Finally: Soldotna to Homer

Finally Day 46 and we are in the Halibut capital of the world, Homer, Alaska. However, before we jump off into all the fishing (catching) in Homer, we will share the trip from Soldotna and the two nights on the road to Homer. After hanging around Soldotna for most of the day hoping the REDS would show up we left Soldotna and traveled to Kasilof, AK located on the Kasilof River where we camped at Coho Cove Campground. Coho Cove Campground is a no frills (no hook-ups) campground right on the Kasilof River with plenty of shoreline for fishing. For those keeping up with our mileage, Coho Cove is approximately 15 miles, right 15 miles from Soldotna. At the rate we were going, we were beginning to wonder if we would ever make it to Homer. The dip netters (only allowed for Alaska residents) were beginning to catch some REDS; however, none were being caught with hook and line from the shoreline. Just a note on dip netting: Alaska residents are allowed to dip net from the shore or on a boat.

The limit for dip netting is 25 fish for the head of the house and an additional 10 fish for each member of the family living in the house. Limit for hook and line fishing is 3 fish. If the amount of fish coming up the river increases to a predetermined amount, the limit for hook and line may be increased to 6 fish. Anyway, no fish at Coho Cove so it’s time to move on. We’re excited, we almost doubled our mileage from the previous day, we made all of 27 miles to the Ninilchik view campground.

This park is one our favorites, we only wish everyone could see the scenery from this campground and you would know why we had to stay the night. After all, Homer is only 37 miles away; surely we can make that tomorrow? This park is located on a Bluff approximately some 100 feet up overlooking Cook Inlet and 4 active volcanoes on one side and the Ninilchik River on another. The four volcanoes are Mt. Iliamna (10,016 feet), Mt. Redoubt (10,197 feet), Mt. Augustine (4,134 feet) and Mt. Spurr (11,070 feet). Mt. Redoubt was directly across from the campground and would puff a little steam every now and then, unbelievable site.

Just adding to the beauty were bald eagles roosting and flying everywhere. In addition to everything else, we got to experience what is referred to as negative tides or clamming tides. These are extra low and high tides where when the tide is out it is much further out than normal tides which allows the people clamming to get to the clams. However, you have to be very careful because the tides come in as fast as they go out and people are often trapped or cut off from getting back to shore. In the Ninilchik River we were able to catch some pink salmon. Hopefully some of our pictures can show at least a little of the beauty…

Mt.Iliamna also an active volcano

These Three pictures show the extreme (minus) tides. Notice the volcanoes in the background of the first two pictures

You have to be very careful wading out to get clams or use a net in these areas. With all the silt in the water from glacier runoff, some of the silt/sand is like quick sand and if you get stuck, most likely the incoming tide will get you...

Watching people clam from our campsite

These are some of the clams they dig on the minus tides. These are razor clams which are large and very good. If you have a fishing license you can dig 60 razor clams per day.

A couple pictures of the many Bald Eagles in the area

Fishing in the Ninilchik river where there were some pink salmon. Guess what was for dinner tonight... right! grilled salmon and clams

Even Gypsy liked this site. She even decided to check the water out. We were told the water temperature was in the mid 40s, it felt like it ought to be ice...

After leaving the campground the following morning, This is an example of the views we had as we traveled along Cook Inlet

The last little town prior to entering Homer...

If you want to see wildlife come to Alaska...If you come, drive slow and watch the road, the moose can't stand to many more months like this!