a home
brew contest, and a 5K run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
many other events that vary year-to year during this four-day festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Winter Carnival usually includes Beluga
Lake Ice Racing, but in 2015, the winter was too warm and the ice wasn’t thick
enough for racing.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0Homer, AK, USA59.646494474047081 -151.5359687805175859.642482474047078 -151.54605378051758 59.650506474047084 -151.52588378051757tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-34326817025619411652015-02-24T08:06:00.000-08:002015-02-24T08:06:41.540-08:00Winter Experience - Ice on the Homer Spit<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjQdlAzhbQIRprh77KCXupDP5EdLKYHqenQ8-RQPkoEo1nF6FY8Tvjftfy_U4jq5we7q0g0A114NA7sIG_efZeTm-caUY2OymZRx9PpZkfYsbmkk7gBRdDUPE9yMvN2EdnU2c-NYETHA/s1600/Stranded+Sea+Ice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjQdlAzhbQIRprh77KCXupDP5EdLKYHqenQ8-RQPkoEo1nF6FY8Tvjftfy_U4jq5we7q0g0A114NA7sIG_efZeTm-caUY2OymZRx9PpZkfYsbmkk7gBRdDUPE9yMvN2EdnU2c-NYETHA/s1600/Stranded+Sea+Ice.jpg" height="162" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slabs of Ice on the East of Side of the Homer Spit</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every winter, when the temperatures drop below 20 degrees
for more than a couple of days, ice starts to form on and around the Spit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ice makes a fascinating</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and beautiful
spectacle that is worth a trip up the Spit to see.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfSeRG9rIyYaXqESuaRynUA8Pl_Mj8OBH_xB94d-jZK2p85xWMqAJnhdqdbrO06A3kzB1KL52QQ1hWNNoamt7zMB9447he5HbxYoAP-LxYRUBDvVDlRodZW7LPGYjmVFi2sLUezGv5Ho/s1600/_CAB1972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfSeRG9rIyYaXqESuaRynUA8Pl_Mj8OBH_xB94d-jZK2p85xWMqAJnhdqdbrO06A3kzB1KL52QQ1hWNNoamt7zMB9447he5HbxYoAP-LxYRUBDvVDlRodZW7LPGYjmVFi2sLUezGv5Ho/s1600/_CAB1972.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ice in the Fishing Hole</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Fishing Hole, the rising and falling tide pushes
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sun and glitter in the light.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ice in the Harbor</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the small boat harbor, sometimes the ice starts to form
around the docks and boats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The changing
tide breaks it into floating sheets of ice and slush that collect around the
hulls and pilings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the tide is high,
you can see sometimes see otters or seals fishing for clams, crabs, and other
sea life around the marina.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eagle on the Ice</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunrise Over the Ice</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps the most intriguing site is the ice that forms on
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tides push and pull the ice, breaking it into chunks and slabs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As each wave moves to the shore, the ice
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gulls can be found standing on the larger pieces, watching for dinner.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0Homer, AK, USA59.629921844082418 -151.487560272216859.621893844082415 -151.5077302722168 59.637949844082421 -151.46739027221679tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-47542165831148727852015-02-23T18:07:00.000-08:002016-08-09T09:47:00.936-07:00Experience - Homer Farmer's Market<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtu6eZJVF4Uh4htUka2G3P3qiwTuZfxlNlzTQwm-yOM-NKKqPdW2xVFGYk_7uWpA81sYfG_B6re8UYd8uQYD7hcEVpznBhvrgVP9PF0dK-SC2Aw78B97rPeNa0cU0jsJoTbzo2Hbzuws/s1600/_DSC7178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtu6eZJVF4Uh4htUka2G3P3qiwTuZfxlNlzTQwm-yOM-NKKqPdW2xVFGYk_7uWpA81sYfG_B6re8UYd8uQYD7hcEVpznBhvrgVP9PF0dK-SC2Aw78B97rPeNa0cU0jsJoTbzo2Hbzuws/s320/_DSC7178.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Alaskan Grown Veggies</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixI4LwqEHvxNztGctbtu8xKm7EEcbWOACAmqKC8xnsSAx605jthnUp8DLT4BH6hbVn5rw1hfXtXoiuHItD4BU3JntWSreG8notrsB7jNHonJUO0Y2kbvcapm5A4jTC8YI0s4-H8GzmRBA/s1600/_DSC7209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixI4LwqEHvxNztGctbtu8xKm7EEcbWOACAmqKC8xnsSAx605jthnUp8DLT4BH6hbVn5rw1hfXtXoiuHItD4BU3JntWSreG8notrsB7jNHonJUO0Y2kbvcapm5A4jTC8YI0s4-H8GzmRBA/s1600/_DSC7209.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dahlias and Bells of Ireland</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don’t miss the <a href="http://www.homerfarmersmarket.org/">Homer
Farmer’s Market</a>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can find
everything from fresh produce and fabulous flowers to </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lunch and music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In an era when farmer’s markets are failing, its
wonderful to see a farmer’s market that is still going strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, the Homer Farmer’s Market is a
true farmer’s market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A minimum of 70%
of the stalls must sell food – produce, flowers, fresh catch, or homemade
cooking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The remaining stalls sell art
and crafted goods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus there are always
musicians playing in a special tent.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Organic Eggs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Market opens in the last week of May, 24 May for 2015,
and closes the first week in October.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is open on Saturdays from 10-3 and Wednesdays from 3-6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many vendors are there for every market, but
some vendors come and go throughout the season; every day is different at the
market.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beets</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The produce is all grown locally and what is available
depends on the time of the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can find lettuce, radishes, spinach, kale, potatoes, herbs, berries, and much,
much more; sometimes the mushroom vendor is out there as.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flowers are also grown locally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peonies are the most popular, but you can
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and lunch foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there are the
crafters; you can find handcrafted jewelry, pottery, cards, bags, and a wide
variety of other products.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-7xiW86jC02UmwiPrMKkPNjmDjwP99790o8UBYhprPbzMkQ7wtwmFt-24LYeDZQp9byGHZ5hDButAjq0SvD-M2yj6FGiCo2BdEUq-t4StyT0QJn19EDXDAF3pxxkmox_16aAQ83pbBg/s1600/_DSC7191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-7xiW86jC02UmwiPrMKkPNjmDjwP99790o8UBYhprPbzMkQ7wtwmFt-24LYeDZQp9byGHZ5hDButAjq0SvD-M2yj6FGiCo2BdEUq-t4StyT0QJn19EDXDAF3pxxkmox_16aAQ83pbBg/s1600/_DSC7191.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oysters</span></td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3i61Ho5sgwPSkeTwph4suvwN_kM06_1O-aXdbMcmuA8DvkQqwKh9tZ3ss7P8s1fn5GfyK8B2UXGCAOZqQUPUJ8NYZBkbW8T_hLP7zSLsfYJlmp865vqimDUt2GxcZX1HbSGJryDILnw/s1600/_DSC7211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3i61Ho5sgwPSkeTwph4suvwN_kM06_1O-aXdbMcmuA8DvkQqwKh9tZ3ss7P8s1fn5GfyK8B2UXGCAOZqQUPUJ8NYZBkbW8T_hLP7zSLsfYJlmp865vqimDUt2GxcZX1HbSGJryDILnw/s1600/_DSC7211.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lettuce</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Homer Farmer’s Market is very popular and can get crowded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there is a decent sized parking lot,
it fills fast, especially on Saturdays, so it helps to get there early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is limited parking outside the lot as
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street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good news it that there is a
<a href="http://www.homertrolley.com/">trolley</a> that runs all summer
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a reasonable price you can
park at the <a href="http://www.homeralaska.org/">Homer Chamber of Commerce</a>
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to the Spit and the other areas of interest around Homer.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Peonies</span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0Homer, AK, USA59.63812241412726 -151.5131378173828159.636115914127259 -151.51818031738281 59.64012891412726 -151.50809531738281tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-86617931349425501462014-08-04T10:59:00.000-07:002016-08-09T09:42:07.540-07:00Experience - Flowers of Alaska<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujBzXVfzc2_mSAGOx2zWAW5VcN0nQW891wp27U6kTyAn0Z6djOW4EQMEySEyrSyNOloLbnITAcQoegb7nBOF0BvMmW25SqmOoP-eAqPw6Yrc1FhXiOMkJvNkayRFb-KX_UZX1c2cxkxA/s1600/_CAB0563-406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujBzXVfzc2_mSAGOx2zWAW5VcN0nQW891wp27U6kTyAn0Z6djOW4EQMEySEyrSyNOloLbnITAcQoegb7nBOF0BvMmW25SqmOoP-eAqPw6Yrc1FhXiOMkJvNkayRFb-KX_UZX1c2cxkxA/s400/_CAB0563-406.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fields of Fireweed</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">A</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">s we wander into the Alaskan wilderness (or even just around our back yard) we see flowers everywhere. Many are small and hard to spot. This post is a collection of photos of the wildflowers we have found</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">; it will continue to grow through the seasons as we hike more locations and spot more flowers. Knowing more about the flowers and plants you see as you walk can make a great hike even better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've decided to follow the approach used by the authors of flower books and organize these pictures by color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>White</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Northern Bedstraw</i> (Galium boreale)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We found this flower on the lower Homestead Trail in the meadow near the head of the trail. It likes woodlands and meadows. We saw this flower in early July.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Northern Yarrow</i> (Achillea borealis)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This flower is common across Alaska. They bloom in multiple clusters on a single plant are are around 2 ft tall. This batch was in my backyard in Homer. They bloom in July/August. This picture was taken in early August, but they had been blooming for at least two weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Alaskan Spiraea</i> (Spirea Beauverdiana)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also called Beauverd's Spiraea. This flower blooms on a low bush that is found in woodland areas and slopes. This batch was found on the lower Homestead Trail on the side of a hill in late June. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Starflower</i> (Trientalis europea arctica)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This flower is small and low to the ground. It blooms in woodlands and slopes and is a early bloomer. This picture was taken in late June, but the flowers were blooming for almost 3 weeks by the time this picture was taken.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Mountain Avens</i> (Dryas octopetala)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is an early blooming flower found on tundra and high mountain slopes. This one was found on the glacial moraine near Grewingk Glacier in early June.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Elderberry</i> (Sambucus racemosa)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This plant has clusters of white flowers in June that turn into bright red berries in late June to August. This picture was taken in early August as the berries in my yard are starting to peak. The skin and seeds of these berries are poisonous (they contain an arsenic compound).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Alaska Cotton</i> (Eriophorum scheuchzeri)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This flower grows in wet areas. It is particularly common in ditches. The flowers are about 1 ft tall. They bloom in Jun and July. This photo was taken in a ditch off East End Rd in Homer in early July.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Clover</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is an ubiquitous non-native weed found in yards across North America. This picture was taken in early July.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Pushki</i> (Heacleum lanatum)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrj53yI1M1nAEkR9XzXd9-VTFJdANUnXTQoC8eu7mJHgAep1-j0LbRRuTPOOQKao4FaNongZL0FTfCZgFYptPvtqVtCyiJe5mXvD5lEkQMRlP1l4psUu6rb7j6eJGY1GU8s3xJj4sFkP4/s1600/_DSC6737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrj53yI1M1nAEkR9XzXd9-VTFJdANUnXTQoC8eu7mJHgAep1-j0LbRRuTPOOQKao4FaNongZL0FTfCZgFYptPvtqVtCyiJe5mXvD5lEkQMRlP1l4psUu6rb7j6eJGY1GU8s3xJj4sFkP4/s1600/_DSC6737.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also called Cow Parsnip and Moose Lettuce, this plant grows in moist fields, meadows, and woodlands across Alaska. The plant is large with large leaves. It is also a hazard to bare skin. The juices from the plant can cause chemical burn and blisters when exposed to sunlight. Do not burn this plant and wear long sleeves and pants if you plan to cut it. The flowers are large and attractive and are in bloom from July to August. When the flower is done, the plant starts to die.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Watermelon Berry</i> (Streptopus amplexifolius)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This plant grows in moist woods and meadows. This one was found on the Skilak Overlook Trail in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, but they are common on most trails. The flowers turn to small red berries in late summer. The berries are edible, but bland and not really worth the effort of harvesting.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9LbQggccMbgWO3AIl1-FAc-3aIL9asf0XeXgbvLim_0KIrrKCdgZ1vVRrT7u0gBL0V7hOXKbA4KBfkOPMmEiafZENV9AnykXcHaesCtwty5tRt3e5ji7VFNtN0GOeJ-pzHsQGQpClRU/s1600/_DSC4776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9LbQggccMbgWO3AIl1-FAc-3aIL9asf0XeXgbvLim_0KIrrKCdgZ1vVRrT7u0gBL0V7hOXKbA4KBfkOPMmEiafZENV9AnykXcHaesCtwty5tRt3e5ji7VFNtN0GOeJ-pzHsQGQpClRU/s1600/_DSC4776.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRyqAFUBJac9TddEEeNvBcT7sM6s1QKmqolZMI2sKXIGlkChnLvEUlxGqtsokyvGZ92kUuSKl8qtjNJQI7_yavPWaT9q7AwhaaSZjdNdiLRSiYseMMa9sQSjGgVIsRzmxfpJcWSN9JG0/s1600/_DSC4750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRyqAFUBJac9TddEEeNvBcT7sM6s1QKmqolZMI2sKXIGlkChnLvEUlxGqtsokyvGZ92kUuSKl8qtjNJQI7_yavPWaT9q7AwhaaSZjdNdiLRSiYseMMa9sQSjGgVIsRzmxfpJcWSN9JG0/s1600/_DSC4750.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Dwarf Dogwood</i> (Cornus canadensis)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also called Bunchberry and Canadian Dwarf Cornel, these common flowers bloom in woods, tundra, and low alpine areas from June to July. These were photographed on the Winner Creek Trail and the Skilak Overlook Trail.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Shy Maiden</i> (Moneses uniflora)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This flow is small and hard to spot. It grows in woods throughout much of Alaska. They bloom from June to July. These were found on the side of the Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood in late June.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Currently Identified</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Found on the side of the Winner Creek Trail in Girdwood in late June. Plant appears to like wet, woodland areas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Yellow</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7RP1IXAz49tH5UO39eqCcXD0Y6_wnXmy_d_KubYL9MMg9dTphHSF3ehys9-5ltVcFRcpbqOXAI2IFj9-I969W48vB8XrybIw2wgvSAjZuXL3F6g6NdwvtFoRdzzTJf6P9z9gdGVHRTU/s1600/IMG_0979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7RP1IXAz49tH5UO39eqCcXD0Y6_wnXmy_d_KubYL9MMg9dTphHSF3ehys9-5ltVcFRcpbqOXAI2IFj9-I969W48vB8XrybIw2wgvSAjZuXL3F6g6NdwvtFoRdzzTJf6P9z9gdGVHRTU/s1600/IMG_0979.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Yellow Willow-herb</i> (Epilobium luteum)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This plant likes to bloom in wet alpine areas. This plant was found on the side of the Portage Glacier Trail in a wet area below an alpine lake in late July. The bush was about 1.5 ft high with a 3 ft spread.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Coastal Paintbrush</i> (Castelleja unalaschensis)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A variety of Indian Paintbrush found in woods and sub-alpint meadows. This one was found on a nordic ski trail off Ohlson Mountain Rd, but they are very common from July through August. The flower is about 1.5 ft tall.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Elegant Goldenrod </i>(Solidago lepida)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This flower blooms in meadows, fields, and open woodlands across Alaska. This one was found in my backyard in Homer. This picture was taken in early August, the flowers had been blooming for about 1 week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Norwegian Cinqefoil (Potentilla norvegica)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The flower blooms in meadows and woods. They are common on the sides of trails. This one was photographed on the Winner Creek Trail behind the Alyeska Lodge in mid June.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Mountain Buttercup</i> (Ranunculus Eschscholtzii)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This flower blooms in meadows along creeks. This picture was taken on the Winner Creek Trail behind Alyeska Lodge in late June. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Pink/Red</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJLENaAaZHCndo0T8bYmgImJO6_bHoi6Md4vXD0YWDmbozzaNe3b3AF6_7kz6WA9sJrLwoGOZa6Kz931raOyqfh9Fp9W_DdHAGv45dJpljj82VfRmAHl3iGFwkUISYJedRbO4t3gdKe4/s1600/Arctic+Wintergreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJLENaAaZHCndo0T8bYmgImJO6_bHoi6Md4vXD0YWDmbozzaNe3b3AF6_7kz6WA9sJrLwoGOZa6Kz931raOyqfh9Fp9W_DdHAGv45dJpljj82VfRmAHl3iGFwkUISYJedRbO4t3gdKe4/s1600/Arctic+Wintergreen.jpg" width="45" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Arctic Wintergreen</i> (Pyrola asarifloria)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also called Pink Pyrola. We found this flower on the side of Rucksack Rd in Homer as we walked to the head of the lower Homestead Trail. The flower is small on a stalk less than a foot long. It likes wet woodlands and meadows. We saw this flower in early July.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_VMDXEyn-Fj1LnKzNmJUA97XghP4qXq5Xql8hurA3c73t8kqIJZfI2NmY44qQQXUCCl1vwi_e5wE6Scb1VfM3YETw8i1QloNhj3gaBc5S3Iw1LlaOCdZS_nyxnbhQgaaAqkzkRUXSNI/s1600/_DSC4458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_VMDXEyn-Fj1LnKzNmJUA97XghP4qXq5Xql8hurA3c73t8kqIJZfI2NmY44qQQXUCCl1vwi_e5wE6Scb1VfM3YETw8i1QloNhj3gaBc5S3Iw1LlaOCdZS_nyxnbhQgaaAqkzkRUXSNI/s1600/_DSC4458.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSx7wJsePoF3aGF5EjWgm087yKxdxhKLffcCZptMpLaTOADGaIrWCKOuA1PgzVczmfy746gPimgwigf4M5BCmLrZ3xaMQj6QFgtfQ4c04bga9NCM1ZLjhITEPolNZWXH1PCd5T2ZwKgQ/s1600/_DSC7120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSx7wJsePoF3aGF5EjWgm087yKxdxhKLffcCZptMpLaTOADGaIrWCKOuA1PgzVczmfy746gPimgwigf4M5BCmLrZ3xaMQj6QFgtfQ4c04bga9NCM1ZLjhITEPolNZWXH1PCd5T2ZwKgQ/s1600/_DSC7120.jpg" width="92" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Fireweed</i> (Epilobium angustifolium)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This flower can be found all over. It blooms in meadows and the fringes of woodlands, often in large areas. The flower is very tall; often as tall as 5-6 ft. Our favorite locations to see it are on the upper and lower Homestead Trail, Watermelon Trail, and to either side of Ohlson Mountain Rd. It usually blooms in mid- to late-August, but in warm years and bloom as much as three weeks early.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Dwarf Fireweed</i> (Epilobium latifolium)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also called River Beauty this species of Fireweed blooms along the sides of streams and on scree slopes. This batch was photographed on the side of a creek feeding Portage Glacier Lake in late July.