AK 22

JOURNAL #18

30 JULY 2007 IN HOMER

Most of the “A” Tourers had an enjoyable boat tour of the waters across the bay. The boat was small, so we went in two shifts. The sky was overcast with lots of clouds on the mountains and nearby islands. We had the last shift and had an extended ride up a narrow inlet to pick up a few passengers. On the way we were treated to the sight of an otter bobbing in the waves. We weren’t very close, but I attempted to take some video shotsof it. The boat with engine at idle, maneuvered around so that all could see. It was difficult to keep the camera with telephoto lens zoomed in on this little creature so far away, but I think that I did get a few good frames. Just before we pulled away, the lady skipper of the boat said that it was two otters and that they were matting. I had just shot my first pornographic video!

Entering the inlet, we spotted a bald eagle perched in the top of an old dead tree high on the bank. Then further along, we spotted some white dots on the craggy side of the mountain. “Dahl Sheep,” said the skipper. Again I tried to pin the telephoto lens on these white dots. It was extremely difficult, but I hope that I got some useable footage. Distances were too great to get any good pictures with my still camera. A high-powered telephoto lens was required. Returning from the inlet, we ran by a group of small, high, rocky islands which were covered with thousands of nesting birds and almost as many flying in and out from the nesting areas. The rocks were covered with thousands of years of guano and the stench downwind was quite noticeable and there were numerous flies!

That evening, we met in the banquet room with all the members of the tour for dinner. It was a lively group with much banter between the A and T people. We had a string duo (harp and guitar) for background music. After the dinner, we made a few presentations of awards; we gave Lee a commemorative mug and Steve Freegard received a rubber chicken for his “distinguished” accomplishment of breaking a crankshaft. On his Model T.