Day 35
7/25/26 Saturday
Expecting to arrive at 7am in Homer when we woke up about 6:30 the sun was shining and I lifted the shade to the best surprise! The volcanic mountains were showing off this morning!
As we were approaching the ferry dock about 15 halibut fishing boats came ripping out of the harbor into the bay. It was 7am and it was obvious they were trying to beat the ferry that would clog up the exit area. It certainly looked like a race for a minute or two. I didn’t get a picture because I wasn’t ready for that scene.
Peony Farm. We made a trip to the Peony Farm we had noticed a few days ago. They were busy clipping the peonies for buoquets. Just what I was looking for… one nice bouquet.
Dipnet season. After that purchase we were on our way to Kenai. Along the way we stopped at the Kasilof (Kah-see-lof) River mouth to see the dipnetting scene. We didn’t actually get to see them on the river but the camping scene was wild. At the time we didn’t realize this but we were witnessing the Native Alaskans camp. At the campground they are squeezed in with family/friend groups and all their camping needs for a few days or a week. Alaskan residents have limits of 25 salmon for heading household and 10 for each member. The dipnet season lasts 3 weeks I think. It’s an important busy season for Alaskans… they anticipate it for months. Serious business.
Kenai dipnetting. The Swain’s (our hosts) took us on a tour of City of Kenai and the fishing scene on the mouth of this river.
The salmon fish count spiked today. It went from 26,000 to 172,000/day between yesterday and today. The weather warmed up and the salmon are headed upstream! If you’re curious too follow the fish count check out this link.
We are staying for a few days with Marianne & Brian’s at their house on the Kenai River. They are the parents of my daughter’s boyfriend.
Fireweed. I was told there is a saying about the fireweed flower. They bloom from the bottom of the stalk to the top. The bottom flower is the start of summer and the when it blooms on top it’s the end of summer.
Out and about in Kenai. In a short ride in town I was shown some of the classic establishments.
Tomorrow we will be taking a fly out in the afternoon. We fly a float plane into Lake Clark National Park and Preserve to Crescent Lake. We will be fishing for Sockeye Salmon and hoping to see brown bears too!
cinnicrew 