Day 3 – Byron Glacier and the Homer Spit

Halibut Cove

On the way to Homer we stopped to take our hike to Byron Glacier in Portage Valley that weather cancelled yesterday.  We still had a misty type of rain to deal with, but without the high winds and driving rain from yesterday it was a pleasure.  It was an easy hike of less than 2 miles, but we got the rare opportunity to stand on a glacier at the end.

After that we drove about 4 hours down to Homer, Alaska, which is the hometown of Steve’s roommate Todd from college.  We stayed with Todd’s parents, Bill and Marianne and they treated us to a really wonderful time.  Our main activity after arriving was taking the boat over to Halibut Cove for a fantastic meal of Alaskan seafood at the Saltry Restaurant including recently harvested oysters from Halibut Cove itself.  No way to reach it except by boat.  On the way across Kechamac Bay we went by Gull Island which was the home of thousands of seagulls.  We also saw Sea Otter and a very unique bird called the Puffin.  It sort of resembles a mix of a toucan and a penguin and has a very bright orange beak.

Homer Spit

The Homer Spit is where the marina in Homer is located.  It is a 5 or 6 mile “spit” of land that juts out into the bay.  It is the location of shops, bars and the starting point for many tourist excursions.  For a very small town, the Spit is always crowded with activity.  You may note from the photo the tall poles that are through out the marina.  That is to accommodate the high tides that reach 27 feet.  At high tide, you can touch the tops of the poles.

Facts of the day - Homer is the home town of Jewel Kilcher, the singer.  It is also home to the ships from America's Deadliest Catch.