tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.comments2024-03-12T00:28:15.537-08:00Life in Alaska — A View From HomerMichelle Waclawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17014072867568135532noreply@blogger.comBlogger490125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-88974536876724313482018-07-12T06:17:49.589-08:002018-07-12T06:17:49.589-08:00I happened upon this post quite accidentally looki...I happened upon this post quite accidentally looking for trails. I work as a teacher for KPBSD but in Kenai. If she were to continue on to become a school psychologist she may be able to find a job working between several schools. I love my school district and I think it’s a great place to work!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-7197066438849023752018-07-10T20:08:29.071-08:002018-07-10T20:08:29.071-08:00Hi! We plan to visit Homer in September to check o...Hi! We plan to visit Homer in September to check out the community and schools for a possible move. I would love to ask you some questions if you would have time to answer. Is there An email I could use? Or do you have an Instagram account?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-51182337044689460522018-06-28T10:00:30.415-08:002018-06-28T10:00:30.415-08:00I just learned something new, after 11 years in Al...I just learned something new, after 11 years in Alaska! My uncle was visiting and when I mentioned the bear scat, he said that often moose droppings are not "pellets" early in the season with the new growth--it's a diarrhea of sorts with all the greens they are eating. I looked it up, and sure enough, it is a "thing" that many people mistake moose droppings for bear scat. The biggest indicator seems to be that moose droppings, even if it looks like a cow patty, will be uniform, looking like it has been blended. Bear scat, however, will have pieces of what they ate in it (more like the human digestion system), so there would be evidence of seeds, fibers of grasses, etc. After taking a look at my so-called "bear scat" it looks like it is indeed moose droppings! For more perusing on this subject, see http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildlifenews.view_article&articles_id=240<br />Michelle Waclawskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17014072867568135532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-67199372475543003892018-06-18T10:55:00.565-08:002018-06-18T10:55:00.565-08:00Hey Michelle nice blog! We love visiting Homer (e...Hey Michelle nice blog! We love visiting Homer (especially the Farmers Market) and it's nice to find a Homer-based blog. I live with my family in the Aleutian Islands (Sand Point) and we have found a remedy out here that clears up the pushki rash overnight! One of my friends even said it was "miraculous"...works on everyone from little girls to great big grown guys. <br /><br />I've always been a fan of this particular facial mask, and I just recently found out from a friend how well it works for poison ivy. I'm sending my brother in Arkansas some because he is severely allergic to that plant! Well, the next day my friend's granddaughter had a bad case of pushki rash and I told her we should try the mask on it. BOOM! Worked overnight. Next our friend who works the the Borough office here had a pushki rash and of course word gets around in Bush Alaska-he had to have a sample. His rash was worse, but it significantly cleared up a lot of it. His co-workers were all asking about what he used because it was such a noticeable change! I have not blogged about this yet myself, but I am happy to share this tidbit with you and your readers. If anyone wants to know more about this remedy, just email me! candicerobb@waysouthofalaska.com<br />Candicehttp://waysouthofalaska.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-48918406075835286892018-05-16T17:57:01.902-08:002018-05-16T17:57:01.902-08:00There are plenty of jobs in Homer for people who w...There are plenty of jobs in Homer for people who want to work. The Center might employ a psychology major, but it really depends on what your wife wants to do.<br /><br />Lifestyle is really summed up in my eleven years of blog posts. We consider it a good place to live. Liking the outdoors is a plus and appreciating beauty. It can be expensive to live in Homer but it seems like more and more, places we’ve lived in the lower 48 are pretty expensive too. The PFD can help, as can the subsistence fishing (annual salmon dipnetting) and hunting if that’s your thing or gardening. People learn to make do. <br /><br />Good luck with the job!Michelle Waclawskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17014072867568135532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-40960225724675991242018-05-16T11:12:54.076-08:002018-05-16T11:12:54.076-08:00Hello! I am interested in moving to Homer, Alaska ...Hello! I am interested in moving to Homer, Alaska with my wife. I have recently had an interview to teach at Homer Middle School and am just trying to see if this would be a good fit for us( if I get offered the job). We are very into the outdoors such as camping, fishing, etc. We are currently living in Las Vegas so I know Homer would be a big change.. hopefully a good one. I am mainly worried about my wife being able to find a job. She is a Psychology Major and am worried she may be stuck without a job due to how small the town is. Any input about Homer lifestyle, affordability, etc. would be greatly appreciated!