Day 28: A Rainy Day in Homer

The Views Are Still Great-- Even in the Rain

A View of the Bay from our Cottage (in the rain-- with boats)

We woke to steady rain in our cottage on the bay, and were immediately glad that we had not planned any boat trips for today.  However, the view out the window (shown above) was no less impressive in the rain.  The boats weren't deterred from heading out, and neither were we.

We began with a gallery hop around Homer itself.  At our first stop we saw a really fun Owl mobile that we couldn't immediately figure out how to get (or ship) home.  We're still mulling it over, and may go back for it tomorrow. (You'll get a picture if we do.)

The next stop was the local Goldsmith-- a guy who had been crafting jewelry in Homer for 35 years.  After a bit of conversation we convinced him to let us in on his backroom stash of stones, and I picked up a couple more to add to my native stones collection.  These are Alaskan Gold Quartz--  the gold occurs naturally in the quartz, and is cut into stones like these. (Yes Nelson-- yet another project for you when we get home.)

Gold Quartz-- The Latest Addition to Lisa's Native Stones Collection

Our next stop was the local Pratt Museum, where in addition to our admission fee, Bob forked over another $5 to try to win yet another quilt.  Here is his latest long-shot:

Bob Probably Won't Win This Quilt Either (Another donation-- only $5 this time.)

The museum is largely devoted to local natural history, and had many diverse exhibits from quilts, to art, to ancient tools, to of course taxidermy.  Here is Lisa with another bear:

Lisa with a Really Big Bear

However, the very best part of the museum was the gift shop.  It had jewelry made by many local artists, and allowed me to add yet another specimen to my native stones collection-- this time a finished pendant of local Alaska Nephrite Jade.  They supposedly no longer mine this jade (which was confirmed by our local Goldsmith), but this artist has a stash which he still uses to make jewelry. Now I have some too. 

Alaska Nephrite Jade Pendant

After the museum we hit several more galleries to no avail, and then ended up at a very nice local bookshop.  They had a great feature called Blind Date With A Book-- where you donated $3 to get a mystery galley (which you are not permitted to actually sell), and then directed your money to one of 3 pre-selected charities. (I gave mine to the local orchestra.)

Blind Date With a Book

All you got was a brief description on a paper bag shrouding the actual book-- here's the one I picked and what I got.  Looks like an interesting read.

Lisa's Blind Book Date

After the bookstore, we headed over to the famous Homer Spit.  The drive over was gorgeous, even in the rain.

Turning Onto the Road Down the Homer Spit

Still Driving Down the Homer Spit (in the rain)

Curve in the Road Down the Homer Spit

However, that was the best part of the Spit, which contrary to local lore did not get its name from its land formation, but rather because when you get there and see all the overpriced tacky shops and restaurants you just want to spit.  It is a typical beach tourist destination-- like Virginia Beach, most any Boardwalk, and the rocky shores of Maine.

We had a perfectly forgettable and overpriced lunch (You'd think with the quality of fish they get, they could teach people not to overcook it!).  But, Bob had amazingly good Gelato for dessert (and I had a taste, alas no sugar free). It was called "Old Fashioned Chocolate" but it tasted just like really rich chocolate mousse.

And now, what all of you have been asking for-- Bob Touching Water #8-- in Kachemak Bay, from the shores of the Homer Spit (in the spitting rain-- Bob's a Trooper!).

Bob Touching the Kachemak Bay on the Homer Spit-- (Bob Touching Water #8)

After a lunch where perfectly good fish was mercilessly grilled and fried, I vowed that we would save the next good piece of Halibut we encountered.  So, we picked some up from a touristy fish counter (since the really good local counter was sold out), and did it justice at home for dinner.

Not sure what the weather will bring tomorrow-- but we'll find out in the morning; and you'll find out in tomorrow's blog.

--Lisa