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Coastal Fleabane</i> (Erigeron peregrinus)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This daisy-like flower is a member of the aster family. It blooms in late summer in alpine and sub-alpine meadows. This one was found near the high point on the Portage Glacier Trail that starts in Whittier in late July.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9S4pFmSxdNAfBcxF2METpY_ahNE1aCwQGHJnTB0l5wYCCbTDk2vpl8dPt3gsbPQ2ozu-NtPYy0wqElHq7zTWfOerm7xG67GJbI63NSB7GwaoPGdXz7yPdYtwClnpWcMLdgtAthGd527M/s1600/_DSC6687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9S4pFmSxdNAfBcxF2METpY_ahNE1aCwQGHJnTB0l5wYCCbTDk2vpl8dPt3gsbPQ2ozu-NtPYy0wqElHq7zTWfOerm7xG67GJbI63NSB7GwaoPGdXz7yPdYtwClnpWcMLdgtAthGd527M/s1600/_DSC6687.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Hawkweed</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a non-native flower considered invasive. This picture was taken in early July.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzbgMw2oXi92CGAOoz1YgP2iVlKp0qI633k-T-JpfbCXCYa4i4dgnOOqOpt0PWDG6aVn5rEK8zS4Li0xq3BdIrsP_Gi6wwlRadVGvnBy-uOvp54pin07fwtKOHl5juol3lblRraFCL3M/s1600/_DSC4789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzbgMw2oXi92CGAOoz1YgP2iVlKp0qI633k-T-JpfbCXCYa4i4dgnOOqOpt0PWDG6aVn5rEK8zS4Li0xq3BdIrsP_Gi6wwlRadVGvnBy-uOvp54pin07fwtKOHl5juol3lblRraFCL3M/s1600/_DSC4789.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Salmonberry</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This plant has large bright pink flower that turns into an edible fruit in late July / August. These were photographed on the side of the Portage Glacier Trail in late July. The berries were mostly not yet ripe (ripe is a rich red), but a few were ready. The berries are similar in appearance and flavor to raspberries, but larger and a bit sweeter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Low-Bush Cranberry</i> (Vaccinium vitis idaea)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also called Lingonberry and Mountain Cranberry, these tiny bushes grow in hummocks in bogs, woods, and alpine slopes. They bloom from June to July and the berries ripen in autumn.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyl9xsPtzjFdL9TT5dfQPWBBCRt5TKgtOrTUABtM2d5Z8dk8r3rYKoXg-5W3D8qMnzVLtG8-5NZI4R_pITHX9lb75bhUfl3x14jvQOu_HSejnpp0wRSE7u7-TfDMFD13xFxXcLG4gnP78/s1600/_DSC4780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyl9xsPtzjFdL9TT5dfQPWBBCRt5TKgtOrTUABtM2d5Z8dk8r3rYKoXg-5W3D8qMnzVLtG8-5NZI4R_pITHX9lb75bhUfl3x14jvQOu_HSejnpp0wRSE7u7-TfDMFD13xFxXcLG4gnP78/s1600/_DSC4780.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Prickly Rose</i> (Rosa acicularis)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The roses grow in open woods, clearings and meadows. They are among the first to grow after a fire or when trees are cleared from an area. They bloom from June to early July. These were photographed on the Skilak Overlook Trail in early June.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Blue / Purple</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXE9eLdKzdZFs-huJR2o3MPtHgakvivcmXSPeUXIYDyCCwxYVe4s5Z8zv9O6gxyshS0iOGsYXFQmkpOU-AuQtoZYQU-9EQvAS5IELluy5OycRammrYF9-cfCA5QuR6WBlSsW_z_ugwFU/s1600/_DSC6747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXE9eLdKzdZFs-huJR2o3MPtHgakvivcmXSPeUXIYDyCCwxYVe4s5Z8zv9O6gxyshS0iOGsYXFQmkpOU-AuQtoZYQU-9EQvAS5IELluy5OycRammrYF9-cfCA5QuR6WBlSsW_z_ugwFU/s1600/_DSC6747.jpg" width="62" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Monkshood</i> (Aconitum delphinifolium)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Monkshood is common across Alaska; we found this one at a pull off next to East Skyline Rd. It can be found in meadows and woodlands. It blooms at about the same time as the Fireweed, late August, although it can bloom early in a warm year. We saw this flower in early August in 2014 (a very warm summer). This plant is poisonous.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6Sd_CqbC7Mg7O5FhpAuPOp3R9tF4VtUM9JwkR3y74t63VYJiB5AwjYxNhIFlII-P9Uj3cna_XF2wshr0ai3ffFPGnyODdBs4sIgCaYgJ5iYnoEY8_eVO23DgnRZAC4GjRclbfj97XWY/s1600/_DSC6990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6Sd_CqbC7Mg7O5FhpAuPOp3R9tF4VtUM9JwkR3y74t63VYJiB5AwjYxNhIFlII-P9Uj3cna_XF2wshr0ai3ffFPGnyODdBs4sIgCaYgJ5iYnoEY8_eVO23DgnRZAC4GjRclbfj97XWY/s1600/_DSC6990.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Larkspur</i> (Delphinium glaucum)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This flower can be found in moist meadows and woodlands. This one was found on a pullout on East Skyline Rd in Homer. They bloom from July through August; this one was found in late July. This plant is poisonous.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Wild Geranium</i> (Geranium erianthum)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This flower is common in woodlands, meadows, and alpine areas. It blooms in late Jun through August. These were found in early July on the side of the Watermelon Trail, but they are everywhere in the Homer area.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2i-ckvKH6PYusZMG84BRzhvvzTs1eM6LZucwtmoENN_nBDlGgiuQt7sq7rMG6nN-oEBFdMFkzEYWQxo9RPctfaaIHR9s7cjI90WmrcsyBG9ZZIB988z8oXMcVxVqlO0P2gVmRj83J9k/s1600/Lupines+on+Kachemak+Bay+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2i-ckvKH6PYusZMG84BRzhvvzTs1eM6LZucwtmoENN_nBDlGgiuQt7sq7rMG6nN-oEBFdMFkzEYWQxo9RPctfaaIHR9s7cjI90WmrcsyBG9ZZIB988z8oXMcVxVqlO0P2gVmRj83J9k/s1600/Lupines+on+Kachemak+Bay+8.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Lupine</i> (Lupinus nootkatensis)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lupines bloom in June and early July. They like dry slopes, fields, and roadsides. This particular variety is a Nootka Lupine. It was photographed on the Spit in Homer in mid June.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBueUQYhqiRTGWZRMJito4GGcnYOnVvEEVDVhrvg3zPjMUDRodqBEG1Kb2qY2XYf5Gu_LYhLreQHJz_rshiZVpnCfX-hka5-dF1AibwU31f0TjeYnx25NXSaAlcv8cuJS0fEb-FiJdRco/s1600/Beach+Peas+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBueUQYhqiRTGWZRMJito4GGcnYOnVvEEVDVhrvg3zPjMUDRodqBEG1Kb2qY2XYf5Gu_LYhLreQHJz_rshiZVpnCfX-hka5-dF1AibwU31f0TjeYnx25NXSaAlcv8cuJS0fEb-FiJdRco/s1600/Beach+Peas+1.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Beach Pea</i> (Lathyrus maritimus)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This flower blooms on beaches, sandy berms, and roadsides from late May to late June. This one was found on the Spit in Homer in mid June.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Bluebells</i> (Mertensia paniculata)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The pretty flowers bloom in woods and meadows. Although not rare, these flower are less common than many others in this post. These were found on the Skilak Overlook Trail in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in early June.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Beautiful Jacob's Ladder</i> (Polemonium pulcherriumum)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This plant likes to grow in dry rock areas, fields and roadsides. This flower was found on the glacial moraine in front of the Grewingk Glacier in early June.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzbgMw2oXi92CGAOoz1YgP2iVlKp0qI633k-T-JpfbCXCYa4i4dgnOOqOpt0PWDG6aVn5rEK8zS4Li0xq3BdIrsP_Gi6wwlRadVGvnBy-uOvp54pin07fwtKOHl5juol3lblRraFCL3M/s1600/_DSC4789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzbgMw2oXi92CGAOoz1YgP2iVlKp0qI633k-T-JpfbCXCYa4i4dgnOOqOpt0PWDG6aVn5rEK8zS4Li0xq3BdIrsP_Gi6wwlRadVGvnBy-uOvp54pin07fwtKOHl5juol3lblRraFCL3M/s1600/_DSC4789.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Nangoonberry</i> (Rubus arcticus)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nangoonberries like stream banks, moist fields, lake margins, tundra, and alpine slopes. They flower from June through July. The flowers become raspberry-like berries in August. The berries are edible and very tasty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Alaskan Violet</i> (Viola Langsdorfii)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This plant grows in alpine meadows and along streams in the coastal areas. This flower was photographed on the Winner Creek Trail in late June.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Other Colors</u></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_0pD9ML2QKPsX3La9fB-irksfJ-ehFESDNTTONUb6XYsqcS29DyTSt7b-egJtG9DXCJ7FxXr_4G-BDozCaGa53W5579Y-U9f0FJMH78lZE1MG4jEN6chJOrmBAnd4kLfr2J74BJbML0/s1600/_DSC4218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_0pD9ML2QKPsX3La9fB-irksfJ-ehFESDNTTONUb6XYsqcS29DyTSt7b-egJtG9DXCJ7FxXr_4G-BDozCaGa53W5579Y-U9f0FJMH78lZE1MG4jEN6chJOrmBAnd4kLfr2J74BJbML0/s1600/_DSC4218.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cUhkMhahWWc0vcFO0lU_FloBW6NtvGPhV-wODpaMToC_pDY9YnBUN2LLqCL-cZR4f8eHCE0E_DLjU7nQ9obUkeocUdPdJFLao4ugMxHqQWTVdzcqnlI5j2ZxmHYnrXxV8LjEqT2tjII/s1600/_DSC7131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cUhkMhahWWc0vcFO0lU_FloBW6NtvGPhV-wODpaMToC_pDY9YnBUN2LLqCL-cZR4f8eHCE0E_DLjU7nQ9obUkeocUdPdJFLao4ugMxHqQWTVdzcqnlI5j2ZxmHYnrXxV8LjEqT2tjII/s1600/_DSC7131.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>False Helebore</i> (Vreatrum viride)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a tall plant (up to 5 ft tall) that grows in meadows. When I first saw the plant I thought it resembled a Hawaiian Ginger. The flowers bloom from June to August. This picture was taken in late July. This plant is poisonous.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Chocolate Lily</i> (Fritillaria camschatcensis)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This flower blooms from mid-June to mid-July in damp areas, woodlands, and meadows. It is usually tucked into shady areas on the fringes of heavy growth. This picture was taken at the Wynn Center in Homer in late June.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-15672542627749075912014-07-12T10:41:00.001-07:002014-07-12T10:41:51.028-07:00Adventure - Grandview Tour on the Alaska Railroad.<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glacier View from the Grandview Tour</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Difficulty: Easy Time: Half-day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carol's parents visited us in Alaska in June. Her father can't really walk much anymore so we went looking for cool activities that don't require much walking. Not surprisingly, there aren't that many in Alaska, but we found a winner in the <a href="http://www.alaskarailroad.com/Destinations/Grandview/tabid/292/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Grandview Tour</a> on the Alaska Railroad. The Grandview Tour is pure sightseeing into area of Alaska that cannot be reached in any way other than by train.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a fun trip, even for those who have no trouble</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> hiking, biking, etc. The rail line cuts through some beautiful scenery and you don't have to work to see it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Start the tour at the Portage whistle stop. If you start anywhere else the trip takes far longer and is mostly through areas that can be seen in other ways. As an example, if you leave from Girdwood instead of Portage (the stops are less than 30 minutes apart) you add more than 3 hours to the round trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This tour is suitable for all ages and most fitness levels. You do need to climb stair to get onto the train and up to the viewing level.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buy your tickets through the <a href="http://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel/Destinations/tabid/129/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Alaska Railroad</a>. The Portage whistle stop is located on the side of Seward Hwy just north of the Portage turnoff. It is the stretch of rail next to the red building labeled Kenai Peninsula Visitor Center.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We arrived at the whistle stop 30 minutes early (much too early) and there were already a lot of other people there. Our tickets gave us an assigned table on the upper deck, so there was no need to rush for good seats. Most of the people there were actually going to the <a href="http://www.alaskarailroad.com/Destinations/SpencerGlacier/tabid/137/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Spencer Glacier stop</a>. Some were going on the USFS guided tour to the glacier and others were going on a rafting trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just before the train arrived a bus load of Russian speaking tourists arrived. They were going with us on the Grandview tour. When the train arrived, the conductors started to call out names of people with reserved tickets. The Russian tourist's tour guide moved up to talk to one of the conductors so he could arrange for his whole party. Unfortunately for us, he forgot to tell his tour group and, since they didn't speak english and didn't know what was going on, they all crowded the entrance and all tried to get on. It took several minutes to resolve the issue and get boarding to proceed smoothly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We boarded and went up to our table on the top level of one of the railroad's two level viewing cars. The table was a decent size for four and had a great view out both sides of the train. it turns out we got lucky and were seated near the stairs where the trip narrator stood to tell us what we were seeing out the window.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first leg of the trip runs through the marshes of Turnagain Arm. It parallels Seward Hwy, but gives views at an angle you can't get from the road. The narrator told us you could often see moose in the area and eagles nesting in the trees right next to the railroad. When we were there neither was present, but we did see the eagles' nests.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point we were hungry, since we hadn't gotten lunch before we left (we hiked the Winner Creek Trail instead), so Chris went down to the food counter and bought us lunch. The food was decent, but not amazing, and the counter was well stocked with snacks and drinks. There was also a restroom on the lower level.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spencer Glacier whistle stop</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Turnagain Arm we headed into the Chugach Mountains. The train stopped at the Spencer Glacier whistle stop to let the USFS Ranger led tour and the rafters off. Spencer Glacier can only be reached by rail. There is no road.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once they were off, the train moved on further into the mountains. We got beautiful views of Spencer Glacier. The glacier lake is packed with ice calved off the glacier. One look and we decided we would definitely be going there ourselves. A quick view was all we got, however, as the Russian tourists all piled out of their seats and crowded the stairwells to take photos which blocked our view completely; maybe our table wasn't as well situated as I thought... We asked the narrator is the train was normally like this and she said it was very rare for it to be that full.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The train proceeded deep into the mountains through three tunnels high over glacier valleys. We saw waterfalls, beaver, glaciers, and a great deal of amazing scenery. After an hour or so the tourists settle down and we got our full view back. My only disappointment up to this point was that the windows, though large and very good for viewing, were tinted and no conducive to photography. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stopped at the Grandview whistle stop to let people off if they wanted to, and the train went of for another 15 minutes or so, then reversed direction and headed back. This time, when we stopped at Grandview we were given 20 minutes to get out and walk.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bonsai spruce</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Grandview whiste stop is beautiful. The scenery is great and they have built beautiful covered shelters at the stop for people to wait. They have also put in a nice trail that you can walk comfortably during the 20-minute stop. The trail switches back to take you to a viewing platform overlooking the stop. The walk is lovely past swampy areas, wildflowers, and through a bonsai spruce forest. The spruce forest was my favorite; it made me feel like I was in a Japanese garden. The narrator told us the railroad is planning to add more stops after Grandview and connect them all with hiking trails. I hope they do. It would be great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eventually they blew the whistle to call us back and we all boarded again. This is the point when I discover the solution to the windows. There is an area between the two passenger cars, where one links to the other, that has to windows without glass. I spent much of my time down there taking pictures on the return trip. There were about 4 of us who took turns leaning out and taking pictures. So, I got to take all the pictures I missed on the way out.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Old railroad bridge</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The way back was, obviously, the reverse of the way in. We stopped at Spencer Glacier to pick up the glacier tour group. Then we stopped again in the Turnagain Arm to pick up the rafters. This is not a regular stop, but a special one just for that tour group. Unfortunately, on this day the group was running very late. They were supposed to be at the stop with the rafts deflated and ready to load. Instead we spent about 20 minutes waiting for all 5 boat loads to arrive and get on. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From there it was a short ride back to the Portage whistle stop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a good tour for anyone and a great trip for those with limited mobility. The narration was excellent and the sights we fabulous. Our only complaints were with other passengers; we were very pleased with the service and courtesy of the railroad staff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note: you might notice that there are no pictures of the train. We took several, but Chris was worried about publication issues so he contacted the railroad to find out if we could use them in this blog or sell them as part of our photography business. They said we sell the pictures if we paid the railroad $300. Since we are still breaking into the photography business and this blog brings in pennies at best, we chose not to include any pictures of their trains.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-565019081166839262014-07-11T15:57:00.000-07:002014-07-11T15:57:55.693-07:00Hiking - Watermelon Trail (the 1.5 hr version)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeping vistas from Watermelon Trail</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Distance: 14.3 miles (one way) Difficulty: Easy-Moderate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/misc/orv/traildescrip.pdf" target="_blank">Watermelon trail</a> was recommended to us by some friends. So on a beautiful day in early July we decided to try out the trail. Watermelon trail is really an ATV trail (which is why it's so long), but we were the only ones on the trail the day we hiked it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This trail has some great views. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">This hike will probably be amazing</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> when the fireweed blooms since it is everywhere. <span style="font-family: Arial;">Since it is an ATV trail the route is pretty chewed up and deep in spots, but the good news is that the ATVs keep the trail wide. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sweat resistant mosquito repellent is a must. The bugs were out in force.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If the temperature is acceptable before you start, a jacket is probably not necessary. You will produce enough heat on the trail to keep you warm. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Suitability</span></b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This trail is suitable for adults and children, but can be rough in spots.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Trailhead</span></b><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Watermelon trail is just off Ohlson Mountain Rd. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">3.1 miles after you turn onto Ohlson Mountain Rd, look for a sign on the right for SNOMADS Parking. Turn at the sign and drive to a very rough parking area for the trail. This area is in bad shape so you might want to make sure you have a car with a high undercarriage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Hike</span></b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Within minutes, the trail through the alder gives way to
