The visitor center in Homer is full of learning experiences. We learned about our local seabird colonies, life aboard a ship, and migratory patterns of salmon. Lots of photo ops.
Science, geography, & history all in one.
Baby moose photo op.
Silly kids and an enormous seal.
We took Pearl for our first road trip to Homer. And one cannot go to Homer without at least cruising by the Salty Dawg Saloon.
Starting out as a mere cabin in 1897, it has served as a post office, a train station, grocery store, and a coal mining office. Around 1909 it got a new life as a school house when a second building was added. Then again serving as a post office, and grocery store.
Sometime in 1957 it became a saloon.
After the Quake of 64, the buildings were moved to the spit and the lighthouse tower was added to camouflage a water storage tank.
One of the most recognized landmarks in the state of Alaska.
For more info go to http://www.saltydawgsaloon.com
And when you come to visit us, we’ll go visit the Salty Dawg!
On our way to the airport in January, I hit black ice and spun off the road, down the ditch and hit the moose fence in Anchorage. Not the best way to start a journey.
The wreck ended up totaling our 04 Envoy as it toasted the tranny along with the body damage.
So the search for a new ride that fit us all was on. We had found an 03 Dodge RAM 4 door that was roomy and we had settled in it. It had some body rust though and was a year older so there were some reservations.
Then we spotted this beauty and the rest is herstory. Dubbed “The Black Pearl”, Pearl for short, she’s our family’s ship.
Protected by pirates.
Pearl has magical off-road abilities and brilliantly bright headlights. And she is just plain fun to drive. Plus there’s room for a couple more pirates should any swing over for a parlay.
Last Sunday I took the kids to meet their Aunt De to spend time with their Nebraska family. Talk about a sweet reunion!
They were so happy to see her!!
With the big kids being gone, me and the little mister had to hang out at Aunt Claire’s and get by without them. It was rough let me tell ya! Little Mister missed his siblings terribly.
But we managed.
We decided Monopoly was a good idea, until…
Uncle John decided to be a jerk and put hotels up.
Short bus candidate.
But all was well by morning and we had our coffee.
More quietness with -3 kids than I’m used to.
Friday was travel day, back to SE Kansas. And we’ve been going ever since.
Had a great visit with our cousins from Louisiana and reminisced some red dirt, fire ants and lizzards. Some of the best childhood memories!
Had lots of fun with Bryan and his family. Then Emma late Sat night. Finally got to meet all of her lil ones!
More to do today so I am up and at ’em earlier than I’d normally be…
But the homesickness is creeping in. And I’m ready for my big kids to be back.
A few more people to see, memories to be made and laughs to be had then it’s North to Alaska, my home, sweet home.
So much joy & laughter this weekend! Have missed these folks so much!
Food and fun!
This boy loves this dog. She tolerates him mostly…
Applegate farms uncured turkey bacon… Brings me great joy!
We traded glasses… She couldn’t open her eyes. Lol
Dinner time is better when shared with those you love.
This time it’s the BIL.
Alaska on my mind... 