Living Alaska — A Walk through Homer, Alaska

The Solo Traveler Experience

I arrived in Homer, Alaska via a puddle jumper airplane late this afternoon. After a full day of travel, with stops at six different airports, I arrived at my destination. Taking a cab to the hotel and ordering room service would have been easy. Most people would be tired and ready to relax after being in a confined space with people all day.

I sat in the middle seat between two large people who knew each other. They chatted non-stop across the Gulf of Alaska if being squished was not enough. I sat quietly, reading the same page for two hours.

It could have been worse; they were friendly enough, but I was happy to leave them in Anchorage. The last forty-five minutes of travel was in a little plane. It was nicer than the 737, quaint, cozy, and smooth. Our touchdown was so soft I did not realize we were on the ground.

I took a short cab ride to my hotel and checked in. I could have plopped myself on the couch and turned on the television. I decided quickly that a walkabout was the call of action. I had never been to Homer before, so with three hours of sunlight left, I headed out the door looking for dinner.

It is good that I am not shy, fearful, or easily dissuaded. I would never get to experience much in life. My first attempt at dining was depressing. The lights were off, chairs stacked on tables, and the front door locked. A car pulled up to the parking lot, and two would-be patrons exited their vehicle. They quickly joined me in sadness, looking at a darkened eatery. It reminded me of early Covid.

I walked for ten minutes at the suggestion of a friend who knew the area. I realized it was Monday, and some restaurants are closed on Mondays. It was also a holiday, and maybe everyone had taken the day off. There was no sign saying closed, just a locked door and darkness. The couple was nice enough to tell me about an Italian eatery a quarter mile away.

They said it was open, so I walked through the town of Homer without further investigation. I spent a few extra minutes taking pictures. Homer is scenic on the tip of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. Its sand spit, slough, and marshland make it unique in Alaska’s geography.

I found the Italian restaurant easily enough and noted the busy environment inside. I sat at the bar and was in luck. I had originally ventured out for the Steak House and got an excellent steak at the Italian Restaurant. The service was good, and the food was fantastic. My first experience in the new town went well.

After dinner, I took a different route down to the beach. I walked several miles along the coast, taking pictures and admiring some cranes that flew past me, honking noisily. I meandered back toward the hotel and took a detour to watch salmon in the last throws of spawning. The creek was a foot wide, and the water was just a trickle, but the salmon ran upstream to spawn.

I wandered back toward my hotel through an area dotted with small cottages, cabins, and even a yurt. Some homes were the size of a tree fort but looked sturdy enough. The area has a hippie village feel to it. No need for Burning Man when you have Homer in Alaska. Lots of Bed and Breakfasts and small rentals are available.

I found Homer to be friendly, beautiful, and convenient. When I returned to the hotel, I was craving something sweet for dessert. I walked across the street to Safeway and found the store well-stocked and friendly. I returned to the hotel, happy with my short adventure through Homer, Alaska. From Homer, Alaska, with love and adventure.