Day 37 - Homer, Alaska

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Homer, Alaska

by:  Madi and Spence Schaaf, TG  Rig #2



We got up at 5:30 this morning in order to be able to join the group of clammers, departing the RV park at 7:00 a.m.  We all headed to Clam Gulch, which is about 50 miles north of Homer.  Spence and I were not going clamming, as we do not yet have the required fishing licenses or clam digging equipment.  We just wanted to go along and watch and take pictures.  The group consisted of Ken and Carole Adams, Dot and Mel Bolton, Chris and Mary Pattison, Carl and Chris Findley, J.W. and Mary Jo Hurdle, Art and Jill Spierre, Dick and Beverly Enderlein, Jacque Smith, and Spence and me. 

following the leader to Clam Gulch

When we arrived, we took care of the important stuff first, and everyone used the "restroom facilities" in the Clam Gulch campground.  Then off to the beach to begin digging!

waiting our turn for the "necessary room"

Dot and Mel getting suited up

The tide was REALLY out!

The tide was definitely out.  Carole had researched this well.  Walking from the parking area to the clamming area was a challenge for some.  Sinking into the sand/mud left behind by the receding waters caught some off guard and up past their ankles.  Carole told everyone to wear boots and bring a change of shoes.  I think that should have been wear hip boots!  We all finally made it out to the area where Ken and Carole lead us and the digging began.  Most had never been clamming before so there was a learning curve involved.  Once we figured out how to spot the little critters, several started having some success.  Ken and Carole indicated that some years they would limit out within the first hour (that equates to 120 clams).  This year the gods were not so generous.  It was a lot of hard work, but it looked like everyone was having a good time.  They finally got enough for Carole to make her clam chowder tomorrow and have a little extra so everyone could have the fruits of their labor.

On the hunt for clams

I think Chris and Carl may have found one!



Success for Dick and Beverly

Dot is really getting into this!

J. W. found a nice one!

Spence and I left before everyone else and headed back to Homer.  The highways are ribboned on both sides by lush fields of wildflowers.  This area is probably one of our favorite in Alaska.  Mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, ocean, wildlife.  It has it all.  And on top of that, the weather was gorgeous today as well.

Ron and Jackie Turshinsky and Gene and Marge Arnott spent the day in an entirely different way.  Jackie writes:  "We went with Gene and Marge Arnott on the K.B. Air Bear Adventure.  Jack was our pilot and Mike was the Arnott's pilot.  We saw at least 13 bears and had a wonderful, sunny day.  The flight itself was exciting and the fat wheels landed just fine.  The only self defense between the bears and us were flares; and they were not needed.  The bears were so busy sunning themselves and eating the grass, they didn't even pay us attention.  Lunch was served on a log and we were fitted for thigh high boots, which were needed in the streams...everything that was brought with us was taken back with us.  It was a great fun day."  These pictures are courtesy of Jackie.  Awesome!

All the clammers made it back to the RV park exhausted.  Thanks to Ken and Carole for providing a new experience and a fun time.  Can't wait for our clam chowder tomorrow!

Later in the evening, Ron and Cindy Robinett hosted most of their fellow RV'ers in their coach to view a slide show of the day of rafting in Denali.  Not only did Cindy create an awesome presentation, but she treated us all to a Texas sheet cake with peanut butter frosting.  Great end to a great day in Homer!