Alaska Update, Friday, Sept. 21

---

Homer and vicinity has been astounding for discovery - drives, walks, history, wildlife, and oh yes, plenty of rain. Yesterday was clouds and rain all day. There actually was sunshine most of this second morning followed by clouds this afternoon and then rain again. It was great to be out of the rain gear and boots for this one day though. I am thankful for myself and yet hope you'll join in prayer or at least send positive thoughts for all of the people throughout Alaska impacted by flooding creeks and rivers. There are a couple of closures on main highways but for the most part, it's the low lying towns and houses off the main track - so far. Today was a reprieve for many but it's unclear whether it's been enough receding of any water flows in this one day to account for the water still flowing down from mountains into creeks, rivers, and lakes not to mention the additional rain on the way starting tonight. Some of the rivers or lakes have seen multiple feet increases overnight. And some already hard hit areas are still expecting more rain through the weekend. Not sure if this is making national news or not but most I've talked with are saying they haven't seen rain and flooding this bad for years and years. It's amazing to watch the local news and have them reporting about rivers I've seen, towns I've been to, and knowing the waters they are showing are much higher than when I was there. Sure personalizes it for me in understanding the impact for these folks. I hope all my Alaskan acquaintances and families are doing OK. Hopefully the weekend rain will not be as bad or have as bad an impact as predicting.

I had intended to keep posting each day after having posted Day 59 but yesterday and today just got filled with things to see and do in and around Homer. I'm heading out in the morning so just this quick update so all will know I'm OK. Added at least a few pictures from across these two days but now need to get some sleep so I can get to the other side of Kenai River and Lake before tomorrow afternoon since it continues to rise and expected to crest above flood stage tomorrow night or Sunday. I have been so very blessed in my travels and was planning to leave Homer tomorrow (Saturday) anyway. I will be heading to Wasilla which is within an hour north of Anchorage. From there, I'll hopefully take a few last drives these last days though that will be totally weather and flood dependent. After two nights in Wasilla, I'll spend the last three nights in Anchorage. I've only been there more or less passing through or to hook up to a tour so I'll take the last three days to visit and see everything I can in Anchorage and vicinity that I've missed due to lack of time or weather. Plus get packed up to head home the last couple of days - Nine weeks of travel and throwing things around in the car - packing up will be an adventure all its own I'm sure...lol. I'll also hopefully hook up for a visit with Bob Kaufman (alaska.org) and his family to thank him for all the help in planning he provided that has sincerely ended in a true dream trip of a lifetime!

I'm not sure when I'll post next - likely something in a day or two unless rain and/or flooding curtail activities and thus I end up with additional time to do more. I always seem to find plenty to do though and since it is the last days of this pilgrimage, I'm sure I'll be squeezing anything in that I can. I know for sure now that I'll be posting for quite awhile after I get home to catch up on the many, many days I've missed - partly for the share factor and partly for the documenting for myself for future memory revisits. My time in Denali remains half done as it was weeks ago. So many experiences; it continues to be unbelievable even now with so much closed down for the season. It's a different time here in Alaska and I'm so, so thankful to be a part of it!

---

Photos

Staying at tip of the Spit...
...to the right of towers at the point

Another drive - out of nowhere
...a snow clad mountain top

There in all its glory
Mt. Redoubt volcano I believe

Comments

[Jeri Connolly]

Fellow traveler to Denali
Rita, I have enjoyed your blog so much. Makes me want to return to Alaska too. Enjoyed meeting you in Denali. Let me know if you make travels to California. Come visit me.