North To Alaska

April 3

Homer. AK

Arrived in Alaska at 1:15 local time on Thursday. I must admit I got some satisfaction flying across Canadian airspace. My wwoof host Paula picked me up at the Anchorage airport and we began the scenic 3 or 4 hour drive down the Sterling Highway to Homer. We spotted several moose and bald eagles along the way. Getting to the homestead at this time of year proves to be much of a challenge. A paved road winds it's way uphill out of Homer about 10 miles before turning to gravel. A little ways and the gravel turns to a dirt road, or should I say snow road. At this point the pick-up truck is parked at a neighbors house and the final mile is driven in on a snow machine (or as they're known in other parts of the country a snowmobile.) This will last until the snow melts, which will probably be within a few weeks, and then the snow road will turn to a mud road and the only means of transport will be foot power. I share a small cabin with fellow wwoofer Patrick, a MN native. Paula and Jon and their two children live in the main house which is off the grid, using solar and wind power and back-up generator for electricity. Our cabin has no such amenities, but quite a view. On the farm there are 3 milk goats, 2 horses, some chickens, and a pair of geese. Our first major task will be to bear-proof the fences. Hibernation is coming to an end and the bruins are sure to be hungry.