sweeping views of the glacier filled mountains of the Kenai range to the east
and the Iliamna and Redoubt volcanoes to the west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail at the beginning has a gentle
downhill slope and it stayed that way for the 45 minutes that we spent on the trail. There are occasional steep spots, but mostly the elevation is gentle. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWNmMf8a1JGBzZbwIC61v1Sn2wcix3ry1VQ5hpecT3wLFzXsv0t3rUQUEn_HfyvGuoXhHn7Kv90uQZjXIDWVtkqQkBuTwLaFotunXgCEaQj1Mhn8tIfdco0xzgjpB9tcrtgsSg-BkK48/s1600/IMG_0325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWNmMf8a1JGBzZbwIC61v1Sn2wcix3ry1VQ5hpecT3wLFzXsv0t3rUQUEn_HfyvGuoXhHn7Kv90uQZjXIDWVtkqQkBuTwLaFotunXgCEaQj1Mhn8tIfdco0xzgjpB9tcrtgsSg-BkK48/s1600/IMG_0325.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watermelon Trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is an ATV trail used in all seasons. The day we hiked this trail it was sunny and the trail was dry. However, it had clearly been used in the muddy season and there were places were the tracks were so deep the ATVs had high centered. As a result it was necessary to spend a fair part of the hike watching your footing. Having said that, the going wasn't that hard and views were very much worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our hike as about a mile and half down the 14.3 mile trail
and we’re looking forward to pushing farther along it in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We think this trail is either a morning or late afternoon
trail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The views to the east need the
sun in the west and the views to the west need the sun in east.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise the sunlight is reflected off
moisture in the air and everything gets washed out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFFZa9CDTti8tCdC60zT6AqcS7tIclD3kxndmCfz5HIPmQyJhzXWDUv7_MzjFcqgwW29u8Z-jH1z7y6gZH27EgrWKSKC_PiOEv3HP-OAgmmDTxEdGyHJLQvc8PZkrkhcNeP1-0Epa_Uw/s1600/IMG_0949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFFZa9CDTti8tCdC60zT6AqcS7tIclD3kxndmCfz5HIPmQyJhzXWDUv7_MzjFcqgwW29u8Z-jH1z7y6gZH27EgrWKSKC_PiOEv3HP-OAgmmDTxEdGyHJLQvc8PZkrkhcNeP1-0Epa_Uw/s1600/IMG_0949.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watermelon Berry and Lupine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you progress along the trail, you cut through alder and
spruce thickets and then follow their edges looking across Alaskan meadows
filled with fireweed, lupine, and grasses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the woods, we found moss and wild geraniums and peek a view of the
distance across secluded meadows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again, the only wildlife we saw was birds; with
robins being the biggest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we
did see plenty of signs of moose and horse (the shoed variety).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we did see bear scat, which is why Chris carries bear spray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The lower we go the more shade we picked up, which was a
mixed blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one hand, we really
need the cooling as it was an extremely hot day at 70 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were hiking in shorts and t-shirts and wondered
if anyone would have notice if we ditched those.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the Watermelon trail isn’t normal
thought of as a hiking trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ATVs
and the snow machines rule on this trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And we were grateful to the SNOMADS and the ATVs for
breaking a trail that was four feet wide for the entire length.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the widest trail we’ve seen in
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnxga7oRGgquuERuwUchNvtonQKnaqa2xFkq1T8droYIiWTNPiKLiKnHJQkXW67LV8_EhUZpGtKJNwuhgPrO6HjxmfuhOyjCA1a46Lou-5kI7T6OyC3gewvAIFWttjYqMEhD61qLjCRg/s1600/IMG_0324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnxga7oRGgquuERuwUchNvtonQKnaqa2xFkq1T8droYIiWTNPiKLiKnHJQkXW67LV8_EhUZpGtKJNwuhgPrO6HjxmfuhOyjCA1a46Lou-5kI7T6OyC3gewvAIFWttjYqMEhD61qLjCRg/s1600/IMG_0324.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View down the power lines</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We made it as far as where some high-tension power lines cut the trail.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The view to the east along them is specular. In the end, it was the</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> mosquitos that drove us home. We practically bathed in bug repellent before we left, but after about 45 minutes on the trail the repellent failed (and that was sweat resistant bug repellent). Next time, we’re carrying a can of bug spray
with us so we can reapply it. We wanted to go another two hours out or to the first stream we
encountered. We think it was about
another two miles down the trail from where we turned around. </span></span><!--EndFragment--><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxJigesuC3Rb9KOWJNEJOrX5Gcm-nZbX7Pl9tmwXLicbVm-L6RP55_Ps0GROqbrCKM21bddqOQMBzI1OonetHDYs8S3XsdXHMuQc3ljdMtbUyHgsip4zBqUDpA7EPbDkffD0iSMQof74/s1600/IMG_0329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxJigesuC3Rb9KOWJNEJOrX5Gcm-nZbX7Pl9tmwXLicbVm-L6RP55_Ps0GROqbrCKM21bddqOQMBzI1OonetHDYs8S3XsdXHMuQc3ljdMtbUyHgsip4zBqUDpA7EPbDkffD0iSMQof74/s1600/IMG_0329.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fireweed Fields</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We will be doing this hike again (</span>although<span style="font-size: small;"> we are not likely to ever make all 14.3 miles. This trail should be amazing when the fireweed blooms.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0Beaver Flats Road, Homer, AK 99603, USA59.7210586 -151.4862868000000259.6890326 -151.56696780000001 59.7530846 -151.40560580000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-62664692296487154932014-07-10T12:47:00.000-07:002014-07-11T09:00:16.488-07:00Adventure - Sightseeing on the 26 Glacier Cruise<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR6Qbs1ZDfI-Im3i7EALTIume5PUy33jtLe0y9WZTo49hS0yYZvdyk2F5QrrnmQQhyphenhyphen1hyhjSpuFY3bYCHUartkwqDIdyek49zkhCPeHoP3tkp1gCFOGZBf5zTsMoO8Y-KEYG3oFqv6hs/s1600/Coming+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0GRDDCc5xAiAKKET-fvD2u-f_FIUsf6_SW6hJLJkD_zGfE4E98Xzawl_bPbzZ67Mj_RSjFHj4wnH33hXspTlhK0ordbfx-78QaMYK3Rh_uPfjoAzMtdr0CI5rV7csGfjVGxHUsoGvv4/s1600/_DSC5721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0GRDDCc5xAiAKKET-fvD2u-f_FIUsf6_SW6hJLJkD_zGfE4E98Xzawl_bPbzZ67Mj_RSjFHj4wnH33hXspTlhK0ordbfx-78QaMYK3Rh_uPfjoAzMtdr0CI5rV7csGfjVGxHUsoGvv4/s1600/_DSC5721.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blackstone Glacier</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Stats</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Difficulty: Easy Time: 5+ hours</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Summary</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you want a day packed with glaciers, wildlife, and flat
seas, <a href="http://www.phillipscruises.com/experience.htm"><span style="color: #0000e9;">Phillips Cruises 26 Glacier Cruise</span></a> out of Whittier
on the M/V Klondike Express is right up your alley. The cruise includes
the 26 glaciers including a nice close-up view of 2 of them; a good chance (but
no guarantee) of seals, sea lions, otters, dolphins, and whales; and a
kittiwake nesting area.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opinion</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This trip is good for tourists or locals, photographers,
sightseers, kids and adults. Over the course of the five-hour, we took
over 3,000 pictures! We were actually beginning to worry about maxing out
our 64 GB camera memory cards. The company does a good job of</span> </div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">allowing time to chase whales, plus a long time spent on a
close pass of the glaciers and a long time for otters. They do an
excellent job of giving everyone a chance to see and photograph the wildlife
and glaciers.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Advice</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you want to go out on the deck while we travel, bring a
warm coat and hat or scarf. The boat travels very quickly and the wind on
the deck is bitter.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lunch, water, coffee, and tea are included. You can also
buy additional snacks, sodas, beer, and wine</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bring a camera. You never know what you might see.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you are prone to motion sickness you probably won't
have a problem. The boat is large and stable and moves
quickly enough to avoid uncomfortable motion. In addition, the area
they cover is sheltered and calm. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Suitability</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This trip is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
You are assigned a table with your ticket and can spend the entire trip
sitting down and still see virtually everything (although it is more fun on the
deck when the boat stops). We did this trip with elderly parents and my
father cannot walk more than about 2 blocks at a time. We had no
problems. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The main deck is wheelchair accessible and there are
tables set up for wheelchairs.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Starting Point</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The boat boards right next to the full sized cruise boat
dock. It is well labeled and hard to miss. Follow the directions
they send with your tickets and you should have no problems.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">
The Adventure</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Unless you are staying in Whittier, you will need to plan your travel time to include the
trip through the Whittier tunnel. This is a one-lane tunnel that is
shared by the Alaska Railroad and inbound and outbound motor vehicles.
This means the tunnel is only open going your way at specific times.
The Alaska DOT posts the <a href="http://dot.alaska.gov/creg/whittiertunnel/schedule.shtml"><span style="color: #0000e9;">tunnel schedule</span></a>. After you pass through
the tunnel, you are at most 10 minutes from Whittier. The Phillips
Cruises provides directions to the recommended parking lot. There is a
small parking fee. The cruise company recommends you plan on arriving at
the tunnel two hours before the cruise. For us this was excessive;
we could have made it with time to spare if we had taken the tunnel just an
hour early. However, if you want to play it safe, follow the cruise
company's advice.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Parking is available, but is about 1/4 mile from the dock.
There was space to allow us to drop off my father who cannot walk far
before we took the car to the parking lot. Once you get to the lot you
will need to find the parking lot attendant (in a small blue and yellow
building near the entrance). She will tell you where to park and take
your money. You need to talk to her because the parking lot is not marked
or labeled and figuring out where you can park is difficult without
directions.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If you plan to take the cruise company's advice and arrive
early, keep in mind that there is very little to do in Whittier while you wait.
There is one tourist trap, a small number of restaurants, and a bunch of
fish packing places near the maria, and we haven't explored the entire town yet. There are some nice views and photo opportunities,
but even that won't take very long. We recommend you bring a book or
other entertainment.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">To board the boat you walk down their ramp onto the
dock and directly onto the boat. You are then directed to your assigned
table. The tables seat up to 6 (it would be a tight fit) so if you are
with a small party you may be seated with another group. They fill the
tables by the window before they fill the smaller number of tables in the
center. After the boat departs you can change tables if you wish, but the
only empty tables are likely to be in the center (at least at the height of
summer).</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lunch is included in the trip. They ask you for your
choice when you book and they are serious. If you don’t choose
anything, you get fish but at ticketing you can ask for chicken or
vegetarian. I ordered fish, but when I go again, I’m asking for
chicken. Our party
ended up with at least one of every choice and there wasn't one that stood out as a clear winner. As a
side note, they feed the top floor first then the bottom floor. It was
nearly an hour before we got our lunch and we were getting into some interesting scenery by then.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There is also a deli/bar is at the aft end of the main deck
and they have the usual selection of short order food and drinks (including
beer and wine). They also take credit. In fact, they
really do take your credit card. Then they hold it for the duration of the trip and
run you a tab. This is because unless they’re under the cell
coverage from Whittier they can’t run your card. The good news is
they are very good about announcing when they are back in coverage so you can
get your card back.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now for the real reason for the trip: the sights. Each
floor has a GPS enabled map posted on TV screens for easy viewing and a <a href="http://www.phillipscruises.com/route.htm"><span style="color: #0000e9;">cartoon
map</span></a> of where you are going to help you figure out what to expect.
Also there is an assigned National Forest Ranger as a naturalist to tell
you all about what you are seeing. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Note: if you have kids they run a "junior
ranger" program during the trip to help the kids get more engaged.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The first leg of the trip is done at speed (and on this
boat, speed means <b>speed</b>. We did about 34 knots most of the trip).
In fact, the boat moves so quickly they block the forward deck while the
boat is moving (but the captain is really good at telling the crew to open up
the doors when he stops). The only outside areas available during
travel is the back deck. Even that deck is seriously windy and cold, so
you if plan to be outside during the trip, make sure you have a coat and
even a scarf and/or hat.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceDf-HyScaYhApsa96kcvr4takJu5q3BFwAMBlpIWL6Hr4HLbgmr4dcwFtPbp67LEz5FeUlK_7OYDSxVsGvqC1-xiwqID6XcK4Kh5FEjw_i8SLLRqEe1iHzPvCR9hksni-nEE_0XbCy8/s1600/_DSC5729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceDf-HyScaYhApsa96kcvr4takJu5q3BFwAMBlpIWL6Hr4HLbgmr4dcwFtPbp67LEz5FeUlK_7OYDSxVsGvqC1-xiwqID6XcK4Kh5FEjw_i8SLLRqEe1iHzPvCR9hksni-nEE_0XbCy8/s1600/_DSC5729.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View on the way to Esther Passage</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The boat travels quickly to its first destination, which is
a large island that often has wildlife, including sea lions, on the shore.
The boat transits the narrow Esther Passage for beautiful views of the
land on both sides of the boat.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">On the way to Esther Passage the captain spotted a whale
spout. We spent about 20 minutes chasing the spouting, but never got
close enough to really see a whale on that leg. The captain has a very
good eye for wildlife spotting and the USFS ranger is very knowledgeable
so you can learn a lot about the things you see on this trip. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We not only spotted wildlife, we also saw many fishing boats
as salmon season was in full swing while we were traveling. The
fishing boats were everywhere.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdf-L1Gn1zT5q9NesB6Ms3UOU95mYpvyQ__vypmO2ghWeyOWHY0cOf9LTvA3c2yE3tpxZgIKmM6B2n2YXEQhVuYW1gEZAcnwzu3Z-aGdl3xZFrZVctEGvOWVnBNXMdqGG0kqaSaEQ5dTA/s1600/Salmon+Fisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdf-L1Gn1zT5q9NesB6Ms3UOU95mYpvyQ__vypmO2ghWeyOWHY0cOf9LTvA3c2yE3tpxZgIKmM6B2n2YXEQhVuYW1gEZAcnwzu3Z-aGdl3xZFrZVctEGvOWVnBNXMdqGG0kqaSaEQ5dTA/s1600/Salmon+Fisher.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fishing Boat in front of College Fjord</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The next leg of the trip took us for a quick view of College
Fjord. The glaciers in that fjord are all named for colleges. The
south side glaciers are named for men's colleges and the north side glaciers
are named for women's colleges. The boat doesn't go very far into the
fjord, but you do get some nice views.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYarGjewHrGRxjjodSYEvMaX-0ABOk1yVeS_iLUoupIOCCYkqMkxgCcY9eDsuphNk8q8D3z80btDCNipMzbgOKG2cGg6_AhMb3N57NEwkQLsK0nHnkeBHvicBbCernldCmzr45OSmoiw/s1600/Otter+Bed+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYarGjewHrGRxjjodSYEvMaX-0ABOk1yVeS_iLUoupIOCCYkqMkxgCcY9eDsuphNk8q8D3z80btDCNipMzbgOKG2cGg6_AhMb3N57NEwkQLsK0nHnkeBHvicBbCernldCmzr45OSmoiw/s1600/Otter+Bed+1.jpg" height="156" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Otters on a raft</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-uw22Qe11CuAYngYzol-7sUCjUSWlcepBaGB7cM8ULX_BbJT-0EZDZqz5jAy9yu8cDpkslZLeMfCSApwjQiHFywYBu1_guFqJ4epKZjXcfaCNkMCPBnD8f39yuNVSyubumQ1EsyBakI/s1600/_DSC5894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-uw22Qe11CuAYngYzol-7sUCjUSWlcepBaGB7cM8ULX_BbJT-0EZDZqz5jAy9yu8cDpkslZLeMfCSApwjQiHFywYBu1_guFqJ4epKZjXcfaCNkMCPBnD8f39yuNVSyubumQ1EsyBakI/s1600/_DSC5894.jpg" height="156" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are you looking at?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The other purpose for traveling in this direction is the sea
otters. It seems there is a raft that likes to hang out near the entrance
to the fjord. There were dozens of them, many with pups, hanging out
near a large ice raft that had fallen from one of the glaciers. Several
were using it as a perch to get out of the water and engage in some
serious grooming. We didn't get a close as I'd have liked, but it was fun
watching they raft play, swim, and dive. We stayed and watched for at
least 20 minutes while the boat slowly rotated to give everyone a good
look regardless of which side of the boat they were on.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">From there we traveled around into Barry Arm and into
Harriman's Fjord. The story of the naming of the fjord is kind of fun.
Most the glaciers in this region were named by an exploratory expedition.
When they got to Barry Arm, there were glaciers everywhere and Harriman's
Fjord is around a tight corner that looks like it dead ends into a glacier.
The boat captain wanted to stop and turn around, but Harriman said NO and
took over the boat and drove around the corner. A fjord filled with
glaciers appeared in front of them and they named the fjord for Harriman.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0FCWDMYorUevlPjcu2V3EEqv796hIbTobwbeWlZynArn9bVLobKA5pI60TVBD1EYBiOWpVrVlleTOo5tPvl-TMum4zME18Wu3xzdAtTHsZE1Swl67B52wYearbnUfUEnrCGyX6uH_Pk/s1600/_DSC5922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0FCWDMYorUevlPjcu2V3EEqv796hIbTobwbeWlZynArn9bVLobKA5pI60TVBD1EYBiOWpVrVlleTOo5tPvl-TMum4zME18Wu3xzdAtTHsZE1Swl67B52wYearbnUfUEnrCGyX6uH_Pk/s1600/_DSC5922.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Surprise Glacier</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwmeaJt7UDR4L9LwE4JK4mkjRE5VVtlMek-v2z3zc0XUjlMq9TM_DMV_YiHPimxPNiIxhQnbP3jcowVUrfg_xbaR_vVbO6UhXrZnKIqfnsIgK6cK1CqhMyrDFiVxzpbVms7fWWriM-V4/s1600/_DSC6119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwmeaJt7UDR4L9LwE4JK4mkjRE5VVtlMek-v2z3zc0XUjlMq9TM_DMV_YiHPimxPNiIxhQnbP3jcowVUrfg_xbaR_vVbO6UhXrZnKIqfnsIgK6cK1CqhMyrDFiVxzpbVms7fWWriM-V4/s1600/_DSC6119.jpg" height="125" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calving of Surprise Glacier</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the base of the Harriman Fjord is the Surprise Glacier.
This is the first of two glaciers they boat gets very close to. The
boat slowed and carefully pulled up about 300 ft from the face of surprise
glacier. They opened the forward deck and the captain once again slowly
turned the boat to give everyone the best possible chance to see the glacier
and take pictures. We must have stayed there for a good 30 minutes.
