Alaska

[JC0352]

I'm going on vacation in Alaska in May and will be spending 3-4 days sea kayaking and camping around Homer. Does anyone have any suggestions on gear that I MUST have for the trip?

[Evil Scientist]

I'm going on vacation in Alaska in May and will be spending 3-4 days sea kayaking and camping around Homer. Does anyone have any suggestions on gear that I MUST have for the trip?


Considering Homer, I guess Duff beer is obligatory.


too easy

[bikewrench]

bugnet and bugdope!

[ADK031]

Remington 870P and Brenneke SLUGS. Recce campsights for bear activity prior to setting up camp.

[JC0352]

I thought Homer lived in Springfield? :)

So the mosquitoes get pretty bad over there in May? Thanks for the heads-up!

Yea, one of my main concerns was bears, I'll definitely be checking that out. I don't know how well hiking around with an 870 would go over when I show up at the rental place to get the kayak... I do happen to have an 870 Express Magnum with a 20" barrel; my first shotgun (20ga youth model).

I probably should've started my homework on this trip sooner... :cantbeli:

[Vince S]

Bear spray? I really know nothing about the stuff, but surely more compact than a weapon if you're planning kayaking and hiking.

[ZULU9niner]

Alaskan friend of mine and his father (Anchorage Cop) swear by a .357

[boone]

Stick with the spray, Rambo. The bloody things are more afraid of you than you are of them.
Take lots of rope/string and keep your food suspended from a tree branch well away from camp.

Also: Zinc-oxide and polarized sunglasses for water glare.

[Northernwarrior]

Have a friend here in BC that accidentally came between a grizzly sow and her two cubs while mountain biking on a remote trail. Nothing short of a gun would have stopped her charge as she came in to defend her young'uns. She tore off his scalp and ear before (luckily) leaving him for dead.

[Vince S]

And I was planning a mountain bike trip in Nelson... oh well

[triggerhappy15]

bugnet and bugdope!

Oh yeah. I live up here, and the mosquitoes are monsters. Always have either bear spray or a gun, one can never be too careful. Other than that you really don't need anything specific (good gear always helps though).

[boone]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it would've taken an incredibly lucky shot to bring down that charging sow in time for her to not get to your friend.
Make noise. Lots of it. Get a bear whistle. Smack 2 rocks together...whatever. Spring is no time to be sneaking up on bears. They are hungry and have just had kids.
Make noise. Keep a fire going, store food away from camp. The basics.
Also: x2 on the flydope.
Fresh, clean water can be hard to come by at times and in certain locations on the left coast. (Surprising as it may seem) Keep a few litres of unopened water in bottles in reserve if at all possible. While kayaking this shouldn't be a problem. More so with hiking.
@ OP
Just my .02.
Take artillery if you feel you need it (you don't need it)

[GoSka37]

Anti-Moose Spray.

[ADK031]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that it would've taken an incredibly lucky shot to bring down that charging sow in time for her to not get to your friend.
Make noise. Lots of it. Get a bear whistle. Smack 2 rocks together...whatever. Spring is no time to be sneaking up on bears. They are hungry and have just had kids.
Make noise. Keep a fire going, store food away from camp. The basics.
Also: x2 on the flydope.
Fresh, clean water can be hard to come by at times and in certain locations on the left coast. (Surprising as it may seem) Keep a few litres of unopened water in bottles in reserve if at all possible. While kayaking this shouldn't be a problem. More so with hiking.
@ OP
Just my .02.
Take artillery if you feel you need it (you don't need it)

While the VERY last thing I want to do is shoot an animal, especially something as magnificant as a Grizzly/Kodiak/Brown Bear for me the bottom line is that as much as we think we know animals and their behaviour we don't and never will know all. My point is that we are in their backyard and no matter what precautions we take there is still an element that we will never have control over and that is enough to cost you your life. Hell, even with a high-powered rifle/shotgun you're still taking a chance. But the scales tend to tip in your favour so equipped.

[JC0352]

thanks for the tips everyone. I figure bear spray and a little SA should keep me alright. What would be the point of going on vacation if I was still humping around with a pack AND a long gun like in the Corps? I'm an REI junkie so I'm sure my camping gear is up to the task. thanks again

[boone]

thanks for the tips everyone. I figure bear spray and a little SA should keep me alright. What would be the point of going on vacation if I was still humping around with a pack AND a long gun like in the Corps? I'm an REI junkie so I'm sure my camping gear is up to the task. thanks again
My pleasure, my man. I'd love to see Alaska (I've only ever seen it from a boat and even then there was a USCG cutter blocking the view LOL)
Good Luck!

[nullterm]

Mosquito Head Net. If you're going anywhere near 'skeeter territory, one of those. I swore off bug juice after getting mauled one summer despite hauling bug juice along. We ended tying a long sleeve shirts around our head to relieve the insanity. Effective, but not very sexy... in most cultures. I bought a collapsible head net the next summer and it was worth it's weight in gold.

