Day 16 (Homer) and 17 (Kodiak)

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Greatings Lower 48'rs:

We are in a McDonalds in Kodiak where free Wifi is offered so will try to catch up with the Blog.

Saturay in Homer was a dreadful weather day, rainy and cold. We walked off the ship and walked right back on. We were docked a mile from town. The wind was blowing rain and people coming back on the ship said basically it was't worth it. Didn't need any more convincing than that. There is plenty to do on the ship.

We rested, read and played cards, watched the movie The Iron Lady (excellent film about Margaret Thatcher) and Bob sang a couple songs with a band on live Karaoke night.

Today we are in Kodiak, another cold, rainy day but we decided to brave the elements, took a taxi into town and enjoyed a couple sights including the Baranof Museum, a house built by Russiansin 1808, The Holy Resurrection Church, the oldest Russian Orthodox church in the New World. Spoke at length with Nicholas, a Seminary student at St. Herman's Chapel, and learned many interested facts about the church and both Native (those indigenious to Alaska) and native (those born in Alaska but not indigenious). Nicholas is a retired psychologist and is studying for the priesthood asa second career. Pictures from the church are attached as well as a scene from Homer and Kodiak. We also visited the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge visitor center.

Today will be busy on ship as we have High tea at 3, a private wine party sponsored by our travel agency at 4pm. The Karaoke finals are this evening at 9pm which Bob will participate in, so a busy afternoon/evening ahead.

Couldn't get the pictures to publish so will sent without pictures and include them if I can get internet in Sitka on Tuesday. Later all.

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