While we watched there was a good-sized calving event and we even managed
to get photos! This was the first of 3 we saw on this trip. The sun
was shining and the glacier was glowing blue with light filtered through
the ice. It was just beautiful!</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflKW9r3h9yYwMULKwUwlKa9Sw9buIiWN716E2Pobuar2xPo_ZHRALbMFtwKASi8IMpKBgQlFmLb6Uu07YTh27LPB0F4G3ZbOGSuXtIqFhEPWZ7YW20vETVbkUha_2R9t8sdKIc7VejZ4/s1600/_DSC5972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflKW9r3h9yYwMULKwUwlKa9Sw9buIiWN716E2Pobuar2xPo_ZHRALbMFtwKASi8IMpKBgQlFmLb6Uu07YTh27LPB0F4G3ZbOGSuXtIqFhEPWZ7YW20vETVbkUha_2R9t8sdKIc7VejZ4/s1600/_DSC5972.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seals on the ice</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The water on both sides of the fjord near the glacier was
filled with ice calved from the glaciers. Look closely; you will likely
see Harbor Seals resting on the ice near the cliff walls. There was also a
fishing boat actually in the ice as well. We weren't sure what he was
fishing for in such an apparently hazardous location.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnD9qko9E1wGKiZWUOIvcmVeCWB3GXwdZ-n2t6ZLMTpzjKU69NLSMQ7RSAuEBfRInvBI0MJFl0-szdYJAaYeh24hdan8A2kslvaqFkk6us7cgAxG7-bfVztBOKnGu8qu434j9-sQlt3Dk/s1600/_DSC6170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnD9qko9E1wGKiZWUOIvcmVeCWB3GXwdZ-n2t6ZLMTpzjKU69NLSMQ7RSAuEBfRInvBI0MJFl0-szdYJAaYeh24hdan8A2kslvaqFkk6us7cgAxG7-bfVztBOKnGu8qu434j9-sQlt3Dk/s1600/_DSC6170.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barry's Glacier</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After a while we left Surprise Glacier and headed for
Barry's Glacier. This is where we talk about the weather. This area
of Prince William Sound is a sub-tropical rain forest. They get insane
amounts of rain. The area is also often clouded over. During the
trip we went through several small rain showers, several areas of sun, and
just about everything in-between. Unfortunately for us, Barry's
Glacier was sitting under one of those rain showers as we arrived. A
light fog also accompanied the rain shower, so the viewing of that glacier
wasn't as good as Surprise Glacier. However, we saw our 3rd calving event
as the captain once again turned the boat to allow for good viewing.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMW_SF_jo12r9V3oGLXwLyqnkuly1JhyM4mqBfPaC12GEPIAI9-2QpcuHaGiEuL_9VW_Wqf3LrX_WkED1w8Doy0oiNqzeibH6NhUkXyVmFKVhTzntKniX6gqdiari33L7ZY1zMVoqa-o/s1600/_DSC5760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMW_SF_jo12r9V3oGLXwLyqnkuly1JhyM4mqBfPaC12GEPIAI9-2QpcuHaGiEuL_9VW_Wqf3LrX_WkED1w8Doy0oiNqzeibH6NhUkXyVmFKVhTzntKniX6gqdiari33L7ZY1zMVoqa-o/s1600/_DSC5760.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cascade Glacier</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkjMA9r210ybZpmDdXzmEo8ipZc_w-3IhsKcSJrJmy9_FBPeU3lGuo4sQvRYflyJWSiI2zgKImVFPutqbeIozrR78yfL51_RHzxl9i5tQ60cQEN5oSZrPNCfzKPDKu22uuJFW29iLTMI/s1600/untitled+451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkjMA9r210ybZpmDdXzmEo8ipZc_w-3IhsKcSJrJmy9_FBPeU3lGuo4sQvRYflyJWSiI2zgKImVFPutqbeIozrR78yfL51_RHzxl9i5tQ60cQEN5oSZrPNCfzKPDKu22uuJFW29iLTMI/s1600/untitled+451.jpg" height="188" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dall's porpoise</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We left Barry's Glacier, passing near Cascade Glacier which
really does look like a waterfall the glacier is so steep, and headed for the
last stop on the trip: the Kittiwake nesting area. About halfway there,
the captain spotted a pod of Dall's porpoises. He slowed and managed
to lure them into a nice game of wake riding for several minutes. Since
he was moving slowly he opened the forward deck so we could all pile out for
some photographs. The water was so clear that you could see them racing
just under the surface and knew exactly were they would breach. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3-4EvhduC_smzfv2ycA0vAZjoKnbTbE_aBkDv8cOh4kuMoe7fhC2xyK-XKuvocR8z1OfX2UVhd4sXUy0j717YaarKXut63MgSt2I07GUj15K3tLJ_tR2PzAEZBtlklZpdzlaIsH2sGg/s1600/_DSC5726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3-4EvhduC_smzfv2ycA0vAZjoKnbTbE_aBkDv8cOh4kuMoe7fhC2xyK-XKuvocR8z1OfX2UVhd4sXUy0j717YaarKXut63MgSt2I07GUj15K3tLJ_tR2PzAEZBtlklZpdzlaIsH2sGg/s1600/_DSC5726.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bald Eagle on a rock</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There was also a pod of humpback whales in the area but they
are hard to spot and can really swim. So we saw a few blows and the
occasional back or tail but couldn’t get a camera onto them. They were
also very far away. Putting in a minor appearance were a bald eagle and
sea lion sitting on some rocks.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kittiwake's nesting</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We reached the Kittiwake nesting area, which is just
across from the Whittier docks. It was pretty impressive. The
cliffs are covered with Kittiwakes and there is a tall waterfall splitting the
cliff right in the middle of their nesting area. It made for some
dramatic views and nice pictures.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We arrived with only 15 minutes to spare before the tunnel
opened in our direction. We disembarked as quickly as possible when the
boat docks and rushed to the parking lot to get our car. We
made it before the tunnel opened an probably would have been fine without
rushing since the tunnel is open for at least 15 minutes (it says a half-hour,
but remember they need to allow time for traffic to transit and clear the
tunnel before it changes directions).</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Overall this was a great was to spend a day! Fabulous
views, interesting narrative, the occasional glass of wine and great photo opportunities:
what more could anyone ask?</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-22815240551783884492014-06-15T14:45:00.000-07:002014-06-15T14:45:53.621-07:00Adventure - Tutka Bay Cooking Class<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbSlLfqKRYHf_t7k_iCxgvdiLL5LjntCGhVOU75_IVBuniiBb9YzfHVnRsh8LBhzPbfD061LpCZ7pqgv5vVsGErcINqM02zA63fxzgzDyB34lsMvUpKUpYv_iCuM_HcAjZH1PE9nk4U0/s1600/IMG_0884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbSlLfqKRYHf_t7k_iCxgvdiLL5LjntCGhVOU75_IVBuniiBb9YzfHVnRsh8LBhzPbfD061LpCZ7pqgv5vVsGErcINqM02zA63fxzgzDyB34lsMvUpKUpYv_iCuM_HcAjZH1PE9nk4U0/s1600/IMG_0884.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tutka Bay Lodge</span></td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stats<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Difficulty: Easy Time: Half-day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Summary</b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is no shortage of activities available on the Kenai Peninsula. One of the more unexpected is a cooking lesson at the <a href="http://withinthewild.com/cuisine/cooking-school-tutka-bay/" target="_blank">Tutka Bay Cooking School</a>. This half-day trip starts with a ride from the Homer docks (unless you are already staying at the Tutka Bay Lodge). For there you take a water taxi to Tutka Bay Lodge where you are met and escorted to the long house where the cooking lessons are taught.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a blast. Not only do you learn to cook a dish on the style for the weekend (Italian, French, Alaskan), you get a full multi-course meal and the all the recipes for the meal. Not only that,</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the lodge is in a truly beautiful location, surrounded by ocean and mountains. Plus, on the trip over, you have good odds of seeing sea otters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As is normal for this advice section, dress in layers. The boat rid over can be cold, and, when we were there, the temperature in the cooking school was a bit cool at first. Then it warmed up and was quite comfortable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This tour is suitable for all ages. The water taxi is not equipped for wheelchairs and you will need to climb a flight of steep stairs. But if you can climb in and out of a boat up up a flight of stairs, you do this activity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contact</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the </span><a href="http://withinthewild.com/cuisine/cooking-school-tutka-bay/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Tutka Bay Cooking School</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to schedule your class. Read the web site for a list of what regional cuisine will be offered during your times of availability. The school will arrange for a water taxi to get you across the bay to the Lodge. Alternatively, you can schedule all or part of your trip to include a stay at the lodge. We didn't do that, but I'm confident you won't be disappointed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As mentioned our trip started at the Homer Spit at the <a href="http://www.makoswatertaxi.com/" target="_blank">Mako Water Taxi</a> office. We had paid for the ride across the bay as part of the fee we paid for the cooking class, so after we checked in at the office, we headed down to the docks to get on board their boat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a reasonably short trip across the bay to the Tutka Bay Lodge, but we were delayed slightly when the boat driver spotted a raft of otters on the route and stopped to let us take pictures. There must have been 20 otters and many were females with pups: very cool!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arriving at the lodge</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The staff was lined up waiting for us as we pulled up to the Tutka Bay Lodge's dock. We were escorted up the ramp to their enormous deck and encouraged to make use of the restrooms while we took in the view and were given a quick history of the lodge. The deck was so large it had a hot tub, deck chairs, and was fully capable (or so they said) of landing 3 helicopters at once. The lodge itself is on the side of Tutka Bay that was settled, but it has a 180-degree view opposite the bay that is all state and national park without a building in sight. The lodge also has access to many hiking trails into the park land.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once everyone was ready, we were escorted along a beautifully crafted raised boardwalk through through the tidal marsh to one of the original buildings of the lodge. The resort is sculpted to conform to the shallow tidal water inlets in the area. It was amazing how clear the water was. The cooking school is located in a converted wooden fishing boat the original owner was converted into a long house. The cooling school was on the top floor. This was an interesting setup; the burners for cooking were portable propane burners and there were no stoves or running water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We signed up for the Northern Italian cooking class. The menu for the day was homemade ricotta, risotto Milanese, tiramisu panna cotta, and chocolate cherry biscotti. But before we started cooking or eating, the class started with the instructor, Kirsten Dixon, telling us about her cooking career, how she and her husband bought and grew their lodges, and the background on her cooking classes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then she started with a couple of tasting sessions. The first was a salt tasting. She provided us with a high quality French salt called Esprit de Sel and classic Morton salt. There was a surprising difference between the two. I would definitely prefer the Esprit de Sel if I was putting salt directly on food, but Morton salt would still be fine mixed in with other spices. The next tasting was olive oil. All were good, but once again there was a surprising difference in flavor to each one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the tasting, Kirsten's assistant, Jamie Donovan, demonstrated the making of Risotto Milanese. She also gave us some good tips for make ahead steps to use if we wanted to prep it for a party. Even more useful to me was her tips on what to do with the leftovers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point, it was our turn to cook. They took us over to a long table set up with propane cooking stations and taught us how to make herbed ricotta. First we selected our herbs and chopped them up. The we started the ricotta. It turns out to be very simple and tastes far better than store bought. I took mine home and used it in a lasagna, but they recommended eating it on crackers or bread.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fabulous appetizers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the risotto was finished we moved to the table and started lunch. The first course was appetizers including several gourmet cheeses, specialty sausages and meats, several types of tapenade, and three small glasses of liquor and wine. It was delicious! The next course was the risotto we had seen demonstrated. The desert course was Tiramisu Panna Cotta with Chocolate Cherry Biscotti. It was all truly delicious and we came home with the recipes :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After lunch we headed back to the dock, but it turned out our ride back had another stop to make, so we had an extra half-hour to kill. One of the Lodge staff took us out for a very short guided hike into the spruce forest and along the beach. It was a great hike and I would happily have gone much farther.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time to go</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, our water taxi had arrived so we had to leave. Overall this was a great adventure, great food, good stories, interesting company, and a nice walk to work off lunch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-8698333703352984932014-06-13T17:45:00.000-07:002014-07-10T13:52:23.492-07:00Hiking - Skilak Lookout Trail<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHQvZHu6K6Z8-vKD6SDfTEdOqebiKnjtxPixx9W0S1XUL7rTrvsrkLeC7eOUUffdvabPtK_WT5mkIbfYw3DHuIWpFXOLIJ9lXyq7_Ffrdm-7mKScwdSV8yu4vN5bzyNoTokDgsn6YbQ8/s1600/IMG_0913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHQvZHu6K6Z8-vKD6SDfTEdOqebiKnjtxPixx9W0S1XUL7rTrvsrkLeC7eOUUffdvabPtK_WT5mkIbfYw3DHuIWpFXOLIJ9lXyq7_Ffrdm-7mKScwdSV8yu4vN5bzyNoTokDgsn6YbQ8/s1600/IMG_0913.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View from the top of the trail</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Distance: 4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Time: 4 hrs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Summary</span></b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The <a href="http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/map_SkilakLookout.pdf" target="_blank">Skilak Lookout Trail</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">ends at a truly spectacular view of the mountains and Skilak lake. Best of all, it has beautiful views all along the trail and, at least in June, there were wildflowers everywhere. The hike itself wasn't too bad most of the time. We considered it moderate because of occasional steep spots and muddy patches. It also has a steady low incline to the top of the mountain for a total elevation change of 790 feet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is is very pleasant hike with truly spectacular views. The high angle view of Skilak Lake is beautiful; Skilak Lake has that beautiful milky blue color unique to glacier lakes. In addition, there was a wide variety of spring flowers all along the trail.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sweat resistant mosquito repellent is a must. The bugs were out in force.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">If the temperature is acceptable before you start, a jacket is probably not necessary. You will produce enough heat on the trail to keep you warm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the spring (June in Alaska) the trail can be muddy in spots. Wear hiking shoes you don't mind getting muddy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This trail is suitable for adults and children. But the trail is a total of 4 miles with some climbing so be sure you and your kids are up for it.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Trailhead</span></b><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trailhead from the road</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Warnings</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">To find the Skilak Lookout Trail take Skilak Lake Rd from the Sterling Hwy. Skilak Lake Rd is a loop of sorts that starts and ends at Sterling Hwy. There is an East entrance just outside Cooper Landing and a West entrance a few miles outside Sterling. You can take either entrance. The trailhead is a mile 5.4 on Skilak Lake Rd. The parking area is on the north side of the road and the trail is on the south side. It is well labeled.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Hike</span></b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This trail is one of many in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The maps for these trails can be found on the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Kenai/map.html" target="_blank">Kenai Refuge Map</a> website. We chose this trail because the 2014 Funny River Wildfire was still burning and we wanted to see of we could see the fire or fire damage from the overlook. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyFBsUaq7FMs5SXWsijGywPO8KL0nsbaCPu_JuD9MdB7KoQJ_eZZZL-bnS9At9G6U1grAMzL6bNYegjCn5zTs8-Pc8LcNuIuNYvcXl_oPyIqUQA9ciMSjprkLUEerdGUS-gG21cdqD9c/s1600/IMG_0225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyFBsUaq7FMs5SXWsijGywPO8KL0nsbaCPu_JuD9MdB7KoQJ_eZZZL-bnS9At9G6U1grAMzL6bNYegjCn5zTs8-Pc8LcNuIuNYvcXl_oPyIqUQA9ciMSjprkLUEerdGUS-gG21cdqD9c/s1600/IMG_0225.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boardwalk near the trailhead</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The trail starts through a dense spruce forest along side a creak, but quickly opens into meadows filled with alpine wildflowers. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Many of the trails in this section of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge are in an area that burned in 1996 and this is one of those trails. At first it can be difficult to tell the area burned, but then you realize the large open meadows along the trail were once spruce forest. The area is quickly being reclaimed by birch, cottonwood, and alder. In a few more years the trees will be tall enough to overtake the meadows and the character of the walk will change again. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5lXow8svp2ymliAH1X0YFeRL_yniECxGwCzasZudDKXuE6Z4KrKyM50COqb61N0icJG-Q0K5SxxLuBFuFIv6A8cmSJ0HvFv9CqrKID5BZ8owMhHbu-OAQvFEXklQlJ9hXhjxfFfKA7c/s1600/_DSC8170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5lXow8svp2ymliAH1X0YFeRL_yniECxGwCzasZudDKXuE6Z4KrKyM50COqb61N0icJG-Q0K5SxxLuBFuFIv6A8cmSJ0HvFv9CqrKID5BZ8owMhHbu-OAQvFEXklQlJ9hXhjxfFfKA7c/s1600/_DSC8170.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Early view of Skilak Lake</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">You can also still see some dead, burned standing trees and more fallen spruce can be seen on either side of the trail. The fallen trees have opened up the view and as a result you get frequent terrific views of Skilak Lake and the surrounding mountains. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihie1QJoGDNJfAPLm8H6YbAaxYXxjQ9tGzdqk5jLZy2tD8qbZy5v7DTnMI2bGauyikeG8DyJCTgwZntP0Hi8qrPPTGgwES9SmMgPQtXGY2nG29S6AfXjYqbgsal670pnHWGR6xNYYh35E/s1600/_DSC4776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihie1QJoGDNJfAPLm8H6YbAaxYXxjQ9tGzdqk5jLZy2tD8qbZy5v7DTnMI2bGauyikeG8DyJCTgwZntP0Hi8qrPPTGgwES9SmMgPQtXGY2nG29S6AfXjYqbgsal670pnHWGR6xNYYh35E/s1600/_DSC4776.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eidelweiss</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">June is early spring on the Kenai Peninsula and the trail was lined with a huge variety of wildflowers. Most common on the lower trail was Edelweiss, but there was also Lupine, wild Rose, wild Geranium and many more. The flowers made the trail a delight to walk.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsP1WIc2CmOQrmxssUvxI-4K0rZXhPyIxFP977nYNWOGaDVfX9Sfy4IiJUFfioc9Bf3wdxQGwtpZwIchabEGFXfWq7ivW5VpKnduUWlAqPMt6UueuOD6hjMVfEX_CbiNzCBYmbiRWh8YI/s1600/_DSC4780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsP1WIc2CmOQrmxssUvxI-4K0rZXhPyIxFP977nYNWOGaDVfX9Sfy4IiJUFfioc9Bf3wdxQGwtpZwIchabEGFXfWq7ivW5VpKnduUWlAqPMt6UueuOD6hjMVfEX_CbiNzCBYmbiRWh8YI/s1600/_DSC4780.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wild Rose</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The trail is pretty much a shallow constant grade with occasional steep spots and some muddy area. The steep spots all have good switchbacks making the trail easy to walk most of the time. We listed it as moderate because of the few steep areas and the muddy patches. This trail has been hiked a lot and, as a result, the trail has sunk 2 or 3 inches into the peat that makes up the soil of the area and is rather narrow, so the footing can be tricky sometimes.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCn-HjvtRdEPHaENXO0sJJrUw2e84odqx9yDuAgAjLf6MKhbvydD8Iu1DKJnAnjt11IdjK4AC_NpTlyK-mHshRPgP2HY5u2gOMnXsLF2UZA8ol_7hkK6hWslGkepjK7u_ev64BtwN6_Ac/s1600/IMG_0228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCn-HjvtRdEPHaENXO0sJJrUw2e84odqx9yDuAgAjLf6MKhbvydD8Iu1DKJnAnjt11IdjK4AC_NpTlyK-mHshRPgP2HY5u2gOMnXsLF2UZA8ol_7hkK6hWslGkepjK7u_ev64BtwN6_Ac/s1600/IMG_0228.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A view from the top</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">When you get to the top the view makes this hike very much worth it. There is a 270 degree of the Wildlife Refuge. Interestingly, there was no view of either the Funny River fire or the areas it had burned. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">The good news is the way down is just a beautiful as the way up and is easier going.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoUR94iLyGXEaCIpPSSZrMe1tp5KQzpXLLs0BxkHKO_BM-A1h7q9A4IM2_zyDbXdz_80Fcdmww2xi7glp4CrTARKhKpBXTju9R-pMzU-K7IuP1gFF0bRmRgj9kYBIy4xDsWvniduv3Dg/s1600/_DSC8180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoUR94iLyGXEaCIpPSSZrMe1tp5KQzpXLLs0BxkHKO_BM-A1h7q9A4IM2_zyDbXdz_80Fcdmww2xi7glp4CrTARKhKpBXTju9R-pMzU-K7IuP1gFF0bRmRgj9kYBIy4xDsWvniduv3Dg/s1600/_DSC8180.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another view from the top</span></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-72285266641093338182014-06-13T16:17:00.000-07:002014-06-13T16:43:15.081-07:00Hiking - Bishop's Beach at a Very Low Tide<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW14MkE0-y4o7sHVvpgSU_QW0QT2FWfcKW0NTCBE7B0iLdgAie6I85JXk6Gim4wRUbOqk6xEm9Xi82yn-EzOJ1b7X1OLiHUZDPyUEqY3rbjPCyxas1aW8Wjt8z51E7ZwP-1d28IR-hsJE/s1600/_DSC4680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW14MkE0-y4o7sHVvpgSU_QW0QT2FWfcKW0NTCBE7B0iLdgAie6I85JXk6Gim4wRUbOqk6xEm9Xi82yn-EzOJ1b7X1OLiHUZDPyUEqY3rbjPCyxas1aW8Wjt8z51E7ZwP-1d28IR-hsJE/s1600/_DSC4680.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low tide at Bishop's Beach</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Stats<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Distance: Up to you Difficulty: Easy Time: Up to you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Summary</span></b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bishop's Beach is probably the best known beach in Homer. This beach is popular for dog walking, clamming, and driving. On an unusually beautiful Saturday in May the low tide was lower than -3 ft. We decided to hike on the beach to see if we could find sea stars.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">At high tide Bishop's Beach is a fairly ordinary beach, but at low tide it becomes something special.