Water treatment. Two little bottles where you mix a few drops of A with B, wait, then add to water. But just remember it's only good for fresh water, not ocean.

Flares and bear bangers. You can get this little kit that has a pen like launcher. Comes with flares and bear bangers. The bangers are great for shooing off bears. It's essentially a little mini-rocket that flies off 50ft then explodes in a very loud boom. They're also just great fun to shoot off when no one else is around.

[boone]

Pretty sure I saw a **** called "Bear-Bangers" once. Not that I'm a queer Homo****** or anything.
Just sayin'

[nullterm]

Pretty sure I saw a **** called "Bear-Bangers" once. Not that I'm a queer Homo****** or anything.
Just sayin'

http://thegoddessblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/man_back_hair_1.jpg

[Flyboy]

The 'skeeters are a b*tch up there. I would also recommend a nice camera as Alaska is just beautiful in May. There still might be snow, but I was based in the Interior and not near the water. It'll be nice weather but it may get a little chilly so bring 1 or 2 cold weather gear just in case. I camped in August not May but I'm sure it gets chilly during darkess. It'll be near the Summer Solstice so the sun will be out a little longer. Don't quote me but I believe someday in July is the longest day of sunlight.

Homer is nice for halibut fishing also if you want to take a day trip for deep-sea fishing. Moose are very aggressive about their young so be careful. They're huge up close, and if you drive, keep an eye out for those things crossing(or running) the road the same time as your vehicle. I saw a video of one stomping the life out of a student just outside UAF.

I spent 3 years up there but never went to Homer nor down near the Capital or anything, just Fairbanks and Anchorage. I don't think there's any big sporting goods place like REI in Homer. The nearest big REI-like type is REI and that's 6 hours away in Anchorage. The only place I went camping was in Denali, but it was friggin' cool. If you want to know anything else PM me and I'll do the best I can. I hated Alaska for 2 1/2 years but now I miss the hell out of it!

[melbeach]

I work with the FAA folks at the airport at Homer. Last time I was there was Jan of 07. I got lots of great pics.

If you can afford it, stay at the lands end hotel at the end of homer spit. Incredible spot..

Hire a boat capt named Gart. He's the local water taxi guy. Have him take you out in Katchamat Bay.. it's worth the trip.
Here are some photo's from my boat trip with Gart: http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/AK_Boat-Trip/


In the Winter, the AK bird lady hand feeds bald eagles. I don't think she does it in the summer when the birds are well fed. From what I remember, she's the only licensed person in the US allowed to do this. When she dies.. its done with. She lives in a small trailer near the lands end hotel. There are eagle feeding signs. Eagles there are amazing.

Eagle pics: http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/


The local favorite watering hole is called "Downeast Saloon" or something similar. They had a great local band that did the entire, long version of dueling banjo's with full shots of Jameson Whiskey balanced on their heads.

Homer has its own micro brewery and its good stuff.

Cafe Cups in Homer Proper is a very good, semi fine dining, restaurant.

Drive up to skyline drive along the top of the ridge for incredible views. Also follow down east road until you get to the iconic russian village near or at the end.

Lots of high priced art galleries in Homer. but my the eco center on the edge of town was more exciting (in my opinion)

lastly, here is the link to my pics of homer and the road from homer to kenai

http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/

have fun!

[melbeach]

I've yet to read the other post but I have one other suggestion.

Fly into Kenai (if possible ) and rent a car. The highway is the most western highway in America (connectect highway).. when I say america.. i mean North, central and south america. Its a nice road with dozens of incredible vistas of Cook Inlet and volcanos along the way.

[Createdeemcee]

I'm going on vacation in Alaska in May and will be spending 3-4 days sea kayaking and camping around Homer. Does anyone have any suggestions on gear that I MUST have for the trip?


Id say of not a rifle, take the shotgun (with the slugs). or at the veryleast
.357, .44 mag to take a bear threat out. I hear in some locations in AK they make you take a firearm before venturing out.

[melbeach]

Best defense for bears is the "bear bells"
an annoying bell you strap to your ankle that announces your presence and threfore you won't accidently startle a sow and cub. They generally want nothing to do with humans. you can charter a small plane to head way into bear country with an experienced guide. something I've wanted to do.

Homer itself is not that wild.. although I did see moose in peoples yards eating their shrubs and such. Lots of sea otters and stellar sea lions around the spit... a bazillion eagles

Also, Captain's coffee is the most popular local coffee shop ( there are millions of coffee shops and coffes stands in AK) The owner is an avid surfer. They are pretty secret about it but I hear the surfing is world class up there if you can deal with the cold.

[melbeach]

sorry I keep chiming in but I loved homer and things are coming back to me.

From what I understand, and follow up.. don't just take my word for it.
The smaller flights in and around Alaska, you are allowed to bring firearms.. as carry-ons.

