Today, after some time, you can find a new gallery of the stage from Circle to Yukon Crossing Bridge. Or with different words: The flats. Many rumors are told about this stage but also some valuable information is available. The Yukon river starts to split up in several smaller arms already before Circle and keeps odd with himself for several hundred miles until he decides to become one river again. The river can get up to twelve miles width in total.
Homer was the past few days my base for several activities, which me allowed to see more of the the Kenai peninsula. And of course to experience the flora and fauna of Alaska.
The Diamond Creek Trail with it’s starting point on the Diamond ridge Road led you right at the beginning through elders, high grass and wildflowers. Glimpses of open water invite you to shoot a photo. The trail is sometimes a bit muddy but all over it’s a fairly easy downhill path along the cliffs. Arrived on the beach you have two options: Going southwest in direction Bishop’s Creek to Homer or Northwest all the way to Anchor Point. I decided to go for the first option and it was a good choice. It should become an Eagle day. Never before I saw so many bald Eagles so close as on this day.
Bald Eagle
Similar as on the Coastal trail to Caines Head in Seward this one requires to take the tidal conditions into account. This time I had the advantage of low tide around noon giving me plenty of time for the hike. The tides for the Katchemak Bay report a range of about 28 feet. Although the quite often published statement, that this area has the second highest tidal range worldwide, is according to Homernews not true – I think the number of 28 feet is quite impressive.
The hike itself was despite all the tidal considerations all the way dry 
. I was lucky again to met very nice people on my way; after an hour or so I met Chris and her daughter. This was beneficial in several ways. First of all Chris was an incredible Eagle spotter. She could see Eagles already I hardly was able to see a tree. Moreover she offered my some of her own smoked salmon during or break – just awesome. Additionally I had nice company for the hike, so time flew. Last but not least I came to a free ride back to my car which saved me eight miles of walking…
The second activity I’d like to describe was an affront towards Gerlinde – I decided to paddle another kayak for the second time on Kenai – in this case a Necky Looksha V. The sea kayaking tour took me to the other side of Ketchemak Bay . Alison – the owner of True North Kakyak – brought us with her little but seaworthy water taxi “Harlequin” across the bay to Yukon Island .
Sea Otter
Brad, our Guide for this day, was already waiting for us. Different than the other days this day started rather uncomfortable: overcast and rain. But during our tour the weather improved, the rain stopped and at the and we could enjoy sun and blue sky. Again bald eagles could be observed hunting fish but the virtual star were the sea otters. Brad’s comments an immense knowledge about the animals and the underwater world made this excursion a memorable event.
I already commented on Katchemak Bay enthusiastically (by the way thanks to mr. januar for all the feedback, comments are always appreciated …) . Just can repeat myself: An ideal playground for anybody looking for active recreation in combination with incredible nature. continue reading…
Beside hiking to the Harding Icefield I allowed myself two additional hikes.
The first of the two was hiking up to Mount Marathon, which allows spectacular views to Resurrection Bay and Seward.
A cruise on the Kenai Fjords National Park with plenty of sea life and several glaciers is a must. Several cruise lines offer various packages. I decided to go for the “Captain’s Choice Tour” from Kenai Fjord Tours. This package really burdened my budget but has the advantage that you’re on a small boat and the route will be tailored according to the interests of the passengers.
Harding Icefield
The Exit Glacier was two times the target destination during my stay in Seward. The first time I hiked the Harding Icefield Trail- Hiking this trails means gaining 1000 feet of elevation with every mile. The trail start on the valley floor and winds up through cottonwood and alder forest, followed by heather filled meadows until you reach the tree line. A little further up a breathtaking view of the Harding Icefield is your reward.
The last few days I was exploring the area around Seward on the Kenai peninsula, also known as Alaska’s Playground. An area which has it’s name absolutely to it’s right, as more as this time the weather cooperated.
The focus was in activities by foot, since the lower extremities were missed out in the daily exercise program of the last weeks. Several day hikes result finally in sore muscles, which in combination with the typical weather for this region – rain – gives me the opportunity to work on some articles for the blog.