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> As boulders begin to surface and tide pools begin to form all kinds of interesting sea life can be seen. Best of all is when the tide is really low (-3 ft or more). Creatures, such as anemones, that are normally never visible are exposed.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Trail Advice</span></b><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For once, while we will recommend mosquito repellent, it isn’t really necessary, the wind on the beach is almost constant and the mosquitos can’t compete.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bring a jacket. The water temperature is typically in the 50s or colder so the wind off the water is quite chilly. And it is almost always at least a little windy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Check the tide tables. This hike cannot be done at high tide and is at its best a low tide. Pay attention to your surroundings if the tide is coming in. If you are too far up the beach you could be stranded between the cliff and the bay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Wear waders. There are several creeks that empty into the bay and it can be hard to cross them while keeping your feet dry. Plus you will need to wade to reach many of the tide pools.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Set out 1 or 2 hours before low tide. This will allow you to go quite far down the beach before you need to head back.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Suitability</span></b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This trail is suitable for anyone except wheelchairs. The sand would make using a wheelchair impossible. But the beach sand is firm near the water and great fun for children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">To find Bishop's Beach, turn south off Sterling Highway onto Main St. Follow the signs to Bishop's Beach. You can also park at Islands and Oceans and take their short boardwalk hike through Beluga Slough and down to Bishop's Beach (maybe 1/4 mile from the parking lot).</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Hike</span></b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_K-NEMG3V5hzjEgNKaosZs0pfizDS6Hbp2YO537jSs2HzLYKX4Pwnz7meapTOgZnDBeFPmrHi9EKfULQzltWGCbRxSXWYEwFIm_LIoq7acLRdukMr2u5RYHuv51IHIGuia09l_-OpVI/s1600/_DSC4644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_K-NEMG3V5hzjEgNKaosZs0pfizDS6Hbp2YO537jSs2HzLYKX4Pwnz7meapTOgZnDBeFPmrHi9EKfULQzltWGCbRxSXWYEwFIm_LIoq7acLRdukMr2u5RYHuv51IHIGuia09l_-OpVI/s1600/_DSC4644.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weed covered rocks</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">To reach the tidal pools at low tide you need to head west up the beach about 1 mile (the distance varies depending on how low the tide gets). At that point the rocks start to stick up out of the sand. The tidal pools are nestled between seaweed covered boulders and often buried in seaweed. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">As a side note, the tidal pools are occasionally mud flats instead of sand, so be careful not to get stuck or lose your shoes. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walking on the beach</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">At first all we saw in the tidal pools was a lot of weed and some small white/brown anemones. But after we stood and looked for a while we started to see dozens of small fish darting then stopping. On looking closer we realized that most of these small fish were diamond shaped; it turns out the tidal pools were filled with 1/2 in halibut! Unfortunately, none of our pictures of the halibut turned out; they are very tricky subjects to photograph.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anemone just barely underwater</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, as we walked further, we saw strange red-colored lumps of jelly attached to some of the boulders. When we looked closer we saw they were large anemones exposed to the air by the low tide. They had pulled all their arms into themselves and were desperately trying to keep wet until the water returned.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sea star reflecting in shallow water</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Close to the end of our hike, we finally found a couple of the sea stars we had been hoping for. One was exposed on the sand, the other was buried in weed on top of a rock. Sea stars in this area can be very colorful I've seen a light yellow, red, brown, purple, and pink so far.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Truck tracks into infinity</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But don't just look down. Watch for people driving trucks on the beach. And listen and you will hear Bald Eagles twittering overhead, crows and ravens cawing at each other, and gulls crying. You might see any or all of these on the sand or boulders searching for dinner exposed by the tide. If the day is particularly windy, the birds can actually hover as the wind cancels out their forward momentum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I never tire of the beach at low tide and this hike is now one of the hikes we will do whenever the tide is really low.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Google Maps stopped accepting KML files. So from here on out, we'll be putting in a Google Earth map unless we get comments saying something else is needed.</span><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-6374536264910829052014-06-01T09:21:00.000-07:002014-07-10T13:52:52.310-07:00Hiking - Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Ranger Station<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boardwalk across the marsh</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Distance: 0.25 miles Difficulty: Easy Time: 15 min<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Summary</b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stopped at the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuge/kenai/" target="_blank">Kenai National Wildlife Refuge</a> ranger station, located on Ski Hill Rd in Soldatna to see if they had hiking maps or other useful information about the hiking in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is enormous, covering most of the northern Kenai Peninsula, but only a relatively small part actually has maintained trails. The ranger station has a variety of activities for children and adults, but there are only 3 short trails at this location.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Opinion</b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are looking for information on parts of this refuge we haven't covered yet, stop here! The people at this ranger station were a wealth of information! They helped us find a variety of short hikes ranging from a few hours to a day. Moreover, when we expressed and interest in kayaking, they pointed out the best lakes for kayaking contained within the refuge. They also warned us off of a few; apparently they suffer from high winds and wind driven waves as high as 4 feet or more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trails near this ranger station are pleasant and wind through the spruce and cottonwood forest. We took the shortest, a quarter-mile trail to the lake, because were were short on time that day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This trail has the usual voracious mosquitoes during summer and has little shade. We strongly recommend a good coating of both sunscreen and mosquito repellent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Suitability</b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trails around the Visitors Center is suitable for all ages, but not wheelchairs. These trails are often used for children's educational programs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To find the ranger station:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Homer: Take Sterling Hwy north. Turn right on Ski Hill Rd (across from Sky View High School). Follow the gravel road about a mile and watch for the signs for the Visitors Center. The turn will be to the right.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the north: Just before you exit Soldatna, turn left on Funny River Rd. Turn right about one block later onto Ski Hill Rd. Follow the gravel road about 1 mile and watch for the signs for the Visitors Center. The turn will be on the left.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Visitor Center</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were in Soldatna shopping for things we can't get in Homer. Were weren't in the mood to hike (too busy), but we'd been passing a National Refuge sign for months and were curious. So, that day, we decided to drive the road and see what we found. What we found was a visitor center with very helpful rangers and support staff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a quick look around their displays we struck up a conversation with a ranger and the lady manning the information desk. We asked them about the day hike trails in the refuge. We got lots of suggestions and you will be seeing posts about them over the next few weeks. At the time we visited, spring was just beginning and the hikes would have been barren and brown. Now the Kenai has exploded with life and we are just waiting for good weather to start hiking the recommended trails.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also asked about kayaking. They warned us away from Skilak Lake and Tustamena Lake. Although they look very promising, it turns out they are not safe for small craft (even motorized ones). When the wind picks up--and it does virtually every day--waves on the lake can get over 4 ft in height. They also advised against Engineer Lake. It isn't as dangerous as the other two, but suffers from high wind and waves as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Hike</b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marshland</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After we finished chatting with the rangers, we decided to walk the shortest of the trails to stretch our legs. The hike is very short and pleasant. It winds down a hill to the lake behind the ranger station. Most of the trail is through a spruce forest rich with spruce, cottonwood, birch, moss, and lichen. At the end it lets out on a marsh where a boardwalk takes you to the lake. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wouldn't go out of my way to do this hike, but if I were stopping at the Visitors Center for information, I would definitely take a break from driving on this trail.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Funny River Fire</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smoke heading south on <br />Sterling Highway</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smoke from the Funny River fire</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People considering hiking in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge might be concerned about the effects of the Funny River Fire. We've crosschecked the maps against the fire and, large as it was, the fire was to the south of the trails. In fact, most of the area burned was true wilderness. However, if you are planning to hike in the Cooper Landing region or near this Visitor Center, I would recommend waiting until the fire is fully controlled.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-62339041717214671732014-05-31T07:57:00.000-07:002014-06-13T15:27:48.495-07:00Adventure - Under the Dock Tour (a view of dock life)<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the docks</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Difficulty: Easy Time: 2 hrs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Summary</b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every May, the Homer Chamber of Commerce hosts the <a href="http://www.homeralaska.org/visit-homer/events-homer/kachemak-bay-shorebird-festival" target="_blank">Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival</a>. The festival celebrates the passage of huge numbers of migratory birds through Kachemak Bay. It lasts 3 days and is jam-packed with bird-watching, hikes, talks, kayaking, and boat tours. One of the activities we chose to do was "Under the Dock" a naturalist guided discussion of the life under the Homer docks. This tour was sponsored and led by the <a href="http://www.akcoastalstudies.org/" target="_blank">Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies</a>. They offer a variety of guided tours throughout the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Opinion</b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a delightful tour. At first is seemed like something only for children, but </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it turned out to be great for anyone. Highly educational and very interesting.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Advice<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wear comfortable clothing. You will be doing a lot of lying down on the wooden docks. A windbreaker and sunscreen are recommended.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Center for Alaskan Coastal studies provided mats to lie on for those of us with older bones and achy knees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Suitability</b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This tour is suitable for all ages. It is also suitable for the physically disabled. A person in a wheelchair will see less, but should still be able to enjoy the experience. However, the ramp down to the docks can be quite steep, especially at low tide, so getting them up and down could be quite a challenge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tour Access</b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contact </span><a href="http://www.akcoastalstudies.org/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for your tour. You can use their linked web site, or visit them in person on Lake St in Homer (next to Ulmer's) or at their Yurt on the Spit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tour will meet on the Spit. There is limited parking on the spit, but with some effort you can usually find a place. Most parking is free although there are a few lots that charge for parking. In the summer you can also take the <a href="http://www.homertrolley.com/" target="_blank">Homer Trolley</a> during the summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Tour</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below the dock</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were running very late, so the tour was already on the dock when we arrived. The rest of the tour participants met at the yurt on the Spit. We were expecting a<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> trek under the piers and pilings to see sea stars.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What we got was more interesting; a couple of hours looking at
the growth under the floating docks in the Homer small boat harbor.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tube worms and anemones</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">There were nudibranchs, anemones, barnacles, tube worms, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and muscles.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kenny, the naturalist and tour guide,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> also pulled a starfish out of the water. He explained </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> living and feeding habits of all the species we spotted. He also provided a photo sheet with pictures of the various tidal life so you could, perhaps, identify what you were seeing for yourself.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Later as we were leaving we spotted dozens of starfish about six inches under the water on the rocks under ramp #2.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anemones and sea<br />weed under a boat</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching 5 to 10 year olds run around and point at stuff was
a wonderful experience. And since you’ll
ask, we were told they’ve never had to fish one out. Kenny was a wealth of
information about all things under the water and had a clear simple way of
explaining everything and crowd management. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The time flew by; two hours was over before we knew it. We absolutely loved it. </span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-74873253487572802292014-05-30T15:20:00.000-07:002014-06-13T15:28:07.631-07:00Adventure - Kayaking with True North Kayak Tours<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE-S58tJAU-Gt55eUQmza4X4Jm6wdT6OH-LOvX_nyoxHttlO_i3SKmnst2BlW5TJtSUUci1Ul-ztJpW6S5CN0PzI00QGgvDH4w3-gvlqrDpiJu_NXu6YLIR8Vt-YefzGzEYS0syy01nw/s1600/IMG_0211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbE-S58tJAU-Gt55eUQmza4X4Jm6wdT6OH-LOvX_nyoxHttlO_i3SKmnst2BlW5TJtSUUci1Ul-ztJpW6S5CN0PzI00QGgvDH4w3-gvlqrDpiJu_NXu6YLIR8Vt-YefzGzEYS0syy01nw/s1600/IMG_0211.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayaks on the beach</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stats<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Time: half-day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Summary</b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every May, the Homer Chamber of Commerce hosts the <a href="http://www.homeralaska.org/visit-homer/events-homer/kachemak-bay-shorebird-festival" target="_blank">Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival</a>. The festival celebrates the passage of huge numbers of migratory birds through Kachemak Bay. It lasts 3 days and is jam-packed with bird-watching, hikes, talks, kayaking, and boat tours. One of the activities we chose to do was a kayaking trip with <a href="http://www.truenorthkayak.com/" target="_blank">True North Kayak</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Opinion</b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This trip was a lot of fun. The price is surprisingly reasonable and</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">you get close up views of the cliffs and coves across the bay. The guides for the tour are knowledgeable in both kayaking and in the region's history and geology. If you stick close and listen you a guaranteed to learn a lot.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Advice<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bring a jacket. Even on the warmest, sunniest day, the wind off the bay can be quite chilly. They have a secure location to leave extra clothing and other gear you don't want to take onto the water. We were comfortable with a light waterproof jacket, t-shirts, light cotton pants, baseball caps, and sunglasses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knee-high waterproof boots are also recommended, but if you don't have them True North will provide them (you will be getting off the boat in a place with no dock, so you will do some wading).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It would be wise to either bring or borrow one of their waterproof bags to hold your camera when you are not using it. There is often spray and it is nice to have something to protect your camera or other electronics.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Suitability</b><b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This tour is suitable for almost all ages. They have both one-man and two-man kayaks, so if your child is too young to kayak by itself they can ride in the front of a two-man kayak while you paddle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Tour Access</b><span lang="UZ-CYR"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contact </span><a href="http://www.truenorthkayak.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">True North Kayak</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for tickets. They are located on the Homer Spit and can provide specific directions. There is limited parking on the spit, but with some effort you can usually find a place. Most parking is free although there are a few lots that charge for parking. In the summer you can also take the <a href="http://www.homertrolley.com/" target="_blank">Homer Trolley</a> during the summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Tour</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arriving at the base camp</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our first stop was the True North business office. They escorted us from there to their boat at the Homer Boat harbor. After we were settled in, it was a short ride across Kachemak Bay
to their base camp on the lee side of Yukon Island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depending on the day, that ride can be flat
calm or very choppy but they know their business and the trip was quick and
uneventful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upon arriving at the base camp, we were met by our guide and
started getting ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Everyone is provided with life vests, paddles, and pogs. Pogs are fingerless mittens that Velcro around the paddle to keep you hands dry and warm. Kachemak Bay water is about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the spray and drips from paddling can make your hands very cold; especially on a windy day. </span>We had our own
paddles and life jackets and were allowed to use them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> They also offered the use of watertight bags for cameras and other gear you want kept dry. After handing our gear, they</span> started into a quick
but detailed “how-to brief”. The brief covered getting into the kayak skirt, getting in to the kayak, paddling, and what to do if you fall out. To date, no one has ever tipped a kayak, so the risk is low.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a side note, we were in terrible kayaking shape; this description is based on our physical condition. We were expecting to be a bit sore and tired after the trip, but we did just fine. We chose to use a two-man kayak so we could talk to each other. That also doubles our speed and endurance.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEafPs9TYUry-FuoRade_c5N4JjQn4aXME2R9yhCcrJfNVw3ASu06CrC-Rz9LypvFTzXFmgUTTkuNzgyEmsvIkQE5mjqscI9WTNpVwdED5Em8vfqagWBTdXfOoiEkGiWLluAUbRPaygA/s1600/IMG_0204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEafPs9TYUry-FuoRade_c5N4JjQn4aXME2R9yhCcrJfNVw3ASu06CrC-Rz9LypvFTzXFmgUTTkuNzgyEmsvIkQE5mjqscI9WTNpVwdED5Em8vfqagWBTdXfOoiEkGiWLluAUbRPaygA/s1600/IMG_0204.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The guides took us out from the base camp. The route took us into the wind along the shore. It was a beautiful day especially for May, which is usually cold and dreary. We kayaked into various coves and along the cliffs. The geology of the area is fascinating since this is a seismically active area. There is also a wide variety of seaweed and flowers. On this day there were few birds, but we did see a cormorant and we scared off a 4-ship of Harlequin Ducks. In season, they've seen orca and humpback whales, although those are not common.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4daOv-kfVnn6oKGMH732lVTGNWqg8GAA4eYFbLMJ9vVnmx-p-uKp7VbPRTlzVLLtQPeH7CooeTCa2aBVuCk1MZooCIGZmhla8Iob_8g8KOSHIq5uIySUJJno6s_J0GO5f5G226QIGBew/s1600/IMG_0850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4daOv-kfVnn6oKGMH732lVTGNWqg8GAA4eYFbLMJ9vVnmx-p-uKp7VbPRTlzVLLtQPeH7CooeTCa2aBVuCk1MZooCIGZmhla8Iob_8g8KOSHIq5uIySUJJno6s_J0GO5f5G226QIGBew/s1600/IMG_0850.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cliff face</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our guides were also familiar with much of the history of the area. The islands in that region were home to several homesteaders over the years. Some homesteads are now abandoned, others are still going strong, and still others have become lodges.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgAmMALRcIBVb9A3GhT0tosDjXTHXmIBzga88lLsv0DqKMOSDe79VSHKZnYGrnhDkD2iGxNGuuTzzRObWsfD49jVoQ20B5rPIhhreYPJO2qGUUrwPHyH_DXo2aQutSgrbZloD4JvNY84/s1600/_DSC4619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgAmMALRcIBVb9A3GhT0tosDjXTHXmIBzga88lLsv0DqKMOSDe79VSHKZnYGrnhDkD2iGxNGuuTzzRObWsfD49jVoQ20B5rPIhhreYPJO2qGUUrwPHyH_DXo2aQutSgrbZloD4JvNY84/s1600/_DSC4619.jpg" height="116" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fetching the boat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a method to their trip planning. When it was time to turn around, the wind was at our backs and the tide had turned, both made it easier to get back to the base camp. At this point the wind picked up and the trip back was quite a bit rougher than the way out. There was a lot more spray and the water washed over the top of the kayak a bit, but it was still not difficult to paddle and there was no danger of tipping.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgdkD3aL1JKxq9R0vtwalLiEVOk0OiFV81q1BloyTp3ubOD-MhgMGXMlcFt8VhZrj5GDovYPjrWCulorU-YVinL6zl460HI648ES9pmalkNP3GMyi3vygp-RqUxRm_661GZqBcs-3Hus/s1600/IMG_0849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgdkD3aL1JKxq9R0vtwalLiEVOk0OiFV81q1BloyTp3ubOD-MhgMGXMlcFt8VhZrj5GDovYPjrWCulorU-YVinL6zl460HI648ES9pmalkNP3GMyi3vygp-RqUxRm_661GZqBcs-3Hus/s1600/IMG_0849.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ready to load</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we got back to base camp they had us help get the kayaks above the tide line and we packed up for the boat ride back across the bay. All in all, this was a great way to spend a beautiful, sunny spring day.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-68518533990531011812014-05-30T13:55:00.000-07:002014-05-30T13:55:15.898-07:00Information - Apps We Use<div class="MsoNormal">