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01924628478336030354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-27155824533291840732018-04-14T18:38:16.905-08:002018-04-14T18:38:16.905-08:00It has been nearly 11 years that I've kept thi...It has been nearly 11 years that I've kept this blog up, and much more actively at some times than others. So it's a view of life from Homer, but also just a slice of my life.<br /><br />As my younger son prepares to graduate in a few weeks, re-reading the blog post about homeschooling took me down memory lane. They were a special couple years. Looking back, my daughter appreciates them and my son not so much, but while he was in it, he sure enjoyed doing science projects 4 hours a day!<br /><br />Ha! A blog post on shopping. WHAT shopping?! I used to complain you couldn't even buy underwear in Homer, but I think Ulmer's carries them now. My brother teases me that I drive 4 1/2 hours to Anchorage to go grocery shopping. Not really--just I grocery shop when I am there, never a special trip just to grocery shop. But just today we drove to Soldotna to shop--crockpot, pillows, winter jacket, facial lotion. Seems pretty mundane but choices are slim here. I anticipate with glee trips Outside for the shopping--and that is coming from a non-shopper! A month ago we hit the Portland Airport and I was shopping as soon as I got off the plane, I was that ready for some essentials I wasn't able to find in Alaska (scored with a find of some cute shoes!). I will ponder a post on shopping, but I think I just exhausted the topic!<br />Michelle Waclawskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17014072867568135532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-5063207409941632942018-04-11T09:42:48.860-08:002018-04-11T09:42:48.860-08:00As our military family comes upon retirement we ar...As our military family comes upon retirement we are planning to head to Homer. Why? Who knows, we are just in love. I have searched all over for what life is really like in Homer on the day to day with children (we have 4). Your blog is awesome! <br /><br />Did want to comment on homeschooling. I am an educator, grew up in the Los Angeles school system, my husband on the other hand was a homeschooler. We are both college graduates (Both with Masters) he has been a pilot since 15 and is soooo much nicer than I am, we have both homeschooled, public school and private schooled our children. I totally understand on meeting some homeschoolers and thinking "heavens NO!", but I can tell you as a middle & elementary school teacher I see the benefit of both, but my husband is extraordinary, maybe its homeschooling maybe I'm just biased. But either way I think its parenting that really makes the difference. <br /><br /> Keep those blog posts coming! And would love an entire post on shopping if you feel so inclined. HyggeMommahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16449745324673120143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-62220558114341990702018-04-04T11:46:48.493-08:002018-04-04T11:46:48.493-08:00Thanks for the update! My wife and I are visiting...Thanks for the update! My wife and I are visiting in June, maybe thinking of moving up in a few years. We watch your blog for new reports and photos.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15594375702018810527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-49945092479053449602018-04-03T20:34:26.504-08:002018-04-03T20:34:26.504-08:00Yes, Homer can most definitely be a place for grea...Yes, Homer can most definitely be a place for great memories made, though it is growing and changing! But my kids will hold dear the many great hikes, skis, runs, races and adventures they have had here, and so do we!Michelle Waclawskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17014072867568135532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-90498798799079652432018-04-03T20:32:08.945-08:002018-04-03T20:32:08.945-08:00The first time we did the Hope Point hike, we were...The first time we did the Hope Point hike, we were not prepared, the clouds rolled in and we couldn't see anything, and we had no clue where the top was or how close we were. The kids did not forgive us for turning back. Due to how groggy we were (maybe the kids weren't, but we were! And they were too young to push on by themselves like we would let them just a few years later), it was the smart choice. We were probably about 20-30 min. from the top still at that point we turned back. But yes, it is just a casual jaunt to roam over the mountains...but 11 years here has made us much more comfortable with the heights and dropoffs!Michelle Waclawskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17014072867568135532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-34798930819924609512018-04-03T20:27:17.952-08:002018-04-03T20:27:17.952-08:00Yes, crazy scared. There's a reason I didn'...Yes, crazy scared. There's a reason I didn't sleep much that night and will NEVER go back to that campground.Michelle Waclawskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17014072867568135532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-85985125223454685592018-04-03T19:24:13.905-08:002018-04-03T19:24:13.905-08:00Ah, just pulling out of the winter funk and was go...Ah, just pulling out of the winter funk and was going to post yesterday, but since you ask, I will go post right now!