The water taxi took us to the eastern side of the Resurrection Bay. Drop off on a beach and we could prepare ourselves for the sea kayak tour.
Please find some new pictures from the stage Dawson to Cirlce in the gallery. I hope you’ll enjoy it.
It’s really strange to review the pictures where I was just a few weeks ago. Actually so many things happened that I hardly can comprehend all of those. Beside that I’m still on the road and every day new impressions have to be handled and processed. I’m sorry but I can’t keep the speed of updates on the blog at the same level. I count on your understanding. 
During my travel on the Yukon river I quite often meet the same people. Not really strange since all are moving roughly at the same speed. Even if one is faster it can be simply compensated by a longer time on the river. Actually the layovers mainly determine whether you’re in front or getting caught by others.
Yesterday I nearly crashed into a moose. But to be realistic probably I would have lost the confrontation
Good morning sis,
I wish you all the best for your birthday today and best regards from the far Alaska. I often wished me a wishmealocation machine which allows to change the position in a second. Such I would use this tool to beam me to you and give you a big hug. And of course several times I would have sent you an invitation to the Yukon River such you would be able to enjoy the amazing nature.
Since I do not have this tool yet I wish a a wonderful day instead and hope that we have the chance to see each other soon. Until then, all the best, love and xoxo
Dear all,
after I’ve finally arrived in Emmonak, I will try to add a few blog articles within the next days describing the past key stages.
TheYukoneer at the end of his journey
After all the interesting proposals about the best way to document the end of my journey on the Yukon I’ve decided to realize a picture showing me exhausted and with all my equipment. at the Bering Sea.
As it is easy to recognize a long distance tour on the Yukon river makes slim . But this has the advantage that you are providing low wind resistance.
We received a Spot message this morning at 7:05 CEST with the coordinates of Emmonak.
Finnaly it’s done. After weeks and months into the wildernes of Alaska he reached his target. Gratulation!!
Now we’re all waiting to hear the lates news from him.
Today I passed the 100-miles-border and the arrival in Emmoniak comes within reach.
Currently I’m in Piktas Point because I passed St. Marys. St. Marys serves as the regional hub for flights and services in the Yukon Delta. Many people finish their trip there to avoid the last hard miles on Yukon river.
continue reading…
Relative to the weather, Yukoneer will arrive in Emmoniak during this week. As is the rule a finishing photo must be taken there. Usually you can see climbers next to the cross on a summit, or adventurer standing on the north pole showing their compass into the photo camera.
But I think this is not a challenge for the Yukoneer. That’s why I started this thread. I’d like to collect all ideas for a very special finishing photo.
Now it’s your turn. All ideas are welcome
The Yukoneer left Kaltag some days ago where he lost the companionship of the Zvirbulis. But as the new SPOT messages show us he started to paddle the last sections alone.
The Yukoneer is currently good on schedule, but nevertheless the wind and weather are getting worse. Therefore the last sections of this tour are another big challenge.
Lonesomeness:
I’m realizing now for the second time –after my bike tour in Norway to the polar circle- how much you miss a fellow not only in bad times but also in the good times. It’s more or less obvious that a fellow can help you if you are in low spirits. But especially in these moments, when you are deeply impressed by a breathtaking landscape, you miss someone to share this. Reporting or showing some photos can only give a rudimentary impression.
The start of the paddling section was extremely hard. The Headwaterlakes demanded a great deal of me. Last but not least continue reading…
Hi Felix.
Although I am most likely still paddling on the Yukon river and will need still some days until I make it finally my next stop, I’d like to wish you all the best to to your birthday.
I hope you’re celebrating nicely and do have a great time. During my travel I saw this funny guy, who most probably was interested to see what you’re doing . I’m sure that he as well wishes you a great time.
And don’t forget: Stay cool.
We received a new SPOT-Message this Morning. Everything is OK again. Additionally Yukoneer managed to make some more miles. It seems that we have to wait some more days to get to know the real rootcause.
Gallery
