I woke from a dream where I was being accosted by a bear. I asked it the simple question “are you a bear? You have to tell me if you are.” But it turns out this is not true for cops or Ursus. Clearly, I have bears on the mind.
We packed up our thin-walled tent, which would not have stopped a bear from getting in, and headed out for breakfast. Gwin’s Roadhouse was a place I remember from visiting here with Ruth in 2013, and their biscuits are still as good. I also got a cool new shirt with some salmon color and embroidery.
We did a “short hike” along the Russian River, and saw lots of salmon swimming upstream and through a waterfall. Didn’t see any bears on the trail, but plenty of scat. Our return path on the angler’s trail was fun but ultimately impassable without waders, thus proving we are not anglers.
Driving through Sterling, we stopped at Mama’s Chipped China Diner for lunch. They had the best burger with ranch dressing I’ve ever had, and some eclectic decorations. Could have done without seeing the One America Network on the TV, but the food was worth the culture shock.
Further down the peninsula, we passed by SalmonFest in Nilchik. It was headlined by Trampled By Turtles, who Hannah had just seen in Vermont. Small world; those turtles get around.
Arriving in Homer, we found Seaside Farm with an incredible view overlooking Kachemak Bay and toward tomorrow’s adventure on Grewingk glacier. I saw the sun set over the tidal flat and the moon rise over the mountains around 10pm. There was a mild chance of aurora, but it’s probably too foggy tonight. Besides, I need to try and sleep during the few hours when it gets dark.
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