Several people have asked up how we develop our blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the most common questions is what apps
do we use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re Apple, iPad, and iPhone
junkies so we’re working through the iTunes App store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And mainly we use only two apps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One for recording the map for the hike which
is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/motionx-gps/id299949744?mt=8" target="_blank">Motion GPS</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The other is <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayetides/id287316432?mt=8" target="_blank">AyeTides</a> (iPad) or <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayetides-xl/id383466582?mt=8" target="_blank">AyeTide XL</a> (iPad) to check the tides for our beach hikes or trying to time our arrival with the
Turnagain Arm bore tide or the rush of water at the Homer Spit Fishing
hole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> AyeTides also provides the sunrise/sunset times which helps us pick depart times for the best photos. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We also use a number of weather apps but there is no real
front-runner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather in Alaska
seems to be hard to forecast and we are constantly cross checking them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we’re always prepared on our hikes for
inclement weather. <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-87656704120252902832014-05-25T09:34:00.000-07:002014-05-30T13:32:07.348-07:00(Closed due to massive undercutting of trail) Hiking - Diamond Creek Trail to Kachemak Bay Beach<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpjRalK4q10yNdxzc4SfHVJoQ1U6QaLKx430SM6VlcqOiGpR9tT534J3lxiNemI1ay8UVt0_utyHaJZwn-ntmXhyaxjODlHPonz2ZTN8nkQX3QZCoLDgqCSDTBLBR93Bq0829uc-dluU/s1600/Young+Eagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpjRalK4q10yNdxzc4SfHVJoQ1U6QaLKx430SM6VlcqOiGpR9tT534J3lxiNemI1ay8UVt0_utyHaJZwn-ntmXhyaxjODlHPonz2ZTN8nkQX3QZCoLDgqCSDTBLBR93Bq0829uc-dluU/s200/Young+Eagle.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Young Eagle on the Beach</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Closed due massive undercutting of the trail</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>-- We'll update this post when it gets opened again.</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Stats</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Distance: 0.5 miles + Difficulty: Easy / Moderate Time: 30 min +</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Summary<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This hike is in Homer, AK. The first time we walked this trail was 16 Jun 2013. It was a beautiful day, so we decided to go for a walk on the beach. We hiked the trail again a couple of weeks later. It is close and easy, so we'll be doing this hike often.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The link to the official web site is <a href="http://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/recreation/diamond-creek-trail"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/recreation/diamond-creek-trail</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span>This is limited site that lists a few of the hikes in the Homer area.</span><br />
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<b>Opinion</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We love this hike for an easy day hike. We prefer this hike and beach access to the better-known Bishop Beach. The beach here is more interesting</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and less crowded and the cliffs are closer.</span><br />
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It is a relatively easy, short, and very pleasant hike down to Homer’s rocky beach. It is moderately steep (most noticeable on the way back up) and was a bit boggy in spots during the spring run-off. However, the trail was well maintained with easy footing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trail Advice<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We strongly recommend
checking the tide tables and taking this hike at or near low tide. Although the hike is lovely any time of day,
the beach is more interesting at low tide and, especially on sunny days, you
can often see seals sunbathing on the large rocks exposed by low tide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The mosquitoes were fierce
in the shady areas along the trail. We
strongly recommend a good coating of both sunscreen and mosquito repellent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep an eye on your small
children during the trail hike. There
are places where the trail comes very close to a steep cliff and the trail is
occasionally undercut in those locations.
The trail is plenty wide enough to be safe, but a small child might not
notice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1y-tQg3a_umzxtbEg8KbMH9WeQZTb_U12OZpYPGBzpjKOfnGTTHPBhI3f50kaHiapnPcE4KNF_MCBsqEr0p918kisJBVTuJ0IrPcoh0QPFsi_ZFVlmRnyFaYNbisf-9mvYgm6I9IsPE/s1600/IMG_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1y-tQg3a_umzxtbEg8KbMH9WeQZTb_U12OZpYPGBzpjKOfnGTTHPBhI3f50kaHiapnPcE4KNF_MCBsqEr0p918kisJBVTuJ0IrPcoh0QPFsi_ZFVlmRnyFaYNbisf-9mvYgm6I9IsPE/s200/IMG_0312.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Young Pushki</span></td></tr>
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There is a great deal of Pushki on both sides of the trail. Pushki is a very common, large, very dramatic flowering weed. The picture shows it early in the season; later in the year it is even larger with white flowers on long stalks. However, the sap is a blister agent that can cause burns (sometimes severe) on exposure to air. Don’t push through this plant or break the leaves or stems </span><br />
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<b>Suitability<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not wheelchair accessible,
but suitable for anyone else, including children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Trailhead</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To find the trail, take the
small dirt road that starts on Sterling Hwy.
The road is is slightly offset to the north of where Diamond Ridge Rd
meets Sterling Hwy. Diamond Ridge Rd
heads up the hill to the cliff overlooking Homer (a very nice drive) and the
trail access road heads down the hill toward the beach. The trail access road does have recreation
are signs on Sterling Hwy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take the trail access road
about a mile down the hill. It ends at a
small parking lot with a well-marked trailhead.
Please be polite when you park and make sure not to block anyone in and
to leave as much space as possible for other hikers to park. The lot is small and will easily accommodate
only about six cars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hike<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trail starts at the
small parking area and heads steadily down hill to the beach. At first glance, it looks like the trail will
be very steep, but in fact it is moderately steep at worst and often gentle. The
trail is well groomed.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsxQSsPw1-UZJPD-HUgmSF7TGavnVIb8SNX_5KPDhLO8QA8VU8TDdefJEBYCUoADBc4PrnpUc9IpInUE0K9_OOvQbiIylQeMAyIEnqZMwR4W-NJSOttLdbtgi-AdRvIacoq_HKYM7d_g/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsxQSsPw1-UZJPD-HUgmSF7TGavnVIb8SNX_5KPDhLO8QA8VU8TDdefJEBYCUoADBc4PrnpUc9IpInUE0K9_OOvQbiIylQeMAyIEnqZMwR4W-NJSOttLdbtgi-AdRvIacoq_HKYM7d_g/s200/IMG_0316.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diamond Creek</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trail goes through an
alder forest and parallels a steep cliff above Diamond Creek for much of the hike. The
trail has a wide variety of plants (weeds) on both sides that gives it a lush
feeling and makes for a pleasant walk.
Based on the plentiful fireweed along both sides, the trail is likely
spectacular when they bloom in August/September.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">The trail ends at the
beach. From there you can walk along the
beach as far as you like in either direction.
If the tide is out, you can go for miles, but be careful. There are places where the cliffs are close
to the water and can be impassible during high tide; there are not that many
beach access locations and you can be trapped of you are not careful. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC34uSzTltR9_06FAllyx6TQmSDhH03sdSnq1X6ZQ0zUg0-84tqU7V3Rq29uLel3EUP8dE6BU0uuNOarNzyuyIKewxSw-AGUrbEaU2SLTvatjk-rCnv5Dvx-z_22ev1Z3WJrVUXzjrBA/s1600/Rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC34uSzTltR9_06FAllyx6TQmSDhH03sdSnq1X6ZQ0zUg0-84tqU7V3Rq29uLel3EUP8dE6BU0uuNOarNzyuyIKewxSw-AGUrbEaU2SLTvatjk-rCnv5Dvx-z_22ev1Z3WJrVUXzjrBA/s200/Rocks.jpg" height="161" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weed covered rock at low tide</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
beach is a combination of rough sand, medium-sized smooth rocks, and large
boulders. On sunny days, you can often
see seals sun-bathing on the large rocks at the edge of the sea. You could also see otters swimming beyond the
rocks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first time we took the hike, the tide was in and we saw very little wildlife, but many flowers. The second time we did the hike, the tide was out and the area was teeming with life. We didn't see any seals, but we did see lots of birds and eagles. We also saw evidence of clams in may areas.</span><br />
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We spent 5 minutes watching a juvenile eagle. It was on the verge of developing the white plumage of an adult. It was strolling down the beach eating the scores of fingerling fish that littered the beach at low tide. At one point the bird walked up within five feet of Chris.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDxiyj_GyFfsYV5reR5F-Ll8HaIlTlMckxsZ2ye-GcZi7YPJfitu-lDKmg6w4eLE4S0L6GpahLdF6rhA6eGXlZpyCK9S2KIyvQSX7adMjtCmGj0Es_svpPFARpdNl5dAwJ91ymLYAuBo/s1600/Homer+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDxiyj_GyFfsYV5reR5F-Ll8HaIlTlMckxsZ2ye-GcZi7YPJfitu-lDKmg6w4eLE4S0L6GpahLdF6rhA6eGXlZpyCK9S2KIyvQSX7adMjtCmGj0Es_svpPFARpdNl5dAwJ91ymLYAuBo/s200/Homer+Beach.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lupines on the Homer Beach</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaZ9g3Wx_JUaj2-8EzDVNQ_5HnML2XFyIdoaw7JdQ19gp_-qr0lM_plxPi92lkQSQHX9VIs6KeS-04ImHpXf1qRKTBkfQimnV9C4LJPmvTO2Jou6-Sr6bGnsZTuWn9byfYD-MmrTor1s/s1600/Beach+Waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibaZ9g3Wx_JUaj2-8EzDVNQ_5HnML2XFyIdoaw7JdQ19gp_-qr0lM_plxPi92lkQSQHX9VIs6KeS-04ImHpXf1qRKTBkfQimnV9C4LJPmvTO2Jou6-Sr6bGnsZTuWn9byfYD-MmrTor1s/s200/Beach+Waterfall.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lupines by a waterfall</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the cliff side of the
beach there are many waterfalls of various sizes cutting their way down the
cliff. In June, the wild Lupine was in
bloom is large areas near the base of the creek. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look and you might see bald eagles and ravens soaring on thermals
off the cliffs. Listen carefully and you
can sometimes hear the eagles twittering to each other on the wing. Out on the water you can see the fishing boats. Across the bay you can see the mountains and off to the west, on a clear day, you can see the volcanos.</span></div>
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</body>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-34449148613809674352014-05-09T16:18:00.000-07:002014-05-30T14:01:40.580-07:00Information - Do aluminum art prints survive sun and weather? IDK but am going to find out<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVal7G_2E8v7UQBYRTvl2_gMWqm8PMMUVfu1SqVBxJ5-xt9M9RgVDkyXqSfrd6MPGtQhW-WWxH7m5v4K5fdgHC9QDmIjecM4BmIxmVvkIXgsDin1dkzw2PTcvNJUobdvYThVviNntfmk/s1600/IMG_0787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVal7G_2E8v7UQBYRTvl2_gMWqm8PMMUVfu1SqVBxJ5-xt9M9RgVDkyXqSfrd6MPGtQhW-WWxH7m5v4K5fdgHC9QDmIjecM4BmIxmVvkIXgsDin1dkzw2PTcvNJUobdvYThVviNntfmk/s1600/IMG_0787.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLv-iMpuyODQFrhaiE2Ri-Ysm19cOYUbO7AL80ZJmEWPys7nudBdLNgH4rg96SG31CVuHPZJ7Texdj9NKvBQB0nbZN6fmqNnRW8KUdJ5ytI7v7ivpFMtLMeNHL47F_KMwZdqo-ySdeJ-s/s1600/Metal+Long+Term+May.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLv-iMpuyODQFrhaiE2Ri-Ysm19cOYUbO7AL80ZJmEWPys7nudBdLNgH4rg96SG31CVuHPZJ7Texdj9NKvBQB0nbZN6fmqNnRW8KUdJ5ytI7v7ivpFMtLMeNHL47F_KMwZdqo-ySdeJ-s/s1600/Metal+Long+Term+May.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
6 Jan 14 4 May 14</div>
</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>4 May 14</b><br />
<br />
How did it do after the first winter? Very well. It wasn't that hard a winter but we did get a lot of wind and a fair amount of snow. Our biggest problem was hanging it on the wall. A normal indoor hanger just doesn't cut it. And it was blown off the wall at least four times. Now we have it leaning on the house instead of hanging.<br />
<br />
So far as we can tell there isn't any change in the color after five months outside. There was some damage from falling off the wall. The bottom was dented from the fall. Also, there is one small scratch; you have to use a finger nail to find it and you can't see the base metal. It's also a bit dirty from the dust, water spots, and pollen, but the dirt just wipes off. The metal print we have used an infusion method where the ink is pulled into the metal and it goes a far way in. Next update will be towards the end of September. <br />
<br />
<b>6 Jan 14</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
After many people asking "Do aluminun art prints survive sun and weather?" I remember my dad saying "I don't know" wasn't an acceptable answer unless followed with "but I will find out." So, we decided to take one of our aluminun art prints that failed our quality assurance check and hang it outside and check on it about every six months or so. <br />
<br />
<br />
It is facing basically due south in a full sun location. It is, also, on the corner of the house where the wind gets funneled between the house and a line of alder. So, for the next four months, it's going to get live outside during an Alaska winter, and, then, it will get more sun that most could every want from an Alaskan summer--all 19 hours a day in June. <br />
<br />
We can't decide if it is going to enjoy the fresh air or fade away to nothing. But based on ancient coke cans we're found, we're betting on no effects. However, we do thing the untreated wood frame will probably fail first. <br />
<br />
Why you ask am I posting about this? Well, we're basically doing this blog to document our hikes on where we're going to take pictures for our gallery. The online gallery, by the way, can be reached from the changing pictures on the lower left of the page.<br />
<br />
If you're wondering what a aluminum prints, where a couple of vendors that can make them. Please, NOTE, I'm providing the links as references only as I haven't used either as a vendor yet.<br />
<br />
http://www.adoramapix.com/app/products/metalprints<br />
http://www.bayphoto.com/metalprints/Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-9523178526030118172014-03-20T14:18:00.000-07:002014-06-13T15:28:57.879-07:00Winter Adventure - Arctic Circle Tour with Ronn Murray Aurora Tours<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODZ8R3RgISZK468Xz7Z3enOzfKLQ43cOG7WZhHzdt9rhijK86FNt-y9dGbXnGsCpvRbIFGWkTkI_9zqSp5rZqA2KvsH01PV1D0Pfp7rWwJREvyrjPd1MsngYJNZImdLiL6zHZcmPTEtg/s1600/_DSC9345+v147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODZ8R3RgISZK468Xz7Z3enOzfKLQ43cOG7WZhHzdt9rhijK86FNt-y9dGbXnGsCpvRbIFGWkTkI_9zqSp5rZqA2KvsH01PV1D0Pfp7rWwJREvyrjPd1MsngYJNZImdLiL6zHZcmPTEtg/s1600/_DSC9345+v147.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aurora around the moon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Stats<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: center 3.0in right 6.0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Difficulty: Moderate<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Time:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Full-Day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Summary</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is a “bucket list” trip
of a lifetime! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Ronn Murray and his wife Marketa run Aurora Tours out of
Fairbanks, AK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We chose to go all out
and took their <a href="http://www.ronnmurrayphoto.com/keyword/arctic%20circle;tour/i-VbNZN2d">Arctic
Circle Tour</a> on 10 Mar 2014; this was the next to last of these </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">tours for
2014.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For us, the trip started at 4pm
and we returned home at almost 7am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
clouds were heavy most of the night, but we had a wonderful time and came home
with tons of great photos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only did
they take us to good locations, they shared some of their tips to night
photography learned over years of night shots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trip can only be done in the winter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opinion</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We didn’t get much of an
Aurora since there was cloud cover for most of the night, but in spite of that
this is a must-do, once-in-a-lifetime experience!</span><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Trail Advice</span></b><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bring your best camera and a tripod is a must!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Take a nap before the
trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a very long night and you’ll
need the sleep</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><u>Dress warmly and wear good
thick boots, hat, and gloves.</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
standing outside taking pictures for 30 minutes, the cold just soaked right
through our boots and our fingers were never warm and downright frozen more
than once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frostbite is a real
possibility and when they tell you about listen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bring a Ziploc type bag
large enough for your camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will
need it for cold protection (Ronn will explain) and hand/foot warmers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ronn had hand warmers and plastic bags for us
on this trip, so you will be okay if you forget it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Bring caffeine if you drink
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Food and water are provided, but very
little caffeine. However, caffeine has another effect and remember our warnings about the outhouses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Go to the bathroom before you leave.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">After the trip starts, the only bathrooms are outhouses and they can be pretty bad.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Suitability</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This trip is suitable for
all ages and some physical limitations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I wouldn’t recommend you bring really young kids on this
tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>13+ hours in a car or the cold and
so late at night would be pretty hard for most children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">People with physical
limitations can do this trip, but you will need to be able to get into and out
of a large van and be able to handle some snow and possibly ice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There isn’t a lot of walking required.</span><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Starting Point</span></b><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When you schedule your trip
with Ronn (</span><a href="http://www.ronnmurrayphoto.com/keyword/arctic%20circle;tour/i-VbNZN2d" style="font-family: Arial;">Arctic Circle Tour</a>)<span style="font-family: Arial;">, he will tell you where to meet him and give you directions.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you stay in a hotel in downtown Fairbanks
he is likely to pick you up, but if you are not close enough he will tell you
where to meet him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Adventure</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="UZ-CYR" style="font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-bidi-language: UZ-CYR; mso-fareast-language: UZ-CYR;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Chris
loves auroras and has been dying to got to Fairbanks for auroras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we chose to go to the <a href="http://www.icealaska.com/en/">World Ice Art Championship</a> in Fairbanks
this year, we decided to book an aurora watching tour during that trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris decided to use Ronn Murray Photography
and Tours at least in part because he’s been using their <a href="http://www.ronnmurrayphoto.com/NorthernLights-AuroraCamera/AlaskaAuroraCam">aurora
prediction tools</a> to look for auroras in Homer, AK.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Since
we don’t do this very often, we decided to go all out and take their Artic
Circle Tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have several other
shorter tours and workshops, but we wanted to do it all! Our goals for the trip
were two fold--cross the Arctic Circle (check) and take photos of auroras (check).
