7/10Halibut fishing day in Homer

Alarm went off at 4:30a.m., got up made coffee and then lunches. Looking forward to a good day. We had to be at the boat at 6:30am. I didn’t eat breakfast, Dave had a fried egg sandwich. I wasn’t sure how I would do on the boat so it was better not to have anything in my stomach.

There were 17 of us, but only 16 fished. The only other lady that came either watched her husband or played games on her ipad. There were 3 guys working the boat, the Captain 23, 1st deck hand 14, (owner of the companies, son) and the newest kid who was 17. We went out almost 2 hours before they stopped and we starting fishing. You know more dropped your line to the bottom, about 250 feet deep, and you had caught something. 1st thing I caught was a cod, which a lot of the others did too. The captain kept those to use as bait. Drop the line again, bam, halibut but small so I said to throw it back. Then 3 of us  got our lines tangled, the 14 year old couldn’t get them untangled the captain finally came over and cut the lines.

Dave and I had our limit by 12:30, boat really started rocking and getting really cold. We went and sat inside with 2 other people in there and sat and watched the others catch and throw back halibuts. This older guy and the gal kept bitching that they wanted to leave, too bad suck it up. I just kept my eyes on the horizon because like I said we were sitting in really large swells. Dave is asking me if I wanted my lunch and I said no, wasn’t hungry. We headed back at 2pm and we were rocking and rolling. That older guy goes running to the ships sink and loses it. I couldn’t look or I might have lost it too.

We stopped at Seldovia, which is across the Bay from us. The only way there is either by boat or plane. Matt and Connie went there the other day  and paid $64.00 and had to stay there all day. We stopped for 1 1/2 hours, so the guys could clean or halibuts and that was long enough for us. While we were waiting for the boat to leave another much smaller boat came in a docked right next to us. There were 2 guys in it and we looked inside their boat and they had caught a shark. They had to cut it in half to even get it in their boat. This thing weighted over 500lbs, will post pictures of it. The guys said it took 1 1/2 hours to reel it in but 2 hours to get it into the boat.

We got back a little after 6pm and were exhausted. When we got back to the RV the three other RV’s that we have run into before came running out and wanted to know how it went. We ended up with almost 18lbs of halibut, not enough to ship home, but we did have it packaged and frozen for us, will pick it up tomorrow. The biggest one that was caught was 28lbs, no 100lbs on this trip. It was fun catching the fish and not having to handle the bait or fish. Just wish it wasn’t so rocky.

The guys from the other RV’s helped Dave chop up the rest of the pallets and we had a monster fire. I fixed chili dogs for Dave and I and by 10pm just couldn’t move anymore, plus it was really cold so we all headed in for the night.

7/9 Happy 4th Birthday to our Grand daughter Madison

We called to wish Madison a Happy Birthday at 8:30am her time but she was still sleeping, she had a late night Kim said. Sorry we aren’t there, Madison, but should be there for many more birthdays to come.

I was up early this a.m. 4:30am those darn magpies were walking across the roof of the RV and I was just listening to the claws walking all around. At 5am I gave up on sleep and thought I would look for ocean animals, no such luck. Matt said the other day they saw a whale kill an otter so I have been watching everyday for a whale but when we went to the visitor center today they said there are no whales out here now. So not sure what Matt and Connie really saw. The guy said it was probably something the otter caught and killed, but no whales or sharks. I just watched the boats go out and read my book. At 7:30 I turned on the generator, to fix coffee, and that’s what woke Dave up.

By 10:30am we were taking the RV over to the dump site, dumping and filling up with water. Staying until Thursday morning, we should be good until then. At the dump site, up in the trees, is a Bald Eagle nest with mama in the nest, couldn’t see the babies, and the papa across the way watching over the nest. Only guessing it was papa because it was really large, I got pictures. Once back and set up again we headed off for town, Needed batteries, for Dave’s camera, and a another chip, so we don’t get stuck again with the chip being left at home. We then stopped at the “Oceans and Islands Visitor’s Center”, very nice center. Talked to a volunteer couple, that work there from Minnesota, and she said she has been trying to get her husband to go fulltime RVing for 4 years. He loves the cold weather so they live in Minnesota in the winter and have been coming to Alaska volunteering for the last 4 years. Alaska summer is about the warmest he likes to get, he loves cold weather.

We stopped at Safeway and got our 1 day fishing licenses for tomorrow. Headed to the spit to check out the prices of a restaurant and pick up some oysters to BBQ. Skip, the guy we met yesterday, said they have the best oysters for BBQing and even asked us to pick a dozen up for him. The place was out of oysters, the guy said come back tomorrow morning and he will have more. He had a pretty good price on mussels so we got 2 lbs for Dave and I tonight. They had to be cleaned so Dave did that when we got back. Tonight steamed mussels, BBQ ribs and beans, sounds good to me.

