Another view at the Eagle River Nature Center.
Alaska Summer Scene
The gorgeousness of summer in Alaska!
More Green
More Alaska today! This was taken on the trail at the beautiful Eagle River Nature Center (just down the road from where our daughter’s family lives).
Your Basic Alaska-ness
Everywhere you look you see this GREEN! We were there only a few weeks ago, but I imagine that there are spots of fall color already. Summer is short and INTENSE!
The Book Club
It is a photography paradox to me that many, many, many of my favorite photos were taken on Southern California beaches- when I spent so much of my adult life disliking Southern California (the crowds and the TRAFFIC!). There is something about the serenity of the water and the white sand that appeals to my eye. I remember looking at this trio of ladies with their hats and cover-ups and thinking they looked like my kind of people- so I titled it “The Book Club.”
Still There
Since our daughter’s family moved to Alaska two years ago, they’ve really learned their way around! Caitlin drove us up to Hatcher’s Pass one day to see the what remains of Alaska’s Independence Gold Mine (now a state park). There was a beautiful view and wonderful old buildings. I realized when we were there that this is the third old mine we’ve toured in the last year- and it was definitely the best!
Floating Lady
This mini iceberg reminded me of a reclining ice maiden floating in the glacial waters of Spencer Lake.
Glacier!
The day before we flew home from Alaska, we took a 10-15 minute Alaska Railway train ride (fun!) with our family to the trailhead for the walk to Spencer Glacier. This spectacular glacier cascades down the mountain to Spencer Lake and these magnificent icebergs. When I converted this photo to black and white, the mountain behind disappeared in shadow, giving the impression of a night view.
Low Tide
We were lucky to have a great view from our little hotel in Homer. I especially was fascinated by the beach at low tide, which is displayed in this evening view of the Homer Spit with the mountains and glaciers in the background.
Glacial
One of the highlights of our trip to Alaska was seeing glaciers. Many glaciers. And a few up close!
This was our third visit to Portage Lake since the kids moved to Alaska- but the first time we have taken the boat ride across the lake to see the glacier! While Caitlin and Lonnie were buying tickets, the boys and I walked down to the water’s edge, and I was able to take this shot featuring one of the large chunks of ice floating in the lake.
Green
One of our most memorable excursions in Homer was a hike through the nature preserve, a verdant and lush forest area, which is home to bear and moose (it IS Alaska. . .). In fact we saw a moose before we turned into the parking area. We were told not to go down the animal trails (us? no way!) and to stay on the paths. The path that began as a flat board walk quickly turned to uneven ground with tree roots every 8-12 inches. It took a week or so for my knees and feet to recover- but it was all worth it.
There were ferns and wildflowers everywhere- and it was so GREEN! I put my Lensbaby on my camera and had a great time shooting wildflowers (and yes, even dandelions). I’ll post more another day!
Homer From Above
We took a morning drive above the town to get a different perspective. Here is a view of Kachemak Bay, the mountains and glaciers beyond, and the Homer spit.
Fish and Chips. . . and a Hound Dog
Another interesting sight on the Homer Spit . . .
Wooden Boat Society
I came upon an amazing sight as we drove along the Homer Spit- old, rickety boats tied up or sitting amidst the wildflowers by the path along Kachemak Bay. After we ate dinner one night, I had Lonnie drop me off so I could walk along and take photos. At least one of the boats looked like someone lived in it or had lived in it. There was a small sign that said Kachemak Bay Wooden Boat Society, so I googled it and discovered it is a non-profit organization “dedicated to sharing the history, preservation, and creation of wooden boats and maritime traditions. ” So cool! They have a wooden boat festival on Labor Day, but I don’t know if these boats are part of it or not.
I found this boat particularly appealing.
On the Spit
One of the features of Homer, Alaska is the Homer Spit- a narrow strip of land extending out into Kachemak Bay. It is lined with shops and places to eat, and has a harbor where fishing boats take off and return all day long. Here is a view of one of the rows of shops and eateries.
melinda anderson photography 