Smoke has it’s place. In a certain amber or red ales, in a campfire pit, and up a chimney to name a few.

Who doesn’t love coming back from a bonfire on Bishop’s Beach with friends and music smelling of campfire? The Betster, however, isn’t so fond of returning home smelling that way after a day of running errands in town.

“What is up with all this smoke?” some of you might be wondering. Well, for the truly obtuse or those living under a boulder (no judgement), large portions of the state of Alaska are currently burning, and the southern Kenai Peninsula is no exception to this rule.

With the Swan Lake Fire between Cooper Landing and Sterling burning with renewed gusto and two new fires ablaze (one in the Caribou Hills northeast of Homer and one down the North Fork Road between Homer and Anchor Point), the Kenai Peninsula is practically blanketed in smoke these days.

This is more than simply annoying and view-obstructing. This smoke is not to be taken lightly, Homerites. Air quality is currently being affected and those with respiratory issues should take extra care to stay inside more often than not until this smoke clears up.

While the Betster most certainly does not advise galavanting around the Kachemak Bay countryside at the moment, these Best Bets may provide some good fun a safe distance from the fires:

BEST BETTER FOOD BET: The next Thriving Thursday is a tour of Blood Sweat and Food Farm with Jenny Medley, today from 6-8 p.m. Join to learn permaculture techniques they are using with an animal rotation system and composting to build soil. The farm provides locally grown produce, animal products, and soil amendments to Homer and the Kachemak Bay area. Meet at SVT Health and Wellness.

BEST BREW BET: There will be a Kachemak Heritage Land Trust Volunteer Appreciation event from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at Grace Ridge Brewery. There will be a Hawaii trip raffle drawing, volunteer appreciation and beer.

BEST BYE BYE SUMMER BET: Head to the Carl E. Wynn Nature Center to celebrate summer coming to an end with a Garden to Gourmet Potluck rom 5-6 p.m. on Friday. This is for locals and visitors alike. Bring a dish from your garden, a wild edible plant or just something you’re wild about eating to share with friends and families in the covered pavilion of the Wynn or around the Fire Ring.

BEST BEND AND STRETCH BET: Join Homer Council on the Arts this Saturday for a unique opportunity to sample new instructors and different yoga practices from Homer’s talented teaching pool. Are you interested in yoga, but don’t know what kind or which teacher you’d prefer? Do you have an established yoga practice, but are looking for some new inspiration? Organized by Joolee Aurand, this is a full 12-hour day of 45-minute classes to expand your horizons and offer a plethora of yoga options available right here in Homer, including Yin, Restorative, Kundalini, Vinyasa, Acro, and Fascia Flow. The cost is $10 for unlimited classes. Please bring your own mat if possible; there will be a limited number of mats available to borrow. Workshops will be held at the HCOA gallery, 355 W. Pioneer Ave. Please pre-register online at homerart.org or arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete payment and paperwork. Classes are $12 online or $10 cash/check; make sure to complete a registration form and confirm payment to secure your spot.

8 a.m. Kundalini with Bonita Banks

9 a.m. Postural Flow Yoga with Minda Morris

10 a.m. Vinyasa with Marcy True

11 a.m. Feel Your Flow Vinyasa with Melisse Reichman

12 p.m. Gentle Hatha with Leanne Barske

1 p.m. Yin Yoga with Lori Zitzman

2 p.m. “Yoni Shakti” yoga class for all genders with Kayla Spaan

3 p.m. Acro Yoga with Joolee

4 p.m. Yoga Nidra Flow with Sydney Leto

5 p.m. Vinyasa Flow with Kay Sturm

6 p.m. Kundalini with Kate Balderas

7 p.m. Candlelight Flow with Asia

BEST PROCESSING BET: There will be a Turn your Emotions Into Your Superpower workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Station 12. The cost ranges from $37-$57. Do you ever feel paralyzed by anxiety or sadness? Do you ever feel angry and helpless to take action? Do you have body pain or health issues related to stress?Do your emotions ever stop you from connecting or communicating with your loved ones and kids?This workshop is for you. Come learn how to listen to the message that emotions are sending you and be able to turn them into empowering action and supportive wisdom that creates a life you love with ease instead of staying stuck and powerless.

The workshop will be followed by snacks and connecting with the incredible view from Station 12 overlooking Kachemak Bay. Please email invitationwellness@gmail.com with questions.