50States Day 53

 

 Day 53, Homer to Anchorage,   343 miles

 "Every great dream begins with a dreamer.  Always remember, you have within 

you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."

~Harriet Tubman

 

 Homer has more shallows, long tidal flats that reach for most of a mile on low tides. The ride out on the spit smelled of ocean water and seaweed. The spit harbors not only boats and ships but shops to ply tourists from their cash. At the end, a boxy condo building provides a 360 degree unsurpassed view of mountains, the inlet, Homer along the shore, and views of boats coming and going. Homer is named after the main character in The Simpsons. Okay, I made that up.

 Back on the road, I was forced to backtrack all day. One disadvantage of remote roads is that's all you get. However, backward provides a different 

perspective. Kayakers, white water rafters and fishermen dotted the rivers for their respective enjoyment. A cool day for it, overcast and drizzly, the coldest day of the trip.

 I met Bill from New Jersey on a (PP!) '97 Honda Valkerie. He's touring the 

state and visiting his brother. Where are you going, I asked. He replied 

Sturgis, which happens the first week in August. Then he'll just keep going 

until he runs out of money. Always someone interesting to talk to.

The threat of rain seemed to be just that, and the sun struggled to break 

through. I rode back to Palmer to meet my good friend, Chris Jacot, who moved 

here from Vegas in April. He brought a couple of mountain bikes and we rode 

through the woods around three lakes. Another magnificent view of Alaska's 

dazzling nature. Because plants have such a short growing season and it stays 

light so much, the plants grow like crazy. 

We enjoyed a wonderful evening with his sister and husband, telling stories 

around the table after dinner. Great times. We said a weird goodbye, as who 

knows when, where or even if we will see each other again. 

Back to a motel at 10:30 at night. No problem. The sun won't set for a few 

hours, so why sleep now? Besides I can sleep on the plane tomorrow. Too much 

living to do now!