Best Bets

By Michael Armstrong • July 11, 2018 6:15 pm
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Killer whales from several pods swim in Kachemak Bay on July 9, 2018 near Seldovia, Alaska. About 40 resident whales were seen in the area. Emma Luck, a University of Alaska Southeast marine biology student saw the whales while working as a naturalist for Rainbow Tours. “I’ve personally never seen so many killer whales in one spot,” Luck said. “It was a sight to behold.” (Photo by Emma Luck)
Killer whales from several pods swim in Kachemak Bay on July 9, 2018 near Seldovia, Alaska. About 40 resident whales were seen in the area. Emma Luck, a University of Alaska Southeast marine biology student saw the whales while working as a naturalist for Rainbow Tours. “I’ve personally never seen so many killer whales in one spot,” Luck said. “It was a sight to behold.” (Photo by Emma Luck)

Wherefore art thou, nice weather? Hath Mother Nature forsaken us so easily?

Maybe this didn’t happen to other Homerites, but the Betster was getting good and used to the perfect sunny weather the Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea was getting lately.

Blue skies, warm air and just enough wind to keep it from becoming too hot. Spending too many years in the Last Frontier certainly makes a balmy 70 degrees feel like one is smack dab in the middle of the Sahara.

But it was all for not. Enjoy whatever sun-kissed skin you were able to get during those fleeting days of perfection. It seems Homer has “woken up” and remembered its natural state of being.

The Betster really wishes Homer would stop this seemingly ongoing competition with Seward to see who can be the rainiest. It’s Seward. Seward wins. Can we have the sun back, now?

Alas, it looks as though this doom and gloom may continue for some time. With that in mind, the Betster has compiled bets both adventurous and indoor, just in case. Take a look at this week’s Best Bets:

BEST BEACH BET: It doesn’t matter if Mother Nature cooperates, there’s still plenty to enjoy and explore outdoors in Homer. The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge staff are hosting Guided Tidepooling at Bishop’s Beach on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. Participants will meet at Bishop’s Beach parking lot and will walk out to the tidepools. Rubber boots are recommended. Tidepool guides are provided. This is a free event for all ages. No reservations required. It lasts for two hours from 8-10 a.m.

BEST BELUGA SLOUGH BET: But wait! There’s more! How about an estuary hike courtesy of the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve staff? You can join educators on a fun estuary hike along Beluga Slough Trail. Learn about the natural history of the area while out walking along the trail. You might even see some sandhill cranes with colts in the slough. This event is free and for all ages and lasts from 11 a.m. to noon today.

BEST BRUSH BET: The Betster has another indoor option for those who would rather not be out in the rain and gloom. Saturday is your absolute last chance to see Monty Python’s Spamalot! See the Tony Award Winning Best Musical lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, at 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday at Pier One Theatre. Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of beautiful showgirls, not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people. General admission costs $20.

BEST BARK BET: Though the Betster would have it the other way, Alaska is most definitely a dog state. What better way to get outside and celebrate our furry family members than to take part in this weekend’s Chariots of Fur 5K and Family Fun Run. It’ll be held from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, July 14 in Mariner Park. This is the third annual event. There will be a 1 mile walk/jog for smaller dogs and smaller runners. Registration is free, but donations to support Homer Animal Friends will be accepted. There will be an after party at Grace Ridge Brewing where prizes for first, second and third place will be awarded. Call 907-435-7626 for more information.

Killer whales from several pods swim in Kachemak Bay on July 9, 2018 near Seldovia, Alaska. About 40 resident whales were seen in the area. Emma Luck, a University of Alaska Southeast marine biology student saw the whales while working as a naturalist for Rainbow Tours. “I’ve personally never seen so many killer whales in one spot,” Luck said. “It was a sight to behold.” (Photo by Emma Luck)

Killer whales from several pods swim in Kachemak Bay on July 9, 2018 near Seldovia, Alaska. About 40 resident whales were seen in the area. Emma Luck, a University of Alaska Southeast marine biology student saw the whales while working as a naturalist for Rainbow Tours. “I’ve personally never seen so many killer whales in one spot,” Luck said. “It was a sight to behold.” (Photo by Emma Luck)

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