Our next adventure began on the docks of Homer. We caught a ride with a water taxi from True North Kayak Adventures over to Yukon Island, across the bay from Homer.
We rode in a handmade wooden boat designed and made locally in Homer. It was over 20 years old, but still a seaworthy vessel.
Our friends from Eagle River, Shane and Sara joined us as well as Scott, a fellow YFSD teacher.
Boat is packed, ready to hit the water! It has been awhile since we've been out in sea kayaks!
Gretchen on the water. Paddling a kayak is like riding a bicycle, you never forget how.
Our first stop was at Kayakers Beach, where we found this really funny little outhouse!
Scott paddles across the Bay, wind in his hair, the spray of sea water splashing up with each paddle.
Shane found a giant starfish. We saw lots of these as we paddle through small coves and rocky crags. We also saw an amazing amount of jellyfish, eagles, porpoises, sea otters and even a stellar sea lion. The other animals were a lot faster than starfish and hard to catch in a photo.
Sam checks out the starfish too.
Sara and Shane paddled a double kayak, which was quickly nicknamed, "the mini-van."
After fighting some rough water and the tides, we paddled into Tutka Lagoon for the night. It may not look like it by the light, but it was after 7pm when we paddled to our campsite. Sara and Shane cooked a delicious feast of wild Alaskan salmon and good old Mac and Cheese! We worried we would attract bears with such a tasty dinner, but we kept a clean camp and had no problems.
The gourmet cooking did not end with dinner. For breakfast Shane whipped up some egg and cheese muffins. Hands down better than McDonalds!
Gretchen helps pack up the boats. Kayaks can hold a lot of gear, but it is like tetris trying to make everything fit!
A view of Sam's boat from the shore. Great views!
We paddled into Tutka lagoon at high tide, but left at low tide. We didn't have to drag our boats for too long, but it is amazing the difference the tides make in Alaska!
Gretchen and Sam, "We love Summer Vacation!"
Sam was our trip planner, making arrangements, plotting our course and keeping us all from getting lost!
Check out Sam in action!
Shane poses in the rocks as we wait for our ride back to Homer
The water taxi we took back to Homer was great!
The captain even brought his dog along to greet us!
Footnote to our adventure: While we were across the bay we left Jack at a well reputed Dog Spa, where he snuck out and took an adventure of his own. Apparently he took off after a moose while out for a walk with the rest of the dogs, but thankfully he came back awhile later, no harm done. I guess walks along the beach and Kong treats were not enough of an adventure for Jack!
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