We weren't counting on four hours of camera instruction, which came as a
very pleasant surprise and a great way to spend six hours in a vehicle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><a href="http://www.ronnmurrayphoto.com/">Ronn and his wife Marketa</a>, both
professional aurora photographers, lead the tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They picked up 5 of us -- 2 couples and one
man -- in their 8-seat van at the Hampton Inn in Fairbanks at 3:45pm and we
were loaded an gone by 4pm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHfjBAiwgqCq5zto5X5RLfWYY-U-skzMPaD9pyqa4xzTrF1MbOQ4IqK398cdidOi1eKhtmOYBUXk0fs02dVoUeSvHHfMO7c6CuiM7EhmBI5HGSSEMso3c7R_VWIhTJ7QwA0dmu7_yOD8/s1600/_DSC0450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHfjBAiwgqCq5zto5X5RLfWYY-U-skzMPaD9pyqa4xzTrF1MbOQ4IqK398cdidOi1eKhtmOYBUXk0fs02dVoUeSvHHfMO7c6CuiM7EhmBI5HGSSEMso3c7R_VWIhTJ7QwA0dmu7_yOD8/s1600/_DSC0450.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uphill climb</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">The
<a href="http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/recreation/dalton_hwy/dalton_maps.html">route</a>
we followed went from Fairbanks to Fox to the Arctic Circle National Park Stop
(Milepost 115) and back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started with
overcast, which we kept most of the night. However across the evening,
night, and morning, we had wind, humidity, blowing snow, and calm conditions
across those 230 miles. Snow, 30 mph+ winds, and a semi tractor-trailer
coming down a hill at you leaves you with lasting impressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and we lost cell coverage about 30
minutes into the trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">During
the trip, the temperature hovered around 0 degree F with variable humidity and
winds, either of which made it feel 50 degrees colder. That’s the coldest
either of us has been in a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Especially since our boots and gloves were not quite warm enough and
could not keep up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crazy thing
about weather in Alaska: you're always balancing being too hot with too many
clothes or too cold with too few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the
way, that weather is unusually warm for that part of Alaska. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Ronn
and Marketa provide dinner; Marketa makes a great sandwich and also provides chips,
cookies, and an apple as well as two bottles of water and a bottle of
juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also pull out the coffee,
tea, and hot chocolate late in the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5IInF-8DL58rQfB6eMzJ58lxvhGVaTJJ2AgIp3elZbWtRSvhfuJ9NHpNsftm-uT4zsXO2XjE0DedklfpShck73dVxYc099mx07cKA_HXOH9jCU8Zybtl5-31joev6rt80CMS1BunofU/s1600/_DSC9375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5IInF-8DL58rQfB6eMzJ58lxvhGVaTJJ2AgIp3elZbWtRSvhfuJ9NHpNsftm-uT4zsXO2XjE0DedklfpShck73dVxYc099mx07cKA_HXOH9jCU8Zybtl5-31joev6rt80CMS1BunofU/s1600/_DSC9375.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trans-Alaska Pipeline</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Our
fist stop for the day was at a the <a href="http://www.alaska.org/detail/trans-alaska-pipeline-viewpoint">Trans-Alaska
Pipeline Viewpoint</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll cover this
stop more thoroughly in a separate blog, but it is interesting and good for a
few photo opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also
relevant since we pretty much followed the pipeline all the way to the Arctic
Circle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdRbB6bkzdMl-bB_oDWdlkEIizOrerPDMgSybz_NarCigRw-I4Jzp4TVBVDGhIR7ertU68kTc6Xh_O0GoREBPmSg0b_VWhWrBGPc217apSyzVV-OsLOVNfGEd8hyaq0QIcm9hEvKfPMY/s1600/_DSC9163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdRbB6bkzdMl-bB_oDWdlkEIizOrerPDMgSybz_NarCigRw-I4Jzp4TVBVDGhIR7ertU68kTc6Xh_O0GoREBPmSg0b_VWhWrBGPc217apSyzVV-OsLOVNfGEd8hyaq0QIcm9hEvKfPMY/s1600/_DSC9163.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to the Dalton Hwy</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Our
next stop was at the entrance to the world famous Dalton Highway (home of the <a href="http://www.history.com/shows/ice-road-truckers/videos?mkwid=sciAbZ5g3%7Cdc_pcrid_38365013238_pkw_ice%20road%20truckers%20fairbanks_pmt_b&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=ice%20road%20truckers%20fairbanks&utm_campaign=G_Ice+Road+Truckers&paidlink=1&cmpid=PaidSearch_google_G_Ice+Road+Truckers_ice%20road%20truckers%20fairbanks&gclid=CNztkoaGnb0CFbFaMgodulUAlQ">Ice
Road Truckers</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is just pure
bragging rights and photo-op since very few people every get that far
north.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a side note, the ubiquitous
“they” don’t like tourists driving on the Dalton Highway; it is considered too
dangerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the car rental
places make you sign an agreement saying you won’t take their car on that
highway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road is dangerous, but not
necessarily because it is icy or slippery (although it can be).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the biggest dangers is the
trucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The road had many tight turns
and steep inclines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many places, the
truckers need to be going very fast down a hill so they have enough momentum to
get UP the next hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a tourist is
toodling along at slow speeds they can either get hit or cause significant
difficulty for the truckers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One piece
of mandatory equipment Is a CB radio so you can find out if a truck is coming
that can’t slow down and pull off the road to get out of his way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many pull-offs on the road.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGH-LQdtAUireVXHLbqDfltAicTRZ8-aA2AlDbfdBHOvRXqK4v8HVlW037mysul765IoZCBefxT4YPB-UGMFkUTW7uLvOoc-RDm_l9YYl8xxbZUWsng9UUgqr32KBJE60qhD1m9-f5N9E/s1600/_DSC9172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGH-LQdtAUireVXHLbqDfltAicTRZ8-aA2AlDbfdBHOvRXqK4v8HVlW037mysul765IoZCBefxT4YPB-UGMFkUTW7uLvOoc-RDm_l9YYl8xxbZUWsng9UUgqr32KBJE60qhD1m9-f5N9E/s1600/_DSC9172.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Seuss trees</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Then
we stopped at a pullout a few miles up the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trees in this area were buried in snow:
bent and twisted under the weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ronn
thought they looked likes something out of Dr. Seuss </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed here for several minutes
while we took photos of the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
time-change had just happened, this was the first time in 2014 the trees could
be seen in daylight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">By
the way, as you can see from the pictures, we were getting very worried about
whether the sky would clear so we could see an aurora if one put in an
appearance!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfGUnGLWONJt4UX4V5QRiJYYBWLzABYvVxdlE8SEqwhbTjQYx7DWw_3d11Rh8tfHH7UZAZIcPG4SjW-OSVcnEifTAab_Ft4IsDkD9TANzKd4bpFIvHgDhoyg-8NhXKCCp6rg8Vsjedj0/s1600/_DSC9229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfGUnGLWONJt4UX4V5QRiJYYBWLzABYvVxdlE8SEqwhbTjQYx7DWw_3d11Rh8tfHH7UZAZIcPG4SjW-OSVcnEifTAab_Ft4IsDkD9TANzKd4bpFIvHgDhoyg-8NhXKCCp6rg8Vsjedj0/s1600/_DSC9229.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More frozen trees</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">We
pulled off again fro more frozen trees just a few more miles up the road where
we got a different perspective and spent several more minutes taking
pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point the sun was
setting and it was getting darker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yukon River Bridge</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">The
next stop was in full dark (8:45pm) just across the bridge over the Yukon River.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ronn took us on a short walk to the bank of
the river where you can get a nice photo of the bridge and the pipeline running
under it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The river was frozen over,
but the weather this winter was relatively warm and it was not sufficiently
frozen for them to build an ice road over the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In colder years, they do build an ice road
because it can handle more and faster traffic than the bridge.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oFdUzrmlGl_6gTDuNkJKcbDbF3TpNb81MGv81PL_wwGlk7vWI0A1I_DYg7wC-TTMHAI17HZTvVn3PzNzkKn97q6xAWr0g4DEDw3-LJZptqhwUXaLIZFybPbpQwERAtYVBz_oxK9tH7I/s1600/Aurora+Trip+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oFdUzrmlGl_6gTDuNkJKcbDbF3TpNb81MGv81PL_wwGlk7vWI0A1I_DYg7wC-TTMHAI17HZTvVn3PzNzkKn97q6xAWr0g4DEDw3-LJZptqhwUXaLIZFybPbpQwERAtYVBz_oxK9tH7I/s1600/Aurora+Trip+4.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris and Carol at the Arctic Circle</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">We
arrived at the Artic Circle at 10:30 pm. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the winter solstice the Arctic Circle has a full 24 hours of dark and at the summer solstice it has 24 hour of sunshine (you just might see a version of this trip without the aurora in the summer or autumn of 2014). </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">This was the first place there was a possibility of auroras, but it was
totally clouded over.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">You could just see
the moon glowing through the clouds.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">We
took a lot of tourist photos and then Ronn gave us his first talk about taking
good aurora pictures.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I won’t repeat his
advice here (I don’t want to steal his thunder If you take this trip), but I
will say I learned a lot.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Chris and I
have done a lot of night shot experiments, but we have had only intermittent
success with auroras.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">After this trip I
expect our success rate to go through the roof.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">He also gave us some good tips on taking pictures of the Milky Way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">At
this point we’d gone as far north as we were going to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited a while, took more pictures, and
hoped for the sky to clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ronn was somewhat optimistic
though and said it wasn’t at all unusual for there to be several different
weather zones between Arctic Circle and Fairbanks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT_IJvKlm3uh9bvVpl-HYbtx4wxTbHjyzopLuFE5SKLHeyAEiEd-OQWFe4x3Rq0sv1mEsw9XTJ2oHJcy-LENSmV6GmjLpZzkcnyEMkPJj4G4b6ISZFUkaASnU20UT1G8t6rK2LjoX_HU/s1600/A+Flash+on+Falling+Snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT_IJvKlm3uh9bvVpl-HYbtx4wxTbHjyzopLuFE5SKLHeyAEiEd-OQWFe4x3Rq0sv1mEsw9XTJ2oHJcy-LENSmV6GmjLpZzkcnyEMkPJj4G4b6ISZFUkaASnU20UT1G8t6rK2LjoX_HU/s1600/A+Flash+on+Falling+Snow.jpg" height="128" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snow in the trees</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">We
headed back toward Fairbanks, pulling over at every good viewing spot to see if
the sky was clearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped for
long periods of time at each spot but no luck…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, we passed through a couple of snow squalls and at least one
gentle snow fall; it wasn’t looking good at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5xMe51-xFMaInWM8vyYbJcm2yQtaV_k9AXmUrwY9vrrEDxp7aM5U0iIGNa_Q_ByTHA5zNIhpO_ewo6q1OgX3gvfFPqX5yEjidwXjIFKgV4VOnkZACYE_GoMQMRM-1L9HSkDc_dq3fzQ/s1600/Aurora+Trip+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5xMe51-xFMaInWM8vyYbJcm2yQtaV_k9AXmUrwY9vrrEDxp7aM5U0iIGNa_Q_ByTHA5zNIhpO_ewo6q1OgX3gvfFPqX5yEjidwXjIFKgV4VOnkZACYE_GoMQMRM-1L9HSkDc_dq3fzQ/s1600/Aurora+Trip+6.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, an aurora!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Finally,
at the last good stop before we had to enter Fairbanks we stopped one last
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the fogged up windows it
looked like there might be visible stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We piled out of the van one last time and lo-and-behold, STARS!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sky was lovely and dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only light seemed to be coming from the ¾
moon low on the horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
auroras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Ronn (and Chris and I) have
some experience with auroras that aren’t visible to the naked eye, so they took a
couple of test photos to see if there was anything out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pointed east and there it was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faint on the horizon and near the moon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all set up and started taking pictures like
mad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ronn went from person to person and
helped us make sure we were getting the best pictures our cameras could
take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he helped Chris and I fix
a focus issue that would have ruined our shots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Then, one of us turned around and took a photo to the east.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">The aurora was even better in that
direction!</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Then one of us looked
straight up and there was the aurora directly overhead with the Big Dipper
nestled in the center.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hDX3h7CMRfZVUPChSN_lkxl2KtoTtLvGsLA_irQXZZmYXeJOfCfnca9y1SQfIItSmy2PpAv5ygLlKVPzHqJnrxkbJwoCUbAiLolmK1NgcLJOrnJt3bx_tMEc0YklHqE49-aJKp5xDiw/s1600/Aurora+Behind+the+Big+Dipper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hDX3h7CMRfZVUPChSN_lkxl2KtoTtLvGsLA_irQXZZmYXeJOfCfnca9y1SQfIItSmy2PpAv5ygLlKVPzHqJnrxkbJwoCUbAiLolmK1NgcLJOrnJt3bx_tMEc0YklHqE49-aJKp5xDiw/s1600/Aurora+Behind+the+Big+Dipper.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aurora and the Big Dipper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODZ8R3RgISZK468Xz7Z3enOzfKLQ43cOG7WZhHzdt9rhijK86FNt-y9dGbXnGsCpvRbIFGWkTkI_9zqSp5rZqA2KvsH01PV1D0Pfp7rWwJREvyrjPd1MsngYJNZImdLiL6zHZcmPTEtg/s1600/_DSC9345+v147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODZ8R3RgISZK468Xz7Z3enOzfKLQ43cOG7WZhHzdt9rhijK86FNt-y9dGbXnGsCpvRbIFGWkTkI_9zqSp5rZqA2KvsH01PV1D0Pfp7rWwJREvyrjPd1MsngYJNZImdLiL6zHZcmPTEtg/s1600/_DSC9345+v147.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Arial; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu1nk7Tpse9-ABtG9FRNai65nsP8TIDZ9UlbkVKu0i5hNDRj6jzqu5DZ6u11HNH6O3Mkgwm3z4tvOTrYJO4I51I2LHAPcdPNzxeaBqHWO0lJ-Jwj0f3YI7L3dTLlCmM7wBd0RY0SpBXo/s1600/Aurora+Glow+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu1nk7Tpse9-ABtG9FRNai65nsP8TIDZ9UlbkVKu0i5hNDRj6jzqu5DZ6u11HNH6O3Mkgwm3z4tvOTrYJO4I51I2LHAPcdPNzxeaBqHWO0lJ-Jwj0f3YI7L3dTLlCmM7wBd0RY0SpBXo/s1600/Aurora+Glow+1.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">A
faint aurora looks nothing like the photos you see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looks more like high, thin, white
clouds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the camera can see what your
eye cannot and even faint auroras can be really awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This aurora gave Ronn and Marketa their 21<sup>st</sup>
night in a row of auroras: pretty impressive even for a Solar Max year. (At the time of this writing, they were at 25 nights and still counting.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Overall
we got some very nice pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
aurora was never truly amazing -- no dramatic ribbons in the sky -- but it was
very nice and a perfect end to our aurora hunting night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the way, it was 4:30 am when we started
photographing auroras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were there for
just over an hour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">One
final piece of advice:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>allow a very
light day on the day after taking this trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It takes a while to recover from the all-nighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least it did for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">This
was a great trip and even without auroras I’d recommend it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With auroras it was fabulous!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">References:
Google Dalton Highway Arctic Circle Stop and you'll get a ton of hits.