<br /><br />Diamond creek has been open--people hike it year round, daring folks that they are!<br /><br />No breakup--we are still quite frozen!Michelle Waclawskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17014072867568135532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-65694177027342744292018-04-03T13:48:59.206-08:002018-04-03T13:48:59.206-08:00Any new blog posts? How's breakup going? Dia...Any new blog posts? How's breakup going? Diamond Gulch trail reopened???Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15594375702018810527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-48613750372344616732018-02-03T12:12:17.746-09:002018-02-03T12:12:17.746-09:00After reading your Hope Point post I looked for on...After reading your Hope Point post I looked for one on Falls Creek since that’s the only other one we hiked while in AK. This hike was gorgeous! Once you’re above the tree line the trial splits left and right. If you go left it goes straight to the lake but if you go right you can go over a ridge to get to the lake. That ridge is insane tho, we attempted it and I just couldn’t handle that much exposure. I’m lucky we stopped half way up because I looked at the topo map and it’s steeper on the other side!! Nathannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-38226133470117209312018-02-03T12:06:00.136-09:002018-02-03T12:06:00.136-09:00Wait, a gang of dudes followed you from the bathro...Wait, a gang of dudes followed you from the bathroom and you just went back to your tent!? That’s crazy weren’t you scared they were gonna attack you? Nathannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-50963200026464746592018-02-03T11:57:25.605-09:002018-02-03T11:57:25.605-09:00I hiked this trail with my girlfriend in August 20...I hiked this trail with my girlfriend in August 2017. Theres a trail that zig zags up the meadow so it’s not as steep. We started up the steep path option but decided to take the easy way since we weren’t sure it went to the same place and it was very steep and foggy. We were also a little on edge since a bear had roared at us on the lower trail, about 20 minutes into the hike! It definitely freaked us out but we didn’t see the bear or hear from it again after that. We bear called continuously the rest of the hike (will wear bells next time!). At the top of the zig-zag trail it flattens out and there’s a big pile of rocks. It had been very foggy the whole way up the meadow but while we were standing by the rock pile the clouds suddenly cleared away gloriously revealing the Turnagain Arm in crystal clear daylight. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. We kept going and got to the alpine section. I’m amazed at how casually hikers in Alaska seem to take these narrow rocky ridges. A few days before we had hiked the Falls Creek trail and met some hikers who had just come over the mountain ridge. See ridge here https://alaskahikesearch.com/hikes/falls-creek-trail/ They said it wasn’t bad so we decided to try it. In retrospect they may have been messing with us but they seemed nice. We made it to maybe 200 feet from the top of the ridge when I basically started having panic attacks. The fear of falling would grip me momentarily and make it hard to breath, causing me to groan. So we turned around and sadly didn’t make it to Falls lake. These other hikers had seemingly done it casually with their dog but they were clearly experienced hikers... still though, anyone can misstep or slip and it’s siyonara. Side note: every other hiking group we saw on this trail was carrying a firearm which made me feel even more out of my element. I later learned that a 16 year old boy was stalked and mauled to death by a black bear during a mountain race up the neighboring trail (bird ridge) about two months prior. That may have had people on edge. Anyways back to Hope Point; the hike features an alpine section that is not as steep as the Falls Creek ridge which we were able to manage by staying to the left since the right side of the ridge is a rather steep fall into Turnagain Arm. After that section there is a skinny dirt trail up the tundra. Once we made it up that we thought we were close but not so. Continuing to the right, the trail circles around the back of the mountain to the peak. There were at least three times we said “ok one more peak”. I was getting really tired and wanted to turn back but we pressed on to the summit and I’m glad we did. You can see all the way to Anchorage! We also found a plastic tube tucked into the rocks with paper and