Very cold afternoon, even when the sun was out, it was really windy and cold. For our fishing trip tomorrow they said to bring rain suits, layered clothing, coats, lunch and fishing licenses. WISH US LUCK!!!

7/8 Sunday in Homer

The rented RV next to us just pulled away, hope they are coming back because the Croc shoes are still sitting outside. 3 pairs. Slept in until 7:30, these late nights are making late mornings, nice. Over cast and cloudy, more touring around today, once we get moving. Bald Eagle sitting on it’s tsunami perch, site seeing planes passing over head, tough life. Must have missed all the boats going out because I don’t see a one out there, no otters either.

Around 10:30 we moved our jeep over to Matt and Connie’s spot so they could go into town and dump and refill up with water. (they didn’t want to lose their spot) While we waited there was a cache in the rocks at the campsite, so we went hunting. I found it, then Matt and Connie got back.

While coming out of the RV an eagle was flying by with a fish in it’s talons, neat to see.  Dave and I took off for the scenic drive. It was up at the top of the hill and it was a wonderful spot to see all of Homer and the Spit. Dave got his camera out and was going to get some pictures then realized he had taken the chip out of the camera and it was back at the RV so we had to take pictures with my camera. Hopefully they will come out OK or it’s back to the top again.

We made our reservations for fishing for Tuesday morning, 2 for 1 with our coupon book. Limit is 2 each so hopefully we will get some nice Halibut. We came back to the RV to get the map from Dave’s email that the girl sent us to know where to meet the boat. Drove out to the spit and found the dock, then just walked around the spit to all the charter places and shops.

Back to the RV later in the afternoon, sun was shining, put on tank top and shorts and laid out for a while in the lounge chairs. Got out our books and relaxed. As they say here, just wait 10 min. and the weather changes, and it does. It got really cold, all of a sudden, I went back in and changed, 10 min. later the sun was out again. Dave started a fire later because it got cold again and after he did the sun came out and didn’t go away. We were pretty warm with that sun out and that fire going.

Some people pulled in next to us and after awhile joined us by the fire. Skip and Lauren. We sat and talked they have lived in Anchorage for the last 35 years and just got this RV and were testing it out. As we sat there the next thing we see is about 6 bald eagles circling the seagulls and one drove for them, it missed and those seagulls were moving.  Skip said those eagles are hungry if they are going after the seagulls. Pretty amazing to see. Matt and Connie came and sat by the fire with us later.

Never did see the otters again but did see the boats coming back in so must have just missed them going out. Tomorrow is the Pratt Museum and the Oceans and Islands Visitor’s Center. Right after we take the RV into town to fill with water and dump.

7/7 Heck of a view here in Homer

Got up this a.m. and watched the otters swimming by and the boats going out. It’s over cast but we do have some blue sky. Planes and helicopters taking the people out touring. Big ship coming in, I thought it was a cruise ship but Dave said it’s the ferry. The cruise ships don’t come into harbor.

Was able, this morning to get on the internet, Dave could yesterday but I couldn’t, no big deal, just enjoying the views here. Bald Eagle just sitting out there in the mud flats, Dave getting pictures. As we were leaving the campsite, on the tsunami warning siren, was another big bald eagle, on the way back there were 2 bald eagles. We drove down the spit to get a look at the ferry and Dave was wrong. It is a Holland American cruise ship that had come in. The school buses were lining up to pick up the passengers, it was time to get away from the town. Lots of people were going to be hanging around. We wanted some firewood, should have gotten it at Linda and Vaughn’s, we saw a place on our drive in a little before Anchor Point. The place had firewood $10, 15, 20, 25 and $30.00 bundles and it was on an honor system. We got the $25 and it filled up the back of the jeep. We came back to the campsite and unloaded the wood. We then drove back into town and went to the Farmers Market that was going on. I got some Jalapeno-Habanero Apple Jam, and Dave got Kettle Corn, much safer as he says.

Then we went cruising around checking out the area. While driving I saw a sign for Wine Tasting so we went and checked it out. Nice little place it was a bed and breakfast too. Most of the wines they had were with fruit in them, I only tried a couple since I was driving. Dave ended up buying a bottle of Port now we need to go get some good chocolate to eat when we drink the Port.

We were getting a little hungry then so we headed back to the RV. But first, I know you are getting sick of reading this but it was geo caching time. There was one hidden at the Mormon Church on the way back so we stopped and found it. Back at the RV we had some cheese, salami and crackers for lunch. Got out our books and relaxed. Plan on staying for a week and it ain’t that big of a town so investigate slowly.

This afternoon there were 5 people on horses running them up and down the beach, while the tide was out. Around 4pm the otters were back out in front of us just playing and having a good time. Matt came over and invited us over for halibut dinner, can’t pass that up. It is what he caught last week.

