Adventure - Blueberry Picking at the Peterson Research Station

Sunset at Peterson Research Station

Stats

When: Early – Mid August                         Where: Peterson Research Station

Summary

Alaska seems to be the US capitol for berries.  More berries grow in this state than I’ve ever heard of anywhere else.  We’ve got blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, salmon berries, watermelon berries, elderberries, currant, marionberries, cranberries, lingonberries (low bush cranberry), nagoonberries, crow berries, serviceberries, and strawberries.  Most of these grow wild, but several cultivars are grown in home yards and farms as well.  Truly, I didn’t know half these berries existed until I moved here.

On 11 Aug 2013 our neighbors asked if we wanted to take a boat ride across Kachemak Bay to go blueberry picking at the Peterson Research Station.  The Peterson Research Station belongs to the Center for Alaska Coastal Studies based out of Homer.  The station is situated on 5 acres of wild land and coastline and their lower trails go through extensive blueberry fields, with a mix of currant and salmonberry randomly distributed throughout.  The berries are fair game to visitors, although they ask that you leave a few for the bears.

Opinion

This was a blast.  We picked berries for about 2 hours and came home with 7.5 lbs (22.5 cups)

Hiking - Eveline State Recreation Site outside Homer

Portlock and Dixon Glaciers from the Bottom of Alpine Meadows Loop

Stats 

Distance:  1.4 miles                   Difficulty: Easy                                 Time:  50 min

Summary

On 15 Aug 2013 we got a break in the much overdue rain and headed to the Eveline State Recreation Site.  Eveline has trails that are used in both summer and winter.  The summer trails are two loops: Glacier View Loop and Alpine Meadows Loop.  Both trails are inland meadows with excellent views of the Portlock and Dixon Glaciers.  In the winter the trails are tagged for cross-country skiing and snow shoeing; the views might be even better then as the air tends to be more clear in the winter.  The Alaska Department of Resources web site for the recreation area is Eveline State Recreation Site.  Other blogs have trip reports on this site that can be found with an internet search on Eveline State Recreation Site.

Opinion

This is a very nice hike.  We like it a bit better than the lower Homestead Trail; it’s better maintained (less boggy) and has slightly better views although both trails have masses of wonderful wildflower

Experience - Walking Among Lupines

Lupine on Kachemak Bay

Stats

When: June - July                                                                                            Where: All over Alaska

Summary

The Lupine bloom is the first of the big flower blooms in Alaska; although there are other wildflower that bloom before they don't grow in such huge clusters.  Like most flora displays the timing and quality vary from year to year. 

Opinion

While not a spectacular as the Fireweed bloom the Lupine season is quite dramatic and well worth seeing.

Experience - Walking Among Fireweed

Early Fireweed Bloom on Homestead Trail

Stats

When: Late July - August                                                 Where: Meadows all over Alaska

Summary

The Fireweed bloom is an annual phenomenon in Alaska.  It is usually viewed as the end of summer.  Like most flora displays the timing and quality vary from year to year. 

Opinion

This is a must see experience!

Adventure - 4-Wheeling with Alaska Wilderness 4-Wheeler Tours - Riding On the Beach at Homer

Sea and Sky on the Beach

Stats

Difficulty: Easy                                                                                       Time:  Half-Day +

Summary

Dan Eidem runs Alaska Wilderness 4-Wheeler Tours, an tour on ATVs, for small to medium groups.  He usually tours the Homer backcountry, but when we joined him on 26 May 2013, the backcountry was still deep in snow and mud.  So he took us to his alternate site, the beach starting at Bishop’s Beach.

Opinion

This trip was a blast!  We were hoping to see

Information - Post Template Update

A couple of friends pointed out Google Map and Earth was choking their computers when they tried to load this blog.  In response, we moved the maps to under the cut line.  So instead of trying to load every map in the blog you'll only get the one set that you're interested in.

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Hiking - Walking The Spit Starting at Mariner’s Park

Stats

Distance:  Up to you                       Difficulty: Easy                              Time:  Up to you

Summary

The Spit is a Homer landmark.  It is exactly what its name says, a spit of land reaching into Kachemak Bay.  The spit is best know for the fishing charters, shopping, and fish packing, but is also a popular place for beach strolls and clamming.  We took a hike on the west side of the Spit starting at Mariner’s Park on 9 Jul 2013.

Opinion

This is one of our favorite hikes when we are in the mood for an easy stroll on the beach.  The common sites include Bald Eagles, gulls of several varieties,