Still enjoying the sights of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska
We left Homer with
overcast skies this morning. Sunny days
are always preferred but with a few clouds up there and no rain it’s another
great day ….. as long as we can see those mountains!
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| Mt. Redoubt, Alaska |
We are travelling the
Sterling Highway on the Kenai Peninsula.
We followed this same route into Homer, which is at the end of Highway
#1 and will make our way back to Highway 9 then south towards Seward. The sun is shining down on the mountains from above the clouds.
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| Anchor Point, Alaska |
This small community is
the most western point on the highways of North America. The story is that it is named for being the
location where Captain James Cook lost an anchor. This also marks the Blue Star Memorial Highway
of Alaska. This is a program started after WW 11 which honours all men and
women who serve in the US Armed Forces and a Blue Star Memorial Highway is found
in most American states. The blue star
indicates a soldier fighting in the war and was used on service flags.
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| Mt. Iliamna, Alaska |
This incredible view was
across a field with access from a pull-out on the highway. We were among others who stopped to get
photos and enjoy the sight of Mt. Iliamna of the Pacific Ring of Fire across
the Cook Inlet. The fireweed is found
all over this northern countryside adding great color. See more of the Pacific Ring of Fire on a
previous page by
clicking on here.
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| Russian Orthodox Church |
Alaska was originally
owned and occupied by Russia until it sold to the USA 149 years ago so has many
of the descendants still living in this region.
The small town of Ninilchik, Alaska is the home of this little Russian
Orthodox Church which was just a short drive off the highway. Luckily we managed to get in and turn around
with our big RV units which can be a challenge at times, so were able to stop here
for a visit.
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| American Legion Cemetery |
The Russian-American
Company established Ninilchik in the 1820’s for those who could not make the
journey back to Russia due to age or health problems. Other Russians began to move to the area and
in 1901, the settlers built the church.
This is also the home of the American Legion Cemetery.
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| Caribou and moose antlers |
This is not likely something
we’d normally see on our travels anywhere else, but if one wants to buy some
antlers, this would be a place to come.
The moose and caribou shed their antlers yearly so there is no need to
trophy hunt for their antlers; these begin with a $250 price tag. Antler carving is a popular art form in
Alaska so this may be one market they cater to.
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| Two Rusty Ravens Gift Store |
Right next to the
antlers, there was a very chic little gift store. It was such a contrast to their neighbours
and fun to browse and shop while the men checked out the antlers and rocks. I’d say this was clever planning by the
owners of Two Rusty Ravens and the Alaskan Gifts in Soldotna, AK.
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| Russian River Ferry |
The first ferry for the
Russian River was a rowboat in the 1930s and the office looks like it may have
been built back then, too. By 1950 the
ferry was on a cable system to carry fishermen across the river to the south
side and good salmon fishing. This ferry
still gives access to the Kenai and Russian Rivers and costs $10.25 round trip for the one minute crossing. The area attracts 150,000 fishing visitors
every summer but the fish also attract the bears so one must always be on alert
for them.
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| Gulls enjoying fish in Russian River |
There was a small RV park
at the ferry landing but no space available so we were given permission to stay
in the parking lot overnight. This was not the first or only time we parked our
RV’s in a parking lot! We spent some
time watching the doll sheep on the mountain behind us, too far away for
photos, but there were about 60 sheep spotted up there. We also had a nice visit from a game warden
who was able to tell us interesting stories about the area. Another great day of our northern adventure!