All the large travel sites seem to have a guide and you'll get a feeling
for what you're getting into.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Maps under construction </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-84420324646337551382014-01-19T13:32:00.000-08:002014-06-13T15:30:06.418-07:00Winter Hiking - Snowshoeing at Eveline State Recreation Site<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YwMCQ53mmkolCLYZXSow3dU4sE5f-NlmtNdZrcuG0ks8_eV59Aih25ujKcUR0eFaIAWXkfxelybgC710L4nNu7EORU_MJ3Hn4pmzwoMn7JjK-JwDrc1ToGsMhKQV0wdoNOxyN3Lm2jw/s1600/Snowshoeing_DSC7185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YwMCQ53mmkolCLYZXSow3dU4sE5f-NlmtNdZrcuG0ks8_eV59Aih25ujKcUR0eFaIAWXkfxelybgC710L4nNu7EORU_MJ3Hn4pmzwoMn7JjK-JwDrc1ToGsMhKQV0wdoNOxyN3Lm2jw/s1600/Snowshoeing_DSC7185.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snowshoeing on Eveline Trail</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Stats</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Distance: 1.4
miles <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 hr 10 min</span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Summary</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">On 17 Jan 2014 we finally
got some much overdue snow and headed to the Eveline State Recreation Site for
snowshoeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eveline has trails that are
used in both summer and winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried
the trail in </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">summer (<a href="http://alaskasdisappearingtourists.blogspot.com/2013/08/eveline-state-recreation-site.html"><span style="color: blue;">Hiking
at Eveline State Recreation Site outside Homer</span></a>); it was time to check it
out in winter. We took the Alpine
Meadows Loop. In summer, this loop has excellent views of the Portlock and
Dixon Glaciers. The views are even
better in winter. The Alaska Department
of Resources web site for the recreation area is </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/kenai/evelinesrs.htm">Eveline
State Recreation Site</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span>
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<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Opinion</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is a very nice
snowshoe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a>It was just long enough to
give us a bit of practice with our new snowshoes and some exercise without
overdoing it; this was only the 2<sup>nd</sup> time we’d used the new
shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In winter, the trail is well
marked and easy to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
snowshoers and Nordic skiers share the same trail, so please, if you are
snowshoeing, try not to walk over the Nordic ski lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The views are marvelous, open snowfields,
snow covered alder and spruce, and the glaciers across the bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Trail Advice</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The road to the trailhead
is plowed, but not quickly, so you may have some minor difficulty getting your
car to the trailhead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have too
much trouble there is another trailhead at the McNeil Canyon School.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We haven’t taken the trail from this
direction yet, so directions to that trailhead are not yet included in this
blog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dress in layers (obvious
advice).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Be careful if you step off
the trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped off to get a photo
and found a hole under a thin layer of snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I immediately sank knee deep, then the snowshoe acted like a ski and
slid several inches down a slope and dumped me on my rear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not painful, but wet and embarrassing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Suitability</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Suitable for all skill
levels of snowshoeing and Nordic Skiing and people of all ages.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Trailhead</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To find the trail, drive
down East End Rd 13.8 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you
pass the McNeil Canyon School you are close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turn left on Alpine Meadows Rd and go 0.3 miles to the parking area and
trailhead.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Hike<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SVSlMCFvsVcNHf2ns7qz2WBEBTGy7OQY-TJ0oIi4Hr60CCgCeN42C6ef3AaFAeAn2BdCtO3lS42ZyzTqI0Xmi0rk9JQgF7oHFbgpAJFb217JFB1i6Kiv__2MY4y7gKOuECVCK3QcSAM/s1600/Map_DSC1495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SVSlMCFvsVcNHf2ns7qz2WBEBTGy7OQY-TJ0oIi4Hr60CCgCeN42C6ef3AaFAeAn2BdCtO3lS42ZyzTqI0Xmi0rk9JQgF7oHFbgpAJFb217JFB1i6Kiv__2MY4y7gKOuECVCK3QcSAM/s1600/Map_DSC1495.jpg" height="209" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trail map</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The
parking area is nice and large (although a bit reduced in size by piles of
plowed snow).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trail is closed to
motorized vehicles, but is popular with snowshoers, Nordic skiers, and dog
walkers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trail is well marked and
appears to receive periodic grooming, so it is in excellent condition. And many thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kachemaknordic">Kachmak Nordic Ski Club</a> for the excellent trail conditions and maps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3cxJh64ps8Dtfh5TErUHCDGSoPAsRon9MlKV6-nppAqPfkKydcOl2VuRWvvWtN04QJkSzH6vaBny7yolYOC9qDb9ob5KH6qZ9XwAlKd-McfmZAxG2UxAPe2sEmiAhBjIy_9c2TU01Sk/s1600/Eveline-_DSC1355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3cxJh64ps8Dtfh5TErUHCDGSoPAsRon9MlKV6-nppAqPfkKydcOl2VuRWvvWtN04QJkSzH6vaBny7yolYOC9qDb9ob5KH6qZ9XwAlKd-McfmZAxG2UxAPe2sEmiAhBjIy_9c2TU01Sk/s1600/Eveline-_DSC1355.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Following a Nordic Skier</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOFuIBnItmgSTmunvkkxmi5p_r69aEN3tSiWf-GsQyniovV2hmLc27SrWpJWRzWveS7A1InHvGehQk5l4muKFZqYf1Fh1ZsQ00efMOeFA0BuOuYhG2atZnuyHQqZ7iLJF9EZMH_57AyM/s1600/Glacier_DSC7236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOFuIBnItmgSTmunvkkxmi5p_r69aEN3tSiWf-GsQyniovV2hmLc27SrWpJWRzWveS7A1InHvGehQk5l4muKFZqYf1Fh1ZsQ00efMOeFA0BuOuYhG2atZnuyHQqZ7iLJF9EZMH_57AyM/s1600/Glacier_DSC7236.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dixon Glacer</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NWqaHWRf_SOAkT5O3apxv5Fm2m7RHRD_7tmno4njx1UZ8cVifytboJZjdn5e3YY4XKVKhwqS2MC9gw88hipl1GnqxBMXgr-lDNnMIb9d8Lcy37ZXMmVG0vAr3X9c4jF_a6noqFun70Y/s1600/Glaciers_DSC7239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NWqaHWRf_SOAkT5O3apxv5Fm2m7RHRD_7tmno4njx1UZ8cVifytboJZjdn5e3YY4XKVKhwqS2MC9gw88hipl1GnqxBMXgr-lDNnMIb9d8Lcy37ZXMmVG0vAr3X9c4jF_a6noqFun70Y/s1600/Glaciers_DSC7239.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dixon and Portlock Glaciers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">On
this trip we took the Alpine Meadows trail.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">It is only a mile and has great dramatic views of the Dixon and Portlock
glaciers across Kachemak Bay.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">There are
other longer trails available in the winter and now that we have the hang of
the snowshoes, we will try those trails as well.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">However, it may be a bit before we can get
there.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">We’ve been having unseasonably
warm weather and a lot of rain.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">The snow
is rapidly disappearing.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjNsBH02_hbeXMCy2ewHmkKGbh3lbblEVcnV4aAccPG4Mt4UOLKLASqY9azNMN82aHf21ds8zrrwlfzWd8-6fW36jkj3l0tHYmd_O_II8s8D53ixEOvzvfSjqQ_ViEiVoBRYRkZcW0pE/s1600/Eveline-_DSC1356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjNsBH02_hbeXMCy2ewHmkKGbh3lbblEVcnV4aAccPG4Mt4UOLKLASqY9azNMN82aHf21ds8zrrwlfzWd8-6fW36jkj3l0tHYmd_O_II8s8D53ixEOvzvfSjqQ_ViEiVoBRYRkZcW0pE/s1600/Eveline-_DSC1356.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View across Kachemak Bay</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdKDYPaIbaehdoXXeZcv3J1aqDcFnIynV38hoo2144ITiPGy_y8vStSopA1Zr2UpsdmcSw92F2IrLZW6PdHG5w2cZcezT8ob_VaAe0Lk6jAoZtl3-wMZh2JDO0hIQckOlkbqoJW94tPE/s1600/Eveline-_DSC1382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdKDYPaIbaehdoXXeZcv3J1aqDcFnIynV38hoo2144ITiPGy_y8vStSopA1Zr2UpsdmcSw92F2IrLZW6PdHG5w2cZcezT8ob_VaAe0Lk6jAoZtl3-wMZh2JDO0hIQckOlkbqoJW94tPE/s1600/Eveline-_DSC1382.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Puski flowers in the snow</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gYQcXXwfT2r75v0L8eYll5FFAIXbM6ee8xeWKHoG_oNinyB7nN8sv2tETk7wOLw6lXpd_t9VMZlEBTpRvaiiYYtnjr_CcfEbv8HnEGqiJHFv47xqSTiMIQ8VG0wdoib_bdv3Si8wvKY/s1600/Photographers+Shadows_DSC7186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gYQcXXwfT2r75v0L8eYll5FFAIXbM6ee8xeWKHoG_oNinyB7nN8sv2tETk7wOLw6lXpd_t9VMZlEBTpRvaiiYYtnjr_CcfEbv8HnEGqiJHFv47xqSTiMIQ8VG0wdoib_bdv3Si8wvKY/s1600/Photographers+Shadows_DSC7186.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shadows</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The
fields that are covered with wildflowers all summer are now covered with
snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This provides vistas across smooth
snowfields broken by Pushki flower heads, grasses, and mounding snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The winter sun makes for fabulous lighting in
every direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the snowfields it
casts long, dramatic shadows and glitters on the snow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRMV8tyK1Kvb8lNdCpNKR_ugkZZ-GA3C74xrs6taqFWPlVraPO_bGwPSkacVUaKhVa02GS-2i3q_C0wbTZKDCDeNAKxEQXD_kX4miuxgSOl9H56EUjuqhJY-5SmGaQTm037hcDiOCvE0/s1600/Sun+Glare_DSC7221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRMV8tyK1Kvb8lNdCpNKR_ugkZZ-GA3C74xrs6taqFWPlVraPO_bGwPSkacVUaKhVa02GS-2i3q_C0wbTZKDCDeNAKxEQXD_kX4miuxgSOl9H56EUjuqhJY-5SmGaQTm037hcDiOCvE0/s1600/Sun+Glare_DSC7221.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spruce trees against the sun</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The
spruce trees had a light layer of snow and the winter sun made them vivid and
dark against the blue sky: fabulous contrast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We had a bit of trouble with the iPhone GPS on the hike. So, since we took the same route as the summer time hike, the maps and embedded pictures below are from the summer hike.</span></div>
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</body>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02118532786156816538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2600129706580097100.post-18351206526501106892014-01-11T12:39:00.000-08:002014-06-13T15:29:49.964-07:00Winter Hiking - Snowshoeing at the Carl E. Wynn Nature Center or Walking With Moose <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDL3f7m-6aSg_HDqqEWMmau-Km-mg1xGPzED438YJD7zyXH6kTMIT_WD-_txKvuGmvH4udUdHJVvyOsi5pNX7Z-a-nby4j7ZXrWGk_fNzWxh_7qbbMJjDmJyd53R_xas0ujt3Gy9mDOl4/s1600/Sun+Glare-7166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDL3f7m-6aSg_HDqqEWMmau-Km-mg1xGPzED438YJD7zyXH6kTMIT_WD-_txKvuGmvH4udUdHJVvyOsi5pNX7Z-a-nby4j7ZXrWGk_fNzWxh_7qbbMJjDmJyd53R_xas0ujt3Gy9mDOl4/s1600/Sun+Glare-7166.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shadows and light</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Distance:
0.3
miles
Difficulty: Easy Time:
Up to you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Summary</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">The
<a href="http://www.akcoastalstudies.org/wynn-nature-center.html"><span style="color: #0000e9;">Carl E. Wynn Nature Center</span></a> is a popular area
for both hiking and snowshoeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
snow was just deep enough for snowshoes on 10 Jan 2014 and we took a short
walk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Opinion</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">In
winter, the Wynn Center offers fabulous views of snow-covered spruce and open
meadows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also have a very real
chance of seeing a moose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This area is
definitely worth a visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a>It does not,
however, have the sweeping vistas that you can find on other locations (or at
least we haven’t yet found them.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the Wynn Center belongs to the Center for
Alaskan Coastal Studies and, unless you are a member, they charge a small fee
($7) to help them maintain the trails and support their activities with Alaskan
school children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Trail Advice</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Dress
in layers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Suitability</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">This
is an easy trail for snowshoeing and suitable for novices (like us) not just
experienced snowshoers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Trailhead</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhBGcYgH2lizsbntJJTb4kLv75v6LvQ5SJrH0TldjJ8GY_y8jUU7WisNw8Ua7_eRUwDgdYZOEh5ftGv1rqMULZ7LvVJfavwnShuv2SjkuvIkIMY7nc0g5vnfUzizB9-VDMhRHpCyHepY/s1600/IMG_0095.jpg" height="148" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wynn Center entrance</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhBGcYgH2lizsbntJJTb4kLv75v6LvQ5SJrH0TldjJ8GY_y8jUU7WisNw8Ua7_eRUwDgdYZOEh5ftGv1rqMULZ7LvVJfavwnShuv2SjkuvIkIMY7nc0g5vnfUzizB9-VDMhRHpCyHepY/s1600/IMG_0095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">To
find the Wynn Center, take East Hill Rd up from Homer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn right (east) when it intersects with
Skyline Rd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About a mile later you will
see a sign for the Wynn Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Center will be on your left.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">The
Hike</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K9levHb9nK3pD-DOII97r_c7YE5Ll_f-ANUxKRLs4cgJonK0mMat_94fwICH8xKsg_08zsv3WKopN93bBUcFj-LSY3jkZwLmHbPBFa8s86dsmHS2g2upk30BbrcPPsnKmUvV6UKUq00/s1600/IMG_0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K9levHb9nK3pD-DOII97r_c7YE5Ll_f-ANUxKRLs4cgJonK0mMat_94fwICH8xKsg_08zsv3WKopN93bBUcFj-LSY3jkZwLmHbPBFa8s86dsmHS2g2upk30BbrcPPsnKmUvV6UKUq00/s1600/IMG_0100.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bog in snow</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">We
have been eagerly awaiting enough snow to go snowshoeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a few inches of snow before Christmas
and, while most of it had melted, we decided there might be enough snow to at
the Carl E. Wynn Nature Center to let us try our new shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Carl E. Wynn Nature Center belongs to the
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are <a href="http://www.akcoastalstudies.org/guided-tours/49-wynn-nature-center-hikes.html">several
options for hiking/snowshoeing</a> at the Wynn Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They charge a small, honor-system fee for
people taking a self-guided hike; members hike for free and the Center for
Alaskan Coastal Studies also has loaner snowshoes for members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the self-guided tours, they
also offer guided nature tours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Like
most outdoor activities in Alaska, it was a day for layers. When we were
in the sun or moving it was warm, but when we moved into the trees and when the
clouds covered the sun it got cold -- at least for me. At 28 degrees it
was a day for gloves, in my case, I used a set with exposed fingertips and a
mitten pull over which worked well. However, the ski poles and camera
rapidly became cold and I was forced to wear the over mitts most of the time.
Carol, on the other hand, kept removing layers and by the end wasn’t
wearing a hat or gloves and had her coat half unzipped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">For
you snowshoes novices (like we are), we found snowshoeing was easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It ‘s harder than walking, but easier than
jogging. We also discovered that a packed trail was very different from fresh
snow. The fresh snow in this case was light and fluffy and our shoes sank
quite a bit on each stride, as opposed to the packed trail where it was
basically just like walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year
we tried the same trail with just boot and we sank to our knees on every stride
on the packed trail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0isn3kwRjrVozI3-Wvk82xgy0fBEcAu66hT4amCz4NsQfwnCzlIM1_Z2OGUV0n5hKkuC8XDRURRPUcmkBu4TcXt6Ni6lrUpaESADknTF8f16Ff_rZeH3-6tJyXdPX0hWv5EnwgitBTcU/s1600/Snow+Shoeing-7171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0isn3kwRjrVozI3-Wvk82xgy0fBEcAu66hT4amCz4NsQfwnCzlIM1_Z2OGUV0n5hKkuC8XDRURRPUcmkBu4TcXt6Ni6lrUpaESADknTF8f16Ff_rZeH3-6tJyXdPX0hWv5EnwgitBTcU/s1600/Snow+Shoeing-7171.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris on snowshoes</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">When
we got there, the snow was just deep enough for snowshoes so off we went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a perfect day, sunny, clear, and calm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a quick look at the <a href="http://www.akcoastalstudies.org/data/attachments/FinalWynn-Map-revisedsmall.gif">trail
map</a>, and headed out along the Gladys Church Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ground was under perhaps a foot of snow and
the trees, bushes, and meadow plant were blanketed by an inch of fresh snow
from the night before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In less than 0.1
miles we were out-of-sight of man (with the exception of a bench that was
almost totally buried in snow).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
alone on the trail and far enough from the road that we could hear only the
occasional sound of snow falling from the trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdf3VQNyTDuKQ8NxTabNDb7TvcR6HD2-rHZpyThoEuP02G00nOXr20TcH31E5wkDyTMRaYjYaUxZtFx0DveVytNLjj_ZauBMHP6EoatpQK1tnRIdfTn3BpI5uvLmedlevbMK-23GgZsY/s1600/Snow+Against+Blue+Sky-7159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdf3VQNyTDuKQ8NxTabNDb7TvcR6HD2-rHZpyThoEuP02G00nOXr20TcH31E5wkDyTMRaYjYaUxZtFx0DveVytNLjj_ZauBMHP6EoatpQK1tnRIdfTn3BpI5uvLmedlevbMK-23GgZsY/s1600/Snow+Against+Blue+Sky-7159.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low sun on snow fields</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">We
chose to hit the trail just about 1pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That sounds early, but the days are very short and the shadows were
already lengthening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The snow, sun, and
shadows combined to make marvelous photo opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hNhp9R1SiXU2gTXXLLWzdoRzLR-Uf9byUVnsJ41sbvl7wMRfgS-s7hAqYZrK53q_Yd0PGFPkblYLQy0JJlwS3JfM8sAldCFf5cFRQnrnUFuIQJdduM6ulXDlo-B0avg7U_HbuLNXm04/s1600/Bull+Moose-7132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hNhp9R1SiXU2gTXXLLWzdoRzLR-Uf9byUVnsJ41sbvl7wMRfgS-s7hAqYZrK53q_Yd0PGFPkblYLQy0JJlwS3JfM8sAldCFf5cFRQnrnUFuIQJdduM6ulXDlo-B0avg7U_HbuLNXm04/s1600/Bull+Moose-7132.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look closely, the moose is at the <br />base of the tree</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">At
about 0.15 miles, we rounded a corner in the trail and found ourselves 20 yards
from an adult male moose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is only
the third male moose we’ve seen; we’ve see lots of femaies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moose was old enough to have a moderate
rack with some palmation. His antlers were covered with snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was, of
course, fully aware we were there, but he was dining on the lower branches of spruce
and willow and not particularly interested in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: JA;">The
moose was on our left, so we slowly moved along the trail only to find the
trail turned left on the other side of a nearby tree and the moose was standing
right in the middle of the path where it branched to become the Lutz/Fireweed
loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stood there for a while, taking
pictures, but he showed no sign of moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Given that he outweighed us by a factor of 4 and was easily taller than
Carol, who is 6-ft tall, we decided discretion was in order and headed back to
take a different trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ironically, the
route we chose wound right back to where the moose was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time, when he saw us coming, he trotted
off down the trail and disappeared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuno_WWZTVU0gatou87MkVIla6W3aImxTt38dx3_Iis7kjhLkoTUHIJESr4f-WvbCJaTwvKM4WSftfKaNAta0cQxERJenLoy9BNlw3Yl7ITqwXz3bar0GoTIbU-DLJ-J6HO6JC0LYTOU/s1600/IMG_0099.jpg" height="149" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bog platform</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After
meeting the moose, the rest of the trip was a bit anti-climactic, but it was
still beautiful.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">We walked over to the
bog platform and then off into the meadow.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">The sun was setting quickly and the shadows were long and very beautiful.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">The snow was glittering in the sun.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">But, since the sun was getting very low, we
decided it was time to end our first experiment with our snow shoes and we
headed home.</span></div>
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