[melbeach]

Local transportation:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1270405.jpg

[melbeach]

view from the end of homer spit looking across katchamat bay

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1280579.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1280580.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1280583.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1280591.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1280592.jpg

Gart's boat:
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1280599.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1280636.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1280625.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1300711.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1300724.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1300770.jpg

[melbeach]

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1300779.jpg

I would love a closer look at this guys home/vessel:Note the eagle on the top.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Homer_AK/P1310833.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/AK_Boat-Trip/P1280422.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/AK_Boat-Trip/P1280456.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/AK_Boat-Trip/P1280468.jpg

This couple was being dropped off at their cabin across the bay from homer. They were trying to decide if they were going to stay 1 or 2 weeks. Gart told them to hurry or just call his cell cause the tide was dropping quick. They have huge 15ft or more tidal swings.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/AK_Boat-Trip/P1280479.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/AK_Boat-Trip/P1280483.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/AK_Boat-Trip/P1280490.jpg

sea otter mom with pup on the belly
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/AK_Boat-Trip/P1280495.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/AK_Boat-Trip/P1280496.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/AK_Boat-Trip/P1280511.jpg


The structure in the background was an old WW2 barge that they pulled way up high and dry and build the house on top of..
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/AK_Boat-Trip/P1280525.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/AK_Boat-Trip/P1280532.jpg

[melbeach]

Eagles. I think I posted thes pics last yr.. One of the single most amazing experiences I've had.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1260124.jpg

The bird woman's house (google AK bird lady for more info)
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270192.jpg

Golden Eagle
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270199.jpg

The bird lady
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270230.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270239.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270241.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270243.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270259.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270262.jpg

This was THE Biggest eagle I've ever seen. He was the alpha bird. That orange bouy is 3 ft diameter.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270266.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270276.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270324.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270275.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270281.jpg

The ferry system goes all ove the state..
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270307.jpg

I was literally 1 ft from these animals. The power in their wings when the hopped around was easily felt. They normally will not let humans within 20 ft or so.. but for free food, they had no qualms about pushing me right out of their way.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270338.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270356.jpg

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270358.jpg

[nullterm]

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f23/melb_beach/Alaska%20Eagles/P1270358.jpg

Holy sh!t. I was impressed seeing one soaring around my office one day here in Burnaby. That's unreal.

[JC0352]

sorry I keep chiming in but I loved homer and things are coming back to me.

From what I understand, and follow up.. don't just take my word for it.
The smaller flights in and around Alaska, you are allowed to bring firearms.. as carry-ons.

Thanks for all the great advice and the amazing pictures!

[GhOsT_TaLoN]

hey, that pic of the golden eagle...i think it might be a Bald Eagle. the bald eagle doesnt get the white feathers on his head till about 4-5 years of age. plus i dont think that looks like a golden eagle, too much white on him. I might be wrong and i dont mean any offense, i just wanted to throw in my info.

[melbeach]

hey, that pic of the golden eagle...i think it might be a Bald Eagle. the bald eagle doesnt get the white feathers on his head till about 4-5 years of age. plus i dont think that looks like a golden eagle, too much white on him. I might be wrong and i dont mean any offense, i just wanted to throw in my info.


You could be right. But I want to say the locals and local literature stated that both species are native. & some of the golden's were huge.

[szr]

Amazing pics, Mel, thanks for sharing.

[rchad]

I live in Alaska and visit Homer frequently. Visit the Salty Dog Saloon on Homer Spit (big sand bar that sticks out into the ocean). Homer is my favorite place in Alaska. Good weather, not depressingly rainy and drizzle.
Semper Fi!

[rchad]

Yes! I think that is correct. You can carry on your firearms on the smaller regional flights. Hey I've been aboard that same water taxi with captain Bart!

[JC0352]

I live in Alaska and visit Homer frequently. Visit the Salty Dog Saloon on Homer Spit (big sand bar that sticks out into the ocean). Homer is my favorite place in Alaska. Good weather, not depressingly rainy and drizzle.
Semper Fi!

Right on! My girlfriend has been before with her family and already said we have to go to the Salty Dog! Thanks for the feedback!

[Creeper]

Killer pics from 'Melbeach'. yeah dude.
7 'P' principle ,, follow it , in all corners,, no one is going to pull you out ,,only yourself.
I visited Fairbanks a few yrs back via a friend at Alaskan Air,, traveled around a bit,, blah blah,,,saw this and that,,,
No amateurs allowed outside the city limits,,,
Love that area of the world,,man,,,

What was the question?

[GhOsT_TaLoN]

You could be right. But I want to say the locals and local literature stated that both species are native. & some of the golden's were huge.

yea, i understand. i knew a little bit before i saw the pics and the i looked up some info on the two birds before i posted. either way, those are amazing pics man. not just the ones of the eagles either, every thing about alaska looks awesome. it is without a doubt one of my top places to visit.