Anchorage to Homer: A weekend on the Kenai Peninsula

HOMER — Heavy rain that soaked the Kenai Peninsula Saturday let up just in time for sunset on the Homer Spit. Clouds with the occasional drizzle softened the sunlight, spreading pink, gold and blue hues across the sky. Noise from gathering seagulls filled the air at the Homer Boat Harbor, visited by a lone seal and a handful of people loading and offloading fishing gear.

Although the clouds cleared and exposed Mount Redoubt, while the sun brightened roadside fireweed, signs of the times were sprinkled in everyday life.

In Homer, used face masks, forgotten and littered, found solace in the grass as an electronic construction sign flashed reminders to passing cars of social distancing. Just north along the highway, a white “R.I.P.” sign tacked to the corner of a large Gary Knopp campaign sign reflected brightly in the sun.

Still, daily life carried on. Kids eagerly popped bubbles and missed the occasional few that, carried by the wind, floated across the road and into the harbor. People fished, walked the beaches and posed for photos in the mermaid cutout next to Homer Liquor and Wine.

Steve Fuson stood in the sun, facemask dangling from his wrist, waiting for customers to enter the store. He shook his head and stated that business in August has been slow.

On Sunday afternoon, women gathered next to the Homer Skate Park and attended a Homer Dog Trainers lesson outside while boys skated up and over the ramps in the park.

By late evening people were still out fishing the Kenai River as rain returned. Thunder and lightning closed out the weekend, shaking Anchorage late Sunday night.

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