Before heading out for Matt’s house just watching the otters out there playing 2 very large bald eagles fly right in front of the RV and I couldn’t get the camera out fast enough to get both. 1 came back and landed on the mud and I got pictures of it flying and landing. Darn Dave pulled the chip out and the camera wasn’t focused on the landing so will have to try again later. The one of it soaring in front came out great. It’s Dave’s camera and I’m learning how to use it.

Great dinner at Connie and Matt’s. Halibut, baked potatoes, corn on the cob and salad. After dinner we used the fire wood we bought today and made a fire. Set up chairs, had cake for dessert and just relaxed. It is well after 10pm and you don’t even realize it, it is still light outside and the kids are flying kites, running around and the otters are still out, amazing.

It is now 10:30pm, Connie and Matt went home, and Dave and I are going to still sit by the fire. Had to do a quick update, and bathroom break. Still can’t believe how many people are outside.

7/6 Homer

After leaving the Elks, in Kenai, we stopped at the gas station and dumped then filled up with fuel. We got on the road for Homer around 11:00am. On the road there was a sign for free scrap wood so we turned down that way. It was scrap alright, lots of nails in it, way too big of pieces, just not very good. We turned around and left and on the way out there was a mama moose and her baby chewing on some grass in someone’s front yard. They took off when Dave hit the breaks. We stopped at a fish market to pick up some fresh Salmon and some smoked salmon. Can’t fish for salmon, right now,  so might as well go buy some.

We got to Homer after 1pm and went to where Matt and Connie were parked. We got a spot right on the beach. The view out the front window is the ocean and mountains with the snow on them.

After getting set up we drove into town and found the Elks Lodge there. The RV sites were filled up plus they only have electric anyway, no big deal. We have a much better spot, we wouldn’t have this view if we stayed there. After the Elks we drove out on the spit, that’s what the stretch of land on the water is called. Lots of shops, restaurants and fishing charters. It is the “Halibut Capital of the World”.

We parked and one of the fishing boats had just gotten back and they were getting ready to clean the fish. One of the halibuts weighed 119lb. Watching these guys filet those fish was amazing. They are good with those knifes and fast too. We watched that for awhile and talked to the guys, then saw Matt and Connie. They had been in  Salty Dawgs drinking some beers.  Cute little bar with dollar bills hanging everywhere, if the place ever catches fire they will probably lose a few thousand dollars.

Dave and I went and split an order of fish and chips (halibut) and watched the people and dogs walk on the beach. We then headed back to the jeep and another boat had brought up another group of fish. 80 and 90 pounders. When Matt went last week he said they were only catching 10 and 15 pounders, boy, looks like he went with the wrong outfit. Dave and I got back to the RV, it was almost 6pm, Dave started charging his saw and we both went and gathered wood for a fire. Dave cut some of the wood up and we set our chairs by the fire, the tide was going out and there were lots of people and dogs everywhere. Looking way out in the ocean I kept seeing these black things and went and got the binoculars, I thought they were seals. Then I saw a lady on a standing board paddling along and she knelled down beside them, she was surrounded by these black things. When she got in with her board I went over and asked her what they were, she said Otters. She said they do have seals in the harbor if I want to see them.

After a couple hours it was back in the RV, dinner and relax while watching TV, yes we are getting around 8 channels out in the middle of no where.

7/5 Kenai Touring around the area

Decided to stay another day at the Elks, in Kenai, wanted to do some more touring around the area. Once we got going in the a.m. we drove to Nikiski. A lot of oil docks there, Chevron, Tesoro, Unocal Chemical ect. Found one Geo Cache while we were there.

We went back to the RV so we could pay the Elks for another night. Then we headed out driving again. Saw a moose on the side of the road while driving to Clam Gulch. When we got to Clam Gulch we parked and walked down to where everyone was clamming at. Right down to the ocean, there were tons of people there plus all the 4 wheelers. I guess today the tide was perfect for clamming, at least that’s what the tide charts showed.

We then drove to Ninilchik and looked at the 1 of the campgrounds there, right on the ocean. We drove around town and checked on how the fishing was going. One boat had just gotten back and they had lots of Halibut. We watched the crew cleaning and cutting them up so the people could take them home. A little girl, about 11, had caught a 19 pounder, which they said was the average size.

We drove around a little more then went to a site seeing spot because they had a geo cache there. It was somewhere out on the rocks so we went climbing out there. It had been raining on and off and the rocks were wet and we decided it wasn’t a good time to be climbing around. Should have had our hiking boots on. Anyway, starting to get back out my foot slipped off the rock and down I went. Thank goodness I landed on a soft rock, ha ha. Tried to break my leg but didn’t just bruised it good.

After that we headed back Soldotna to fuel up the jeep and top off the groceries. Back to the RV to relax and fix dinner. The Elks was having a dinner but with the smoking in there we just couldn’t stomach going back in there. Tomorrow is Homer.

Driving around

Today we decide to take a drive to Clam Gulch and Ninilchik.
Finally saw the mountains. Then we walked to the beach at Clam Gulch.