Monday July 6

Yesterday (Sunday) was another rest day. I needed every bit of it after the punishment handed to me by the Dalton Highway. I was also a tiny bit depressed about falling short of my plans of reaching Prudhoe Bay, so I needed to do the one thing that cures the blues for me. I needed to ride some more.

Today, I took my time getting ready to leave the campground at Anchorage. I left my camping gear behind and travelled light, carrying only my camera and emergency essentials such as tool kit, phone, laptop, and only half of my wits. Today was going to be a leisurely ride to Homer at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula.

The ride starts south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway. After leaving Anchorage, the road runs for many miles along the east bank of the Cooke Inlet. The Kenai peninsula could be seen across the inlet, and the view of the white capped mountains of the peninsula is absolutely spectacular. You'll have to trust me on this or look at a postcard or something, because there was so much smoke and fog over the inlet that any pictures would be rather sucky. I took a few anyway, but they are washed out and disappointing. It didn't matter. The view I had of the mountains and the way the road twisted to follow the shoreline was exactly enough to pick me back up. I guess I'll have to make a return trip when the weather gets better. The source of the visibility problems stem from the fact that there are several forest fires burning in the interior of the state and the winds have been from the north pushing the smoke south. The forecast is for more of the same for several more days.

Since Homer is known for its fishing industry, I stopped for the obligatory plate of fish and chips before heading back to Anchorage where my tent and sleeping bag awaited me. I got back at about 11:00 and will be asleep withing minutes of logging off this computer.

Tomorrow, I'll be shipping home a few more unessential items, and will start on the road home. I'll continue to file daily reports.