pencil inside to sign your name etc. Right as we turned around to head back down some clouds rolled over the neighboring peak. I got momentarily spooked, remembering all the stories of people who get caught in unpredictable weather at high altitude. There was also very few people on the trail. Luckily the wind coming up the mountain face from Turnagain Arm carried the clouds away and I don’t think they were even rain clouds to be honest, I was just on edge from being so high up and very aware of the potential for danger. Speaking of, we didn’t plan well and had very little water. I was pretty dehydrated on the way down. I had to take my shirt off and stop due to nausea several times but once we got below the tree line and out of the sun I felt better and we made it back to the car safe and sound. We weren’t even planning to hike Hope Point that day but stopped in Hope for gas and the guy who pumped the gas for us recommended it. Glad we found this gem!Nathannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-79131818514965938882017-12-01T16:23:23.929-09:002017-12-01T16:23:23.929-09:00I was stationed at Ohlson AC@W site in 1959 and he...I was stationed at Ohlson AC@W site in 1959 and helped build the the ski tow. went down one time, never put skis on again. As a/2c i took my discharge went back home to Dayton Ohio in 1960 and been here ever since. But i still remember lots of good times in Homer as a young boy.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15042945713925237388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-17557514725097835852017-12-01T16:23:22.210-09:002017-12-01T16:23:22.210-09:00I was stationed at Ohlson AC@W site in 1959 and he...I was stationed at Ohlson AC@W site in 1959 and helped build the the ski tow. went down one time, never put skis on again. As a/2c i took my discharge went back home to Dayton Ohio in 1960 and been here ever since. But i still remember lots of good times in Homer as a young boy.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15042945713925237388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-62333728196089552432017-11-06T10:47:52.480-09:002017-11-06T10:47:52.480-09:00Dear Michelle,
While you are indeed correct that ...Dear Michelle,<br /><br />While you are indeed correct that the bog/alpine blueberry, Vaccinium uliginosum, is very common throughout all of Alaska, you should know that the photo you supplied above is actually that of the much rarer Dwarf Blueberry, Vaccinium caespitosum. Which, nevertheless, are a fabulously delicious berry as well! But sadly, as you note, they are very difficult and tedious to pick. I have in exceptional years gathered (with much perseverance) as much as 20 lbs of dwarf blueberries, and they make a wonderfully delicious jam that is quite different from that made from the much more common bog/alpine blueberry.<br /><br />Alan Kurczynski<br />Chugiak, AlaskaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-47391439605739726882017-10-31T08:53:59.220-08:002017-10-31T08:53:59.220-08:00Wow - the moose videos are great! Amazing how bi...Wow - the moose videos are great! Amazing how big they are. Thank you so much for sharing these videos.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09578324691596512588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-34019259181174264372017-10-31T08:48:50.617-08:002017-10-31T08:48:50.617-08:00Beautiful pics!!
Beautiful pics!!<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09578324691596512588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-68758535837095424182017-09-18T19:43:42.289-08:002017-09-18T19:43:42.289-08:00Been a long, long time since I've been out Car...Been a long, long time since I've been out Caribou Lake area--8 years probably. I know folks who go out there every weekend in the winter. It just gets really mucky and not very accessible in shoulder seasons in between--spring breakup between snow and summer, when it is super mucky yucky. Have not heard of anyone living out there year-round. It's pretty remote--45 min. by road from the trailhead to town. Don't know why it couldn't be done if you like to be far off the beaten path.<br />Thanks for reading! Glad you enjoy!Michelle Waclawskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17014072867568135532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-68605143884150631422017-09-18T15:15:50.132-08:002017-09-18T15:15:50.132-08:00Hello, been looking at some property up around Car...Hello, been looking at some property up around Caribou lake off the boardwalk trail. With 4 x 4 or snowmachine, would it be possible to live up there? Does anyone else? Love reading your blog. LindaLinfahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11661280025330807939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475064489755072239.post-30062269300743195632017-09-07T13:20:59.329-08:002017-09-07T13:20:59.329-08:00It was just an hour there and hour back boat ride;...It was just an hour there and hour back boat ride; three hours there to wander about and eat.<br />Thanks!Michelle Waclawskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17014072867568135532noreply@blogger.com